A second silverware basket was exactly what I needed.
Last Wednesday, I skipped the knitting group I’ve been starting to frequent, (not a huge sacrifice since I don’t actually knit) and joined up with my friend Sara of Go Gingham at The Goodwill Outlet store, A.K.A., “The Bins.” When Sara first proposed this pilgrimage, I was far from tempted. I have been to this Goodwill multiple times, and once had someone push my son to the floor in an effort to get first dibs at a bin that had just been brought to the floor. But it’s been years, and I figured I would give it another try, especially since I would be sans kids.
I have become insanely picky about what I bring into my home since starting my decluttering efforts, so I mostly just watched Sara and her blog readers pull their pay-by-the-pound goodies from the bins. However, I started to get in the spirit when I saw a new looking dish drain exactly like mine, from which I plucked the silverware basket. Okay, that’s practical, I can defend this purchase. I had been wanting a second one. I then came across a bin full of silverware. My son’s middle school is switching over from plastic silverware to reusable stuff, and asking for donations. So I pulled out all the cheap-o stainless steel forks I could find, (maybe 20?) and then found a nice Wilton brand frosting spreader. My younger son had specifically asked for one of these, as he’s in the midst of a Cake Boss obsession, and his birthday is coming up.
Sara found much more stuff to bring home, including a nicely matted, but awfully tacky print of a baby, still in its shrink wrap. She then explained to me that she bought it for the mat. When paying by the pound, these kind of purchases are crazy cheap!
In all I think I spent a little more than a dollar, which is actually a bit high for the Goodwill Outlet. But the silverware was kind of heavy. Nothing too exciting, but still a fun afternoon. Thanks, Sara!
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
What a neat idea, to pay by the pound. I don’t think any of our Goodwill stores do that around here.
I just got two REI convertible pants from Goodwill for under $10.
Katy! So glad you could join us! It’s always more fun to go to “The Bins” with friends and without kid-lets. When Goodwill Outlet Store shopping is a social event and you get inspired from your friends (and their ideas) it’s always a good reminder that frugality can be fun!
I’m jealous.
I love Goodwill! I do most of the shopping for our family there, not that we can’t afford new, but because reused suits our values. And because we don’t buy new clothes, we can afford local food. 🙂
I just found your blog today and I’m really enjoying it. Thanks!
Have you ever considered publishing an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs? I have a blog based on the same topics you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information.
Its such as you learn my thoughts! You seem to grasp a lot about this, such as you wrote the ebook in it or something. I think that you just could do with some p.c. to pressure the message house a little bit, but instead of that, this is great blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back