This is where the magic happens!

My "desk" set up at home is in my kitchen. This is where the magic happens!

I love having my computer in my kitchen because I can do all I need to do on the computer while I cook, clean up and watch my kids eat breakfast. It's also great because when my girls are playing on the computer, I'm usually in the kitchen and can quickly oversee what they are doing.

I have been in the market for a new stool. My previous stool squeaked every time I sat down or stood up and was quite literally falling apart.

I found this stool at Goodwill and it was priced at $6.99. Sold!

I love that it is a bit higher than my last stool and that it also has a back. Another cool thing about it is that it folds for easy storage! AND, it doesn't squeak every time I sit down!

In other news... I've recently noticed that the prices of children paperback books at one of my favorite Goodwill locations have increased from $1.29 each to $1.99 each! I couldn't believe my eyes! More importantly, I know that my book buying will drastically decrease with those kind of prices. It's really sad because there are a lot of great titles that I would typically buy for my kids, but now that the price has increased, I can't see myself spending that kind of money on used children paperback books.

So, last week, I wrote an email to the Goodwill Industries of Central Texas. Here's what it said:

"Dear Sir or Madame:

I shop at the Round Rock location at least once per week. I especially shop for books, not only for myself, but for my two daughters who are both avid readers. There have been times when I've left Goodwill with in excess of 10 or more books because of the great selection and low price.


However, I've recently noticed that children's paperback books have increased in price substantially. Those books are now priced at $1.99/each. While I understand, paying $1.99 for a book is still a good deal, it seems a bit exorbitant for a used book at Goodwill. I have visited other Goodwill stores in the area and I've purchased books from those stores priced anywhere from $.59 - $1.29/each. In my opinion, those prices seem to be a bit more in line with what one would expect from Goodwill. I'm not quite sure why the Round Rock location would increase the book prices across the board as they have.


I'm under the impression that pricing is set by the store/store manager, not Goodwill Industries corporate, but I wanted to pass along the fact that I can no longer afford to buy books from Goodwill in Round Rock if the prices remain as high as they currently are.


Thanks so much for your time."

I'll let you know if I get a response...

Christmas Challenge! Day 21

Have you ever thought about buying furniture at Goodwill or the Salvation Army?

I had been on the lookout for gently used bedroom furniture for Elisan's room for months. I checked Craigslist everyday for new listings, looking for that perfect set.

I even checked GW frequently, but always came up empty handed. However, the Salvation Army in our area has a fabulous furniture area with entire bedroom and living room sets, including antiques, so I decided to swing in there one day to take a look.

I found this furniture set. It came with an amoire, desk and nightstand. It is Lexington brand and is solid wood. It is in nearly perfect condition. I am proud to say that we paid less than $300.00 for all of it!

Christmas Challenge! Day 11

Who doesn't love a cute antique planter figurine? I found this oh so cute little lamb several years ago.

One of my childhood treasures is a ceramic pony planter that was sent to my mother while she was in the hospital after she gave birth to me. I still have that pony planter to this day.

What I love about this lamb is it's beautifully painted face. So sweet and innocent. I bought this planter to go in Kyla's room when she was a baby. It's still sitting on her shelf (she's 6!).

I suspect when I redecorate her room after Christmas, I'll have to put the baby lamb away. But I enjoyed it while it kept it's place on her little shelf.

P.S. - I bought this planter back in the early days of my Goodwill shopping so I have no idea what I paid for it. But, I can guess that I paid less than $5.00 for it.

Christmas Challenge! Day 2

I'm not a decor kind of girl. I'm pretty simple and don't like a lot of clutter or knick knacks.

I like it in other people's homes, just not mine. So, because of that, I tend to stay away from home interior items. One... I don't know where to put it or what to do with it; And Two... it's just so darn expensive. Whoa nelly!

So honestly, for the good of my sanity (and marriage, b/c Randy doesn't like clutter either OR spending money on clutter) my home is decorated very simple. Sparse some would say... (Some being my mom!)

About 2 years ago I ran across this wrought iron two-tiered stand at Goodwill and decided I'd go ahead and purchase it. Again, not really knowing what I'd do with it, I figured I'd find a use for it eventually. Well, turns out, I didn't have a use for it for the longest time. I originally thought it would be great on my kitchen counter top, but it was too tall. Then, I thought I'd use it as a serving stand when we had guests, but we don't entertain that much. So, it ended up on the floor by my fireplace with no real purpose in life. That is, until Elisan began piling her books in it and so it has become a two-tiered book stand for Elisan's book (and a magazine or two of mine.)

What did I pay for this? $9.99. Not one of my finer moments in deal making history, but it was still a good price. The original price tag is still on the bottom of the stand. It sold at TJ Maxx for $14.99. Like I said, not the best deal all around...

I guess the saying is true, "You win some, you lose some."