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.........



Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Hobby Lobby Finds

Hubby and I took a trip to Hobby Lobby this evening.  We went to use our 40 percent off coupons on fiberfill for hubby's crocheted animals (which I will share tomorrow).  I, of course, headed to the 80% off home decor section.  Here's what I found!!



These bookends were $24.99 on CLEARANCE for $5.00!  I quickly snatched them up and will be saving them for my Dad for Christmas.  He is a Fire Chief & State Fire Marshal.  He will love these!  So excited!



Love the design on this candle.  The fragrance is magnificent!  It's regular price was $11.99, but clearanced for $2.40.  




I have a great love for crosses & candles, so what could be more fitting than these two candleholders?  So beautiful!  The glass FAITH candleholder retailed for $13.99 and clearanced for $2.80.  The LOVE cross retailed for $14.99 and was clearanced for $3.00.




And lastly, I found this beautiful wall hanging with hooks.  It is engraved with one of my favorite sayings.  I love it!  It was priced regularly at $9.99 and I paid $2.00 for it!



I actually left Hobby Lobby spending less than $20.00.  That included hubby's fiberfill (which is why we went in the first place!)  I am so pleased!  

The 80% clearance sale covered a large section of one corner of Hobby Lobby - it's the largest clearance section I have ever seen there.  So, you might want to check it out for those who are fortunate to have a Hobby Lobby close by!  There were also aisles and aisles of clearance items at 66% off.  

Hubby and I had a fun night!  We always do when we find such great deals!  See, it's not hard to live better for less!  


Monday, June 13, 2011

It's Another Giveaway! This one is so sweet & so pink!!

This bottle is so beautiful, so sweet, and so pink!  I love it!  The giveaways this week are fabulous.....so many generous bloggers!  This one is being sponsored by Teacup Stitches and you are going to love it!  Along with the bottle, you will be receiving one of her original designed cards.  Again, pretty & pink!  I am a new follower to Teacup Stitches and I am in awe visiting her blog.  Everything is absolutely gorgeous and very creative.  Stop by and enter her giveaway....she has made it so simple to enter!

A Few Saturday Yard Sale & Thrift Store Finds

Saturday afternoon, hubby and I headed out on our weekly yard sale run.  We found a few beauties at the yard sales, but most of our finds were at Good Will & a charity shop about 10 miles from us (a place we only travel to on the weekends.)


Photos below are just a few of our sweet finds for just a song!



 A sweet little shelf
 Wall hanging & a couple of beautiful wood frames
A framed picture that I actually plan to keep as is!  I usually buy frames for other projects.
 So sweet!  What do you suppose they are conveying to each other?
 Love these guys!  I collect elephants.  They are made of metal.  
 Old-looking double picture frame

 How cool is this?  I don't know what I am going to do with it yet.  But, I had to have it!
 The wood duck has already made a home for himself out on the patio with the flowers we just potted.  
 The Texas A&M heart has been removed & the wreath is ready to be hung on the back of our front door.  Since it is a steel door, I will be purchasing a Command hook to hang it.
I love this wood plaque & the saying, too!

To Sew With Love Giveaway #2

To Sew With Love is having a giveaway sponsored by Old Wives' Tale Soaps.  This giveaway is really exciting because there are SO MANY ways to enter.....that means more chances to WIN!!  Old Wives' Tale Soaps is giving away a $10 gift certificate to the lucky winner. AND, shipping is free, too, when you redeem your $10!!  Wait until you see the soaps and how reasonably priced they are.....BEAUTIFUL creations.  I am entering every which way I can for this one!!


Good luck to everyone!  If I don't win, let me know if you did! :0)




Sunday, June 12, 2011

Another Sweet Giveaway!

It's a Frenchy giveaway sponsored by Sandi @ Wayside Treasures!  Don't miss this one!  There are actually two giveaways and it is very simple to enter.  You have a choice between (1) A French-style tote & a French-style canvas print OR (2) A canvas pink rose print apron & a pink rose tin wall hanging.  


Hurry on over & take a look! Beautiful, frenchy treasures!  You may access her blog by clicking on her button in my sidebar.....


Good luck!