Thrifting With Hope

Dear friends and family,

Thank you for joining me today. It’s late fall in my part of the world and I’m finally taking some time to share my latest passion.

“Buying items that others don’t want; also known as THRIFTING!”

Have you heard of it? Are you doing it? Has it transformed the way you shop?

This time last year, I started discovering the joy of finding beauty in things other people no longer wanted. This was quite an about face for me. You see, if you know me or have read any of my past posts, you will know I went through quite a minimalist phase. Okay, a BIG, minimalist phase. Much of that had to do with the fact that we had a larger family than average, (eight kids!) and at one time our house was packed to the brim, with children and babies, and all their stuff; Toys, Sporting Equipment, Clothes, Crafts, Books, oh, all the paraphernalia, we as parents buy because we think our kids need “whatever,” for their development. (Take it from me, a mom whose bought just about everything at one time, and in many cases, way more than one thing, like eight strollers over the years!!!) What I learned, at least in my opinion, our kids only need a few things, “us, getting out in nature and a library card.”

What changed my minimalist mindset? Well, it’s more of an evolution if you will. I still like minimal items around me. I like knowing where I can find everything. You know that old adage, “everything in it’s place,” works well for me. I also like buying fewer things of higher quality. The things that will stand the test of time. Also, with regards to clothes, I prefer natural fibres, ( organic cotton, wool) and I like classic styles. Seeing piles of fast fashion shipped in containers to be dumped overseas makes me nauseous, and that alone, has moved me towards buying second hand, quality items.

But there is more.

Slowly, over the years our children have been leaving. Very slowly at first. Since our older ones are all three years apart, one would almost be graduating from University and then the next one would be off. Some came home for the summers and a couple have gone to our the University near our home. But eventually, one by one, the four older ones have all left, and are now living in various parts around the world. Which means, our house feels lighter and bigger. Only four remain.

Over the years, I’ve been diligent about going through our house each season and teaching our children to keep only the things that are still serving them. We do that Marie Kondo thing, “what sparks joy, we keep, what doesn’t, we thank, and we gratefully then let that item go.” For years, I’ve been taking boxes and bags of clothing and household items to our local thrift stores. I’ve been diligent and conscious over not over consuming, which seems contradictory to having a large family, but I felt even more compelled to teach my children to use things up, to make do, to not always need the latest phone or electronic device. I also wanted (want) our home to feel organized and orderly. Since I have been downsizing items for several years now, I was surprised when things changed last year. I suppose it’s just a matter of time too, but suddenly things were breaking. It all started last winter, several of my favourite casserole dishes broke. It was weird because after years of use, one broke and then another. Then, a few of my favourite serving dishes for cookies and treats broke. Since we often bring snacks to share at our children’s group orchestra practices, this was a big deal, as I don’t like having to use paper or tin foil plates. My husband David looked into the cost of replacing some of my French White, CorningWare casserole dishes/lids, and we were surprised to find them quite expensive. Hmmm, what to do? Before jumping to replace them, I decided to visit a few of our local thrift stores.

I tentatively entered. The smell wasn’t the greatest. A musty used, a bit of dirt in the air scent. These were the places where I had donated boxes and boxes of clothing and household items over the years. I pushed through the less than receptive smell and started to really look at the items on the shelves, or on the racks and what I discovered was untold riches. Yes, there were things that were well used, but there were also many things brand new, or hardly used at all. What further surprised me, was there were vintage items that were unique and if picked up and displayed properly, could enable me to curate that comfortable English Cottage style I desired.

I was hooked!

The first treasures I didn’t take pictures of. I was easily able to replace my French White, CorningWare. I now have two oval casserole dishes and two rounds ones in varies sizes. All with lids. And over the last year I’ve found lovely plates, in which I can take my cookies, muffins, vegetable and fruit platters, to all the events that happen with orchestra and at my children’s potluck activities. Also, you know what I love? I love being able to have someone over and send them home with some leftovers or cookies, not on a paper plate but on an actual plate they can keep. This goes the same with candy dishes and vases. I’ve found the greatest gifts at the thrift store to give to loved ones. This makes me so happy!

If you are intrigued….and you may be….

Here are a few of the treasures I’ve found this last year. Some are vintage, like the depression glass candy dishes and the cake plate. Some are collector type items as well. Mostly, the things I select are to create a curated home with old style charm. So check out a few of my treasures below, but WARNING….thrift shopping can be addictive.

It’s a bit like digging for treasure.

Once I realized I was onto something I started taking pictures of some of my lovely finds. Also, please note that almost everything I bought was 30% off! I only shop when there are sales, or when I have a 20% off or more coupon.

Below is a lovely, soft wool scarf that goes with absolutely everything. This scarf is big enough to wear as a shawl, or can be draped over the back of a sofa. I’m always looking for picture frames as Kathryn loves to paint and I love to frame her work. The Cookie plates are perfect for giving away with some of my baking. The candy dish and cake plate are both depression glass and are vintage finds. DEALS! but I just love them.

Our cat Yuuki always checks out what I bring into the house.

I also always check out the linen. Above, I found brand new cloth napkins.

Below….

I was looking for a pottery utensil holder and I found two. The cream one with a red top (very vintage) is the one I use now and the green marble one, I placed a plant in. I was happy to find dessert dishes too as these always seem to break and I was thrilled to find these for a low price. Nothing really overly special about them but perfect for a bowl of yogurt or ice cream. The cream coloured dish is large and perfect for taking places filled with cookies. I liked the scalloped edge with the leaf motif. The glass one is lovely piled with fruit, or a yummy cake.

Do you think I’m crazy yet? For the longest time, I snapped these pictures and only shared them with my son Harrison, who has been living and working in Toronto this past year. I wanted a way to bring him into my life on a weekly basis and I felt like showing him a few of my thrift finds was one way to do that. He never said I was crazy, but since graduating with a Commerce degree last year and now working in high finance on Bay Street, I wondered if he was just being polite.

And soooooo…..I think it’s probably better that I finally come clean and share what’s been going on in my life on my blog.

As you may know, I haven’t been writing on my blog much this past year but I have been making pie and quiches. When I found this marble rolling pin at the Salvation Arm I snapped it up. You can’t really see it, but underneath is a wooden stand, so it doesn’t fall off the Island when I’m rolling out my dough. (It’s heavy and would damage my wood floor for sure!) When I came home with it, I went on line to check pricing. I couldn’t find one similar for under $30.00 dollars. The one below was the least expensive at $36.00 dollars. Needless to say, I was thrilled as I bought mine for $10.00 dollars. at the Salvation Army thrift store. I know this isn’t a huge savings, but if I were to resell it, I’d triple my money. But I’m not selling it!!! (As an investment guy, maybe Harrison would say that’s small peanuts but hey, it’s still a win) Plus, who doesn’t like pie?

Below is another lovely casserole dish, smaller than my other new ones but useful for leftovers and it was in mint condition. Oh, don’t you just love that lemon yellow plate? When I saw it for the first time, it made me feel like Spring was just around the corner and that little bunny made me hop up and down and smile. The bunny, btw, sits next to my sink and I put my scrub brush inside of her. Keep in mind everything was 30% off too!!!! That was a Spring Score! More dessert dishes…they are great for putting dips in. Also, I liked the basket weave look around this off white plate. I know it may seem like I have a lot of plates but when I sign up for providing our orchestra a snack, it requires the use of many plates.

While I didn’t capture pictures of the following, I must tell you about them…

I found a lovely crystal vase before Valentines day and gave it to my oldest son and his fiancé, filled with chocolates. Also, I didn’t take pictures of all the crystal candy dishes that I found for my youngest children but I bought them and filled them too with Valentine’s candy. I was so happy to find the glass vase below as it’s the perfect size for a few cut flowers placed next to a bed. I’m always looking at vases because every year I’m growing more cut flowers in my garden. Also, as I mentioned above, I’m wanting to create a English Cottage style of interior, so I have been looking for a few blue and white transferware dishes. The ones below are quite common (Liberty Bell) but also lovely. And that cake dish is another depression glass piece that I have seen at the Antique store for 3 times what I paid. (Again, remember I shop when everything is either 20 to 30% off as I only go when there is a sale on, or when I have a coupon)

By early Spring of this year I realized I had a bit of an obsession, but seeing the sign below put everything in perspective. Over the years I know I’ve cared far too much for what other’s think of me, (and my family) but as I’m growing older, I’m letting that go. This little chicken sign is now in my laundry room, where I spend a lot of time, (the joy of still having four kids at home) and it reminds me to let go and laugh.

One of my dreams is to turn our children’s old play house into my writing studio, so when I found the little shelf (below) with the heart etched in it, I was over joyed. I could see this in my studio, with my old blue sweater hanging from one of the wooden peg, and a few of my favourite Willow Tree Angels sitting on top, inspiring me to write from my heart. Also, I’ve made due without a whisk for a few years now, crazy I know, because anyone that cooks, knows you need whisks! The glass dish with the divider has come in handy so many times this past year. I’ve filled it with fruit and vegetables and can’t you just picture a delectable chocolate cake on that cake plate? When we renovated our son Will’s room in the summer, we put that sturdy coat rack up on the wall. It was brand new, still in it’s package and fits in with his old fashion board and batten bedroom style.

Again, when you are looking at prices…remember I didn’t pay full price and if you are thrifting, look for the days when there are deals, or donate something and get a coupon for 20% off. Here’s a tip too, have you ever passed a free item on the side of the road? Even if you don’t want it, pick it up, donate it, get a coupon from your thrift store and buy something you do want. Also, at some places, if you become a member there are further discounts.

With a family of six at home, invariably glasses and plates are getting broken. I was happy to find these glasses and plates on one of my treasure shops. Also, I absolutely loved the botanical prints of roses with gorgeous old English looking frames. I knew these pictures were old as they said, “Eatons,” on the back. “Eatons,” was an old department store in Canada. I placed each picture above the girls beds in their new room. (I will write a blog post about this reno soon, I promise, as it turned out so sweet and was a fun project) I was happily shocked to fine these black dress shoes for next to nothing. Always check out the purses, shoes, wallets and belts. I’ve found such high quality items. You just need to look. I’m looking forward to a few concerts this fall where I can enjoy wearing these shoes and know that I got them for less than $10.00.

I love baskets! Also, when I can find a picture that I think would make a lovely addition to my future gallery wall, I pick it up. Below, “The Blue Boy,” a print of Gainsborough’s famous painting is a classic, but it was delightfully in an old vintage frame. (I bought him for $4.00 on sale.) When I found the little white birds I had to get them. It was like they were waiting for me. My sweet nephew has had major health challenges this year and since he loves to take care of animals, particularly birds, I knew these needed to go to him and remind him how much he is loved.

Part of taking care of the Earth, is taking care of each other

(And now below)

As we were moving towards summer, I needed some sleeveless summer tops. I visited a shop where some of the profits go towards supporting our mental health organization. I was so happy to find beautiful clothing at reasonable prices and know some of the money would go towards a good cause. (The quote above reminds me to let go of my belief to only buy new things. If we want to help the earth, we need to let go of limiting beliefs and in doing so we help others shine too.

Isn’t the little lamp the sweetest? I bought it for our twin daughter’s renovated bedrooms. I must write a blog post about these summer renovations as thrifted finds make their rooms more special. Also, I found more wicker. LOVE IT! And on my list was wooden cutting boards and on this day I found a great one with a handle. The old brown “Betty” tea pot is huge but then, when we have family over I can brew a big pot of tea and it’s perfect for all of us. The dishes are Homer Laughlin and are called, “Pastoral.” They are creamy white with soft green pictures of farms and old time, winter scenes. After purchasing them, I came home and looked them up and realized I got them for a really great price…but what was more important was they inspired a new kitchen reno…more about that below.

The crystal butter dish, I’ve used everyday. We’ve been using real butter and healthier fats since last Spring, so this is a lovely addition to our kitchen. I did see a pottery, butter dish awhile ago and I left it at the thrift store. I often think of it. It would have been perfect for our everyday use and then I could have kept this one for special occasions. This is an example of one thing I passed up and wished I had put in my cart. That is the one downfall of thrifting. When you see something that sparks joy, put it in your cart. Everything is unique and chances are, if you like it, someone else will too. Like the butter dish, I’ve had a few regrets of things that I didn’t pick up but then using this lovely dish everyday, reminds me that everyday is special.

The final item in this shopping trip was that white casserole dish with little handles. I loved it! We used it so much in the summer time that one day it too broke. I was only momentarily sad. Then the feeling left. It’s only stuff after all. (on the ledge is a picture that Kate painted in the summertime. I often look for frames to put her paintings in)

Here are the plates up close…aren’t they precious? And also in the colours that I want to paint our kitchen.

Below is a picture of a kitchen with white upper cabinets and dark gray green ones….We have been thinking of repainting our current kitchen cabinets….probably more green than below but it gives you the idea. The Homer Laughlin plates inspired my colour choices…Peaceful.

It’s funny how a simple plate can be your inspiration for a total kitchen makeover!

And by September time, my youngest daughters, (Victoria above, and Kathryn, below) were begging to be brought to the thrift store to shop for their back to school clothes, as they were growing out of everything and wanted special, unique, one of a kind type outfits. I was happy to accommodate. My children are inspiring me to do little things to care for the earth. Reusing things, is just as important as recycling, maybe more so, as it doesn’t take any energy, just appreciation and gratitude.

Below are just a few items I found in the summer…the jeans were just $6.00 each and all name brands. I loved the summer dress and the shirt and shorts were a cool outfit for those summer evenings when you want to be casual but a bit dressy. The picture doesn’t do them justice. The point though is that for the price of one pair of new jeans, I filled my closet with clothes for the summer, and clothes that I’m wearing this fall.

After almost a year of being a closet thrifter, I’ve decided to go public and say, if you’ve not tried this type of consuming, it’s the wisest, most environmentally friendly way to shop. Reusing, reimagining, giving something new life, is marvelous. What I’ve discovered is that I’m not alone. I’ve found a community of people just like me on YouTube who actually like going thrift shopping. Inspired by this, I’ve taken my camera with me and actually filmed little snippets of my shopping trips. Usually, when I shop though, it’s super busy, and I’m mindful not to film when people are around. But I know, some people want to see what’s on the shelves in my part of the world and so, I will endeavor to put some of my thrift shopping trips and treasure finds on my YouTube, “The Reynolds Homestead.”

Check it out…as it’s coming soon!!!

Finally,

I know things are difficult financially for many people. I know many people are struggling to just put food on their table and pay their rent and mortgages. (If they are lucky enough to own a home that is) I know shopping at a thrift store may not be something you can afford but I wanted to also put this thought in your ear. If you need a bit of extra cash, this can also be an income stream. Maybe not a ton, but if you have free time, it’s something to think about. When I go shopping, I’ve recognized a regular group of people and judging from what they put in their carts, “Vintage items, collector items, etc, ” I’m pretty sure they are reselling them on Facebook Marketplace, or other social media resale outlets. Some things I find, I know I could resell and earn a bit of an income. When I’ve gone to larger outlets there are pieces of furniture too that can be painted and sold for higher amounts. So keep that in mind. When we are creative and in the flow of being grateful, our eyes are open to endless possibilities.

May hope remain in your heart.

And may we have hope that even the littlest things we do help the earth.

Until we meet again, may you be well, happy and peaceful.

Blessings from Hope