"People seek out antiques because what the past offers is often more interesting or vibrant than what is available in today's marketplace. "

Fritz Karch Martha Stewarts Collecting Editorial Director

This month in Martha Stewart Living , Fritz Karch, who simply does not hunt and tell, shares what he has his eye on at the moment as far as collecting. The above quote was in his article and it sums up how I feel about looking for all things old. And hopefully will help those who think I am crazy for digging through thrift stores.

I discovered a new D.C. treasure. Value Village. It is an awesome and extremely organized thrift store in the College Park area. I went there last week and was in heaven. It is like a Nordstrom rack (many new things with tags) a great estate sale, wonderful garage sale all rolled up in one. Every pair of socks is on it's own hanger and small items are in their own baggie.


I went with jus the two little ones and won't be doing that again. It was kind of crazy and Caroline loves to hide in the clothes. We went to the toy section first and filled the cart with BRAND new toys in their original boxes, so we didn't really get to hit the kids clothes (which they are known for great items) The pick up neighborhoods for this thrift store are really nice areas of Maryland so they get some great items. I did get some great kids shoes and a brand new pair of Birkenstocks for me. ( I love Birkenstocks) But I can't wait to go back with either some help or without the kids. Here are a sampling of my finds you can see the rest here in my smugmug gallery.

cool old umbrellas that work great. $1.81 each

Caroline's new favorite toy. Included every piece $1.81

I found this excellent condition pink and green hat. The inside brim is bright pink
$2.00

while trying on hats Sally Jane found this bonnet and wore it in the store along with her $.40 glasses. It will be a great hat to keep out the sun in the summer.

I loved these great oval frames with the hanger on them. I am trying to figure out what I will frame in these. Some cool piece of fabric I think.

I was so excited to find this. I have seen them in catalogues for like $40. I can't wait till the ice melts so we can try it in our cul-da-sac

Right before I saw this metal pineapple I said to myself, keep an eye out for anything Pineapple. Many would be turned off by this brass finish. But I can't tell you how many things I have bought over the years in brass and spray painted a different color. I am not sure yet what I will do with this. I may paint it pink and green and put it in the girls room. It opens to store coins and such.

My total score of brand new Birks. What is so funny is last year I wanted a pair of white sandals, but just could not justify a pair. I usually wear my Chaco's everyday in the summer and thought " I don't need to pair of shoes" But for $4.00 I could not turn them down.

Brand new with the tags "Goldie" bag. Which was a perfect match for my friend Emily Gold.

I found these great glasses thinking I could now be as cool as my sister in law, Lenessa, who has some white glasses and is very hip. I hope it works. These were a little pricey for me at $4.00 but sometimes you have to pay big money to be cool.

I would have bought 10 of these if they had them. I bought these to store my ribbon that are smaller pieces and have wrapped them on the bolt. (I will take a photo when I am done)

So if you are not tempted to visit me because of the ribbon outlet or the wonderful history and memorials, maybe Value Village will entice you to make the trip!

I was happy to add Value Village gallery to my smugmug gallery of Trash to Treasure. I love documenting great finds.