I don't know if it is because I have spent so much time in my life with little more than the clothes on my back, or because I have been greatly influenced by a grandfather who grew up during the original "Depression." But I am a packrat. I admit it.

I have a hard time passing up a good deal. If it is something I will use a lot, you can be guaranteed that if I have the money, I will buy every last one on the shelf. I love stores that have clearance racks. I would spend my life decorating people's houses with stuff I found on clearance racks and in thrift shops, if people would pay me. I don't have the interior designing degree, but I am pretty good at doing that. Hmmm....maybe another business in my future?

When I moved into this house, my landlord was amazed with what I did with the place in two weeks. It's amazing what kind of magic a person can cast over a place in a very short time, with the right knowledge of where to look.

However, some of us just don't know when to stop. I am also one of those people. I like to stock up on bargains, whether or not I can find a place to store them. Eventually, I will no longer be able to park my car in the garage, if I keep this up.

I am also a big fan of hand-me-downs. I always take clothes people offer, and I save a great deal by not buying clothes for myself, unless they are a great deal. Beall's Outlet does this dot sale thing that is just awesome. Sometimes I get stuff for 95% off. I have walked out of there with about ten pairs of shoes for our family for less than $20. I also stock up on clothes from places like that and from Target.

In my book, Target is the clearance capitol of the world. One of my favorite, and I mean favorite, things to do is what I like to call, "Clearance Rack Hopping" at Target. I go to every single section of the store, which always has a clearance rack, and I see if there is anything worth buying. I don't always get something. But it is fun to look.

I like to do this throughout the year at these types of stores, because it makes Christmas much less stressful. It's so nice to be able to relax a little about the massive spending that is usually involved. It is a little more difficult now that the kids are a little older and dig around in my stuff. Praise the Lord for locking sheds...