I don't do the Black Friday thing. Crowds, early hours, big screen tv's... Not my thing. Okay, so I should clarify. There is one Black Friday tradition I do each year. I roll out of bed around a little after 6 am (my normal everyday wake-up time), dress warmly, brew coffee, and drive 10 minutes to one of my favorite prim shops, Cocalico Creek Country Store. The first 25 people get a $10 "gift card", and then early morning deals of 40% off one Christmas item and 15% off a regular item. That is enough bait for me to roll out of bed and stand in line in the freezing cold.
Last year, I went wicked early, manned with coffee, my iPod with a season of NCIS, and LOTS of layers. I got there at 6:15 am. Needless to say, I was the second person in line. And my backside froze from sitting on their curb. A little over zealous. This year, I got there around 6:40 am (I panicked a little and thought I might be too late) and was still within the first 25.
I spent about an hour in the shop. You see, I am one of those shoppers who picks up things that catch my eye with reckless abandon. Then, the math area of my brain kicks in. I start playing the barter game. You know, "If I put this back, then I get these two things I like more. But wait, do I really like those two things? Wait, what's that over THERE?! Squirrel." An hour later of walking around the store and putting 100 miles on my Uggs, and this is what I walked out with...
Primitive flocked tree... $60... 40% off... About $40! Love!
You know primitive people are a funny bunch. Brownish snow on a tree? Awesome. Brownish REAL snow? Ew.
A year ago, they bought the antique store next door including her stock. They have marked down her antiques to 1/4 of what she was selling them for. I have been cleaning out that inventory for them little by little over this year. I got the chenille,little fleece dress, and four red woven napkins for the $10 store credit and 15% off of the chenille. It is a rather big piece.... Mmmmmm...
A gathering of bird's nests for under $5.
So, I feel like my cold nose and burnt tongue (drank my coffee a little too soon!) were well worth it. I will show you how I use my goodies soon. Right now, breakfast of leftover turkey and potato filling and pie. I am not kidding. And a nap. Yup.
Happy Thanksgiving and warm blessings to you, dear friends!
The Marm