Second Hand Treasures

If you have had the opportunity to shop or support your local thrift stores such as Goodwill or Deseret Industries, give yourself a pat on the back. Because not only is the support you provide through your purchases a good deed, but you may happily find hidden treasures that you can use for your home or wardrobe! It has been three months since my return to Salt Lake City and so far the only item which I have purchased new in my rental apartment is my bed. It is comfortable, made in the USA and I was able to finance it especially since I am on a very strict budget. However, I wished I would have waited longer and forced myself to save the money to buy one online. It does not matter now as it is a done deal and I must from now on definitely implement a budget and shop with a thrifty mindset! 

I have found several pieces of furniture, most of my glassware, serving ware, art, and accent furniture pieces during my thrift shopping adventures. Some of my furniture pieces I was fortunate to collect during a morning drive by an Estate yard gathering, where the family donated all of the belongings inside the property with an exception to the appliances! I was sad that this family's Nana had passed away but they were doing this as it was hers and the family wishes. From that Estate, I managed to go home with several Mid-Century teak tables, German ceramics, and a beautiful artisan hand-blown dish set, unlike I have ever seen! If you look with patience and also if you arrive early, you can find truly amazing deals. This past weekend I found a Cuisinart 11-Cup Food Processor with attachments for $50 dollars, but because I have provided myself with a $50 bi-weekly budget for thrift store shopping it was a no-go for me. 

The irony when I was thrift shopping and saw that processor, I had just canceled my QVC order for the Elemental 14 Cup food processor. Even though it was on Easy Pay, I would have blown through my $50 dollar thrift store shopping budget. And for the $50 dollars, I was able to find some treasures during my Saturday thrift store adventure. Such as the beautiful wood office chair which now sits in my living room for $5.00 dollars or the Pottery Barn table runner you see in the photo above for $1.99! Several glass storage containers which I use for my pantry and a gorgeous painting which was framed in Tuscany, Italy! 

Speaking of Italy, because of thrift shopping I have managed to find great finds from Italy, Germany, Sweden, India, Thailand, Spain, England, and most importantly from the United States. Vintage and expensive brands that I would have no way of being able to afford nowadays. I love and look forward to seeing what may be on the shelves and knowing I won't spend an arm - leg or it. Or finding great vintage and well-made pieces, which need just a little love and restoration to make them shine!  

In the three months since my return to Salt Lake City, I have not spent more than $250 dollars! And for $50 dollars, the most amazing find and easiest DIY makeover was for this 1990's KitchenAid Stand Mixer, which I found on KSL Classifieds. My Mom still has her KitchenAid Mixer and she will not hand it down to anyone until she passes away! I tried and she gave me the no way look! Love you, Mom! I spent an additional $8 dollars for spray paint/sealer and $12 dollars for the stainless steel KitchenAid Mixer Hub on Amazon. Not bad, for an American-made powerhouse which still retails for over $250 new! 

On a budget or not, I have been very pleased and humbled with thrift stores and second-hand shopping. With a little elbow grease, lots of patience, and smart budgeting, I have been lucky and amazed with exceptional finds! I had started on several arts and craft projects during this tragic pandemic, in addition to prayer and watching and listening to Christian Worshiping music 24/7! Doing so has been comforting and has brought me so much peace, however, I pray to our Heavenly Father that we may find a cure for COVID-19. Although I love shopping for great finds, I really miss having family and friends over to share them with. Let's pray and stay hopeful in the Lord always! 

If you have found this article enjoyable and would like to share ideas on how you like to shop for second-hand finds or share photos of your favorite finds, leave a comment below and I would love to share them on this page! 

“Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭24:3-4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ 

God Bless! 

Annie :)