It all began with an article on Feng Shui. If one wished good "chi," vital energy that allows you to function effectively, one had to rid one’s house of clutter. So, over the course of a couple weeks, my then five year old daughter and I filled several grocery bags with things we didn’t need and headed to our local thrift store to make a donation.

While there I found eight glasses for a dollar. The glasses were perfectly serviceable and the price was right. I was hooked! Since that day, I check the local Goodwills, thrift stores and flea markets regularly for anything I might need. Of course, remembering the way to good "chi," I always clean drawers, closets and remove clutter, especially from my daughter’s room -- about once a month.

What have I found at these stores? Lots of great stuff! I've bought several floor lamps, some old and some not so old. All that matters is that the lamps work. I spray them black and buy new lampshades, many of which I find in the store. I like floor lamps because they can be moved from one room to another if you want a decorating change or if more light is needed for a special task.

Other items I found include new draperies; a new Harry Potter shower curtain which hangs in my daughter’s bathroom; a small pine and maple desk from a local college; a clean little office chair to go with the desk; a framed print of cocker spaniels from a picture frame shop at a nearby mall; a very clean copy of the number one New York Times Bestseller, Body for Life; wooden picture frames with glass that isn’t scratched; and the most beautiful piece of furniture I should have bought: a drop-leaf mahogany dinning room table for three-hundred dollars!

Of course, some of the things may need refurbishing. For example, my daughter and I decided to strip the desk we bought because a previous owner painted the shelves and two legs green. We could have painted it, but we like the look of natural wood. Stripping the desk did take several weeks because we didn’t work on it every day. But once the desk was stripped, we found it was made of maple and pine. Now my sixth grader has the perfect place to study.

I think shopping at thrift stores is a lot like antiquing. You do better if you know what you want to buy because, believe it or not, you’ll see many things you’ll want to purchase. It also helps to know exact measurements, especially when buying curtains or furniture. Also, take a light bulb with you to use in lamps because most stores sell items "as is" and won’t let you return things. While there, be sure to check out the clothes. My daughter always finds something she wants to wear. For small children who outgrow their clothes quickly, you can’t beat the price.

So, whenever you need something, try your local thrift store. Usually the price is good, the proceeds from your purchase help someone else, and if you are willing to use a little "elbow grease" to make adjustments, you can find almost anything you need at the thrift store.

 -Elvira Howard/ Raleigh -