One Man's Trash...

We've all heard the expression, "One man's trash is another man's treasure." This is so true and a key to successfully decorating on a budget. I found this "treasure" at Goodwill last year after Christmas. It's a little rickety and probably doesn't function well anymore. I'm guessing someone moved here from somewhere where this was useful and after moving to San Antonio thought that they would never need it again. After all, the one time it kind of snowed a few years ago, we were all using cookie sheets and cardboard for our sledding. I thought it was a great addition to my outdoor Christmas decorations and would at least create the atmosphere of it being cold outside.

I remember back when I was working and decorating models, one of the ladies that worked in the office would always ask me how I found things in some of these discount stores because she just didn't have the imagination for it. I think that you just have to know what you like and have a plan. If you go in "just looking" sometimes it can be overwhelming. Here are some of the items that I have found at Goodwill and some of the items that I keep an eye out for...

Containers... They can be used for all kinds of things and in every room of the house. This yellow metal bucket probably didn't go with someones decor anymore but works great with my yellow shelving in the pantry.

Holiday items...This glass mosaic candle holder was a steal.

Glass and bar ware...I had to search the store to find six or I would not have gotten them.

Stores like Goodwill can work for all of us because we all have unique styles and tastes, the key is just knowing what that style is. Once you know that, just take an inventory of things that you would like for your house and go from there. If that is too overwhelming just do one room at a time. You have to be ready to go a few times and not be tempted by things that you don't really need. Hoarders beware. Because of all of the good deals, it's easy to get swept up into the..."I might need that someday" rationalization. If you don't feel like you're going to use something immediately, don't get it! This holds true for all discount shopping including garage and estate sales. If you don't need a lamp or a surfboard or a garden gnome, just don't get it!

So to recap, know what you like, buy only what you need, be patient and you'll have a well decorated home on a budget. Happy shopping all you discount bargain shoppers like me out there. If you have a cool find you'd like to share, let us know in the comment section...