Thrifting... A National Pastime

Or at least it should be. I love shopping - especially for a bargain. Unfortunately that's not an easy thing to do in Bermuda. Things are ridiculously expensive here (2-3 times the price in the US). And as far as I know, there are only 3 places on the entire island where a girl can go to find a good deal: The Salvation Army, The Barn, and The Dollar Depot (where everything's well over a dollar).

I only shop for things I can use in teaching James, so this weekend I went to The Barn in search of some practical life materials (for our Montessori lessons). It's usually pretty hit or miss there, and I was sooo excited to find lots of great things - check it out!!Here's what you see:

• A bag of mini strawberries (will use for tonging)
• Duck basket (see close up)
• Mini basket w/ handle
  
• 2 bowls w/ citrus pattern (LOVE these!)
• 2 mini potters (perfect for the spring/garden lesson I have planned)
• 2 colbalt blue egg cups that came with... wait for it... a little spoon! Spooning work ready to go!
• A little handmade basket/box (see close up)
• 2 glass shell bowls (will go great with our shell sorting)
• A beautiful green, ceramic cup (see close up)
• 2 glass fish... things. Don't know what these actually are, but I'm going to use them for spooning.
• And finally, 4 books

All this for $12!! Ok, so I know that probably doesn't sound like much a deal to some of you, but trust me, in Bermuda it's a steal!

Here are the close-ups:
I plan on using these for sorting. That lil basket is handmade and I like that it has a lid. James loves opening things to find surprises. :) And how cute is that duck, honestly? I plan on filling him with some type of spring-themed thing (flowers, maybe?). Lastly the green cup, I just had to show you how pretty it is with that basket looking pattern.

I love love love practical life work and these little goodies will have me smiling all week! Those of you who know Montessori will appreciate my finds that much more.

I love when other Bloggers share their thrifty finds, so I decided to do the same from now on. I *try* not to go thrifting too often (Hubs doesn't appreciate my new hobby), but whenever I do I'll be sure to post about it! And (Hubs is gonna love me for this) I decided that I'll donate something each time I shop. It's a total win-win sitch!