Alternate Gift Wrap

Short & sweet - Use baby blankets to wrap gifts for babies.

Jewelry Box

And by jewelry box, I mean literally a box.

We had a jewelry swap at work, and since I cleaned out a pretty massive amount of jewelry I wanted it to be displayed cheaply but relatively attractively. I thought about stretching a piece of lace across a picture frame, but that’s too much effort. I thought about using a piece of foam board, but I’d have to spend money. I considered covering a pizza box and propping it up… but again, too much effort.

But you know what I did have? A little box that an exterior light came in. So I carefully took it apart, turned it inside out, taped it back up, and with a few thumbtacks had myself a display.

Free Chair – FINISHED!

Remember my amazing curbside find?

Yes, that one. The one that even in its deteriorated state could have been $100 but that I got for free. Well, free except for the ridicule that my hubby and dad gave me until I did a little research and pointed out that it could be an $800 chair once it’s done. That shut them up pretty quick.

So, I reupholstered the seat and the back…

Sanded and poly’d the frame…

And it’s stunning. Woah baby. That’s a sexy chair. And it cost me less than $50 in materials.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Thrift-Mas...

<haha> Man, I crack myself up. Thrift-mas...

Sorry, back to the subject at hand -

We went out on Saturday and did a little shopping. I got a few things at the local Goodwill, mostly for Max and hubby. I did pick up those frames there, .99 cents each new in package, that will be part of a few Christmas gifts. I got Max a new outfit that's super cute - and is in the wash so I can't take a photo of it. The sweater (below) is a size 4T so he has a little while before he can wear it, but I couldn't resist. It is just too sweet, and I love the button details!

As a side note - ladies small fitted t-shirts make good toddler night shirts.

We hit up a few big box stores as well, though I'd almost rather shop online. It's so tempting to buy things we don't need when that stuff is right there, begging to be picked up. I was good and kept to my agenda (mostly) and got Max some new socks and another winter jacket - all on sale. I had gotten him not one but two winter coats this summer at yard sales, and he's pretty darn close to outgrowing both of them. <sigh> Darn kids and their growing. He's not even 18 months old and I had to get him 2T-3T socks which I was sure were going to be too big... nope. They fit just right. He has some pretty massive feet.

Frugal Luxuries: NOT Using Your Home Printer

my bookmarks

If you use your printer a lot, this post isn’t for you. If you’re like me, however, and print out maybe a dozen pages a month and seldom in color, read on my friend.

I have a printer/scanner/copier at home. At least that’s what it technically is. What it really is: a paperweight/scanner/something-to-stack-filing-on dust catcher. I mostly keep it for its scanning purposes, which it does come in handy those couple of times a year when I want something scanned. We used to print stuff out when we first got it, but then we slowly stopped using it to the point that both ink cartridges have dried up beyond resurrection.

I have several alternatives that I generally turn to when I want a hard copy of something from the computer:

1.       Use a pen and scrap paper

2.       Print it at work (don’t freak out, I’ll explain)

3.       Bookmark it instead of printing it

4.       Bring it to a printer

Pen and (scrap) paper: It’s tried and true, and doesn’t cost me anything as I generally use the back of an envelope or some other scrap paper that was mailed to me. If I run low on scrap paper I’ll often bring home paper from work (that don’t have confidential information of course) that would otherwise end up in the recycle bin. Outdated letterhead is great for this.

Print it at work: Ok, I know what you’re thinking – that’s mooching off the company. Well, yeah, technically. But in all dear honesty, my office doesn’t care (heck, they all do it too). If I tried to print a novel I’d probably get in trouble, but a few pages a month is no sweat off their back. If you think your office might care, offer to pay the two cents or so per copy that it costs them. The office manager can have a penny jar sitting on their desk, and you can drop in pennies when you make your printouts.

Bookmarks: Bookmarks (as in saving a webpage under your Internet Favorites) is a great way to save information for future use. I have mine set up with a bunch of folders for ease of use. For example:

dailies – has my list of blogs that I check out regularly (daily refers to how often they post, not how often I check – I wish I could check them out daily!)

cooking – recipes, cooking tips, canning/preserving, etc

gardening – seed catalogs, gardening tips, gardens that inspire me

ideas – the crafts and ideas that I want to do someday, you know, when I have time (hahahahaha! time!)

random tidbits – the articles and webpages that don’t fit the other categories (most of those links at the bottom of the list will end up there)

reading – author websites, articles on getting published, library links

Pinterest: Like the bookmark idea, Pinterest lets you save pictures for future reference in an easily accessible format.

Bring it to a printer: I used to try and print out things like business cards and photos on my home printer. You know what? They never came out like I wanted them to. And for the price that I paid for the ink and paper, as well as the time spent fighting with the danged thing – I’d just assume bring it to someone else. Photos I print at the drug store kiosk. Business cards, brochures and larger items that I want printed in color I bring to a printer. When I put together my son’s birth announcement, I put four photos on an 8 ½ x 11 document and had them print out a bunch of copies on glossy paper – instant custom sized photos. I use a local place since it’s all of a mile away from me, but in the past I’ve gone to the big box stores and had great luck there too.

How often do you print? Is it worth it to you to keep a working printer at home? Do you have any other tips on how to save on printouts?

My Free Chair! Awesome!

Check out my free chair! As in, I got it for free - don't think I'm giving this away, this is MY chair! Curb picking can totally pay off, and the guy giving it away got a free sketch comedy show as I tried to shove it in my car. It didn't fit in the front seat or the back seat. The trunk was a bit of a stretch, but that's why I keep a coil of rope in my car. You know, for curb picking emergencies.

Isn't it awesome? Look at those slightly curved arms, the solid walnut frame, the vintage awesomeness. Serious, it's just awesome. <sigh> I've been wanting a chair like this for years...

Just the one teensy tiny little problem - the upholstery is crap. No, really, it's disintegrating. When I loaded it into my trunk I tipped it upside down with the back rest hanging out so the itty bitty foam pieces (think foam dust) could fall onto the road instead of in my car while I drove it home.

Once I get up the courage to reupholster this baby I'll tell you all about it. Until then it's hanging out on my front porch, adding a pop of color and awesomeness to my humdrum gray house.

AWESOME.

Thrift Finds - the College Edition

A local college has opened a little thrift store - sweet! It's run by students, so it's barely ever open - not so sweet. BUT, when it was open, I totally scored on some awesome finds:

1: Women's small, green striped button down shirt - to convert for Max
2: Women's small, black cashmere sweater with silver buttons - will become a stuffed toy
3: Boy's medium t-shirt - a new nightshirt for Max
4: Women's small t-shirt - another nightshirt for Max
5: Women's small cashmere and wool blend sweater - will become a stuffed toy
6: Women's size 12 dress - will become a tunic shirt for me
7: Women's wool skirt - Max clothes... probably overalls or pants

All of that for $9! Granted, the clothes are almost all size small or medium as they're cast offs from college kids (who are all tiny for some reason) so I can't wear them, but for converting to Max clothes it's golden.

check out that tag - cashmere for $1!

The dress needs some help - it's pretty ugly. Well, not ugly... but very conservative/matronly. But with the help of my seam ripper it's getting a lot better. The before picture below:

Yard Sale from Big Truck Day

As I mentioned yesterday, I visited a yard sale on Big Truck Day. Here's what I found...

full size white flannel sheet set - for sewing projects - $3

two pairs of almost new size 6 shoes for Max - $1 each

a pretty gold frame and painting - $3

baby gate - free

A pretty decent haul! After pressure washing the baby gate it now discourages Max from climbing up the stairs when we're not there to help him. He's fine on the going up, it's the going down that still defies him.

A Father's Day Gift for My Dad

While we were out and about on our Big Truck Day adventure, we made a few other stops. I picked up a yellow evening primrose at the local flower club's annual sale (and then found out the next weekend that my grandparents have tons...). I went to a yard sale (details to come) while Max and Hubby napped in the car.

AND

I picked up a Father's Day gift for my dad.

Generally, I don't get him a Father's Day gift. If anything, I make him food. He loves food as gifts. But, I couldn't pass this up. I didn't even really get it for Father's Day, that just sounds better. I just got it and gave it to him because I knew he'd love it.

On the $1 table outside of the used book store was...

Yeah, a dollar. I KNOW!

A few plates have been removed, but I knew he wouldn't care (and he didn't, he was still pretty stoked, in his reserved kind of way). It was even marked as $25 by a previous bookseller.

Look at these images - no fading, no tearing, or yellowing.

I told him that I'm totally OK with it if he wants to tear the book apart and frame images. Or frame and sell. Whatever floats his boat. As I suspected, he knows a lot about Currier and Ives prints and told me that even framed images from books can easily go for $10-$20 apiece (I had a feeling).

So, not only did I get my dad a great gift that he appreciates, it was an amazing deal (which as a fellow yardsaler/antique store dweller he totally appreciates), AND it can generate money for him if he wants. Now, that's a dollar well spent.

Give Your Stuff Away Day

No, I'm not making this up - there's an organization out there who is encouraging a new Day - Give Your Stuff Away Day (formerly known as Curb Day). It seems pretty straight forward - they have guidelines on their website http://giveyourstuffaway.com/. I've copied their email posted on their homepage below - they encourage you to forward the info to everyone you know to get the word out. This is a Day I can really get behind - I hope to have some stuff at the curb, maybe I'll see some of yours out there too! Let me know if you participate, this could be fun! 

 

May 14, 2011

Give Your Stuff Away Day - free stuff all over the place 

Free stuff will be available in neighborhoods all over the World (hopefully) on May 14, 2011. It’s an event Mike Morone is hoping to establish twice annually. This event, called Give Your Stuff Away Day, could help millions, while shrinking landfills, reducing clutter, saving municipalities money, and boosting the economy a bit.

Because of all the shopping we've done, many of us now own lots of great stuff we never use anymore. And for some reason, we don't sell or give it away. Lots of valuable stuff - just wasting away.

Let's take all this stuff and over one weekend, make it available to others for free.

On May 14th, bring your unwanted stuff to your curb. Some guidelines - no trash, recyclables, illegal or dangerous items. No food, drugs, chemicals, or weapons. Just safe, valuable items we would like to donate. Then watch the fun – or better yet, take a walk and find some free stuff you can use.

This event will create the World's largest giveaway / recycling event - please be a part of it!

Want to help?
• Forward this email to EVERYONE
• Join us on Facebook
• Contact your local government and ask for their endorsements
• Put your stuff out on May 14, 2011

Barter Item

I know you all have been eagerly awaiting what it is I will put up for barter: a small frosted glass oil lamp. Pretty, isn’t it?

Here’s what I know about it:

• I bought it in Arizona at a fair in Quartzsite five-ish years ago
• It works, I’ve lit it up a few times but currently have it dry
• As far as I can see there aren’t any chips or flaws
• I haven’t even looked at the bottom to see if there is a maker’s name there
• It’s pretty and functional, so I bought it in case the lights went out

That’s about it!

Things I’m interested in:

• Pyrex baking dishes in lime green, turquoise, yellow or flamingo pink (no gold bits or patterns)
• Arbonne mineral powder foundation
• Gray suiting fabric
• Books – children’s (gender neutral or boys), chick-lit, sci-fi/fantasy 
• Babysitting if you're local and I know you!

OR

Make a suggestion! You may have something that I didn’t even know I wanted. Or that I did know I wanted at some point but forgot.

Please leave me a comment or send me an email if you would like to barter for the lamp. And please don’t take it personally if I say no thanks.

I’m linking up to Apron Thrift Girl today!

Bartering – Trade it on Up!

one of two floor pillows

I’ve done some bartering in my life. We all have. Trading one good or service for another. (not to be confused with haggling) I started out at a young age, as an infant in fact. I bartered good behavior and smiles for food from my mom and dad’s plates. Later that progressed to trading goods like toys or lunches. In college I bartered proofreading for having someone else walk across campus in the cold to fetch food from the cafeteria for me. (I sense a trend in my bartering priorities…)

As an adult, I’ve bartered with relatively random people (mostly via the internet) for floor pillows, makeup, haircuts, advertising space, music… I’m sure there are other things to that I just can’t think of at the moment. Earlier this week I bartered tomato starts this spring for chicken poop (for the garden) this fall. My coworker doesn't have time to do starts herself but will have plenty of chicken poop after she gets her chickens this spring, and I can easily start a dozen or so plants for her but I don't have easy access to manure for the garden. A great solution, and everyone is happy!

Things that I’m interested in selling I’ll often post on Craigslist in the barter section first, just to see if I can get something cool instead. Usually I’ll make a list of things that I’m interested in to give the viewer an idea of what to offer, but I’m always open to suggestions. That’s how I got the music! If your local Craigslist bartering listing is mostly cars like mine, sift through. You might find a few treasures like tree removal, digital camera, custom stained glass (current local listings).

Another great bartering venue specifically for books is Paperbackswap. You have to pay for shipping, but the books themselves are bartered, or swapped. They have a section for purchasing as well, but I’ve always stuck with the swapping.

I did a quick search and found websites that you can sign up for and barter your goods and services. I haven’t used them before, and I’m always cautious about that type of thing. I like Craigslist because it’s local, and Paperbackswap has a proven track record. Do you have another bartering venue that you’ve used and liked?

And, while I’m on the subject – Apron Thrift Girl is having a bartering campaign that I’m going to join:

“Our Bartering Campaign is called Trade Me Up and the goal is to trade items for the month of March and April with the goal of trading for something better than what you began with. What's valuable to me might not be valuable to you which is where trading and bartering can really come into play. What can be exchanged without any currency spent? Although because this is internet based, there might be some money spent on postage.”


You can read the full article at http://apronthriftgirl.typepad.com/apron_thrift_girl/2011/03/trade-me-up.html  Her first trading post (har, har) went up earlier this month.

Hopefully I’ll have something up for barter tomorrow and an accompanying wishlist! Want to join me?

Really? It’s Free?

Photo Credit: http://www.freecycle.org/

That’s right, there are still some things for free. Mostly just stuff other people don’t want, but it still counts.

Personally, my favorite way to find free items and to list items for free is through FreeCycle. I’ve signed up for my local group and I’ve gotten several items this way including:

before - minus tray

after - minus tray

See the transformation of the above highchair...

was given to a friend, baby not included, of course

exersaucer, by far Max's favorite toy

I’ve also gotten pots and plants, (hostas and irises to be specific), a couch, a baby swing, baby gate, bouncy seat, an exterior light, and several other items. I’ve gotten rid of much more than that, it’s a great way to purge and have the items go to someone who can use it!

There’s also a free section of Craigslist. I haven’t had much success finding anything, but I have had good success with posting free items and having quick pickups.

What are your favorite resources for free items? Do you have a giveaway pile? Do you list items or do you bring them to thrift stores?

The Other Side of Thrift: Too Much Thrifting

A beloved find

So now that I’ve advocated thrifting, I want to talk about the other side of it. Too much thrifting. Shopping addiction. Stuff for stuff's sake.

I was raised in a recreational shopping, “I’m bored, let’s go shopping,” type of environment. (there wasn’t a lot to do where I grew up) We didn’t necessarily buy a lot each trip, but it made an impact on my behavior. When I moved out on my own, I would get bored and go shopping at these amazing malls that had two stories. (TWO STORIES!) I felt the need to fill my new apartment with a bunch of stuff. Pretty stuff, but still stuff. And it cost money. The hit on my wallet slowed me down, until yard sale season. Then I went back out and bought even more stuff that I didn’t need, because I felt the need to have things and I figured, why not? It’s not that expensive. And I really need that ____ to add to my ____ collection.

Then we moved across the country, and I couldn’t take it all with me. That was probably the best thing that could have happened to me regarding my shopping habits. I went through all of these things that I was sure I wanted and needed and did a very small purge, if you can even call it a purge. It felt like one at the time though. I stored most of that stuff. But once we got out there and I didn’t have a lot of anything (and only 500 square feet to fit two people, two cats, and two birds), I started to appreciate that less is more, in this case less stuff meant more room to live in. When we upgraded to a 750 sq ft apartment, I had room to expand, but I didn’t really. I’d gotten used to it and grown to like bare spaces.

When we moved back and I started going through all of those boxes of things that I just had to keep, I filled the garage with yard sale items. There are a few things that I had missed: a small china teapot, a toy car (a miniature of my dream car), a couple of vases. Those things, as well as a few items that are lovely and purposeful, like my milk glass lamps, stayed.

The Nester has recently discussed similar thoughts. She refers to it as thrifting-itis. I’ve listed a few of her posts below, you should check them out.

http://www.thenester.com/2010/07/the-secret-to-thrifting.html - a pro-thrifting post
http://www.thenester.com/2011/02/how-to-cure-thrift-store-shopping-itis.html
http://www.thenester.com/2011/02/your-thoughts-on-thrifting-itis.html
http://www.thenester.com/2011/02/final-thoughts-on-thrifting.html

I still absolutely go to the thrift stores, and I have a blast when I do. I purchase things. I just do so purposefully. I only buy things that are useful and that I like (like the fish lamp). I avoid knick-knacks. I avoid collectables.

Really, it’s all about moderation. Middle ground, you could say.  ; )  Where do you fall on the scale? Have you come back from the brink? Are you afraid to shop because you don’t want to catch the thrifting bug? Do you manage a happy medium?

Shopping Thrift

photo credit The Thrifty Chicks

Do you know why I love shopping at thrift stores? It’s like a yard sale that you can go to in winter. (I love yard sales! But that’s another post) Just like at yard sales, there are always great treasures just waiting to be found.

Yes, it’s become a bit of a fad lately to shop thrift, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. A lot of thrift stores are actually becoming better because of the increased public interest in buying used instead of new, upcycling, and wasting less by using what is already available.

I remember even just ten years ago, thrift stores were mostly just clothing, and kinda yucky clothing at that. Now you can find all sorts of fun things – house ware, décor, kitchen items, toys, baby paraphernalia, books, movies, music, furniture, and of course, clothes. The quality of the clothes has gotten a lot better – I have several items in my closet that are from thrift stores including the denim blazer and black slacks in this photo. My mom has a great hand knit wool sweater in the Irish Cable Knit style in perfect condition that she got for a song.

I was never much of a purposeful thrifter, I was a browser. I’d just go to the thrift stores once in a while to see if they had something interesting. Now I go with specific items in mind, though of course I keep an eye out for those gotta-have-it items. It might take a few trips, or even months of looking, to find that particular item, but if you plan ahead and have some patience the rewards can be great.

The blog that gave me the kick in the pants to purposefully thrift is The Thrifty Chicks. Shopping Golightly, the leading lady at the Thrifty Chicks, is absolutely inspiring with her thrifting finds. Her home is almost entirely furnished in repurposed items, she and her family wears almost entirely thrifted clothes, and they all (home included) look like a million bucks. Recently she got a $700/retail chair for only $40! Holy cow! She doesn’t advocate shopping for shopping’s sake, and she has one heck of a set of snake eyes and can spot the most fantastic deals. For expert tips on thrifting, or just to ogle her finds, make sure you check out her blog at http://thethriftychicks.blogspot.com/

If you’re an old hand at thrift, good for you! If you’re like I was a few years ago and just went as a novelty instead of a viable option, or if you’ve never thrifted, give it a solid chance. Check the thrift stores first instead of going right to retail. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised. Now when I want something in particular, like a lighting fixture for the dining room, I’ll check out the thrift stores first, even if it takes a couple of trips and patient waiting until the right item turns up.

Don’t know where the thrift stores are in your area? Go to http://www.thethriftshopper.com/ put in your location, and viola! A handy list of the thrift stores near you!

So, my dear readers, go forth and check out your local thrift stores. And report back and let me know how it goes, I love to share in the thrill of a great find!

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