August Dog Days of Summer Bargains

 Ah, back to school, tax free days, steam heat, and hints of fall -- it's August!  The Christmas season will be on us in 4 months!  Hobby Lobby already has fall and Christmas out, with 40% off on fall items.  No Halloween again this year; the explanation last year was that they overstocked on Easter, then were shut down and lost money, so they didn't want to chance it for Halloween.  I don't know the reason for this year.

Maxi dresses appear to be hot for early fall; there are vintage and new examples at Goodwill and other thrift stores.  Most are under five dollars.  Target, Walmart, and other big box stores also stock them.

Now is the time go get a deal on flip flops and sandals.  I found a gold pair at the local HyVee Grocery for $3.00, along with graphic design wallets, just 3.00.

Swim suits are also on sale; look for 75% mark downs.

Yard sale season is in full swing, heat notwithstanding.  I found designer dresses and tops a few weeks ago, for a quarter each!  Pink chiffon, navy, white polka dot shift, black T-shirt dress with matching jacket with metallic circle designs!   Vera Bradley look alike bags in black quilted designs and red print were freebies.

If you are interested in finding super bargains and freebies, I recommend the book, The Scavenger's Manifesto.

Fall bushes and flowers are out at the Dollar stores; great fall colors.  Also, seasonal scarves, which make terrific office gifts, only one dollar.   

Now is a good time to stock on canned goods, many on sale under a dollar at the big food chains and dollar stores.  Buy some to donate to your local food pantry, and put aside some for yourselves.  Costco has great deals on things like toilet paper, cookies, frozen fruit bowls, and clothing.  Two pairs of Danskin shorts only 14.99.

Take a cool day when it comes, and browse your local thrift stores and discount groceries. Some will stock early for the holidays, and others like Aldi's have weekly specials.  If you see something you like, grab it.  Recently, I scored two Lula Roe pencil skirts at Goodwill, brand new, with the tags still on, for $3.38 each!  Also, a pair of moccasins for $6.00.  Had I hesitated, I would have lost.

I'd love to hear about your own bargains, so please feel free to comment or to write.

Happy Hunting!

Mr. Tuxie on is favorite $5 leopard print blankie from Five Below.

Halloween Quilt is from the Victorian Trading Co.

I love to sketch, so I create my own "coloring pages."  Or, you

can find them at any Dollar Store, along with

paint and markers.

Late season, dollar fairy garden plant.  Little house

is from a thrift shop, and cost less than a dollar.

$1 ornamental pepper plant; it's thriving!

Red frosted glass head vase, $8 Home Goods.

Oil Painting from one of my thrift store trips.  $5.