Garage Sale- A Verb

I just love going garage-sale shopping. Especially now that I have kids who are constantly growing and needing new and different types of toys, there is just nothing like getting something you know is worth $20+ for a buck.

I also particularly love the Alger Heights Sales. They are annually a great time to pick up kids stuff because there are so many young families in the area.
Friday a bunch of the neighbors went first thing in the morning to get the best deals. After several hours of shopping and a second run out while the kids napped, here is my haul. I spent a grand total of $25.75:

That's five toys, 2 dresses (for me), 1 dress for Evie, a pair of shoes for Evie, a lion Halloween costume (not pictured because it's in the wash:) for Eli, hair pretties (not pictured because they are in the nursery with the sleeping babies), a pyrex bowl w/ lid (brand new and not pictured because it's in the dishwasher), and a small cooler that holds baby food.
This is a close-up of the detail on one of the dresses. I scored this one from a girl who said it's from her friend's boutique and that it never fit her. $3 and perfect for one of the weddings we are attending this year.
Evie's new PediPed pink penny-loafers. How cute are these?! (retails around $32, spent $2)
The new obnoxious toy that makes car noises. Normally I make it a point to not buy noisy toys, but I had a feeling Andy would really like this (which he does) and the kids love it too. It sounds like an earthquake is going on when the little guy in the car rumbles but both kids laugh and smile, what's a mom to do??
Hello adorable dress! $1.00?? Yes please. Size 18 months- perfect.
These two were actually from another sale I went to last week. I spent $4 on them...They have been a smashing hit!! I did not get a close up of the little red doll thingy posted in the first picture but have you seen these yet?? They sing when you squeeze them, but only one word each time you squeeze and they will hold the note as long as you push on their bellies. Their mouths also move quite convincingly. Lots of fun for another dollar.

And can't forget this guy!! He is a Lamaze toy, normally quite expensive, and cost $3. Add a few AAA batteries and you get: "My nose is ROUND like a CIRCLE!" He's a whole lot of fun too.

I really make an effort not to buy "junk." Obviously this is all relative but if they clothes aren't absolutely adorable, and the toys aren't in good working order without a whole bunch of dings and dents, I'll pass. There is enough stuff out there to be picky. A couple weeks ago I did the couponing thing, trying to stack coupons and stock up. While this makes sense for some products (like home and beauty stuff) I usually find there just aren't coupons for the things I want and I don't need to go to extremes to have plenty of what I need in the house. While I'd love to save hundreds like some people do on their weekly groceries I prefer a little garage-sale action to feel like I've really saved some money!! Thank you Dave Ramsey, I never pay retail ;)