Thrifting.

Yesterday I posted about how I summer-ize my apartment.

And I showed you a picture of our bedroom all cooled off. 

Well, in that picture (at the very top) you can see a map hanging over our bed. 

It is a poster I found for $3.00! 

But, there are NO poster sized frames to be had on this base... 

Unless...

I want a customized frame from the kind, but expensive frame makers.

No, thank-you.

So I taped it up there! 

See: 

Well - after I posted this I decided something had to be done...

So I went thrifting. 

And I found this gem: 

The person that put this puzzle together spent ALOT of time doing so!

I'm not going to lie, I felt bad ripping it off of the backing. 

So I sent out a quick thank-you to that person!

There were so many of these framed puzzles! 

I chose this one for the wooden frame 

& 

because it had hooks on the back ready to hang. 

Silly me didn't take any measurements... 

So, I eye-balled it and thought, "this could work!"

And it did:

And so now our bedroom has a beautifully framed map 

and the total cost was $8.00!

$8.00!!!

Its funny how such a small thing, 

like a $5.00 frame, 

could really enhance a space. 

Think about that next time you want to upgrade something. 

First try something simple.

Wanna see what else I bought??? 

There are 2 things I LOVE about thrifting in Japan: 

The pottery: 

Crackled vase: $3.00

And the Kimonos:

Kimono Layer: $6.00

It has such a beautiful pattern. 

And it is in really great condition! 

When I bought it I was thinking I could use the fabric for some cute pillows! 

And it just so happens that these pillows fit right into the sleeve of the kimono! 

This summer, while I have some time, 

I'm thinking about taking this super special route to the thrift stores around the area. 

I think there are 9 of them! 

I'm looking for company, so just drop $1500 on a plane ticket, 

fly 10,000 miles and come join me!