Finally, an introduction.

[Vintage Soul]

Hello everyone! I registered here about a year ago, when I first became interested in thrifting. And yes, I'm well aware that I'm long overdue for an introduction!

I never posted on the boards before this, not sure why exactly, except that I think I was a bit intimidated (being a complete newbie to the hobby as well as the board). I had a great desire to become good at thrifting; I've always loved Vintage clothes, books, housewares etc, but I ended up having more "error" days while I was trying to learn by trial and error. I didn't have any thrifting pals to teach me or who were there to learn right along with me. And my husband just isn't that interested (I still plan on trying to convert him at some point) in thrifting or estate/yard sales to the same degree I am.  Somehow day to day life took over and my attempts to thrift well fizzled out as other parts of my life required more attention. Now I realize that some of the frustration I experienced is just part of the process of learning how to thrift effectively. Oh how I envy those who grew up thrifting and were taught the ways of the thrift at a young age! Still, reading over some of the posts, especially ones with various tips and hints has helped me greatly. And for that, I thank you all.

Fast forward to this past summer where thrifting has become a major part of my life. I now work for a non profit and one aspect of my job (that I happen to love) is that I do some shopping at local thrift stores. Not for myself, mind you, but for the organization I work for.  Lucky me for having such a great job, right?

So of course, I found my way back to this forum, as I was once again looking to find the listings of local thrift shops in my area. This time, however, I plan on hanging around.

[Good Buddy]

VintageSoul,

Everyone here is friendly, so please never feel intimidated by us more seasoned thrifters.
I myself know very little about thrifting compared to other pros here in our little community. Many forum members also seem to have their own specialty.
Cookie: Cake decorating books and supplies
Good Buddy (me): True crime and character glasses
Jay2TheRescue: Pyrex glassware and Phones phone phones
Big Daddy Audio and ZedSimon: Vintage audio and recorded media
Scott and SeSo: Art inspired thriftables
And the rest, Maryann and the professor... I'm just pointing out some of the obvious folks that really know a particular facet of the thrifting culture.
Many of the other forum members are very much well rounded shoppers who just know thrifting and there ain't nothing wrong with that.
Please ask any questions you might have. Asking questions is never the wrong thing to do. Hey you're in the right group to find out anything you might want to know about the art of thrifting right here!

Thanks for joining the conversation..

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

Hi and welcome! Glad you decided to join in!

[Vintage Soul]

Thanks for the warm welcome!

[Vintage PurseLover]

Hi Vintage Soul,
Welcome.I'm Dianne and I absolutely love vintage clothes and handbags.I love old costume jewelry too.
Welcome aboard.Don't ever feel intimidated as Good Buddy said.Once you start posting,you already are a part of the thrifting family.
Glad you joined.

[Big Daddy Audio]

Welcome to the group.  The more the merrier.
I'm in the Phoenix, AZ area

That is all.

[ChrisMiss]

Welcome to the forum.  We're all just thrifters who love to share our finds.  You'll fit right in.  That would be such fun, being able to shop and getting paid for it! 

I see you're from Orange County CA, there must be a lot of interesting finds in that area.