$1 Sale

Hey! We're still alive and well, but limited computer options make it harder to post from Camp.  Everyone is tired and crabby today, so I have time during naps to post.

Even though it's a crazy madhouse I decided to brave Once Upon a Child's $1 sale this morning. We made a quick zip through the store and here's what found.

I almost put this Gymboree romper back a couple times, but it finally made the cut when I realized there are little bees on it along with the lemons.  I don't want to go crazy about bee items for Bea, but when they're subtle like that I'll do it.  The purple shirt is 18-24m Tea and I'm pretty sure I have pants that match it already.  The last 2 dresses are Baby Lulu.  The yellow should fit this fall and the pink this winter.  The terry skirt should make it cozy.  Tillie really liked that one.

This sale really has the most options for little kids, so since most of Bea's clothes are Tillie's 5 year old hand-me-downs I don't feel bad buying her a few "new" things.  The first Gymboree jumper came with the bodysuit and a diaper cover(6-12m).  The Gymboree sailor dress is 12-18m and should look a lot better after I steam it out.  The flowered dress is linen and Gap.  I've noticed that a lot of the pale blue items that look great on Tillie aren't as pretty on Bea, so this bright flowered dress will be great on hot days next summer.  The Tea tunic is the only thing I got for Til.  It's a 5 and looks huge, but I think it will be super-cute with boots and skinny jeans.

The first three dresses are all size 6-12m.  The pink dress is Angel Dear.  Beatrix looks lovely in rosy pink.  The gold Gap dress matches a skirt Tillie has for this Christmas.  The Pretty Jersey Dress is Baby Boden.  It alone was worth braving the crowds for.  I'd been to OUAC last wee when the sale items were all 50% off and didn't see this dress then.  I totally would have bought it.  I've always wanted a dress in this style -- this one is from last year and looks to be in great shape.  The white eyelet dress is Gap and will also look better after a steam.  I'm a sucker for pretty white dresses.  In fact, I'm pretty sure I have a very similar dress in ivory already.

I'm dying to go to the other store, but it's a busy day at Camp, so I guess I'll check it out Monday afternoon.  Hopefully I can still find some great things.  Oh!  And Ted got 2 swim suits, but I didn't have hangers so you don't get pictures.

Another Find

It always amazes me the kinds of things people just give to Goodwill.  A lot of it I can theoretically understand, it doesn't fit anymore so you get rid of it.  Why bother with selling it?  But, when I find things like this I'm floored.

6m Vintage sweater dress from Spain. New with Tags.

99¢ at Goodwill.

I've said before I need another girl someday to wear all of Tillie's clothes.  Now I need a baby girl to wear this dress.  If it fit at the right time/season I'd probably have her baptized in it.  No matter what it's used for it will be saved in a bin for her to dress my granddaughter in.

Retro Preschooler

Seriously people, this was at Goodwill for $5.99 today.  All three pieces.

There are not tags in it, so it's handmade vintage.  It's definitely from the day when people at home really knew how to sew.  Goodwill had it tagged size 3t, but I think it's more of a 2t.   The snow pants are too short for Tillie, but would probably look okay with boots.  (Oh, how I wished the boots I had ordered were here already!)

The other amazing part is that Tillie loves it too.  In this picture she wanted you to see the zippers on the back of the pants leg.  See, room for putting on boots.

All I want to do today is take her to downtown Holland for some pictures.

Wool snow pants people.  Wool.  With elastic stir-ups to keep them pulled down.  And a matching bonnet.  This is what makes the weeks of flipping through stained Circo and Faded Glory clothes worth while.

Goodwill Finds

Today we went to a garage sale that I found on craigslist.  It didn't list any brands or things I usually look for, but I was in the mood to get out and didn't want to just go to Meijer's.  Well, the garage sale was a bust.  Seriously, it was a multiple family sale, but they all must suck at laundry.  There were stains on everything.  And no, a Gap shirt isn't worth $3 when there are stains on it.  I was still in a thrift shopping mood, so we headed over to Goodwill.

I found an ArtPrize t-shirt and Carter's pajamas for Tillie and I found a Zutano cardigan for Teddy.  Then I started looking at the dresses.  Something bright and colorful caught my eye.  There were 4 vintage Lilly Pulitzer dresses.  $1.99 each, sizes 4 and 5.  Oh my word, they're the cutest, retro-est, awesomest ever.  Even Tillie said yes to them.

Some of them need a little work -- the yellow bears need a little stitching in the waistband and the green cats need some work on the hem.  The pink/orange floral had some discoloration to the lace at the waist, but I'm hopeful that the sun will lighten it.

The elastic needs to be replaced on a lot of them too.  My guess is that they're from the early 70s.  I got Tillie to try on the two size 4s.  Man, dresses were shorter then!  They're going to be crazy short when she wears them next year.

I have been LOVING Goodwill lately.  Have you thrifted anything good lately?

Recent Garage Sale Finds

It's no secret that I adore garage sales.  I've had quite a few awesome finds over the last two days.  Here are the non-kid clothing highlights.

Kidkraft Brighton Chair, like new condition, $7
- I actually looked at this very chair for Tillie for Christmas.  I did find a place online selling them for $19.95, but shipping was $12.50.  The woman said they bought it for her daughter's desk but they never used it.

Salt Water Surfer Sandals, size 10, great used condition, $2.50
- I incorrectly predicted that Tillie would wear size 8 this summer.  I tried to find a used pair in size 7 for a couple months before I gave up this week and ordered her new ones from Zappos.  She now has pairs waiting for her in 8,9,10, & 11.  I won't be caught like this again!  These are some of my favorite sandals.  They go with everything, are very durable, and are waterproof.  I actually have a red pair ordered for me.  They'll arrive on Monday and I cannot wait.

Random Men's T-shirt, size medium, used condition, 50¢
- Tim needs some "new" t-shirts to wear at Camp this summer as all his old ones are too big.  I've been popping into Goodwills and garage sales looking for funny shirts for him to wear.  This one fits the bill and was the perfect price.  (Also, I'm looking for khaki cargo shorts(not too long) in size 32.  If anyone has any they're looking to sell, let me know!  They're eluding me at sales.)

Emilie Sloan Sarah Satchel, new without tags, $3
- I've been thinking about getting a new purse, but didn't really want to pay for one when I have others at home that will work.  I'd never heard of this brand, but it seems nice.  There are a ton of pockets and the top zips.  Plus it's made of coated(wipe-able!) canvas.  Hello perfect mom purse!

Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon, Play Condition, $5.
- Tillie actually picked this one out at a garage sale.  When I saw the price tag I couldn't resist.  When we got home she immediately asked to give Teddy a ride.

Have you found anything awesome lately?

"Outside, outside?"

Tillie ADORES being outside. Thankfully, we have a large backyard for her to explore.

I got this slide last week at a garage sale.  It's been in my living room until today.  It just might be the best $8 I've spent at a garage sale.  She uses it constantly.

She's also a big fan of her swing again.  She pretty much cries when you take her out because you're sick of pushing her.

Garage Sales

I adore garage sales.  Last year a ton of Tillie's summer wardrobe came from garage sales.  2t seems to be a little harder to come by, but I've still picked up quite a bit.

These are two of my best finds so far this year.

Last week I stopped at a garage sale in Wyoming on my way to Costco.  It was raining, but I decided to go anyway.  I found this Little Tikes wagon for $5.  There is a little tear in the plastic on the other side, but that just means I don't have to worry about kids breaking it.

Tillie even figured out how to remove and replace the sides already.  Smart kid.  Took her about 2 minutes.

Yesterday I went garage sale-ing in the pouring rain with my mom in Zeeland.  At the first house I picked up this Little Tikes tool bench.  It was missing all the tools, but still has the phone!  It was $5 too.

I guess I should stop at garage sales in the rain more often.

Second Tuesday in May.

The second Tuesday in May always meant one thing to me growing up.

Garage Sale Day!

It used to be a big deal in Moline.  Tables were borrowed from church, lunch was served in the basement of the library and the streets would be filled with cars.  My brothers and I would speedily get ready for school knowing we would walk with my mom, our backpacks in the wagon, stopping at garage sales along the way.  Sales started around 8a and school didn't start until 8:30 (or 9a?  I can't remember.  I think it switched in Middle School.)  My best friend Amanda always got to stay home at her mom and grandma's garage sales and I was always jealous.  I only got to do that once and it was to watch my baby cousins.

It's dwindled over the years, in fact, the library didn't sell any food today.  Not even a doughnut.  There weren't many garage sales today, but it was 44* and rainy.  Every garage sale I stopped at had people I recognized or knew me by name.  It's nice to go home.

Since it was raining, I dropped the Tillster off at my mom's to play.  I dressed her in an old outfit of Kizie's and she set off to explore the house without Kizie telling her to stop touching everything.  She had a great time.

I had my choice of clothes for Tillie because of the weather!  She has too many clothes for this summer, except for warm clothes.  If it's cold like last summer I'm going to need some more pants.  I found a lot of long sleeve tees for her.  I have a large Hallmark bag pretty full and I spent $6.15.  A lot of it is for a year or two from now.

But, the best deal of all?

I lust over these type of chairs where ever I see them -- yards, antique stores, photographs, Lowe's.  Ask Tim.  I'm sure it's no surprise to you all that I love retro things.

These two chairs?  $5 each.  The prices were kind of washed out because of the rain and it looked like they were marked $15 crossed out to $10 each.  I asked, "Are the chairs each $10?"

"Oh, you can have them both for $10."

"I'll be right back, I have to go get my mom's minivan!"

Garage sale-ing in the rain is awesome.