After searching multiple thrift stores multiple times for a decent, non-smelly, non-smoke-infested comfortable chair, I gave up. Just looking at the cloth on some chairs grossed me out as I imagined the stories that could be told based on mysterious stains or rips or fading. I was almost ready to break down and buy one at a brand-new furniture store until I dropped by a local store and almost had a mini-heart attack when I looked at the price tag – $650.00! Yes, it was cute and somewhat comfortable but would break the budget into tiny crumb-like pieces that would have to be my dinner for the next full year.
Then I remembered that I hadn’t been checking out garage sales, which I’ve had fairly good luck with in the past. A cool thing that we have locally is an online garage sale group like a local Craigslist, run on the BigTent website, where people list items they are offering for sale. We also have a local freecycle.com group where items are offered for free. I started searching the daily e-blast and got beat out several times by others who were quicker on the draw. When I finally did have the opportunity to take a look and purchase if I was interested, I jumped at the chance. Tired of having only an exercise ball to sit on, when I saw the leather chair and ottoman for $25 and the table with 3 chairs for $40 I said yes! Of course, they need some TLC and I have plans to refinish or paint or refurbish somehow, but for now, they are comfortable and perfect for my little cottage.
It took me a little longer to find a desk chair and again I had almost given up, mainly because the desk chairs were so uncomfortable, new, or used. But again patience and persistence paid off with this blue beauty, yes it has seen some wear and tear, but I have delusions of grandeur about sewing a cover or something. The important thing is that it is comfortable, so I can sit for hours, or at least as long as I can stand it, and study to my heart’s content. It can also roll, be raised, lowered, swivels, tilts backward for thoughtful pondering of whatsits and whatnots and it has a handy button that allows me to pump up or decrease the lumbar support. Sweetness for $15.00, thank you very much.
So although the search was long, or at least longer than it would have been if I had gone to the new-mart, my house is now furnished, with additional thanks to John for the awesome Mongolian sleeping mat rug, which is thick and colorful and fabulous.
My continuing quest still is for a toaster and a blender. But my lucky find was a darling hand mixer for $1.50. It brings back memories of scrambling eggs at Grandma’s house; I couldn’t resist. Happy thrifting to you too!
