I Love Hand-Me-Downs

I'm not above totally enjoying digging through a bag of my sister's hand-me-downs to pull out new-to-me favorites.

(That would be a literal hand-me-down, as I am older but much shorter than she.)

I also thrill to the seek-and-find treasures I discover at local thrift shops. In fact, the sweater (Mr. Roger's style cardigan, come in the house-trade the coat for a sweater style) I wear all the time is my best ever purchase from Goodwill.

Seriously. I think my family may be a tad bit exhausted of seeing me wear the same old sweater. Every. Single. Day.

But it is the best sweater! I know I look more granny-like wearing it, but it is comfy, broken in, not too hot, not too cold, but just right.

I've had this sweater for over 5 years, conservative estimate. It appears to be well made and may last for another 15. Score! I think I paid $1.99, maybe $2.99.

My husband and I enjoy keeping clothes long past the expiration date (yes, we are THAT couple). One of our favorite games is counting back to find out who is wearing the oldest outfit.

"I've had this shirt since Chelsie was 3," I said.

"Well, I bought these sweats when we were in England," replies the hubby.

"But I had this dress for Easter when we were in Wapato," I counter.

And on and on goes the battle.

It is our game. And our life. We are not ones for top of the line, current fashion, get rid of the old and buy new all the time. Some of you may be saying, quietly in your heads, "YES, we know! Go get some new clothes!!!" Maybe you are even yelling that, hoping we will hear.

It's OK. We are happy with our little game. I think, at heart, we are children of the depression, though we are not really old enough. We use every little thing until it is beyond use. And then maybe we can still find a use for the scraps that remain.

I'm thinking that's being a good steward of natural resources and God's providence. Recyling, repurposing, reusing.

Besides, it's fun.


I'd love to hear where you find your favorite clothes. Are you a scavenger like me? Let's share tips.

A Month of Thanks - November 14 - Thrift Shopping

Look at that cute boy!

There is one thing I love - the challenge of the hunt. Hitting the thrift stores, with equal possibilities of great success or dismal failures, is my type of game.

Today, on November 14, I am thankful for the fun of hitting the thrift stores. And the help received when trying to make a small budget stretch beyond expectations.

The weather turned this week. As in, it was nice and we could really wear shorts or capris last week, to now the pipes are freezing and daytime temps are in the low 30's. Our boy bundled up in his coat from last year.

Except it wasn't from last year. It was his coat from the year before. The arms were too short, the coat was too short, and the shoulders were too narrow.

Nana to the rescue. We hit the thrift store nearest our home. After several failed attempts, we struck gold. He loved it, it fit, and it was in good condition. Add that freshly laundered coat (notice the Seahawk colors) to a warm hat and gloves, and the kindergarten boy was ready for winter.

Sister just inherited a coat from her cousin. But she was in need of a hat. Which we found - pinks, sequins, ear flaps, braided yard, red-neck style, and fake fur. Adorable and cozy.

Let's hear it for thrift stores. Great deals plus the thrill of the hunt.