Well, here we are beginning summer. There comes with summer, many options to do our 'shopping' in a rescue fashion, instead of a retail one!!!!! Yes indeedy - we have options! Just as a reminder for most, and new ideas for others - let us go over a few.
Not only do most of these ideas give us 'special' prices but they can be a great inexpensive day of entertainment as well!!!!!!
YARD SALES - ESTATE SALES - got to love a good yard sale! I have a friend out west that goes to lots of estate sales. I mentioned one day - there must be a lot of people dying there! It is kind of a retirement area!!! LOL
Anyway, yard sales - just people clearing out their houses and getting rid of stuff. You never know what you may find. I have found a few great deals over the years. I got a brand new Nuwave air fryer for $10! I got my soda stream with an air canister and lots of supplies (brand new) for $15. Both were worth tons more money than I paid. I would never have purchased these items, if it were not for the price.
Yard sales are great places to find small appliances, bake ware, dishes, glasses, toys, clothes, etc.
Laurie gets the best stuff at the estate sales. You figure most estate sales are elderly people, who have accumulated much over their years = good items! Estate sales have lots of quality goods.
AFTER YARD SALE - many put items at the curb for trash pick-up or take it - it's free! I know many have found great items on the side of the road!!!!!! I have! That is where my Mantis tiller came from! Side of the road find (for trash) and our friend grabbed it, did a little tweak on it and gave it to me! Still works.
BARTER - this a great deal, especially in the summer. Maybe your neighbor has a tiller you can use - then you can provide produce. Tree trimmer maybe for whatever skill you have. There are so many things we can do for each other.
THRIFT STORES - open all year round. Now these aren't going to be as cheap as say a yard sale - but it gives another option. These places are needing to charge enough to help to pay the help, utilities and rent & maybe make a profit - so things do cost a bit more. It is generally still better than paying retail.
DUMPSTER DIVING - yes, that is an option. Some people make this a lifestyle. There is so much GOOD stuff thrown away every single day all over the world. The U.S. is horrible for wasting. Now there can be a squeamish factor. Some people would never consider this, others make it a daily event and help others along the way.
You might check out the YouTube channel 'Freakin Frugal'. This is their life - they find the best stuff - much of it food. They help many others and give to the food pantries.
There is also dumpsters at college dorms - at the end of each semester, these people throw out tons of stuff that mommy and daddy bought for them!!!!!! You can find all kinds of stuff.
Apartment complexes - people move and just get rid of lots of stuff. Might have been a split-up and the others person's stuff is trashed. Some just want a new start. I remember getting several good items out of the dumpster area, when I lived in an apartment.
BUILDING SUPPLY STORES - yes, they are retail - but never underestimate what you might find. They often have broken bags of dirt, rock, bark, fertilizer for just pennies on the dollar. They toss a lot of plants they claim to be dead - you can get for free or little dollars. I have gotten many a plant that looked really bad - but I revived them. Really wasn't out a thing if it didn't live!
SPREAD THE WORD
Let people know you are looking for XYZ item. They may have one or may know a person who does. It doesn't hurt to ask.
HELPING OTHERS
Help someone move - they may be wanting to get rid of some decent items and you may be at the right place at the right time. This is kind of a barter as well.
MAKE THINGS from something else. Learn to get a little creative. Quilts from old clothes. Bird houses from 2-liter pop bottles. Purses or aprons from old jeans. You get the idea.
Use big old rocks found by the stream or river to trim a garden/flower bed. Old flower pots and saucers can become a bird feeder or bird bath - just need a little paint to pretty it up.
GROW food from scraps. Lettuce, celery, etc. can be regrown. Save seeds.
Look for some of the new apps that let you get great discounts on food deliveries. Think about joining a local food organization (fresh produce).
There you go - lots of ideas to get great stuff without paying retail. Do you have any other ideas or ways you have gotten great items?
Just be willing to look around, have an entertaining day and get some deals.
Have a good day!!!!!
Good morning! Long list today!
ReplyDelete75% of our furniture came to us used. The only thing we bought brand new was our sofa. Most was from elderly relatives so we have some classic stuff! We love it and the history with it. The rest was garaged sales and curbside finds. We got a beautiful Bassett bedroom set for $125. (Oh, the mattress es were new). My craft room organization is a lower set of kitchen cabinets - 90% drawers - at a garage sale for $50. I painted them all white. Perfect counter top! There are 6 units. Can't beat $8.50 each. We have found a portable kitchen island- now my fabric cutting table, an over the toilet cabinet - over the cutting table and both white, they look like a set, a solid wood 5 drawer chest, and several shelving units all on the curb.
I've really started Frankenpiecing clothes together. I have several denim skirts that are the bottoms of former dresses. The denim tops were just too warm for this climate. I was given a dress that my butt was too big for, but otherwise a good fit. So, I seam ripped the sides and added upside down Vpanels on the sides to give it an A line instead of a straight line. Perfect summer house dress!
This is all just another good reason to learn how to do things. Painting, sewing, staining, etc. The more a person can do, the more options to renew or refurbish.
Great list girlfriend. Until 2002 we never had new furniture that we had bought. We married in 1986. Our dining room table was a gift from mom and hubs parents for wedding. It is downstairs now for my craft area. Mom bought our waterbed for us. I still use the frame of that for my regular bed.
DeleteLove garage sale finds. You can get the best stuff.
I love the idea of your crafting room - that sounds pretty darn nice - lots of storage.
Like the idea of making the dress fit - I remember added pieces to jeans as a teenager - to make my 'hippy' skirts!!!
Good job!
Construction salvage stores are great for all kinds of project materials. Habitat for Humanity has stores in many areas. I've used Construction Junction in Pittsburgh for kitchen cabinets when I did my kitchen many years ago.
ReplyDelete--Frances in the Trailer Park
Oh wonderful idea. I forgot all about those places. You can sure get some great finds at construction salvage stores - many are quite unique archeological finds.
DeleteThanks for that reminder.
REMEMBER to let us know how hubs appointment goes!!!!!
Great list, Cheryl, and excellent idea, Frances. My cousin helped build her retirement cottage in AK from construction salvage stores! Debby mentioned refurbishing; the new-to-us dressers for the MB (and soon matching nightstands) are from a consignment shop where the owner also refurbishes solid, used furniture that might not otherwise sell. If you have a garage or other space to work in, you can refurbish your own. We don't have that and I like helping Amber keep the doors open.
ReplyDeleteSome thrift shops have all volunteer staff/helpers and the prices can be incredibly low. Those framed oil paintings I've picked up recently ($3-5 ea.) were from such a thrift store. Bigger places--like Salvation Army and Goodwill stores--have paid staff, so higher prices. Seek out those who rely on volunteers for the best savings.
For AZ shoppers, Safeway has some excellent digital coupons this week, including a dozen Lucerne large eggs for $1.47 ea. (limit of 2), Haas Avocados for 57 cents each (limit of 4), Hormel lunchmeats at $3.49 ea. and 2 lb. pkgs. strawberries for $3.99 (limit of 2). Safeway also has various beef roasts for $3.97 each, which can be cut into steaks or roasted and sliced thin for lunchmeat. Friday only buy dry spaghetti noodles or Ragu sauce for $1, All or Purex laundry detergent or Snuggle fabric softener for $2 (no kidding and full sizes), 18 oz. pkgs. of fresh blueberries for $3 (limit of 2), and Ballpark Beef Franks family pack or Johnsonville smoked sausage links, 28-30 oz. for $4 each. Basha's online flier isn't loading well, so I'll need to get back to AZ folks on that, unless they care to share??
--Elise
The salvage stores have such wonderful finds in them. Especially if redoing a historic house or going for that look. When we redid our kitchen in like 1987 our old upper cabinets went to the garage - still hanging. Our new ones we bought of all places - K-Mart!!!!! They are solid oak. Back then they had a building dept.
DeleteOur only volunteer thrift store has even started raising prices here. I guess rent and utilities is expensive. They have tons of stuff - so it isn't about trying to make up for few donations.
WOW - great prices at the grocery store!!!!!!
MISSED the $1.00 Ragu. Even WITH new glasses. Sigh. What would I do without you? Thank you. No Bashas here so I can't help with the ad.
DeleteEllie
I'm very price conscious (goes without saying), so the Ethan Allen quality dressers and nightstands, essentially "customized" (did I mention HEAVY?) are a fraction of the price they'd be new. Even on sale. I'm a stickler about prices at thrift stores, too. Had those paintings been $30-50 each, I wouldn't have bought them.
DeleteWhat I most excel at, though, is research of prices. Example: one department store's website has an additional 30% off of all home clearance right now, so for $14, you can get a down alternative queen size comforter with matching shams. Free shipping. Neutral solid colors, including white. Can't beat that at a yard sale. Or a lined drapery pair set with tiebacks for $30.45. Might be able to get that for less? Basically, you can redecorate a guest room or bedroom for under $50-60. Some new. Some not. I'm an all opportunity kind of shopper. LOL! --Elise
Ellie, that's on Friday only at Safeway (the pasta and sauce for $1) and you have to buy 4 for the price. I won't have any trouble buying 4. LOL!!!
DeleteThe libraries often have seed giveaways this time of year. Our local is giving three packets per week with growing instructions.
ReplyDeleteWill check out ours to see if that's available. Thanks!
DeleteThat is a great tip. Book sales too at times. Bags of books for a couple dollars. Thanks for that reminder!
DeleteAlso, Goodwill in our area has an online sign up where they send you a 20% off $20.00 purchase. Good all month. They also have discount days, meaning everything with a blue tag (or whatever color) is discounted that day. The calendar comes with the coupon each month. It's worth checking the website of your local thrift store to see if they offer such deals.
ReplyDeleteEllie
Central Az
PS. Both Home Depot and Lowes have free workshops for kids if you're looking for a free "keep them busy" activity.
You guys are the best. So many neat ideas. I used to love color discount days at GW - 50% off here. Neat with the coupon. Also don't forget those coupons that come on receipts at Dollar stores!
DeleteLove the free workshop idea.
One more thought. A friend of mine whose job involved purchasing was sent to a class on negotiating prices. After she returned, she was in a major hardware store considering a new light for her dining room. The one she liked was a bit out of her price range. She mentioned this to the sales person who was helping her and she decided (jokingly) to try out her newly learned negotiation skills. He reduced the price! It never occurred to me to try the negotiate a price at a big box store, but apparently it can be done. It's worth asking!
ReplyDeleteEllie
LOVE that idea, Ellie! Thanks. :-D
DeleteWell now - that is good to know! Hmmm -definitely worth trying. The worst they can say is no.
DeleteWith the increase in prices of mason jars, I've been watching for them at the thrift store. Even at $1 each, it's cheaper than what they're asking for in the retail stores here.
ReplyDeleteI used to get a lot of them at yard sales. Sometimes new cases for like $4 or $5. Depends on your locality. Around here, $10 a case new on sales is good.
DeleteGood tip!
Here, they're mostly $11 and up now. and $11 is for the 4 oz jam jars. Still keeping an eye out on FB Marketplace, but not really common at garage sales in my suburban area.
DeleteCraigslist, FB Marketplace and Freecycle are also sources of inexpensive and free used items.
ReplyDelete--Frances in the Trailer Park
Absolutely, Frances.
DeleteAgain, things I never even thought of. This is great and so helpful to so many. Thanks!!
DeleteJust stopping by before we live for hubs cataract surgery, had a few moments of "relax" time...Great tips Cheryl. I love resale shops too, and all that good stuff. One of our daughters found the little "Bedford Falls" sign to go with my village at a resale shop for around a dollar when I've seen it for over $75 on ebay. She gets most of her little boys clothing free from her old neighborhood loop, it's great! In our old neighborhood it was great fun for everyone to go garbage picking on days before trash day! Everyone would put their stuff out and people would come and get it.
ReplyDeleteGreat entry Cheryl! I will read more later! : ) God bless!
Best of luck to hubby. He will be amazed!!!!!!!
DeleteWhat a deal on the little sign! It is nice to have those neighborhood groups - people can sure help each other out. Today that is needed with kids.
I see people everyday on FB asking if they have any size ?? clothing for kids available.
My neighbors mentioned they were going to do a yard sale this summer - I may set stuff out for FREE. Just to get rid of it.
Prayers for successful surgery for your husband. I have cataract surgery in my future, too.
Delete--Frances in the Trailer Park
Praying the surgery went well and he heals up quickly and fully. --Elise
DeleteCheryl, Frances and Elise, Thank God everything went well and a good experience! : ) Thank God. My dad and inlaws had had the same surgery and everything went well then too so Frances, it seems to be very common as you also know Cheryl. There was a comradery of sorts in the waiting room too. Hubs went with a doctor who has been doing this same thing for a long time and who did his mom and dad too.
DeleteThanks again gals, Frances I will be praying for you. : )
P.S. I love ebay too for certain things, especially name brand clothes I know to fit me well if I find them reasonably. In fact, I'm wearing a nice top and skirt, both very good quality from ebay for great prices. (And I still love my walmart clothes too, they last just as long if taken care of).
ReplyDeleteYou know I have never bought from E-bay before. Years ago I would go and look, but haven't even done that in years. Hmmmmm.
DeleteEbay can be pricie but if you are looking for a brand that fits you well, and you find a reasonable vendor it works much like a resale shop. But ya have to shop around. : ) Make sure they give measurements too.
DeleteYou are talkin' my language! There are items that should be purchased new but a ton that can be re-loved.
ReplyDeleteYes mam!!!! I do have things (undies) I will always buy new - but so much never!
DeleteSo many great ideas here. Here's a tip for crafters who are card makers and like to die cut. Paint stores and hardware stores that have paint departments have rows and rows of of paint sample cards. They're made from heavy cardstock and are free for the taking. When cut or stamped on they make great embellishments. Also at the hardware store don't overlook dry wall tape. It can be used as a stencil on cards and makes a great little gingham look. Also glues found in the hardware store are often less expensive than those anywhere else and stronger too. We had to pick up a few things at the hardware store today and of course I replenished my supply of paint sample cards.
ReplyDeleteIf ever I get a stain on a T shirt (which can be quite often) and it won't come out, I pull out my paints and paint a rose or daisy over the stain. Old jeans here get recycled into purses that are embroidered on and quilted. They're a real hit with my teen nieces. I use The Phoebe bag pattern, which is free online. There are so many free clothing patterns online. I love the three tiered skirt pattern where all that is needed are 3 measurements . I love making them out of printed sheets that have been thrifted. Because they only require three measurements they can be made in any size and length and no expenditure for a pattern.
Cookie
I have used the paint sample cards before too! Great idea. Good to know on the glue. Thanks.
DeleteI have many a painted t-shirt LOL! I do the same thing. Ripped jeans get patched with either other jean material or some pretty & heavier material I have on hand. You would pay a fortune today for that look!
I used to make the nieces purses too. Lot of embellishments - they loved them.
I will have to look for free patterns. Cool!
Great minds!!!!!!!
Excellent post Cheryl, lots of great comments as well. I always learn something new, reminded of something I knew but have forgotten or am given a view from a different perspective here.
ReplyDeleteIt’s enlightening, educational and enriching. Louise.
Well thank you very much. What a sweet comment. These gals here are amazing.
DeleteI love going to sales of all kinds, the trouble is I need nothig, but they still are so fun.
ReplyDeleteSame here! I really don't need a thing - but it sure is fun to look!
DeleteTOTALLY OT (but by request): Husband and I had our doctor appts this afternoon at our old doctor's new practice. Had no trouble finding the place, though it is a 1/2 hour away in a part of the area I hadn't been to before. Nice clean building with very nice staff, both at the desk and the nurse. Husband's BP was 209/80 when the nurse took it, but had calmed to 180/75 when the doc took it later. The doctor prescribed an increase in one of the meds he has been taking and tolerates well. I will pick it up at the pharmacy this evening.
ReplyDeleteI discussed my reasons for stopping my antidepressant meds and then subsequent high anxiety I've been having since. Doc agreed with me about going with natural means (diet, exercise) to control the anxiety. She also prescribed a book: "Feeling Good" by Dr. David D. Burns. I downloaded it to my tablet and will start it tonight. I also ordered the author's more recent book, "Feeling Great" from Amazon. When the doc asked if I liked to read, Husband burst out laughing! I have over 300 books on my library Want-to-Read lists! First time I've even been prescribed a book; cheaper and safer than meds.
Needless to say, Husband and I are feeling very good, thankful, and optimistic this evening. A big Thank You to everyone for their prayers on our behalf.
-Frances in the Trailer Park
Thank you so much for letting us know! WOW that blood pressure was crazy high! That is some scary stuff. I am so glad that they prescribed him something he takes well and with the increase, hopefully that will do the trick.
DeleteYour doc sounds like a dream to me. I love when a doctor agrees with doing the natural things instead of being all "you quit your meds?" She sounds like a keeper. Love that you got a book - and then found a second. Hopefully you gain some wonderful techniques to deal with things.
So happy you are both feeling better and more optimistic!!!!! Therein lies half the battle.
Continuing with prayers.
So glad to hear the news, Frances. Thank you! I'll continue to pray for you both that they can find the right dosage for your husband and that you can get anxiety tamed. Thanks also for the titles of the books. --Elise
DeleteGreat reminders Cheryl. Lately people are not advertising their garage/yard sales here and I only stop if I am out and about happening to see one.
ReplyDeleteLots of clearances happening in retail stores here. In many cases much less expensive than at the second hand stores.
God bless.
I haven't seen many advertised either. I haven't even seen many sales yet this year.
DeleteGreat on clearance sales - heck get those bargains where you can!!!!!
One last, quick question about home decor; specifically decorative items. Do you have them? Have you collected things over the years? Where are your tried and true places to find them? Okay... that's 3 questions. :-)
ReplyDeleteThing is, over the years and with many moves, I've long since purged things like throw pillows, figurines, etc. My Sis would be horrified. She's an avid collector. Even of the porcelain dolls I made, I only have one left, and only because I'd made it for my MIL years ago and got it back after she died. It's carefully packaged in a box in the shed for now. I have wall art. Pictures. A few unique vases. The decorative touches make a house a home, though. --Elise
I agree Elise, decorative touches do make a home, I wish I had the knack of making a lovely looking home like some do. Louise.
DeleteIf people keep taking the color swatches in paint departments, they will quit putting them out! That is like preppers suggesting taking condiment packages. Now, you have to ask for condiments! Stop it!
ReplyDeleteMy friend and I stopped for junk piles and dumpsters. We called it a safari so her grandchildren with us would not go around telling people we hit curbs and dumpsters.
I hit one grocery dumpster at least once a week, getting $75-$100 each week. I got about 12 gallons of milk, a bag of colored envelopes that I still use, salads, fresh fruit, frozen meat, vegetables by the bag, same with fruits. I could not eat it all or put it in my freezer, so I had a few select friends who knew how clean I was and would eat what I found. I had rules--nothing that was touching walls or bottom. Everything, bags and fresh fruit and loose vegetables were washed in sink of warm water, Dawn, and lots of vinegar.
Lots of yard sales for me. I would gather what I wanted and find things underpriced that I knew I could sell. Then, I stopped at first antique store, sold things bought for resale. My items, gas, and lunch were covered from those profits.
I love free!
I only quit dumpster diving because I was afraid I would fall down traipsing around in the dark! Tommy was sort of fascinated by all this, would help, really liked to help and took home food, too. Once I found about a dozen tiny poinsettias, took them home, put them on a table and enjoyed them all during Christmas.
DeleteI have never had to ask for condiments any more than I did before. Taco Bell is the only place that regularly had them out - they just give handfuls after asking what did you need.
DeleteKind of like with napkins.
Sounds like you did well with finding very useful items. That is wonderful. I have taken items from apt. dumpster/trash area - still have never dumpster dived for food. I know many, many people that do. I just never have.
The closest I came was when the grocery called hubs work every week and said come and get it. That was before it went in dumpster.
We love the second hand market as it saves us so much money. We find these we need, even new, that save us money. We found wipes and gloves yesterday for $1.00 per box and we were out of both. It’s just the best!
ReplyDeleteThat was a great find! Both are expensive.
DeleteIt is amazing how much new stuff is put out. Makes you wonder why people bought them to start with!
Here in the UK it's technically illegal to dumpster (a skip here) dive or to pick up roadside finds. I have never known anyone to be arrested for it and I do it, but it's something to be aware of.
ReplyDeleteI think in many areas here it is illegal as well. It depends on the rules of the city. If a dumpster is fenced or locked - generally it is not OK. Many places do have rules. I wish they were as concerned about all the waste as they are about people taking it. It could help so many people.
DeleteOne of my favorite resale shops is a tiny one and only accepts cash, but it was first opened during WWII. They have great deals because as the volunteers told me last week, "We just want to get rid of what we have. We have much, much more!" I wish other resale shops had the same idea.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that be lovely? I wish they were all that way too! That sounds like a nice place, that just cares!
DeleteOh that old resale shop sounds right up my alley! Wow!
DeleteOne really good deal I have forgotten to mention at a resale shop was my large framed "Dancing Bears in the Forest" print. I had been looking for it but it was so expensive and one of our daughters found it at a resale shop framed for i think 10 to 15 dollars!
ReplyDeleteYou never know what wonders you may find! Pretty darn neat.
Delete