Hey Guys!  I was out this past weekend doing my normal thang… thrifting… By now you already know I thrift damn near everything in my life.  Why??? Because I can, and I’m not ashamed of it.  I don’t just thrift for me, but I’m out there scoping and shopping for my peeps as well.  If I think someone needs or would like something, I’m texting or calling them to “see if they need/want it”.   I was talking to a friend of mine and she’s always busting my chops because I’m out there thrifting.  She doesn’t seem to believe that damn near everything you could possibly need in your life could be found in a thrift store.  It may take some time if you’re particular about something, otherwise, especially the basic “shit” like glassware, dishes, lamps, wall art, clothes – whatever floats your boat.  So in our conversation, I said to her – “What you see is what I thrift” (then I thought of Flip Wilson’s Geraldine character..lol. and threw my head back).. meaning, what she sees out there in department stores, I can thrift it.  She goes on to say how she doesn’t know what to look for or where to go.. blah,blah,blah… duhhh.. they’re freaking everywhere.  Then it dawned on me.. maybe she really don’t know… So I figured I’d just share a few more pointers on how to thrift like a Pro.

1.  The holidays are coming, if you think you’ll need more glassware – take note of it
2.  While cooking or baking, if you realize you need more bake ware – remind yourself
3.  Want to change the decor a bit – pick the room you’re wanting to change and focus on finding items to accent your style
4.  Decide on a budget
5.  Be patient – it takes time to find certain items

Saturday is my designated outing day although I may pop into a thrift store occasionally during the week.  It’s always good to peruse the decor section because you never know what you’ll find.  I can’t emphasize enough how much is out there for a fraction of the cost at retail stores.  Literally you are really saving money on the basic stuff if you just change your mindset on how to shop.  For instance, if you’re shopping an estate sale – keep in mind you’re shopping in someone’s home.  So you will find an abundance of home goods.  Take for instance this corningware – the entire set was at Pieces of Time Estate Sale.

Glass serving dishes come a dime a dozen.

Microwave, carts, mixing bowls – you name it you’ll find it.

And not to mention – freaking furniture galore.!!!!  Ugghhh.. it’s just so much… Now granted not everything will be your taste but I guarantee you’ll find something at any and every estate sale that you will either need or like.

Now incorporating them in your decor is the easy part.  For instance, remember the nightstands I picked put at the estate sale a while back.  These were classic mid-century pieces in great condition. Since the other matching pieces were sold separately, the nightstands were discounted.

and here they are styled with a more modern appeal

Vintage glassware is a complete no brainer.. Honestly speaking.. that’s where you find thee BEST shit-  Look how beautiful they can be styled on a table setting – adding color and pizzazz.

There’s an abundance of vintage flatware and again.. sometimes very rare pieces, like this set with bakelite handles.   Look how wonderful they shine once polished.

If you’re like me, don’t forget to check out the closets, 9 out of 10 chances, you’ll find bedroom shoes (and pray they fit)

Ice buckets, punch bowls,barware, nicely starched fabric napkins.. all there.

When I spotted these vintage Knoll chairs, I couldn’t resist to pair them with the vintage Saarinen tulip table, being that they were of the same era.

In addition to estate sales, there are auctions to attend and you never know what you’ll luck up and get.  Like this cute sofa with an all down cushion had a winning bid of $25.00

And $5.00 was the winning bid on this brass demilune table.

Have you seen the cost of tapers lately?  They’re pretty pricey.. I went to an estate sale and scooped up all these colonial candles of cape cod for under $10.00.  Even Amazon can’t beat that price.

Then you’ll find little odds and ends like this antique silver toast caddy.  I use it on my bar cart as a coaster holder.

or this silver miniature coal scuttle bucket – normally used as a sugar cube dish now being used in my guest bathroom as a sugar scrub dish

Fancy candy dishes such as this rare Viking glass bird along with other coffee table decor.  Books, magazines, candle holders, ginger jars – you name – you thrift it.  

So again, as Geraldine says – “what you see is what you get “- If you see it you better get it because it won’t be there when you go back.  Thrift stores, estate sales and auctions are my first shopping destinations to go for home decor and household items.  Look for items you don’t see everywhere and try to build on it to create that unique look for your home.  When you blend old and new you’re personalizing your decor with carefully curated selections.

Not to mention, when you shop these venues you’re supporting local businesses, small businesses and budding entrepreneurs.  It’s a win-win situation.  For young people beginning their home decor journey, it’s best to start at these venues.  You’ll be amazed how much you save, especially on the trivial items like rakes, brooms, shovels, ladders, and the list goes on.  I even found a big box of first aid supplies, cleaning supplies, latex gloves, microfiber cloths, Murphy’s Oil soap, Pledge, Clorox spray, light bulbs. It was completely filled with household items for $5.00.   Also, I must add, holiday decor is swarming at these venues, Christmas items are “EVERY FREAKING WHERE”.   Check your listings for local sales going on and hit the streets.  The only way to thrift like a pro is to get started!  Practice makes perfect – So – Happy Hunting while you thrift your house into a home!!