• Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Medium
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Little Miss Martha

Decorate & Celebrate

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Adopt A Fairy Co.
  • Contact

Five Tips for A Successful Thrift Trip

23 Aug
Spread the love
Tweet

I’m not sure where I got the thrifting bug, but I have it.  I don’t remember my mom really thrifting, aside from things for Halloween, and I definitely don’t remember my grandma thrifting.  But either way, I absolutely love the thrill of the hunt for something that’s old, maybe has a story, and is usually way better built than anything we can get new these days!  I’ve picked up a few tips over the years that I’m happy to share with you!  Below you’ll find five tips on how you can have a successful day of thrifting.

OLD HOME TOUR

Before we get started, I wanted to share a few favorite places.  Antique stores are my absolute favorite.  Why?!  Because those are usually solid finds with a real past… Some of my favorite pieces over the years have been those that are super old and often times falling apart.  But antique stores can get pricey depending on the pieces, so you have to vary your searches.   I am also constantly searching Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist (yes, I still check here), Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local consignment stores.

AND LET’S BE CLEAR – THRIFTING DOESN’T MEAN THINGS ARE ALWAYS GROSS

I think I really got started thrifting because I was on a budget and I needed to fill our first house but I couldn’t break the bank.  You’d be surprised at what people get rid of!  Plus, I love having things in my home that people might have never seen before and that my neighbor won’t have as well.  Finding things you can’t walk away from is fun too.  If you can get over the thought of “used” things, you will love it!

(thrifted chair)

ONE

First, go in with an open mind even if you are looking for something specific.  Sounds weird I know, but it helps.  The open mind helps you visualize different pieces around your home and possibly in a different state.  It’s like when you are shopping for a home… sometimes you just have to look at things for what they could be and not what they are as is.  I usually don’t grab a cart first either.  I don’t want to set the expectation that I’ll find something every time and usually I end up having to get a cart about 10 minutes in.

TWO

Grab things that catch your eye as soon as you see them.  For me, I pick up anything brass immediately.  It’s hard to find anymore, but also that piece might be something that’ll catch the eye of that person behind you and you don’t want to miss out.  You can always put it back later.  This is going to sound stalkerish, but once I kept watching (in a very stand-off-ish way and from a far) this girl who had a giant glass vase thing in her cart.  I wanted it but she got it first… darn.  But wouldn’t you know, she ended up putting it back and I snatched it up immediately.  There’s a good mix of patience and impulsiveness when thrifting.

THREE

Think outside the box.  Seriously.  Think about vases being pencil holders and cigar boxes holding crayons and artwork being covered up by your own paint.  The things you see don’t have to be what you end up styling them as at home.  Pitchers can be vases.  Vases can be pots.  Books can be height on a table and not just books on a shelf.  Look for colors you are drawn to and sturdiness and things you just can’t stop thinking about.  And in the end, if you like it, you can always put a succulent in it or on it and it’s a win.  😉

thrifted table and chairs & island

FOUR

A notebook (or notes on your phone) with measurements from around your house where you are looking for things to fill and a list of things you are looking for.  This is actually quite important.  I tend to have a pretty good eye when it comes to size, but some don’t, so this will keep you from bringing home something that’s way too big or way too small.  Even if you love the piece so much, make sure you have somewhere to show it off!  Otherwise your garage or basement will just fill up with pieces you love but you don’t have anywhere to put!  And knowing what kind of pieces you are looking for can keep you from getting home and realizing that dresser you passed by would have worked perfectly over there.

FIVE

Bring your thrifting tools – a tape measurer, your phone, and hand sanitizer.  Haha and gloves sometimes.  My friend Morgan understands that.  Message me if you are interested in why we keep gloves on hand.  But seriously, when you are thrifting you never know what you’ll come across.  The tape measurer will keep you knowing what will fit where, the phone will let you quickly look things up if you think you might have hit the jackpot, and the hand sanitizer is for when you leave after touching everything because you don’t really know where all these things have been…

thrifted headboards, dresser, frames & art

So, what do you think?
Are you convinced that thrifting may be in your future?

I’m sure I’ll be back with another post on thrifting and some additional tips soon!

Tweet

Comments:
Leave a Comment
Categories:
2022, Blog, Decor, Shopping
Tags:
home decor

Find the Good!

Join the LMM Newsletter and Good Things will be sent to your mailbox bi-weekly.
It's a good thing and you'll think so too!

Share the Good!

« A Summer Weekend Getaway in the Wisconsin Dells
Make Your Own DIY West Elm Inspired Curtain Rod »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

A little about me…

Hey There! I'm Abby. Some people started calling me "Little Miss Martha" a few years back and this blog followed. I started it to share my DIY wedding progress, but it's now evolved to include other good things. Read More…

Lastest on Instagram

lmmblog

Abby || Lifestyle Blogger
This year I wanted to create a fun tablescape for This year I wanted to create a fun tablescape for Easter, and while I love bunnies, I thought a carrot theme would be fun to try!  Everything on this tablescape was 🥕carrot-fully 🤪 selected for its color or carrot looks! 

What’s your favorite thing?! I loved using the fresh carrots 🥕around the flowers 🌷and the carrot paper plates! 

And I reused a lot of things too!  Old plates for the place settings, Christmas greenery fills out the middle, and orange tapers I had on hand helped!  You don’t have to buy new all the time!  Most times I’m using things I have on hand from other holidays or previous years!  I created the carrot bunting with help of my @cricut but you can easily cut carrots out of felt by hand if you don’t have a cricut! Then we made some homemade carrot cookies with cookie cutters I found at @target and a carrot cake! The Bunny Bait Easter tablescape  came together pretty easy and I love the brightness of it all!  And we won’t even be around for Easter to use but if you come by, you will still see it all sitting on my table!  hahah. 
.
.
.
#eastertablescape #eastertable #carrots🥕 #carrotsandflowers #carrotdecor #easterdecoration #springdecor #tablescapes #tablescapestyling #tablesettings #holidaydecorations
When Ella came downstairs on Friday she asked wher When Ella came downstairs on Friday she asked where all the green was and why there were no leprechaun traps…Apparently she has St Patrick’s Day expectations. I blame myself. I’m usually more into it…
So about 11am I kicked it into gear and headed to @partycity for a little help!  Thankfully they had these green pots for $5 and grass for $1!  Plus, green candy and gold coins!  And Olive found the surprise at the end of the rainbow when she came home! 
.
:
.
#greensuprise #greengoodies #greencandy #everythinggreen #luckoftheirish #potofgold #potofgreen #stpatricksdaybasket #stpaddysday #stpatricksday🍀 #leprechaunloot #shamrocks #irishmusic #endoftherainbow #makingmagic
There’s still time to share St Paddy’s Day Ins There’s still time to share St Paddy’s Day Inspo so here i go and you can do it tomorrow or save it for next year!  Here’s a quick and easy St. Patrick’s Breakfast-scape as Olive called! 

Make your own green waffles and surround them with green fruit, your favorite waffle toppings, green m&ms and of course, lucky charms! 

Easily@recreatable!  Like I said, celebrate tomorrow or save for next year!  Happy St Patrick’s Day! 
.
.
.
#breakfastfood #breakfastfordinner #stpatricksday #stpatricksdayfood #tablescape #rainbows #greenfood #greenfoods #stpaddysday  #luckoftheirish #topofthemorning #breakfastboard #yumyumyum
This week the plan was to share a few last minute This week the plan was to share a few last minute St. Paddy’s Day ideas for you!  But i’m coming to realize nothing I plan happens these days 🤣 So, with one day left and plenty of time to get to the store, here are three breakfast ideas that’ll make some magic for those little nuggets in your home! 

(1) Rainbow Donuts - Grab your favorite plain cake donuts, some white icing, and fruity pebbles. Cut the do the donuts in half, dip in the icing and go to town adding the fruity pebbles in rainbow style!  Your kids will love this one! (swipe for more)
(2) Golden Coin Donuts - Same(ish) thing. You’ll need a cake donut, chocolate icing, and  gold sprinkles. Dip into the icing, then the sprinkles and you have gold for your pots of gold!
(3) Clover Cinnamon rolls. 

Do you plan on making something special for tomorrow?!
.
.
.
#stpaddysday #stpatricksday #greenbreakfast #rainbowdonuts #goldcoins #clovercinnamonrolls #clovers #leprechauntrap #greenfortheday #leprechaunbreakfast
This is your reminder that a visit to @childrensmu This is your reminder that a visit to @childrensmuseum is always a good idea!  We recently visited @childrensmuseum with some cousins and, as usual, I saw things I’d never seen before!  Big crowd pleasers we’re the outfit design area of the #POPexhibit, retro video games on the top floor and if you visit now, you can visit the #minecraftexhibit! 
.
.
.
#childrensmuseum #visitindy #familyfun #childrensmuseums #attcm #aroundindy #playallday #makememoriestogether
Anyone else {almost} always waiting on their {firs Anyone else {almost} always waiting on their {first} husband to get out the door?!? 🙋🏻‍♀️. We are heading to IKEA for a dresser for Ella and another part of a small project!  What are your Friday plans?
.
.
.
#waitingonhusband #almostalways #fridayselfie #wishinghopingpraying #letsgochamp #firstwivesclub #happyfriday #loveandmarriage #myfirsthusband
On this International Womens Day, we celebrated by On this International Womens Day, we celebrated by reading from one of our favorite books!  Do you have this one?!? One page stories about rebel girls… It’s super inspiring and my kids love it! 
.
.
.
#inspiringwomen #rebelgal #rebelgirls #raisestrongwomen #raisinggirls #momofdaughters #internationalwomensday
Happy International Women’s Day! You are strong Happy International Women’s Day!  You are strong. You are beautiful. You deserve great things!  Take a moment for yourself today - make a cup of tea, go for a walk, or if you are like me, watch for eagles out the back window! ✨ You are magical! ✨
@inspiringwomenfh 
.
.
.
#internationalwomensday2022 #womenrock #inspiringwomenfh #womenmaketheworldgoround #inspireothersbybeingyou #takesomemetime #taketimeforyou #sponsored
While I should really be sharing about styling for While I should really be sharing about styling for St. Patrick's Day, Spring, & Easter, instead I'm going to take a minute to brag on these little girls of ours...
 
We got the sweetest voicemail from Olive's teacher that was a total proud parent moment.  Her class has gotten a new little girl who doesn't speak any English and somehow Olive communicates just fine with her, makes sure she has someone to play with at recess and has basically taken the new little girl under her wing.  Her teacher was sending kudos to Olls for just "being the kindest kiddo" which is what we all want to hear about our kids, right?! She also thanked us for all we are doing to have made her that way and let's be honest, I have no clue what that is, but I'll take it! 

And Ella... Ella!  She's been rocking her “new” schedule.  In the last couple months, we've realized busier is better for her and so going from not much of anything to 3 busy nights a week, which one this week included lots of squats and major quad soreness, she's done with no complaints!  Minus for her sore quads... She's been taking on new activities and challenges with style and we are so proud of her for being so mature and committed! 

Ok, so proud momma moment over. I don’t do this often, but felt this one was worth a share!  And seriously... It's been a good week for them and I love watching them grow and take on whatever life throws at them.  Do you have any proud momma moments to share from this week?! 
.
.
.
#justmykids #proudmommamoment #justbekind #mybeautifuldaughters #ellaandolive #changeisgoodforthesoul #kellermeyerchronicles #soproudofyou #loveyousomuch❤️
Happy Saturday! Do you ever feel like you’ve go Happy Saturday!  Do you ever feel like you’ve gotten to the end of the week and done nothing for yourself?! That’s me. This is basically every week anymore – clean, cook, get steps in, take care of kids, drive here, drive there, etc. 

Where does all the time go!? Seriously, before Covid, I would do 10,000 things AND take the girls to and fro non-stop AND drive home every weekend sometimes… basically I was doing sooo much more, maybe too much!  But now, I feel like I can’t keep up.  I can’t find a groove where I can still do all the things for my family AND myself.  Were we really doing too much?  It didn’t feel like it in the moment. Yes, there were exhausting days, but somehow, they were usually fulfilling.  Or maybe I’m dreaming?  Now, most days just feel like groundhog day. 

But at the beginning of the year I set goals and I’m still working towards them.  Health & Wellness goals, home goals, family goals and more.  I am working to keep my WHY in mind and find my daily inspiration. I just hope that I can find a groove where even if I don’t complete all the goals, at least I feel like I’ve made progress on them.  And I hope that throughout this super weird, busy, boring, what feels like an uneventful time in my life, I can find fulfillment in it and stay motivated. 

Working to stay inspired can be the hardest part!  So long post short, if you’ve read this far, I’m sorry I haven’t been sharing as much.  I’m working on it and things to share but finding time to sit down and actually give you something enjoyable has been the hardest part lately!  Stick along as I’m sure things will continue to be shared in an untimely fashion! 
.
.
.
@inspiringwomenfh 
#inspired #neverenoughtime #selfcare #franciscanhealth #inspiringwomenfh #howdowedoit #canthaveitall #busydays #momlifeishard #justkeepgoing #findyourinspiration #rememberyourwhy
Taking in my Friday like yea! Lunch with friends, Taking in my Friday like yea!  Lunch with friends, etsy listings, sewing, and more - all with snow flurries outside!  What are you up to today?!
.
.
.
#friyayvibes #fridayishere #enjoyyourday #youtime #weekendvibes✌️ #itscoldagain #indianaweather #iputmakeupon
How did you celebrate Valentine’s day?! I set up How did you celebrate Valentine’s day?! I set up a quick little Valentine’s Day table for the girls and a quick and sweet activity!  I grabbed some peach rings and gummie lifesavers for the girls to add to some strips of fabric I had laying around!  A pretty simple setup but a nice suprise for them! 

Other than that, cut felt hearts for the place settings, added small heart boxes under conversation hearts, and used vintage floral tea plates for the necklaces!  The runner was found at @homegoods and was the basis for the whole setup!
.
.
.
#valentinesday2023 #valentinetable #valentinestablescape #kidstable #funforthekids #valentineactivities #candynecklace #sweethearts #conversationhearts #heartdecor #happyvalentinesday❤️ #loveyday
Yesterday was Ella’s birthday celebration with f Yesterday was Ella’s birthday celebration with friends!  It was a great time and while it was to be considered small with just a couple friends and no decorations, I told her there would be a tablescape!  More details on the blog soon, but here’s a quick recap of our little homemade (minus bowling alley) “Let’s Ro11” birthday party! 

🎉Happy Birthday Ells!🎉

Cake topper: @avalonsunshine 
Vintage Bag: Thrifted
Cookies: Me (not perfect, first try at cookies!)
Printables: Me
Cake: Meijer with my addition of chocolate covered donut holes 
.
.
#letsroll #eleventhbirthday #turning11 #birthdaytable #bowlingparty #birthdayideas #tweengirl #tweenparty #tweenbirthday #happiestbirthday #februaryfun #februarybirthdays #bohobowling #birthdaypartydecor #birthdaypartyideas
Taking time for ourselves can be REALLY HARD. The Taking time for ourselves can be REALLY HARD.  The other night I was ready to go upstairs and read my book…the one I’ve been working on forever… and noticed the basket(s) of laundry needing folded so I decided to do that instead of taking a moment for myself.  By the time I was done, I was so tired that I just went to bed.  So LAST night I decided not to skimp on the “me” time and knew I needed to get out of the house and enjoy some laughs with the neighborhood girls!  It was good for the soul!

I have a hard time doing things for myself.  I feel like I’m being selfish.  But it’s not selfish to take care of yourself!  It’s NECESSARY!  You can’t take care of others if you aren’t taking care of yourself. I’m really loving my weekly emails from @inspiringwomenfh and how they are a reminder that I need to take a moment for myself!  So do something for yourself today.  Take a walk around the block, unless you live in Indiana, I suggest you stay inside because the winds are CRAY!  Read a book on your lunch break, take a nap with your kids, or maybe even listen to a podcast or practice 10 min of mediation!

If you haven’t already, check out inspiringwomen.org for some awesome inspiration, motivation and great resources for overall health and wellness.  There are also some GREAT recipes!  The program is free and you will even get their bi-annual inspiring magazine!  It’s just the right amount of inspiration that your week could use! 
.
.
.
#inspiringwomenfh #inspiringwomen #sponsored #takecareofyourself #taketimeforyou #franciscanhealth #inspirationforwomen #inspirationalwomen #itsnotselfish #dosomethingforyourself #taketimeforyou #findyourinspiration #yougotthismama
Packed up some fun things to make their way to @ch Packed up some fun things to make their way to @chicmercantile this week!  These fairies are soooo excited to make their way into new home and take on new adventures!  Fairies will be available soon in the @adoptafairyco etsy shop too! 
.
.
.
#fairiesarereal #fairiesofinstagram #fairieslivehere #magicallife #magicallaround #shopsmall #shoplocal #packingorders #localboutique #adoptafairy #fairyflags
I’ve been trying to produce Valentine’s Day co I’ve been trying to produce Valentine’s Day content for at 2 weeks! I made mood boards, gathered goodies, and can’t find the time to create.  Did I not used to sleep?!? 

Hopefully this week I’ll be able to get something out, but at least for now, I’ve got these decorations going 😆! Swipe to see why I get nothing done 😂🤷🏻‍♀️🤦‍♀️
.
.
.
#valentinesdaydecor #momlifeunfiltered #valentinesdayiscoming #neverenoughtime #mantledecor #tryingmybest #sleepnomore
Are you a paper planner or digital planner kinda g Are you a paper planner or digital planner kinda gal?  Me?! Paper. All. The. Way.  And yes, I know it’s Tuesday but it’s never to late to fill in your planner for the week!  And it’s even better with these adorable stickers from @jessicaweiblestudios!  They are an added boost to get your to-do lists tackled! .
.
.
.
#plannerinspiration #plannerstickershop #decorateyourplanner #dailyplanner #setupyourweekright #planyourday #planyourweek #jessicaweiblestudios #studiocat
Happy Friday! Did anyone else think this week fel Happy Friday!  Did anyone else think this week felt like the longest week ever?! 🙋🏻‍♀️ Hoping to pop back in via stories later but my friday is shaping up to include some Valentines prep along with cleaning and shipping some fairies out the door! 

What are you up to this Friday?! 
.
.
.
#livingroominspiration #fridayplans #valentinesdecor #notaframe #welcometomylivingroom #happyfridayeveryone
Happiest 1️⃣1️⃣th birthday to this Sweet c Happiest 1️⃣1️⃣th birthday to this Sweet child of mine!  Love you to death Ella and I hope you don’t kill me for some of these pics since your last birthday!  It’s amazing how much you have changed and grown in just one year! 💕

Happy Birthday Ella! 
.
.
.
#happiestbirthday #turning11 #elevenyears #2012baby #onthisdayinhistory #tweengirl #happybirthdaytoyou
When @abigailmackboutique was interested in collab When @abigailmackboutique was interested in collaborating, I knew this print was pretty much perfection in summing up my current life.  So… if you are still here hanging out or new here, welcome to the shitshow!  This piece will probably end up floating around my house, but I do feel like it’s 💯fitting for me.  And with my quirky design sense, I think it also works well in a bathroom but my hubs isn’t keen on that idea 🤣. The other gold foil print I love of #abigailmackdesigns is “Everything is Fine,” because let’s be honest, that’s also something that’s constantly going through my head over here!

I used to feel like weekends were a way to catch up on what you couldn’t get done during the week.  You know… like cleaning, prepping, watching Netflix etc.  Now though, as I get older and older, I’m learning that my weekends are really just an attempt at mentally preparing for all that will go wrong during the upcoming week and continually thinking “Welcome to my Shitshow.” LOL

Does anyone else feel like this?! Maybe this is why I have such high anxiety on Sunday nights…

Print #gifted by @abigailmackboutique 
Check out her other pieces here:
https://abigail-mack.myshopify.com/

#collaboration #welcometotheshitshow #lifeunexpected #lifeisstressful #justrollwithit #laughitoff #weekendscreatestress #momlife #justmomming #goldfoilprints #decoratewithhumor #funnyprints #sillyprints #sarcasm101 #abigailmackboutique #socialcat
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Stay Updated

LATEST FROM THE BLOG

  • Five Reasons to Give The Gift of Swimming This Year
  • A Boho Bowling Birthday
  • Dear Ella : An 11th Birthday Message
  • This Year’s Project List
  • Resolutions & Recaps – 22/23 Edition
Join Bluprint For Just $100 & Get a Free Project Box! Valid at myBluprint.com through 1/31/19.
Design, edit and store projects with PicMonkey

Categories

Archives

Popular Posts

Five Reasons to Give The Gift of Swimming This Year

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL BUT ALL THOUGHTS ARE MY OWN. With the new year comes ... View Post

A Boho Bowling Birthday

When Ella told me she wanted to go bowling with friends for her birthday I was like ok, that's cool. ... View Post

[show_ltk_widget_version_two rows="3" cols="3" show_frame="true" user_id="429876" padding="4" app_id="197653962" profileid="4e73f9d7-f491-11eb-8f77-2db9fcd65f25"]
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Join our Mailing List

4d07bfb4455d2035936a4bf32c5f5393

Copyright © 2023 · Bloom theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 · Bloom Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in