Isn't this a cute 1960s vintage clock?! It plugs in to the wall and has the faint hum of your Grandmother's kitchen! It was not originally this fantastic lime green color, but I could not picture it any other color. It would be so cute in a retro kitchen or in a laundry or bathroom! Keeps great time. Check it out on my http://www.etsy.com/ site. Search Affordable Adornment. This clock, however, is not the subject of this blog entry...
It's time for a road trip! I'll do weekly road trips around west Michigan to flea markets, estate sales and thrift shops on a treasure hunt and you get to come along! Here are a few tips before we venture out together:
Pack your canvas bag!
Rummaging is not the place for your Louis Vuitton handbag. Leave it at home along with most of the contents in your purse. When you are shopping in thrift shops, it is not appropriate to flaunt the fact that you are there to beautify your lovely home when most shoppers are there to clothe their family. Also, you don't want to be distracted by your heavy purse with all your valuables in it. Thrift shops are great places, many run by churches or Christian affiliated organizations, buzzing with shoppers from all walks of life. They are not dangerous or scary, but as always, be aware of your surroundings and be respectful to everyone you encounter. I always use a canvas or re-usable shopping tote to go thrifting because I don't like to take my purchases in plastic! Plus, let's face facts here, some thrift stores are down right dirty. A canvas bag can go right in the wash if I set it on the floor while inspecting or measuring a cool item.
Stuff to have at hand
- Always carry a TAPE MEASURE!
- Bring CASH! Sometimes, when your cash is gone it is best to call it a day. Don't go over your budget by carrying exactly the amount of cash you can afford to spend and work within your constraints. If you find something great, most shops take Visa/Mastercard/etc.
- Yuck - you'll want HAND SANITIZER. Some things are on the floor or deep within a dusty shelf. It's a good idea to bring along something to clean up after you get down and dirty!
- Bring a SNACK! While you are out and about, you might be in unfamiliar areas of town. Some shops are in areas you might feel a little uncomfortable in stopping for a soda. Bring along some things to get you thru that sugar low until you can find a place you are comfortable in.
- Of course, it goes without saying, bring your PHONE. Not only for phone calls, but for the CAMERA! Snap quick shots of things that catch your eye, but know if you think about an item it will most likely be gone before you get back to it.
- In the back of your vehicle, make sure you have some BUNGEE CORDS to make transporting your items securely stress free.
More quick tips before you go
- Keep an open mind. Have a list of things you are specifically looking for, but also look up and down the aisles for things that you don't necessarily need. Treasure hunting means sometimes not knowing what you are looking for! If you see something that "speaks to you" buy it! Worry about where you are going to put it later!
- Know your car! Put your seats down and take measurements of the back so you know exactly what you can fit (or cram) in there. If you can't get it home, don't bother looking at it - save yourself the embarrassing parking lot scene where you are trying every angle shoving it in unsuccessfully!
Sorry - I know it needs a good vacuuming job!
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