Frugal Finds

Todd and I love to go to flea markets and garage sales.  This past weekend we decided to go to several garage sales looking for items I need to make Christmas Gifts.  This is what we came home with:

All said, we spent $12.85 and had a great time!  There are two items not shown:

1. Pack of 3 medium-sized twine/branch looking decorative spheres
2. Metal food dish (for a dog)

We gave the decorative spheres to Todd’s mom because we knew she’d love them. They were $2 with a tag from Kirkland’s showing $10!  They were still in the package, brand new.   The metal food dish was $1 and the reason it wasn’t in the picture is because it was already in use!

The other items we purchased are:

• 10 t-shirts for $0.15/each!  Todd will use them as his work shirts.
• Chip clip - $0.25 (this one Todd wanted – I could have done without)
• Purse - $0.50
• 2 vases - $0.10 for one, $0.25 for the other
• 1 picture frame with  “Recipe for a Happy Marriage”
• Travel Coffee Mug - $0.10 (I am using it as I type this with water in it! Love it!)
• A bundle of silverware - $0.25 (will be used for a homemade Christmas gift)
• 2 wooden bowls - $1
• 3 different decorative glass knick-knacks - $0.25/each - will be made into Christmas gifts
• Frosted teacup and saucer $0.25/each - will be made into a Christmas gift
• Vinegar & Oil - $3.00/both  - will be made into 2 Christmas gifts

I liked the purse, so I bought it.  After we bought it, the woman stated that it was a vintage purchase that was her grandmother’s.  I was amazed because it does not show any wear: it was well taken care of!   

I will have to say that my favorite purchase of the day was (and still is) the framed “Recipe for a Happy Marriage.”  It had been a rough week in our home, and this message is exactly what we needed to remind us of the recipe.  I saw the poem first and showed it to Todd thinking he’d say “no” to me buying it.  Surprisingly, he seemed to like it as much as I did!  I plan on making several of these and giving them away as wedding gifts.  

Instead of asking about your frugal find for the week, I'd love to see them!  I am finally posting a linky and would like to see what you have found this week and how you plan on using it.

(This post is linked with Homemaker by Choice, Friday Favorites and Things I Love Thursdays.)

Rules for linking:

1. Please use the direct link to your frugal find (not a general link to your blog)
2.  Link back to Sparing-Change
3. Have fun!