Second hand doesn't mean second rate

Though we kind of gave up on The Compact, I'm trying to get back into that sort of mindset. I'm relearning that second hand doesn't necessarily mean second rate. I think I've been a bit of a snob about wanting new things. My thinking used to be "if I can afford new, why would I buy second hand?". I really don't like the sense of entitlement expressed in that attitude. So I'm changing my thinking, and have been blessed because of it.

Papa Bear and I have been thinking about getting a juicer for some time. I was actually considering asking for money towards a juicer for my birthday. But before I could, a juicer was offered on my local Freecycle and I was lucky enough to grab it. It even turned out to be a friend who was offering it.

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of spending the day with my dear friend Miranda (who snapped this photo), which included a morning of op-shopping. She bought Peachfuzz a gorgeous handmade outfit which will be perfect for this summer. I scored (all for Peachfuzz) 5 different kids clothing patterns, a jumper, a sparkly dress and Asian-inspired shirt for her dress-up box and a small pair of boots. I spent $11 in total. Everything was in good condition and so much cheaper than buying new. At this age, it really makes sense not to spend ridiculous amounts of money on brand new clothing for children who will grow out of it in a number of months.

And then yesterday, as if I needed any further confirmation that this is really the path we need to follow, a dehydrator was offered on Freecycle, and again, I was fortunate enough to scoop it up. This was another "significant purchase" that I had been thinking about, but not fully committed to yet. Now I get to play and experiment with juicing and dehydrating food, and I didn't have to spend a cent to do it.