The plot turns: got my clay soil rototilled and actually found some real dirt.

When I put a shovel in my plot, I found about a 1/2" of soil over solid grey clay. I knew that digging that myself would likely kill me. I wasn't even sure that rototilling could turn the land into anything close to arable, but knew that was the only route remotely possible. It would cost $45 to rent a machine and I have no easy way to transport it, so I was thrilled to find a guy on craigslist willing to rototill for $65. He had to do several passes to get it to look like dirt. He was surprised it came out this good considering all the clay. So was I. Now, I just have to get topsoil/compost delivered. The company I called wasn't sure they'd be able to do it before closing up for the winter. I'd really, really like to have it done in the fall rather than the spring. We'll see. They are supposed to call me.

Actually found some "not new" glasses...or, at least, close to it.

I found these on craigslist for $15 and they fit well enough so I bought them. They aren't used, but I'm guessing they've been through at least two sellers, so close enough. The offspring says the glasses make me look like a goofball. I told him they were designer (Aquaswiss) glasses and the goofball look is in. I was a bit disappointed as I had to pay $51 for prescription lenses at Value Vision. When I went there a few years back you could get cheap plastic lenses for $25. Perhaps they don't carry those anymore. Perhaps I should have thought to ask.

Love my "not new" wet saw from craigslist.

One of my favorite craigslist finds, perhaps because I decided I needed it, found it right away and bought it (neaby, even!) the next day. This wet saw goes for $99 or more new. I purchased it for $40. The seller said it was very lightly used. He bought a pallet of them to resell. He does a lot of stuff like that as he is handy and can fix broken stuff to resell (but only one broken one in the lot he got). We are both guessing as to why anyone would have a pallet of slightly used wet saws. A very interesting guy (another bonus to the purchase). Can't wait to try out the saw.

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.

My "not new" leather chair and my "new" feral cat. Sigh.

Finally was able to coordinate getting my sister's van and my son's muscles together to go check out a leather chair I saw on craigslist. It was not cheap ($250), but it seemed like it would be perfect (emphasis on "seem").

Nice people, but the "flawless" chair had a major scratch smack dab in the middle of the seat. Still, I had made so much effort to coordinate the pickup, I bought it anyway (with a $25 discount for the scratch, which, in my opinion was not enough...I'll post about that later). When we got the chair home, the husband determined I hadn't shoveled a wide enough path (our snow is still shoulder high, a shovel's width is all I opted for this year, and that nearly killed me) for he and the offspring to get the chair in the front door (likely the only door it will fit), so the chair is staying in the garage overnight.

Sooo...the problem is, a cat moved into our garage last night! We couldn't get it out, so I left the garage door open about a foot on the bottom so the thing wouldn't be trapped. Again today, kitty doesn't want to budge. Even my dog barking at her half the day hasn't phased her (she has plenty of spots to hide). The dog sure is enjoying the entertainment, the neighbors probably not so much.

I am worried the cat will use the chair as a scratching post or toilet. I have it covered, as you can see, but I am still worried. Tonight I am building a little cabin for kitty: plastic storage bin with lid askew, 2 liter bottle of hot water wrapped in a towel, blankie and an open can of tuna in front of the whole shebang. Hopefully this will lure kitty away so I can close the garage and protect my chair. Things never seem to be easy. The first time I have a cat in the garage and the first time I have a leather chair in the garage...and it all happens the same week.

Saved by the Scrabble game (from the Internet auction).

This is not what I was saved from. I'm hoping to purchase this lighting fixture later this week for $90. That's not cheap, but I think it is a very good deal as it will fit the style of my room and would likely cost at least 3 times that much new (I consider 60% off as my "base savings target" for a decent second-hand deal on most items). Do I NEED this fixture? No. I have another where it will go, but I don't like that fixture. I'm hoping I can sell it for what this one costs and consider it a wash (plus a lot of footwork and trouble, but I'll be happy).

Do I need the stuff I just didn't get at the online auction? Some yes, some no. There was a sturdy looking metal tool chest for under $10 that I really could use for the garage. But, as long as I was getting that, I probably would have gotten the really cool looking metal chairs for under $10 and a couple end tables which may or may not have worked out. I keep telling myself something just as good will come to me much closer (the items were 40 minutes away and there was only a 4 hour window on Saturday to pick everything up, so it would have been a bit of a pain). Still, I feel loss over that durn tool chest and those chairs. Sigh.

The good news is, instead of watching the close of that auction online, I was playing Scrabble with the offspring and hubby. Difficult to get quality family time with the 20-year-old son, so I definitely made the right choice.

Never ceases to amaze me what you can get on Craigslist: a stuffed peacock?

Usually I get annoyed when search results are cluttered with stuff not remotely close to the term I was searching. But, craigslist seems to come up with the most interesting items I can't get too annoyed with. For instance, I was searching "antlers" and got this stuffed peacock. Who would even think there was such a thing?

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.

Thinking I am "allowed" to buy this "new" blender and charger.

The offspring broke my Ninja blender, which I loved. It was a $40 blender that did a fabulous job at a variety of tasks. I've been cruising estate sales and thrift shops for an identical blender for weeks to no avail. I wanted an identical blender not just because I loved it, but because I still had all the various blades and bodies (so, spares if any should break or get lost).
I found this Chefman blender at Ollies. It is identical to my old Ninja, so I'm guessing (hoping) it's a rebranded version and all the parts will be interchangeable. At just $25 and giving me the ability to interchange my existing parts, I could not resist (especially since I did have an "ick" factor in buying a used blender...I feel like you can never be sure plastic parts are thoroughly sanitized). I also picked up the charger I went in for. The phone chargers I use in my car get banged around so bad, it seems even the best ones never last a full year. So, I have a decent lighter-adapter "plug" that accepts a usb port and I replace the usb connectors with cheap ones as needed. At $2.99, you can't go wrong...if I could even find one at a thrift store it would cost close to 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.)