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One of my Favorite Thrift Stores

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Shortly after we moved into our home I discovered a nearby thrift store called Through Our Children’s Lives. It’s a small shop tucked in among other stores, but you can’t miss the big moving truck they have out front with their name on it. As thrift stores go, it’s good. If you dig, you’re bound to find some treasures.

But that’s not what I love about this store.

I’ve been going to this store since Liam was a baby and the sweet woman who runs it has always been so loving to him. I don’t know why this surprises me though, considering the name of her business.

The store’s proceeds go toward helping victims of domestic abuse. It’s a wonderful cause.

But it gets better.

Whenever you bring your child in with you, they let you pick out a free book. I love this. I strongly believe in the importance of reading to a child.

They also have donated bread you can choose from every time you make a donation or purchase.

Last week I strolled in to browse as I sometimes do and I walked out with this loot for $2.72.

And here’s the breakdown:
The shorts were originally $2.99, but because they also have awesome sales, that day clothing under a certain price was automatically $2.
The dinosaur must have been about $.50.
The car was free because the sweet owner rummaged through a bin and picked it out for my very grateful son. Who does that? Loving people do that.
The books were free. Technically you’re supposed to get one, but I think she likes us. It is one book and one coloring book.
The bread was free! Although I recommend using or freezing this bread right away because it is donated, I usually never have a problem eating bread. I used the asiago cheese round to make grilled cheese sandwiches to go with tomato soup and the Italian bread I cut to make meatball subs.

If you’re in the OP area, I definitely recommend stopping in to Through Our Children’s Lives. I have friends who have found great deals and you can’t beat the love you’ll receive. 😉

Heaven in Downtown Overland Park

When I get to Heaven, I hope it looks something like TLC Thrifty Boutique. Teresa’s collection is simply fabulous, and her prices are great. She moved in to the Downtown Overland Park, KS, strip about a month ago. The strip is really taking off with some one-of-a-kind stores to attract pedestrian traffic as developers look ahead at the revitalization of the area. I’m lucky enough to live within walking distance and ever since Teresa’s store opened, I’ve been dying to go in. I mean just look at what sits outside, begging you to venture in…

I stopped in during a lunch break once and Teresa and I hit it off, seeing as how we share a common passion, and I’ve already gained such valuable knowledge from her in just two visits. She agreed to let me come back and take pictures for Grandma Great’s Treasures. So Liam and I hoofed it out the door (after only minor setbacks of having to clean the stroller, which had been left out in the rain, changing a diaper and loading up all our stuff just to walk down the street) to make it before TLC closed at 6 p.m. But we made it and the weather was simply gorgeous for such a walk as this.

Here are some of my favorite things from TLC Thrifty Boutique…

This adorable small metal desk jumped out at me the first time I laid eyes on it. What a fabulous piece!


You know this particular area called my name. Hello 1950s kitchen! I love absolutely everything.


The cabinet, the mason jars, the canisters...love, love, love


Teresa recently picked up a load of shelves and they're so fab I want to take them all home!


Loads of smalls in this shop! I heart the radio, of course.


This darling little red shelf would be perfect for so many uses. I heart you little red shelf.


Just to get an idea, this is only about one-third of the shop!

How fantastic is this shop? Next time your near OP or even in KC, make sure you stop at TLC Thrifty Boutique and discover your new favorite second-hand store. Say hi to Teresa and tell her Erin from Grandma Great’s Treasures sent you. It probably won’t get you anything, but it’ll make me look good. 😉 Also follow the link above and like TLC on Facebook!

Earlier today I went back to an estate sale I ran to yesterday to pick up a pair of vintage 1970s Schwinn bicycles I bought. I happened to be in the right place at the right time. So many people were interested in these. The bikes are currently in the shop being looked at (incidentally I took them to the bike shop by my house and noticed the bikes had stickers from that store on them. The store had sold these bikes in the Seventies!), so more as that progresses. And since I’m always up front about prices, I paid $50 each for these beauties. The real cost will lie in the repair, but business is well, so I figure I’ve earned it. Plus, they’re so cool!

When I went back to the sale the prices were 50% off and I picked up a fantastic 1970s vintage quilt with a bold, graphic floral pattern. I’m so excited to share this and put it up for sale, I just need to take a good picture. Stay tuned!

Leave me a comment and tell me where your favorite vintage spot is! As always, happy hunting!

This post approved by Liam, showing me where the tree is in our front yard.