$20 Thrift Store Challenge

On Monday Twin 1 came up with the idea to go thrift store shopping with Twin 2's husband on Wednesday as it was calling for another rainy day.  We mentioned this to Twin 2's husband and he was all for it.  He was thrilled to show us a day is his life.

The morning started off picking up Twin 1 at 8:30 a.m.  We then stopped at Tim Hortons in Bayers Lake for a coffee.  We were unaware at the time but it's a thing to meet up in Value Village parking lot with coffee in hand to talk to the other thrifters waiting for the store to open.

While we were waiting Twin 2's husband gave each of us $20.  The idea was to buy something and list/sell it for a profit.  Challenge accepted.

Value Village

The doors opened at 9:00 a.m.  There was a mad rush almost knocking the VV employee to the ground.  Once everyone got in the doors all the regular thrifters dispersed to their specific department looking for a deal.  Each thrifter has their own niche.  It was actually quite nice and quiet first thing in the morning because all the other shoppers were serious and looking for particular things.  We had a gander and only looked at certain departments because we were on a time limit as Twin 2's husband had a sale at 10 a.m.  Twin 1 found some great treasures and was pretty pleased with herself.  

 

Our next stop was Walmart's parking lot for the sale.  While the sale was taking place we took the opportunity to make a bathroom stop as we didn't know when the next chance to use the bathroom would be.

After the sale and bathroom stop we headed out to Spryfield.

Salvation Army Thrift Store

While it looked like a nice new building outside, if wasn't so classy inside.  However, when we walked in we did notice they had all the dishes/nic naks displayed by colour.  They took pride in their display.

Sisters of St. Vincent

This store was a boutique.  A cheap boutique.  It had a bathroom.  It smelled like someone just died in there.  Next!

Frenchy's

We used to love Frenchy's.  When we lived with our Uncle in Oromocto, NB, Frenchy's was our go to store.  We were there about 5 times a day.  We knew when the bins would be refilled.  This Frenchy's was like a dollar store as well.  It had new and used items.  Twin 1 struck gold there and her purchase included the best purchase of all...WET WIPES.  They were needed to clean the hands after each store as the day progressed.

After Spryfield we headed over to Dartmouth.

Value Village

We hit Value Village in Dartmouth around 11:00 a.m.  The first thing we noticed when we walked in was the noise.  So much busier at this time.  More riff raff at that time than the serious shoppers at 9:00 a.m in Halifax.  Twin 2 found a little something here.

When we left there we were starting to get hungry as it was almost lunch time.  Twin 1 being the new thrifter brought her own lunch. 

Twin 2's husband stopped at MacDonald's for lunch and Twin 2 stopped at Tim Hortons.  We then hit the Salvation Armys on Portland Street and Main Street.  More wet wipes please.

Next up was a trip out to Sackville.  Twin 1's husband bought two chocolate bars the night before so we each had one on our way to Sackville.  Twin 2's husband thought we would tap out before him but after a chocolate bar each we had enough energy for another 5 hours.

Bibles for Mission

This is Twin 2's all time favourite thrift store to date.  It's newer and the prices are somewhat a little cheaper.  We both scored at this store.  They have a pretty decent bathroom in there was well.  We'd recommend a look see.

Byrony House

Next on the route was Byrony House in Sackville.  When we arrived it was 1:58 p.m. and the closed sign was on the door.  It closed at 2:00 p.m.  We spent too long in Bibles for Mission so missed this one altogether.  Oops.  But like we said, we had chocolate.  We were ready to shop.

Frenchy's

Unlike Spryfield's Frenchy's this was a regular Frenchy's.  We didn't see much in here.  Another bathroom.  If you ever use the washroom there take notice of the painting hanging above the toilet.  It's a painting of 'Frenchy's'.  Pretty accurate.  If it was for sale Twin 2 would have went home with it.

Salvation Army
Wet Wipe please.  Next!

The Salvation Army in Sackville was the last thrift store on route for the day.  We then headed back to Value Village in Bayers Lake on the way home.  Of course by 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon there is totally different stuff there than at 9:00 a.m. in the morning.  Twin 2 scored some deals.

What about the $20 challenge?  We were too busy shopping for ourselves but Twin 2's husband got a few things to sell.  Well that's the goal anyway.

Here is some pictures of Twin 1's finds. 

Do you see the Ostrich egg beside the Wet Wipes??  BEST FIND EVER!!

New nail polish.  While it looked cool in the bottle it looks like salt and pepper on.

Here is a picture of Twin 2's finds.  Two things are missing from his photo as they are gifts for people.  Yes, if you are a person she gifts to then it may come from a thrift store.

Friday Funny

New Addition

So back in March Twin 2 and her husband had to put down one of their kitties, Dweeble, unexpectedly. 

Ever since then her husband has been wanting a new orange kitten.  Their other cat Lou has been enjoying having the house and attention to himself so they waited a bit.  

Last Friday her husband got the call that a 10 week old orange male was up for adoption.  Their vacation was just starting so they figured it was a good opportunity to get a new kitten as they would be home all week.  So Friday night at around 8:00 p.m. they brought the new addition home and introduced him to Lou.  

After almost a week together Lou is still not a fan.  They can now be in the same room together but it was touch and go there for a few days.  The kitten loves Lou but Lou doesn't reciprocate.  Hopefully one day they will be semi-friends.

His name was just picked out yesterday right before the vet appointment.  Multiple names were tried but they just didn't fit him.  The final choice was between Chedder or Gilbert.  Gilbert was the winning name.  

You forget what a kitten is like when you haven't had one for years.  Lou is 10 years old and Dweebs was 8 years old when he died so it's been awhile.  Twin 2's husband wants to move out of the house until Gilbert is grown.  He can't deal with Gilbert running around and getting into everything, Twin 2 yelling at Gilbert and Lou hissing and swatting at Gilbert.  Fun times.

   But he's just so cute!

Wha'd Up Wednesday

We know.  We know.  We promised some blog updates while on vacation but as you know the Twins aren't too good on keeping their promises/reaching their goals :(

So our vacation started technically on Monday.  We got up and met one of Twin 2's former co-worker over at Shubie Park in Dartmouth to walk Twin 1's and VB's doggies.  We took the dogs out for about 1/1.5 hours.  We then stopped in to visit Sister Wi at her work.  Onyx and Pearl love their Aunt Bibber.

Monday afternoon we went out to Winners/Sports Chek/Marshall's to look for some new workout gear.  Running is quickly becoming a priority again.  Twin 1 found some new running capris, and we each got a new sports bra and we found some dancing pants.  They are capris and they are so light and loose and are some pretty funky colours/patterns.  We call then dancing pants because they look like pants our Zumba instructor would wear and we may sign up for Zumba again and need to wear these.  They are good summer pants.

We also went out and picked up some paint samples as Twin 2's husband wanted to get some painting done while on vacation as it was suppose to be miserable weather all week.  We picked up four paint samples and settled on Turquoise Sea for the dining/living room area. Pictures to follow when it's all said and done.  Husband is just finishing up the second coat of paint as this is being typed.

On Tuesday morning there were a few people from the Tundra Pounders going out for a run at 5:30 a.m and we are both on vacation so thought it would be a good opportunity to go.  There were 4 of us altogether on the run and the lady who organized it ran 2 min and walked 1 min.  That was A Okay with us as we hadn't ran in a few months and it was just nice to get out.  It was such a beautiful morning that I think it made us both miss running and especially so early in the morning.  Just like last summer during 1/2 marathon training days.  Up and out the door by 6:00 a.m.  Another run is being scheduled for Thursday at 5:30 a.m. (weather depending).

Yesterday Twin 1 went to check out the new library with her mother-in-law for the day and Twin 2 tanned for an hour (so far we had ONE nice tanning day).  While Twin 2 was tanning that's when her husband decided to start painting so after an hour she came in and helped (talked) to her husband.  While Twin 1 didn't get to tan Onyx (the beached whale) did.

It was also their 8th wedding anniversary so they went out for supper at La Cucina in Bayers Lake for some pasta and then went to Costco and bought a new lap top as their desk top computer crashed (hence why the blog posts are so few and far between). They also got some new towels (it's def a big deal) and pics/reviews will be posted shortly.

Today we went on a shopping adventure.  That will be another post.  It was pretty exciting.

Tip Tuesday

Coordinate with your spouse or partner, especially on weekends.  Don't wait until Sunday to announce that you plan to run all morning.

Motivational Monday

Friday Funny

Wha'd Up Wednesday

With the long weekend that just past we are kinda screwed up and behind on days/blog posts.  We don't have a lot to write about today but will fo sho catch up on the goings on next week while we are both on vacay.

This past weekend we had the annual Luddington Invitational Golf Tournament in PEI.  We had perfect weather for the weekend.  We rented a 4 bedroom cottage at Rustico Resort and golfed all weekend.  We will post about that in due course along with some pics and the winner/loser of the tourney.  

This month for working out we have decided to do JM 30 day shred every day and at least 30 min on the bike along with it.  Twin 1 got a stationary bike from the in-laws so she's pretty excited about that.  Maybe on vacay we'll actually get outside on our real bikes and do some trail biking.  That's the hope.

The weather this month hasn't really improved much so far this week except this past weekend as noted above.  So far this week we have been having some pretty impressive thunderstorms throughout the night/early mornings but they haven't cleared the air.  It's been pretty sticky and warm with high humidity.  Glad we're not training for anything in this weather.

We do hope to get some runs in on vacay.  Our next 'race' is on October 24th.  The BLT 5k fun run.  Gotta get going for that.  This year we will have quite the crew running together.  There will be 7 of us running altogether in our group so far.  Should be a good time.

Until next time, have a good one.

Tip Tuesday

After a run, don't rush back into life.  Take a few minutes to walk, stretch, relax, or meditate.

Motivational Monday

Friday Funny

Wha'd Up Wednesday

Wha'd up, wha'd up?

Not a whole lot has been going on here.  Summer weather has sucked so far.  Rainy and cold.  We've only got about two tanning sessions in so far and are still white. 

The middle arm is Twin 1.  The brown arm is of a golfer/carpenter.

It's been so miserable that Twin 2's husband asked if they were going to Mexico this year.  Hopefully August will turn around when we are on vacation. 

Twin 2 went over to PEI last weekend for Callie's 2nd birthday.  She delivered Callie into this world...or so she tells people.  Even though it was cold she had a great time.  She stayed at her BFF's mother's cottage and stayed in the camper parked beside the cottage.  Neither of the Twins camp.  It went pretty well until Twin 2 and her husband woke up in the morning and needed to poop.  Can you poop in a camper toilet?  

While Twin 2 was in PEI, Twin 1 was babysitting.  Her hubby and two friends went golfing and it was a wet day so she didn't want to go.  She babysat instead.  Their friends has the brother to Pearl so he came over for the day.  

Twin 1 finally got some new workout mats that replaced the ones the dogs worked on.  They are pretty and girly.

Twin 1 also pulled out her rower for the first time in a year and did 20 minutes on it.  Her poor hands.

It was Pearls 1st birthday this month.  Not sure of the exact date but we're thinking around July 21st.   Here is a picture of her and Onyx celebrating.

To/Two food pictures now.

On Saturday morning we had a quick appointment and Twin 2's husband drove us.  While we were at the appointment he went to Tim Hortons for a coffee and came back with one of these for each of us.  

Reese Pieces Donut!!

It was tasty but we were thinking it would be more peanut butter flavoured instead of just the three peanut butter cups on top.  It was a chocolate donut with kind of a boston creme filling in the middle with chocolate icing and nuts and three peanut butter cups on top.

Remember when you used to get a handful of candy from the .25 cent candy machines?  Not any more.  .25 cents got Twin 2 FOUR M&Ms. FOUR!  But I guess when you buy a $5 'family pack' you only get 20, if that lol

This weekend is the long Natal Day weekend.  We are having our annual family golf tournament this weekend over in PEI.  We are renting a 4 bedroom cottage with the whole fam so it should be a good time.  We'll post on that next week.

Tip Tuesday

Invest in good gear.  For beginners, this may mean a good pair of running shoes to avoid injuries and technical clothes made of fabrics that wick away moisture and prevent chafing.  For others, experimenting with the latest GPS unit or shoe pod can be a fun way to track training progress and stay motivated.

Motivational Monday

Friday Funny

Wha'd Up Wednesday?

We have been planning on doing more biking this summer but we've actually only been out twice so far.  We did however get to our yearly ride to the Bike & Bean already this year.  Usually we wait until bike season is almost over but we were prompt this year.  It was suppose to be a sunny day so we left Twin 2's around 7:30 a.m. (originally planned to leave at 7:00 a.m. but we just couldn't pull it together in time).  It took about 40 to 50 minutes to get down to the Bike & Bean and once there we drove about a km or so past it just to see what's beyond there (a little creepy in one part) then turned back around and stopped in for breakfast.  We just grabbed a coffee and muffin each and quickly scarfed it down because while we were eating we could see the rain clouds starting to roll in and we wanted to beat the rain home.  

The ride home is always much harder because after you've had a little rest you realize how sore your legs (and bum) are when you get back on your bike.  We usually stop for pictures and take our time on the ride home but again, we were trying to beat the rain.  It started shortly after we arrived home.  One of these days we hope to start at the Bike & Bean and ride to Chester as we've never been down that way. One of these days.

The morning we got home from the Bike & Bean we did a JM video and then we got into skipping.  It was so fun that we decided to do a skipping challenge (you can see the Twins love their challenges).  So last Monday we started with 10 skips and everyday we add on 5 more.  On July 31st we will be required to skip 100 skips without stopping/messing up.  If we stop before our allotted number required we have to start again.  It's been fun so far.  Some days are easy and other days are so hard.  It's weird.

Speaking of skipping, we had our Birthday BBQ this past weekend.  It was a good time.  Had 20+ people attend, 7 of those had birthdays in July.  We had people inside and outside and just as everyone went outside and made themselves comfy by the fire it rained.  And not just a sprinkle here and there it down poured.  So everyone made their way inside.  Then the subject of skipping came up and we suggested a skip off so about 1/2 of us went down to Twin 2's gym and had a skip off.  During the skip off Twin 2's BFF says "you have the weirdest parties".  Yes, yes we do.

We will be having our Annual Luddington Invitational Golf Tourny early this year as well in two weeks.  We'll keep you posted on how that goes.  We are renting a cottage in PEI this year so will make a weekend of it.  Should be a good time.

Tip Tuesday

You can train your body to run well at any time of day simply by exercising regularly at that time.  When you consistently time your exercise, you train the cardiovascular system to deliver more oxygen to the working muscles at that time.

Motivational Monday

70 Thoughts during your first 10k (found on Active.com)

Don't let your mind talk you out of a great race day. Here are 70 totally normal thoughts everyone has during their first 10K race.

1. Race day. Let's go.
2. 5K? Check. 10K? About to be checked.
3. Crap, why did I think I could do this?
4. A 10K is TWICE the distance of a 5K.
5. That means I have to run TWICE as long.
6. I'll probably die.
7. There's a lot more people at this race than the 5K.
8. I totally feel out of place.
9. At least I look totally coordinated in my new kicks and outfit.
10. I probably spent too much, but I look freakin' good.
11. Good grief—I'll never get used to that starting gun.
12. Tunes: on. Beast mode: activated.
13. Don't trip.
14. Don't trip.
15. Pothole.
16. Don't trip.
17. They should call the first half-mile an obstacle race.
18. So. Many. People.
19. At least there are fewer little kids to beat me at this distance.
20. It sure is hot. I'm already sweating.
21. I'm going to be a hot mess for finish line pictures.
22. Dang. These shoes feel goooooood.
23. Money well spent.
24. Does that sign say mile two?
25. I completely missed mile one. Fine with me.
26. This uphill snuck up on me, though.
27. Ughhhhhhhh. Legs? So? Heavy.
28. Longest hill in history.
29. I'm pretty much barely moving right now.
30. Pick up your feet.
31. Ack, there's a race photographer. Act like you're not dying. Smile.
32. Suck it up, buttercup.
33. Halfway mark. Only halfway? I hate you, sign.
34. If this were a 5K, I'd be done by now.
35. Where are all the spectators?
36. There are so many people at start and finish, but none out here.
37. It's pretty quiet.
38. Except that wheezer over there.
39. Jeez, is he OK?
40. He's OK.
41. Uh oh, blister's a comin'.
42. I knew I should have broken these shoes in longer.
43. I blame the shoe sales guy.
44. Nothing I can do now.
45. THAT guy is passing me?
46. No, not happening. I can at least keep up with him.
47. Craaaaaap. This hurts.
48. No walking.
49. OK, maybe I'll walk for a little bit. 30 seconds.
50. One? two? three?
51. Pick it up, self.
52. I'm going to chow down on the biggest cheeseburger after this.
53. And fries.
54. So worth it.
55. What did that volunteer just say?
56. The finish line is right where?
57. Around the corner?
58. No WAY.
59. Wow, where did this energy come from?
60. There it is!
61. It's beautiful.
62. This crowd is all here for me! I'm famous.
63. Pass that girl. You can do it. Pass her.
64. Only a? few? more? feet?
65. Dying.
66. Wooooooooooooo!
67. Gah? done.
68. Blister city. Lesson learned.
69. Bring on the burger and fries.
70. 10K? Check.

Friday Funny