The Puyallup... err... Washington State Fair can be expensive, so I research all the bundles, outlets, coupons, and other deals to identify the most advantageous set of options. I'm sharing my accumulated data via Google Sheets, organized in a way that best suits my family's interests.

Not noted: free passes given to every student in Pierce County. See your school administrator for details.

We aren't likely to take in a concert, nor do we typically watch the rodeo, and fans of either may wish to research those attractions in greater detail.

Fair food is always a dilemma. Do we want to save money or experience the delicious gluttony? Do we want to pack our own picnic (permissible, so long as there's no alcohol!) or travel lightly? Do we want to eat a hearty meal or snack through a dozen stands? You can see that food is infrequently bundled.

Parking isn't noted here, but several packages offer discounted weekday parking in the official lots. Many neighbors and youth groups allow private parking in driveways and church lots. Pierce Transit drops off at the Blue Gate and is noted below. Additional transit options exist from Sounder, Kiwanis, and local routes. Note that bikes are not allowed inside the fairgrounds. Strollers and wagons are allowed and available for rental.

One final tip: check out the Press Kit, which summarizes the attractions at the fair and makes for easier reading than clicking through and around the fair's website.

Update: There are three new fair offers from Amazon Local. I've revised the table to include them, as well as re-sort the data to my own use.

I am startled every time I hear (and I've heard it more than once), "Oh, but it's too good for Goodwill." One can only surmise that the person has never set foot in a thrift shop. Further, it is wholly slander against an organization that produces so much for our community. Not only do Goodwill workers sift and sort all imaginable donations, but merchandise the large and unpredictable inventory splendidly, with keen eyes for quality and trends. Those Manolo Blahniks will be sold by Goodwill via online auction. That Eileen Fisher ensemble will find a hanger in Goodwill's Blue boutique for designer wear. ThatPrada purse will be housed under glass with other fine items in a glass cabinet at the neighborhood Goodwill. And, no matter what the means of sale, the sheer act of exchanging payment for goods translates to a customer receiving a wanted item.

Moreover, the store generates revenue to not only perpetuate the thrift industry, but to provide jobs and training for those in need. Occupation lessons and encouragement turns disabled, undesirable, or otherwise skill-less individuals into a workforce of citizens who take pride in their contributions to society. Unarguably, jobs and pride in those jobs create good communities.

So, how can your donation be "too good" for Goodwill?

I am a fan of thrift (refer to my rummage posts from a few years ago). Over time I have discovered that a greater variety of apparel is available through outlets such as Goodwill and Value Village, and the prices far more tolerable than retail stickers in new goods stores. I've found not just promotional tee-shirts and halloween pieces, but new-with-tags-on name-brand blouses, once-used party apparel, and like-new dress shoes. I've worn these finds casually, to the office, and out to dinner and galas.

I relish the minimal amount spent and make no effort to hide my purchase price. I carry a classic Coach purse and brag about having it for just $12. I've worn my favorite summer skirts--bought for perhaps $8 apiece--nearly to pieces over years of use (the fabric is worn to soft comfort!). My bare-shouldered black chiffon with scattered cherries was only $10 from a rummage sale and I dress it up, down, and every which way to suit any event.

I have come to believe in what my friend Beth calls "Goodwill karma," in that one must donate good things in order to expect good things. I drop off my ill-fitting pieces (apparently I'm no longer a size 6) in the convenient drive-through lane on the side of the local store. It seems to work well, as I am seldom disappointed when I am hunting for something in particular.

I also enjoy non-clothing items and keep a perpetual list of items on my smartphone should I find myself with a few spare minutes in Goodwill's toys aisles. Ravensburger and Kodachrome ($1.49 each!) make high quality and graphically pleasing puzzles and rarely have I ended up short on the pieces. Various series of Starbucks mugs make their way to the racks and I'm keen to collect them as gifts for friends.

Gifts?! I give used goods as gifts? Indeed, I do, and I make no secret of it. The items I choose are clean and, for all appearances, new. After my washing the item is likely cleaner than it was when it was factory-new with chemicals applied for the short term assurance of luster and shine on the shelf. I model this behavior, too, when you consider that I place my used-and-laundered clothing purchases on my bare skin.

If you have never been to a thrift store I encourage you to take a look. Modern layouts mimic department stores, complete with merchandising, dressing rooms, and sales racks. Many have return policies. The stock turns over frequently and weekly sales ensure beyond-belief bargains on a regular basis.

And, because of my adherence to Goodwill karma, I'm not afraid to share these secrets as there is always plenty for us all to share.

Happy birthday to me. Here's some other people's thoughts on the subject.

• 11 Of The Smartest Things Anyone Ever Said About Getting Older
• Facing Forty
• 40 Effed Up Things About Being 40
• What To Know About Turning 40
• 5 Warning Signs That You're Finally Getting Older
  

And of course, some freebies:

• Baskin-Robbins free scoop
• Free dessert at Jack In The Box
• Free coffee drink at Starbucks

My birthday is just around the corner. Have you ordered my terribly expensive birthday present yet? Don't worry - you can nearly always hire "white glove" service to get it couriered to me on time.

I'm already feeling the love. I've received dear and personal [automated] emails inviting me to collect my free Crown Bar tee-shirt [with purchase of entree] and 15% discount at Maximilien's.

I'm particularly looking forward to my free coffee at Starbucks. I'd love to take advantage of my free birthday admission to Olympus Spa, but I've been so busy recently that I doubt my ability to find time for it. Maybe the minions can take over for the day...

A good friend just reported that Costco currently has tables of school uniform pieces by Nautica!

$9.79 khaki pants
$8.79 khaki skorts
$7.79 white shirts