I am really excited to announce the first ever thrifty challenge winner! If you’ve been following my blog for any length of time, you know how much I love thrift shopping! I love to score great brands for really affordable prices. And you just can't beat the thrift store price tag.

April was the first month I dropped a thrifting challenge. The challenge was to style an outfit for $20 or under. Every item of clothing had to be from a thrift store, not a consignment store. Shoes and accessories were not included in the style, because I myself always have a hard time finding shoes while thrifting.

Let me just say that the winner went above and beyond my expectations! I could not have been prouder of the things she found, and the amount she spent on them. She was able to create not one, but four different looks! She even found shoes, and not just one pair, but three, all found at the thrift store. Her grand total?... $20.14, with a savings of $521.80 off retail value!! Now, don't tell me you can't find good deals at the thrift store. She had such a successful haul, that I knew I had to select her as the winner (more like champion)!

This fabulous thrifty shopper is Natasha. Here are some fun facts about our winner.

• Occupation: part-time dog groomer
• Location: New Bern, NC (the birthplace of Pepsi!)
• Loves the historical side of New Bern
• Rides motorcycles with her husband
• Enjoys spending time with her family
• Loves to travel and see new places
• Best feeling ever? Getting an awesome deal while shopping!
• Couponing and saving money is important, so she can spend on other important things for her family
• Enjoyed creating and wearing styled outfits
• Passing on the love of savings to her daughter, who had a blast thrift shopping

I mean, just look at how many different outfits she was able to create with only $20! And I  have to say, this particular challenge experience just totally warmed my heart. I love seeing families bonding over savings, and shared style creations. My mother taught my brother and I to thrift shop, so it's very dear to my heart. Sure, we could've bought new clothes more often, but there's just something so thrilling and exciting about getting a really good quality brand for next to nothing. It's literally like finding treasure anytime you stumble upon something that you love. I hope this encourages you to explore thrift shopping for your wardrobe more in the future.

May’s challenge will be the “best accessory find”. It can be a purse, a silk scarf, a necklace, bangles, a hat... just to name a few things you can be on the lookout for. I don't have a monetary limit on this, but the item cannot come from a CONSIGNMENT store. It has to come from a THRIFT store. So you'll need to submit a current receipt (dated: 4/27-5/21), with clear images. I'm also looking for this accessory to be styled with an outfit (outfit doesn't have to be thrifted). Get creative with your poses and details of your killer accessory! 5 images max. When you submit your images, please send them unedited to: info@valuemindedmama.com Challenge ends on 5/21, I will pick a winner that Monday (5/22) and blog post highlighting the winner will be on Thursday (5/25). Remember your hashtags on social media #thriftychallange and #valuemindedmama

So looking forward to next month's challenge! Good luck everyone <3 Amanda