Dear Sarah,
I've finally taken the plunge and become a bonafide used store patron. I know you would be proud that it's only taken about, oh, ten years for me to discover what you've always known. Haha. Anyway, we live in this area of Somerville called Davis Square (i'll have to do a post on that at some point) and when I went exploring on Tuesday I happened upon a Goodwill and a Buffalo Exchange. I went in with pretty low expectations and I walked away with:
1. An REI rain jacket for $28 from Buffalo. It has three small (pencil eraser sized) bleach stains on one arm, but they are not very noticeable and it was a steal. I think retail price is around $120. It poured on Monday and I definitely knew I needed one of these asap.
2. A pair of rain/snow boots for $7.49 from Goodwill. I actually saw a girl try these on and walk around the store deciding whether to buy them or not. I quasi stalked her till I saw her put them down and leave. I was super happy. They have a rain boot bottom and then "thinsulate" and suede top. They may or may not be a bit small, but they will definitely work. Also, they look pretty ugly in the picture, but the girl had them laced up over her jeans and they didn't look bad. No idea on the retail price, but I know even Walmart rain boots are at least $30.
3/4/5. Two glass jars for bulk purchases of grains and the like for $.99 each from Goodwill. I discovered when I got home that Amanda has these exact jars from Target. Do they look plastic in the picture? I got the woven basket for $1.99 and I think it will be great for keeping things above our fridge. We have a decent amount of storage space, but with 4 people's food it can't hurt to find other places to stash things.
6. I eyed these babies on that first trip to Goodwill Tuesday, but didn't end up buying them b/c I had already bought some from Ikea that I planned to take back since I didn't have a real need for them. I originally bought them for my desk supplies, but my new desk has 8 drawers for all my supply storage needs. Then I realized later that day that they would be good in the bathroom so I went back today and bought them. They normally retail for $3.99 for 4 and I got 7 (couldn't find the lonely 8th) for $2.99.
7. I don't have a picture of this, but I found a Liz Claiborne leather hand bag for $4.49 at Goodwill today also. It needs to be cleaned so I'll post a picture when it's all pretty.
Anyway, I've been pretty proud of myself for not being the super consumer that I usually am. So far the only brand new things I have purchased (that are not getting returned) are some pots and dishtowels for the kitchen, a shower caddy, and a comforter. Yay for re-usng...remember the 3 Rs? Oh ya, I know you do.
Love,
Jem
