Tag: life

A Day-Trip Thrifting Adventure Through the Red River Valley of Southeastern Manitoba

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On Saturday, March 21, 2026, I embarked on a 7-hour thrifting adventure. One of my goals is to visit as many thrift stores in Manitoba as I can. This time I focused on the MCC Thrift Shops by using the “Manitoba Thrifter’s Map” as a guide. I wanted to go to as many NEW to me shops within a day trip from my home in southeast Winnipeg. I used ChatGPT to help determine a route. I gave Chat my ideas and time frame and I double-checked it on Google Maps. It looked good to me. So I packed up some drinks and snacks and shopping bags and got ready to hit the road!

Niverville MCC Thrift Shop

I planned to leave the house for the opening of the Niverville MCC Thrift Shop at 246 Main Street in Niverville. The drive was uneventful and there was lots of water near the roads due to the spring melt. There wasn’t much road traffic either. I arrived before opening (around 9:55 am) and I watched a few other people arrive and wait. Some waited in their cars, some waited outside the doors.

My thrift haul at Niverville MCC Thrift Shop

I had seen on Reddit that “Niverville has the greatest thrift store on earth” so my expectations were pretty high. When the doors opened I was pleasantly surprised at the shop. It was very bright and full of nice treasures. The ladies at the front counter were speaking another language, I am assuming German. They were very nice and helpful. I found some jewelry including a vintage brooch and two lapel pins. I purchased some beautiful carnival iridescent glass pieces and some little figurines. They had an impressive amount of greeting cards and I picked up a couple. I spent a whopping $15 and I would go back again one day for sure. I spent about a half hour there.

Steinbach MCC Thrift Shop

I checked my watch and saw it was 10:30 am so I had to get on the road to my next stop. I headed over to Steinbach MCC Thrift Shop at 409 Main Street. The building is huge, and the entrance was in the back. I arrived just after 11 am and there was a lot of people in there already. I saw a jewelry case near the front desk, and I asked if they had any other jewelry and they said there was more in the room with the clothing. I then realized there were three different rooms and they were all large. It was a clean store and had lots of light. They seemed to have a lot of room that they could have filled up more, especially with furniture. I saw some items like carnival glass that was priced so much higher than I saw at Niverville. A beautiful green carnival glass set was too expensive in my opinion, for a thrift store. The handled spout creamer piece in the photo below was tagged at $28.00. I spent an hour there and I didn’t buy anything, unfortunately. I probably wouldn’t go back there.

Green Carnival Glass at Steinbach MCC Thrift Shop

I hopped back in my car and it was time for lunch, so I went into Tim Horton’s in Steinbach and used the washroom and ordered a sandwich and tea.

Grunthal MCC Thrift Shop

Back on the road, next stop is Grunthal MCC Thrift Shop, 185 Main Street. It was only about 20 minutes away. Parking was convenient and right on the street. It was a small and crowded shop. It wasn’t very well organized or busy. It was hard to see everything because it was stacked up and I was afraid of breaking something. I saw a big live beetle bug in a dish in the front window. The ladies working there were interesting. A younger lady was watching movies and videos and talking a lot and the other older lady was busy in the back room. There wasn’t much jewelry to be found and the jewelry that was there wasn’t of interest to me. I did a once around the shop and found a couple little things. When it was time to pay for my purchases I noticed the older lady had her head down on the table and appeared to be taking a nap. She couldn’t see me because her head was down. I announced that I was ready to pay for my purchases but no one heard me. I waited a few seconds then I had to say it louder and finally the older woman lifted her head and then the younger lady came to ring me up. In the half hour I was there I found only a few little things. I bought a bracelet, a bell, and a bag for a total of $1.50. I probably wouldn’t go back.

Morris MCC Thrift Shop

The last stop was at the Morris MCC Thrift Shop at 162 Charles Street. It was a nice 30-minute drive and it was impressively large. There was lots to see and it was well laid out and clean. I spent a lot of time looking at jewelry, dishes, and figurines. It was not that busy. I was telling one of the ladies there about my adventure and she said she likes to do Altona and Winkler MCC Thrift stores and recommended I check them out. I spent an hour there and I paid $10.50 for some jewelry and figurines. I also found a vintage Anchor Hocking gravy boat for my personal use. I would go back to this shop.

It took me about 45 minutes to get home. It was a great day starting around 9 am and ended at 4 pm. The time literally flew by and it’s interesting to note I spent a grand total of $27.00.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my thrifting adventure. Have a great day!

Angela Gentile

Why Intelligent People Are Drawn to Antiques — And 10 Other Surprising Home Habits

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11 Unusual Things People With High Intelligence Do In Their Homes

By Zayda Slabbekoorn | Written Oct 16, 2025

Even if you imagine the home of the most intelligent person you know as a tidy, incredibly organized, and sterile space, chances are you’re wrong. A study from the University of Minnesota actually argues that untidy, cluttered, and slightly chaotic living spaces are more indicative of intelligence than organization and cleanliness.

Of course, there are many other unusual things people with high intelligence do in their homes — all of which might be a bit of a surprise. From collecting eccentric vintage décor to keeping a physical calendar in the digital age, intelligent people are often drawn to cultivating their homes in a way that prompts mental stimulation. They want to be sparked with inspiration as they get ready for the day or drawn into a state of deep thought when relaxing on their couch — and their décor choices often reflect those desires.

Here are 11 unusual things people with high intelligence do in their homes

1. They keep a whiteboard or a physical calendar

Many studies suggest that physical calendars and brainstorming whiteboards support deeper thinking. They serve as visual reminders and open space for curiosity, intention, and learning to flourish through handwritten notes and prompts. Intelligent people often invest in these physical tools, even if they also use phone or digital versions. It gives them a way to track tasks, brainstorm, and remind themselves visually.

2. They rearrange their furniture often

Research indicates that people with high intelligence tend to be more prosocial, and making their home inviting for guests and conducive to connection is important. They frequently rearrange furniture or tweak spaces so conversations flow, social connection is enhanced, and people feel comfortable in their homes.

3. They keep a desk full of “controlled chaos”

A messy desk can facilitate curiosity and creativity, according to psychological research. Intelligent people often allow a certain amount of clutter in their creative zones — not out of neglect, but because it fuels inspiration. What may look chaotic to others is sometimes the perfect blend of stimulation and creative energy for them.

4. They scatter books and journals everywhere

Highly intelligent people tend to use free moments intentionally — reading, journaling, reflecting — rather than turning to passive entertainment. You’ll find books on nightstands, notebooks in kitchens, journals by the couch. These habits feed self-awareness, help process thoughts, and support reflection in daily life.

5. They are intentional about lighting

Lighting influences mood and mental health. Harsh, bright light can become overstimulating, while soft, warm light brings calm. Intelligent people are mindful of this — choosing bright or natural light for productivity, then switching to softer, ambient lighting when unwinding.

6. They use sticky notes for reminders

Because intelligent minds often make connections across many ideas, visual reminders like sticky notes become useful. Tasks, thoughts, or insights are jotted down and posted around the house: on mirrors, desks, doors. These external cues help track ideas and responsibilities.

7. They unwind in a dedicated space

Though many are social, intelligent people often highly value solitude. They create quiet, intentional places to relax — a reading nook, a small studio, even a corner in the garage. These spots offer refuge for reflection, calm, and mental rest.

8. They use cookbooks with recipes outside their comfort zone

Open-mindedness is a common trait among highly intelligent people. In the kitchen, that means experimenting: trying new cuisines, techniques, or unusual ingredients. Even if the result isn’t perfect, the process of exploration and learning is valued.

9. They learn how to fix random things

High intelligence often goes hand in hand with curiosity, resilience, and self-sufficiency. Many prefer to learn hands-on skills — repairing appliances, patching walls, or doing small maintenance — rather than immediately outsourcing work. The challenge stimulates growth.

10. They create spaces just for thinking

Even during downtime, intelligent minds crave stimulation. Many carve out places — a comfortable chair, a quiet corner, a small room — dedicated to thinking, reflecting, or dreaming. These spaces allow curiosity to flourish without distraction.

11. They collect unusual antiques

Rather than chasing trends, intelligent people often gravitate toward meaningful, unique, or vintage items. They appreciate the stories, history, and authenticity behind antiques and curiosities. Over time, their homes may fill with eclectic collections that spark thought and reflection.

Here is where the original article can be found: https://www.yourtango.com/self/unusual-things-people-with-high-intelligence-do-in-their-homes

Note: Awaiting permission to republish. If you wrote this article, please contact me, Angela Gentile.