At 35, some 20 years ago, I started going to a thrift store a few blocks away. When I would go to pay for “stuff” the manager always asked me if I wanted a senior discount. It did annoy me. It happened so many times I thought of saying “yes”, but didn’t.

Fast forward to the present and Alma is still manager. Looking back, she hadn’t been in the country long and perhaps thought she was supposed to ask everyone. Or maybe I did look 55. She and I are friends and now everyday is 50% off everything for everyone!. She works very hard making the store run so well.

It’s my favorite thrift store and its proceeds benefit The Cerebral Palsy Foundation. It’s called Thrift Center but I call it “La Boutique”. I must admit I’m a bit of an addict with my L.B. Bar just around the corner. There are biological studies showing that mood enhancing chemicals, serotonin and dopamine, are released that make us feel good when we buy. That must be a biological reward for when we needed to hunt and gather.

When I “need” something, it’s the first place I go. I found 2beautiful L.L. Bean down jackets for 4 dollars each, cashmere sweaters, Dockers and Ralph Lauren pants for the guys, dress jackets, overalls, aprons, vases, wallets, on and on. You name it, they got it. The steak tar tar may be over cooked. You have to be a hunter though. I always know what I am looking for before going in. Most of our family’sclothing has been scored there although I did make many of the boy’s outfits when they were little. I gatheredthe material to make the Batman, Superman and Robin outfits they wore. Many a crime was fought.

The atmosphere is relaxing. Mexican music often cheers through the speakers. Even though the bargains are great it’s not like “Black Friday” in there. There is no mad rush to Aisle 4 for a black jacket. People have their minds on varying goals.

This is probably a girl thing. We were going to be on live TV recently. A few days before I looked in the closet and even though it was full I didn’t see anything that would enhance this carcass. I went to La Boutique and found just the ticket. It was a black jacket on Aisle 4.

You might thinkour house isClutter City, but it’s not. The deal is to re-donate or give away the clothes as soon as you feel bloated (or before).

Shopping in malls is not my idea of a good time. But I am glad that it is for so many. That’s how there’s so much good booty at La Boutique. Folks get tired of their fine clothes very quickly and donate. Like me they need a new fix. But with the economy changing I notice more and more people who might have been shopping in the malls shopping at the thrift store. Perhaps La Boutique will start having Black Friday, but where will the booty come from?