Thrifting

So, yesterday, we met up with Ben for lunch at Red Robin.  Since we were in the general direction, I stopped by Salvation Army.  A few weeks ago, the last time we were in the area, I stopped at Goodwill (they are both within a couple of miles of one another).  At

Goodwill, I found two pairs of pants for Killian, a polo shirt for Killian, and a dress shirt for Killian.  Also 3 pairs of capris and a nightshirt for me and a long sleeved shirt for Molly.

After going there, I wondered why on earth I have not gone to any thrift stores in years.  I do believe I am going to make an effort to go at least once a month and/or when the kids or I need anything BEFORE we go shopping anywhere else.  Now, don't get the wrong idea--I don't spend a lot of money on the kids' clothes.  I frequent garage sales, swap clothes with Julie, buy stuff on extreme clearance or used online, and Ben's mom is always finding awesome little things for the girls (and sometimes the boys) on super clearance or at garage sales.  Oh, and don't forget the birthday and Christmas gifts that always come along from grandparents, aunties and unclies.

So, anyway, at the Salvation Army store, I found about 5 t-shirts for me (which I desperately needed), 2 sweaters, a long-sleeved t, and a skirt for me, a couple t-shirts for Killian, another pair of pants for Killian (still a bit long, but he will be wearing them soon, I'm sure), a Pikachu t-shirt for Liam, and two cute shirts for Molly.  Also, not necessary, but due to Molly's insistence, an Ariel mermaid pillow, a Barbie insulated lunch bag, and a doodlebear.  Oy.

Maybe "desperately needed" is not correct.  No, I did not desperately need them.  In fact, I did so not desperately need them that I have continuously put off buying anything for quite a long time.  However, having some nice t-shirts to replace the ones I've been wearing for the last few years is a real boost to me.  And, it would not have been if I spent a load of money on them. 

I also found a great-looking crib mattress to replace the one currently in the crib that is probably 20 years old and downright disgusting.  I had decided I would likely not replace it, due to the fact that we won't be using it much longer, but didn't realize I would find one at Salvation Army for 14.00.  I cleaned it with soap and Thieves' Oil and set it out in the sun when we got it home. 

So, perhaps I shouldn't  publish all of this.  Somehow there is a stigma attached to buying things used, I know.  But, consider this:  New things cost more than just money.  New mattresses off-gas yucky chemicals.  New clothes do too.  No one would know buy looking that what we bought was not bought new.  Some of it even still looks new.  New clothes are often made in less than ideal conditions for workers.  The money I paid for these is not going to supporters of cheap labor, questionable governments, massive worldwide shipping (and pollution).  Why use the world's resources (and mine) for something that already exists?  

Anyway, I'm quite pleased, and I can't believe I didn't go sooner.  I was never opposed to going, I just never did.