Warning:  Today's post is basically an editorial so don't be disappointed that there aren't any photos.  And, remember - as always, the bossy opinions expressed by this bossy writer are strictly her own.

Last Summer three of our grandkidlets flew down from Washington, DC, for a week.  It was glorious - we explored the amazing Cathedral Caverns, fed zebras and emus at the Wildlife Rescue Park, toured space capsules at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and swam a lot. (Okay, one photo.)  

Near the end of an idyllic week I was running out of ideas to keep them entertained.  On a whim, while driving home from McDonald's (yes, I ruin their lives with fast food twice a year), I pulled into one of my favorite thrift shops and told them we'd browse for just a minute.

The teen granddaughters were captivated!  They spent over an hour going through the racks of designer label clothes and 7 year old Jackson parked himself in the book department and didn't budge.  Unknowingly, I had converted 3 mall/department store addicts into thrift shop aficionados and I was thrilled.  We left with several bags of treasures.

The point of this rambling editorial?  While the schools are closed for holiday break take your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews - even the neighbor's children - for a tour of your favorite, juiciest thrift store and expose them to the wonders of true bargain shopping.  

Make it a game - give each child $5 and see who can find the best bargain.  While shopping, gently point out chips and flaws but also the beauty of a rare Fenton piece or possibly a Fostoria reproduction.

It's our duty to create the next generation of repurpose minded and bargain-conscious shoppers.  We lead by example and thrift is a virtue every child should learn.

Oh, and don't forget the hand wipes.