12 Comments
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Lazarus NJ's avatar

Hmm, and here I was as your husband, seeing that 99-cent treasure in our living room every day, I thought you were throwing shade at me! (Sorry, could...not...resist...) You are certainly engulfed in your new hobby and it's a profitable one at that, bravo! PS I will be upset if I wake up one morning to find a 99-cent price tag on my forehead...I'm worth at least $10!

Ilona Goanos's avatar

Aw I could never give you up!

Paulette Bodeman's avatar

This is so fun, Ilona. And yeah, for you and your profitable new side gig.

My daughter-in-law is suddenly obsessed with estate sales and finding vintage Pyrex. She's having a blast, though we've had a heart-to-heart on the one-in-one-out rule!

Ilona Goanos's avatar

Yes, it's best not to go overboard with thrift store purchases. It's so easy to do when everything only costs a few dollars. I've already made some mistakes, which I've sent right back to the thrift universe. Thanks for reading, Paulette!

Ann Lombardi's avatar

I enjoy reading all of your stories so much! I've discovered we have alot more in common than just pickleball. Love you my friend!

Ilona Goanos's avatar

Thank you, my pickleball mentor and dynamo! I saw you on the Substack Live on Monday and was thrilled to see you there. Sending much love right back at ya 💕

Jill CampbellMason's avatar

You stated this all beautifully and I am impressed, refreshed, and my imagination is soaring thank you

Ilona Goanos's avatar

Jill, this made my morning! "My imagination is soaring." That is the best gift you could give me. Thank you for letting me know. 💕

Linda Hoenigsberg's avatar

What a score! The lampshade is gorgeous! I have a friend who makes a lot of money doing exactly what you describe. She even goes to thrift shops when on vacation in other places and boxes things up to ship home to list on eBay. For her, it is a very enjoyable way to have fun and make money. I know I would love it too.

Ilona Goanos's avatar

Linda, right?? I still can't believe it was 99 cents!

Your friend sounds like she's really figured out the sweet spot - making money doing something she genuinely enjoys. That's the dream, isn't it? And the fact that she's turned thrift shopping into an adventure even on vacation - I love that so much.

Thank you for sharing this with me. It means a lot that you're here. 💕

Linda Hoenigsberg's avatar

Ditto, Ilona!

Candy Kennedy's avatar

I love the lampshade, Ilona. They are generally boring today and I covet artistically designed shades. They are hard to find! Good for you.

By the way, a cobbler is still available nearby? Wow. I haven’t been able to find one for several years so shoe, handbag and luggage repairs are no longer possible.