A Thrifty Find!

Listing Quickly on eBay

2011-11-08T03:18:00.000-08:00

I mentioned before that I had found a way to list items much quicker than I had been. I don't know if this is blog-worthy or not, but a friend asked me if I was ever going to blog about it and today is an Awesome day to list, (Ebay announced a "List up to 1000 items free" 1 Day only sale) so here goes!

I used to start with a category, a title, and then fill in all the blanks about the item (of clothing usually), add my picture and then rewrite it all in the description box. Even though I was using a template (or picking up an old listing and changing it) it was taking me forever to list each item. Part of the reason is that loading pictures to the listing is not exactly fast. That can be aggravating. I don't know if it's just my computer, or if it's that way for everyone. These great Sale days would come along and I'd do my relists in a couple minutes but then I would only list maybe 20 new items if I was really working hard. I decided something (or a few things) needed to change.

First off, my goal is to really downsize my inventory. Get these great clothes out of my ebay closet and into the arms of people who would loooove them! So I needed to list, list, list like crazy. At least to save the Free listing "space". Here's my strategy now:

I just listing the title, and fill in the necessary fill-in boxes (pre-owned, size type, size, color, etc, etc).
I skip the picture (for now)
In the description box the first line reads "Picture Coming Soon" and then I list anything that I think is necessary that wasn't covered in the drop-down boxes (ie tulle underskirt, sequins & beads, side zip, etc). There is no need to repeat everything that is already covered in the drop-down boxes, since the listing will show it right above the description. Then I do have an ending that says "No international shipping, ship within 24 hrs of pymt, check out my other auctions, yadda yadda yadda", but all of that was picked up from the previous auction ad and I'm not actually retyping it.
I add my price
I select the # of days
Double check the shipping price I've decided on
I click the list buttons, and I'm done with that listing.
Then I get a box that says the item is listed, and I click "Sell Similar" and more on to my next item.

I have been able to do many more listings that way. Then when I am done for the day I can relax. I go back and revise my auctions and add the pictures when I have more time, like the next day. I usually do 3 day listings, because I think people don't really have the patience to wait till a 7 day auction ends. I know I don't! So if I am listing fast like this, I will select 5 days, just to give myself time to add the picture. I've even had people ask me to add a picture or just click to watch the item until I do. I love it when that happens because it gives me incentive to add the picture. If I don't have time to add all of the pictures and some of the auctions end without pictures, I don't stress. Since my item has been listed, I'm one step closer to selling it, and I can go and relist it and add a picture, and on sales like today's where its free, I'm not losing any money if I didn't get them picture on!

Anyway, I hope this helps someone, anyone. It may sound like gibberish, because I'm excitedly typing (and tiredly its 3:16 am) and my fingers are freezing because my house is freezing with no heat on. I think I'll go to bed for now and get up whe my kids go to school and get busy with a ton more listings! How would it be to list 1000 items I wonder???? Thankfully I don't have that much inventory! Have a great listing day!

The Humanity Spectrum

2011-11-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

I'm no philosopher, but when you witness humanity at its worst and best, I believe it causes you to consider life.

I dropped my kids off at school yesterday. I pulled up next to the curb, temporarily parallel parking. My kids and my friends kids all jump out, I watched as they got through the gates, and headed for their classrooms. Then I prepared to depart by checking the thru traffic that is always moving. I looked to my left and realized that the person who pulled thru traffic as I parked, is not in their car! They pulled in, hopped out and walked their kids to their classrooms, or whatever. I was incredulous! Infuriated! Why would someone do that?! There aren't 2 parking lanes! I sat for 10 minutes in my car until I could safely back out into the thru traffic, and get around her. I was mad and had daydreamed smashing into their dumb SUV.

I drove out of the parking lot, and to the post office, dropped my ebay envelopes in the box and left. I drove about 2 blocks, and prepared to turn right. In front of me were 2 cars. To the right of me was a van, which was kind of parked in a bus loading shoulder.

I was still mad at the dumb person who dared to box me in at the school. I was mad at the school staff for not monitoring morning traffic (not that they monitor afternoon traffic very well either). I'm contemplating this waiting for the two cars to move forward so I can turn right. Then I realized what my mind was not registering but my eyes had been witnessing. 3 men had gotten out of their vehicles to help an elderly woman in a handicap scooter who had tipped over sideways and was lying in the street at the crosswalk. She probably has miscalculated the curb slope. She hadn't even moved, too in shock, or didn't know what to do. These 3 saintly men picked the scooter up, then helped the woman to sit up and then gently picked her up and placed her in the scooter. Then they talked to her, made sure she was ok to go on, probably asking if she needed medical help. They smiled and then ran back to their cars. I had witness a beautiful act of kindness. A genuine concern for another person. I realized I was bawling as the man in the parked van got closer to me. I waved a thumbs up and wiped my tears. He probably thought I was nuts. I was basking in the kindness and love and humanity they had shown, and it wasn't even towards me.

It made my previous encounter seem ridiculous. My hard heart softened as I realized possibly I was supposed to witness this. Or maybe the Lord was trying to teach me how to be kinder. I believe He knows us and our struggles and yet is constantly trying to teach us. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ loves each of us as a brother, as a parent, and wants us to love each other as well. I am a mom, who wants my children to share their good example and be kind to others. I am not perfect, I don't expect others to be either. However sometimes its easy to forget, and we get mad and judgemental of others. We take things too personally. By thinking of each person as a child of a loving God, it is easier for me to forgive and love others. I hope they would do the same for me. I am a Thrift store Shopper, an Ebay Seller, a Mom, a Wife, a Child of God and I'm a Mormon.

Cutting Costs

2011-10-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

I usually cut my Scotch scrub pads in half because they are so large and this way I can get twice the use out of them before they get all nasty.
If and when I remember, I even wash them with my rags. But sometimes they get all yucky and mildew smelling and then they are bound for the trash.

Apparently one of my short-lings in the house decided they would help me cut costs. I opened the drawer and found this:

2x1 inch squares (REALLY?!), but no this does not help as I can't keep ahold of them while scrubbing dishes! Looks like I need to recruit some helpers with tiny hands! Good thing I know 3 of them. While they are at it I think I will have them work on that drawer as well. Looking like it needs a good scrubbing!

I should blog about that...

2011-10-19T11:43:00.000-07:00

Lots of the times in the past few weeks/months I have come across something, whether in my daily life or on a blog or website and I've had the immediate thought "I've got to blog about that!". As you poor unfortunate readers of my blog who've had nothing to read from me lately may guess, I have let those ideas slip right out of my head, hands, grasp. That leaves me wondering later on what was it I was gonna blog about??

Uggh!

I do hope there have been much more interesting things on other blogs for you to read about though! I know I have! How lame is this? I feel like I'm having the worst conversation with myself "Don't say that!", "That's so lame" on and on in my head. So sorry.

In the coming weeks I hope to post on some fabulous blogs I've come across as of late. As well as some that are long time favorites.

What's been keeping me busy? It seems like every time Ebay does one of its fab sales (there were two in the past week alone) I drop everything to list like a mad woman. This is necessary because of the massive amount of inventory I have allowed myself to accumulate. All while using the same excuse, I need a faster computer...Well now I have discovered a faster way to list items on those great sale days and I have been plowing right through my inventory. (I will share it in a future post!)

See I am a really great shopper, but I don't always love the listing. Honestly, I get caught up in the shopping and then when I get home it can be a bit of a letdown cuz I think to myself where is all of this gonna fit?! I have a entire coat closet filled with my ebay clothes and items. I also don't love the clutter and the space it all takes up. When I list items I end up dragging a bunch out, piling them up in different piles around the room. Then I'm grouching at my kids for getting too near them (because an item with a grubby hand on it is no longer Excellent condition). After a couple hours or days I get really overwhelmed with stuff and have to cram it all back into the closet whether I have made significant progress or not. But... I am over the moon when something gets a bid and sells, because that means something else is leaving my house! So... as soon as everything is listed I will be a happy clam. The "1 cent" sale they had about a week ago, I relisted 113 things and listed about 70 new things. Then yesterday they had a "Zero listing on 250 items" sale. I had previously sold about 22 things (more than 10% yay!). So I relisted the remainder about 160 items and then relisted about 50 more. So far I have 2 items with bids! Woohoo!

I need about 2 more good sales and I will have everything listed and I vow to NEVER, EVER let it get that bad again. I do not want to carry inventory which has never been bid n for months and months. Everything I buy I will force myself to list that week sale or no sale. I have gotten better and better at discovering what will sell and what will not. I also like listing particular items like skirts, I love to list them, they don't need too many measurements, and a skirt is always something someone will be looking to add to their wardrobe. So in the future my inventory will be more streamlined, condensed. But for now, I have a lot to pray for to sell!

So to continue with this most random of posts, I am going to end on a goal/to do list. Things I have been putting on but really need to get done. Yeah, I've been procrastinating other things too ; )

Clean out my Van (after 2 not so recent trips and a lot of daily messes, it really really needs it!
List everything in my ebay closet - one and for all! After all, I cannot go shopping again until I do! S I know I am missing out on some great stuff!
Weed my rock beds (now that its finally cooler)
Declutter my laundry room (why is it so hard!)
Carve pumpkins
Check out pintrest - I have heard everyone talking about it as of late.

I'm sure can add more things to this list, my brain is just not allowing me to at this time, LOL. After all, I don't get enough sleep (I work 10pm to 2am Mon-Fri) - now do you understand why I've been MIA? I have been here in spirit though!!

Have a great week!
Em

2011-09-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

I've seen a couple of tutorials online recently for these type of necklaces and decided it was about time I gave it a try myself. First thing to do is gather supplies:

An old teeshirt - it can be shrunken, stained, have holes, whatever. The only thing to remember is that it cannot be ribbed. Also I find the best ones are the seamless ones, (with no seams down the sides).
Cutting mat
Rotary cutter
Sewing Ruler or even a heavy book
A Super-Cute helper/model.

Lay out your teeshirt over the cutting mat (I folded mine in half with arms together)

Measure 1 inch and cut into strips all the way up the shirt till you get to the chest where the arms are (You can also several strips from the short sleeve arms.

Take strip in your hands in front of you.

Stretch strip and the fabric will roll into tube.

The tubes from this old Army PT shirt were long enough for K to wrap around her neck twice.

You can wear plain, or multicolor, or even clip on a hair bow or a sparkly brooch for a bit of extra flair! They are lightweight, versatile and fun! We had such fun doing them that we are in the process of acquiring all shades of tees. That led us to garage-saling and found some steals this weekend! For example a ton of Legos for $2 and a ton of Kinex $2!

Finding Marie at Goodwill

2011-09-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

My sister in law came to visit over Labor day weekend. It was wonderful for me to have some grown-up adult time and shop Goodwill to my hearts content. No one except her enjoys it as much as I do.

When she lived in Colorado, there were Goodwill stores she would frequent to buy and sell clothing on ebay. When she moved to Utah, where there are no Goodwill stores she was feeling bummed but planned to visit me and get some serious shopping in before returning to Utah where she could sell. We've determined she needs to visit me at least once a month and also to get her Goodwill fix.

So, we're in our 2nd store of the day, and she hold up a skirt which was just funky enough to be something good and says what about the brand "Free People?" I say "Yes!" that's a great one! Even though it was Monday ($.99 cents on a certain color) hers was not that color and so was to be $3.99, still it was a great deal. Plus, she's military, and every Monday is also Military Monday (where you get 25% off any color tag which is not on sale). So on we shop....

When we're in the car an hour or so later, I'm going through the bags oohing and aahing. I spot her Free People skirt and grab it to get a closer look.

Yes, it's Anthropologie, FREE PEOPLE, and has 66170 as the RN#. It's in great condition. No snags, no tears, and it even has a drycleaning tag on it. Nice. But what's this? The name on the tag blew me away...

Osmond, Marie 9 of 10.....whaaaaat?
This beautiful lady?

Well, I was too excited, and my sister in law said "Must be someone else, because she lives in Utah". Nope. She lives in Las Vegas, where she performs her own show on the Strip. Wowza! I know, I'm a dork. But seven degrees, or whatever, I am holding a garment that either Marie or her daughter or somebody in her vicinity touched!! (ok there is always a possibility there is another Marie Osmond out there, and if this were a Merona skirt I would fully admit that it was not hers, but FREE PEOPLE is not cheap). Isn't it beautiful? I LOVE GOODWILL!

I know...

2011-09-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

I'm a slacker.

I didn't actually mean to take a hiatus from blogging but well, it has been a month and I can think of no other words for it. I think life just slapped me in the face. Not hard, just over and over. I'm still rebounding. But I have a great post to come...I have been thinking about it for over a week. Just got my computer moved to my living room so here goes...

Well...it's come again

2011-08-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

Another 1 cent listing day on eBay that is!

There are so many other things I should be doing...Laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning. All the result of a family vacation/reunion. I should probably get dressed too ;) But these 1 cent days are not common, nd I have a boatload of things I need to list! So while my kids are happily playing together for the 2nd day in a row, I'm gonna toss my to-do list and get busy on eBay.

Happy Listing!!

Genius & Refashioned / Interchangeable Shirts

2011-08-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have fallen in love for yet another blog. just love the creativity some people lay out on the table for all to enjoy! Nike from Choosetothrive cannot be called anything other than Genius! Well, actually Thrifty, Creative, Savvy, Green also come to mind...ok, ok she's a lot of things, and I don't even know her! You have got to check out her blog if not just to see her tutorial on a great way to re-fashion old, stained shirts into Fun, Free, Fab new ones! I am die-ing to go, and then get back from vacation in order to make some of these, and therefore reduce my scrap fabric pile!

I also LOVE her 4th of July version!

Awesome Nike! Thanks for the Inspiration(s)! I'm thinking I'd like to get one of those snap setters just to cover up stains on my little guys' tees with fun 3 dimensinal things like trucks and dinosaurs! If and when I get to this I will definitely be posting mine too!

Get Selling!

2011-07-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

I love it when it happens, though it does put a certain amount of pressure on me. Tomorrow (well soon to be today - I'm up late as usual) eBay is having one of its great selling specials! One day only - Just 1 cent to list an item! This works out great for relists, but I also like to use these opportunities to get a lot of my inventory up for auction. I'm getting to list mine just as soon as midnight hits, so I can get as many things up as possible. I'm just taking a short break from picture taking to post this fantastic news. So... if you haven't tried it yet, what are you waiting for?

Just FYI, if you haven't listed anything yet this month, keep in mind that each month you get 50 free listings, so after those 50 you will only pay 1 cent per listing, if you can get that many up in one day!

Round Up of Recent Top Sales

2011-07-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

Anthropologie FEI Pink Blouse NWT, purchased for $6.99, sold for $22.00

Betsy Johnson Yellow Knit Sweater with teal flowers, purchased for $4.99, sold for $16.52

Catherine Malandrino Rainbow Wool Skirt, purchased for $5.99, sold for $17.99

Chicos Linen pants, NWT (with some dirt on bottom of pant leg) purchased for $4.99, sold for $22.78

Hot in Hollywood Sheer Yellow Blouse with Mocha embroidery, purchased for $1.00, sold for $11.39

Lululemon Athletica Peach Yoga/fitness top, purchased for $1.50, sold for $9.99

Sweet Lily Red & white floral skirt, purchased for $2.00, sold for $9.99

Dress Barn floral skirt with lace trim, purchased for $3.99, sold for $9.99

Mountain Hardwear Athletic/hiking/climbing top, purchased for 1.00, sold for 7.99

Is it Google or me?

2011-07-05T17:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I find a blog that I really like and I want to let the writer know it, or have some other thought about their posting to include. So I click, "comment" and when I'm all done with my note, I click the "send comment" button and then Google asks me to log in. So I do and it brings me back to my comment and asks me to enter a code word, but then instead of adding my comment it brings me back to the screen to log in. And it does this over and over again. Does this happen to anyone else? Or is it me? Or is it Google?

It sure is frustrating!

So I was wanting to add a comment to a sweet woman who commented on my last post, but got the run around through google again, so instead I am doing a post for her.

Nicole,
I want to thank you so much for your kind words. They put my heart at peace. It's so nice when a complete stranger will reach out to another person in an act of unselfishness and offer support. It's more than the "Human" element you hear of on commercials. It takes a special person, with genuine concern. Thank you thank you for your advice! I truly appreciate it!

Part of me says "Yes!" to her suggestion of putting my blog away for awhile, because I have often considered that very same thing. Another part of my feels sad about doing that. This blog isn't widely read, but it is a small way for me to be creative in a neat tidy place, if that make sense. Sometimes I see even the simplest projects online that I would like to try, but sometimes even those are too overwhelming so I never start them, or finish them. I enjoy reading blogs where women put themselves out there and show what they have accomplished. It's inspiring! Here, I can write and whether or not its received, it's something I've accomplished. One day I hope to write even more, but I know better than to start (a lot of) my aspirations until my children are older. That said, I am thinking of maybe doing just weekly posts for awhie so that I can keep it up but it won't be another thing to overwhelm my time (and mind). Who Says I have to write every day or several times a day?

That said, I'll leave you with my current favorite song & artist. It makes me Happy :)

A Struggle

2011-07-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

I've not been blogging because, well, I've just felt overburdened with life.
Ever get like that? I have discovered over the last year, that most of the time when I'm feeling this way, its around my "time of the month", in which case I should just give myself a break - right?! Well its that time and I guess right now I just need to talk it out.

About a week ago I saw a movie called 17 miracles that was first off very sad, heart breaking. But also inspiring, touching, and overall humbling. My mom and I cried all through it (a few days later I took my husband to see it, and well I cried all through it a second time, my husband is a bit tougher). You can read about it here.

When we left the theater, my mom said "Boy, the hardest thing I have to think about is when I'll get a diet coke". Which is wholly untrue. My mom is struggling with some hard things. In fact she had a heart attack this week (she's alright after 4 days in the hospital). However, it made her take a hard look at her life. She has decided she wants to fight to take back her life. She has let everything else take over. She gives and gives and gives, and then does not take care of herself. From now on, I'll be beside her making sure she does.

One of the things that struck me most about the movie was at the end, they had synopsises of the characters lives. Several of the young girls after struggling to make it across the plains in such hard elements, later went on to have 13 children! To me, that is a testament of the will and heart that is possible in this life. It made me look at my life and my struggles, and what I'm dealing with now, is nothing in comparison to what I have dealt with earlier on in my life; or what many other people I know are dealing with.

I'm very blessed, this I know, to have come this far. I'm blessed daily. I have beautiful children and a loving husband. I have a faith in God and in my Savior Jesus Christ. I have supportive friends and family. And yet there are struggles. A big burden I have come to realize trouble with is time management. There is so much I should be doing, could be doing. I should be serving more, loving more, spending more quality time with family. I should have a tidy house that makes me feel accomplished. And yet, it is difficult to make myself do anything some days. And I wonder what that says about me? Am I weak in spirit? Why are some things so hard? Am I depressed? I do have 3 small children, but not 13! I hope that they won't remember me as a complainer, or someone who doesn't want to do things. Right now I see myself being to hard on myself but maybe this will all sound familiar to someone out there. Someone who can give me some advice. I welcome it.

There is a book called "If life were easy, than it wouldn't be hard... and other truths", it's by Sheri Dew. I've started to read it, because although I look at my life and consider it easy compared to my earlier years, and to other peoples struggles, I still struggle some days. I'm hoping to find some answers. I know that when I go to the scriptures I am certain to find advice, and I am trying to do that more often as well.

For now, just to voice this out loud is a help. Now its out of my head and laid on the table. Maybe that's all I need once in awhile. That and a bowl of ice cream! Denali Mint Chocolate Cup sounds good right now ;)

Summer!

2011-06-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

With kids home for the summer, I feel like I haven't had much time to think, let alone blog. I've been lucky to list things here and there on ebay, and have had lots of sales recently. I'll blog a few of those later.

But I wanted to share a find that I came across a week ago or so.
Don't these waffles just scream lazy summer days?

I love them! I haven't yet, but I will definitely have to make them for my little ones. They'd be over the moon! And they are so easy!! Kelli, a Real life Super-MOM came up with these and shared her fab tutorial to encourage all Mom's to be SUPER! Check out her blog here. Look around her site! I just love it. She also made rainbow waffles that I will have to make at the very least, on St Patty's Day, if not the first time it rains here in the fall, or any other time it suits my fancy.

Have you ever made fun food for your kiddos??

What is it?

2011-06-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

I found this uh-mazing thing at Goodwill on Monday.... a couple weeks ago...you know when I wasn't keeping up with my blogging? Yeah, I'm just now getting around to finishing the post.

So what is my mystery item? Maybe someone out there can help me know for sure, but underneath it has a stamp Meriden B. Company 1779 with a set of scales.

It has some really pretty and intricate details Stamped(?) or carved into it.

After lengthy internet research all I could find out was this:

"Meriden B Company was a manufacturer that made silverware out of "black silver" the kind of silver that was economical doing the time, it still had the flare of expensive silver settings and today the silver alone is of high value, since refined silver was getting high in value and the price of refined silver was costly at the time, Meriden B Company started offering silver that was not "refined" before it was marked, it was before "nickle silver" so the silver is still 100 percent! The product itself will appear black before you polish it, which should be left in that state if you want to sell it. All Meriden B Company is over 100 years old and have a historical value, family's that can trace back 100 year will know about the Meriden B Company product. Meriden B Company went out of business after becoming well known for these kinds of products." (www.wikianswers.com)

The Meriden Britannia Company was formed in 1852 in Meriden, Connecticut. The Rogers Bros firm was purchased by Meriden Britannia in 1862, thereby acquiring the 1847 Rogers Bros line. In 1878, they had a store at Union Square in New York City and a manufacturing facility in West Meriden, CT. According to their 1878 catalogue, the company won a first place medal at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the "large variety of silver plated white metal hollow ware, of excellent quality and finish, and of tasteful designs." They were one of the original companies that joined together to form the International Silver Co. in 1898. - (www.silvercollecting.com)

So the fantastic thing is that it is over a hundred years old!
But I really have no idea what it's worth. Or where to find out what it is worth.I checked into Antique's Roadshow but they're not coming here this year. I may have to hold onto it for a bit. Who knows?

Sundresses and Skirts

2011-05-21T14:38:00.000-07:00

It seems like all I've sold lately is Sundresses and Skirts. That's not completely true, but it comprises the majority of my sales. For example:

Charlotte Russe floral skirt with lace trim purchased for $2.50, sold for $9.99

NY & Co Blue & white floral Sundress, purchased for $1.00, sold for $7.00

Talbots Cream & Red Japaese inspired skirt, purchased for $2.50, sold for $9.99

Dress Barn White Sundress with Roses, purchased for $1.00, sold for $8.00

Speechless Black skirt with satin floral embellishment & rhinestones, purchased for $1.00, sold for $7.00

Gap Blue & Green Plaid Sundress, purchased for $$1.00, sold for $8.00

Talbots Circles Skirt, purchased for $1.00, sold for $7.00

Roxy Strapless floral dress, purchased for $1.00, sold for $9.99

DownEast Basics "Fall in Love" floral skirt NWT, purchased for $3.99, sold for $9.00

Gap White Halter Sundress, purchased for $1.00, sold for $7.00

Coldwater Creek floral faux wrap skirt, purchased for $3.99, sold for $8.00

J Crew Peach and Beige floral sundress, purchased for $1.00, sold for $10.50

Abercrombie & Fitch Cream corduroy mini skirt, purchased for $1.00, sold for $7.00

A little Comic Relief

2011-05-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

...is what I found this morning on my camera, after my 7 year old inadverdantly flooded my bathroom, closet, bedroom, basically half my upstairs. It happened to leak through the kitchen air vents downstairs before she realized she had never turned off the tub water. Catastrophe!! Anyhow, this guy made me laugh:

As well as this little guy who was measuring his apple and told me
"My ..apple..seven, six!"

It's cute, but also funny because he is the reason that I don't measure a lot of the clothing I list on ebay. Occasionally I do, when I FIND my measuring tape, but he is always taking off with them (I have several), and now I have proof! When people ask me for measurements I usually have to grit my teeth and scour the house for a measuring tape.

Aside from waking up late (I work nights 10pm-2am) to my daughters hysteria over the flooding, and the disaster of the flood itself, today looks to be gorgeous! The sky is so brilliant blue it is giving me flashbacks of childhood summers playing in the sprinklers.

There's a sprinkling of big fluffy white clouds (never mind a few pesky gray ones) and a slightly cool breeze. It makes me want to get outside and run! Run away from this messy house complete with every towel in the house soaking up water and a lot of soaked clothing which will all need washing. It's my 2nd daughters' sixth birthday, my little guy has already told me he wants to go to chucky cheese (which we promised for his birthday...in sept). I'm going to take my little girl a special lunch and eat in the cafeteria with her and her friends. I'm so happy to be alive today! It is going to be beautiful day if I allow myself the luxury of enjoying it!
What are you going to do with your day?!

Got Messy Cords?

2011-05-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a simple yet totally GENIUS idea from Unplggd

Nearly 2 weeks

2011-05-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

I've been MIA. Sorry about that. I actually do have several posts that I've been working on, but I decided to keep working on them and in the meantime keep blogging. Cuz, I do love to chat and I've missed chatting with you.

A couple great things...

I got to spend a kid-less weekend with my husband and a few of his brothers and their wives in Colorado. We got a really great price on tickets and had some important reasons to see family and just went for it. It was a fun, fast, much needed get-away. I wish I could say I came back all refreshed but like I said it was FAST. Friday night to Sunday night fast. Now had I had a week there, I would be ready to get back to life. But here it is Wednesday and I'm already tired of this week.

I sold THIS on ebay this week:

It's a Anthropologie ODILLE brand blouse. Feminine, ruffly paid $1 for it, sold on eBay for $46! This ranks up there among my top 5 sales ever I think. Boy I wish I would make a $45 profit on every item! I was really psyched and it got me motivated to keep on listing.

Goals

2011-04-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

I'm sad to admit I've always been a lousy Goal-achiever. I'm great at making and listing Goals, but the oophf that comes after and leads to success seems to get lost somewhere. I don't know for sure, but I think that its because of my personality type. I'm not really sure how to change that.

Regardless, I plan to continue to keep Goal-setting and this time I am going to switch gears and set goals strictly pertaining to eBay. Kelly, over at MyDearTrash has set and achieved some amazing goals (i.e. Family Trip $4000+; a new computer $2000+; and now she is planning on paying for her daughters wedding costing $5000 in only 5 weeks of eBay selling) and she achieves her goals very well in a short period of time. In the past I've just used my eBay money for whatever comes a long, bills, food, gas, etc whatever. Now I'm thinking I need more focus to make this really worth it, and not just a hobby. Because if I'm being honest, my favorite part is the shopping ;) I need some push to get my clothes actually up on eBay so they can sell, and I can do more shopping ;)

So, that being said here are some goals (in no particular order) that I'd like to achieve with my eBay profits:

Pay Off my credit card debt
Buy a new computer (to make listing way faster)
New couch!
Gym Membership
Landscaping
New Washer/Dryer
Shopping Spree at Down East Basics (this one goes a long with my losing weight goals ad my Gym membership Goal) I just LOVE their clothing
Food Storage
Take my kids to Disneyland
Silhouette machine
New bikes for everyone in the family for Christmas

So... what are your goals? What gives you the drive to work harder & smarter?
Its kind of fun to make a list!! Go to it! Some of the things I want feel lofty and will take time others can be achieved in less time than you think if you just stick to it. I've seen it over and over with Kelly and have faith and hope that it can work for me too.

Ice Cream Chore Chart

2011-04-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

Spring Break seemed like the perfect time to institute a regular chore system in our home. Am I a mean mom? I don't think so. I'm making it fun! And a week with my 2 older kids home from school meant lots of good practice. I intend to make Spring Break next year the beginning of an annual Spring Cleaning time. My kids are 7 & almost 6 and fully capable of handling small jobs.

To make it fun I drew then copied sheets of ice cream scoops and added all kinds of jobs to them. Everything from wiping all the door knobs in the house, to cleaning all the toilets, to tidying this room or that. Pretty much I summed up all the jobs that could make our home much cleaner and tidy most of the time. Then I laminated the ice cream scoops and an ice cream cone with each persons name on it and taped them to our pantry door.

The goal each week would be for each person in the family to do a different chore each day (i.e. no one person gets to gather shoes each day that would be too easy) Monday thru Friday, and then each person would have a designated laundry day. So by the end of the week we should have a tidy house, 6 scoops on our ice cream cone, and thus earning the treat of the week: an ice cream sundae any choices of toppings. In addition, they could earn 10 cents extra for any jobs done after the first 6. Ever the over-achiever, by the middle of the first day my oldest daughter had 7 scoops ad was angry with me for asking her to slow down and relax. When their dad got home from work they began hassling him to catch up.

I put the jobs up as I need them done, until then I store them in an old ice cream bucket. I'm pretty happy with how it all turned out. And as more jobs are needed, I can make new scoops and add them to the bucket.

The first week went really well with my oldest earning 12 scoops total, my middle earning 10, dad got his 6, I think mom earned 13 and the 2 yr old earned 3 but he got his ice cream anyway! He's a happy little helper and will grow into it with this system.

A book I insist you all read

2011-04-25T21:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever purchased a book just because you liked the name? Or the cover?

How did it turn out for you? I do it all the time. Sometimes I read books that I wonder what was the point. But more often than not, I'm lucky.

On an unsuspecting, regular day at Goodwill, I picked up this book:

This is a wonderfully heart warming story that keeps you wanting to read. The imagery was beautiful and whimsical, well downright magical. It has the powerful effect that makes you wish you were the orphan children in the story. I actually had to revise this commentary because the first time I wrote it I think I said too much. I'm not really very good at writing reviews, I was just so excited about the book I felt I needed to shout it from the rooftops.

With this book, I feel like I hit the jackpot. I found a new author and she has a whole slew of books I am excited to read. In fact I was reading it to my children each day and night, and one evening when they were all asleep I was too engrossed that I just read straight though. My kids were not happy with me for leaving them behind even though I am still reading it to them. They think I cheated.

This is the kind of book that should be required reading in school because it has a beautiful sense of hope, even whilst dealing with real world problems. It's a fun read, and it will be one of my favorites from now on!

Get a copy and fall in love with the characters!

Stick Up Cups!

2011-04-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a neat idea!

Check them out at http://www.stickupcup.co/ and get a FREE one!

They have several different packages if you want one for each member in your family! Boy I wish I had a fridge with a water fixture in it. I still think these would be great to have, but really the best if kids can just get their own water and then hang their empty cup on the fridge.

Random Walgreens Shopping Trip

2011-04-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

I love to take my coupon book in to Walgreen's with me and see what's on sale, clearance, and occasionally I've got things better planned out. This day (last week) the only thing had planned out was the candy which I was hoping would last till Easter (it didn't) partially because I have a 2.5 yr old potty training and needs a treat for every sprinkle, and partially because I have a sweet tooth. Either way this was a successful Walgreen's trip!

I spent $11.46 and this is what I got:

Bendable Building sticks (like Bendaroos) which are wax covered strings that you can design happy art with! Great for my kids Spring Break. On clearance for $2.50 (down from $9.99)
Washable kids paint (another spring break art item) On clearance for $1.25 (down from $5.00)
Walgreen's Dental floss On clearance for $.25 (down from $1.00)
Dawn Dish washing soap on sale for $.99 but after coupon only $.74
Purex 22 load 3-in-1 laundry sheets (I LOVE THESE!) and since I'll be teaching my kiddos laundry over Spring Break these are just what I need! On sale for $3.99 but after coupon only $2.99
Mars Mixed Mini Easter chocolates on sale 2 bags for $5.00 but after coupons only $2 for 2 bags!
Potty training childs' impulse buy 5 fruit snack for $1.00

Pretty good huh?!

Fun Placemats using what you have

2011-04-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

Have a favorite book that someone got creative in & drew all over some of the pages? And it's taking up space but you can't part with it? Maybe you can still save it. Make some fun place mats like these from Real Simple.

I think Dr Seuss books are perfect because they are so fun and there's a whole story in just 1-2 pages most of the time. I think this can help your kids with reading! I have selected the perfect book tonight.

Our copy is a bit warped in some places, and after getting my tongue tied too much tonight I find that it is the perfect book to make a whole slew of place mats. I suggest buying Legal size lamination sheets to do this project, which I am fresh out of, so I will have to show you my finished ones in a couple days!

Elementary Rockstars

2011-04-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

Today was Rock star Day at school (yesterday inside out, tomorrow is crazy socks, Thursday crazy hat and Friday Pajama Day). We had a lot of fun (and a few tears) putting these outfits together. My older daughter loves Taylor Swift so she wanted to dress just like her, but in the clothing dept we didn't have much that looked Taylor, in the ed her look is a bit more Rocker but her guitar had to be Taylor! I thought she'd want a replica of her Rhinestone guitar but she loved the Natural Wood one better. My other daughter just wanted to be a Rock star with colored hair. We do a lot of dress up at our house but this was different and so much fun! All but the hairspray was stuff we had at home! (Especially the attitudes).

Upcycle Your Jars!

2011-04-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

They called it a Pickle Jar Project, I'd say its's more like a Thrifty Gals Apothecary Jar (have you priced those? I cannot believe their ridiculous price tag).

Eighteen25 shows us that even us Thrifty Gals can have some chic home decor! They used just these items

to make these fab showcase jars!

The great thing? You probably have most of this stuff at home (are you a jar hoarder? there are more of out there than I thought) and if not, its fairly cheap - even the glue! The only thing I a not going to do is use pickle jars - I hate pickles! And I definitely don't want any pickle tasting candy. Although that could curb my appetite. Hmm...there is hidden merit there. Anyhow I used a hot fudge jar on my first one, and will probably use fruit jars on my others. I am pretty sure my kids will agree to eat all the fruit I need them too.

Check out their great tutorial here. I decided to post this fab find before finishing mine but I hope to show those to you soon - 1 down 2 to go!

To Print or not to Print?

2011-04-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

It's Spring! And there are alot of people buying on ebay wanting to shed the Drab for something Fab. Florals are hot right now! What is interesting to me is peoples tastes. Looking back through the week and the variety of prints and florals that I have sold, none of the prints are alike and yet to someone, they were Fab.
And yet, there are still solids selling too. I myself have always been the type to ooh and ahh over a print, and yet as my tastes change and I get older, I'm leaning away from prints and trying to use more solids. So I'm wondering...are you feeling like you are drawn to prints or solids these days?

RQT SKIRT Brown with beautiful floral design sz 12, purchased for $2.49, sold for $9.99

S-Twelve Dress Small Petite Peekaboo sleeves, purchased for $5.24, sold for $12.99

COLDWATER CREEK Spring Floral Skirt sz M with Ribbon border, purchased for $1.00, sold for $7.99

MAX STUDIO sz M Pretty Blouse Black Teal White, purchased for $1.00, sold for $7.99

Anthropologie FREE PEOPLE sz 6 Floral Strapless Blouse, purchased for $6.99, sold for $13.09

This Beautiful CALVIN KLEIN sz 10 GREEN SKIRT 100% SILK Lined NWT (orig. $125) I purchased for $3.99, sold for $19.99

April Fools

2011-04-01T13:56:00.000-07:00

We had a terrible morning this morning, me and the kids. I woke up late, found that the kids were just playing around, not dressed for school, and so immediately I had the urgency the get them there on time but they were not feeling it. After a lot of crying and then yelling, followed by more crying, we got to school on time. Miraculously that is. And then I did what I swore I would never do. I parked the car and ran after my kids and apologized and for my bad behavior and having mercy on theirs, and got completely gushy with hugs and kisses and brushing of hair (which had been missed at home). I'm so thankful that they love me even though I'm not a perfect mom.

So! I need something fun and light to lift this day to the clouds ~ after all, it's April Fools!

Does anyone have any fun ideas for April Fools? For kids?

I've been reading online and have come across these ideas but even though they are great ideas (which is why I'm sharing them) they don't seem to work for me at this time:

Say you're pregnant; get a pregnancy kit;
Fill their car full up with filled balloons (I almost pulled this on my mom cuz she always leaves for work super early and she would have time to take care of them, she's just lucky that I don't get up early (and got up late today)).
Food mix-ups (like making dinner out of dessert items) or frosting sponges to look like cake, that sort of thing. Actually the grossest one I found online was dipping bouillon cubes into chocolate to look like candies - yuck!
Leaving a message for them to call Mr Lyon or Jim Panzee with the number for the Zoo

So if you're reading this and have a good idea for kids please let me know!!

Books

2011-03-31T13:40:00.000-07:00

I love to read! I am one of those people who would like their own library so that my kids can go in and fall into another world for awhile. Our world can be a bit tedious, if you ask me.

We have seveal big bookshelves full of books (mine is 2 deep LOL). I have lots of books I have never read but will eventually because they look good ad I'm always reading. I always buy books at Goodwill. In fact I think they have spoiled me at their 99 cent price. I'll never buy another full price book again. I just look for it till I find it. And I usually only buy new looking books. I'm kind of a snob that way I guess. I want a fab price for something brand new. I know it's second hand, I just don't want it to look that way. LOL.

Another thing, I love books in series. When I was pregnant with my first child (and after I'd seen probably the first 3 movies) I read the Harry Potter series. I'd come home from work, get into the bathtub and settle in to read Harry Potter. One time my husband came in and I said can you bring me to bring my book because I'd left it in the bedroom. I hadn't realized I'd said it, my husband looked at me quizzically and said "Hairy Potty? LOL. We've called it that ever since. When I was pregnant with my second child I read the Work & the Glory series. I was talked into this series while in a bookstore and they were preselling the movie that was coming out. It looked good to me but I'd never read the book and declined until the saleslady said "You get the first book free". FREE?! That is the magic word for me. I pre-ordered and took my free book home. The next day I came back and bought the entire series which I can tell you was not cheap (that was before my serious thrifting days). I knew that I was going to be on maternity leave and (thought) I would have lots of time to read. I read them quickly and mostly before I had the baby. And while pregnant with my 3rd baby I read lots of random books but also a lot of the Left Behind series. I really liked this one and it kept me wanting to continue. All 3 of these series were like that. One series I have not completely embraced is Lemony Snickett's Series of Unfortunate Events. I'm not sure why, but I just don't like them. Maybe it's because I don't like hearing "You really aren't going to like what happens next, but I'm going to tell you anyway because...". I find that annoying ad from what I've read, its non-stop a lot of that. Anyhow, that doesn't stop me from selling them though. And that leads me into the point of this post.

I sell series books on ebay!

As I come across them I pick them up, because there is always someone reading a series who needs those next books.
It started with the Left Behind books. I was reading/waiting for library copies and kept seeing them at Goodwill, so I started collecting them for myself. But I would forget which copies I had and would end up with duplicates. So I decided to post them on ebay in groups, like 3-5 or 6-8 and found that they always sold! I don't make a huge profit off these, but I like the idea of getting the books people want into their hands, for cheap. If they are not current books people have a hard time finding them. I've consistently sold these series: Left Behind; Lemony Snickett's Series of Unfortunate Events; Magic Tree house. So, currently I have a sale book shelf in addition to all of my other bookshelves.

And go ahead call me crazy.....but I also consider it an alternate form of fuel storage, in case we were ever say quarantined and needed to make a fire. Is that terrible?

Above all, I just love to read! And I know I'm not alone!

My little Vintage Kodak find

2011-03-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

Last week, while browsing the toy section in Deseret Thrift Store (a thrift store I don't usually frequent because it's not close to where I live), I happened across these little beauties. They looked interesting to me because I'm from the generation that film came in plastic canisters, and these were metal and painted. I wasn't sure if they were collector's items; came with professional film; or were vintage. There was no price so I was unsure at first, but I gathered up the 7 of them from the toy bin and took them to the register. I asked a manager how much, prepared to offer $1, and was pleasantly surprised when she offered me a price of 50 cents for the lot.

Fast forward to that afternoon when I looked on eBay for a similar item and found a couple auctions for similar items. There were some auctions selling by the item, and some selling in lots. Interestingly enough, these type of film canisters were from the 50's and 60's and by the looks of it mine were in pretty great condition, almost mint. I was pleasantly surprised for the second time that day to see that there was a similar set ending with a price tag of $78 for a lot of 13. Boy was I excited! My set looked a lot new compared to the other set and I had different color lids which the other only had 1 color set. I hoped all week my set would go for a hefty price like those had.

All week the number of viewers went up until someone finally bid on my opening price of $9.99. The bids went up on about the 5th day but not quite as rapidly as I'd hoped, and in the end they sold for $20.50. I hate it when there are lots of people watching and then you don't know if they missed logging in and placing a bid "at the end" because they were at the grocery store, taking a nap or flying on a plane. Of course the other option is they could be other seller watching to see how much my set goes for. There were 4 unique bidders on my set, and in the end I was happy making a $20 profit on an item. It was a good day!!

Disney's TANGLED Giveaway at Two of a Kind

2011-03-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

There is a giveaway that I have share with you! If you haven't seen Disney's newest movie Tangled, you are going to love it. Two of a Kind working on a full house is giving away a Blu Ray combo pack so you've gpot to get over to their site! Here's the giveaway link. Good luck!!

Some First Fruits

2011-03-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

Since Goodwill started doing 99 cent tag day I have gone shopping only on Mondays. Its enough for me to get my Goodwill fix, and get a lot for a little. My auction posting has not nearly caught up though. I really have a ton I need to list on eBay. I really need to kick it into high gear, and I know I will see my return kick in high gear. So far this week I've done pretty well on the 99 cent purchases that I have sold. Here are a few examples:

Mens XXL Russell Simmons ArgyleCulture Shirt cost me only 99 cents and sold for $15.99

Ashley Stewart sz 20 multi color plaid skirt cost me only 99 cents and sold for $14.99 after buyer requested a buy it now (she told me she wanted it bad, and after she received it left feedback about how thrilled she was and it was just what she wanted - I love buyers like that!)

Chicos sz 2 Dark Aqua/Teal Blouse Silk & Linen blend cost me only 99 cents and sold for $6.99

Sigrid Olsen sz 10 Spring Floral skirt cost me only 99 cents and sold for $9.99 (another extremely happy buyer who wrote and told me she was so excited to wear it to the Cherry Blossom festival)

Motherhood Maternity skirt sz S Black with Red & White dots cost me only 99 cents and sold for $6.99

Alfred Dunner sz 12 Lightweight Reversable Blazer cost me $2.50 sold for $7.99

Banana Republic sz 12 Silk Spring floral skirt cost me $2.50 sold for $9.99

Do & Be St Pattys Day clover Cami cost me only $1.50 sold for $6.99

Do you see why I love it??

and why I will continue doing it??

New take on the Growth Chart

2011-03-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

Although all of my children have always lived in the same house, I have never started one of those door jam growth charts. Well, not kept one going anyway.
A few years back in a family home evening lesson with a couple other families, we made one on a 2x4 but we don't record the measurements very timely. Its become a little obsolete. But I love this idea from Real Simple. It gives life to the growth charts and spurs memories long forgotten. I think it will be great to make one for each of my children and maybe even find a way to incorporate pictures of them wearing the shoes. Though really I'm not sold on that. I just love the shoes.

Hideous Thrift Store Pieces

2011-03-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

Though it would probably be redundant, I considered calling this post Really Hideous because in my opinion that is what I am about to expose you to. One day I was at a local Goodwill store browsing the clothing when I saw this piece of work that stopped me in my tracks:

I looked at it for way too much time considering "who would wear this?" and "what was this designer thinking?" and lastly "what purchaser thought this would bring in a sale?" I decided there were quite a few people responsible/to blame for bringing this item to production. I had to snap a picture, if only to show it to my husband, who would laugh instead of being bowled over like I was. Anyone think I'm being overly dramatic here?
Well soon after, down another aisle, I was accosted by several other such masterpieces and I thought I'd share them with you. Some are just ugly, some hideous, and others just plain weird. People probably thought I was weird taking pictures in the aisle while they were trying to shop. Oh well, it was fun.
So....Tell me which one you hate the most.

This one has a tag inside that says "An Original Made By Nikki" mmmm, mmmm, mmm

This cami was entirely crocheted (or knitted - sometimes I can't tell the difference). Unfortunately other than being u.g.l.y. in my book, it would need something underneath to be appropriate.

The rhinestones and cut out shoulders + the hideous fabric = Yikes

I think there were good intentions with this one, but it just didn't look right to me. It had long elf like sleeves so it could have been part of a costume.

Okay, this is Vegas...it is pretty u.g.l.y but could've easily been someones uniform. Poor soul.

This one looked well, strange. There was just too much going on. Different kinds of lace, appliques, beads, plus the whole thing was sheer. It was just too much of not a good thing. It had new tags from Stein Mart, a brand called Passion Concept. The original retail price $98 (right). There are others listed on ebay for $39.99 but I have my doubts they'll ever sell.

Put a smile on it

2011-03-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I blog really well, like every day. Other times as my mood would dictate, I do not. I wonder during those times why I bother at all. Afterall, my personal family blog is a couple months behind because I'm too lazy to upload the pictures. Also, I can't help bu wonder if anyone really likes reading my rambling thoughts. However thanks to the little Feeddjit tool on the sidebar I know that people do read my blog and I love to see where they are from. Feedjit really is an ingenious little tool.

The truth is, I really like to write. Sometimes I have lots of time, and others I do not. It's as simple as that. I try not to beat myself up about it. And instead of the original frowny face I was going to put (for not blogging all week), I love this smiley and so I'm sharing it with all of you today!

I just love it!

2011-03-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

Last year I flew on an airplane for the first time since 9-11 (and the last 7 years really). This video just cracks me up. What fun this guy has with his job! We all have talents, but I wish I were this creative!!

$9 for Two Movie Tickets at Fandango.com

2011-03-03T18:55:00.000-08:00

oh so sad! SOLD OUT!! I blogged about it and didn't buy them yet cuz I thought I still had time left! They reached 1,000,000 sold and quit. ;(

~~Check out~~ ~~this deal~~ on LivingSocial! Get two movie tickets for only $9 ($15 value per ticket). We like to go to our local $1 theater because its clean enough, has good food, and is only $1.50/ticket and $1 on Tuesdays, but every once in awhile we really want to see a new release! You can't beat this deal! This deal is only available for the next day and half!

Dear Connie

2011-03-02T12:50:00.000-08:00

Yep! You got a whole post dedicated to your question. I started to reply to your comment and maybe its because I'm long winded, or maybe because I just get so excited about all of this, but I ran out of space in the comment field.

Connie asked,

"Do you have a secret technique for picking out such wonderful items?

All the ones you listed were adorable."

When it comes to technique I am still a bit of a newbie at this game. I learn new things all the time. But I think the longer you do it, you get an "eye", you get the experience of what works and know what to avoid.
A couple of things to keep in mind while shopping and that I have learned a long the way:
1) It's all in the Details - I love clothes! I love shopping! (However, this only goes for re-selling. I hate trying on clothes myself and almost never go shopping for myself. Haha. So I suppose I'm a bit of a window shopper). I love beautiful clothing. I search out the items that have unique designs, prints, embellishments, and stitching and then I can't wait to get them into the hands of someone who will love to wear them. It's kind of like playing dolls. While not all the clothing I choose to purchase are my taste, they are someone's, I look for items that are feminine and trendy or classic. Silk & cotton both sell pretty well.
2) Don't waste your time - I've been very lucky with our Goodwill stores here in NV, they have a lot of name brand clothing and I find lots of jewels. I've been building a mental list of what sells, and what doesn't and that helps. For the most part I try and stick with dept. store & high end name brands (so far my favs are anything from Anthropologie, Talbots, Chicos and Banana Republic). I also look for plus sizes from Avenue and Torrid because those can be hard to get in smaller towns. I usually don't buy brands that anyone can get at walmart or Target or even Kohls because they are lower quality and less expensive and so it doesn't usually pay back - to me, it's a waste of my valuable time. The Liberty of London top I listed (Best Day post) was from Target and took months to sell even though it was a very cute top. I learned my lesson on that one.
3) Like New - If it were me, I would want any previously-owned item I purchased on eBay to be Like New - whether its clothing, toys, books, whatever. SO I don't buy anything with tears, stains, or wear of any kind. Occasionally I get something home and find some kind of flaw and that's disappointing. If I choose to list it anyway, I make sure that it is clearly mentioned in my posting details so no one gets an item with a surprise. Most of the time I re-donate those items though. That's just a personal choice.
4) Don't Over Buy - This is the kind of advice you usually get and ignore. I did. What I mean in Over-buying is 2 things - Paying too much for an item so that you have to list it at a somewhat unreasonable price to make a profit; and buying too many items that you paid too much for. I have learned that the hard way. In the beginning I would go into Goodwill like a tornado, trying to get my hands on every possible money-maker. I found that certain items didn't resell well (part of the process) and I still have a lot of items from when I first started. Lots of Jeans, and items that I just plain paid too much for. I'm way more cautious now. Occasionally I do sell one of those original items that I overbought but I probably only make the money back I paid for them after fees & s&h. There are certain items that are worth paying a little more for, but you will learn which ones, the longer you do it. Take it easy, Tiger.

Hope these ideas help anyone who wants to give re-selling a chance.

FREE Sample of Kirkland Household Surface Wipes

2011-03-01T19:02:00.000-08:00

I love trying new cleaning products, it helps keep things interesting. I also love the convenience of wipes. Go here to fill out a form and get yourself a FREE sample of Kirkland's Household Surface wipes. You DO NOT have to be a Costco member for the sample, but these are sold at Costco, so if you love them you may end up getting a membership ;)

Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. While supplies last. Available to U.S. Residents only. Limit one sample per household. You must be 18 or older to receive this sample.

(Thanks Hip2Save!)

The Best Day

2011-02-28T18:29:00.000-08:00

My daughter (and I) love a song by Taylor Swift called "The Best Day" where she talks about being a child and with her mom. On days like today where the weather is cool, and my kids are out of school, and we're out playing that song always comes to mind. Every so often one of them will be enjoying themselves so much they say "This is the best day ever!" Usually there is ice cream in hand or we're at the park.

Today, we went to see Mega Mind at the dollar theater and afterward stopped off at the Goodwill store across the street. My 5 year old had to pee and I had an itch to see what was on sale today.

My good day turned fantastic (THE BEST DAY) when I found out ALL GREEN TAGS were 99 cents. This never happens here. I read about other cities where they have dollar days every week and I pray that one day we will too. We have things like 50% off green tags, which is still good, but not as great as 99 cents!! I selfishly wished I did not have my kids with me, only so that shopping would be easier and faster. I have 7, 5 & 2 yr old children and most often while I'm shopping they are really good. However if the trip is too long (which is a fine line when it comes to Goodwill because I think they can sense anxiety) they get squirrelly. They play and chase and climb in and out of the cart. It can be a bit crazy for me, but gets worse when occasionally I get store employees giving me an eye or reprimanding my children (even though their behavior doesn't really warrant it) while I'm standing right there. That is what gives me anxiety. Today this one certain employee kept showing up around every corner as though she were ready to toss me out the store door. My kids were standing on the other side of my cart chatting, and she told me I needed to keep them right with me for their safety and the safety of the store. I understand, and I am all about my kids safety (and even the safety of the store and other shoppers) but they were so close, did she want me to be holding them all in my arms or what? Regardless, today I got some fantastic deals!! I am so excited to get them on eBay.

I'm going to be moving my Goodwill/ebay venture upstairs to a room which was previously our nursery, and getting it all organized so that posting will be more efficient. This week eBay sales were pretty fantastic. Here are a few examples:

APT 9 sz 16 Black & Cream floral skirt with tulle & sequin trim, purchased for $1.99, sold for $9.99

APT 9 sz 18W Black & Cream lined floral skirt, purchased for $2.99 sold for $10.99

ANN TAYLOR sz 6 Cream Silk Blouse, purchased for $5.24, sold for $9.99

After several false purchases over the last few weeks, someone actually paid after bidding on this Pretty City Triangles sz 11 Circles Dress. I purchased for $5.24, sold for $9.99

RALPH LAUREN Long Linen Skirt sz 8 Light tan, purchased for $2.99, sold for $8.99

MAGGY BOUTIQUE Animal Print Cream & Brown Dress sz 4, purchased for $4.50, sold for $10.99

LIBERTY OF LONDON for Target XS flowery Blouse, purchased for $4.99, sold for $7.99

WD NY Beaded 100% SILK SKIRT sz 12 Lined, purchased for $2.50, sold for $9.99

This CABI sz 12 multicolor beaded sundress I purchased for $4.50, and posted it early this morning/late last night at 1am and by the time I woke up this monring and logged into eBay it had sold buy it now for $13.99.

I LOVE Goodwill &
I LOVE eBay
I have realized why people have hobbies that they really love and are passionate about. I believe this must be mine, because when I left Goodwill today after receiving the fab news at the checkout that every monday is now a different 99 cent color ticket, I wanted to shout it from the rooftops!!

I (Heart) Anthropologie

2011-02-28T00:19:00.000-08:00

It was by accident that I came across these 4 items... or was it?

MyDearTrash had suggested a month or two ago to learn the Anthropologie brand names because they sell well. At the time I thought it was sound advice, but did I learn them? No. As if the universe was prodding me these practically fell into my lap, or should I say jumped off the rack into my arms?

The first was a nice pair of cords which were excellently made and had pretty stitching and detailing (bling). They are Twill Twenty Two and when I brought them home and searched, Anthropologie popped up. I though Boy! I got lucky!

Twill Twenty Two Blue Corduroy pants sz 22 purchased for $4.99 sold for $9.99 - not a huge profit but I got smarter after this...

MOTH sz S Red knit top with beautiful crocheted collar, purchased for $4.99 sold for $13.99

This one was a Little Yellow Button top with Anthropologie tags attached. It was really nicely made and I loved the tiny little yellow button that was attached to the manf tag inside. I purchased it for $2.50 and it sold within an hour for $19.99

And last but not least... this Odille dress was new with tags but I did not know it. I picked it up, put it back, picked it up again and put it back again. The third time I reconsidered I thought, "What the heck? It will be my newest wild card." It was only $1.99. It was really nicely made, and the best part was the tulle and tatted lace underneath. When I got it home I stuffed it into my To-Do drawer and didn't pull it out for another week and didn't list it then either, and after anotherr week I pull it out and figure I'll try and get rid of it. I don't know what it was, the print on the skirt just bugged me. It looked more like yarn balls than flowers to me. Anyhow when I pulled it out to check sizing and material, Lo and behold there was an Anthropologie tag attached with an original price of $128!!!! I was floored. I listed it at $19.99 or buy-it now at $26.99. It sold in less than a day at the buy it now price!! I think this is my best selling story of all time.

And now - I watch for Anthropologie tags like a hawk!!!

Uh- oh

2011-02-20T23:46:00.000-08:00

Apparently we have a problem.............

And here all this time I thought the reason I was behind in blogging was soley due to my laziness....
Now I find out that I couldn't blog if I wanted to. LOL.
When trying to upload pictures to some blog posts I've already written I got this message:
Whoops! You're out of space. You are using 100% of your 1 GB quota for photos. Purchase more storage
Photos are stored in your Picasa Web Albums account and are included in your 1 GB free quota for photos. Additional storage you purchase is shared between Gmail, Picasa Web Albums, and Google Docs, and is in addition to your free quota.

So....I'm working on it. Trying to decide what to do at this juncture. Check back for updates...

To Die For Orange Chicken

2011-02-04T11:39:00.000-08:00

See those happy lttle Panda Bears holding their Oranges?
That is how I feel when I think about this Orange chicken. Now I have never been into Chinese or Japanese food. However, I do like some good Lemon chicken. In my experience that has been hard to find. I just don't like biting into weird pieces of chicken. But if I make it on my own, I love it. I rarely have time to do that though. A friend introduced me to this chicken and I have been in love ever since!!!
It is by Hart brand and the bag says that there are 6 generous servings. That would be really generous. I think you can easily get 8-9 servings out of the bag, but I do have children so maybe my serving sizes are off. There are several different flavors you can buy, BBQ and Teryaki being the only other flavors I've seen. She keeps telling me that pineapple flavor is the best, so if I ever come across it I will have to give it a try. For now, Orange is my love.

You just bake the chicken fritters in the oven for 15 min, mix into the sauce which is in separate packets. And over rice it is divine!!

By the way, Food 4 Less carries it for about $3.98 on sale and regularly $4.98 ?? a bag and at Smiths it was $4.39.

Pretty in Pink

2011-02-02T20:05:00.000-08:00

Aren't these wonderful?!

Okay some background? These Keen brand shoes for older my daughter, who's feet just keep growing. She can't seem to help herself ;) We spotted these at Goodwill today and with a price of $5.99 they could not be passed up. If they hadn't fit her I could easily resell them on ebay. These are the awesome shoes her dad wears for hiking, adventuring, canoeing, relaxing, well almost all the time. The BEST thing in her opinion? "They're pink!" Of course. At REI these babies are $50. The adult version are $95. We have been blessed in finding these on steepandcheap (a website I'm very remiss in blogging about since we love it so much - a post of that soon) for around $35.
So that's our steal of the day, and yes they fit my sweet girl, just in time far Valentine's!

Wild card

2011-02-01T11:13:00.000-08:00

Over at MyDearTrash the girls talk about buying a wild card, that is an item that could sell or could be more of a joke you end up with. I decided to try my hand at my own wild card, and bought this baby a couple weeks ago. However it took me some time to list it because I wasn't so sure about it. However I didn't want to keep it for my own, so I listed it.

The label said Fransesca for Damon & Jack Slote Las Vegas, and it was a size 16. When I tried to do some research on the web, I didn't get too much other than the feel that this dress was vintage. One because of the look, and two because Jack Slote Las Vegas was a dress shop that used to be downtown and is no longer around, and three someone posted about mobsters buying their wives dresses at this store. Funny background huh? In the end, I purchased it for $2.50 and after first accidentally listing it without a picture, it sold the second time around for $11.73!

YUM Soft Granola

2011-01-24T11:29:00.000-08:00

I love granola, so much that I forget sometimes how much. Awhile without granola will go by and then realize how much I've missed it. This recipe has been a fav for a few years since I googled for a how-to on granola. I've tweaked the orignial recipe so many times, that I've given it a new name & description.

FYI - This recipe is really tweaky - you can change it up depending on what you have (like today I left out some thngs I was missing and it was still delish. By that I'm meaning the dry ingredients though. You do need all of the wet ones ;)

YUM Soft Granola

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups rolled oats

1 1/2 cups puffed rice cereal

(sometimes I also add 1 1/2 cups puffed wheat, if I have it, and I don't add any add'l ingredients)

1/2 cup flax seed (or wheat germ or both)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup agave nectar (though you can use corn syrup, I just never have)

3/4 cup sweetened, shredded coconut

1/2 cup vegetable oil (though I'm thinking this can be cut back to 1/3 cup)

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup chopped or slivered almonds or pecans

Line 9x9 pan with tin foil (though I don't know how necessary this is). In my house, it never lasts too long. I guess it just helps with clean up.

In large bowl combine dry ingredients (oats, puffed cereal, nuts, flax seed, coconut, cranberries). In small saucepan combine agave nectar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Bring to a boil, whisking to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and sitr in vanilla and salt. Pour over dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
It should look like unbaked granola. Pour mixture into prepared pan and press down into an even layer. I like to eat it warm, but it is supposed to be able to be cut into bars when cooled. I don't know why, but that's never worked out for me.
It just crumbles. I wonder it if would be good to bake it at this point but the original recipe didn't say to and I never have. So, we eat it soft, by the bowl. Over yogurt is yummy too. I have to pace myself or I'll way over eat and be super stuffed.
It's that good.

A Bountiful Basket, 3 Goofy Kids & 1 Mystery Vegetable

2011-01-22T19:38:00.000-08:00

I've posted about Bountiful Baskets before, but I thought I'd put out another shout for them because they truly are fantastic! This is our haul this weekend. My kiddos insisted on being in the picture after they helped me place everything out. For $16.50 we got:
6 bananas, 4 grapefruits, 10 pears, 8 lemons, 7 apples, 1 pineapple, 7 Roma tomatoes, 2 cucumbers, 1 bundle of asparagus, 1 bunch of broccoli, 1 bunch of Romaine lettuce PLUS a surprise vegetable which I'm not sure what it is or how to prepare it. It is really pretty and smells really good, almost sweet, not like lettuce & cabbage usually smell. It could easily go into a salad or into a potato soup (like Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana which usually has Kale)

so.................any guesses?

By the way - Have you used Bountiful Baskets? Is it available in your area? Not sure? Check it out:

http://www.bountifulbaskets.org/

Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op (BBFC) distributes produce baskets, organic produce baskets, breads and other products weekly. BBFC is a group of people who work together for mutual benefit. This is a grassroots, all volunteer, no contracts, no catch co-operative. Since there are no employees at Bountiful Baskets, as a group they pay rock bottom prices on your food. (You pay $15 for a regular basket and $25 for organic, for approx $50 worth of food. It is super fresh, fairly locally grown (meaning California instead of Ecuador, etc).
The co-op would not happen without volunteers. Volunteer opportunities include helping prepare the baskets, breaking down boxes, assisting with the distribution, and packing up. If you are interested, check the website for local site, order your basket, and then to help out simply arrive an hour early dressed and ready to work with water to drink.

Time Travel Trash Thursday - Miniatures

2011-01-20T20:56:00.000-08:00

As a pre-teen I remember collecting miniatures. I remember reading a book about miniatures at the library so many times that I should have just bought it.
I'm sure I used some of these with Barbies but I think most were post-Barbie phase and I had shadow boxes to hold them in. My girls have used some with their Barbies as well, but their Barbies were donated in December and some of these went as well. Just looking at the picture brings back enough memories that I don't feel it necessary to fill my home with them, no matter how small. After all stepping on a small thing can be so painful!! I mean who hasn't known the pain of stepping on a Lego? Ooooooooooooo! That hurts just thinking about it.
Farewell Tiny things!

Another Great Giveaway

2011-01-20T10:44:00.000-08:00

Here's another great giveaway! Especially if you are into organic foods and /or already use flax seed. The Suburban Jungle a favorite blog of mine, is giving away a 1 lb bag of Tropical Traditions Organic Golden Flax Seed generously provided by the manufacturer. I'm excited to enter and win. What about you? Just click on the above link and see the giveaway details! But be sure to enter by Jan 28th!

A Great Giveaway

2011-01-19T08:29:00.000-08:00

Been looking for a great giveaway to enter? I know, you all are. In that case, enter to win this fab Cookbook exclusively about Cookies by Valerie Peterson and Janice Fryer. I'm already in love with the cover, so the insides must be beyond fabulous. And yes, I do judge books by their covers, well initially anyway.

Go over to http://ediblecrafts.craftgossip.com/giveaway/giveaway-the-cookie-craft-cookbook/comment-page-7/#comment-11539 and enter by Jan 30th. Good luck to everyone!

FREE Egg beaters

2011-01-18T16:14:00.000-08:00

Want to get a free carton of Egg beaters?

Ever heard of them? Ever tried them?

Egg beaters have 0 fat and 0 cholesterol.

That's enough for me to give them a try!!

Walmart is giving away coupons for Free Egg beaters cartons. Click this link and click on then click on the Try Egg beaters Free icon. Fill out the form with your address and a coupon will be mailed to you so you can try them free! I filled out mine!

The Egg beaters website also has tons of recipes! Like one for this flan that I think my mom would love in replacement of a b-day cake!

FREE being Girl Sample kit from ALWAYS

2011-01-18T14:59:00.000-08:00

Sign up now to get a free BeingGirl Sample Kit. Just fill out the quick survey here.

Included in the kit are: 3 Tampax Pearl Tampons; 2 Always Ultra Thin Pads & 2 Always Thin Liners.

I love to stock up on these for my guest bathroom, so that any visitors will always have something new on hand.

(Thank you Adventures in Savings!)

CVS: FREE Listerine +$1 moneymaker

2011-01-17T14:44:00.000-08:00

Listerine Total Care or zero mouthwash 16.9 oz $3.99 = $1 Ecb (limit 2)Buy 2 Listerine Total Care and/or Zero mouthwash 500 ml (=16.9oz size) $3.99 each
Total = $7.98
Use 2 $2/1 coupons found in the 9/19 RP or in the 10/10 RP
Plus, stack with the $3/2 Listerine CVS coupon
Pay $0.98
Get back a $2 Ecb
Final cost both for FREE + a $1 moneymaker!

(Thank you Hip2save!)

Goodwill Score!

2011-01-16T14:59:00.000-08:00

Saturday I scored this 12 pack of Quart size Mason jars for only $2.99!!! after a 25% discount. I never even find canning jars in the glassware section let alone brand new ones! The checker almost gave me a hard time (it's not my fault the "someone in the back" had no idea the value of these, though the checker seemed to, then she congratulated me on my find). I was so excited!!! I have been wanting to can beans ever since my good friend passed on her Taco soup recipe to me (I'll share in the future). This would make the recipe super simple.

Time Travel Trash Thursday - Coins

2011-01-06T12:03:00.000-08:00

Do you have a collection of coins? Whether they are current currency being saved for a "rainy day" or they are foreign coins from the past, I think most everyone does. I've decided for me, a picture will suffice and I can get rid some of mine.

Today's Time Travel Trash - Coins

When I was a teen, we lived in Panama near the canal. American currency was accepted there, but this was the local currency, some of which depict Balboa, and the others I believe the Kuna's, local Indians.

This is an Indian penny that I got in my change one summer doing a paper route. We would sometimes stop at a 7-11 for slushies which doing the route.

Germany currency

Silver quarters (these I'll probably keep)

Have you ever seen those machines that you put a penny (and a quarter for payment) into and it squishes the penny into a design? I think these were from the summer my brothers and I went to visit our then single uncle in San Diego. He took us to the Scripps Aquarium and Sea World.

Staying Warm

2011-01-01T19:20:00.000-08:00

I came across these two down vest coats the the same week at Goodwill.

They both sold the first time being listed.

This Gap down vest I bought for $8.99 and sold it for $15.99

This reversable Free Country down /fleece lined vest I purchased for $6.74 and sold for $ 15.99

Now that's staying warm in sales on eBay through the holidays!!

Time Travel Trash Thursday - Resolutions

2010-12-30T19:10:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve, and it's got me thinking about New Years Resolutions. Lot's and lot's of people make them. Some people say they don't. Whether that is to let themselves off the hook, give themselves a break, or just to relieve stress I don't know. I am one of the former type of person. I like to start out the year with some goals. Whether they are attainable, realistic, or otherwise is as they say "where the rubber meets the road".

This year I'm trying to keep my goals attainable. I'm starting a new program, and hopefully I'll be blogging about some successes. Till then, I'm just encouraging you to set some goals. New beginnings are good. They are scary. And most of the time we don't want them. However life involves change whether we accept it or not.

As for the Time Travel Trash Thursday - resolutions of the past I am throwing out and putting some new goals on my clipboard.

I hope this New Year is filled with exciting changes for you and for me and that we endure the changes with excitement, and graceful growth. I hope for good things to happen.

Ebay Printing Labels

2010-12-29T22:11:00.000-08:00

I have come to use mostly Priority mail when I sell clothing on eBay. First, because most items I sell fit in the Priority Mail envelopes which are flat rate of $4.90 at a post office or postal center (which is what I use because its a gas station near my house, closer than any post office and since its run by the gas station employees it's open 24 hrs).
Second, my customers seem genuinely surprised at how fast their items come (I think to myself - yeah be happy, but you ARE paying for it). I do charge them $6 for priority shipping to cover MY handling ( i.e. ink, fees, travel, whatever).

Recently, after years of being stubborn, I decided to use eBay's printing label system. And I was pleasantly surprised. For my flat rate envelopes its only $4.75 including tracking! Of course it is wear and tear on my own printer & ink, but it saves me tons of time! Instead of waiting in the huge line before Christmas, I'd just walk up to the front and put them on the side counter and say, already paid for! And it was all good! I'm so happy to have witched because I can know when a customer gets their item without having to pay the extra cost.

Ramen Noodle

2010-12-27T20:04:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine (who reads the blog but shall remain nameless due to immature content - LOL) has known me since I was about 11. Our houses were across from each others in a small town in Kansas. We sure had some great times together. We endured adolescence and really some of my earliest memories of a best friend were with her. Her family was like my second family. We'd lost touch for a lot of years and thanks to the glory of Face book, we've recently reconnected. Actually I don't know how we would have otherwise. We still have lots of catching up to do, but her commenting on one of my posts about knowing my younger brother when he was 2 brought back a flood of memories. Some are silly, like the one which is the main reason for this post.

I remember coming home from church on Sundays and begging to eat at her house with her family because her dad would make Egg Drop Ramen. I thought it was the coolest. Now I think, How smart was he! Trying to healthy-up Ramen, if at all it is possible. In a similar attempt, I have created Zucchini Ramen. I grate a Zucchini into my hot pot of Ramen. My kids (6, 5 & 2 yrs old) LOVE it!!! Who knew? My 6yr old will hand me a zucchini and a package of Ramen and know I know what she wants. When I was younger I don't think my parents could have held me down and gotten me to eat Zucchini Ramen!

Time Travel Trash Thursday - Christmas

2010-12-23T21:32:00.000-08:00

This year I actually gave a way a lot of Christmas decor things that I'd had too long and didn't appreciate anymore. It felt good to give to friends, family and strangers really from my donations to the thrift stores (even my 6 yr old daughter felt the spirit of Christmas and gave away all her Barbies because she was tired of them and thought there must be another little girl who'd appreciate them).

This one was from way back though. It's a Time Travel Trash Treasure! And since it's Christmas in two days, I thought it was perfect. It's such a tiny little thing and I have no recollection of where it came from or when it came to me. It's cute, but it's clutter and has got to leave my hands.

I hope everyone has a beautiful Christmas and receives all the joy and fulfillment that they need this season. Much love!

Rain, rain...

2010-12-21T21:33:00.000-08:00

I love the rain! And living in Vegas, well we hardly get any! However someone dumped a bucket on the western half of the US (sorry I have no idea whats going on elsewhere) and it has rained for most of the past week!! I love it! Somehow it seems like nothing bad can happen in the rain.Yeah, I know that's not possibly true, given there are always more accidents around here when its raining. And it is sad that our neighbor's blow up Santa & snowman have drowned in the puddles. But to me its like the world is being washed clean and the only people out in the rain are good people. Nice right?! Plus, when it rains, it smells wonderful. I love to listen to it, I never bother with an umbrella, and I love splashing in puddles!

Delivering Christmas cookies tonight couldn't have been more blissful! I was hoping for a white Christmas, but well, here's to a wet one!!

Manic Monday

2010-12-20T10:40:00.000-08:00

So, I feel as though there is just NOT enough time to do everything that needs to be done before Christmas!!! I know I am not the only one out there who is feeling the crunch. I think I' gonna need to do some serious list making to gather some sanity around here!!

Now that my kids are out of school for 2 weeks I do want to do some fun things with them not just the regular chores and staying at home. This week is busy because of Christmas and all there is to do leading up to the Big Day! But next week we will do some get out of the house things like the park, the museum, seeing friends.

So, I've got to ask - What's got you crazy busy?! (As if you had time to answer)

Whistle while you work! And sing your head off while you play! Have a great day!

Time Travel Trash Thursday - German things

2010-12-16T14:24:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it, but Time has flown and a week has passed like a minute.

It is time again for another post about my trash from the past which is gradually deteriorating with no continued love. When you don't love something, or have no real attachment (or even sometimes negative feelings towards) it is time to get it outta your space (and face)!

Case in point:

This is a coin purse from Germany where I lived as a child. So German or So touristy? I've no idea. I just don't want it anymore. Bye-Bye.

This second item I pair with the first because it too hails from Germany. Smarties are like the German equivalent to m&m's. If I remember though, they have more chocolate (and a higher grade than our cheap American stuff) and a bit of a harder shell. They usually come in a tube similar to a mailing tube but palm size. This little palm-sized Lego-like box is probably about 20 years old. And my kiddos wanted to open it and share it. Yeah right. Bye-Bye.

How do you update your wardrobe?

2010-12-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

I don't shop for clothing for myself very often. I hear that from a lot of moms though. For me, it has to do with not liking what I see in the mirror when I'm trying on clothes, but that's another story. Another major reason is I usually have kids in tow, so unless I want to wrangle them in the dressing room, or buy & then return, it usually doesn't happen for me.

Although, awhile back I added these to my wardrobe from Goodwill, where I shop most often nowadays for things to sell on eBay. I don't go there looking for things for myself, and usually don't buy for myself, but sometimes I get home and think, "Hey, that would fit me!"

I love the pattern on this button down cotton shirt with 3/4 length sleeves.

This cotton skirt was a bit of a surprise for me. I thought it loud at first but now I just love it. I can't remember prices on either of these, but I'm sure it wasn't much! And they are like new condition because I never buy anything less than that at Goodwill, because I want my customers to be happy, and I wouldn't be happy with lesser quality.

More recently I've found these items to add:

Pretty red cords (just right for my Christmas get-away next week to a cold & snowy place), Michael Kors cargo pants (Hello fashion!) and I love the summery Down East Basics Lemon skirt! Each of these lovelies only set me back $2.50. Can't get that great a deal anywhere else! I LOVE Goodwill, what else can I say?

So again I ask, how do you update your wardrobe? Ever thought of stepping into Goodwill? I find so many name brand items in there, its ridiculous. I often wonder, where do these all come from?! There must be some awfully generous people in this town. I love that you never know what you are going to find, and it just might be fabulous!

Time Travel Trash Thursday - Troll Doll

2010-12-09T22:59:00.000-08:00

I decided to start this weekly post to archive some of my trash so that I could part with it. My Time Travels will take s back in time with items that we hold onto for no other reason than to remind us of the past. I've decided it is time to let go of some of my trash.

Have you ever held onto an item that you don't particularly like, just because someone gave it to you? I have.

Have you ever held onto an item just because you spent money on it? I have.

Have you ever held onto something just because it reminds you of good (or bad) times in the past? I have.

I finally decided to break the cycle and out an end to some of this madness. to help me with such a quest I have enlisted my camera (a very useful item) to help me document some items so that I can just go ahead and pass them on. Because after all a picture is worth a thousand words right? Well, sometimes less, in my opinion. Should you ever see something that YOU find value in, just email or post a comment and hopefully it will still be in my giveaway pile and I can pass it on to you. Please don't clutter up your home needlessly though.

Today's Time Travel Trash?
The Infamous Troll Doll

Isn't this baby cute? It's one of the mini's. I think it is probably 20+ years old. Crazy right? Guess that means it's sort of vintage. I may post her on eBay. Do I need to hold on to her any longer? No. My memories include being with friends in a basement where we played with them. That's all. Course I was only maybe 8 or 9 years old, or even younger. See ya later Troll! Of course my kids did think she was awfully cute with the naked bum, and insisted I document that as well.

Ode to the Digital Age & Losing teeth

2010-12-08T19:31:00.000-08:00

It wasn't so long ago that I can remember taking pictures with film, finishing a roll and taking it in for developing. Then after a day or two wait you could pick them up, and surprise! You could see what you tried to take pictures of and which ones actually turned out. That was the norm and it was fun.

However, had the digital age not taken over our lives, I would have been able to nothing about the boogers in the corner of my daughters nose that I hadn't realized were there till I looked down in my preview screen and got grossed out by them (as you will too if you look too closely at the first happy picture). We wiped her nose and took another picture. Waa-laa!

Now, to the second line of thought rolling around in my brain. This morning I found my little stash of baby teeth I have collected from my children's tooth fairy (a lovely little stuffed pillow given to me when I was young, to hold the tooth overnight until the "real" tooth fairy could come and pay out - after all she is in the business of necklace making and the best teeth get paid more for) and began to wonder to myself. Why do we (or maybe its just me, though I doubt it) hold on to those baby teeth? Is it to one day show our children how little they once were, after they've outgrown the tooth fairy and are wise to mom & dad? Or is it to remind us of how little they actually were, not just from a picture, but from a tangible piece of them? Maybe its both for me. Now I certainly don't plan to actually make a necklace of teeth, but I keep my babies teeth in my jewelry box, up on a high shelf, lest they discover them, because they are valuable to me. They are invariably a part of me as well, and all I sacrificed to bring those babies into this world, and how much I love them. To me they are priceless. I guess I am officially a mom, I keep invaluable things which I declare priceless just because they are from my children. So be it!

I've been busy getting ready

2010-11-30T12:28:00.000-08:00

I've been kind of M.I.A. lately because I've been getting ready for a Craft Boutique a few friends and are having this Saturday, Dec 4th, to get ready for Christmas. There will be lots of wonderful items, and you can enjoy free refreshments!. So, if you are town please make the time and come and see all that will be for Sale!!!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T14:52:00.000-08:00

Well, Thanksgiving Day is over. Leftovers in fridges, Black Friday Shopping, Weekend Movies. What kinds of things do you include in your Thanksgiving Holidays?

While there are lots of deals to be had, the thrill of Black Friday shopping as never really caught on for me. We sure like a lot of rest, TV vegging and good food for sure! We watched a marathon of Man vs Food, Taylor Swift's Speak Now special, played some games, ate yummy food. The great thing is, even though we stayed home, the weekend is so not over! More vegging to come! Right now, my girls are having a grandma date, watching the new "Tangled", my son is out running errand with his dad. And me? Well, I love to veg at the computer.

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving Holiday and I hope you have a great weekend too!

A Day of Thanks

2010-11-25T10:52:00.000-08:00

I love that there is a Day that we as a nation celebrate our Thanks. Not only of our great nation but of all our many blessings!

I have a few things I'd like to share my gratitude for:

1. My Savior, Jesus Christ. He is my perfect example. He has given me such blessings and love immeasurable.
2. My family - I have a young, cute, fun, sometimes exhausting family. I am so grateful for the small and big things I learn from being a mother and being a wife. Life ever slows down it seems, but I am extemely grateful for the blessings included in being a wfe and mother.
3. My extended family & friends - they are so good to us. There when we need them, there even when we don't think we do.
4. My body. My mind. My life.
5. To be an American. To live in this priviledged country with such blessings.

And the list can go on and on.............

Randomness of EBay selling

2010-11-12T10:21:00.000-08:00

There are so many products being sold on eBay every second of every day. To me, that is an AMAZING thing. Who could have predicted it would expode into what it is today, so quickly? The person who created eBay is a Genius.

For me, selling on eBay is a fun hobby. As of yet, it hasn't netted a ton of money. Nothing to cough at but nothing to retire on if you get my drift. I really do enjoy it though. Sure, I waste time like nobody's business searching things, rechecking to see if somebody's bidding or even watching my listings. Though I'm sure my kids don't love it as much as I do, and have to endure too many trips to the post office, I think they have come to realize it's a part of life with mom.

It's also tons of fun for me to find the deals. I love it when I come across a brand that looks expensive and like it's gone under the wire and is super cheap. I love to shop endcaps at Target. I LOVE GOODWILL! It is my Garage Sale Extravaganza! My kids love Goodwill about as much as they love Ebay and trips to the post office. However every once in awhile they are pleased when I find something special for them and surprise them.

I've come to realize that while there are lots of companies that sell specific items, I relish in finding and selling a variety of items. More recently I've focused on clothing, but that's new for me and I'm still trying to find my groove in it. I thought it was fun though to go through my SOLD EBAY file and remember selling certain items over the past 6 years. So here are a few to show you what I mean. I'm not going to go into what I bought them for and what they sold for. It's just to show that you really can sell just about anything on eBay!! If you haven't tried it, you are missing out!

Sun Smart Inflatable Crab Flotation device

Winnie the Pooh costume

Artesania Riconada Persian Cat Collectible Figurine

Bjorn Wiinblad Nymolle Vintage danish pottery

Classic Winnie the Pooh Wall Border

Halloween Banners

NBC's The Office stationary

Fisher Price Snap N Style dolls

French Laundry Crushed Velvet Tunic

Owl Halloween costume for a dog

Safari/Jungle drawer pulls

Circo brand Sparkly shoes

AeroGrow Cherry Tomato seed kit

Fun Cinderella doll

Clifford toothbrushes

Hello Kitty lights

Olivia the Pig card game

Betty Boop notebooks

Bob the Builder Hackey Sack balls

Sock Monkey infant onesie

Children's Superman Sunglasses

Collectible Winnie the pooh mini plates

Charlotte's Web Wendy's kids meal toys

Mary Kay Cadillac Business card holder

Girls Mulan Halloween or Dress up costume

Plus size Notations sheer top

Infant Sheriff's costume

Left Behind series books -
I loved this series and see them so frequently at Goodwill that I started picking them up.
They sell really easily for me too!

Sesame Street Pony tail holders

Veggie Tales toothbrushes

2010-11-10T11:35:00.000-08:00

My little boy has officially jumped on the Sesame Street train. OK, not literally (because I think there really is one) but he is head over heels in love with Elmo. I remember when my youngest brother (now 20) was two years old and loved Elmo. I think it was when they first introduced Elmo on sesame street (yeah Elmo has been a toddler for over 20 years) . My brother would run around with a little stuffed Elmo calling Mo-mo, Mo-mo! My little boy, is a copy of my younger brother, looks and all.

So. my point in that trip down memory lane is to let everyone who cares know about a sweet deal I came across the other day. Wasn't too hard actually, because Earth's Best emailed me the deal. Get on their mailing list and you too can hear about sweet deals!! They are giving away copies of this awesome DVD about "Being Green". Fits my lifestyle!! Actually the DVD is pretty cute, my kids have talked me into it twice at the redbox.

All you have to do is go to Earth's Best's to print out the form, and with 3 UPC's from their products, and $1.49 for S&H you too ca be the owner of this DVD! Their website even has coupons. Now let me introduce you to MY favorite Earth's Best product:

You heard me right. MY favorite product. I buy these for me, but I do share them with my kids. They taste just like Ritz crackers, but they are not saturated with fats. Get it? A serving size is like 30 cracker, and they're so yummy! Plus, they're organic. I love them! So I will be heading out now to buy some with my coupons so that I can score my sweet Elmo deal for my little boy for Christmas.

Neglected

2010-11-08T23:28:00.000-08:00

Ah sweet neglected blog O' mine....
Sometimes life gets in the way
While I wish I could spend my hours on you
there are often others who rule my day.

Ah sweet neglected blog O' mine...
There is so much in my head to share
and time seems to speed on by
It seems too much for me to bear.

Ah sweet neglected blog O' mine...
and friends from near and far
I wish you all the best today
and hope for more time and peace tomorrow.

Isn't this the most shameful piece of procrastination?
Ah, well... From me to you ;)

Halloween Favorites from Blogland

2010-11-01T00:02:00.000-07:00

Now that Halloween time is offically over (yeah its really 12:01am on Nov 1st and I'm still up), I'd like to post a list of my favorite ideas I've come across. Ones which I will file away for next year. Yeah, these would have been great for this year but I'm not dwelling on that much. Maybe looking forward to Thanksgiving I'll have some more ideas to post earlier so you could actually use them for this holiday and not next year.

Fun Decor Ideas:

Creepy Specimen Art from Tater tots and Jello. I was so going to make this for me and for my sister in law and Never did. See my brother is an Entomologist which is somebody obsessed by bugs and has thousands of his own creepy specimens. I thought this would be a cute idea for his wife to be able to display something a little less creepy for Halloween. Maybe next year Paige! Or better yet we could make them together, I've got all the stuff!

Nap Time Journal shared a tutorial for this FAB witch legs banner.

These candy corn pom poms from Martha Stewart are too sweet! They are a kit you can buy (and I'll be looking for on clearance you bet) or you can use her tutorial here to make your own!

I love these eye ball-y bracelets and pumps from Poca Cosas

Fun Kiddie games that would be fun for adults too!

Jeanetics HAlloween Bowling

Pop Goes the Pumpkin by Martha

Pin the Bowtie on Mr Bones from Parents.com

Fun treat Ideas:

Milano Cookie Ghosts by Blonde Designs

Frankenstein Pretzels from Cute as a Fox

As for Party foods, I love these!

Tentacle Pot Pies from Not Martha

Meaty fingers from Healthy Foods that I'm more than a little grossed out by. I'm not sure I could stomach these.

The most appealing Monster eyeballs from Bee in Our Bonnet

Garage Sale BUMMER

2010-10-31T22:40:00.000-07:00

I've been planning to have a garage sale for a few months and its never worked out. So finally I figure out I can squeeze one in this weekend, and my husband is home to help out. I have lots of furniture and lots of misc items, because I am cleaning out! Fab right?
Hmmm, here are some bad things that made my sale not so successful: It was super windy after about an hour so things kept flying off of the tables, furniture was falling over, then came the RAIN!
What? It never rains here!! The day I want to have a garage sale, it rains! What are the odds?!
Also my signs with the rain went by the wayside, no wonder hardly anybody came down my street (this I didn't figure out till later). There were 2 other families just houses down having sales too, so my sale was not the only one that sucked. I think I made $6 or $7. We packed all the small stuff into the van and hauled it off to Goodwill. I just didn't need any of it back in my house, it was already out the door - it needed to leave :) The furniture I hope to sell on Craigslist.

The moral - eBay Rocks.
Didn't see that one coming did you?

If only it were true...

2010-10-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

I'd be a millionaire!

Sweet Treats on the Cheap

2010-10-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

Wendy's s offering up Halloween treat books with coupons for 10 free Jr Frosty's for only $1! Even sweeter is that all proceeds here in NV go to St Jude's Foundation. I bought a couple as a reward for my kids after a long hot day at school. They are just the perfect size for my little kiddos. And if you stock up, they don't expire till the end of December!!

FREE Emergen-C Sample

2010-10-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

If you've never tried Emergen-C, you're missing out. My husband and I live on this stuff.

Go here to score a FREE sample of Emergen-C Vitamin drink mix! Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

And I just found out that for every box sold of this pink lemonade flavor (and several others) 20 cents is donated to breast cancer awareness and research! Feel good ad feel good about helping out! I love it!

Jackets!

2010-10-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

Its getting chilly - even here in Las Vegas! And people are gearing up. This week I've sold mostly jackets!
This lovely Harve Bernard by Bernard Holzman sz 8 Trench coat was originally for sale at Goodwill for $19.99 but that was too much of an investment on my part so when it was half off on lades clothing day, I snatched it up for $9.99. Then on eBay, it sold for $19.99!

This Banana Republic had to be relisted 3 times, with lots of watchers each time. No one wanted to commit I guess until this week. I purchased for $8.99 and it sold for $17.49

This night-out-on-the town Avenue sz 18 NWT black velvet dressy jacket was purchased for $6.99 and sold for $13.99

Jackets are something I am willing to put in a bit of an investment because they always come out worth it. But I don't just buy any jacket. I look for ones with real promise, whether its by name brand or quality.

Get cleaning with FREE SUPPLIES!

2010-10-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

Johnson & Johnson - Right @ Home

is offering up a *HOT* new giveaway for October!

The first 10,000 to fill out the form here will score a FREE Touch-Up and Go Gift Pack which includes a canister of Scrubbing Bubbles Antibacterial Bathroom Wipes, a pouch of Pledge Lemon Clean Wipes, a pouch of Pledge Multi Surface Wipes and a canister of Windex Original Glass Wipes. I signed up to get mine, so hurry over and sign up for yours!

That Really Stinks!

2010-10-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

See this lovely trench coat / jacket? Yeah, it's Banana Republic. A pretty nice, pretty pricey brand. Apparently Banana Republic gets a lot of exposure on eBay. This is the second Banana Republic item I've had to sell. This beauty I purchased for $8.99. I listed it for $14.99 on a 3 day auction. It got a whopping 137 views!
I've never had that many on any one item. It had 10 people "watching" it. I should have known better, but I expected a battle in the last few minutes of the action. Did it sell for tons of money?? No! All those looky-loo's looked away at the wrong moment and the auction ended with NO bids. I'm so disappointed, I feel like not re-listing it out of spite. But I know that does no one any good, especially me. But I'm frustrated right now. And maybe I'll just wait till tomorrow to relist it. Maybe someone or 10 someones will email me asking for a buy it now option.
We'll see if I accept their offer!

FREE COOKIES?? YUM YUM YUM

2010-10-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

TODAY ONLY – print a coupon for a FREE* package

of Nabisco cookies when you buy one package of

Nabisco cookies and one gallon of milk.

Visit the “Cookies & Milk” tab HERE to print

the coupon and redeem by October 22nd!

Coupon print offer ends 10/4/10 at 11:59 PM ET.

HIP2SAVE also shared this great Target deal on her site:

Buy 4 packages of Nabisco Chips Ahoy 15.25 oz cookies $2.50 each
Buy 2 Gallons of milk
Total = $10 + the cost of 2 gallons of milk
Use 2 buy 2 get 1 FREE Facebook coupons found here
Use 2 $1/2 Nabisco Cookies Target store coupons found here
(if your Target allows 2 “Like” Target coupons in the same transaction)
Plus, use the $1/2 coupon from the 9/26 SS
Final cost only $2 for all 4 packages of cookies + the cost of 2 gallons of milk!

Where in the World have I been?

2010-10-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

Sickasadogland!

Ha ha! Hopefully some of you get my humor. I've been sick for about 3 weeks now. Posting hasn't been my top priority unfortunately. But I'm finally slowly been getting back into it and do have some good posts coming up!!

BBC Life DVD Giveaway

2010-09-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of the newest nature documentary from the BBC?

It's called Life, and it is narrated by Oprah Winfrey. I'm pretty happy about this because that was one of my disappointments in the Planet Earth series, I had a hard time understanding the narrator's British accent most of the time, and my kids understood it a lot less and were bored after a few minutes.

This series was aired on TV, but we never got to see it because we don't get any TV channels. Our TV is "unplugged" without a converter box and we only redbox movies or watch the ones we already have. It's really nice not to constantly have to monitor what my kids are exposed to on TV. And its an added expense we don't need either. Though the first reason is the major factor in our decision to "unplug". There is just too much on TV I don't want to be bombarded by, and certainly don't want my kids to be either! And when I feel like we've watched a certain movie too many times then its time to give it away and I don't feel bad about it. It got its use in our home. This set though i would love to have!!! And I'm so hoping that we win it.

Thanks to Angela at The Suburban Jungle you and I have a chance to win a copy of our own!! Follow this link to her blog. You'll love her fun stories and fab giveaways!!

Shaving Cream Art

2010-09-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Some days, the creativity needs to flow. I think I surprised my kids when I told them t go get the shaving cream and then I proceeded to spray it all over the dining room table. But hey, you only live once right? I wasn't really worried about a mess or it ruining my table, just my kiddos having some fun. It took a few minutes for them to get into it but in the end it was much fun.

Here's Katia working on a cat.

Mommy did Taylor Swift. Us girls in this house LOOOOOVE Taylor Swift. It's my dream to take the girls to a concert one day. We'd all love it.

Isabel did mommy. Boy do I really look like that?! Yikes!

There's mommy hanging out with Taylor. In cream, we're best friends. LOL!

I really think she needs to give me some hair & makeup tips.

And then....Well you could see this coming right? Clean - up time !

FREE Photobook from Picaboo

2010-09-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

Picaboo, an online company that specializes in high quality and very unique Photo Books, is once again offering up a FREE 8.5 x 11 Hardcover Photo Book ($39.95 value) to new customers!! All you have to pay is $8.99 for shipping.
To get started, head on over here, enter your email address and then you’ll be able to start creating your very own photo book! At checkout use coupon code 1FBLGB-7W which will deduct the cost of the photo book and leave you to just pay shipping.
What an awesome gift for Christmas or way to document a fab vacation? My mom used this site after we wet to Sea World a couple years back and loved it! She raved about it!

(Thank you hip2save)

10 cents

2010-09-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

Today is 10 cent posting day on eBay so I'm posting tons of stuff! Here's a preview of some of the items - wish me luck that I can unload some of this stuff!! Some pretty items! And if you're ever interested, my seller ID is E2500, you can check out what I'm selling!

SILK SELLS & Other stuff too

2010-09-03T23:40:00.000-07:00

Sales have been good, not great, but things have started to pick up. I realized August was slow because I posted like crazy at the beginning of the month and petered off from there. Things got too crazy around the beginning of school. I made some really great sales though, so I thought I'd post a few:

This beautiful The Limited Silk skirt I purchased for only $2.99, it sold for $9.99

This beautiful ALFANI Silk skirt, new with tags, I splurged on for $10, but it worked out for me! I sold it for $19.99

This Chicos Design Silk Blouse I purchased for $4.99 but sadly it only sold for $6.99

I am however noticing a trend here - SILK SELLS! But it's not the only thing - here are a few non-silk items that sold:

This Ann Taylor Loft Polka Dot dress I bought for $6.99 and sold it for $12.50!

Remember this little Girls dress? Yes, I've sold it before. When I saw another at Goodwill I didn't hesitate to pick it up for $1.99 and then resold it for $8.99

This baby was the first of many Halloween costumes to sell. I have a few in the final hours that I'll post later. I actually bought two of these in different sizes for only $4.99 and was able to sell the first for $13.99 and the second has a bunch of watchers, so I hope to sell him for that much or more!!

Simply Fruit

2010-09-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid fruit roll ups were just a part of school, childhood and just plain sweet! Every Halloween my mom would make fruit roll up bats (cutting the wings out with a cookie cutter and putting a vanilla wafer on top as the body).

Though I'm looking through rose colored glasses and have no actual facts to back it up, I think that they have changed a lot over the years in taste, nutrition, ingredients and of course they now have lots of fun details (cut outs, tattoos, etc).

Nowadays they are so sweet they hurt my teeth. I certainly don't want my kids eating so much sugar or high fructose corn syrup, so I usually talk myself out of them when shopping. It's not too hard. However since the newest product Simply Fruit has hit the shelves my internal struggle is like this:

Simply Fruit is better tasting, made with fruit & juices, has no added sugar or corn syrup, BUT it cost double what the regular boxes cost. So do I pay more for what I want, pay less for what I don't want, or skip it altogether? The last usually wins out. Until today.

Today I found a whole endcap at target of Simply Fruit roll ups on sale from the regular $3.29 for a 10 pk down to $2.30!! But when I go to the register they rang up for $1.64!! So I used a bunch of $.50/2 coupons and got them so cheap!! I'm stocked for the year I think!!

By the way, I've not been paid for this post, it's all my own thoughts and jargon. I wouldn't however be turned off if General Mills came across my blog (yeah right- haha!!) and sent me a caseload! Wouldn't that be nice?! I'd have to do one of those giveaways 'm always reading about on blogs.

Back to school Bargain Shopping

2010-08-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

My girls started school today, one in 1st & one in Kindergarten. As a mom yo want them to have the best. You want them to feel their best and look their best. I got up super early and curled their hair and helped them get ready. Here they are with their schlutes, prior to opening. My flash on my camera doesn't work so the inside shots didn't turn out too well.

About a week ago I knew I had to get serious about back to school shopping since the school my girls are attending requires uniforms. I didn't really shop around at first because I'd been keeping my eye on the ads and there never were very good sales on uniforms. I settled on Target since I know that store well and they have good quality most of the time. My mom generously offered to buy their school uniforms so I wouldn't have to worry about the expense. However, I found out that I am so not used to buying retail for anything anymore! Since I mainly use coupons while grocery shopping, and have been shopping Goodwill so much in the past year had a little sticker shock when it came time for the buying. Even though I wasn't the one doing the buying I had serious buyers remorse, especially when I didnt have all the same items for each of my 2 girls, 1 had shorts while the other had pants, 1 had a sweater and the other didn't. I was going to still have to spend more to get the ramining items.

Over the next week each time I'd go to Goodwill, I would find a bunch of uniform items on their racks. I was able to buy at much more comfortable prices a lot of the items they would need for the school year. There are some great items on both sides. At least I had piece of mind that they would have them just in case, but I really do think that now I will be returning some of the Target items. Check out the difference:

Target - 2 skirts, 8 shirts, 1 sweater, 1 pr pants, 1 pr shorts, 2 pks ankle socks, 1 pk knee highs, 1 pr shoes (our only clearance item). Approx $160.

Goodwill & Deseret Industries - 1 sweater vest, 2 jumpers, 1 dress, 3 prs shorts, 2 prs pants, 4 skirts, 2 shirts. Approx $28 and all great quality wth a variety fo brands: Cherokee, Gap, Justice, Lee, Old Navy, French Toast, etc.

See what I mean??? They can still dress well on a better budget. Plus Goodwill gets a lot of Target clearance items so I'm gonna keep frequenting it in hopes to get more!!

Back to School Schlutes

2010-08-28T22:58:00.000-07:00

The rest of my house may be a disaster, but aren't these super cute?!

My girls start school for the first time tomorrow, one in 1st and the other in Kindergarten. I remember receiving a Schlute when I went to school for the first time too. We lived in Germany at the time, and it's a German tradition to give these cones full of goodies, school supplies, candies, and toys on the first day of Kindergarten. Though I think I am going to make this a back to school tradition. They were fun to put together and I can't wait to see their little faces!

Resale Upscale

2010-08-23T13:07:00.000-07:00

I purchased this lovely little Disney Store Cinderella costume at Goodwill for $2.99 - a deal! I posted it with high hopes on eBay for $6.99. Unfortunately that's all it sold for. The buyer turned out to have a huge eBay store of just costumes!!! She relisted the dress for $39.95. So I stalked (watched) the item to see if it would really resell for that much, with my own doubts. After only a week or two,

it sold it for a whopping $32!!! Apparently I have been doing way too much leg work. I'd have never thought of re-selling from eBay! She probably watches the good deals and bids last minute in order to get them cheap.

What a mark-up from $2.99!

Kids Room organization ideas

2010-08-22T11:17:00.000-07:00

I know I should take a before & after set of pictures to document the progress of a much needed Kids Room redo, and maybe I will but my camera situation is a real stinker right now (I actually have 3 partially working cameras). So for now, a description: 3 kids, 1 set of bunk beds, 1 toddler bed, 1 bean bag, 1 large dresser, 1 packed closet = 1 tight uncomfortable situation which leads to 1-2 kids in mom's bed at night. This is because mom's room is light, airy, open, cool and comfortable. My idea is to Craigslist the dresser, it is a really great one but I no longer feel its necessary (100 thing inspiration). Instead my husband is going to build shelves into the bottom of the closet (after I empty it of everything non- child). Their shoes will go along the bottom, and each kid will have 2 cubbies for clothes. I'm hoping it will help them keep their school uniforms handy and home clothes separate. Then on top will be little baskets for undies and socks. The hanging section of the closets will be for all the girls dresses, sweaters and coats. I need to rid it of all the parents coats & out of season clothes. Then the top of the closet (shelf) will hold their "growing into" buckets of clothes, which ironically right now are in my closet taking up room!

Then I think we are going to say good-bye to the big denim bean bag. Either it will travel to mom & dads room, or it will travel out of the house. I think it's time. Right now my little guy (almost 2) sleeps in it at nap time and bedtime because it is more comfortable than his little toddler bed. So instead, I think we will also get rid of the toddler bed and give him his own twin bed (my mom has an extra). And for his birthday maybe I'll go ahead and get him a buzz lightyear bedding set. He would be over the moon. And his sisters think that is the only way he'll sleep in his own bed.

I should mention that because I have my 3 kids in one room to sleep, this gives us a second room for all their "stuff", toys and books. The bean bag could end up in there, but I think it is actually just too close to the kids room and would make for an easy night time jaunt.

My girls have recently requested some sort of basket for their beds for their special dolls. I know, they should just sit on the pillows right? LOL. Since my girls have bunk beds I was thinking along the lines of planter boxes or something but nothing seemed right until I saw this!

The Mother Huddle has a fabulous tutorial on her blog of how to make these cute hanging baskets! It took a novice sewer like me about 3 times to re-read it before I fully understand and think I can tackle this project, but I am so excited to try! Although I think I will make them smaller so that just one or two will fit in each basket.

I also like this idea for a couple special books - a book sling!

On her blog post, PennyCarnival not only has a great tutorial, but also showcases book slings from other blogs. You've got to check it out! Some are very trendy and great for living rooms! Problem is - now I want to do them all over the house!

I will probably make some sort of coordinating window treatments to the baskets and book slings. But all of that cannot happen until I have a working sewing machine. I do however have lots of fun fabric that I can start dreaming of how things will turn out!

Livin in Las Vegas

2010-08-20T23:32:00.000-07:00

When you live in Las Vegas, you tend to not get too excited about "The Strip".
At least that's how I feel. I rarely go anywhere near it. When friends and relatives come to town, they spend time down there occasionally, but I can't remember the last time I did. Some host I am, right? It's just so unappealing to me. And I don't really like crowds, waiting in line, and paying too much for too little. Also, living in Las Vegas, you tend to block out the sounds of slot machines as you walk into the grocery store, the pharmacy, and gas stations. At least I do. I forget about them until I am in Utah and things are a bit too quiet when I go into the grocery store, pharmacy or gas station there.

When it comes to gaming, I prefer a fun site called winster.com. I can play slots (and lots of other games) there for free and meet friends. I play with a gal from California and one from Utah. It's so fun, and it's free! You can earn prizes too. When people hear I'm from Vegas they always laugh that I'm playing online instead of on the Strip.

Tonight we went with some visiting family to see a neat attraction at the Silverton Hotel (which is off the strip, just south, almost at the end of town). They have an amazing salt water aquarium with tons of fish, rays, sharks and...mermaids! They are pretty fabulous. I've heard they are Olympic divers but I cannot confirm or deny that so for now I just plain believe it. They blow kisses, play patty cake, kiss the fish and rays. They are fabulous. My two little girls, and little boy, and my niece were enthralled and I was rather enchanted. My husband, he was hungry. Which is why we visited their buffet. It was, EXPENSIVE, but probably comparable here in Vegas. Sometimes just can't get over the sticker-shock. But that's cuz I'm cheap and cuz I don't get out too often. It was friday, and it was seafood night, but for my family of five (my baby being free of charge) it was $88. The food was good, but since I don't eat much seafood, and neither do my young kids, I don't see how it was worth it, except for the time out with family, and the great time seeing the fish & mermaids (but those were free anyway).

Wishing for a partner in crime

2010-08-19T22:50:00.000-07:00

So remember the post I did on decluttering? Oh, yeah! It's the one right before this one. Well, this week should have been a great decluttering week, a great anything week. But alas, it has been a rather crummy one that I wish I could have a do-over on. What a wasted week. I have spent a lot of unproductive time on the internet (something I do when I don't want to face reality), not enough attention and time on both my house and my kids. And that stresses me out even more because in a week they start school! In a week I'll have time to worry about my house so I'm still on strike when it comes to cleaning, but my kids and I need a last hurrah! Boy, I need some ideas for that. Thrifty ideas. Which probably means more web-surfing till I get some good ideas. Good thing they're in bed for the night.

In a week though, I'll really be pinning for a partner in crime to get my house under control. See, I always figured myself for an organized kind of gal. Truthfully I like to organize, and I like to BE organized. Yeah, I get lazy when it comes to picking up clothes and dishes, and all the stuff my kids drag all over the house. My mom says I do really well organizing in small spaces. You open up a closet, and there it is! Organization! But my counters, table tops, floor - they can get a tad bit CRAZY cluttered. It's all the stuff that doesn't fit in a small organized space. But it's a work in progress. A week ago was my birthday and I kicked my kids and husband out (sent them camping - literally) and had myself a gals night in! 13 of my closest friends helped me celebrate 31 and my house was spotless and cheery. A week later I am wishing for a rewind.

I have a couple gals in mind that would be great partners in crime for fighting the mess -

My sister in law Monique. She is a faithful reader of my new blog and just one reason this post is actually on now. Every time I log on I see that she has several times since. How wonderful! But probably disappointing for her when I'm not updating enough. Anyhow - she is fabulous at looking at a drawer of junk and saying - what are you gonna do with this? do you need this? THIS is trash - right?

My cousin's wife Tristan. She is excellent when it comes to organizing. She has great tips because she used to work at a daycare center and things have got to stay organized in a place like that! Her house is so comforting and tidy. She also has a real knack for decorating, especially for Halloween!

My dear friend Danielle. She has some serious stamina when it comes to decluttering. We can go from room to room and come out with bags of stuff to get rid of.

All three of these gals are fabulous when it comes to keeping things under control. For the most part their houses are tidy, company-ready and clear of clutter. And I've got to say they all have great style when it comes to decorating! Oh, what examples you are to me! Too bad you all live far away. Texas & Georgia are, well... not close enough to come help, but I can keep you in mind while I'm whistling and working. There is hope for me!

And that brings to mind this favorite clip of mine:

And lastly a favorite quote of mine:

Cleaning your house
while your kids are still growing
is like shoveling the walk
before it stops snowing
~ Phyllis Diller

Simpler Living

2010-08-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

I've been rolling some ideas around in my head since reading an article about a couple who simplified their lives. I mean really simplified - down to 100 possessions!

Tammy Strobel from Rowdykittens.com was a newlywed with all the monotonous things of life - 2 cars, a 2 bedroom apartment, and enough wedding china to serve two dozen people. Yet with all of this and more (like many of us) , she and her husband weren't happy. She was , as she put it, caught in the “work-spend treadmill.” Until the day she decided to step off.
Inspired by books and blog entries about living simply, and with a challenge to live with just 100 personal items, Tammy and her husband Logan, both 31, began donating their belongings to charity. Over the course of the next few years, they simplified by donating clothing, books, pots and pans, furniture, and even their TV. Eventually, they got rid of both of their cars and now bike everywhere and occasionally rent a car for trips. Today, three years after Ms. Strobel and Mr. Smith began downsizing, they live in Portland, Ore., in a spare, 400-sq ft studio. Mr. Smith is completing a doctorate in physiology; Ms. Strobel happily works from home as a Web designer and freelance writer with an annual income of about $24,000 which covers their bills. They are now debt-free.

Isn't this fabulous? And scary? And well... Simple.

With the economy being yucky, work being slow, housing values plummeting, stress is mounting for everyone! At least everyone I know. I've seen more friends and family members have to claim unemployment, bankruptcy and lose their homes, than I ever could have imagined. We have felt the burden of low & no hours for my husband who works in the construction industry. It's hard. And living paycheck to paycheck is not simple. It's complicated, frustrating, scary and depressingly sad.

Aside from the money factor, is the idea that you constantly need more and better things. Even living frugally there is a temptation to get as many free or cheap items, because they are FREE and CHEAP, so why not? For the past few years I have really struggled with the amount of clutter that seems to accumulate in daily life. The kinds of things I have to deal with picking up off the floor each day is maddening: toys, dishes, mail, clothes, shoes, tissues, trash, TOYS, things that are mine that smaller fingers find and adore and then discard, it goes on and on. So many times I have thought to myself, I need to get rid of all this junk! And so many times I've told my husband we need to move into an apartment where we will need and not be able to have so much stuff! JUNK! STUFF! And yet, I am always decluttering!! Always loading up bags with things to give away. So why has it not ended??

Partially I blame myself. I have a tendency to buy things (gasp) that I do not really need. Because they are pretty or new or whatever. Shiny. LOL. Now, I must clarify, I am not a shop-o-hlic. Doesn't that sound like a classic case of denial? Well think hat you want, but for the record, I'm not. It is just gradual, and small, like sometimes I overbuy for projects I am working on. Crafts always get me. I return lots of things to JoAnn's :") The other day I went through the house and then went on a returning spree of things I had bought, still had tags on and still had the receipts for. I came home $37 richer. Today I returned 2 more items and came home $28 richer. The returning I find is almost, if not more satisfying as the buying.

“The idea that you need to go bigger to be happy is false,” Tammy Strobel says. “I really believe that the acquisition of material goods doesn’t bring about happiness.”

I really agree with her on that. I also think that the clutter in my house has a direct correlation to the clutter in my mind, on my nerves, on my body and in my heart. So I am working on a transformation of all of that. That I think will bring true happiness. To be able to clean more simply for one. To be able to leave the house and walk out the door with a lot less guilt on my shoulders, and fear that someone will stop by later without my having had the time to overhaul my living room.

So with all this poured out of my brain and into the computer via my fingertips, I am on a mission to declutter my house once and for all! Well, I do realize it will be an ongoing process throughout the years. Regardless, once school starts (a mere two weeks away) look out!!! I am sure there will be more posts on this very topic so I'm starting a new category for them.

Might as well go out of business

2010-08-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

Olive Garden that is. Now that I have learned to make copy-cat versions of Mozzerella Fonduta, Alfredo sauce, and Zuppa Toscana, I don't ever need to go back there, unless I'm forced??? "Mom this soup is BETTER than the soup at Olive Garden's! We don't EVER need to go there again!" She was preaching to the choir there my friend!

Anyhow, their prices have risen in the last few years not unlike all other restaurants, to the point where it just doesn't make sense for us to eat out. My 6 year old daughter said as much at dinner the other night.
My husband laughs when on dates nights I pull out my coupon-file and look through the restaurant coupons. And lately Restaurants like Sweet Tomatoes and Quizno's rule out anyway. Both very tasty and less expensive than a restaurant with waiters. Who needs to spend fortune on date-night? Not us!

I'm working on putting together a cook-book of my fav recipes (of course none actually created by me- I'm no chef- I just pretend), most restaurant worthy ;) in my opinion!!!

I see a Kingdom

2010-08-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

This is a favorite video of mine regarding One man's trash, another's treasure... Plus who doesn't love Vanessa Williams? Oh, and ELMO!! Haha!

FREE FOOD!

2010-08-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

I opened my email today and had lots of offers for FREE FOOD. Why? My birthday is coming up, and because it makes good business sense, a lot of restaurants offer free items for celebrating your birthday at their restaurant. They figure you are most likely to bring a few guests along who will be paying for their food. They wouldn't want to miss out on that opportunity!

Here are some of the places that wat my birthday business:

Arby's
Coldstone Ice Cream
Del Taco
Lonestar
Red Robin

Some yummy options! And some deals are definitely better than others!!

The Best Wrappings

2010-08-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

My kids love to be able to wrap their friends b-day presents, but me being the control freak that I am, I prefer the presents not to look like a young-un wrapped them. So, I let them decorate them instead. Awhile ago I bought a huge thing of packing paper at Lowe's to wrap my grandma's china for moving. We ended up using a lot more bubble wrap than paper, so I kept it as cheap wrapping paper. The paper is pretty think and easy to work with. My kids decorate their presents, and I don't have to buy and store wrapping paper or a card!! Win, Win!!

When I worked at the local newspaper you could buy the end rolls (or middle of the gigantic paper rolls that the newsprint comes on) fr only $3 for a ton of blank newsprint. The downsides of using it for wrapping paper is you have to makes a lot of passes around a preset ad it's easier to tear - plus they are heavy and awkward to store. But it's great for art paper! See if your local paper offers this! Those rolls can last a whole childhood ...maybe :)