love church rummage sales

[My English Castle]

I have been eyeing those hose reels that are in a plastic case and look nicer than the ugly old hoses in front of the house. I almost bought one last week at Target for $28, but today, got up early and went to a church rummage sale (they are the best!) down the block. The first thing I spotted was an almost brand new hose reel in the case for $5. The $34.99 price tag was still on it.

I also got great kids snow boots, kids' clothes, a big ole box full of Barbies (very nice almost brand new ones and in the Disney princess style preferred by the Disney princess at our house.) I could've bought more, but only borught $16 with me. Best of all, they even had church kids to bring it out to the car--and the bake sale ladies were giving away free samples.

It made me my day!

[jodi]

I love them too, although we have a mix of really good and really bad ones in my area. I still remember one where they were having $1/bag sale on clothes. I got so many nice clothes for my son that day for a few bucks!
Just a few weeks ago I stopped at one in the last hour - $1/bag for anything. I got a book, children's fireman hat, new shower nozzle (massaging!), and a small suitcase (I use them to store kids toys with a lot of pieces) for that buck. Yet other sales look like they have been dragging out the same 1970's items for decades still looking for a buyer

[My English Castle]

completely agree

I know what you mean about the differences in the good and bad ones.
Some of the stuff at the bad ones-UGH--very stained clothes and chipped coffee mugs. And too many cookie tins and baskets for anyone.
I think fancy neighborhoods usually have better sales, and although I'm usually there with you on the bag sale at the end, I might try to go early and then again later at the next one--only if they're close to our home.
I keep telling my husband that someday I'll be on Antiques Roadshow with a painting that cost $5 and is worth $500,000, but in the meantime, I'm still really happy with Saturday's haul!