Hobby Core: Can You Call Thrifting Hunting?

Hello, friends. ☕️

I’m so glad you’re here.

I’m sorry I missed you last Sunday. We recently experienced a family tragedy, and I needed a little time away. Grief has a way of slowing everything down and reminding us to take things one day at a time.

But I’m back this Sunday, and honestly, writing here feels a little like therapy for me. I love sitting down, gathering my thoughts, and turning them into a conversation with you.

So grab your coffee and maybe a little treat, and let’s chat about one of my favorite hobbies—and one of the little things that brings me comfort when life feels overwhelming.

Thrifting

Or, as I like to think of it…Thrift hunting. Is Thrifting a Hobby? Absolutely.

For me, thrifting isn’t simply shopping. It’s the excitement of walking into a thrift store without knowing what I might find. Will there be a beautiful linen shirt tucked between the racks? A quality wool sweater? A vintage basket? A stack of old books? A beautiful piece of glassware that reminds me of something from my childhood? You just never know. That element of discovery is what makes thrifting so much fun for me. I’ve always been someone who enjoys finding something special, and thrifting gives me that little spark of excitement. It feels less like shopping and more like a treasure hunt. And maybe that is why thrift hunting feels like the perfect description.

Finding Comfort in My Hobbies

I’m naturally an anxious person, and there are times when I can feel that familiar icky feeling creep in. Work pressures. Goals that need to be met. Family changes. Grief. Extreme temperatures that make everyday life uncomfortable. Sometimes life simply feels like a lot. Over the years, I’ve learned that having hobbies gives me something positive to focus on. They don’t magically make life’s challenges disappear, but they give me a healthy place to put my attention. For me, that might be taking a nature hike, baking something from scratch, gardening, reading, writing, or simply spending time thoughtfully shopping. And, of course, thrifting. Something is calming about slowing down and looking through a rack of clothing or wandering through shelves of home goods. I’m not rushing to buy the first thing I see. I’m looking. I’m touching the fabrics. I’m checking the quality. I’m imagining how something might be used or styled. It becomes a little adventure.

My Love of Thrifting Started With My Mom

I’ve loved thrifting for as long as I can remember. My mom introduced me to it when I was young. She was a stay-at-home mom, and one of the ways she made a little extra money for herself was by finding treasures and taking them to our local consignment store. I remember watching her do this, and I suppose I absorbed more than I realized. Years later, I’m still doing something very similar. Today, I thrift pre-loved and secondhand clothing, carefully selecting pieces that I believe have plenty of life left in them. Some pieces become part of my own wardrobe, while others are thoughtfully curated and resold through my shop. There is something really special about giving a beautiful piece another chance. Instead of something being forgotten in the back of a closet—or eventually ending up in a landfill—it can have a new chapter with someone else. Thrift to treasure. That is something I truly love about secondhand shopping.

I’m Frugal, Not Cheap

I’ll admit it. I’m frugal. But I’m not cheap. There’s a difference. I don’t necessarily want the cheapest thing. I want something well-made, useful, beautiful, and worth what I’m spending. Thrifting allows me to look for quality brands and better-made pieces without always paying full retail prices. It also fits with the way I’m trying to live these days: more thoughtfully and with less excess. I would much rather have a closet filled with pieces I genuinely love than a closet overflowing with things I bought simply because they were inexpensive or trendy. For me, thoughtful shopping means buying less, choosing better, and appreciating what I already have. And I love that.

Thrifting Beyond Clothing

Although clothing has become a big part of my thrifting hobby, I don’t stop at the clothing racks. I love finding things for my home, too.

• Baskets.

• Linens.

• Mugs.

• Glassware.

• Dishware.

• Books.

• Seasonal decorations.

Sometimes all my home needs is one little change to make it feel fresh again. And thrift stores can be wonderful places to find those small treasures without spending a fortune. It’s another way I enjoy living abundantly without the cost. I don’t believe thoughtful living has to mean living without beautiful things. Sometimes it simply means being more intentional about where we find them.

Why I Keep Thrifting

I’ve occasionally mentioned my thrifting adventures to coworkers or acquaintances and received a less-than-enthusiastic reaction. I’ve never quite understood why. For me, nothing is embarrassing about buying secondhand. In fact, I think there is something wonderful about it. I’m able to find quality pieces at accessible prices, give pre-loved items another life, and be more intentional about what I bring into my home and wardrobe. And now, with secondhand fashion, vintage style, sustainable shopping, and resale becoming increasingly popular, it’s fascinating to see something my mom was doing decades ago become a growing part of today’s fashion and lifestyle culture. Maybe Mom was onto something.

From Thrift Hunting to A Cozy Hanger

My love of thrifting has eventually grown into something more. I’ve started sourcing pre-loved women’s clothing for my shop, Susan’s Curated Collections — A Cozy Hanger. And next week, I’m excited to share my very first collection with you. This collection is especially close to my heart. It is thoughtfully curated around quality, natural fibers, vintage-inspired pieces, and the Fisherman and Ralph Lauren aesthetic.

Think:

• Warm, moody colors.

• Cozy textures.

• Natural fabrics.

• Relaxed layers.

• Casual pieces mixed with a little structure.

• Timeless style rather than fast fashion.

The collection is inspired by fisherman days, lakeside weekends, camping adventures, mountain getaways, foggy mornings by the pier, and brisk autumn walks through the park. It’s earthy, comfortable, relaxed, and timeless. And perhaps most importantly, these are pieces chosen to be lived in.

Come Thrift Hunting With Me

So, can you call thrifting hunting? I think you can. Because that’s exactly what it feels like to me—a little treasure hunt, a creative outlet, a way to practice thoughtful living, and a hobby that has been passed down to me from my mom. What started as something I enjoyed doing with her has become part of my own story. And now I get to share that story—and some of the treasures I find—with you.

Do you thrift? What is the best treasure you’ve ever found at a thrift store? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

And be sure to stop by next Sunday for the launch of my first curated collection at Susan’s Curated Collections — A Cozy Hanger.

Come see what I’ve been hunting for. 🤎

Until next time, take care of yourself, find a little joy in the everyday, and remember that sometimes the best treasures are the ones we least expect to find.

Have a beautiful rest of your day, friends.

And thank you, as always, for joining me.

— Susan