Etsy

You know what my biggest challenge is? Etsy! All things handmade. The daily emails always have something new and interesting and beautiful that if I don't want to buy, I want to learn how to make. Like I need another hobby! Although it is great inspiration for Christmas gifts this year, I already know what all my girls are getting. :)

-K

If the glove don't fit...

Well it's been a few weeks since I've written. A few weeks since I wanted to post photos of things that I've found second hand and to get out any frustrations I thought I'd have by now. Surprisingly, I haven't had moments of weakness. No thoughts of "well no one's watching me, who's gonna know." Maybe the fact that I'm preparing for the mother of all purchases soon that buckling down is even easier. My savings account is already starting to thank me and I only have a plane ticket to pay off on my credit card. Pretty sweet!

So while in San Francisco I only bought one thing (unless you count gobs of food, then I totally fell off the wagon!). We hit up this really great thrift store where almost half was just Halloween costumes! Rack after rack I grabbed some really unique outfits with great potential. Since it was pay by the pound some of the little skimpy ones would be nearly free. :) Although skimpy was far from what I was looking for this year. I settled on a vintage looking clown costume, handmade. My plan, dead clown. Death by falling off unicycle, massive head wound.

Sadly, the death of this joyful, balanced clown never happened. As my mom put it, the costume was made for a short fat kid. (no offense to all the chubby little ones out there - it just didn't work for a tall adult) That's what I get for not trying it on! Lesson learned, a deal is only a deal if you can actually use what you got.

My mission for this week, find a way to unload computer equipment. There are still usable parts, but is it really worth the time to post them on ebay or craiglist? Would anyone even buy an old motherboard? Must research. Trash is not an option.

-K

Vacation Woes

I'm on vacation, thousands of miles away from home, in not-so-sunny San Francisco. Thankfully I'm with someone who is not big on shopping, otherwise I'd be in trouble. There are so many kitchy little shops I'd typically be eager to check out. Keep in mind it's only day 2 though, 5 more to go. So we'll see if weakness will prevail. How can I NOT bring home something new from San Fran to remember the trip? ;) We plan to check out a few consignment shops in town. Am so excited for that, not because I really need a fix though, more so out of curiousity of the types of things we'll find being where we are. I'm quickly getting to the point where I know I have more than I need, especially when it comes to clothes. However, a nice piece of artwork or decoration would be nice for a keepsake.

The one place that will challenge me might be the Herbivore Clothing Store. We are eating in the restaurant this week. Before I decided to join Jill on the journey I was excited to actually get to shop there.

-K

The department store of second hand

I found the jackpot of second hand stores, right down the road from me! Row after row of jeans, halloween costumes galore, brand new household items - the only thing lacking is quality furniture. To top it off, separate from the regular racks of clothing they have a "Better Quality" section. Here you will find couture and designer clothing and bags. I was chatting it up with a nanny who said she found a $300 jacket for $20! Sure you have to dig, so go when you are in the right frame of mind. It tends to be a game of luck... actually finding a gem in your size... but it happens!

Pics will be posted later!

-K

One girls trash is another girls treasure!

Many years ago on a walk with my dad I found an old dress form, curbside (ok... in the trash). I carried it home hoping one day I'd learn how to use it. A few years went by I never really had much use for it. I finally decided to get rid of it and posted it on a website called Freecycle.org. Within 5 minutes of posting I had 5 emails. I left it on my porch and 1 hour later it was picked up!

Now why don't I think to look there when I need things too? We've all thrown something away when there was still some good use in it, not even donating it to a second hand place. Freecycle is a website where you can post stuff you need to get rid of (for free) and ask for things you are looking for. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. It's a great way to get stuff off your hands that you don't want to deal with. For instance an old (even broken!) TV - something someone with skills can fix and re-purpose. I know, I know.... sounds just like craigslist...but I've noticed postings for things you don't see on craigslist. Plus the locations are narrowed down so you don't have to read through 50 posts before you find something in your area.

They have everything from musical instruments, Swiffer pads, appliances, and gift wrap, to pet rats (I don't want to even think...). You don't have to bargain because know it's FREE! I have seen so many useful, good quality items posted.

Check it out, at the very least you'll get a good laugh. I once saw a post for "half used child allergy medicine expiring soon!" Next time you're about to toss those old worn sheets or a broken piece of furniture - I guarantee you will find someone to pick it up.

-K

1 down...

...364 more to go.

Perhaps the hardest part to resist will be the shopping therapy. I tend to be more on the thrifty side and don't always give into the impulse buys, but treating myself if I'm feeling blue somehow is healing. The good thing is that I think we'll discover many new great consignment shops and other avenues to get things second hand. Maybe even hone my sewing skills!!

- K

To redeem or not to redeem?

I found all of this in my purse...

• $40 credit + 30% coupon I can use at the GAP, Banana Republic, or Old Navy
• $22 credit to use at Val's Basket Warehouse
• $30 Target giftcard
• $5 Sephora giftcard
• $35 worth of Home Depot giftcards

I can't let all of this go to waste or can I?

~J~

Woke up this morning and realized that last night I forgot to add I also have a $21 credit to use at Charlotte Russe and $10 off a $10 purchase at Kohl's when I use my Discover card.

We don't officially start this plan until tomorrow, so do I go on a shopping spree today? I don't think so, but will need to make the best decisions I can when redeeming these credits since there are certain things we can't buy secondhand.

One of our goals is not to buy anything made in sweatshops. I'm curious if the stores listed above sell things that qualify in this category. I'll let you know what I find...

~J~