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