Heart warming thrift store finds..

I hate having to peruse thrift stores in a rushed fashion, but it can't be helped sometimes.  Here are some great finds I came across during a whirlwind retro treasure hunt one day. While I didn't buy every item pictured, I still found a couple bargains and spotted a few retro items that made me reminisce.

unused CRAIG handheld tape recorder $1.99

A technological device that has been far removed from society as of late.  There are many applications that this can be used in this day and age (I just need to find them).  My kid in college may be able to use this for recording lectures, and I might be able to utilize it if I interview anyone for a blog piece.

0.50¢ for a Frankie Yankovic polka album!

Rich and soulful Oktoberfest tunes!

 1974 Avon Barber pole cologne decanter $1.99

originally held 3 ounces of 'Wild Country' aftershave

70's Nut jar

70's Handmade coaster set.

I remember all kinds of folks being pretty crafty back in the day.  It's something that has made a comeback in recent years, and is pretty refreshing to see.  Heck.. my daughter is making her own jewelry, crocheting hats & head bands, and is getting ready to open her own Etsy store to sell her items in.

This item reminded me of the days when I had my own calligraphy and stationary sets as a kid.  This 'Gift-Maker' textile decorating paint set is just an example of how much more creative and artistic folks strived to be back in the day.  With this kit, you could create beautiful designs on aprons, purses, handkerchiefs, gloves, and all kinds of other clothing.

I collect beer steins, and my heart almost skipped a beat when I saw this mug.  Alas.. upon further inspection, it was made in Brazil rather than in Germany.

And finally, while it's not a retro item.. I found this Game-Boy Advance for 99 cents.  I wasn't sure if it worked or not, but seeing as there was a game cartridge still inside of it, I figured it was worth the gamble.

 

 

I got it home and put batteries in it to find it worked perfectly.  All I needed to do was buy a battery compartment door for it.  The door will cost me more than the unit and game cost, but in the end.. I'll only be into this thing for under $5.00.  Pretty good deal considering I've paid $50.00 for a used system with no game in the past for my daughter!

Not a bad outing, even though I was a bit rushed.  It's when I'm able to take my time in thrift stores and flea markets that I can really uncover some great finds.  Hopefully my next outing will produce even better results.

Exotica, Polka, and Cha Cha, Oh My!

Retro treasure hunting has paid off in a big way for me over the years, especially in regards to music.  Check out these albums I came across not too long ago for the cost of just 29¢ each..

This is a double album set with 20 of the greatest hits from one of the pioneers of Exotica music.. Les Baxter!

Another patriarch of Exotica music.. Arthur Lyman.  I'll tell you.. there's nothing better than sitting on the patio in the summer, sipping a Mai Tai, and relaxing to the soothing sounds of Martin Denny, Les Baxter, and Arthur Lyman.  I've already tested out these albums, and they play perfectly.  Once I get these ripped and uploaded to my iPod, I'll be able to jump into a tropical mindset no matter the season in this land locked state of Colorado.

I bought this one for Schnitz & Giggles

Not that I'm huge fan of polka or anything, but I do dig listening to it around Oktoberfest.  Ahh.. I can picture myself now filling up my Das Boot with Warsteiner Dunkel, eating Bretzels, Bock-wurst, und Sauerkraut, and listening to some good old fashioned Oompa music!

 If you don't love a good Cha Cha Cha.. then you need to get your pulse checked!

I didn't buy this one, 

but was perplexed by the album cover..

So there you have it.  Five way cool albums that play like they're brand new.  I basically got hours upon hours of listening pleasure for the cost of $1.45.  Most of the time I buy maybe one out of one hundred albums I like at thrift stores, because they're so badly damaged.  These albums I found on this particular day were grouped together by themselves, so I'm wondering if they were owned by the same person since they're in such pristine condition.

Oh.. and pictured below is one more throwback from the recent past for you.  An album hearkening back to a time when kids loved to be as active as they could.  They were hyper and energetic, and it wasn't due to having A.D.D.  I wonder, would the kids of today dig something like this in 2016?