The Choice

As I walk into stores lately, I am reminded that back-to-school season is upon us yet again.  It is crazy how fast the merchandise creeps in the stores.  Seeing all the clothing placed ever so brilliantly at eye level, I can't help but notice the plethora of colors and designs.  Instantly I start to get excited to look around.  Upon looking closely I am reminded how expensive new clothes are!  hahaha  When you are an avid bargain shopper like myself, seeing standard retail prices sure can shock you back into reality. 

A couple weekends ago Epic was having their sale at 50 percent off everything in the store.  I scored some amazing, name brand clothing for my kids.  $2 - $2.50 for nice sun dresses for my daughter, $2.50 for a Vans hoodie, and numerous other finds.  Some items looked like they had never been touched.  In fact I scored some with tags still attached from Children's Place.  Imagine seeing a tag telling you $10.00 for a shirt and you walk away only paying $1.00! Who can beat that?

Just a plain ol' hoodie at a standard store runs about $20-$25.00 (obviously not name brand or anything like that).   I cannot imagine paying retail prices after having such great success at thrift stores like Epic.  I love how I have a choice where and how to spend my money when it comes to shopping for my kids' back-to-school clothing.  I obviously am able to get a lot more clothes this way than if I was purchasing them at places such as Target, Walmart, Old Navy or any other store. 

When you are only paying $1.00- $2.50 for an item and they are really cute, you are able to score them all and not feel guilty.  I remember growing up when I was young, we had a family we were friends with and they purchased their clothes at thrift stores.  I hate to admit it but you could definitely tell that their clothes were all worn and used prior to their possession.  I was not a snob by all means!  But I remember my dad taking me to the store once just to look and I was mortified at what was in there.  Faded, worn clothing that I wouldn't have left the house in.  I think I had to be about 9 years old. 

When I was about 14-15 my friends and I wanted our own style and started hitting up thrift stores with GREAT success.  Suddenly I was onto something.  My first job just happened to be at a thrift store.  Who could beat getting a 25 percent discount?  I remember girls in class asking me all the time where I got my clothes cause they loved my pants and whatnot.  I remember one of them spending money on designer pants at the mall and they were over $100 for ONE pair.  Imagine me thinking how insane she was since I had only spent $3.75 for each of my pairs of pants.  (They were $5.00 each plus my discount.)  The funniest part is she liked my pants so much more than hers.  I never told her where I got them either.  hahahah  I was way too ashamed to admit that after she was spending so much on clothing at the malls.

Thrift stores have come such a long way since then.  I honestly love them!  This back-to-school season please remember that you have a choice where to spend your money.  My kids are not ashamed at all of the clothing I get them.  They love them!  I obviously make sure they aren't all worn out and stained. 

Keep a good eye on your finds. Check the items to make sure they fit.  Also, make sure there are no tears.  Don't take off the tags without making sure you or your child will wear them.  Typically thrift stores will take the items back within 7 days as long as the tags are still attached and you have the receipt. 

If any of you reside in Las Vegas, I think I should tell you some great news!  Epic is having another 50 percent off sale this weekend.  I suggest checking it out. 

Epic Sale Weekend

Epic Thrift Store, which I reviewed before, is having an awesome sale this weekend! 

They are having a store-wide 50 percent off sale.  Everything in the store will be half off tomorrow.  As I mentioned in my previous blog post, they have a fantastic selection as far as clothing goes.  Everything is nice and organized.  Who doesn't love a color-corrdinated thrift store at great price?  With the new school year around the corner, you might want to check this out and stock up on clothing for your sweet kiddos.  At half off, there are bound to be some killer deals!

I love the great selection this store has and the prices are amazing. 

For any die hard thrift store shoppers, you might want to check it out! :)  Happy Shopping!

Summer Joy

I know I am a total slacker. Been gone for a bit.  So many changes and things going on.

You know me and my love of yard sales, thrift stores and great deals.  Well that season is totally here and I am loving it.  I have been scoring some awesome deals at yard sales.  The past few weekends I have scored a substantial amount of clothing for 25 cents each.  Who can beat that?  Much better than any thrift store prices.  I have even found some things for myself.  I have been so thrilled with what great things I have managed to score. 

I am thinking of starting a little side business like I see people do selling on craigslist and ebay.  With my negotiating skills when it comes to yard sales, I think I could manage some great deals and in turn sell them online.  I have heard many people talk about doing this, in addition to seeing some awesome blogs such as this one which I totally love following.  Do any of you do this?  If so, do you have any pointers?  I have heard of people making a pretty good profit and it sure wouldn't hurt to partake in the profits of that kind of side business.

News in my life- in a relationship and it is going amazing.  I couldn't be happier.  He is great with my kids and I completely love and adore his.  I never thought I would date anyone with kids, considering what I went through as a child of a blended family.  It just never seemed like my cup of tea ever.  Sure enough here I am and I would never change it for anything.  Between the two of us there are 5 kids!  That is a lot of kids but they sure are all worth it.