Look What We Found! - A Kitchenaid Mixer!

 I am not a huge brand person. I never have been. I bargain shop and try to get things as inexpensively as I can. But there are a few things worth paying more for. For at least ten years I drooled over Kitchenaid mixers. They are excellent quality and last for years. There are many people out there using decades-old Kitchenaids. I just could not bring my thrifty self to pay $200-$400 for a mixer.  I have never seen one at an estate sale but always look. I burned the motor up in several of those cheap hand mixers. They did the job but didn't make my heart sing. Last Fall I came in from work and there was a huge box in my kitchen. My sweet Mama bought me a new blue Kitchenaid Artisian for an early birthday present. I actually jumped up and down, even cried a little! She said she got a deal. I don't know about that but I do know she spoils me. :) I find myself making a lot of things with it. I use it way more than I thought I would, several times a week. It may be silly to be so crazy about an appliance but these things are awesome. The boys even like to use it.
Imagine my surprise when I walked in my back door and saw this monster sitting in my kitchen. It is huge and very heavy. My parents bought it at a yardsale! It needs a little cleaning up but is just fabulous! It is an older model and very heavy duty. Too bad we didn't find it before she spent all that money on my pretty blue one! If I can find a box sturdy enough to ship it in this vintage beauty will go into the eBay store this week.
Did any of you find anything great? I am linking with Apron Thrift Girl, Coastal Charm, Bloggerativille, Her Library Adventures, Southern Hospitality,  The Thrifty Groove, & My Uncommon Slice of Surburbia. The buttons for all of these great blogs are to the right.