Winter warmers - secondhand style
A few weeks ago, we had a cold snap. This was when I discovered that my current blankets weren’t up to the challenge of winter - especially with only the cat to keep me warm! So, I decided a new blanket and some flannel sheets was in order.
I happened to be up at the shops, so I had a look in K-Mart - thinking I might find some reasonably-priced stuff in there. However, a decent blanket was $60! And a set of two flannel sheets was $40! I walked out in a huff, refusing to pay such ridiculous prices for such basic items.
I was sure that I could find what I was after at an op-shop (a charity second-hand store for you non-Aussies). So, I took the main road to work, (which I hate, because even at 1pm, the traffic is horrendous!), as I knew there was a spot where three op-shops stood almost next to each other.
Alas, in the first I was thwarted in my mission… but when I got to the second shop - success! I bought a big, heavy blanket, plus a single queen flannel sheet (they only had one, but I figured one was better than none!)… and all for under $30. I told the woman that I didn’t need a bag, at which she replied dubiously “are you sure, dear?” as I stood there just peeking over the top of the jumble in my arms. I said I was, and I marched happily off to my car.
I am currently sitting here snug under said blanket and sheet, the cat tucked in at my side, and the satisfaction that I not only saved a lot of money - but that I have re-used something, and given my money to help those in need.
Better than spending $100 at K-Mart, that’s for sure.
June 28 2008 09:35 am | Challenge - no bags and frugal living and reuse
June 29th, 2008 at 12:44 am
Good on you, there’s a wealth of goods to be had in op shops with many of them being almost brand new - some being actually brand new, labels and wrapping still intact!
June 29th, 2008 at 8:57 am
That’s a weird phenomenon - perhaps due to shopaholics who go on a binge and then regret it once they’ve brought everything home? Or perhaps more likely gifts that were given but not wanted - hard to return those!
June 29th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Yep, both options probably.
Plus some chain op shops receive last season’s stock - IE Country Road, Just Jeans, etc - that haven’t sold and are cluttering up a warehouse somewhere.