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There She Grows

Those who know me know that thrift shopping is a long time guilty pleasure of mine. I love finding those unique gems on the rack amidst all the crap. its like a treasure hunt and I dare say I’m good at it.  I guess it was fairly unavoidable I would start to seek out second-hand goodies for Lil girl, from toys to gear to (especially) clothes. Since she grows out of things so rapidly and constantly gets her clothes dirty, thrifting makes more sense than ever. I love for her to have a fun wardrobe and I love spending hardly any money. Yes, you might say I’m cheap. Or frugal, or of a specific ancestry that often garners razzing on this subject. What’s that phrase… never pay retail? yeah.

Kids consignment sales, freecycle, craigslist, trading with other moms and a myriad of thrift stores have all been sources of great finds for us.  She enjoys the adventure of accompanying me on these endeavors.   A few weeks ago, while I was reveling in the victorious discovery of ideal gently-used sandals that were just her size, the gal was frolicking with a brand new friend.  A bigger kid of course, a boy around 5.      I had overheard her encountering him near the drapery, my heart filling with pride as she used her polite introduction talk.

“Hi, I’m Lilah.  What’s your name?  …  Nice to meet you.  Play with me?”
Not bad for a brand new 2yr old.    She is so friendly and articulate, when she wants to be.

Before long they were ‘building a city’.   At least that’s what she proudly proclaimed over and over as they stacked and arranged tiki coasters and marble chess pieces.   Then they took turns spinning each other in a swivel chair.     And just as I was discovering the most awesome and colorful little cabinet for her bedroom bookshelves ever, the buddies were playing ‘basketball’ by tossing a styrofoam head into the basin of a mint green vintage toilet.

you can’t get experiences like these just anywhere.

Over a month ago, we happened to find ourselves at the Goodwill in Eagle Rock at the beginning of a miraculous special: all childrens clothes were $1. It was Monday morning and nothing had been picked over. We got an insane amount of stuff that day. Lots of fun everyday necessities and stuff to grow into, as well as several unique well-made dresses I haven’t even delved into yet.   A bounty so cheap it felt illegal.

Today ended up being one of those days the gal wanted to twirl in a dress throughout the house like a crazy person. I found another one in the stash at the back of the closet and she was psyched at the idea of trying it on.   The sunglasses were by request also.  Every once in awhile she is quite the diva.

Sure she seems rather overdressed for the occasion. But for $1, who cares!  Perhaps she was overcome with diva-ness, because she started singing shortly after that pic was taken.   Oh look, video!