Years ago, I went to Savannah to visit my dear friend (and fellow journalist) Kathy. We were in a T.J. Maxx when I came across some gorgeous sheets (Shabby Chic, maybe?), and Kathy walked up as I was digging through the pile. She asked if I was looking for a certain size, and I explained that yes, I wondered if they had them in "Full" size, even though I wasn't even sure I wanted them. I just needed to know they had them in that size in case I *did* decide I wanted them. She got this look of fierce determination in her eyes and said, "Oh, I understand completely!" So we set to clearing sheets off shelves, and soon she pulled out a package marked "Full." Although I didn't buy them, we both left the store feeling quite good about it all. Can you imagine a man understanding that little scenario? I can't.
I remembered that long-ago incident when I was in Michaels this week and came across some really pretty initial journals in one of the $1 bins. What did I do? I looked for my initial, of course! I set to digging through all those "V" journals (I think they are a little overstocked on the "V" ones), and quite a few "N" ones, and even some "S" ones, and finally I found an "M" one! But I didn't really *need* one of these journals, even for $1, so I left it, but I thought of my friend Kathy, who I'm sure would have understood my "need" to dig around for something I wasn't going to buy.
Happily, though, I found something else in the $1 bins that was indeed needed. I'm totally out of blank tea-themed journals (I used to have several of them waiting to be filled), and I really like this sweet Mary Engelbreit design with teapots and the saying "The best antiques are old friends." I certainly can't quibble with the price. If you're out of journals as well, it might be time for a quick run to Michaels. And wouldn't these be cute tea party favors?
Oh man - I have totally dug around in a bin at TJ Maxx to find The One That I Would Buy ... if I were buying! That's too funny! Cute journals! I've found some very nice stuff at Michaels before that was cheaper than "discount" places.
ReplyDeleteI'm a real bargain hunter and enjoy shopping. I totally understand what you're saying about "just in case I need them".
ReplyDeleteThe journals you found are really cute. Michael's is a good source for Mary Englebreit things. I have some of her fridge magnets that I found in the $1 bins. One shows friends taking tea and says "A constant friend is a rare thing and hard to find. - Plutarch"
The Mary E. notecards and little soaps from the $1 bin have been favors at our Cup of Caring Teas. When you are buying 40 items at a time those $1 bins are a blessing!!
ReplyDeleteThose are very cool!
ReplyDeleteI also, went through the bin with the lettered note books! I found several with C for Carter, but really wanted the T for Teresa and finally found one- I too left it! Isn't that funny. I guess it's the old maxim- "The thrill of the chase!" Ha, ha.
ReplyDeleteWhat cute journals; and they would make great Tea get together gifts. And at such a great price too. You know I have dug in bins looking for something that I might have wanted just to see if they have the size or color I want. And no Men would never understand.... lol. how sad for them.
ReplyDeleteHugs;
Alaura
Yes, they would make great tea party favors. Michael's is great for finding the occasional bargain.
ReplyDeleteI bought a bunch of the inital journals at Michael's for $1 just because...
ReplyDeleteAngela: I use these types of journals for all many of recording things - like what I made for things...linens, old dishes, etc.
ReplyDeleteThey are very fun!
So I'm reading your entry today and grinning because just last weekend, I was at TJ Maxx and found these great paper weights in the form of initials... I had to find a "K". I dug and dug until I found it and it was.... pink.....but I left it. Just had to know there was one if I needed it! And isn't it time for another quilt shop run? We can let the boys drive! tee-hee!
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