Value Village © by bradley j

Do you shop in thrift stores?

I do.

There are 3 Canadian ones that I love to hit up quite regularly: Value Village, Salvation Army and Goodwill.When my daughter was younger there was also a consignment store Ages and Stages (it is on the Danforth if you are in Toronto).

I have shopped second-hand stores for as long as I can remember. Think of it like going to a garage sale without having to rummage through someone’s garage or backyard. I find it is a great way to be eco-friendly and save more than just a few dollars and if you are a vintage designer you love a good thrift store, there are so many things that can be tweaked and upscaled for your home.

Because of my love for the second-hand I have decided to start a new regular feature called Thrifting Thursday to my blog. I will be sharing what I found, how things can be reused (upscaled), and discussing thrift in general. Why be thrifty? Think more money to do other things you want to do and love.

I also what you my readers to share your great finds, and I will be looking for guest bloggers to write about their great finds, upscales, frugal decor, etc on Thursdays.

Now about one of my most recent finds. Right before Christmas I really wanted to have lanterns on my new mantle. Yes in the new apartment there is a beautiful fireplace mantle that is the focal point of my living-room. So I really wanted to decorate it with lanterns, but every lantern I saw was out of my budget. Then one day, at the Goodwill store at the end of my street, I spotted 2  lanterns, silver, weathered and perfect for my mantle. Best part I got both for $3.I love when I find what I am looking for in a thrift store. What about you? Have you thrifted lately and are u willing to share your story.