THRIFT SHOPPING IN VEGAS

While I was in Vegas I couldn't help but pull over to stop and check out one of the thrift stores we passed. I wanted to stop at all of them but I couldn't talk my sister into it.



I was happy I did stop though because I found some treasures to take home with me.

Like this cute plate with the King of Spades on it. It would be perfect for little sandwiches, cookies or cheese and crackers.

Then I saw this darling set of little plates. I couldn't pass these ups. They were brand new in the box and never used.

I'm sure people in Vegas get little gifts all the time that deal with cards, gambling and Vegas and they just send them to the thrift stores. But, for us visitors they are super finds at the thrift stores.

These red plates are in the shape of the diamond and heart.

The other two are the black Clubs and Spades.

I see a Tablescape in the making here. A card theme, Vegas theme or perhaps even a Bunco theme.

My heart was pounding so fast when I picked these beauties up. At first I thought they would be great to go with the card theme. Since I already saw the black, white and red colors being used these black candlesticks would be great.

But, when I actually held them and looked at them I noticed these were not just any black glass candlesticks. No way.

These were actually Black Depression glass. You can't tell in this picture but they almost look like a deep dark purple when held up to the light.

I have never found any black depression glass at the thrift stores before! I was so excited.

Plus, they were marked down to only 75 cents each!

I looked around waiting for someone to grab them from me to say "Oh no, those were marked wrong" but, they didn't.

I have lots of plans for these treasures. Perfect for Halloween and lots of different Tablescapes. Also, they will have a place in my china hutch with my other depression glass.

Walking down a bit further, I spotted this wonderful milk glass candy dish. Again, my heart skipped a beat. I love milk glass!

Most of the time the thrift stores near me will only have a vase or small plate. Even then, the prices have gone up so much that I often leave them behind.

Not this puppy. It was in perfect condition, no chips or cracks and was only 50 cents.

So, while I didn't win any money in Vegas, I feel like I hit the jackpot at the thrift store. I left there very happy and spent much less then if I spent that time in the store on the slot machines.

I've never gone to the thrift stores while I'm a vacation or get away. I think I will be doing so from now on.

What about you? Do you stop at the thrift stores when you are vacation? If so, what treasures have you found?

A LITTLE BUT FUN THRIFT STORE FIND

I did a quick stop at one of my local thrift stores today. I wasn't really looking for anything but you just never know if something good could be waiting for you.

I found four of the most darling little bee napkin rings and four green napkins.

You all know how much I adore napkin rings!


The best part is that they were all brand new. The tags were still on them. How could I pass that up?

They came from World Market. I have a feeling someone got them as a gift and never used them so they just donated them.

I was thrilled to grab them and give them a new home.


The green napkins are not ones I would normally buy but since they were only $1.00 for four, I couldn't pass them up.

After all the price tag showed these were normally $1.99 each. Which is still a great price for cloth napkins.

I think they would be great to use outside this summer.



The bee napkin rings were four for $2.00 and you can see here they were $2.99 for one. So I got all four napkins and the napkin rings for the price of one napkin ring.

I didn't find much today, but what I did find sure put a smile on my face. I can not wait to use these on a tablescape.

I guess it really is the little things in life that make me happy. OK, a big score would have made me happy too but you know what I mean.

Don't forget to leave me a message. Every message that you leave me will count as another entry for my giveaway, which ends this Monday.

ANOTHER START TO A THRIFTED HOLIDAY TABLESCAPE

I went to another thrift store yesterday and was thrilled with my finds! I got four large black plates that I will use as chargers.

They are solid black and perfect for a back drop to so many different plates.


But, it was the white with orange stripe plates that really made me happy. These will be perfect for my Halloween Luncheon this year.

If you recall, last year I had a Halloween luncheon that was a witch theme and we loved it so much that we decided to have it become an annual themed luncheon. Yet, who wants to use the same tablescape? Not me!

I'm sure I'll find another plate to go on top of the white and orange one. Maybe a spider, witch or black cat silhouette?


Then I found four of these, Haunted House with bats flying around, napkin rings. Again, perfect for our theme!

I love finding things in thrift stores that I can use later. Knowing I'm going to have these little gatherings gives me lots of time to find items for little to no money!

The black plates were 99 cents each and the orange and white plates were $3.00 for four plates. The napkin rings were only 39 cents each. Not bad at all.

I would love to know what tablescape items you have found at the thrift stores. Also, do you look for items to use for Holidays later in the year? If not, start. It's when you start to look at things differently that you come up with some great ideas.

MY RECENT THRIFT STORE FINDS

One of the first things I go look at when I hit up the thrift stores are the dishes, glasses, and table decor.

I'm always looking for fun items for a tablescape somewhere down the line. I've also found that by doing so, I've come across some great bargains.

This is my latest thrift store hall. I think it is the start to a great Patriotic tablescape.


I found some great plates that are white with blue trim. Toss in some red and you are ready to sing God Bless America!

I got four of these plates for 50 cents each! I also got this little blue star bowl for 25 cents but I really think I want to get red stars or if I get red salad plates then a white star would be nice.

I could use the blue star for other items on the table.

I also got five little flags for 50 cents for the whole group. That's only 10 cents each. Not bad!

Then the four gold star napkin rings were $2.00 or 50 cents each. I'm thinking I may spray paint these. I think white stars with some pretty red and white striped napkins would be nice and look more like a flag.

What do you think? Spray paint them or leave them gold?

So, for, $4.75 I got enough for four place settings. I can't wait to put it all together. I'm thinking Memorial Day is coming up, so maybe then?

While this isn't really a tablescape, I'm still linking up to Between Naps on the Porch. I think it's a good reminder for us all to hit up those thrift stores as there are some great items for putting together pretty yet inexpensive tablescapes.

I WOULD HAVE PAID FULL PRICE

Do you ever go to the thrift stores, not really looking for anything in particular, only to find something you absolutely adore? Well, that happened to me the other day.

Sitting on the shelf, shoved way to the back, I noticed this darling cookbook holder. It was red with a bit of black added to make it look Shabby Chic.

As soon as I pulled it out, I knew it would be coming home with me. I looked it over hoping that it was in OK condition and if something was wrong I could at least fix it.

Well it turned out to be in perfect, brand new condition. Even in the color that goes with my red/black/white kitchen colors.


I was so excited I almost stopped looking, so I could run up and pay for it and take it home. I loved it so much that I would have gladly paid full price for this. But, it only cost $3.00! Well, $2.99 to be precise.

I was sure happy I decided to keep looking around because I came across these breathtaking lace napkins!

Again, in perfect, brand new condition. Still in the sealed package with the original price still on them.

They were originally $129! Yikes! Way out of my price range. But wait! I turned the package over and it said $4.99. What! Could that be possible?

There were two packages there. I grabbed both of them. If the price was right I was getting them. If not, oh well, I could put them back.

It turned out that I did get them for that price. Both packages! I almost fainted.

There were 12 per package. So I got 24 of these lovely lace napkins for less then $10.

Maybe I can use them at the baby shower I'm planning. I'm not sure how many people there will be but if there is 24 or less I'll use them.

The last thing I found was the great vintage table cloth. I love vintage table cloths and I collect them but I have to say I don't think I've ever found one at a thrift store in this condition.

It looked like someone had just had it packed away and never used it.

The colors were still bright, no holes or wear at all.

Boy, it sure was my lucky day! I left there on cloud nine! I wish every thrift shopping day turned out this good.

I guess that's what makes thrift shopping so fun. You never know what you will find!

WHAT A GREAT HAUL I CAME HOME WITH!

Today my sister, Maureen, and I went to Oceanside to visit with our brother, Gene. We got down there early and thought we would stop by a thrift store we were by.

I'm thrilled that we did because I found some great pieces! I thought I would share them with you. Come take a look.

When we first walked in I saw this wonderful collection. I was going to get the tea pot and one tea cup and saucer but then I noticed it was being sold as a set so I just had to get them. I also got the tray they are sitting on since it was only $3.00.

There were 6 plates, three tea cups but only 2 saucers and the tea pot. The whole set was $16.00 but on sale for 1/2 off which made it only $8.00 for all of them. Pretty good huh?

Wouldn't they be pretty to have tea for two?

I could see a slice of a pretty cake on these.

Then I noticed this set of four dessert plates. I thought they were pretty and they were only $4.00 for all of them. Who could pass these up?

A little further into the store I saw plates and this one was on top. I picked it up quickly and saw it was only 65 cents. It went into my shopping cart right away. I'm going to hang it up in my office.

Then I spotted this pretty little plate that is surrounded with roses. Again 65 cents. Guess where it ended up? Yes, in my cart. Again, another lovely for my office.

Well, since I was on a roll there was no way I could leave this little rose plate behind. Once more 65 cents. Sold!

I almost missed this little hand painted plate. It was sitting off by it's lonesome self. I think someone started to get it then for some reason put it down. Either that, or they were trying to hide so they could come back later and get it. To bad for them. It's now safely in my home all cleaned up and ready to be hung up.

I guess you just never know when you will find some great treasures at the thrift stores. I had been to this one several times and hardly ever found anything. But today I lucked out. Maybe they just got these all in or something. I don't know what the reason was. I was just happy with my finds.

BTW, my brother, Gene, is doing great. Today we all went out to eat at his favorite restaurant. It was the first time he went out to eat since his stroke. It's good to see him starting to get back to his normal life again.

Hugs,

Joanne