Isn't it amazing, the deals you get if you're willing to buy pre-owned!?

[Early Bird]

One thing I wonder though -- can the older plates go in the microwave?

These do say 'oven safe,' so I'm assuming it's okay.

[grammea]

Spirit deer,I have noticed the same thing! I collect Blue Willow and the older plates are several inches smaller than the brand new set of 4 that I received as a gift last Christmas.
I am looking around my living room as I read this thread and see: A lovely sofa and chair bought by my dd as a gift for me last year at a church Christmas bazarr for 85$ a lovely hutch given to me by my dd's boyfriend's mom when they moved into mil's house,two end tables received the same way, a nice comfy area rug from my ds and dil when they moved switched the locations of their dining and living rooms,and a nice entertainment center left here by previous tenants!!!
God bless,
Helen(grammea)

[Spirit Deer]

I don't know if oven safe is the same as microwave safe. There's a way to test them, but I'm not sure of the details right now. I think it involves putting the empty dish in the micro and zapping it for a minute or so. If it gets hot, it's not micro safe and if it doesn't, it is. But I could be remembering it wrong, so Google and see if you can find something about testing dishes for microwave use.

Honestly, I don't understand why dinner plates have grown over the years. It doesn't make much sense to me, and the size of a plate really does impact how much food a person eats. We rarely use our dinner plates, and use the salad plates instead. I actually use a dessert plate a lot of the time.

[secondhandmom.com]

I applaud your ability to see past the fact that items are used. It is so satisfying to put things back into use. I buy some things new but, the majority of the stuff I buy is secondhand or very big sale items so that I can afford to do other things and pay bills.

I love it so much I started a blog called secondhandmom.com..I don't sell anything or haven't "monetized" it or anything. I just am passionate about sharing.

I love goodwill.

Some of my best finds:
Maui Jim sunglasses for my nefew for 2.99
side table for 1.00
A lawn mower at a garage sale for 25.00 bucks and it was less than a year old!!!

Love it. I am working to make sure not to be a hoarder though.

Love this post.

[shoiji]

Great finds. My criteria shopping at a thriftstore is it has to look new before I purchase something. I have enough stuff at home that looks used. lol

[frugalwarrior2]

Yesterday day I got 2 new or LN Fender soft guitar cases for $4.99 each.

-taste of home HC 2011 annnual recipes cookbook=.20
-2 oak desk chair w/ great ln upolstery $10. ea.
We just buy 90% of consumer goods this way.