In case you don’t know about the beauty of shopping at Sally Ann, it’s the internet lingo for Salvation Army. Have ya’ll heard that one? Let’s take a stroll through and see what we can find. 
We have a nice big Salvation Army on Hwy. 150 in Hoover and since I don’t live that direction, I don’t get in there all that often, but I was on that side of town recently and had to stop in just to see what was there.
This sofa immediately caught my eye. As loud as the fabric is, there’s something about it I like. 
I wouldn’t normally recommend buying a sofa with a busy print like this, but for $200 at Sally Ann’s, you couldn’t go wrong. I could totally decorate a room with this piece and have a fun time of it. Classic style and a modern print, I have no idea how old this piece is, but it looks pretty stylish to me.
And it’s made by Sherrill, a very good brand and I think someone could get a lot of mileage out of this piece. Could you live with this fabric? 
This cute little desk was around $75, I think. Needs a little TLC, but totally workable. 
The fretwork was especially pretty.
A complete vintage dining room suite was really cute and I think it was around $200 for the set. 
Love these chairs. Not in perfect condition, but very promising. I can even see this whole set painted white. 
This already painted black piece was in rough condition and needed some wood putty on top, but with a little elbow grease, sanding and paint job, it could be a beauty. I think it was around $75.
This little mid-century modern beauty was also a prime candidate for a makeover. Totally reminds me of the dresser that Young House Love just remade for their soon-to-be baby girl’s new bedroom, check it out here if you missed it, it’s totally cute. They scored theirs on Craigslist for $20. This piece was around $70, I think.
This old beauty definitely needed some lovin’, as the joints were wobbly, but with some wood glue, she could be fixed up again. I think it was around $30.
This old oak dresser wasn’t bad either. Came with a mirror.
You’d have to look past the granny florals on these chairs for some potential, but it’s there. The wingback was around $45 and the smaller one, $35. Not bad for a makeover. 
These totally cute and modern green seat cushions were $2.50 for the pair. If I had somewhere to use them, I would have snatched them up.
I wasn’t shopping alone. These 2 sweet ladies were there too, Anita (L) and Tonya (R). Now, just who are these ladies?
Tonya reads my blog and emailed me and asked if I ever speak to women’s church groups about decorating on a budget. I told them that yes, I have done that before, so they asked me to come to their ladies event at their church (in West Jefferson, AL) in May and speak, so I agreed. I’m totally NOT a speaker, but I can wing it on the subject that is near and dear to my heart. So, wish me the best with this one. They’re doing a day of pampering for the ladies in their community, so we’re also going to add decorating to the mix.
We had met for lunch that day and I told them I was stopping into the Salvation Army and invited them to come along. They go here regularly too when they are in town and know all about thrifty shopping. 
Someone spotted this pretty, but rustic oil painting and we all admired it, but none of us knew where we’d put it.
I thought about it the next morning when I woke up and you know how you can’t get something out of your head? That happens to me quite often and I knew I had to go back and get it. At $4.99, it was a deal, so I called and it was still there. Now it’s home with me and I can’t wait to show you what I did with it! My living room is getting a mini-makeover.
Do you have a Sally Ann’s near you and do you shop there often?
The winner of the Shabby Chic Cottage giveaway is Phyllis Haynes. Congrats, Phyllis!
Thanks for stopping by! I'm Rhoda, from Atlanta, GA and I love decorating and DIY projects. Decorating a home doesn't have to cost a fortune and I've spent years thrifting at antiques markets and yardsales, finding those treasures that make a home unique. I'm here to inspire and encourage other women to find their own inner creativity. Won't you join me? 
{ 46 comments… read them below or add one }
Rhoda,
I call it SA, but SALLY ANN is so much cuter! If you keep a sharp eye you can definately find great items there. As you know it’s about developing a sense of style and using your creativity rather then having deep pockets.
Cathy
I like the name Sally Ann, that’s cute!
I can remember a time when I wouldn’t step foot in a thrift or a Salvation Army! That is, until, I found out about all the bargains and started using my creative brain! Now, I can’t believe what I had been missing all this time.
Great post.
hugs
Sissie
I do love going there… There is one about 2 minutes from where I work, but it closes SO early (4:30) and I usually am not finished at school until after that. I have gotten some good deals there in the past.
Hi Rhoda – My Sally Ann (never knew the code name!) is the same one you go to! I’m like you, though. I don’t live over there, so I don’t get there too regularly. I loved those chairs to that dining room table. They really had some nice things. I love that painting, too. Yes, I know how it is when you can’t get something out of your mind. That’s a sign that you need to get it!
Also, have you ever been to the Midfield store of America’s Thrift? I’m a regular at the Alabaster store, but go to Midfield every so often. They have a lot of furniture there. All of it needs work, but it is dirt cheap.
Thanks for sharing the photos!
Have great day!
Rhoda,
I feel the same way about two couches I have seen. One is at Goodwill and the other is at the Habitat Re Store. My husband CANNOT see the potential (he is my upholsterer so I cannot just buy it). However, with these two pieces, they have potential. They have “good bones”.
I never heard the term Sally Ann! That was a new one on me
I agree with KN. They close way too early. I can only get to the one by me on Saturday and it better be before noon.
Sally Ann! What a cute name! We don’t have any around here, we just have Goodwill. Looks like yours has great stuff, I LOVE that black table…it’s so cool!
I have never heard it called Sally Ann! There are not good ones around here but there was a wonderful one outside Washington DC when I lived there. Here there are basically antique shops or markets withe the same things just much higher priced! Love that sofa and the dining suite!!
So funny you call it Sally Ann’s. Never heard that before. I love the “Sally Ann’s” near me. I have never bought any big ticket items but they have the best little stuff. I have bought lots of candle holders, glassware, etc there. I even got my 16 year old daughter a really funny 80s sweater for 80s day at school. I think the people recognize me now when I go in.
Ive never heard it referred to as SAlly Anns but my mom has always called it “Aunt Sally’s Boutique” for as long as I can remember.
Maybe someday I’ll find one.
I cant believe how nice this one looks! Those tables…AGH!!!!!!!! If I lived anywhere close by Id be coming for the white desk and black table! Ive been hunting for one just like that for ages.
Our daughter in law calls it Sally Ann’s, too! The nearest one to us is about 50 miles away – the city that our son and family live in. On Wednesday’s they offer 50 percent off of everything in the store… I have been a couple of times on Wednesday’s. I usually am at work in the middle of the week. We will be on Spring Break in two weeks so maybe I will make a goal to go on Wednesday of that week… Thanks for the reminder
We don’t have a Sally Ann — just a goodwill. So color me jealous. Nice finds! I am dreaming of slipcovers for those chairs!
I’ve never heard “Sally Ann.” So cute! There are definitely a few things you guys saw that I would love to have.
Our “Sally Ann” is really expensive. Gosh, every time I go in and see a dresser I like, I look at the price tag and think, “They really want a lot for used furniture!” I have never purchased anything in there, although I visit about once a month just to see if there are any must-haves. Since I’m now in the market for a new dresser and maybe a rocking chair for the nursery, I need to go in there more often – they usually have a very large furniture selection.
I don’t have one close by, but I really need to make the trip and look around. I know they often have great things. Thanks for the reminder. Hugs, Marty
Yes! I love Sally Ann’s – it’s one of my favorite places to shop, although ours definitely doesn’t have as much cool furniture as yours! I get a cheap high from going to Sally Ann’s!
That white table would be great for a screened porch.
No Sally Ann, nearby. Wish there was.
i love the white desk and the dining set!
too bad i live no where near you. There is no sally ann or good will near me and I so wish there was!
I don’t think we have a Salvation Army {or Sally Ann} in my area. Of course, there could be one not far away, just not that I pass in my travels. Love that desk; although, the price seems a bit high for a thrift store find. I’ll have to add this to my list, along with the Habitat Restore to check on. There is a fairly large thrift store that I’ve been wanting to go visit, and I understand they have quite a bit in furniture. Hoping I might find a headboard for our master.
Rhoda, I just purchased and posted about a mid-century dresser almost identical to John and Sherry’s, and I need opinions on what to do with it (stain or paint). I would love it if you check it out and give me your opinion!
I think that sofa is beautiful. Because it is such an elaborate print, I would strip off the skirt and expose the legs.
I’d never heard the “Sally Ann” nickname before. Funny.
The Salvation Army does such great work. It’s nice to know that the money I spend in one of their thrift stores will go to support their ministries. Even if a piece costs more than it would at a garage sale, I can feel good about where the money’s going.
I think I’ll start my own Sally Ann. Invite people in and see if I have anything they might want. Serve some snacks. How about that? Make me an offer on an item and it’s yours. But I think that’s called a “yard Sale”, right? I would love to hear you speak on decorating. Enjoy your blog a lot. Keep up the good work!
I loved your post about Sally Ann, Rhoda! I love to poke around at our SA and also Goodwill and other thrift stores. I often spot furniture that has a lot of potential, but I don’t know how to execute the “makeovers,” so I pass them up. I also like the sofa with the “loud” print. It has classic lines and looks to be in good shape.
I’m very curious and I hope you have time to answer my question. It would be a fun post from you, too. I’d like to know how you would decorate with this piece. What color would you recommend for the walls? What type of rug?
What about other pieces?
I’m thinking I might pull that pale blue from the fabric, or maybe an icy blue for the walls. I think that would “cool” down the spicy fabric a bit. Or I migh use a warm ivory to neutralize it. I’d use dark wood for the other pieces. I’d add a pair of modern chairs, not too big, in either a dark olive or the dark rust. I’d use a slubby textured fabric – nothing shiny.
I might use a glass topped end table or two with bronze metal legs. I’d have a big bouquet of that salmon-y, coral-y, peachy color -roses. I’d use abstract art – something linear – in some of those colors. I would not use a subject that would compete with that print!
That’s all I can think of now. What would you do with it? If you have time, please share your ideas!
Thanks
I love finding hidden bargains with style at thrift stores. Love the “code” name too!
What is hilarious to me is that in Western Canada I have heard it called Sally Ann my whole life, yet I have never seen anything like that in any Sally Ann I have ever been in. Your Sally Ann looks like a ‘Shabby Chic’ furniture store.
It is all Depression Era to Mid Century Modern Prarie furniture in Alberta and British Columbia’s North and Interior. That is pretty much the only vintage at every Sally Ann I have ever been in. All that fretwork, and curvilinear wood makes me jealous. I would be through the doors of my Sally Ann a lot more if the furniture looked like the selection in yours.
I feel so inferior because I didn’t know about the Sally Ann thing but I love that!!!! I’m using it for sure!!! Thanks for the info. I love love love that Black table!!! I live in Decatur so Hoover’s not so far away that I couldn’t go and get that little beauty!!! But I’m like you on some things, I just don’t know where I’d put it!!! TFS!
Wow, you have a great Salvation Army! I never find anything like that at the one I go to…I am in love with the black piece and the white desk! Can’t wait to see what you do with the rustic oil painting
Health and happiness,
Angela
http://angelawalkerjewelry.blogspot.com/
Ha! Sally Ann is really my name! Wish we had a Sally Ann like yours…small town=not much stuff!
Enjoy reading your blogs and the decorating tips.
Sally Ann
Great finds…
I love the way you see potential in everything! We don’t have a Sally Ann … but we do have more than several second hand stores with great pricing. I need to look at the inventory with a more ‘creative’ eye!
GASP! I LOVE THAT SOFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is so, so ME! I love vintage, and loud…especially together
Please take up Joyce’s suggestion and give us a design board based on that sofa. Love her idea of somehow pulling out the icy blue color in the pattern. What a fun post idea! I have a family room in my new house that is in desperate need of inspiration, and that sofa would just DO it for me! Can you please go back and buy it for me?
No? Well, okay. I think I’ll go explore my own nearby Sally Ann for the first time 
I had never heard the term Sally Anns either. That’s one my girls and I will be using!
The couch is Ga-roovy baby. It would look good with the striped chair too.
Sally Ann!!?!! I love it! I’ve never heard that one before. No Salvation Army here but we have a big good will store. Hmm, might have to make a stop there sometime.
Love the code name! My circle of friends refer to our thrift store finds as buying it at “The Boutique”. We all know what it means & its fun saying it, like we’ve really been somewhere classy! Luv my thrift store finds!
Rhoda- I shop at your *Sally Ann* as well! My parents live in the area, so I was thrilled when they opened. My husband and I live a bit further away now, but I love to stop by when I can. I love the idea of painting that dining room table white and then recovering the chairs. It would be gorgeous!
Sally Ann – I love it. No, I’ve never heard of that before – but I’ll be using it! We have one – actually many – nearby. I never seem to get past the dishes. There are a few replacement pieces I’m looking for in mid-century patterns and I’m genreally finding better luck at S.A than ebay.
Now, I need to branch out – I could really use a couch, loveseat, and a couple of chairs. Oh, Sally Ann?!
Seriously, some of those wood pieces are perfect for a makeover and would be awesome. Some real steals at those prices if you want to put the work into it.
There’s a Sally Ann just down the road from me. I dropped some donations off yesterday and went in. Ours has good prices on small accessories, books, etc. but furniture tends to be pricey (in my opinion) for thrift. Ours does do a “Let’s Make a Deal” Saturday every so often and they will really come down on prices b/c they need to move stuff.
I love Sal! Which one do you shop at in Birmingham?
I’ve never heard of calling it “Sally Ann” before, but that’s kinda cute! I’m OBSESSED with that place and try to stop in at least once a week. I start getting addicted and then can’t go a week without running in. And you know “running in” is just not possible. It takes at least an hour of browsing!
Great post! We always called it (still do) “Aunt Sally’s”
We have a couple in the area and one of them has the best furniture.
Our local Sally Anne’s has a lot more furniture than GW and sometimes you can find a really good bargain. My last purchase there was a country french nightstand in perfect condition for $20.00 and a pair of signed quimper candlesticks for $6.00!
ha! i love your thrifting! i love to thrift! and i’m a sherrill from NC! sherrill is my maiden name, not related (that i know of) to the furniture sherrills!
Unfortunately, most of the furniture at our SA and GW is in awful condition and very expensive. However, I have discovered a little shopping center with several antique stores where the items are very reasonable. I love thrifting!
I have the black table…but in a little better condition…I love my table – it’s behind my sofa…does the sofa you’re showing have coral or peach??….not sure from the pic. but I thought maybe one of those colors for pillows wouldn’t be bad with some brown pillows…..or buy the chair, which I would totally buy if I lived closer… and recover it in one of the colors from the sofa….maybe the coral….guess you can tell I’m into corals, browns and beige…
Thanks for sharing and wish I lived closer to B’ham
The name “Sally Ann” is a term of endearment given to The Salvation Army who offered care and refreshment to soldiers overseas in WWI. Retuning GI’s brought the name back to North America and it has stuck (more in Canada than US) as an affectionate way to refer to this truly wonderful organization that is making a difference all around the world.
I’ve never heard it called Sally Ann…love it! And I’m so incredibly envious that you find such beautiful items. I’m always hearing how people find treasures on Craigslist, Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc. But when I go, I find garbage…particle board furniture that originally came from WalMart. It’s so discouraging. I tend to have more success at garage sales, so I waiting for warm weather to get here!