Thrifty Treasures

Hey, it's F R I D A Y!  Thank Goodness It's Friday!  Right?!

I wanted to share a few of my recent Thrifty Treasures.

I have a few local antique/thrift shops that I like to visit.  I've mentioned them before.  I fully believe, enjoy, and appreciate the phrase...One's trash is another's treasure.  I admit to once upon a time being a bit of a snob to second-hand or re-sale, antique/thrift shops and going in them, let alone buying anything from there!  Those shops are even more popular these days and are growing in numbers.    

I have certainly changed my opinion over the past several years.  I'm a frugal gal and I do love a good bargain, as well as saving some money!  It's not that I can't afford new or even more expensive items.  It's just that when it comes to 'thrifting' as I call it, I really enjoy the thrill-of-the-hunt!  And, also this great feeling that comes along with that moment when you don't know you want it, until you see it, and then there 'it' is!  You must have it!  And, add the great price to that perfect must-have item and well, all the better.  You know?!

I can truly say some of the places aren't all that attractive or even well organized.  There are lots of things there that provoke an eye-roll or two, or a shake of the head, and appear to be nothing I would want, let alone pay for!  But there are also places that keep me coming back for a good look around, and I know items often come and go rather quickly.  Plus I have decided on not getting an item before then wishing I had, and upon returning it's long gone.  If by chance it is still there, I say it was meant to be! ...meant to be mine! *grins*       

I've said this quite often, but there's the added benefit of being able to change and re-new an item to make it more to your liking, or as I like to say "re-loving it."  A fresh coat of paint is often a great way to give something new life, a whole new look and transform it.  Just take a look around Pinterest and you'll see lots of inspiration for painting a whole host of items, from furniture to many different home decor items.  Thrift shops are a perfect place to find many of these items, as well as other unexpected goodies.  Plus there's also another advantage if you're someone like me who enjoys changing my decor and making seasonal changes, too.  There are lots of great deals to be had my friends ...you just have to look for them.

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Today I'm sharing some recent finds.

The first Thrifty Treasure is this lovely clock from one of my favorite antique/thrift shops.  It caught my eye from across the room and had me moving in quickly for a closer look.  I barely had my hands on it and had already decided I wanted it!  It was in excellent condition, fit my style, and I knew exactly where I'd place it in my home.

I was loving the gold and the detail of the pattern, as well as the magnolia on the face.  I was also drawn to the words on there, Edinburgh Clock Works Co, London England.  I have been to, and also lived in England, so it reminded me of those years I spent there.

But, wait a minute, "Does this even work?" I asked myself.  Luckily the nice lady/salesclerk provided me the use of two batteries to give it a try, and soon I happily heard tick-tock, tick-tock.  "Sold!"  I said.  

Later, after getting the clock home and hanging it on the wall, I noticed the hands had become stuck together as they were crossing one another.*sad-face*  Simply taking the backing off of the clock and with just a little separating of the minute-hand, Hubby had it passing the hour-hand as it should.  Yay!...my HERO!

I'm pretty pleased with my old, yet new-to-me clock, it looks like it truly belongs here, just like I knew it would.  It's just perfect!  I had to wonder if it actually had come from England, and where it might have been before it came home with me?  And, if perhaps it could, I wonder the stories it might tell?!

No matter where it originally came from, I am very happy it's here, and now mine.  The great news is, the clock had a very reasonable price of ten dollars on it, and while making the purchase I was told it was discounted at half-off (I wondered later if they knew the hands were sticking?).  Hmm, only a five-r? ...even better, and unexpected!  Perhaps someone thought it didn't work? ...but. with a just little attention and a simple fix, it was humming along just fine.

I am quite pleased with this thrifty treasure.  An unexpected must have that cost me merely a few dollars.  Gotta love it! ...and that I sure do!
       

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Then there's this Thrifty Treasure.  I fell in love with this beautiful pitcher and matching bowl!  Isn't it lovely?!  I've been wanting, and looking for a ceramic pitcher for some time now.  There have been a few I've come across that have been a bit over priced.  And, I just hadn't seen one that I felt was a must have ...til this one!

I just couldn't pass it up, or the matching bowl to go with it.  Finding a 'set' made it all the better and well worth the wait.  Plus, it was a descent price at just under fifteen bucks for the set.  Another thrifty treasure!  I'm thinking this will also be beautiful used as a vase for flowers!  This is a great example of what I'm talking about, with the thrill-of-the-hunt.

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I also spotted this pair of shutters.  I've actually been looking for shutters for a couple of ideas I've had for using them as a display.  The shutters had a twelve dollar price on them, but, "they rang up as eight" said the nice cashier.*grins, and eyebrow raises*  Even better, once again!  

My thought was, I would give these a fresh look with some white spray paint.  But ...I'm kind of liking the tone, and the chippy-paint-ness for now.  Especially after I leaned it up against my wall.    

So, at the moment I'm using the shutters as the back-drop for a plant, and stand.  Until further ideas and plans change its destiny! *wink*

You may have already seen this photo from a recent post about my 'Summer' decor.  You can just see on the right where I have placed the clock up on the wall, and also the shutters, in this photo.

My Thrifty Treasures on display!

There will be more to see very soon, I'm sure.  Tomorrow being Saturday, I have an itch to do some treasure hunting ...thrifting!*wink*

More Thrifty Treasures to come!...