Oldies but Goodies & on the Cheap

I don't understand my draw to the old verses the new but I have an aversion to buying things that haven't already been used. As I get older I wonder how much of an old ninny I'll be, if I'm not totally there already. I've taken notice of the rise in my friend's "no thanks" when offering to find them used objects of (possibly only my) desire.

Not a blood Aunt, but the Aunt of my half sisters was quite the character. Aunt Freida was a bag lady but had money and an apartment. She loved items from the trash and would dig things out and gift them. On Easter Sundays she would bring Easter baskets for my brother and I. My Mom would set them on the counter as Aunt Freida came in the door: "Thank You Aunt Freida, so thoughtful" she would say, while at the same time glare at me and somehow get across "DON"T TOUCH OR EAT THIS CANDY"! I was afraid enough to never eat the candy, in fear I would die but the baskets always intrigued me.

I haven't been digging in dumpsters (yet!), but I have found some other treasures in the thrift store. Finding useful items, in any such place- that still have use in the world- obscure things, things that tell a story, that have a history, these are the things that I feel should be saved- and I can make use of them once again. So I think I "get" Aunt Freida's dumpster diving activities. We live in a culture with so much crap and waste - there are so many stories and history to be found...that is literally just tossed aside. So here I am trying to collect history or something like that.....

First we have...Vintage Jello mold recipes for my Tupperware jello mold. Oh man! I thought it was gross enough that Midwest grocery stores are never without a mini pre-made jello dish; but this savory recipe with cottage cheese wins the GROSS prize.Next up.......Miss Piggy Jazzersize record with poster and all, it's easy to play with imagery in this record. I can totally eat ice cream without gaining a pound in the "Banana Split" exercise. And now I have a use for my red jazzersize outfit that I found a few months back. I love how when something gets popular it really hits all facets: Starting with Jane Fonda...and an explosion of Jassersize records by everyone! Even a make-believe pig!

Last but not least.......1970's Record Changer

I've moved up in the world of music technology! A bit ago I was collecting box record players, you know, the kind you can carry around with the built in speaker. Well this beauty plays multiple records one right after another. And I hooked it up to my cute little 1970's radio that I learned is a receiver. I found this winner for $9.00 - untouched with a brand new needle.

For the next few months I'll be working on my swing dance moves from my library videos, buying spandex from the thrift store so I can be outfitted for the Danskin Triathlon, attempt to recover my vintage couch that is STILL in Cynthia's closet and revamp for a studio in Chicago. Wish me luck in my finds for these projects!