Fabulous Friday Finds!

It's that time of year again! Garage Sale Season! Many towns host city-wide garage sale events each summer. Opportunities for Living Large on Less abound at garage sales. However, there are a few things to remember when scouring the garage sales. *Just because it's on a garage sale, doesn't mean it is a good buy. Do your research and know your prices. Sometimes people hold their possessions as quite dear and it may very well be possible to purchase brand new on sale at a store for less. * Even if it is a legitimately good buy, if you don't need it, want it, or have a use for it, LEAVE IT THERE!!! No matter how inexpensive the item is, if it isn't needed or useful, money has still been spent needlessly. That's not thrift. * Asking if the marked price is the seller's bottom dollar is fine. HOWEVER...if it is the bottom dollar, don't try and haggle for a lower price. Be courteous. The same applies to making an offer. If the seller says the price is firm, courteously thank them and let it be. Being a bully for the sake of a bargain is NOT living large. Besides, what goes around comes around. So, treat garage sale hosts and hostesses accordingly. * Keep a smile on your face. Often times, garage sale goers are frantic to score the best buy. This can create stress for the host and/or hostess. It's amazing what one kind, smiling face on a polite guest can do to set the day aright. No buy is worth being rude for, EVER. * Use a list but don't lock yourself in too tightly. Have a list of items that you are looking for such as picture frames, coffee pots, buckets, fabric, antique books, whatever it is you are wanting or needing, and keep it handy. However, don't get so caught up in using your list that you only see items from the list. There may be unexpected surprises waiting to be discovered; be ready for them. * Enjoy the entire experience. The Living Large on Less lifestyle is all about keeping a prosperous perspective. Expect to have a good time and most likely you will. A key thing to remember is that each household has a different idea about clean and gently used. Your idea of a gently used garment may be vastly different than that of the sellers. Oh well, no big deal. There's always next time. On a more practical note, keep a purse sized bottle of hand sanitizer or hand wipes with you. After sorting and looking through boxes and piles, you will be ever so glad to use it. Also, bottled water and snacks of some sort make the time more enjoyable, especially if small children are along. * If you are familiar with the town the garage sale is in, pay attention to addresses. Some neighborhoods have better quality merchandise available. Also, be on the lookout for multi-family sales as they tend to have a greater variety of items. If you know the families involved in the garage sale, all the better. What are the ages of their children? If their children are a year or so ahead of yours in age, there's a good chance that the clothing on the sale will be the right size. If you are looking for children's clothing, toys, etc., don't go to the garage sale of a senior citizen. They probably won't have what you're needing. If you are on the lookout for antique books or houseware however, that senior citizen's garage sale may contain hidden treasures. Larger cities that have ethnic communities provide an even more diverse range of opportunities. I have heard of people finding amazing European antiques for a song in certain areas of large cities. Garage Sales! One of summer's favorite activities! If you've never been, hopefully some of these tips will help make your first experience successful. If you are a seasoned veteran of the garage sale, carry on. Above all, relax and have a great time! In honor of Fabulous Friday, we're posting a list of items to keep an eye out for while garage saling. Some of these items can be used as is, but most can also be repurposed into FABULOUS. * picture frames - any color - they can be spray painted or treated however you want later * living books/classic literature - garage sales are one of the many ways to begin a personal, family library * tables, stands, chairs, other furniture that is of a pleasing style and is sound - everything can be painted and/or recovered - don't let a rustic appearance scare you off - if it's sturdy and sound, consider it * tableware, utensils, serving bowls, aprons, tablecloths, cloth napkins, unopened paperware, any item that you are lacking in the kitchen or dining room * working sewing machine, if you need/want one, some of the older models are the best * lamps - these can also be repainted and the shades redone/replaced * sewing supplies * clothespins * Christmas items (decoration) Estate garage sales are often treasure troves of Christmas fun. Nativity Sets can even be found. * Vintage fabric * Vintage collectibles * Quality children's literature i.e. Bobbsey Twins, Uncle Wiggily, Beatrix Potter, Thornton Burgess classics, Little House on the Prairie * quilts * flower pots, gardening supplies * baskets - can be repurposed for gift giving, decorations, and/or storage * candles - wax can be melted and used in other ways * linens, doilies * vintage luggage - storage and/or decor * clothes - some will still have the tags on See you on Monday! Blessed Mama