just a few treasures ~ and the reason why

Remember how I used to frequently show you all my latest thrifting treasures?

Notice I haven't done that lately?

There's a good reason: I've only purchased a few goodies in 2-1/2 months!

Here's the few things I've found at Goodwill since the beginning of August.

(I found a beautiful light blue Laura Ashley cardigan and olive corduroy jacket

from the Gap at the local Savers right before it went out of business, but I 

normally don't take photos of clothes.)

I'm a big fan of Lisa Lill Studio handbags. She's a local Chicago designer.

This small velvet handbag will be perfect for dressier fall occasions. 

 I've been carrying this heavy cotton Lisa Lill bag this fall and love how it's

casual, sturdy, and pretty. I've gotten lots of compliments on it. There's nothing

like pretty bags ~ especially when they only cost $5!

 These lovely plates were only 99 cents each. They'll be pretty on the kitchen

table in the summer.

 Many years ago, my aunt gave me this August teacup for my birthday.

I was thrilled to find the matching plate last month!

 Of course, I couldn't pass up this cute, colorful kitty print. It's hanging in the 

main bath.

 Love these pretty teacups and saucers made by Grand Duchess Taste Setter

 by Sigma (Japan). 

 So...there's a reason I haven't been thrifting much. When you've lived in the same house

for over 24 years and you've raised two kids in that house, you accumulate a lot of stuff.

When my friend moved this summer, I saw how much stuff she had to (and wanted to) get

rid of. She said it was very freeing, and I believe it. I know how good it feels to get certain

spaces cleaned out and to let some of that clutter go. I was determined to stop bringing

in so much "stuff" and to continue decluttering ~ especially my messy basement. I just

donated 14 bags of miscellaneous household items, books, and clothing yesterday.

Here's the neighbor's maple tree today. Such beauty.

 Happy almost-weekend!