Treasure Hunting<br /> One yard sale at a time<br /> <br /> One man's (or woman's rather) junk is another's treasure was said to me when I first came to Toronto 26 years ago. I was working with a lady at a Donut Shop in Scarborough and she loved going to Garage Sales. I myself love a good bargain now (didn't really appreciate it back then), but I DO NOT get up early on my weekend mornings to attend garage sales.<br /> <br /> Following in the footsteps of my garage sale/bargain shopper mother, the closest I get to garage sales and treasure shopping is Value Village/also known as V V Boutique (according to Oprah so my Godmother told me :) ) + the world's greatest thrift shop and Goodwills. Yes I do have too much stuff at home, but I do love a good find every so often. The other night at V V I found an old book from 1948-well I can't tell you how delighted I was, and even though hard cover books are usually $4.99 there, the guy gave it to me for $.99-yes that book was meant for me and I'm even going to read it.<br /> <br /> While talking to my mother on the phone, I mentioned that I was going to Value Village just to browse, and you could certainly hear the appreciation in her voice; it was so cute-my mother has trained her children well. One of us better than the other two for sure, and he knows who he is lol. I will not pay full price for most things these days, I always try to wait for it to go on sale, unless I really really need it.<br /> <br /> I used to tease my father in law when he became a senior that I wanted him to go to Value Village with me so I could take advantage of his Seniors discount. But my father in law refused and still refuses to step foot in there. It's not for everyone, same as Winners which my husband and mother in law have no time for either. But I love both shops and all you need is a little patience and time to find just the right item for you.<br /> <br /> I've been to some great discount secondhand stores where you can even find brand, spanking new stuff. One of my good friends even found a new Kate Spade wallet. I would love one myself but would never justify spending regular retail price; now finding a brand new one at a discount store would definitely be a treasure.<br /> <br /> Secondhand stores are not taboo anymore. Lots of people frequent them just for the fun of it and the delight on finding hidden treasures.<br /> <br /> Treasure Hunting for me is<br /> One Secondhand store at a time~<br /> <br /> Take care (&amp; keep an eye out for treasures) and all the best~Celeste<br /> <br /> www.talesfromaway.com   Submitted By: Alicia "Celeste" Loughrey