CheapBargainsToday.com

Being the thrift store addict, these are my favorite days regardless if I’m lucky or not, because it’ just good to peruse.  But today was a plentiful day, (and expensive, considering it was ½ off and already inexpensive!) I spent about $60.00, but probably walked away with at least $300 worth of clothing and shoes. I tried to make it just around opening, because it gets so crazy in those stores!

I actually was in a couple of places today so I visited more than one GoodWill store, the one on Archer and broadway in Denver, and the one located on 104^th and Grant.  Both stores were well stocked and very clean.  I think those are my favorite GoodWill stores.

If you are not scared of recycling shoes, and just cleaning them once you get them, you can  actually get a great bargain.  I got a pair of Nine West summer white plain shoes, some Munro walking wedges, which those alone go for at least $70 new, a pair of Nicole summer sliders, and a pair of natural soul summer shoes. That alone is worth more than my total spend!

But I have to say that my best find was a pair of calvin clein jeans, that was a skinny boot flare, with barn pockets and very classic fit for the curvey girl.  For a BUCK!  Yes, one whole dollar found me a pair of pants that I will treasure.

 I also found an unused pair of Polo army green shorts that will go with basically any summer top.

But the true treasure find today was a dreamy blazer that I can barely squeeze myself into.  It is so beautiful, and thanks to my mom finding it, this has become a part of my wardrobe and will be a pleasure to wear!  It is a Taunt blazer, a soft light blue with a beige floral pattern to it.  Although this particular item isn’t expensive new, it is a brand I never knew about and looks like another brand I’d like to keep my eyes out for.  Although I can’t find the price for this long blazer, I also found a Classiques Entier piece that I know was expensive brand new and only carried in Nordstrom.  Apparently these particular clothes don’t hold their value much because they are less than ½ price on Ebay, but still worth more than the $5.00 I paid.

In all, it was a very productive and exciting day!

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This event that took place 3.9.10, was an unexpected pleasant surprise for this new Goodwill fan! I mean I’ve always loved shopping at Goodwill, however this was an upscale event that takes “thrift” to a different level.

The invited attendees got to enjoy 3 different wines which were accompanied by very tasty appetizers that accompanied the wine famously. There was hand-outs like lipbalm (with SPF, which I love), necklaces and pens (which again, being a lefty, wrote well as I took notes). As well, a gift certificate was given out for a purchase at the Village Cork. As if this wasn’t enough, a warming and heartfelt speech was given by one of the people who was mentored through the Goodwill mentoring program.

Niishia Hysaw gave a powerful talk to the attendees about her life experiences. Her “story” was inspiring, but the words she said and how she delivered her story really had an impact on me. Coming from a sudden death of her mother in her teens, she was alone and feeling pretty helpless. She ended up turning her story into a positive one and states that the Goodwill mentoring program helped her believe in herself. That people who may sometimes be alone, overlooked, and possibly desolate have a voice with their mentors. That each of us has an inspiring story that we can share to inspire others creates the ultimate circle of sharing. As well, people in the crowd who had volunteered talked about how good it felt to do the volunteering. Speaking of, I plan to partake in a part of the mentoring program. I didn’t know of all the options and opportunities I could have with Goodwill’s volunteering program! What better way to learn about them than in a quaint homey and pretty environment with wine and appetizers!

The Village Cork is a pretty little bistro nestled in on the corner of Pearl and Louisianna. I’m a newfound fan of this place too. The owner, Lisa Lapp gave me some wonderful insights on wine that as a novice, I am going to share! Like you can drink medium to high end wine (not really high end) out of a box and not lose flavor! Plus, it’s green, costs less and basically it’s footprint on the environment is a slice of what glass bottles have. Or that screw caps prevent loss of the wine, and corks can possibly (rarely) release chemicals into the wine bottle where a screw cap will not.

The wines we got to taste are:

Fire Steed, a 2007 Oregon Riesling, which was tangy, tart, and semi sweet, so very good for a Riesling in my eyes, because it’s not too sweet. Pair this with a duck and truffle pate and you are in heavan. This is a superb combination, so Lisa knows her stuff!

Malbec, a crisp red wine, made in Franca (not Argentina, where it is usually made), was made in 2008, and then it sat in a French Oak for 18 Months. This has a woody flavor, and smells nice deep and rich. Paired well with ricotta cheese and oil infused roasted garlic and grape tomatoes…mmmm!

The last was also a red, called MAN which is the first initials of the 3 women who formed this company. This is mid to high level grade wine in a box. I love their “man in a box” theme, and the wine was gone before I got a taste, so I’m thinking this was a great winner.

I also got to meet Matt Trcka, from the company Ide8 (site under construction), who helped rebrand Goodwill. His company does market research and provide high level strategy for companys with focus in health care and non profit. As well, he’s done quite a bit of pro-bonno work for non profits, and Goodwill is appreciative of the help he has provided!

If you would be interested in finding out about the flexible and really cool ways that you can help witht the mentoring program, Goodwill just got a grant to expand this program! Click HERE for information. You can partake in resume reviews, test interviews, partaking in panels, mentor 1x/week, etc.

In all, it was a great experience and rather unexpected, but absolutely fun and for a good cause! Check Flickr for our pictures of this great evening!

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Sitter City, one of my favorite sites is extending their saving 10% to sign up with their website!
I love this matching process, and whether you are looking for a babysitter, pet sitter, nanny, senior care or tutors, this is a fabulous site to use! Basically you can try it out to see how it works initially. When I looked for any of these, I could see profiles of the people registered to sit, and how far away they are. I can also see the profiles, experience levels and pictures of the people I could choose from.
This really helps niche out what you are looking for. Take advantage of it soon, as this offer is going to expire end of April!

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I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling the winter and economic blues. But I can’t afford an exotic trip, what with all the bills and taxes piling up..it becomes more of a daydream than reality.

However, if you do have a little fundage and need a getaway, Las Vegas is a good place to go.  The flights are cheap and you can stay (especially in off season or weekdays) at a nice hotel for a good rate.  What hurts is meals and entertainment.  That gets to be expensive.  I found this site: Las Vegas Discounts, that actually offers some really good deals and discounts on meals and entertainment!

You can choose from a show, such as Ice, Fab Four mania, Ccomedy Club.  Or, you can choose meals at a 2 for 1 rate, such as Manalay bay House of Blues, and Paris, or even Planet Hollywood.  Lastly you can get a spa visit, go see some actual sites such as lake las vegas, or ride a balloon or in a plane! 

Check it OUT!

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