Sunday 12 August 2012

1 month down and garage sale finds.

I've coped with the first month of not shopping at stores! 
It hasn't been all that hard but I'm sure it will get harder the longer I go and the more things start to run out.
Yesterday I went to my first ever household auction- it's kind of looks like a garage sale but you bid on each item you want. Now I thought I was just going to your run of the mill garage sale but boy was I in for an experience. My half hour garage sale trip ended up taking 3 hours and I felt the thrill of bargain prices, so low I'd never had before.

I received my bidding card and scoured the place for goodies. Since I live in a small town, I had three people I knew there so I didn't really want to outbid them on items. Thankfully apart from one table we didn't need to bid against each other. It was a lot of fun bidding for items, though it took me a while to get into gear and have the confidence to start bidding...see I'm trying really hard to not end up with too much stuff- after all if I buy something new, I need to part with something old (self enforced rule). The bargains were amazing- like 2 rakes and a shovel going for $2 but I restrained myself from going crazy and ended up with some new additions to the home.

A sewing machine. 
I've currently got my mum's machine at my house but she kind of wants it back so I took the gamble buying a machine cheaply. We'll see how I can make it work. If it ends up being a dud, oh well; I knew I'd regret it if I didn't try and get myself a machine.

A sewing kit. 
This little basket was actually full of surprises. I'm always a lover of craft supplies so I bid on it and ended up being delighted to find it was full of gems. I got myself a heap of buttons, bias binding, quality scissors and pinking shears, elastic and zips as well as some new craft supplies for the classroom. I've now got myself a little sewing basket too!

A dressing table. 
This wasn't quite something I needed or even know what I'm going to do with it but it was just too gorgeous to not grab. For $2 I couldn't help myself. It's just so cute and funky and I'll find the perfect use. For now it is good storage in my shed but soon this beauty will find a spot in our home.

Outdoor chairs
See I found this little white table a few weeks back and these chairs just look so cute with it. I love the colour and style and they sort of rock while you sit on them making them mighty comfortable.

So this was my collection from my first ever auction. I'm so keen to go to another one. However next time I will definitely spend a little more time looking at things at the start and working out the kind of price I'm prepared to go to.
I'm linking up with some new sites this week so check out these cool blogs:
TuCoastal Charm, Frugal Treasures Tuesday T- Vintage Thingie Thursday, Treasure Hunt Thursday F- The Thrifty Groove, Vintage Inspiration Friday S- Penny Worthy Project

Happy thrifting!
Lisa x

28 comments:

  1. Love it. I can't believe how cheap things are at auctions etc bet your adrenaline was pumping :)

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    1. it was! It's something different and who doesn't love a bargain! x

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  2. That dresser is amazing! I can't believe it was only two dollars - it's incredible.

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  3. Wow!! What a haul :) I want to go to an auction now!! I'm so glad to have found your blog. I have been trying to do more and more thrifting (plus I love it) but I'm thinking about challenging myself to a similar goal! Can't wait to see how you do :)

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    1. Thanks! You should join me :)- though I'm finding it pretty cruisy atm since I'm only 1 month in. Ask me in 6 months and I bet I'll be having a few shop withdrawals!

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  4. Love the dressing table and chairs.

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  5. Oh GIRL! I am soo glad I found your blog. It's right up my alley. I love those outdoor chairs. You did good!

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  6. $2 !!!! Amazing! and your new sewing machine is fab!

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  7. Wow what great items! And great deals too! Can't beat that! Thanks for linking at Cap Creations. May you have a great week.

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  8. So so impressed! I've never tried an auction, but that $2 dresser has me daydreaming - it's adorable!

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  9. I cannot believe that dresser was only $2! What a steal. It's definitely a keeper; so beautiful!

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  10. That dresser is lovely! So are the outdoor chairs! I've never been to an auction before, I can't believe how cheap things were going for. Those older sewing machines were built to last, so I hope yours is in great shape still!

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  11. Came over from Frugal Treasures. Good for you trying to stop buying at stores. I have been trying it for a couple of years. It is hard sometimes, but it appears you have got the knack for this. Fantastic bargains!

    Distressed Donna Down Home

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  12. Uh oh! Now you've been to an auction, you will want to keep going back! You're right, sometimes you can find amazing deals!

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  13. Wow you have found some amazing things at great prices. I would love to attend an auction. I think I need to go with someone else the first time. Sounds like fun!
    Liz

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  14. How fun! I have yet to go to an auction. Thanx for sharing your finds with us at THT!

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  15. I have been to a lot of different sales, but never an auction. You have some great things.l

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  16. The metal chair is my favorite--love these old ones. I'm sure the dressing table can be a great addition.
    Ann

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  17. I've not been to an auction but love thrifting and garage sales!

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  18. Hi,
    What great thrifty finds! I've been to storage unit auctions but never a proper auction! I think I'd get in serious trouble with that trick arm that keeps going up for bids! -_^ LOL! I love the little dresser you found and think it would be great storage for fabric and other sewing supplies. Congrats on the sewing machine. What model is it? I think I may have the manual for it!
    Thanks so much for linking up at Frugal Treasures Tuesday! I'm now a new follower.
    Barbe

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    1. Thank you, and thanks for sharing my link on your blog!
      Its a singer 766. Do you have the manual for this one? It didn't come with a manual so I'm still having a bit of fiddle trying to work out how to use it best.
      Lisa x

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  19. My first auction was not too long ago and it was quite the thrilling experience. I'm trying to declutter so I like your rule of getting rid of something for every new thing you bring to the house. I'm going to ponder this a bit to see if I can work this into my thrift addiction and my desire to declutter. I think I can make a version of this work for me, too.

    Love the outdoor chairs and the table you found earlier. They are great finds!

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    1. Thank you. Remember the key is not necessarily always having to get rid of the same thing each time you buy something new. You might find a great top but that doesn't mean you can't just get rid of those annoyingly tight shoes you never wear! Good luck decluttering- I'm still definitely working on it.

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  20. Wow, I have never been to a house auction like that. I have been to several auctions but, not that kind. What a fun day it must have been. And what amazing prices!! I am absolutely drooling over that dressing table! It is just so sweet!Thank you for joining TTF and have a great day!

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    1. That's what you get for living in a small town in country Australia- the prices of all the good stuff tends to be lower...but this is the first auction I've heard of in 2 1/2 years so I doubt I'll get to go to that many more. Thanks for your kind comment :)

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  21. Hi! I am back to let you know that I am going to feature this post in this week's TTF party. The post for the party will be up tomorrow (thursday) at 4:00 pm (EST). I hope you will join again and also grab the "I was featured" button for your blog! Thank you again for sharing!

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    1. Thank you so much for featuring my post at your TTF party! I really appreciate it. I would love to have your "I was featured" button but have had a bit of trouble finding it. Could you possibly email me the button - thethriftychallenge@blogspot.com.
      Thanks!

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