Return of the Bargain Queen

The bargain queen has been in hibernation lately, as we try to get the grocery budget under four figures, and as I funnel all additional resources towards yarn and knitting related obsessions.

But, Saturday, Freak and I hit the road.  It was a pretty good day.  I'd like to say it was magical and idyllic, but I'm still struggling and the day was like a kiddie roller-coaster at the fair rather than the loop-de-loop at Six Flags which was a hug improvement.  So, the bargain queen accepted that she was not at 100%, and she and her king headed off for the Rose and Ram LYS in Independence, Oregon (all stores mentioned are in historic downtown in Independence).  Highlights include: Bookstore, Elk's Sale, and Cheap linens, all below the fold for fellow bargain queens. 

This was a thinly veiled chance to explore a town we have been wanting to know more about.  The Rose and Ram alone was worth the drive as they are staffed by friendly knitters and had a huge table of 20% yarns.  I was good and only got the needles I needed. Their yarns and notions were fairly priced and the whole place had a homey, sit down and knit a while feel. 

While I was making my pilgrimage, Freak found a clock shop right next store.  Also staffed by friendly staff, I was done fondling yarn long before Freak was done coming up with new ways to renovate our Grandfather clock.  I had no idea you could pimp out a working clock. 

The bargain hunting really picked up steam at the used book store across the street.  This place was a treat for the literary senses.  The decor was decidedly haphazard Biblio-chaos with just enough organization to suck you in. Freak and I both enjoyed the serpentine nature of the store with narrow passages and ceiling arrows pointing the way towards different sections.   Rare for a bookstore, the lighting was just right: bright enough for browsing, enough natural light to avoid claustrophobia, but not florescent blinding. 

Hand lettered (long live the Sharpie and Cardboard) signs helpfully divided Romance into: Contemporary, Historical, Future/Paranormal, and Christian.  It is always a treat to find used stores who treat Romance as more than mere shelf filler.  You could tell a fellow fan was responsible for the organization and well-edited presentation of this section, as it was by far the best part of the store.  I walked away with several of my favorite Brava authors who are hard to come by at the library. 

Then, we hit the Elk-load of bargains.  The Elk-hall, prominently located in the middle of town, was having a rummage sale.  This was the type of sale we live for, a jumble of junk and treasure and 10 cent pricing.  The women running the sale were delightful even if they lacked a head for business.  "This bed is 75.  Oh, well, I couldn't pay more than 25.  That's fine dear."  I didn't even have to bring my A game and we walked away with a ton of stuff, and could have had even more, had we not driven the insight.  Highlights: 

• An even dozen newer westerns and historicals, 2 for 25 cents, and I exercised restraint in this area. 
• 4 Atari controllers, 50 cents
• Pewter challis and tray, 50 cents
• Classic Clue game from the 70's/80's in good condition, 25 cents
• Light Bright, 10 cents 
• Variety of kitchen implements, 10 cents each 

Downtown Independence is also dotted with various antique stores, most of which have extremely reasonable prices.  Not as good as the Elks, but still, much better than the Coast and other trendy towns.  Well worth the browsing.  Freak found some Star Wars and other 70s memorabilia way under Ebay prices, although he didn't snatch it up, there were plenty of bargains to be found. 

The other big find of the day was a Linen Close Out store.  This store is worth the drive alone.  A great owner, and the best prices I have ever seen outside of the Goodwill on great, high quality linens.  Scores:  2 king fitted sheets, 300 and 400 thread count respectively, 3 dollars each.  1 Full Size sheet set with adorable dragonflies.  T*mmy  H brand =$10.  She has a great selection of duvet covers, feather beds, and towels.  I know I will be back. 

We also discovered a great little coffee shop downtown, along with the idyllic riverfront park.  Independence is well worth the day trip, although I almost hesitate to share it, like a secret I don't want to ruin in the sharing.   So, y'all come now, but come quietly, okay? 

Comments

[baggage]

That's awesome. I love sales like that.

[Lisa Pulliam]

I love walking around Independence, I do that a lot during my lunch breaks since I work in Monmouth. The Rose and Ram is great. I love to eat lunch at Andy's when I'm craving breakfast in the afternoon. If you come out again give me a call, maybe we could walk around together.