Five Frugal Things -- What I Bought & Didn't Buy at The Goodwill Bins -

1) I took a couple hours out of my day to scour my local Goodwill Outlet bins for vases that sell for $153,600. Sadly that did not happen, but I did pick up this $3 Ikea ÖRFJÄLL chair, even though the seat was pretty dirty. I own an upholstery shampooer and love me a good "before and after!"

New versions sell for $80, so I should be able to sell it for $30 or so. It was originally priced at $5, so I know it had been on the floor for awhile.

2) I also grabbed this pair of plastic "Essentials" Birkenstocks in my size, even though they were spattered with paint. I figured I could clean them up and even if that plan was a bust, they weigh practically nothing and that's a bargain from a pay-by-the-pound thrift store!

My first step was to throw them through the wash, which actually removed most of the paint.

Step two was to spend ten minutes or so with my Barkeeper's Friend and an old toothbrush.

Actually, there were only two steps. Ten minutes of hands on time to make them look almost new. I'd estimate I spent 50¢ on them, which is far superior to their original $50 price tag!

3) I chose this drapey T-shirt for myself as I never have enough tops. Unfortunately it smells like it was sprayed with Goodwill's signature stanky disinfectant, even after I put it through the wash. I'll leave it out on my clothesline for a couple days and see if it diminishes.

4) I also bought a Brooks Brothers Turkish towel, whose thick fluffiness stood out from the crowd. You can buy a single one of their towels on sale for $43.99, so it definitely came home with me. I rifled around that bin to see if there was another one, but sadly was unsuccessful.

I might keep it for house guests, but I'll probably end up listing it on eBay.

5) What didn't I buy?