Thrift Scoring

Our thrifting has been more of a practical nature in recent years, moreso than collecting antiques or collectibles. We scored a lot of practical and very nice furniture over the years, but these days, we really don't need anything. Not even clothes, really.

Our latest visit was no exception.

We already have one of these, but Hubby took it up to use in his after-school program. I have been missing it! Today, we scored this one, complete with wooden stand (which we didn't have) for $6.49.

Now, our most excellent, thrift store score ($21 still in box) coffee and espresso bar that we found years ago finally needed some repairs. We looked it all over, and found that the leak in the unit was coming from the metal coil underneath and was beyond our ability to repair. So we went to our favorite thrift store earlier this month and found this Braun coffee maker (and oldie, but a goodie to be sure!) for $3.99.

The carafe was without a lid, which we didn't notice until we got home. It still worked, though, even with the drip-stop action button. We just had to situate the carafe just right underneath. You would not believe the quality of coffee this German coffee maker produces. I could go into the mechanics of the cone-shaped filter system, but I should save it for another post. I learned about the high-quality of German coffee makers back in the early 80's and never, ever settled for anything less than that all these years. (That's part of the reason for my name, Javamom ;-).

When we went back today to look for a hair dryer (because ours died last month) we found the perfect carafe.

I'm not kidding. It is the correct width and height, fits perfectly, and is not scratched up like the original one without the lid. That carafe was $2.99, which brought the price of the coffee pot up to a whopping $6.98 cents. Hoo boy!

Now, this lovely gem is something I've been looking for in antique shops for a few years. I love the streamlined size of this glass juice, refrigerator pitcher. Price: WAS $1.49, but was 50% off so only 75 cents. Do you know how much those go for in antique shops? It may or may not be an antique. For 75 cents, I do not care one way or another!

Did we find the hair dryer that prompted today's visit?

Yes. It is older, small and compact, but will fit our needs just right. I don't really need it for hair, but for bookbinding and restoration work, so the newer "cold shot" features just do not apply here.

Price? $3.49

Now, how have you been saving during these tight economic times?


Javamom
who has been quality thrifting for more than 20 years.

Catching up

As it has been for most of us, the summer has been filled with family, friends, and visitors for birthdays, Independence Day, and bookmaking "mini-camps." Our oldest son had serious car trouble on the way back to Omaha on the fourth, so he had to turn around and come right back home. This meant that he was able to spend traditional "Family Fourth" with us, along with another good friend of his. They helped our youngest son and their cousin shoot off fireworks in the front yard while Sparsebeard and my brother, "Boat Captain" shot off the big explosions in the backyard for all to see. A lot of families in our neighborhood had good fireworks displays this year! It was one of the best ever.


Before J came to visit for ten days from Omaha, I had my 44th birthday. Here are most of the things I spent birthday money on at a couple of thrift shops that two girlfriends and I visited together on a day just for us. First we had lunch together at one girlfriend's home, and sipped blueberry lemonade. Then it was off to a quilt shop and some antique and thrift stores.

I found a heavy duty paper and board cutter for $8, watering can (2-3 gallons!) for $18, a paella pan for $8 (paella is pretty much Spain's version of jambalaya), old Pyrex small refrigerator leftover containers, 4.50 each (I actually bought three), old enamelware storage container (I collect these) $6, two ceramic trivets with herbs on them for $1.99 each.

The blue, Mediterranean "mosaic" mug is from Starbucks (dd's discount applied) and the poppy fine bone china tea mug is from a blueberry picking farm we went to with friends on my birthday. My dear friend bought it for me. It came with a tea strainer and steeping lid. I also bought Lemon Balm Tea that day to put in my new teacup.

About a week later, we found lemon balm herb pots at Home Depot and bought five to put in our garden. This herb is very good for congestion and swelling, but also has a nice, relaxing effect. It is perfect for evening sipping. I've also steeped some of our dried mint leaves with it, and they go well together.



We also bought these flowers to decorate our newly cleaned deck and dining area:

zinnias, balloon flower, I don't know -orange vine, balloon flower, zinnias


Now I must get going on quite a few summer book restoration jobs. I'll also be speaking at a local conference and need to tweak my notes and handouts for that, and load up my "show and tell" basket to display.

Some of you have been to "singing camps" and summer camps and back, gotten new jobs, had new grandbabies, gone to weddings or are planning weddings. What else have you all been up to?

Happiest of summers to you,

Javamom