Tag Archives: thrift store

store review: family pathways’ north branch used book store

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Is there anything more fulfilling than a good, old-fashioned bookstore shopping spree?  I don’t mean the “fill up the Amazon shopping cart” kind (fulfilling in an altogether different way), but the “holy shit I’ve been at this bookstore two hours, where has the time gone?” kind. I’m hard-pressed to think of anything more fun. But then I discovered Family Pathway’s Used Book Store up in North Branch. A magical place where bibliophiles like me can enjoy hours-long shopping extravaganza and barely dent their checking accounts.

WHAT’S GOOD

♥ The prices: Pricing at this store is as straight-forward as it gets: $4 for hardcovers, $3 for paperbacks, $1 for clearance corner books, 99 cents for children’s books. When I visited, a sale on all gardening, craft and cookbooks was running, knocking 20 percent off books in those genres.

♥ The organization: When I first walked into this thrift, I honestly felt like I was at a cozy, small-town library. The shelves are clutter-free and every section is clearly identified, making it incredibly easy to zero-in on the sections you’re interested in.

♥ The collectible books section: Taking up a good portion of the back of the store is a categorized assortment of vintage and antique books. I found some serious gems back there, including some home-making and cook books, which were both discounted 20 percent.

♥ The clearance corner: Tucked in the back left corner is the ample-sized clearance corner, featuring a wide variety of books, all just $1.

Where does the money raised here go? To support Family Pathways’ many varied community services, including non-medical senior services like advocacy, respite care and companionship; food pantry access for individuals and families; and support for youth and teens like mentoring programs and after-school activities at their teen centers. Family Pathways serves communities in seven counties throughout Central Minnesota and Western Wisconsin and continues to add new services based on the needs of the community.

On my last visit, I spent a total of $42 and came home with all of these books.

I’m stoked on them all…here are close-ups of a few.

Forty-three dollars people, for 14 books, about half of them vintage.

Go here to find: Books!

Selection/Variety: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Quality: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Pricing: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Organization: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Customer service: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Cleanliness: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Do they take credit cards? Yep!

One more money-saving tip: For every 10 pounds of books you donate, you’ll receive a book buck (that looks like a bookmark!) worth $1, for use that same day or on a future visit. They also give out one book buck for every $10 you spend!

While you’re there: Why not hit Recycled Wardrobes, the thrift store just a block down on Main Street? If you’re in the mood for coffee, every cup I’ve had from North Country Coffee has been super yum. (To learn more about Family Pathways’ other thrift stores, check out this post.)

Where it is: On North Branch’s main drag: 6381 Main Street, North Branch

Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contact: 651.277.0098

xxoo,

Meghan

thrift store review: hidden treasures thrift store

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Hidden Treasures Thrift Store

Overall, this strip mall shop falls into the category of stores I’ll visit if I’m in the area and have a minute, but rarely do I make a trip solely there to thrift. It’s a decent place, don’t get me wrong, but I’m usually looking for clothes, and after many a visit to Hidden Treasures, I’ve yet to buy anything for my closet or my feet. I have, however, seen super deals on furniture ($3 for a solid wooden coffee table! A huge, huge mid-century desk for $9!) and think they have a stand-up collection of dishes and housewares. They frequently have sales (this week, for example, you can save 50 percent on all winter coats, hats, mittens and boots) and every week, they have a special silent auction that frequently features antiques and valuable electronics. The money raised here goes to support a handful of good causes including Masterworks of Minnesota,  Care of Creation and The Garden of Hope.

Here are a couple goodies I’ve found at Hidden Treasures…

Top to bottom: An sweet brass deer ($2), Catalougue, A Book of Cat Names (50 cents) and the prettiest butterfly potholder I ever did see ($1).

Go here to find: Vintage dishes, books, serviceable kitchen utensils, crazy affordable furniture

Selection/Variety: ♥ ♥

Quality: ♥ ♥ ♥

Pricing: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Organization: ♥ ♥ ♥

Customer service: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Cleanliness: ♥ ♥ ♥

Do they take credit cards? Yep!

Other helpful hints: Sign up for their e-newsletter and be the first to know about sales and special events.

While you’re there: Admire the strip mall! It was, after all, the first one built in Minnesota, owned and financed by the famed Batista family. Yes, the Cuban Basitstas. Like the folks who ran Cuba before Castro took over. Once you’re done, eat at Dairy Queen, return some books to the library, pick up some chai at Tea Source or fancy olive oil at Annona Gourmet.

Where it is: St. Anthony Village Shopping Center, 2915 Pentagon Drive, St. Anthony

Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contact: 612.706.3223, www.hiddentreasuresonline.org

Happy shopping!

xo,

Meghan

 

savers’ coupon calendar

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True story: I inadvertently shoplifted from Savers today. Holy embarrassment, right?

Here’s how it happened: I stopped here quick over my lunch break to drop off a few bags of clothing that had been purged from my closet the night before. While I was waiting for the cashier to hook me up with my donation receipt and coupon, I saw this snazzy calendar sitting by the register and whoop, into my purse it goes. It wasn’t until I got home that I realized it said “$2.99″ in the corner. Ummmm, oops!

Anyhow, to make some kind of amends for my crime, I thought I’d fill you in on the sweet deals you’ll find. Because believe you me, you aren’t going to bring it home due to it’s gorgeous photos or inspiring design. You want this calendar because it’s chock-full of coupons that’ll save you dough all the way through to 2012.

Here’s a month-by-month rundown…

February: Buy any four items and get the fifth item of equal or lesser value FREE
March: Buy one item at regular price, get a second item of equal or lesser value FREE
April: Save 20% on your purchase when you donate two bags or boxes
May: Save $5 on your purchase of $25+
June: Save $10 on your purchase of $30+
July: Buy any four items, get a fifth item of equal or lesser value FREE
August: Buy any two summer-wear items and get a third one FREE
September: Save 30% on your purchase of used merchandise when you buy $50+ of new Halloween merchandise
October: Save 20% on your purchase when you donate two boxes or bags
November: Save 30% on your purchase of used merchandise when you buy $30+ of new merchandise
December: Save 30% on your purchase of used holiday merchandise
January 2012: Save $3 on your purchase of $10+

I’m most pumped about the coupons for March, May, June and December. What is up with November’s savings offer? Take 30% when I buy $30 or more worth of new merchandise? Who the heck buys new stuff at Savers? Not me!

Anyway, even if that month’s a total dud, if you’re a regular shopper Savers, you should pick one of these babies up pronto. They’re available through the month of January, while supplies last. And now, I shall cross my fingers that this little blog post saves me from any awful karmic retribution. If you see a tweet about me getting a parking ticket or burning my nachos tonight, you’ll know why I’m being punished!

xo,

Meghan

things i thrifted yesterday

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Hi all!

Yesterday, I braved the snow & and slippery roads to hit some thrifts. Here are a few of the things I found…
The prices ranged from 50 cents to $2 on these, btw.

♥ A bright round crazy-quilted circle made from vintage fabric, found at the bottom of a bin full of doilies, random cloth napkins, etc. This little beauty promptly found a home on my dining room table.

♥ A couple yards of this charming fabric. I love the combination of the black polka dots with the grey, pink and green roses. Not sure what I’m going to do with it just yet.

♥ And last but not least, the most comfortable pair of floral, long-underwear leggings. Perfect for wearing on a lazy, cold snowy Sunday.

Did you all thrift this weekend? Find anything awesome?

Anyway, I wish you all wonderful Sundays! I have to dash and get ready to watch my favorite team stomp the Vikings. (Fingers crossed!)

xo,

Meghan

pssst!

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Psst! Did y’all know that you our local Salvation Army thrifts have an e-newsletter? Well, they do. And if you sign up to get it, you’ll be the first to know about new store openings, changes in hours and upcoming sale events. The icing on the cake? Most dispatches also come with a 25% off coupon! Lah-dee-dah!

All you have to do is enter your email, name and zip code.

Hop on over here to sign up.

xo!

Meghan

thrift store review: unique thrift store in st. paul

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Unique Thrift Store, St. Paul

WHAT’S GOOD

♥ Purses: Most every Unique, this one included, have heaps and heaps of purses and bags. You can almost always  find an old worn-in Coach satchel or bag there, too, priced, on average, between $15-20.

♥ Vintage clothes: Vintage clothes are separated out from the rest of the clothing and given their own section in both the men’s and women’s areas. I’ve found some really cute pieces at this Unique—skirts, cardigans, shoes, coats. It’ll also be worth your while to peruse the non-vintage clothing, as many times I stumble upon a darling piece from the ’60s that just wasn’t ID’d as vintage.

♥ Jewelry: Like the Unique in North Minneapolis, this one, too has a big selection of jewelry. I always find something I want to take home here—a couple weeks ago I got a turquoise and silver feather ring for $14.

♥ Vintage vinyl: Up front near the check-out is a box of vintage records. I know nothing about record collecting, but there looked to be some nice quality albums in there, starting at $3.

WHAT’S NOT GOOD

♥ House wares: For such a big store, I hardly ever find housewares or Pyrex to come home with me. They do have a  lot of utilitarian stuff—pots, pans, bags of silverware—if you need kitchen basics for cheap.

♥ Furniture: Slim pickins. Enough said!

Here are a couple of my favorite finds from past trips to this Unique…

Brand new Minnetonka moccasins, size 8.5…


Impeccable white and gray Jordache faux fur coat…

Aforementioned sterling silver and turquoise ring…


IN SUM

Selection/Variety: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Quality: ♥ ♥ ♥

Pricing: ♥ ♥

Organization: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Customer service: ♥ ♥ ♥

Cleanliness: ♥ ♥ ♥

Do they take credit cards? Yep! They do not, however, accept checks.

Will they accept returns or exchanges? No. Trust me, I tried once. Not a fun experience.

Other helpful hints: You NEED one of these.

This handy little card will net you 25 percent off every single Friday. Sweet, right? You’ll also receive coupons ($10 off sometimes!) and alerts regarding sales, via email. Sign up (it’s free!) at the front of the store.

Where it is: 1657 Rice Street, Saint Paul (corner of Rice and Larpenteur)

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contact: 651.489.5083

I hope you all have had lovely Wednesdays! I’m off to do a walk-through of a potential venue for the December Mighty Swell sale, and then check out the newly remodeled Stastiu’s, now known as Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room, with the very lovely Angie.

xxoo,

Meghan

weekend road trip

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This weekend, I took a drive to Wisconsin to visit my mom & thrift my fanny off in my hometown. With only a couple of weeks until the sale, I was a bit hesitant to go, since my to-do list is ultra scary, but occasionally, I crave a road trip like you would not believe. And this weekend was one of those times.

Sadly, much of the 14-hour round-trip drive looked a lot like this…Rainy, rainy, rainy. Gray, gray, gray.

Saturday, I got up and thrifted like crazy. I went to a bunch of my favorite spots from when I was in high school and had major luck. How hilarious is this sign at the register at the Salvation Army?

Here’s a pretty find from the morning…an extremely soft, creamy white, hand-tooled leather handbag from Mexico. I want to keep it, but am probably going to sell it. *sniff* It’s the nicest size and in impeccable shape. So lovely.

After thrifting north of town, I met my mom at home and she drove us to some more stores in northern Illinois (Gurnee, to be exact). On the way, we passed the reason for my crazy asthma…the Pleasant Prairie Power Plant, which generates 13 percent of all of Wisconsin’s electricity, but also puffs out 8.6 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. Yucks.

The thrifts in Gurnee were all complete dumps. Imagine: diaper-y smell, dim lighting, hoards of kids, dirty merchandise. All around nasty and stupidly expensive.  After a couple of (discouraging) stops, we were shopped out. We headed home, I washed a bunch of my thrifted goodies, we ordered Chinese, watched “American Masters” and called it a day.

The drive home was uneventful, with just a couple pit stops for gas, one of these and some smoked string cheese for my honey. I did see this little guy, tied up in the rain outside a gas station, however. Random, right?

All in all, it was great (albeit quick) trip home, and I anticipate another one in my near future.

(All the pics for this post were taken with this app, btw.)

How was your weekend? Do anything fun? Hit up any thrifts? I hope it was a lovely one, whatever y’all were up to!

<3!

Meghan

store review: savers on lake street

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Savers Thrift Store, Lake Street, Minneapolis

I have a love-hate relationship with Savers thrift stores. I love that they have high standards for quality, and that the stores are clean and open on Sundays. But it drives me up the wall that their prices are ridiculously high. This Savers, the only one in Minneapolis proper, has been a go-to thrifting spot for me for years, so I figured I’d tell you all a little about it, and some tricks for saving even more money there.

WHAT’S GOOD

♥ Vintage clothes: Unlike some of the other Savers, this one has a whole section devoted to vintage in the middle of the store, with men’s and women’s wear mixed in together. I’ve found some really bitchin’ dresses from the ’70s-’90, 1960s wool skirts and men’s button-downs. Prices are fair, with dresses running anywhere in between $4-12, skirt for $6-8 and blouses for $5 here.

♥ Books: Taking up a good portion of the store is an assortment of well-sorted and in-good-condition books. I’ve spotted some really nice art/coffee table-type tomes, too.

♥ House wares: This Savers is in many ways my Target alternative, when it comes to household necessities. It’s easy to pop in here to see if they have a casserole dish in the size I need, or a baking pan—usually there’s something here that will work. I’ve also found really nice decorative plates here, and little vases to add to my collection.

WHAT’S NOT GOOD

♥ New clothes: A lot of the store’s clothing is newer, cheap clothes (Target brands, Old Navy), marked stupidly high, especially considering they’re used.

♥ Picked over-ness: Since this Savers is close to a light rail stop and right in the middle of town, it can be crazily picked over, especially if you stop in later in the afternoon or evening or during sale days.

Where does the money raised here go? Into some rich folks’ pockets! Savers is a for-profit thrift store, and it is privately owned and operated. They do work with local nonprofits, however, which can lead to some confusion, with shoppers thinking what they spend at Savers is going solely to support philanthropic efforts. It works like this: The selected nonprofits will solicit donations from folks like you and me, and then turn over those donations to Savers, who in turn, pays them per bag or box of merchandise. Donations are then sorted by Savers staff. What’s not deemed acceptable for sale in their stores is then resold (and sometimes donated) to retailers in developing countries. So, Savers not only makes money from what they sell in their retail stores, but also by selling unwanted merchandise they got for free to other retailers.

According to their website, since 1954, Savers has paid more than $1 billion to fund nonprofits’ programs and services. And that is nothing to sniff at. You can learn more about the company here.

Here are some of my favorite finds from this shop:

I love this dress! The super faded floral print is sweet, and it has pockets, a flattering cut and lady-like length. It has this soft sheen, too, which I love. I believe it was $3.99 and it came with a matching belt.

This plate makes me so happy. Now, where to hang it?

I can’t take these leather kitten-heeled, wooden-soled beauties off! Check out the bows! They cost $4 (originally priced $8, but bought on a half-off day).

Go here to find: Vintage clothes, good quality housewares, nice used books

Selection/Variety: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Quality: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Pricing: ♥ ♥

Organization: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Customer service: ♥ ♥

Cleanliness: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Do they take credit cards? Yep!

Will they accept returns or exchanges? Yes, you can exchange items within seven days of purchase but only with a receipt and the tags still attached.

Other helpful hints: Click here to sign up for Savers’ e-newsletter. You’ll get advance notice of special sales and coupons. Sweet right? If you’re a  college student, or still have your ID, flash it on Wednesdays and take 50 percent off your entire purchase. Also keep an eye out for a calendar (usually found by the register) that lists the sales happening that month and any other special promo days (senior citizen discount days, for example).

While you’re there: On Tuesdays, from 3-7 p.m., and on Saturdays, from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.,  hop across the street to the Midtown Farmers’ Market. If I’m famished after thrifting on a Tuesday after work, I stop and pick some yummy takeout from one of the food vendors or some veggies. Or, if you’re like my boyfriend, you can drop $5 and get a piping hot pizza at Little Caesars, which is in the same strip mall at Savers. Aldi, Wells Fargo, Family Dollar,  a barber shop and a liquor store all have a spot there, too.

Where it is: 2124 East Lake St, Minneapolis

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Contact: 612.729.9271, www.savers.org

Happy Friday, everyone! I’m so stoked for another long weekend. Two in a row! How lucky can one girl be??

xxoo,

Meghan

tomorrow: goodwill’s red tag sale

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Heads up thrifters!

source.

Goodwill’s Red Tag sale is happening tomorrow, Saturday, April 17th. Everything with a red tag, from clothes to housewares, shoes to electronics, will be 50 percent off. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wondering which Goodwill to go to? A list of store locations in the Twin Cities can be found here.

I’ve had good luck finding both vintage and new clothes at the Goodwill in Hopkins. There’s also a big one by the Bethesda Dress for Less Thrift in Maplewood. Do you have a favorite? If so, hit it up on Saturday and let me know what discounted treasures you find! Happy thrifting!

xoxo,

Meghan

thrift store review: nicollet avenue salvation army

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Nicollet Avenue Salvation Army Thrift Store

I find myself at this Salvation Army more than any other in the Twin Cities solely because the travel time from when I turn the lock in my back door to arriving at the store’s front door is approximately three minutes. When I need a quick thrifting fix, as I frequently do, but don’t have a lot of time, also an all-too-often occurrence, this is my spot.

I go here for the basics—clothes hangers (5 for $1), bed frames ($15 for a twin frame for my guest room)—and keep my expectations for finding anything else low. I browse the clothes, jewelry, dishes and bric-brac, but rarely find anything too exciting. Like most other area Salvation Army thrifts, this store stocks a moderate amount of never-been-worn Merona, Xhilaration, Converse One Star and Liz Lange, i.e. Target store brands.

The service is standard, but there’s a lovely new woman who started in the past month, who I’ve found to be very sweet and helpful. In terms of sales, every Friday and Saturday, the store offers dollar days, when all clothing with the weekly tag sale color are $1 each. (Offer does not include shoes or accessories.)

Here’s one of my favorite finds from this shop. Boy did I wear the crap out of this poncho this winter! It’s so warm and I love the rounded brass buttons. Pictured in it is the lovely Mary. She was over one night, got cold, threw it on and then, busted a move. Which of course, I had to document. I think I paid $3.99 for this fringed green and gold beauty.

Vintage Wool Poncho

Go here to find: Your thrift-store basics. Serviceable kitchen goods, sometimes decent furniture, average clothing and shoes. I recall that they had a healthy selection of Christmas items, both new and vintage. They also seem to keep a nice stock of bicycles, both for children and adults, many of them of the older, awesome variety.

Selection/Variety: ♥ ♥

Quality: ♥ ♥

Pricing: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Organization: ♥ ♥ ♥

Customer service: ♥ ♥

Cleanliness: ♥ ♥ ♥

Do they take credit cards? Yep!

While you’re there: In terms of dining, Shorty & Wag’s is across the street and Cocina Latina is next door. Anodyne Coffeehouse is also a hop-and-a-skip south on Nicollet. Drinking wise, you could go to Casey’s. We are talking about south, meaning it’s a beer bar. They have fancy stuff on tap, but Casey’s is not for me, ’cause I can’t stomach beer out of plastic bottles, unless I’m on a boat. In which case, I don’t care, because I’m probably exceptionally happy. Because I’m on a boat.

Shopping-wise, B Squad Vintage is a scant three blocks north up Nicollet, if you feel like shelling out a few more Jacksons for your vintage goodies. This store perpetually stocked with lovely vintage finds, including a reliable selection of dresses, vinyl, T-shirts, et al.

Where it is: 3740 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contact: 612.822.1200

I hope your Tuesday has treated you well. I’m not sure if it was the 3 a.m. thunder or my late afternoon Doubleshot that kept me up last night, but I most definitely didn’t get enough sleep. (Since when I can I not drink coffee past 4 p.m., btw?) Tonight’s plans include [drumroll please] cleaning out my fridge, putting away laundry (story of my life) and paying some bills. I know, I know, so rock ‘n’ roll.

Speaking of that, I melt for this rehearsal take of “If Not For You.” It’s not George’s beard or Bob’s denim-on-denim ‘fit (both are awesome), but it’s just the sweetest little song. And, I’m a sucker for outtakes, B-sides and rehearsal footage of any kind. Anyway, watch & melt. Unless, you know, you have no heart.

xoxo,

Meghan