Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Not-new chocolate? Sorta. 50% off at Target.

50% off Christmas candy at Target today. Who could resist? Bags of kisses or M&Ms for $1.59. I really should have bought more. The offspring uses them to make cookies on a regular basis. I had a bunch stocked up from the post-Halloween sale, but a snowstorm that left us house-bound (literally...we couldn't even wade through the chest-high snow to go next door) for 6 days seriously depleted my stash. Chocolate, when stored properly, lasts up to a year (who on earth had the will power to find that out?), so we will definitely be enjoying these when they are "not new." I really should have bought more. Will likely be gone unless I get up really early tomorrow, which I don't feel like doing. Oh well, there's always post-Valentine's and post-Easter sales.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Airfare savings tips

Ok, I haven't figured out a way to do "not-new" airfare (maybe you can tell me about a way to hop a flight with a private pilot?), but I do know some tricks that can save you hundreds of dollars:
1. Don't overlook small airlines that kayak.com and other fare-finding services leave out. I always go to the airport's website for a list of carriers and make sure I check flights from every airline servicing that location.
2. Always clear your cookies. Ever notice how the cost of the flight goes up every time you go back to check on it? That's because the airline knows you are interested. Clear your cookies off your computer before logging in. A friend of mine was complaining about the exorbitant cost of an intinerary. I told him to clear his cookies and his fare went down $300.
3. Make it look like you are buying flights from within that country when flying internationally. I haven't checked this out myself, but read about it. Apparently using Google ITA to search flights will automatically make the system assume you are in the departing city, saving you big time.
4. Check alternate dates if possible. Sometimes a day or two difference can save you way more than your hotel/meal costs for that day. Flying midweek seems to most often be more economical.
5. Check alternate airports. When I am traveling during peak school-break travel times, I can get much better airfare if I drive 2 hours to another state (with a different break schedule). Alternatively, if I drive just 40 minutes to a smaller, regional airport I can save money using their discount carrier (unfortunately, said discount carrier only flies to two locations).
6. Buy fares on Tuesdays. (I think that's the day.) Prices change all the time. I beleive Kayak will even show you a chart indicating the best window to buy your tickets...you don't want to purchase too soon or too late.
7. Go to Florida in Dec. Heck, maybe it's cheaper to go everywhere in Dec. People are getting ready for the holidays and not thinking "vacation." Last year, the husband and I flew for under $100 rt pp from NY to FL and stayed in a 4-star hotel for just $100 per night (total). We could have stayed even way cheaper than that if we didn't splurge on a luxury beachfront hotel. Those were the days! Retiring this year, we did not fly anywhere. Sigh.

Bought two tops at Savers 50% off sale...having regrets about one.

(This is the last post from my "stash." All future posts should be in real time.)
I really don’t NEED clothes. But, I fall prey to WANTING something new now and then. Add that to a 50% off sale at Savers (a thrift store) and all my resistance goes out the door. So…I got this plaid Geoffrey Beene number for $3.50 and I just love it. It's 100% cotton and such a soft, soft knit. Not the height of fashion, but I like the way it looks. The print top for $.1.50, I'm loving not so much. The thrill of 50% off blinded me to the fact that it has 3/4 sleeves, which I hate. But, buyer's remorse is a lot easier to handle at just $1.50. I also purchased several other items I will hopefully use in my mosaic art this summer. I had seen a $10 cashmere sweater the day before that I had hoped to grab up for $5, but when the sale opened, it was gone. Sigh.
Also purchased a book for the husband for Christmas (Savers books are pricey, but not bad at 50% off). It’s not part of my “nothing new” agenda, but I did pull out a bunch of MY tops to donate to Goodwill when I put these two my drawer. Trying to keep to only two drawers full of tops and one drawer full of pants (if I lost weight, it would be easier…and summers are easier).

Monday, December 29, 2014

Free not-new mulch

Why buy and lug heavy bags of mulch if you don't have to? For the past few years, I have been mulching my garden with pine needles and/or chopped leaves. There is a short window of opportunity in the fall to rake up the long, soft needles that certain conifers shed annually. Often, you can find these already raked into neat piles at curbside for you by homeowners. The snow fell really, really early here so I didn't get all the needles I needed. However, the extremely heavy snowfall also took down a lot of pine branches. I've been gathering up the bows and throwing them on the garden...it may even be easier than using the needles. Either way, it is free, easy to lift and will eventually enrich the soil (particularly if your soil needs more acid). Chopped fall leaves don't look quite as attractive as the needles, but also work well. Just make sure the leaves are chopped up.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Postage savings anyone?

I only know a couple tips for saving money on postage, but I'm hoping some readers can share some. (Uber? Moving companies? Fivver?) Here are my tips:
1. If you are mailing a book, use the USPS and mail only the book, nothing else (you can always write a note on the inside cover). This will qualify for the deeply discounted book rate.
2. Large, heavy packages are cheaper to mail through UPS, smaller, less heavy packages are cheaper to mail through the USPS.
3. It often pays to use the (free) USPS priority mail boxes...just be sure the box doesn't say "priority mail express"...that's overnight delivery and it will cost you a bundle.
4. Set up an online account with the USPS and print your postage at home. It's a lot cheaper. (Or ask your employer if you can mail through their rates and reimburse them).
6. Amazon Prime lets you put up to 5 people on your membership who will enjoy free shipping on most items. While I like to shop local, I usually buy my gifts for out-of-towners through Amazon Prime for the free shipping (and good prices...on almost everything)...and my sister is the Prime member, so I don't even have to pay for that.

Friday, December 26, 2014

Sign up for these services that send garage sale, estate sale and auction alerts...if you dare!

I picked up this Buffalo skull at a local (online) estate sale auction several months ago. The skull was in a lot with some longhorns I wanted. I payed more than I would for such as frivolous thing as longhorns because I intended to sell the buffalo skull for more than I paid for the lot, thus rendering the longhorns free. But, here's what actually happened: I fell in love with the big, durn skull and kept it. Getting longhorns and a great buffalo skull for $67 is still a bargain. But, it's still $67 more than I intended to pay. Not to mention whatever extra I'll eventually spend to redecorate around the skull. (Beware: the best-laid plans can go awry.) Still, if you think you have more spending restraint than I do, sign up with the services that email you notices of local sales: gsalr.com, estatesales.org, auctionzip.com

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Christmas wrapping paper and cards were from the hoard, not the recycle bin

As a lifelong bargain hunter, I have a stash of cards and wrapping paper (and gifts for that matter) that I get at 75%-90% off every few years (when my supplies run low). So, I didn't have to think of any creative recycling. Have enough to last me through at least one or two more holidays. Probably enough bows to last forever (since I save them each year). Which may be a good thing: I am not the kind of crafty-ass gal who could make newspaper-wrapped presents look cute. I can barely get things to look nice with real wrapping paper. My dear grandmother saved used wrapping paper. The presents always looked like they'd been through a riot, but that never mattered much to us kids in the three seconds we saw them before we tore into 'em...though having to remove the tape neatly certainly slowed us down.

More "not new" entertainment bargains.

Well, it's slightly new. But, it is upcycling seats that would otherwise go empty. During shows at Helium Comedy Club, they ask you to text the club. Then you get on a list that will send out reminders of who is coming AND (this is the good part) offers for free admission to shows that are not selling well. That's a live, professional comedy show for just the price of two items to eat or drink (the house minimum). Certainly a bargain. And Helium's food is actually quite good and priced within reason. (At least, at the Buffalo location, haven't been to other clubs). I always check out the comic online before ordering the free tickets and can usually tell if I'm going to enjoy the humor. (Wondering why THAT pic? Dog is ROFL. Lame, but closest to "relevant" visual I could find.)

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Got a great tip on "not new" entertainment.

The family holiday party yielded a great idea I'd never come up with myself. Seems one of the guests uses craigslist.com to find things to do. She looks for tickets and usually gets them deeply discounted for same-day performances. What a great way to add a little fun, mystery and savings into a night out...not to mention upcycling a seat that would otherwise have gone empty. It's the modern version of the Times Square discount tickets kiosk. Can't wait to try this out for myself.

Monday, December 22, 2014

Other great sources: Buffalo ReUse and Buffalo ReStore

Forgot to mention these two excellent options for finding things that are "not new." From furniture to appliances to building materials, these great re-sources have lots to offer (hopefully there are similar stores in your area). One (Buffalo ReStore, I believe...2 locations) is associated with Habitat for Humanity. I'm pretty sure the other is a nonprofit (seems to have a lot more going in the way of antique woodwork/fixtures/etc., but I think it's also a bit pricier...also only open on weekend due, I think to building code problems). I know the one associated with Habitat for Humanity also get some new merchandise...closeout-type stuff from stores/manufacturers. I get a lot of ceramic tiles and glass lamp pieces for my mosaic work at Buffalo ReStore. My friend, Jean, got a table there for a song and refinished it into a really nice piece (pictures of said table after refinishing).

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Got the couch I needed. Thank you, Craigslist.

So, I haven’t had a living room couch for 17 years. I knew the (cranky) husband was not going to be happy about me spending money on one, but a pre-owned couch was an entirely different matter. How could he complain about $135 for a couch? (Well, he did, but the husband is a piece of work.) I had been looking on craigslist for about two weeks for a leather couch (used fabric furniture kind of skeeves me out, but I can clean leather enough to eliminate my queezieness). I saw an ad with no picture for a couch for $135 in my general area, so I asked the owner to text me a picture. It was the first couch I saw that I wanted to bother going to look at (the low price was a big motivator). And I liked the couch in person. Said couch is about 20 years old, but still in good structural shape. It must weigh over 400 lbs. I’m sure it was extremely expensive new. The owner was a really nice guy, so I didn’t try to talk him down in price. I probably could have since the couch needs a good bit of work…missing button, lots of wear, scuffs and a small hole. But, I’m just not a talker-downer. At least, not when the price is reasonable. Plus, the guy lived less than a mile from me. I won’t be able to recondition the couch until Spring. I’ll post how it turns out.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

What's the best place to shop for stuff that's "not new?"

My best sources are charity thrift stores, charity bazaars, Savers, estate sales, garage sales (mostly multi-family), craigslist, etsy.com, and ebay. Of course, it depends what you are looking for. Estate sales tend to be pricey, but they can have low-end kitchen stuff and other odds and ends at fabulous prices, especially if you negotiate on the last day of the sale. I found far better prices on fur coats on etsy.com than I did on ebay.com or shopgoodwill.com. Thrift stores (especially Savers because it is so well organized, though I think much more expensive) are good places to go when you need a particular item fast. Craigslist is miraculous…you can buy almost anything there. Let me know your favorite places to shop for “nothing new.” (Image: a $2,000 armoire at an estate sale...wish I had the space and the money for it. Didn't sell.)

Friday, December 19, 2014

Adventures in Estate Sale-ing. (Replaced the broken toaster!)

It’s always a challenge as to where to shop. Garage sales usually have the best prices, but it can take a lot of gas per purchase…and you have to get up so early! Estate sales can be pricey, but then again, it depends what you are looking for. I went to the third and last day of an estate sale nearby (so, not a lot of gas) and found a toaster for $1. Estate sale shoppers are usually looking for fancier stuff than toasters. And the company running the sale was glad to get rid of the toaster. There was some Karma going on as the toaster I picked up was the same toaster (only in a 2-slice size) as the 4-slice toaster I gave to Goodwill last year. (I had downsized to a 2-slice, but then the offspring broke the new 2 slice.) Also, for my mosaic endeavors, I got some glassware and a huge, old grinder for a pittance (under $10 all), so this was a very good estate sale for me. Sometimes I go away empty handed.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Oh dear, I bought myself a vintage mink jacket.

Did I mention I can’t resist a bargain? When I discovered that affordable vintage fur jackets were to be had, well, my spending restraint was put to the test…and failed miserably. I would NEVER buy a NEW fur unless it was some sort of animal also used for food or very ethically raised, etc. But, a USED fur is a different story. I’m okay with wearing fur from critters that were dead before I was even born. I am extending their usefulness. And no one is going to look at my fat self (looking even fatter in a fur) and think: “what a great look, I have to go get myself a fur that makes ME look that huge.” Of course, finding a vintage fur that fits a fat lady is not an easy task. The women that owned fur coats in days gone by seem all to have been very petite. So, when I found a decent-looking, ‘50’s-era mink jacket for $225 on Etsy.com, it caught my eye. Fur is incredibly warm. I needed a dressy winter jacket/coat. And I liked the style. I was still going to pass up the jacket when I happened to notice the seller was running a 30% off sale. That did me in. $157 for a kooky, warm, luxurious jacket that would last me the rest of my life (it’s not like I have THAT many decades left). I took a big risk (because returns were not accepted) and ordered the coat. As luck would have it, it fits great (and I am built really weird so that is very lucky

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Going "nothing new" is going to be tough with a clumsy teen.

First, he broke the blender. Now, the toaster. Aiieee! I’m going to go to social media right now to ask friends for castoffs. (next day) OK, the social media thing didn’t work. Sigh.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Selling finds on Etsy

I had opened an Etsy shop to sell some of my art glass collection (items for sale pictured). I am downsizing in anticipation of moving to a smaller place someday in the near future. As I am shopping "not new," I am finding so much really neat vintage stuff that seems destined to go otherwise unappreciated that I am going to try to resell some on Etsy.com. It will allow me to indulge my love of cool stuff and bargains while (hopefully) making a little bit of money and further “justifying” the gas it takes to drive around to garage/estate sales. I try not to drive too much, but, um, mileage happens. The name of my Etsy.com shop is ArtGlassAndMore. I also sell a little bit on ebay.com. Today I finalized the deal on a really nice (used) fur coat that I bought for myself, but never wore. I was hoping to break even, but I actually sold it for more than what I paid. Yipee!

Monday, December 15, 2014

I gave in and bought a new top on clearance for $10. Spank me.

I gave in. Shopping for “new” Christmas gifts for my friends (I determined I couldn’t gift “used”) put me too close to some really nice clothing bargains. I resisted the $85 Michael Kohrs top for $15. But, I couldn’t resist this $10 top. I adore border prints and only have one. It was a guilty splurge I vow not to repeat. Hopefully, I won’t have to actually go inside a TJ Maxx until after Dec. 31, 2015 (hoping to make most of my Christmas gifts next year…started going “nothing new” too late to do that this year).

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Had to buy a snow brush and a leather needle

Sure, I could have cut down the handle on an old broom. Brooms work really well for snow removal. But, I really didn’t have a broom to spare. Plus, I’m getting too old to reach across the car with an ice scraper – I need one with a long handle, like the one on the snow broom I purchased. I live in the Buffalo, NY, area. It isn’t always snowy here, but when we get serious snow, you need a snow brush. You really don’t find them used…people keep ‘em until they are worn to death. Plus, it’s not like you can risk going out in the winter without a snowbrush for your car. This is one of those things you need to plan ahead for if you are going all-used. I also had to buy a leather sewing needle. I found a fabulous vintage Persian lamb coat I intend to repair. And I needed a special needle that would take too much time/gas/effort to find used.

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Of all the things to have to buy new

(NB: Not posting in present time yet, this was written a couple weeks ago.) I went to put on my boots and the offspring had taken one of my shoelaces. We had just had a major storm that trapped us in our house for 5 days (driving ban plus impassable roads and 5’ of snow in the driveway). I needed to wear my boots and the thrift stores weren’t even reopened yet. Plus, I’d likely have to buy an entire pair of shoes just for the laces. I didn’t have any viable string or even leather I could cut into strips to make shoelaces. Not able to wait or wanting to waste time or gas money, I purchased new shoelaces plus some silicone waterproofing spray for our boots and metal shovels while I was at Target picking up groceries. While I’m on the subject of winterwear, let me rant about shopgoodwill.com. Some of the items on this site sell for ridiculously high prices. I’m happy the money goes to a good cause! I mean, $133 for a used rabbit fur jacket? It probably sold for less than that new (granted, inflation would alter that equation). Still, a good site for going used for the sake of recycling/charity, but not so good for going used and saving money. I’m as much about saving money as I am about saving the environment

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

The offspring broke my Ninja blender

Being frugal, and especially going "used," is all about planning. But, you can't plan for premature breakdowns. Sigh. We use the blender a lot. I make myself a nice, low-cal frappucino-type treat every now and then. The offspring makes these ridiculous fruit smoothies. (I say “ridiculous” because he does it in a difficult, nonsensical fashion). He, of course, put too much hard fruit in the blender and it broke. I hate the idea of buying a blender used (who knows what someone might have put in it?), but I suppose I will have to. I’ll just be sure to soak it in bleach water when I buy one. I looked for one at Savers, but they didn’t have anything I liked. I am hoping to buy the same blender I had as I still have all the various blades and bowls for it...and I liked the way it worked. I did see a few other things at Savers that might come in handy. I will go back on Tuesday (a discount day) and hope those items are still there. (Savers is, in my opinion, one of the higher-priced thrift stores. But, they are very well organized, making the shopping experience more pleasant. However, I don’t like the fact that they make themselves appear to be a nonprofit. They are a for-profit store and only give a small percentage to charity. They won’t even tell me exactly what the percentage is. I assume Target donates far more to charitable causes than Savers does. But, Savers fits the “used” criterion.) As far as the blender is concerned, I will just have to wait for one I want to be available, used, at a good price...or maybe at just an okay price...depends how much I miss my frappes.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

The offspring insists on "new." Being in a store that sells "new" stuff is hard.

Went to Target to get the (teenage) offspring a nice white shirt for his job interview. It was really expensive! ($30) However, the offspring isn’t buying into my “all used” philosophy for himself and he is, for some odd reason, anti-TJ Maxx (I could have gotten a dress shirt there for almost half that price, there would have been a better selection and the shirt would have been nicer). The things we are willing to do for our children. I also saw a really cute sweater I liked at Target. It was a little sad to realize I wouldn’t be buying it even if it did go on a super clearance sale. Sigh.

Going "not new" turning out to be a workout for both creativity and memory.

I needed my ruler to measure some items I wanted to sell. (I’m starting an Etsy shop (ArtGlassAndMore) to sell off some of my prized possessions in anticipation of downsizing.) I figured I’d pick up a ruler at the grocery store when I realized it didn’t fit my all-used parameters. (My missing ruler actually was a garage sale find, a nice one, too…18” and very sturdy…wonder where it is …grrrr.) So, I wanted a measuring device fast and doubted they’d have one at the Goodwill store. Plus, it wasn't worth the gas. Amazingly, I couldn’t find any way to print a nice ruler off the Internet (on the back of a piece of a used piece of paper, of course), the files I found just crashed my printer. I was trying to figure out a way to get an accurate measurement knowing a piece of paper was 8-1/2 x 11 when I remembered I had a measuring tape in a very nice sewing kit that I picked up at an estate sale. Rescued from doing some tricky math!

Monday, December 8, 2014

First “need” stops me in my tracks

I brought four tropical plants in for the winter. But, one was new so I didn’t have a saucer for it. I was all set to stop at Home Depot for one of those cheap, clear plastic saucers when I remembered that would be buying something new. Dang. I really didn’t want to run the risk of one of my dishes getting ruined by using it as a plant saucer when I spied a package on the counter: the husband had brought home some brownies from Aldi’s and the lid would fit perfectly in my plant stand…it was the exact right size and shape as you’ll see in the photo...it works better than my old "bought-new" saucer on my other plant in the next photo. It is so perfect, it is almost invisible. I haven’t searched around the garage for a nice, decorative pot to go with, but I’m sure I have something that will work. Fortunately, I hate to throw things out. That will come in very handy in my year of nothing new.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

A Year Buying Nothing New

On Nov. 10, 2014, it hit me: I could probably live out the rest of my life without buying anything new. It would be difficult, but it would be possible (with some exceptions, I’m sure). I like saving money. Even more, I like averting waste…reducing my footprint on the ecosystem. I decided going “all used” would be worth a try. A year’s try. I mentally committed to the experiment within an hour of the notion popping into my head. With that kind of diligent consideration, there’s no telling what the year will bring. I’ve always been frugal. Almost never buy anything at full price. Almost never buy anything at a mall (except for a major wardrobe restocking every 6 or 7 years at end-of-season sales when I’m getting at least 75% off). The key to saving money is planning. For instance, the sweater I put on today was brand new (hopefully the pic of it will post). But, I bought it over a year ago at an end-of-season clearance. It was originally $19.99. I paid $4.99. It’s 100% cotton. It’s also a men’s sweater. I find lots of good deals in the men’s department. Colors or styles that are too feminine for men tend to go for drastically reduced prices, often even in season. (Got 2 lovely CASHMERE men's sweaters for under $10 each once.) My favorite winter jacket is a fabulously comfy down men’s jacket that retailed for well over $100 and I got it for under $20…probably because it is bright yellow. But, the bright yellow doesn’t bother me. Likely "helps" that I'm a big mama and bigger men tend to shy away from colors, etc. I hate to brag, but with my excellent clothes-shopping skills, it’s going to be difficult for me to save any more money on clothes by going used. But, there are other types of merchandise I can save on, right? I guess I’ll soon find out. There will be a few things I won’t be able (or willing) to buy used: things like toilet paper (I’m not going to risk clogging my plumbing with newspaper or whatever), food (though, I do grow some of my own), cleaning supplies (I doubt I’ll find a reliable source of used cleaning products, but I’ll look)…I’m sure I’ll come across other categories. I’ll let you know what they are when I find them. These first several posts aren't going to be in real time. I started going used and writing about it a few weeks before I got around to setting up the blog...but all should be caught-up and real time by the new year. Wish me luck.