Stuffs, Notions and Other Useful Things

Convenient home businesses like Mary Kay and Avon

stuffsnotionsandotherusefulthings — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:16:29 +0000

Sell skin and beauty products through Mary Kay and Avon

Sell home supplies and accessories through Pampered Chef, Tupperware and Arbonne

Romance and bedroom products through Pure Romance

How to Get the Best Deals at Thrift Stores

stuffsnotionsandotherusefulthings — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:55:00 +0000

Over the past few years, I’ve developed a growing obsession with secondhand shopping. Mostly, because I’m addicted to all things nostalgic, old and vintage, but also because the items I find are a part of our past and remind me of simpler times.

So as you can imagine, I spend an incredible amount of time gleefully shopping thrift stores, strolling flea markets, attending auctions and canvassing neighborhood yard sales for treasures.

For me, it’s ecstasy rummaging through racks of clothing (couture fashions and real, not faux,fur coats),digging in drawers (demi toe stockings, bullet bras, nylon and chiffon lingerie and panties), browsing bookshelves (cookbooks, elaborately illustrated children books and fashion magazines), searching through bins(Gucci hobos, Dooney & Bourke bags and antique jewelry)and scavenging every nook and cranny amongst every nic-nac-odd-and end from buttons to furnishings and everything imaginable in between.

I never tire of it. It’s my thing. Thrifting should be my career.

Here are some tips on getting the most out of your secondhand shopping:

1. Arrive early. The saying, “the early bird catches the worm,” it’s true in the world of thrifting. You have better opportunities of getting first dibs.

2. Map out a plan of arrival. There’s no way to be at all places at all times so it’s best to do some planning. Arrive at your favorite stores first and work your way through the rest of your treasure map points as the day progresses.

3. Beware of time. Stores sent merchandise out at different intervals. One particular place I frequent sets out new items at the end of the day in anticipation for the next morning. Yet another spot restocks old books and magazines after 3:00 p.m.

4. Make friends with workers. Light conversation goes a long way. It’s an easy way to get insider information and walk into a sweet deal. You always want to be in the “know”. This could also get you a regular friendly discount!

5. Ask about markdowns. Many thrift stores markdown merchandise regularly on a particular day of the week. Others have color-coded days everyday. For example, Goodwill stores sell specially color coded items for .99 cent for one week. The next week, another color-code is assigned to reduced merchandise.

6. Don’t haggle. Most employees working in secondhand stores don’t have any room to bargain. Families and family members running yard sales are doing so for a reason. In most cases, simply showing interest is enough to prompt the seller into offering a deal. Haggling over an already low prices isn’t worth the risk of burning a bridge. If you want it; buy it.

7. Keep your cool. Don’t go into a frenzy because you’ve just noticed a blue Hermes in a bin of moldy old purses. Stay calm. Casually look at a few of the other purses before you pick up the Hermes. You’ve got it! I know your heart is pounding. You’re sure everyone can hear it. Trust me. They can’t. Look at the purse. Is it priced? Yes. Go and pay for it. No. Casually ask for the price and quickly pay. Never alert the seller to a “mega find” because they may not be willing to sell or you’ll receive an inflated price. It’s better to stay cool, calm and collective.

8. Some stores accept checks, but not all. Alot of secondhand stores accept standard credit cards: Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Not too many, for whatever reason, accept American Express. So, it’s better to leave home without it. And yard sellers barely ever accept anything other than cash! In a nutshell-CASH IS KING!

9. Come prepared with a quick means of backup transportation. Most store policies require pick up and removal of your new find at the point of sale with no exceptions. Others allow pickup anywhere from 1 to 7 days. Policies vary. Your best bet is to prepare ahead of time or risk losing the sell-or worse having your item resold, if not picked up in a timely manner. In some cases, your merchandise may even be stolen.

Pay for it and take it with you-then and there!

10. The most important advice I’ll offer (being a Thrift Addict myself)-Don’t overspend! Everything in moderation. Otherwise, your pocket book will grow leaner and your house and garage fatter.

11. Check your ‘shopping grounds’ often. I come across great finds because I shop alot. That doesn’t mean I spend alot, it simply means I’m in the stores or am on the scene frequently. I’m exposed to greater finds and people at my chosen establishments get to know me better. At present, my husband and I are referred to as “the couple.”

12. Get out of your comfort zone. Never judge a book by it’s cover. The seemingly dumpiest house on the block can be a treasure trove!

Happy hunting!

Callie

For more helpful articles visit my eHow site.

In the Laundry: Properly Folding Clothing

stuffsnotionsandotherusefulthings — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:44:00 +0000

No one in my family would call me a domestic diva, but I try. My husband complains about the laundry all the time. He says I don’t know how to fold clothes correctly. Better yet, I don’t fold clothes at all.

For the most part, he’s right.

I don’t bother folding, what I deem, the unfoldable: socks, undies, cumbersome shirts, ties and slips-just to name a few. Other items, I can usually drape across hangers and press when needed. Everything else I can “wrap fold” and set into designated drawers.

So what. Who cares? I’m no Martha Stewart.

To my husband’s defense, things got worse for me when my eighty-two year old friend, confessed she’d always starched and iron bed sheets for her husband.

…

I’d never do that. Are you serious? Who has the time?

Different times.

I love old books, I looked up a few on laundering clothes. During the turn of the century and before, laundering was big business. It still is today, but not on the same magnitude as it was in the past. Today, most people have their washers, dryers and dry cleaners do all of the work. Simple, fast and no fuss.

I ran across some lessons in laundering.

I’ve decided to wash, starch, press and fold a set of sheets. In the spring, I’m going to have a clothesline installed in our back yard!

In the meantime, here’s a lesson on folding.

Enjoy.

Home Emergency Kit

stuffsnotionsandotherusefulthings — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:38:00 +0000

No home is a home without an emergency kit.

According to the local fire department, here’s what you’ll need in your home for unexpected emergencies, which can happen anywhere at anytime.

1. A first aid kit. Make sure it’s fully stocked and stored out of reach of children.

2. At least three fire extinguishers. One in near the furnace, one for the kitchen and one in the garage. Make sure everyone knows how to use extinguishers. The fire department suggests having a fire extinguisher anyplace a fire is likely to start.

3. A space heater, candles and a lighter in the event of a power outage. Never leave burning candles or space heaters unattended.

4. Install smoke, gas and carbon monoxide detectors in sleeping areas. Check batteries regularly. Many fire detectors offer free smoke detectors. Contact your local fire department for more information.

5. Post emergency phone numbers in an obvious area of the home. Make sure everyone is aware of the information.

6. Teach children what to do in emergency situations. They need to know how to recognize an emergency, how to make emergency phone calls and where to go in case of an emergency. Make a plan, know it and prepare for it.

7. Stock the following items: a bag of cash (small bills and change), a flashlight, first-aid kit, lighter, extra eyeglasses, prescription drugs (updated regularly), sturdy shoes, pet supplies, blankets, radio, sleeping bags and pillows, tissue paper, pencil, paper, a change of clothes, a can opener, batteries and non perishable food.

8. For every vehicle keep a radio, batteries, flashlight, first-aid kit, camera and an charged cell phone.

9. Keep a phone list of emergency contacts in your vehicle, wallet or purse.

10. Make sure children know their address, phone number, full name, how to call 911 and the number of at least one other trusted family member or friend.