Hand-Me-Downs

As a kid, that phrase had a negative connotation. As the oldest girl, clothes weren't passed down to me from a big sister; no, it was Darcy N's old bras, and April P's used underwear, or Carrie D's pants that I was bequeathed to round out my thrift store wardrobe. I didn't mind because it was "new to me", but did secretly fear that they'd tell people I was wearing their cast-offs. How mortifying that would be!

Nowadays, I am still the recipient of hand-me-downs, and second-hand items, but far from minding, I totally love it. Ask anyone who knows me and they'll tell you that I get all my clothes from "thrift stores and friends"...the latter being why I ever look fashionable at all. (I've often wondered if it's a secret team effort to keep me off of the show What Not To Wear because they always seem to be getting rid of the nicest stuff for some reason!).

I have quite a few friends who have bequeathed me things through the years...including generous gifts and new items. For example, today I became the owner of this KitchenAid stand mixer when a friend upgraded and no longer needed her original one. Can I tell you how SO excited I am about this?! I have wanted one for decades, but just never could justify buying one. I've even entered contests a few times to try and win one, but apparently my contest-karma wasn't functioning at the time.

I have never had a stand mixer before, and it was only last month that I used one for the first time to make Doc's birthday cake (which didn't dampen my interest in acquiring one any). And now suddenly I own one! It's like magic.

Throughout my life I've received hand-me-down pretty much everything: car(s), clothes, toys, appliances, furniture, tools, books, shoes. Growing up it wasn't chic to wear used, but what was once something of an embarrassment has now become a "green movement" and acquired a bit of clout (and let's not even mention the whole vintage/antique realms). Against all odds, and by the grace of good friends, somehow I'm becoming hip in spite of myself :-) Life is Grand!

Grateful for:
1) How easy it was to make those oatmeal raisin cookies today.
2) How easy it will be to start baking my own homemade bread!
3) Those who "upgrade" and pass along. Someday when I can afford it, I'l leave the great deals to others who can't, but for now I'm so glad there are people who buy nice stuff and then donate it.
♥