Renovating? Reduce, Reuse, ReStore

"One man's economic disaster is another man's swanky new kitchen island. According to a story in the Charlotte Observer, home owners looking to upgrade their countertops or bathroom vanity can find $90,000 worth of high-quality marble and granite at their local ReStore.



Owned and operated by the nonprofit home-building organization, Habitat for Humanity, ReStore outlets raise money for future Habitat projects by selling donated goods and used building materials, in this case, overstock inventory from a recently closed business called Charlotte Marble and Granite.
The ability to waltz into a used building supply store and walk away with near brand new countertops is rare.
At ReStores, you're much more likely to find second-life furniture, decorating supplies, home appliances and building equipment like pipes and wiring rather than pristine building materials. Since ReStore wares are sold at 50 to 70 percent off the retail price, the good stuff goes fast in a normal economy and even faster during depressed times when everyone is scrounging to save a buck."
http://www.rentedspaces.com/2010/02/17/renovating-reduce-reuse-restore/

In your area?
http://www.habitat.org/cd/local/default.aspx?r=r
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Today:

That was my mission today, to donate some building materials to the Habitat for Humanity Store, in the next town.

Ray and I made sure all the articles were clean, intact, re-useable, and had loaded them in the back of my van.

Jay wanted to go, as he needed to buy some window screens there.  He knows I carry a compact 10' tape in my purse as standard equipment!  As it is way down at the south end of Conroe, we knew that there would be some visits to other favorite places in that area.

While I was dropping off the donated items, Jay bought the two window screens the right sizes.  I looked at what they had for sale, but didn't buy anything.

We would have gone to China Buffet, but it was a bit early to load up on a big meal so we went to Taco Cabana for a filling good taco for $1.09 each. That was to sustain us while we went to the Salvation Army Store. 

Jay bought some lovely new suede fur lined boots for $4.00, and two matching brass ashtrays for 50c there.  I found some comfortable shoes, until I found out they were both for the right foot.   Never could find the 'left set'.  All my comfy shoes are getting old, so I only wear them around here.  (I had my foot crushed during the bombing in London, so one foot is very picky!)

We like that Salvation Army Store, but we don't even bother with the Goodwill Store in Conroe, as their prices are the same as new stuff at Walmart!

I had to get exterior paint for my house, and that set me back $30 a gallon at Lowe's.  Gee, I remember when you could buy a 5 gallon pail for that!  There were a few items on their 'scratch and dent' table, that I needed also.

Jay told me about a little Phillips TV/DVD player he had seen in Sam's Club.  I have wanted an AC/DC/battery TV that would work anywhere, in case of hurricanes.  We found them, but I would have to pay an extra 15% because I am not a member.  Anyway, I wanted to check on the reviews about them first, as I got burned buying one a couple of years ago.  They let me return it, but of course, the technology is very different now.

We should have gone to the grocery store, but I wasn't wearing comfy shoes, and we had had enough for the day.