Sunday, August 14, 2011

99 Cent Store - Awesome Array of Fresh Produce


If you have one of these stores in your neighborhood, you are going to be amazed at what's behind those closed, glass doors.  They are currently located in only 4 states ~ Texas, California, Nevada and Arizona.  There are not too many locations in Texas, but I happen to be fortunate enough to live close to two of them....and we visit both!

This is where we buy most of our fresh produce.  They have a large variety of fruits and vegetables to choose from and most items are name-brand, such as Dole.  They also sell eggs, milk, whole wheat bread, yogurt, etc.  You have to see it to believe it!  Until 3 months ago, I did not realize what a fantastic food section is housed in their stores.  Since there are not too many coupons out there for fresh foods, this is the perfect place to shop for these items.  The price is ALWAYS right!

The following photos are from today's shopping trip to the 99 Cent Store.  This is just a small example of the fresh produce they carry.  But, it was all I needed for today.  









As you can see, they carry lots of healthful food besides fresh fruits and vegetables.  I found 16 oz. bags of 16-bean assortment (expensive at the grocery store) and wild rice (also expensive at some grocery stores).  They have a large variety of teas ~ red, white, green, black, orange pekoe, and many flavors.  Everything is ALWAYS fresh and delicious, including their breads.  There's not too many places to buy WHOLE wheat bread for less than $1.00.

My trip today included a 5-lb bag of potatoes, Roma tomatoes ($0.79/lb.), a bag of red plums, a bag of bananas, 2 bags of bagged salad, broccoli slaw, chopped cabbage, 2 bags of dried beans, 2 bags of wild rice, a loaf of whole wheat bread, a box of green tea bags, 2 cans of black olives, celery, and vegetable medley (broccoli, carrots and cauliflower).  All of this was less than $18.00!!  Not bad for healthful foods with NO coupons!  

Who said it had to be expensive to eat healthy??

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Thrifting for White China Dinner Plates Finally Pays Off!

I have been scouting every yard sale, garage sale, flea market, thrift store, charity shop, etc. for a nice set of white, china plates.  Of course, I was looking for a set of 6, which is almost impossible...and I was looking for a thrifty price!

This past week I hit the jackpot!  Hubby and I went to Dollar General to pick up a few items on sale with coupons.  When we pulled into the parking lot, to our surprise and excitement, we spotted a charity shop that we had never seen before.  How could that be??? It had to be new, because there's no way we could have missed it before.  (Found out at the checkout counter that they had been there for 3 years!)

We finished up our shopping at Dollar General and hurried over to check out "Dollar Wise".  Closing time was only 15 minutes away.  Quickly I scurried over to the dishes for a quick look......and to my pleasure, there sat the most beautiful set of white, china plates.  I knew they were of excellent quality and they were in pristine shape!  But, the best part, not only were there 6 plates....there were 8!!!  Awesome!  They had my name written all over them.  And, for $2.00 each, they were mine!!!

Hubby and I guessed the plates to be worth about $20 each.  We were right on the money!  After a search online, I found that this particular pattern was discontinued in 2004.  Individual dinner plates are being sold for $19.95 to $23.99 each.

Have you ever experienced the thrill of a good find after losing hope that you would ever find what you were looking for???  That was me!

Not only did I find what I was looking for, but I never imagined to find a full set of 8 that looked brand new!  And, so pretty!  I am in love with them!  I hope to find more pieces soon!

This is probably my best thrift find to date, so I had to share!  Please share what you have found recently that has been on your wishlist for some time.........