Awesome awesomeness

I love garage sale season and thrift store shopping!  And since having started this seemingly unrealistic challenge, I have been up for utilizing them even more!  In truth, that means I feel compelled to stop at each one I come across, despite if I need something or not, and often feel equally compelled to buy something, just to give it one more shot at life - heaven forbid it ends up in a landfill!!

That being said, I have found some great buys lately - all outside of the 'me' purchases, for the most part.

For 'real' 'me' purchases in the last month, I have a couple.  Oh, for one, I bought a car that I forgot to mention last time!!  I have mixed feelings about it, really, but I needed a car (it is inevitable really in the States, or at least Spokane, and I take care of a baby, so need wheels!) and wanted to be able to give my dad's back to him.  I bought a very reliable and very promise-to-last-15-years Subaru Outback and I am very excited about it.  So obviously that tips the scales a bit on the whole $365 idea!  But we will just carry on as normal.

I bought some new headphones since my $5 Walmart ones died - after over a year of near daily use (and lots of running sweat!) I think that isn't too bad.  The new ones set me back $15.  I also got myself some new-to-me clothes at Goodwill - $17 worth, but I am going to say that can come out of the garage sale fund, since I haven't bought any clothes in ages and did really need some summery tops.  Speaking of, I even tried to go to Target and Nordstrom Rack one day to stock up a bit (stayed out of Old Navy!), but since having downloaded the Good Guide ap and not finding anything that I searched as having very good reviews, I restrained myself.  I don't know, I just don't feel like getting this stuff right now....I did, however, have to get some new running shoes and some shorts - the shorts were on sale for $21, so guess I should count those.  That takes me down to $28.42 - eek!

As for the 'non-me' purchases, I have spent a lot more, but gotten some steals!  I stopped in at my fave thrift store and was helped by a nice teenage kid who really did well to sell me!  It was 50% off day - which is awesome since it is already cheap!  I made out - got a food processor, electric knife sharpener, and brand new salad spinner all for $9.24.  The thing is I really had been wanting them, they weren't impulse buys - I even told J we needed two of them that week!

I am also pleased with my crafty skills as of late - I made a whole bridal shower gift myself with the aid of some thrift store purchases - picnic basket with place settings and a wine bottle bag.   A pic of it is below, along with the pie I took the bride with the rhubarb I got in the veg box - nothing like homemade!

My first pie ever!  Not sure how it tasted though!