We went to Madison today for three reasons:
1. DH wanted to use his GC to Gander Mountain
2. We had two boxes (so far) to go to Goodwill and I've been wanting to go to yard sales (but it's the middle of winter, so there's none to be found), and I thought Goodwill would cure my desire.
3. I wanted to stop at JoAnn's and Michael's to check out the after Christmas craft sales.

We stopped at Gander Mountain first and found a pair of wool socks that are also water repellent and a pair of silk long underwear bottoms. The long underwear were $5 off, plus with the gift card, we saved $35.

Next came JoAnn's. We got 2 Peppermint Candles to put in gift baskets next year. (Orginally $3.99 w/ 75% for $1.19) Another present of doggie cut-outs for Scrapbooking ($2.99 now $1.50). And two things for me (well... actually seven...) A pack of 3 rubber stamps. ($9.99 now $2.80) and a package of 4 different colors of ink for the stamps ($5.99 now $1.20)

I was very excited about these deals. I want to start making cards, stationary, wrapping paper, etc... So I've been picking up stamping items when they have a good sale price.

After this came Goodwill. We dropped off the boxes (and got a receipt for our taxes) and then browsed the store. We didn't find anything, but it satiated my yard sale desire, for now.....

Our last stop was Michael's, but I dragged DH into Bed, Bath and Beyond which is right next store. I have been wanting to find some red cloth napkins (since we switched over to using cloth instead of paper) to use when we eat something with a red sauce. I found a four pack that were $9.99 on sale for $2.50. They are a gorgeous deep red with a poinsettia, leaf and pine cone outline on the napkin.

We finally got to Michael's and picked up a large Peach Candle (half off), some Candle Wicks (because I want to melt down the remainder of the wax in the various candles that are too low to use, and make new ones), and a Photo Cutting Mat for DH to cut his photos (which we will be giving as gifts, keeping to adorn our own walls, etc...)

We were very tempted to stop somewhere to eat, but we resisted the urge. Once we got home we made tomato soup and grilled cheese. And we used the new red napkins! After the late lunch we're now reading (I'll be reading as soon as I finish this post) and watching the snow that is beginning to fall.

Simple/Frugal Thought of the Day: Take advantage of the colder days and enjoy a nice simple meal of sandwiches and soup. It not only warms the soul, but doesn't hurt the wallet either!