For starters ladies...don't get me wrong...I have absolutely NOTHING against "home parties". You know the ones...Tupperware, Pampered Chef, Longaberger...I have been to many over the years, and I have had a great time, mingling with friends and shopping together. It's just this...I have a difficult time coughing up the money for products that I know I can totally replicate or find for a greatly reduced price!
So here was my challenge...Last night I was invited to a certain "Candle Home Party". The hostess was lovely, the food delicious and the company terrific. But when it came time to browse the catalog in search of the "self imposed obligatory purchase"...I just couldn't do it!
My wallet held my debit card captive...and though the guilty feeling swelled at first...eventually the sensation dissapated (maybe it was the wine) and I stuck to my guns.
You heard it hear first...I DIDN'T BUY ANYTHING!
There was one item I had my eye on. It was a set of three leaf shaped candle holders with some tealight candles...for $24.95 plus shipping! But I remained steadfast despite the "buying frenzy" going on all around me and came home not a single dollar poorer.
So today I decided... since I saved the $28 last night...what could I bring home from my local Goodwill Store for the same amount? My purchase would have to include at least one candle related item... Boy did I score!
Here's my fabulous "stash"!
Seriously...I got all this loot for $28.00!
This beautiful set of candle holders would have cost me at least $39.95 at the party. Try $3 for the pair. The tallest one stands about 16" high!
I collect these wonderful baskets! This one is in pristine vintage condition! The "cherry tin" is like-new and will be great for holiday goodies...and the little pumpkin is perfect to decorate for Fall.
Hopefully, my daughter will not visit my blog because she is an N'Sync nut and this lunch pail with thermos, pen and race car will crack her up! Perfect condition!
Three lovely "Chris Madden" plates and a brand new cheese knife from Pier 1.
These plates will make great gifts once they are filled with cookies or muffins!
And on one of my previous posts I added some of this special lettering to my house. They are not cheap at Michaels' or Joanne's...but this one was brand new for only $.99! My Goodwill gets the final sale merchandise donated from Target!
It says..."Happy is a home that shelters a friend"
These two magazines were only 50 cents...just in time for the upcoming holiday season.
There is a great article about Simone Beck, Julia Child's partner in Bon Appetit!
This is one of those "espensive" butter keepers! Love the color, perfect with my Fiestaware!
My husband loves bird feeders and gardening. Someone made this one out of beautiful crystal plates and a mason jar chicken feeder! $2.99...can you believe it!
This brass basket is about 10" in diameter and would make a nice candle holder too.
And this is a complete set of vintage Tupperware canisters. Love the color of these too!
A little red metal chair makes a cozy tealight holder.
And finally I got this Holly Hobbie figurine from the "70's and this absolutely wonderful wooden play sewing machine! It is so cool! I saw it in another lady's cart but then she changed her mind and put it back on the shelf. Lucky for me!
Ok...I know I know...maybe I wasn't the ideal home party customer...but they always say...
"No worries, you don't have to buy anything...just come for the party"...SO FOR ONCE...I DID!