A Swimmingly Great Idea!

Isn't this the cutest door!  And look close at the wall pocket vase that those flowers are in!  Yes, that's right, look close - ITS A SWIM FIN!  Painted yellow with black polka dots.  I was driving down Main Street in my little town and did a double take when I saw this.  The homeowner always has the most fun, cute and creative seasonal displays in front of her house and on her door.  But this one was the most novel I've seen.  It just goes to show how far a little creativity can go. You've got to try a little out of the box thinking and see what you come up with.  And this one is definitely not an expensive endeavor into creativity.  How much, or should I say, how little, could you pick one of these up for at a yard sale!  Just had to share!

ITS ELEMENTARY (SIDEWALK SALE ALERT!)

Erika from Elements Off Main in Columbia shared with me today that she is holding a Sidewalk Sale this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..  She's clearing out summer merchandise to make way for fantastic new fall arrivals.  There will also be discounts on jewelry and some gourmet foods.  You better show up early just to see what all she puts in the sale. Discounts will be up to 30 to 40% off!  And don't forget, even consignment items get marked down over time.  Consignment items that have been in the store for 30 days are 10% off and once they've been there 60 days they are 25% off.  But don't count on your favorite things sticking around that long.  If you see something you love, you better get it.  I have, more than once, waited, just to go back in and find my treasure is gone.  Sold out from under me!  And the consignment items are one of a kind finds!  So if you love it, then grab it!  And grab some great buys this weekend while you're at it!  Hey, and tell Erika I sent you!

Wonderful Hair Accessories I saw on my last visit!  These are not part of the sale.

Some jewelry will be on sale but not necessarily the shown pieces.

THE EXCHANGE

The Exchange, a home consignment shop in South County is celebrating their first anniversary in their new, larger location with a great deal. Sign up to receive their e-newsletter and then mention that you saw the "deal" in the newsletter and you'll receive $10 off a purchase of $30 or more. They also sell a wide variety of jewelry. Check out their website for details. They're located on Gravois in South County. You can also follow them on Facebook. I've bought some great things there!

SHOP WISE ON GRAVOIS

I've mentioned these places before but they're worth mentioning again. Especially now, when one of these shops is holding a Grand Re-Opening this Saturday 3/21.

The Women's Closet Exchange is still in the same plaza on Gravois (just east of Sappington) but they're in a much nicer well laid out space. And they'll be celebrating on Saturday with special discounts, lots of merchandise and in store modeling. I've bought a couple things here and have been very happy with them. But for an even better bargain head another block east on Gravois to the next plaza and you'll find another shop run by the same gal, called Sweet Cherity. This is their non-profit store. Merchandise here either didn't sell at the Closet Exchange and the consignor donated it or it never made it in to the Closet Exchange because the donor wanted it to go straight to charity. I have gotten some great buys here on clothes, shoes and jewelry. I know, you're probably saying "ooh, not shoes" but a lot of the shoes here, and all of the ones I've bought, were either not worn or barely worn. Believe me, you can tell.

Also in this plaza is a resale home decor and furnishings shop. Now, while I'm partial to Elements obviously, if you're in the plaza, you may as well stop in. I did, and got a cute little vintage basket to put on my porch or deck for this spring and summer.

And while you're over that way, back in the first plaza with The Closet Exchange, is the Purple Cow Kids resale shop. So if you got kids to clothe, take a peek in there!