Vacation/staycation

Hello Swarm Buzz Moms

We had spring break two weeks ago and instead of leaving on the Friday school let out and returning on Sunday, (the day before we go back to school and work) we came home a few days early and what a great idea that was.  It gave us a restful and relaxing way to prep for the beginning of the last term of the school year.   

I guess you could say we had a vacation, followed by a staycation!

The vacation part was spent out of town, doing touristy things, visiting with relatives, visiting museums, eating out, etc. The staycation was the opposite and it was just as good.  With no plans made I had a sleep-in until 8:30 am, and I still was up and running, having all my chores completed by 10, including my emails checked, kitchen and bathroom floors washed, bills paid and the travel accoutrements put back into storage. 

By 10:10 am,  I was ready to hit some sales. Unfortunately, there were no estate sales the first morning home so I did the next best thing . . . Popping some tags at the Thrift Stores!!!

With mocha lattes in hand, my tag popper partner and I were off.  We began at the thrift stores that were the farthest from our starting point so we could swing around at the end of the day, conveniently close to home, (with all our treasures!)

Store # 1 held many treasures.  My first find was a Vera Bradley handbag for $4.00.  It is a small handbag and I plan to sell it for $25.00.  I was going to sell it for $10.00 but my treasure hunting partner suggested $25.00.  She had gone online to see what the going rate was and some are selling for over $40.00.  Since I plan to sell mine at a school supported yard sale I think $40.00 will be over pricing for the patrons of this particular school.  I hope to make a profit of at least $10.00.

The next treasure was a Justin Beiber tee shirt.  I paid $3.99 for this shirt and it may be a gamble since Justin Beiber is 'so 2012', but I will offer the shirt for $15.00.  I want to make at least $10.00 on this shirt.

Both of these items were at the same store.  I also found a great table for $69.00 which the store manager offered me a deal, but I was not prepared to get a table home (I still have my vacation rental car) so I passed.  I will go back in two weeks and if the table is still there it should be cheaper and I will definitely consider it then.

The second store we went to is where I found my best deal.  I paid $8.99 for a Tadashi (Shoji) long gown.  It is a (steal) deal because my daughter wants it for her prom.  Yeah!!!  We also found an ABS sundress for $3.99 it has never been worn and it was also a (steal) deal.

We will attempt to sell the gown after prom for $75.00.  It may be a stretch, but Imma try!!! The ABS sundress I am sure, my daughter will have, (and wear)  for years to come.

My last week day of vacation, a Friday, was spent at estate sales, (it is what I do to relax).  Every single mom needs to find her way to relax.  It does not have to involve spending a lot of money (unless you have it and want to indulge yourself), but I rather like being thrifty.  It is a skill that I developed while raising my child on my own without the benefit of financial support.  You have to do what you have to do.  I must say, I would never have even considered buying used clothing.  I get furniture all the time and I love the unique finds, but clothing was a different story.  The Tadashi if it was worn at all, was worn one time.  One trip to the cleaners and it is all good! The ABS dress was never worn... It makes a difference to us!

I will let you know in future blog posts whether or not I have made any money on any of our treasures.

Did I tell you that I am saving for a trip to Scandinavia with my daughter.  It is years away, but it is fun making some money to add to our savings.  I recommend you find a fun goal and then plan a way to make that happen.   

Happy Tag Popping Peeps... My Swarm Single Moms!