Penelope Basset

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Mapquest is a thrifty shopper's friend!









This was the first weekend I had had the chance in over a month to get out and see what treasures lay out there.
Armed with both the Pennysaver, and the Register's classified, I highlighted the most interesting sales in a 10 mile radius.
Just north of the train tracks in Fullerton, I visited a sort of flea market disguised in the paper as a yard sale. There was one very interesting little shop next to the parking lot filled with overpriced retail vendors. It was a combination boutique/sewing classroom where you can sign up for lessons with your friends. An interesting concept, but I don't know if she can get enough business to keep it going.

There were two great ones within a few blocks of each other.I am going to be a grandmother by the end of the year, God willing, so I have been tempted to pick up some cute clothes. This first house had a table filled with baby clothes that were but a quarter a piece. Of course I don't know the gender of the baby yet, but I just couldn't resist. The print dresses were brand new and never worn; the denim jumper looked well washed and comfortable.

A few blocks away, there was a family who had a table of their aunt's rubber stamps for sale. She had been a professional crafter, and had been published in some craft magazines, her young nephew told me. There must have been over 300 stamps of all sizes and styles for sale at a dollar a piece. Spurred to boldness by the Queen of Fifty Cents' wheeling and dealing, I offered 5 dollars for six stamps. Sure, and pick out another one if you want! I know some of these are very expensive, having seen them in shops over the years. I will have to figure out what to do with them, but I picked out all ones that I really liked, so it was ok to buy them. I suggested that they could donate the leftover stamps to the library for a tax deduction, gave her my business card, and wished them good day.

One house was clearing out the treasures of a lifetime. I always feel a bit guilty going to estate sales, but this time the mom was still alive, just moving into an extended care home. I got a beautiful Aynsley bone china cup and saucer in perfect condition to send to my new daughter-in-law back in South Carolina. She had never been to a tea shop or "done tea" before we stopped at a little shop in Fullerton while shopping and getting to know each other. Marie was charmed by the scones, hot tea, and the civilized chance to sit and talk. I thought this cup would be perfect for her,

Lastly, I found these two framed mottos at the bottom of a box of odd stuff that had to have been sealed and stored for 80 years. the frames were coming apart, and one of the pictures had been torn in two, but I thought it was worth the try to take them home and mend. They look like they are easily from the 20's or 30's, and are hand painted. I am debating if I should repaint the gold frames in an antique gold or just leave as is.

A fun day!

1 Comments:

At July 7, 2008 at 6:11 AM , Blogger The Queen of Fifty Cents said...

Gosh, I don't think I've ever spurred anyone to boldness before! Fabbo deals, well done! And congrats on the impending grandmotherhood.

 

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