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.

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

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.

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!