The "not new" leather chair's major blemish.

The leather chair I purchased with craigslist for $225 is finally in the house and seemingly undisturbed by the feral cat in the garage. It is difficult to see in the photos, but not difficult to see at all in person, that there is a large blemish smack dab in the middle of the seat. I am going to try to fix that and will post before and after pics. The chair is supposedly only 3 years old and retails for $699 (but who pays full retail?), but I still think I overpaid because of this big, stupid flaw. I figure that if I can't fix it, I will purchase a piece of hair-on cowhide to cover the seat. I think I will like the look of that, but it will likely cost at least $40. Oh well. At least I have all the living room furniture I need for the time being.

Wishing I started shopping "not new" sooner.

I am such a, ahem, frugal gal that I can't believe I didn't commit to "not new" sooner. Perhaps it was the time involved in going to garage and estate sales...time I didn't have much of when I was working full time. Or maybe the amount and quality of second-hand merchandise wasn't as good. People used to hang onto their furniture and other belongings, especially treating stuff inherited from mom and dad like treasured heirlooms...now, I'm shocked at what people can't wait to get rid of (wedding photos? Really?!). My mother always looked down on "antiques" as rebranded trash...so maybe it was not having a role model. Whatever the case, I realize that I do already have a lot of used stuff that I love, but I could have gotten a lot more if only I'd thought to embrace the notion of trying to buy used first, instead of heading to a regular store first.

I could not find a "not new" kitchen rug.

Well, I promised I would reveal any "new" purchases and this rug is one of the few. I have been searching for "not new" kitchen rugs for a couple weeks and really couldn't wait any longer. The offspring can be very clumsy. His "dropsies" have cracked three of my porcelain floor tiles. I need some cushioning on the spots he is most likely to drop. I couldn't find any used scatter rugs that came close to being the right size/shape/color (I am still looking for more as I have ugly unsuitable rugs in place in two spots right now), so I purchased this rug on clearance (only $5 off, bringing it to $20) at TJ Maxx. I would have preferred a prettier one, but I didn't have time to waste as I had nothing for this spot.

The good news is, while used rug shopping, I've found that you can get decent area rugs suitable for a living room second hand, so when (if?) I get a wood floor, I can get a nice "not new" rug.

Robertson: Worth it to Pray Away Demons on Clothes, Inanimate Objects

Pat Robertson: There could be demons attached to your thrift store finds

Pat Robertson: There could be demons attached to your thrift store finds  According to Pat Roberston:  ”Can demonic spirits attach themselves to inanimate objects? The answer is yes. But I don’t think every sweater you get from Goodwill has demons in it. In a sense your mother is just being super cautious, so hey — it isn’t gonna hurt you any to rebuke any spirits that might attach themselves to those clothes.”



I'm not worried, but I thought I'd better warn ya so you don't go putting hexes on me if a deal I directed you to is possessed.

The video didn't post so I put it in its own post (next).

Never be hungry for bread again...for under $20.

The shelf at Savers is always loaded with bread machines. I'm sure other thrifts may be similarly well stocked. I've seen what look like brand-spanking-new ones (in the box, with instructions) for up to $19.99. Usually they are much less, like the one pictured on the right for $5.99. I believe that is the same one I used to have. Loved that machine (lost the paddle, replacement didn't fit properly), bought a new machine as it was before I discovered the joys of going "not new."

It pays to do a little research to find out if the models available receive positive reviews (and if a manual is available online if you are not familiar with bread machine operation). I understand some don't bake that well, but I have been very happy with the two I've had (of course, I checked the reviews before purchasing).

It's really lovely to know you are just 3.5 hrs. away from a great loaF of fresh bread at any time. I usually buy my yeast in a jar and keep it in the freezer so I always have fresh. Many recipes/machines can be programmed to start at a given time, so you can set it up in the morning and have fresh bread when you get home from work...or whenever. The only downside is, it is very difficult not to eat the whole damn loaf when you have it sitting there hot and fresh in front of your face.

I'll leave you with a final bread baking tip: I've found I can add a 1/4 cup of flax seed (ground or whole) to a recipe without making any other adjustments. The resulting bread is somehow of a better (moister?) texture and you get the health benefits of the flax. Really doesn't seem to affect the taste much, if anything, the taste is better with the flax seed.

Resist the urge to buy new for baby...and other mother tips.

It is very difficult not to run out and buy all the cutest things for the new most important person in your life. But, you CAN buy all the cutest things second hand...because everyone before you did just that and those things only fit for like, 2 weeks, and they are still just like new at the nearest garage sale or thrift store. Really. Pick a young neighborhood on a garage sale day and it's like shopping at the most deluxe mall.

Your kids don't care a lick about their clothes at this age...invest the money you save wisely because when they get older, they will care. A lot. And they will want very expensive clothes. And if you bought all their baby clothes full price to satisfy YOUR needs when they are babies, you are going to be one big hypocrite when you try to talk them into cheaper or used clothes when they are teens.

Meet that parental urge to splurge on your child be doing other things like starting a college (or bail) fund. And when portrait time comes around, think, about always using the same background selection or putting all your kids in the same outfit every time. Makes for a nice collage when they move out and all you have is memories. I had the offsping in denim overalls and a white turtleneck (items I thought would always be available and low cost) from 6 months through age 14...then he rebelled. Can't blame him...plus, now I have the pics of him in outfits of his own questionable tastes to use as comic fodder in the future.

Getting married? Go "not new."

There is a bridal consignment store opening near me. What a fabulous idea. Might even be possible for all the brideesmaids to get second hand dresses (they will kiss you). Of course, bridal gowns are always available second hand online or at Goodwill. I understand some cities even have rental places now. Starting a marriage out on a thrifty foot is a very good idea. Much better than the over-the-top extravagance of so many modern bridezillas.
To be upfront, I hadn't yet discovered the joys of "not new" when I married 23 years ago. I did sew my own gown and my bridesmaids wore off-the-rack numbers ordered from a catalog (I think it was Talbot's...still not cheap, but not as expensive as official bridesmaids gowns and two of my bridesmaids wore theirs several times...still, I heard the other complaining about the purchase). I wished I could have gotten one of the store sample bridal gowns that I'd seen on clearance for under $100...but I don't have a store-sample size body.

What's a good discount for something used?

They say your car loses thousands in value the minute you drive it off the lot. Seems these days, other stuff may not. I see Savers charging close to the original price on some things. Lots of stuff on goodwill.com goes for over half the original price...and they don't even guarantee that it works! I try to pay no more than .30 on the dollar since you never know how much "life" is left in the product and usually have no way to return defective items. (Of course, I prefer to pay much less.) Still can't get over people who will pay too much for used stuff. Are they new to used or just don't care what they spend?

Took a foray into a pawn shop

Even though I love bargains and all things used, I'd never been in a pawn shop before. Just seemed like some sort of shady, dark world I would not be equipped to navigate. I mean, there's the three balls, the connection with crime and sketchy characters. But, that really didn't seem to be the case (except for the balls). I went in because I'd seen a telescope listed there on craigslist.com. I've been looking for a telescope, hoping I can employ it in bird watching (not to mention, I've always kinda wanted to get a better look at the stars). The place was in a safe area and the merchandise was in good condition. This one seemed to specialize in tools and I might go back for the miter saw they had. There wasn't all that much merchandise in the store, but what they had was well organized. They were asking a bit much for the telescope. I probably should have got the guy down another $20 (I paid $60), but I'm not good at bargaining, especially when the other party is likely struggling financially more than I. However, my "not new" telescope is in great shape, has all its parts and I'm happy to have gotten it in one quick, easy trip (been looking at estate sales and thrift shops for months and haven't found anything). I'll try going to more pawn shops in the future.

It is amazing how often I'm forced to buy "new."

It's just short of 2 months since I decided to spend a year buying nothing "new." In that short time, there have been 3 birthdays (gifts and cards), a death (card and flowers), a broken thermostat, toaster and blender and now, the pegs (plastic) holding up two of the shelves in my kitchen cabinets have failed. Pretty sure from perusing the odds and ends at the thrift stores that I'm not going to find those there and it's definitely not worth the time and gas to try (especially since it is 5 degrees F today). I was at least lucky enough to find some on clearance at Lowe's ($5 as opposed to $8). I'm having company in from out of town this week, so it was not something I wanted to put off.
If you're curious and too tired to look through my posts, I replaced the toaster with a $1 used toaster from an estate sale (after a week or two). The thermostat was replaced with a new one (though, I did first try to find one at a re-use shop) and I'm still hoping to find a used Ninja blender somewhere, someday.

Getting "nothing new" might get expensive

I'm worried I might make up in volume what I save on cost. Stopped into Savers the other day (it was a Tuesday...won't go unless I get my 25% senior discount) and picked up this Silkland blazer for $11. As you can see, it washed up nicely. (The tag said "dry clean only," but I never dry clean silk. I beleive it is not even good for it.) I didn't even have to iron it (hung it up while still damp).
I haven't quite gotten the hang of figuring out what I might need in advance, so I go into thrift shops regularly to peruse their odds and ends. Hopefully, I'll get the hang of living used soon, so I won't feel the need to do that.

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).

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

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.)

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.

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).

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.

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.)