Thriving Thrifts

Christmas has come to an end and now its the new year. I am sure a lot of you are not even thinking about the following Christmas/holiday and buying more gifts and spending more money already. You are most likely ecstatic that its over. BUT... you should be thinking about gifts. Now is the time to get the after holiday deals and get a jump start on your holiday shopping or any occasion that involves giving someone a little something. Don't worry there is a way to organize it all for the 365 days that remain until Christmas. It's called the GIFT BOX.. or boxes. Ally and I have a system that we call the Gift Box. We stock up on gifts throughout the year and put it into a designated area in our house (usually a closet). As of right now, since we are not in our own home yet, we have one plastic draw organizer filled with everyone's gifts. Once we move, I would like to get more organized by person. Ally's mother, Kathy, uses decorative photo boxes labeled wi

2017 is coming to an end and the new year is ringing in. With the new year comes new goals for 2018. Here are some of mine for the new year. Maybe they will inspire you to have some goals of your own or add more to your already long list. I chose some goals that are specific and others that are broad. Some of these goals are daily while others are monthly. Now, these goals can be adjusted throughout the year because I have to be realistic and at the same time push myself. I will give the list with a brief description if needed. Read All of Harry Potter books again- I am not one to read books more than once but I am a huge Harry Potter fan. Many have told me that you pick up more each time you read the books. Read 15 books at least Read 45 mins a day- I want to watch less Netflix before bed and do more reading to help get me tired. Plus, reading everyday will allow me to accomplish my goal above. Run 5 miles by end of March- I had thi

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!" Only 15 more days until Christmas which means only 15 more days to think of stocking stuffer ideas. Well have no fear, thriving thrifts is here! I have come up with a small list of items that you could come across at the thrift store that can be used for stocking stuffers or small gift exchanges. So without further ado, lets get shopping! #1 Stocking Stuffer Idea: Holiday Mugs- thrift stores have tons and tons of beautiful mugs including holiday themed mugs. Instead of going to a store and spending $5 on a mug, you can get one from the thrift store for 25-50 cents. All they will need is a little wash. #2 Stocking Stuffer Idea: Books-Thrift stores have a never ending stock of books and most are in great condition and only range from 10 cents to $2. I have found brand new Harry Potter books, Nicholas Sparks books, John Grisham books, and many other popular books and authors. Don't forget about children books, cook bo

It's finally December and I am jumping up and down for joy. I love Christmas and this time of year and I can't believe it is already here. November has come to an end which means outfits of the month. Now, with the thanksgiving break, I had a short week for work which means less thrifted outfits of the day but I did out together some of my new favorites! Here they are: My clothing limit is $5 for an item. All of these items were under $4 (minus the shoes).  This Express sweater has become a new favorite of mine. It is very thick, comfy, and warm. I took the tie off it and turned it into a throw on sweater! These last two outfits are my new favorites. The white knitted sweater is loose fitting and comfortable. I am able to match it with multiple shirts and pants. I am making this a short and sweet post because I am dying to watch a Christmas movie on Netflix or hallmark. I will be posting a huge post this coming week of all my recent hauls. It has been

First I wanted to thank all of my fans for taking the time to read my blogs and participating in my contest last week! The answer to the contest question was books. My favorite thing to thrift is books. Even though, right now, I am not allowed to buy any because I have so many that I need to read first. I have no need to buy a book full price because I usually am able to find it in the thrift store. The only exception to my rule is Nicholas Sparks. He is my favorite author and if he comes out with a new book I go and get it! Well it's that time of year to get into the Christmas spirit. Today was a day full of crafting for Ally and I, however, I can only show one of them because the others are gifts. Remember those holiday decorations I told you to look out for in the thrift store as holiday decor? Well, here is an idea of what to do with them. Now, on this specific craft I cheated a little. I used plastic Christmas ball ornaments that I got for a steal at after the holiday sal

Can anyone believe that Thanksgiving is in less than 2 weeks!!! I sure can't. Time is flying and before I know it, it will be 2018 but lets not rush things because 2017 has been really go to me! I wanted to share a post talking about my all time favorite things to thrift. I enjoy finding anything for a good bargain but there are certain items I always look for in thrift stores that just make me smile ear to ear when I come across them. I am going to tell you 5 things I just jump for in a thrift store or at a garage sales starting with my #5 and counting down. BUT... #1 will remain a secret! There will be a chance to win a small prize for whoever can guess what my favorite thing is to buy from a thrift store (this is US contest only.. sorry). The first person to guess correctly will receive a small gift from Thriving Thrifts. Good Luck! #5: Knitted Sweaters- I have found a new love for the knitted cover up sweaters that you wear over another shirt. They are so comfortable and