tidbits of savings

I have fallen in love... with finding a bargain. I'm crazy about it actually and wanted to share just a couple of things with any one that might fall upon this blog :-) I have always loved to haunt thrift stores, antique stores and a good flea market. I generally don't buy a bunch of random stuff that I just have to carry around with us as we travel. Lately I have been looking for sweaters and here in California I have come across a bit of a gold mine at the neighboring GoodWill stores. I look for the name brands ie. Gap, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor... you get the drift and wow! I have been so lucky. I found a great black italian angora wool BR sweater for $5.00 and another equally nice Gap one again for $5.00. I needed a new frame for a kids picture that had broken on this move and I wanted a nice metal one which I had seen for $16.00 at Michael's. Well, in one of my trips to Palo Alto to see the sights (Stanford University!) I found an even better frame for ~~ 1.99!!! At the Goodwill store! I know that my girls think I'm a nut case for even thinking about buying "used" stuff, but to me it's all about using what I have and getting what I want or need for a bargain and then having extra cash to say... travel! Okay, here is another little hint... I LOVE those body washes from Victoria's Secret but at $15.00 a pop I wanted to find something equally yummy smelling but at a much better price. Now this isn't for everyone but... VO5 shampoo which is VERY cheap has an array of lovely fragrances and even comes with conditioners that work abosolutely perfect for lathering up and shaving my legs too! Like I said, not for everyone but... it's only a dollar! I guess my point here is why spend a ton when you can get the same for so much less. Isn't that what this broken economy is all about and what we have been told my our LDS prophet for as long as I can remember... to be frugal, live within our means and save like crazy. I'm not perfect at this, but I'm finding all kinds of ways to save... like using the library instead of buying books~~ especially when I get them home and find out they are filled with garbage which has happened more than once sadly. Look on line for coupons, there are tons of them out there. You really can have fun with a big budget or a tiny one, your attitude makes the difference. I think if you start finding a bargain you will be hooked too. Life is to be enjoyed not just endured :-)