thrifting records!

I'm sure that many of you oldies fans - like me - enjoy collecting records. Whether it's to listen to or to put on display, collecting records is a really fun and rewarding hobby.
So-- how do you do it? Do you just wander thrift stores and garage sales in search, or do you go to special record stores? Record stores are always more expensive, and usually only have more modern music available. But, at the same time, there isn't a spectacularly high chance of finding rare records at antique shops. Like most thrifting, records are a game of chance.

How, then? I'd recommend making a list of artists you would enjoy finding records of to listen to. Knowing what you are looking for can be key. If you're looking for records to display, then you don't have to be picky. Some old record covers have awesome art and would look great decorating a den. Take your time looking through the records; there's always a bit of history mixed in, which is what I really like about them.
As well, if you've never heard of an artist and the record is cheap, why not try it out? I've discovered some awesome oldies that I would never have known about because of a whimsical purchase. Doing research is also a good idea, though, and finding old records online is good, but you need to be careful.

 Some of my favourites on display!

 Just a few from my collection.

 My record player is a USB, hooking up to my computer (which is great!)

 Awesome, right?

So there you have it - Mari's guide to thrifiting records! Do you have any cool thrifting stories/records you've found? Share them with me!

second hand comics - a guide

So, you're browsing a garage sale or a thrift store or maybe going through a box in your parent's basement - and you discover a bunch of old, most likey 1980's comic books. Score! Comics have had a large appeal to all age groups over the years, whether Superman or the X-men or even the Saturday cartoons in your daily newspaper. Not only have they changed an art form, but have been key in storytelling since their creation.
Now, what are you going to do with these comic books?

A kind of obvious answer, yes. However, these old comic books are full of cool art and great stories. Even if they're just 24 page issues, it's a nice use of twenty minutes and can encourage reading in children, young and old.

If you like vintage comic books, why not have a collection? They're easy to find - garage sales, thrift shops, comic book stores, friends - and usually quite cheap! I recently purchased three vintage Spiderman/Spiderwoman comics at a garage sale for under a dollar and it was a sweet deal.

If you're collecting, it's cool to have a little shelf or display dedicated to your epic comic collection. Show them off, make your freinds jealous. Booyeah!

Comic books are well-loved and work well in all forms of crafts. Wrapping paper, jewelery, cards, picture frames - you name it! They make great gifts and look awesome.

And that's it! Old comic books are great, cheap, and can be used in many different ways. Try it out!