New England Frugality

I've never done drugs and I don't drink or smoke. The highs I crave come from bargains.

My maternal grandmother would have 20 gold medals if bargain shopping were an Olympic sport. She taught the importance of stretching your money to my mother, and it's the one thing my mother passed on to me that wasn't cruel or abusive.

While other people seek out name brands at full price or the seasons newest trends, I'm happiest when I'm at a thrift store, flea market, or the like. 

Do I love designer labels? Hell yeah. Do I love the price? Gross. Give me Michel Kors, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, or Ralph Lauren, but give me last seasons stuff or the factory outlet steals.

Once, when scouting the shelves of the L.L. Bean cleanace rack, I came across a gorgeous pair of blue and purple suede boots. They had an original price tag of $199. They were on the 'last chance!' rack for $10, but had a yellow sticker, which meant an extra 50% off the lowest price. I nearly cried, I was so excited, as I rushed to the counter to pay $5 for my boots in tax-free New Hampshire. My husband still makes fun of me for saving the price tag from my epic find.

Yesterday, on an errand to Target, I came across this adorable pair of shoes I had been eyeing on a different store's website for weeks. They retailed for about $27 and that's a little rich for my blood. The shoes at Target were the exact same color, style, make, shape, etc. They had a $13 price tag. I was giddy. When they rang up for $8, I could've hugged the teen cashier. 

I always hope for an audience for my bargain tales, as I love sharing my frugal triumphs. There was the time I got avocados for $0.01, my $600 MK backpack for $60...I could go on for days. There's just something about feeling smart and making a dollar go as far as it can. And it doesn't hurt when you look great, for way less, while doing it.

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