My husband Morton and I were having a good clean out in the garage.  I know we JUST moved in, but my garage is shockingly filled with the same boxes that were filling our basement at the old apartment.  The kicker to the whole story is that the things aren't really mine, we just sort of inherited them.

We have picked out a set of new (well, they were new at some time, perhaps 1955) glasses, assorted bowls, two pie plates (great for a couple who don't even have an oven) and about three boxes of things we can actually use.  The other things are going to a charity shop.  We are finished with them.

Morton said that I could have yard sales, sell the stuff and it sounded like a good idea in theory, but the fact of the matter is that my life is just a tad busy at the moment.  And besides, we LOVE to shop in thrift stores, so donating things that other people might be able to buy for a bargain is doing a good thing.

While going through the boxes, I also came across an old bag of clothes I had told Morton we could drop off at the charity shop the last time I regained weight I had lost.  I couldn't bear having smaller sizes that didn't fit taking up room in our crowded wee closet. 

Now since all my clothes are getting baggy on me, I was thrilled to see some size 22's in jeans I didn't need to buy again.  The plan is to NOT wear them for long, just a few months until they are hanging on me the way my size 26 and 28's currently are.  THEN, when they are too baggy they will get personally taken by yours truly to the closest charity shop to go to a new home.

I know several people (various family and friends) who would never DREAM of buying a used set of curtains let alone a pair of jeans, but I also know a load of savvy shoppers who understand that EVERY TIME you go out for a meal where they don't serve out of paper bags, you use USED silverware, used dishes and your food is cooked in VERY used pots and pans.  You also have no control on how clean they all are.

The same goes for the most fantastic hotels down to the worst flea-bag motels on the planet.  No matter where you sleep you are paying to sleep on used linen, comforters and then take a shower in a used tub and dry yourself with a very used towel.  Get my point?

It is just like buying a used car.  If it is in a condition that is acceptable to you, why not?  Take it home, clean it up and pat yourself on the back for not wasting money on new.

So I urge you to clean out your closet, simplify your life, help others and yourself along the way.  Recycle, reuse and don't forget that the money you save can go towards that trip you have been telling yourself you'll take some day. 

Have a great week people, go out and check out your local thrift store.  You'll never pay retail again!
Priscilla

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