Can you pass up 90% discounted merchandise? No, I can’t either, as long as I can visualize how to sell it tomorrow. That’s exactly what I’ve been finding the last couple of days as I’ve shopped at some of the big retail chains.

Today at Hobby Lobby I found pink marabou feather mini boas for only 20 cents each. Sorry, but I bought them all to use around the edges of spa baskets. Also marked down to pennies where stick-on jewels -- perfect accents on plain metal buckets. Beautiful white mugs with fillagree hearts were available for 60 cents each, and I can’t wait to use these in sweet, feminine coffee and tea baskets for Mother’s Day. And there was so much more -- a virtual plethora of value for the resourceful designer. Hope you get there tomorrow and find a great deal for yourself!

And the markdowns continue! Today, at Hobby Lobby, I was downright knocked out by the bargains! If you have a store in your area, check out the 80% discounted items. At these prices, it can be good to buy a little retail -- just those odds and ends to extend your themes.

At only $3.99 (regularly priced $19.99), this blue jean and bandana themed wooden box is a dream find. It measures 11” across, 7” tall, and 8” on the sides, the generous proportions made it ideal for $50-and-up budget. Use the lid separately to make a shallow tray gift. For only $2.00 (regularly priced $9.99), the fringed matching message pillow fills a lot of space and adds fun text (If the boot fits, buy it in every color).

Packed with chocolates and a photo frame, the entire ensemble costs about $15 to make. Easily, with the size of the container, this gift basket could retail for $45 -- with the buyer getting a good deal, too.

You would have never heard me say this a few years ago, but in today’s heavily discounted retail world, you CAN buy retail and still have room to earn a big profit. Shop wisely and grab the bargains when you can!