Athletic Works hoodie - pink:  $3 (RSP:  $16)
Athletic Works hoodie - grey:  $3 (RSP:  $16)
Hotspot skinny boot pant:  $3 (RSP:  $15)

All @ Walmart.ca

I've started exercising outside, so I suddenly have the need for athletic wear.  I don't like this style of clothing normally, so this is about the price I'm willing to pay.  I don't think it'd be this cheap anywhere else!

Supercycle bike helmet:  $9.59 @ Canadian Tire (RSP:  $11.99)

The regular price is already reasonable enough, but I'm happy I managed to get it on sale!  All other stores charge at least $20 for their helmets.  This one's pink too!

Funko - Adventure time Tin-Tastic activity set:  $3 @ Dollarama (RSP:  ~$10.99)

I was so excited to see this!  I love Adventure Time, and I almost never see it for sale where I go.  I certainly don't want to pay full price, so I've been able to resist.  Before this, I only had the set of Happy Meal toys. 

They also have a Finn one, which I think looks even better.

I hope they'll get that one in too!

Krylon ballet slipper spraypaint:  $5 (RSP:  $9.99)
Cat mug:  $2.10 (RSP:  $7)

Both @ Michaels

They had a one day only half off coupon, so I decided to go.  I need way more cans of this paint, and this is the only place they sell it!

The cat mug was an afterthought.  I really liked it, but it did have some scuffs on it.

Since it was way bigger than my other mugs, and it was the only one there, I decided to get it.  They also had a black/white reversed cup of the same design, but I thought this looked nicer.

Pillowcases:  $2 each
BHG - Frosted  white botanical pillar holder:  $3 (RSP:  $7.87)

All @ Dollarama

I actually got the heart pillow cases from another Dollarama, but I did buy these all on the same day.  I was unsure about getting it because it seemed pretty childish, but I love hearts, so why not.

I was shocked when I found the other ones!  They had so many nice prints, it was hard to limit myself to just these ones.

They looked really sophisticated, the same kind of patterns you'd see in a higher end store!  I wonder why they suddenly started to do that.  Up until recently, I had only noticed solid colours.  It's hard not to go overboard buying them!

I was unsure about the candle holder.  I don't have any candle holders that big...plus, I prefer vintage decor!  I do love birds though, so I decided I might as well get them.

Turns out they were sold at walmart.com for $7.87!  That's around $10 Canadian, so this was a deal.

KISMET sleeveless fringe cardigan:  $6.44 (RSP:  $45)
GUILTY slub duster cardigan:  $4.44 (RSP:  $39.50)
KISMET bandeau - Nectar:  $2.49 (RSP:  $9.50)

KISMET long lace tank - Miami Mint:  $2.49 (RSP:  $16.50)
KISMET long lace tank - Hot Pink:  $2.49 (RSP:  $16.50)
KISMET bandeau - Citron:  $2.49 (RSP:  $9.50)

All @ Bootlegger.

They had a half off sale on all sale items.  Sadly, the bandeaus are way too small!  The tanks were much nicer than expected though...they're pretty long, like a dress!  I really like the mint one.

The hot pink is way more neon than it shows in the picture!  But for the price, and because I love the style, it's worth keeping.

Any full length cardigans under $5 are a no-brainer to me.  The crochet one was a bit more, but the style seemed nice, so I decided to get it anyway.

3 pack of socks:  $6.99 @ Bluenotes
Pink gingham backpack:  $3 @ Dollarama

I forgot to take a picture of the backpack separately, but it's the standard style they all are.  I wanted one for when I was riding my bike...it's way more convenient than a purse!

I checked around for a while, and decided I liked this one the best.  I did see a pink plaid one that I almost bought, but I didn't because that one looked really worn.

I'm glad I didn't get that one, because this one's way better!  The other one was a stiff, cheap feeling nylon, while this one's a satin kind of material.

I only bought the socks for a mystery shop.  Stupidly, they didn't have anything on sale in the store!!  I've never seen that before.  These were the cheapest things I could see myself using, so I got them.

Luckily I noticed that they accepted returns on full price products, so I ended up returning this the next day.

Royal Heritage - Bird pillow cases:  $2 @ Dollarama

I've never been tempted by the pillow cases here before...normally they're a solid colour, or an ugly pattern.  This is the first time I've seen one with a drawing on it!

I love birds, and I thought this looked quite nice.  I felt the material, and it was ok...definitely usable, and comparable with the cheaper stuff at a place like walmart.

Well, turns out the print is as nice as I thought...but the pillowcases themselves were not!  I was expecting a matching set with a nice placement, but these images were in completely random places! I was hoping it would be dead center and facing the right way, but it's sideways and to the right.

The second one's even worse!  There's only part of an image 1/3 of the way from the bottom...the rest is literally completely blank!  It's not even the full scene either!

I guess that's why they're here.  I'm a little disappointed, but the one with the lopsided image is still ok.  These would probably be at least $5 - $10 somewhere else, and the images might not be aligned either (ok, probably would have been for $10).

Vintage print tray
Goat letter set
Smiley face fork and spoon

$2 each @ Daiso

Always love going there!  Too bad it's so out of the way.

I don't really need any trays, but I really liked the print on that one.  Thought I might need it in the future...and who knows if they'll still have it then!

I actually saw that exact same letter set at Yoko yaya, and considered buying it there as well.  I never use stationery though, so I passed.  When I ended up seeing it again (and it was the ONLY one there, same as last time), it seemed like a sign.

The smiley utensils...I actually saw the set on eBay for around $10!  I thought they were really cute on there too, but they were already sold out.  I wouldn't have wanted to pay that much, but I was tempted.  These were a much better price!

6 pack of animal erasers:  $1 @ Dollarama

I've never been tempted by erasers before, but these are just so cute!!  Somewhat realistic too, but the fact that they actually have some mobility is what swayed me.  They can all move their heads!  That's the first time I've seen that, otherwise I'd have more.

I thought these were manufactured for the store, but they're overstock.  They're dated 2013!  I've seen the exact same ones sold by Iwako online, for $3.60 - $5.75 per set!

This one's the same, except there's a panda instead of a koala:

Too bad they didn't have any other types or colours at dollarama, but I'm happy with the ones I got. The elephant is my favourite...it was the main reason I bought this!

Vintage cat head jar:  $4.99 @ Value Village

I was surprised this was so reasonable!  This location normally overcharges for everything, even before all of the rest started doing that!

I guess they didn't think it was vintage.  Actually, I guess I can't be sure it's vintage either, since I have seen vintage reproductions on alibaba even now!

This is a knockoff of a Lefton "Miss Priss" cookie jar.  I think the mold might be EXACTLY the same:

That one's so much cuter!  The difference in quality is noticeable, and so is the price.  Still, I have seen people ask for around $50 for this exact one!  I'm happy for the price I paid.

Mirror print floral scuba dress (RSP:  $20)
Floral scuba dress (RSP:  $20)

$2.49 each @ Sirens

I actually did my first mystery shop here too, so the whole trip was a success!  I had seen these dresses before, but I was waiting for the price to go down.

They are pretty garish, but I like that sometimes.  It was a no-brainer for the price!

A gift bag from a Joe Fresh event!  You had to buy something, so I bought a reusable bag for $1.  Not technically free, but totally worth it!  The retail value for everything was around $35.  Here's what it included:

Dial - Coconut water and mango hand soap (RSP:  $2.49)
Got2b - All Star MVP perfecting cream (RSP:  $6.99)
Joe Fresh - Lash define mascara (RSP:  $8)
Burt's Bees - Grapefruit facial cleansing towelettes (RSP:  $9.99)
Fashion magazine (September)  (RSP:  $4.99)
Aero chocolate bar (RSP:  $2.69)

Plus, they had free wine and snacks in store!  I lined up early, but it turns out I didn't even have to do that.

I was hoping to buy some clearanced silk, but they didn't have anything in my size.  The prices were also higher than their website, so I couldn't have brought myself to do it anyway.

Lilac romper (RSP:  $19)
Turquoise romper (RSP:  $19)

$2.50 each @ Urban Behavior

I'm surprised these were still here.  They actually used to have a thin brown belt with them, I saw ONE that had it.  These are so flattering on, and I love the colours!

Moirs - Vintage Valentines chocolate box:  $2.99
Calico Critters - 2006 Halloween baby set + button dolls:  $1.99

Both @ Value Village

I really liked that box, but it seemed a bit overpriced.  Especially since there was still a $.25 garage sale sticker on the box!

But I thought it was so neat, I bought it anyway.  Stupidly, they put the price sticker on the front, and it didn't come off cleanly.  It is cardboard, so I don't think there's a way to do it without ruining the box!

I'm guessing it's either from the 60's or 70's.  It's in remarkable condition for being that old!  It must have been special to someone.  The plastic liner is still inside, but I don't really need that.  I'm thinking about recycling it, but that seems like a shame somehow.

I was surprised to see the Calico Critters, new in box too!  They were in the general bagged section. They were even packed with these dollarama button dolls that retailed for $1.50, which I thought was pretty reasonable already.

I don't know if I'll open up the Critters.  Turns out they're worth at least $40 in that condition!  I haven't seen one on ebay, and the post I did see was from 4 years ago.

George Ladies Microfiber Hipster 3 Pack x 3:  $1 each (RSP:  $6 each)
George Ladies Microfiber Bikini 3 Pack x 3:  $1 each (RSP:  $6 each)

Both @ Walmart.

Couldn't resist at this price.  They're actually pretty decent, I wonder if I should have gotten more.

George - Short sleeve jacket:  $3 (RSP: $16)

I wasn't sure about this, but I ended up sizing down, and the fit is so flattering!  I wish I sized down for all of my other ones.

Small rhinestone stickers:  $1.25
Bigger rhinestone stickers:  $2
Cat rain stickers:  $1

All @ Dollarama

I bought these rhinestones for a project, and it turned out great!  I thought I needed the small ones to fill in any gaps, but I didn't end up needing to do that.

These are really easy to apply since they're in strips.  I have a few more projects in mind, so I better stock up in case they disappear!

I don't really need any more stickers, but I just can't resist cute cat stuff!

Beige off shoulder bandage accent mermaid dress (RSP:  $25)
Burgundy off shoulder bandage accent mermaid dress (RSP:  $25)

$2.50 each @ Urban Behavior

They didn't have my preferred size, but for this price, I couldn't resist!  The beige dress actually ended up being ok, but the other one is sooo tight, it's uncomfortable!

I lined them up, and that one's about 2 cm smaller.  That seems like such a small amount, but it makes such a huge difference!

The dresses are really classy and beautiful on, so I'm so happy I managed to get them.

More stuff from Chapman's...a beach ball, t-shirt, note pad, and strobe light.

Finally got around to customizing that free dresser I got a while back.  It cost me around $25, which was basically just the paint.  It's stupidly expensive here!  I know it goes for as low a $3.50 a can in the states.  Here's what it used to look like:



Didn't like it at all back then, but now I love it!  It's funny how a new coat of paint can change things so drastically.  I used Krylon's ballet slipper spray paint, and I ended up using nearly 4 cans!  It was my first time spray painting, and it was wayyy harder than I expected.

It was terrible at first!  The coverage was uneven, and there was noticeable shade variation.  I kept on adding more layers to even it out, but that didn't work...eventually I said "good enough" and just stopped.  Somehow, it ended up looking way better a few days later, but you can still see the imperfections.

There's already a huge chip, ugh!  I think I need to put an additional sealer on top to prevent more chippage.

I really wish I didn't use as much paint.  I think I could have gone with around 2 if I was efficient enough.  Oh well, at least I'll know for next time.

I also spray painted the handles gold.  It used to be a dirty kind of bronze.  That was way easier! Turns out the hardest thing to spray paint is a flat surface, so I was being a bit too ambitious with this first project.

I also lined all of the drawers with that leopard wrapping paper I got at Michael's.  There's so much in that roll!  I used a bit over 1 for the entire thing.

Overall, I'm so happy with how it turned out.  It's my favourite piece of furniture!  All of my other ones are old and crappy..having something nice strangely made me feel a lot better overall.  I can't wait to do my other ones!

Kismet - Bahama dress:  $4.99 (RSP:  $54.50)
Kismet - Vanessa dress:  $4.99 (RSP:  $54.50)

Both @ Bootlegger

The second one's going back..it's huge!!  I thought it might be tighter than normal, but it's actually true to size.

Puffy cat stickers:  $1
Curtain rod:  $1.50

Both @ Dollarama.

The last rod wasn't long enough, so I had to cobble something together!  Luckily it worked out.

I've been buying way too many stickers, but I couldn't pass these up.  I saw someone else post them on the internet, and thought I'd buy them if I saw them, and then it ended up happening.  They only had one too!

A 24K gold fork from New York Fries!  I got this and a free poutine for winning a contest.  All you had to do was be the first to say a certain phrase...I already had to go to the  mall, so I decided to try for this.

Surprisingly, I had no competition!  I was there until around half an hour after it opened, and I didn't see anyone else try for it.

I did come half an hour early just in case, but it turns out I didn't even have to do that.  I really thought there'd be some demand, since NYF had these forks valued at $60 each!

I kind of doubt that though.  I've seen supposedly 24K gold plated utensils for as low as $6 online..and I think that all gold utensils might even be plated with real gold!  In which case, I've seen them as low as $2 each.

But, can't complain about a free fork!  It is way smaller than a normal fork though.

KidsKraft elephant tape dispenser:  $2
100 heart shaped push pins:  $2
Poodle utensil set:  $2
"Wild west marksman" accessory set:  $3

All @ Yokoyaya

Just like Daiso, except way smaller.  They don't tend to always carry the same stuff either...I suspect the things here are older.  Still, it's better that way.

This one also carries a lot more English merchandise, but at a higher markup.  If I found that elephant dispenser elsewhere, it would probably be $1.25!  But it was so neat, I had to have it...even though I really don't like that colour.  They didn't have any others, and I didn't think they'd be restocked.

The cowgirl set was an afterthought.  I just really liked that pink gun!  It has a neat cow relief on the handle.  They actually have two different sets, and I'll probably buy the other one when I go back...the gun in that one is for the opposite hand.

Beige slit sleeve romper (RSP: $ 30)
Floral slit sleeve romper (RSP:  $30)

$2.50 each @ Urban Behavior

I love this place!  I actually saw these a week ago, so I'm really surprised they were still around.  I was considering buying them then too!