Fun thrift store finds; busy days

In between weeding through a ton of color choices and mixing paint, which I've narrowed down to 5

and watching the mister rip out the back splash and helping him hang a few cabinets

and enjoying seeing the kids in their production of "Mulan" at our roadshow,

I was able to squeeze in a quick stop to the local thrift store. And I mean quick. I had just about a half an hour to spare and wasn't really thinking of going.

But on my way home from roadshow practice, I decided to make a detour. Luckily for me it was 50% off day on everything.

When I go shopping, I first keep my eyes out for the dishes I collect and then for anything quirky that might work in the house.

I immediately spotted quirky and familiar. Little owlie is like the other I have but in electrical form. When I got home, I plugged him in and it worked. Half off of $2.99. Into the cart he went.

I always check out the frames wherever I go shopping. These were purchased at a different store. After I picked up Charley from school she asked if I could drive her to the Goodwill. She likes to look for fabric and clothes that she can deconstruct.

When I walked in I saw the big blue bins that the workers wheel around which hold the Target and Pottery Barn merchandise. An employee told me they usually arrive on Saturdays but Wednesday was my lucky day - Two Pottery Barn kids artwork for $1.97 each minus 10%. The original price tags were on the back for $30.00. They were an even better price than the outlet store.

I noticed a gentleman waiting behind me as I had to bend down to pick them up. He followed me down the aisle and asked if he could see them. I handed a frame to him and he told me he was an art collector. I said, "Oh, they're nothing valuable, just home store artwork." He looked them over and handed them back telling me I had a good deal. It crossed my mind that this could be a "crazy people moment," but it wasn't - whew.

Back at the half off store, I couldn't pass up these items: a vintage tablecloth and chenille - 6 bucks. Hello.

Along the dishes and glassware aisle, I am only on the lookout for Transfer ware. I looked down onto a stack of plates and saw the brown edges of these. My name was all over them and at 1.99 each, minus 50% off, what a deal it was. A steal really. So for around $13.00, I made off with some fun finds. I had enough left over for a naked burrito from Qdoba and some more paint samples. I don't know which made me happier.

I am still working on the finds from 2 weeks ago so I'll tell you about those later. One item had great old marble. Enter a nice elderly gentleman and a store mishap...

linking up to Traci 66 Frugalicious Friday Girl Creative