thrifting, discount stores, and decorating on a budget

i thought i'd lighten up a little and post about something else that i'm really passionate about. i am a frequenter of goodwill, ross, tj maxx, homegoods, marshalls, etc. i love finding deals. it's such a rush! we just moved into a larger house. i'm not kidding, our old condo's entire contents fit into one room... so, needless to say, i've been having fun filling it up! but we're on a tight budget. [i'm talking $15 a week for discretional spending money]. here are just a few examples of things i've picked up over the past few months:

* HUGE disclaimer * i know these photos are absolutely hideous. please humor me and don't worry about the quality! focus on the great deals. i promise i'll break out my NikonD50 and start experimenting with the manual settings really soon :) [i think you may have to click on these to enlarge and see all the writing. sorry!]

[yes, my inspiration for the white dishes filling up the hutch IS none other than the nester. i love that look. her photo is way better, and her dishes much more beautiful... mine is a work in progress, and i love it that way. plates are like $1 at goodwill, so i'll be stocked up and spilling over very soon. and yes, she does have the words "nest" and "abide" displayed in her house, i know :) ]

and there's more that's waiting to be used... so.much.more. so i challenge you: save up $15 and head over to goodwill or another discount store. you will be floored by the awesome things you find. i spent my allowance at goodwill this week and ross last week! i can't even imagine setting foot in pottery barn and actually purchasing something [like my former, snobby self had longed to do]. i love buying things that no one else can buy, because there's only one sitting by itself at goodwill. it takes some patience and some creativity but it's so worth it! if you mess up in painting it, or it doesn't work out in your house, you only paid a few dollars for it [so your husband isn't mad at you ;)] and hey, you can even head back over to goodwill and re-donate it!

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