Jackpot!!

Have you ever found something in a store and been so excited that you started up a conversation with the checkout clerk, just so you could tell someone how happy you were? I do it all the time, but yesterday I wasn't sure I could wait to check out. I almost texted my husband who wouldn't have cared less about my finds. (I didn't do it, because I knew he probably wouldn't respond, and I didn't want to have my enthusiasm squelched.)

Yesterday I took Brennan to TJ Maxx Home Goods store to look for a new lamp for our living room. I didn't find what I wanted, so I was just wandering the aisles, when I saw this:

I was really excited, but I almost shrieked with delight when I turned it over and saw the price tag: $7!!! Yes, seven dollars! Now, I understand that not everyone would be as excited as me over a metal antique-replica car, but I have been looking for antique-looking automobiles to put in Brennan's new planes, trains, and automobiles bedroom for almost a year! Sure, they can be found, but not for $7! These babies typically sell for about $25 - $30 each, and I wanted several. I just couldn't bring myself to put $100 - $150 in the budget for such frivolous accessories.

I found this other car for another $7, and an old-looking tractor for $5 all on the same shelf.

As if I wasn't excited enough, I turned the corner and saw these fantastic airplanes! I had to keep from making ridiculous noises, and Brennan asked me if I was okay! They were a little more expensive than the cars, but they were still a steal and they were the exact colors, shape, and size that I wanted!

Later, on a trip to Michael's, I got this adorable little box to put on his shelf, and at Stein Mart I got this apple for a dollar in the Christmas clearance section. Michael's has more of the boxes in different sizes with different things featured on top like a tricycle or wagon, and I may go back for more if I can think of a good use for them (or even if I can't!). I save Michael's coupons for my business, so I've always got a good 40% off coming my way.

These little items may just inspire me to start tackling that big boy room so that it is more than a room full of furniture. Maybe Brennan can convince Daddy to hang the airplanes over his bed this weekend! (Uh-oh, I see a honey-do list coming...)

UPDATE: Julia at Hooked on Houses is hosting a Hooked on Fridays event. You know that I'm hooked on these antique-replica cars and planes. Go see what others are hooked on this week!