Shopping for Used Furniture

February 8, 2022

One of the best ways to find a bargain when shopping for used furniture or vintage items, is at Estate Sales.

But during the height of the pandemic,  I couldn’t go to them. Then I discovered Online Estate and Liquidation Auctions. Been addicted ever since.

There are some real drawbacks to online used furniture shopping. Every time I have purchased a piece of furniture for myself or my daughter, I have had to spend a great deal of time on restoration. Images never quite tell the whole story. Descriptions are minimal at best, so you have to rely on their images. The devil is in the unseen details in used furniture.

One marble top, Victorian bedside commode table I picked up for a song, looked great online. But it was not usable unless we completely dismantled and re-glued the piece back together to make it more stable. “Wobbly legs” was all the listing said. That piece ended up being placed curbside for free.

But I’ve also picked up a few gems. One Lane, Mid Century Sideboard was picked up for $230 at an online auction. It barely fit in our car and did take 6 hours to clean up and restore. In mint condition, these beauties sell at $1600+.  Now  it happily resides at my daughters place.

Online Auctions have become so popular now that many pieces are way overbid. So knowing the market price is paramount to not over spending or getting stuck with something you can’t use. Plus most online auctions have a buyers fee of 15-20% plus sales tax unless you have a resale number. You can get some great deals, but it’s a gamble.

So when the pandemic ebbed, we started to going back to “in person” Estate Sales. I honestly do like these in-person sales better.  Seeing the vintage furniture and home decor items in person and up close gives you a better idea of color, condition and size. Images will never be able to capture what you can see and feel in person.

This last weekend, I found a fantastic, Sheraton style, 1920’s flip top chest of drawers. Since it wasn’t “Mid Century Modern” and was also completely scratched up, everyone at the sale ignored it. But I kept coming back to it.

I noticed it was solid, hard wood American Mahogany, with dove tail drawers.  Real quality with classic lines. I thought I try to clean it up for my daughter and offered them $20. They accepted.  I took it home and after only 45 minutes of cleaning and oiling (using Howards products), it looks nearly perfect and was quite beautiful.

When my daughter declined it, I sold it on Facebook Market place for $100 within hours of posting.

I’m sad my daughter didn’t want it. But happy someone else, who also love quality antiques, bought it.  Had I not seen it in person, I would have passed on it.

If you like resale and vintage furniture and home decor, shopping in person matters. Wonder if I’ll find another treasure this week?

15 Frugal Valentine Day Ideas

January 18, 2022

With an ever continuing pandemic, inflation and masks, Valentines Day this year may not a day you want to spend too much money on.

Fear not, you can be frugal Valentine without being cheap. The most important element in any Valentines Day gift are thoughtfulness, effort and time.

So may I suggest the following ideas or combinations:

1. If you want to go out, check Groupon for deals on restaurants, massages, cooking classes etc you can do together.

2. Instead of giving flowers, give a “live” flowering plant they can plant in their garden.

3.  Deliver one long stemmed, red rose everyday to their office for a week. Labor intensive… but a great way to get your point across!

4. Go downtown to the Flower Mart and pick out a bouquet together with your love one. After you get home, follow up with a delectable meal.

5. Hide Valentines Day cards (hand made or store bought) in places where “he” or “she” will find them.

 6. Create a Memories Jar together.
Write down some of your favorite memories of your time together on good quality paper. One memory on each piece. Then, fold each memory and put them in a wide top bottle or jar.

7.  Memorize a Romantic Poem and deliver it at an appropriate moment.

8. Create a romantic dinner at home. Cook up a special menu and Dress for the occasion.

9. Learn “I love you” in as many languages as you can. Write them down in personal notes and deliver them with gifts of scented soap, lotions and bath oils…

10. Romantic coupon books filled with massages, star gazing, wine tasting and other romantic IOU’s.

11. Plan ahead to go out for a picnic. Load up on delectable gourmet foods from Trader Joes.

12. Surprise your loved one! Load up on dozens of candles from tapers to votives. (99 cent only stores).  Light and set them around the house. When they arrive home from work, greet them with a glass of wine with the warm romantic glow from the candles.

13. Frame the lyrics to your wedding or special love song!

14. Make chocolate fondue.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipe-collections/chocolate-fondue/index.html

15.  Or wait till Feb. 15!

If you want to go big, but also spend less, just wait for Feb. 15!  Valentine’s Day  goodies go on sale the day after. Shop stuffed animals, flowers, chocolates, cards, and decorations at steep discounts.

The true art of romance is making someone feel special. It has nothing to do cost and has everything to do with making someone feel cared about. The little details, effort and thoughtfulness that go into your Valentine gift matter the most.

The Fast Fashion Problem

October 6, 2021

Fast fashion has taken over many parts of our wardrobe. Fun, trendy and cheap, fast fashion is everywhere. But there is a steep price to pay for fast, cheap trendy clothing. Fast Fashion has a problem.

Fast Fashion is usually mass produced from lower quality fabrics and the product is often very trendy which means it’s usable “fashion” life span is very short.

A lot of product now is made from poly microfibers because cotton and natural fiber blends have become more costly. Microfibers are a petroleum by-product that can be toxic. Every time you wash these items, fibers come off, go through our waste water systems and end up in the ocean. These dangerous little fibers get caught up in the gills of fish eventually choking and killing them.

Then there’s the life span issue. You find a super cute dress or top at an incredibly low price at Target.  You buy it, wear it a handful of times and then throw it out or donate to a charity. You think you’re doing good.

But charities get flooded with this type of fast fashion/ micro fiber product. Sadly, they throw a lot of it out because they have so much and the quality isn’t good enough to resell. 

However, the aftermarket has gotten a bit better with some blended items being recycled for rags and knits. But again, poly microfibers end up in the landfill faster than natural products like cotton, wool, hemp and the like.

What we enjoy as good for our budgets, style and our egos is not good for the environment or ultimately us. 

So how do we as “shoppers” address this? It’s simple…. Buy less cheap fast fashion and more better quality fashion.

Shop Resale and Thrift stores as often as you can. When buying new, look for clothing that has more natural fibers, and buy the highest quality garments you can, even if you have to buy fewer pieces.

Try to build a long term wardrobe instead of turning clothes over every season. And lastly take care of your clothes so they last longer.  That’s what your Grandma did.

We can still all have wonderful, stylish wardrobes with a bit more thought put into our purchases.

Guerrilla Sample Sale Shopping Tips

September 16, 2021

Seasoned shoppers all need their tricks and tips for Sample Sales. I use these Guerrilla Sample Sale Shopping Tips.

Be informed.
Know the brand and the retail prices before you shop. Know the quality of construction, price and fashion details. Learn about fabric and basic construction of quality garments and furnishings. This applies to home furnishings, outdoor gear and equipment, accessories, lighting, linens, shoes, jewelry etc. There is no such thing as knowing too much.

Budget Before You Shop
Set a budget before you head out and try to stick to it. I often set aside funds in Zelle or Venmo and always take a credit card.  Cash on hand is still a good idea. Though some sales have tried to go cashless with the pandemic. However, you may also have more negotiating room with cash.

What to Wear
Shop in comfortable clothing and shoes. Something you can stand in or walk around in for long periods of time. Leave your designer handbag, spiky heels and family jewels at home. Do not carry a handbag or coin purse you have to hold with your hands. You want your hands free to shop and browse. Carry a backpack, Fannie pack, crossbody handbag or cell phone holder with your cards and ID.

Eat First
Shopping is hard work. Eat something before you shop. Carrying a small snack, (crackers/nutrition bar)and water in your bag or car. Tired, hungry shoppers don’t make good choices and usually flee before they snag a deal.

Know Your Measurements.
Take a tape measure with you where ever you go. Know your family’s measurements. Sizes run differently from manufacturer to manufacturer. Sample Sales & Warehouse Sales do not take returns.
If you’re buying any home furnishings or décor items, have the measurements of your room and doorway into that room. Know the size of the elevator in your building.  I also recommend carrying color swatches if you have them.

Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers
If you see something that you like and is a great deal, grab it.
If it’s a larger item ask for it to be held for you while you shop.
You have no claims to anything that is not in your hand or basket.
Thinking about it has caused many a deal to disappear under my nose. You can always change your mind and put it back properly… later.

Go Early if You’re Serious …or Go Later, for Fun.
If the sale is on something you need, desperately want or love, you go early for best selection.
If the sale is on cool stuff that you like, but don’t necessarily need or love, go later just for fun.

Be Smart
Everything is on sale for a reason. Many warehouse sales  and sample sales offer huge selections. But chances are some of these items may be cosmetically or constructively damaged. EVERYTHING has to be finely examined. Check every detail, look underneath, check seams, look at it in the brightest light available. Any flaws overlooked are yours to enjoy after you purchase.

Know the Rules
All sales are final at warehouse and sample sales. Period.
If you’re shopping for larger items, make sure you have a way to transport before you purchase.
If you’re hitting multiple sales at one location, make sure to bring a large tote to carry your treasures around or plan on multiple trips to your car.

Hang on to Your Sense of Humor
Some sales can be rough. Most luckily, are not.
But like all things in life, nice polite behavior goes a long way.
Long lines?  I say…. Make a new friend! Hot room?  I say make light of it!
Cranky person next to you? Cheer ’em up!
Nothing is ever worth fighting over. No matter how great and item or how obnoxious someone else is, hang on to your sense of fun and camaraderie.

At the end of the day, using these Guerrilla Sample Sale Shopping Tips,  you will have bagged some steals, save a bundle and hopefully had a great time!

Now, go sic ‘em!

Due Diligence

February 18, 2021

Sometimes my enthusiasm gets the best of me. Sometimes my concept of getting a great deal blinds me to practical matters. So important to be vigilant in researching any purchase.

I’ve had not one, but several incidents this week that are cautionary tales of Buyer Beware and the importance of “Due Diligence”.

I popped into a favorite local Vintage Boutique this last week and found a gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana floral blouse from the 1980’s. I already have 2 D & G tops, so I am familiar with the European fit. In a rush as usual. I held it up to me, checked the shoulders and bust, but didn’t try on. At just $27 I was THRILLED! After I got it home, I tried it on and it didn’t fit my upper arm. I couldn’t get it on at all.

On Monday I was checking out an online auction that had several items I was interested in. One was a Mid Century marble top chest by American of Martinsville. I already had bid of $100 on it. But knew it would go higher. After a quick in person examination, I thought it was in good condition. I was excited and ready to bid higher. But as I was about to leave, hubby, called me back to look at it again. There was uneven Sun bleaching on the sides. Hard to see in the dark warehouse lighting. Had he not had the wherewithal to really study the piece, I would have purchased it. That kind of wear is fixable, but expensive if you don’t do it yourself.

Disappointed, I wandered around the warehouse looking at items and found an old antique dresser. At first it seemed like any other Duncan Phyfe type dresser. Then I looked at the back of it. Yep, it was really really old. So I opened the drawers and saw the handmade, super thin dove tail joints. I checked the locks, hardware and stability of the piece. This chest was pre Civil War. I took a few pictures and after researching it, found it was a Georgian style chest from England from about 1820. It wasn’t mint or restored, but was in really good condition and easily valued at $1500-$2000.

I did my vigilance in researching, I watched the auction, waited and pounced. Picked it up for $295. I got a great deal just for doing my homework and sweating the details.
It’s  important to be vigilant in researching  whether it’s for an antique or designer blouse.

So now, the Dolce & Gabbana Blouse is in the donate to charity bag. Someone else spent WAY too much on the American of Martinsville Mid Century Chest and I brought home the antique Georgian dresser. The restoration on it will be a fun weekend of satisfaction.

* Post update:
We had a guy from John Moran Auctions come by to look at some family artwork. He saw the Georgian Chest and validated my guess on origin and year built. 

The Wrong Way to Set Up Your Outlet

February 1, 2021

Why do businesses who sell at a discount think they don’t have to operate the same way as regular retail stores. Instead of  doing it the wrong way to set up your outlet store, do it the right way.

Regular retail brick & mortar stores generally sell at 2.0-3.5 markup. But at $20 sell at $50-$60.
Surprise…. That’s exactly what Off Price, Discount Outlets and Liquidators do. They simply buy at a lower price, so are able to sell at lower price. The mark up generally is the same.

That said, the most successful outlets present and market their product almost exactly the same way as regular retailers. Clean, pleasant ambience, good lighting, organized stores and friendly & helpful employees.

But of late, I’ve noticed that a lot of “discount” outlets are more chaotic than they should be with messy shelves and aisles, and no pricing on product.

That’s a huge mistake. Don’t be disrespectful to your buyers. It’s the wrong way to set up your outlet.

When you set up your outlet store, think like a shopper. The cleaner the store, the more organized it is makes it easier to see the product. Shoppers want to quickly know the price as well as original retail.  tYour results will be better.

Keep your store, shelves and aisles organized and clean. Clearly mark your price and the original retail…. don’t exaggerate the retail. Everyone has a smart phone and can check what the market price is. If they think you lied to them, they won’t be back. Shoppers don’t want to be careful where they walk, for fear of tripping. Keep your aisles clean or you’re setting yourself up for a lawsuit. A shopper doesn’t want to climb or get dirty.

Arrange small displays or room settings.  Organize by product type and have good lighting, music and air circulation. Keep your shelves, organized, tidy and have sections by type of product.  Make sure product on shelves is easy to see and not strewn about. I’d also recommend a chair or two to sit on and some water made available.

Shoppers honestly don’t care how hard you work, that you’re short staffed or any other excuse for chaos. Though most of us would be understanding, it won’t make us come back to your outlet store to shop. Remember selling anything is a business transaction. Make it a pleasant experience. Treat your shoppers they way you want to be treated.

The truth is, humans don’t want to work hard to get a deal. Convenience and ease of shopping is now more important than the deal. Why do you think Amazon has grown so quickly? It’s easy.

Main street retailers work really hard to create a wonderful shopping environment. Off Price sellers must do the same. Remember, shoppers choose where they want to shop, and it’s not always about price.

Stay Safe and Save!

December 8, 2020

Shopping Small Indie Outlets is safe.  I still prefer to shop in person. I love to touch product and see with my “hands”.

Rarely, if ever do I return product that I have bought in person. That’s how sure I can be by shopping in-person.

Like all of you, during covid, I have drastically increased my online shopping. But because I couldn’t really see the product, I have been disappointed many times and have returned well over 20 items since March. I have kept only half of what I ordered.

But now with more lockdowns (don’t get me started!), I am planning on finishing my Holiday shopping in person by shopping small, local outlets. Shopping Small Indie Outlets is safer than shopping a big chain,  government deemed “essential store”. There are simply less shoppers in smaller stores. Plus you support local business which keeps our local economy thriving.

I’ve popped into about 12 different outlets and sample sales this last month and all are less crowded than Target. Yes, there are people shopping but usually only a handful for less. Heck, Trader Joes has more people in it.

I do feel super safe when shopping at my indie Outlets. I bought some ornaments at the Zodax Warehouse Sale both last month and this month. Each time only 2-5 people were shopping while I was there. I had plenty of room. Also popped in The Eclipse Sample Sale and had only 10 women shopping in 3000 sq feet.  Marions Warehouse only had 2 other people shopping while I was there. Sofa Tables and more had 2 other people.  Hotel Surplus had 4 people in store when I was there. Half Off Clothing had no one but me for 30 minutes. The 2 people came in.  Only 3 people shopped with me at the Paparazzi Sale.  This was before this last set of limits were put in place. Yep, Shopping Small Indie Outlets is safe.

So I say, don’t shop the big box stores, retail malls or TJ Maxx.  Shop small at our indie bargain outlets and sample sales first. Fewer people with BIG savings. Safety with steep discounts!

The Clothes You Love

October 20, 2020

Most of us clean out our closets once a year or so. I clear out and organize my closets and drawers several times a year, but often don’t get rid of all that much. I keep the clothes I love.

I tend to associate emotions with outfits I have worn. How I remember how I felt when I wore them, even if it had nothing to do with the actual clothes. There are some things I just can’t part with.

I have this fantastic Twinkle blouse from 20 years ago that I wore twice. I felt sexy, cute and in control when I wore it. It’s so awesome that I pull it out of the donate bag every time I’ve cleaned out my closet.

Then there is the BCBG dress from 2003. I’ve worn it out on anniversaries, Red Carpets, evening weddings and even a Bar Mitzvah. It’s so old that when I get a compliment on it I just say, “it’s a vintage”. I just can’t part with it. I keep thinking that if I just rework the sleeves it will become timeless. But I have yet to do that.

There are a least a dozen of these examples.

But the piece to resistance of my clothes hoarding is a 1960’s velvet tunic with an embroidered mandarin collar that belonged to my mom. She wore it with matching velvet bell bottoms when I was little. OMG… I thought it was sooo awesome.  Mom hung on to that outfit for a long while,  eventually giving it to me when she cleaned out her closet in the mid-1980’s. I thought it was the epitome of 1960’s cool. I’ve worn it as a mini dress every Winter Holidays season since.

Most of my hoarding are classic pieces, jackets, coats, scarves, wraps, etc that you build a long term wardrobe with. But not all.

One Tee from 2009 I wore so much that  it was in shreds.  I hunted for it on every second hand website and clothing store I have ever gone in to… I literally was obsessed.
This V neck tee from Free People said “I Hate Your Band”.  Geeze I loved wearing it. IT caught a lot of people by surprise and was a great conversation starter.

I finally found that tee again last year.  Have only worn it twice since. But I doubt I’ll ever part with it. I feel great wearing it.

Though I don’t consider myself a clothes whore, I do see that clothes affect how you feel. I try to hang on to the stuff that brings me joy, regardless of how much closet space I have. So keep the clothes you love.

The Best Way to Buy Used Furniture

September 16, 2020

The Best Way to Buy Used Furniture is simply at Estate Sales. We discovered Estate Sales when we were looking for authentic home furnishings and lighting for our 1920’s home. After discovering a few good Estate Sales we were hooked and have been avid fans since. We buy quality used furniture that timeless, affordable and works well. Now we’re helping our daughter furnish her apartment for next to nothing.

Buying quality used furniture is fun at Estate Sales.  We’ve found the great deals on quality used furniture and household necessities. Whether designer, upscale or just out of the 1940’s Sears catalogue, older stuff is usually built better.

The first sale our daughter went to by herself, she picked at 4 place settings (16 pieces) of dishes for $18. We went to the same sale after her and found 3 metal mixing bowls for $3, a set of Paul Revere pots and pans for $22, a 10 x 8” hardwood cutting board for $3 and a liquid measuring cup for $1.

Our kid’s a teeny weeny budget of $800 won’t go far, so we’re chipping in for the kitchen ware. She still has find dining chairs, table and a sofa. Not an easy task for decent quality, but doable at Estate Sales.

Yes, there will be some junk, but a good educated eye will spot great items. If you don’t know about furniture construction, do a deep Google search, read and learn. It will save you a heap of money in the long run.

We tend to hunt for hard case goods, decor, tools, kitchenware and art at Estate Sales and avoid upholstered product, so we don’t have to re-upholster. With that in mind, at a Studio City Estate Sale we found an early 2000’s, solid wood Restoration Hardware TV Console for just $45. At 64” and in near mint condition it has plenty of room for a 50” TV. At another sale, we found a 1970’s wood hallway cabinet for $30. A 1940’s walnut plant stand for $15. Measuring cups for $1, a Bodin French Coffee Press for $3, and a set of kitchen cooking tools for $6.

After two weeks of looking, we found her a drop leaf Mid Century dining table for $40 and 3 chairs at $20 each. After a bit of clean up they work great.

We look  for good sales at EstateSales.net
You can search by city, state or zip code. Each sale usually has a lot of images, so you can pick and choose what sales hold promise. They list sales locally,nationwide and online.

Some sales are over priced, but often discount as the sale progresses or if you want more than a few items. Be prepared to try to dicker. Pricing should be at least 50% below new market. In our area we love Crown City, Grasons, Tall Robs and Howe. Well priced, well organized and nice peeps who know what they are doing.

Remember, Estate Sales are where the dealers buy quality used furniture. Be prepared to pounce at these sales. People who are in the know and dealers, don’t dawdle or ponder… they pounce! Make sure you can move items yourself or have someone who can.  For legal reasons, most sales won’t help you load product into your car or truck and you’ve a tight time frame to pick up, often same day.

During this pandemic everyone must wear a mask and do your best to socially distance. Most sales have hand sanitizer and shields at check out.

One of the best aspects of Estate Sale shopping is seeing older architecture and finding unusual and historic items. So you’ll have fun and save!

Why I Drove 50 Miles to Buy a Vacuum

August 20, 2020

When it comes to appliances, buy the best quality you can afford. Sometimes it requires driving to save on the best quality.

Back when our daughter was little we had a shag rug.  The reality of living with it was a nightmare. I bought and broke 4 vacuums within 6 months. Yes, you read that right, 4 different brands of vacuums. “F” bombs constantly flew every time I broke one and had to return it.

My mother in law, taking pity on me bought us an old 1950’s Kirby Vacuum at a garage sale. That old clunky, heavy vacuum did the trick. I finally had a clean carpet.. and much stronger arms from use.

New Kirbys can run $1300-2000… and yes, I do believe they are worth the expense. The quality is outstanding. But we don’t live in THAT world.

So when we spotted a 2001 Kirby Vacuum at an Estate Sale in 2014 we bought it for $35. This newer model had better attachments and assisted drive making it MUCH easier to push around. It vacuums hardwood floors as well as carpeted and has carpeting shampooing attachments, so we can shampoo our rugs ourselves. How cool! We gave the older model away to another couple in need.

Fast forward to our daughter living in a neat little rent controlled Studio City apartment. The owners would happily put in nice wood flooring for her, but the rent would go way up. With her roomie moving out and taking everything with her, we started looking for a used Kirby for her.

With all the poorly made “crap-ola”  vacuum brands out there, I’m guessing word has gotten out on how great these American Made vacuum are. The best price I could find locally for an older used was $75. Add in a servicing and that vacuum would be $175.

So I kept my eye out and finally found one from 1993 for $50. Older but with the assisted drive and shampooing attachments and the manual it looked real good. But was located in Santa Barbara. Geeze!

After much discussion, we decided it was worth driving to save on the best quality vacuum. Plus we could go to the beach, cruise around Santa Barbara and Ventura or maybe even go into Solvang.

So we did.

After examination, we decided the vacuum was in very good condition. But we would service it anyway. That’s another $100 expense. But now our daughter has a vacuum that will last her a lifetime for less than a new Kirby or Dyson.

We took an extra few hours to walked the beaches, catching some dolphins in playing a pod. We also did some antiquing and drove home through the mountains.

A lovely drive and day out. And we got a great vacuum at a great price.

The New Normal, Online Sample Sales

July 7, 2020

When the Covid -19 pandemic shut down in person Sample Sales, designers and manufacturers quickly moved online. But, even though originally temporary, Online Sample Sales are here to stay.

The scramble to move these sales online, had hurdles. Photos, measurements of each piece had to be taken or at least organized and online platforms had to be built with shopping carts if they didn’t already have them.

Warehouses were operating with smaller staffs on shorter shifts. Shipping companies like UPS were overwhelmed with the fast shift to online shopping. Shipping times increased and delays became prevalent.

Then of course, like all online shopping, you can’t really see the product or touch the product until you get it. With fashion, touch is important. Fit is important. Neither are absolute in online Sample Sales.

With discounts of 40-90% off retail, understandably, may of these sales had the same “No Returns” and “All Sales Final” policies as regular in person Sample Sales. For me, that issue had me often siding with caution, buying less or nothing at all.

The truth is Online Sample Sales are easier to shop than in person sales. You don’t have to drive, or worry about parking and you save time. Plus shopping while in your jammies, with a glass of wine in hand is very civilized.

However, missing in most online Sample Sales were the seconds, irregulars and actual rough samples that bargain basement shoppers love. Only while shopping in person can you tell if they will work or if the flaws make the piece too much to consider.

I love the experience of in person Sample and Warehouse Sales. That rush of getting a steal of a deal and a “prize” in hand is hard to duplicate online. So I had my doubts about their success.

But now several months into them, I have received good reports on the numbers these sales are doing. Many have done as well or better than their in person sales.

So I believe Online Sample Sales are here to stay. Not to say that when the dust settles, that in person Sample Sales will disappear.  They won’t. They just may not be as common.

So we will post them, so you can shop from the comfort of your bed and still save!

Paying Retail with No Regrets

March 16, 2020

Every one of us has a trigger. Something that we just can’t stand. Mine is my cats litter box. Then I discovered that the Litter Robot is a wonder!

I am a cat person. I love and respect my cats. But I don’t tolerate them scratching my furniture or leaving my home stinky. And I don’t usually pay retail for anything.

At our old home, our kitties did most of their “chores” outside, leaving us with a clean home environment, no stink and minimal work. We don’t have that set up at our new place. Since we’ve downsized,  our houses living space is smaller and our cats are now indoor kitties.

With this change, our home quickly became stanky…. Our floors had litter all over them. I simply couldn’t deal.
We started searching for a perfect self-cleaning litter box. None of them impressed us, except for, of course, the most expensive one, the Litter Robot.

Paying $500-$600 for a litter box seemed outrageous. Seriously, I have to be crazy to pay that. So we postponed and postponed. But, then one chilly morning, the house was particularly “rank”. I lost my mind and went straight to the computer where I ordered a Litter Robot with a Litter Guard.

Litter Robot is a tech/ self cleaning litter box that looks like a space pod. It has sensors in it that detects when your cat has done it’s “chores” and after 3-15 minutes it starts rotating, sifting the litter of clumps & waste and depositing it in a waste bin hidden out of sight while keeping the good litter. This thing even has a phone app, so you can monitor it’s use.

Yep, I paid full retail and I don’t regret it! Not one bit. Our home once again is free of   the”stank” with minimal litter. The Litter Robot is a wonder! Worth every penny.

Visit Site: Litter Robot

Update: 2/2021
We had trouble with some of the sensors and the Litter Robot people honored their warranty and replaced nearly everything; the bonnet, the sensores, the works. We only now have the original base.
Still happy as a clam with my Litter Robot. So Paying Retail with no Regrets is still true!

Caring for a Favorite Leather Jacket

November 7, 2019

Restoring, conditioning and repairing an older leather jacket is often better than buying new.

Back in the late 2000’s, I found a gorgeous, deliciously soft, black lambskin leather jacket by For Joseph at Shopaholic Sample Sales boutique for a ridiculous $89. Original retail, as I recall was around $389. Shopaholic Sample Sales are famous for their amazing fashion deals. Though it was an unplanned purchase, I was thrilled with my prize.

I wore that jacket everywhere. Parties, shopping, school events, baseball games, evenings out and I even loaned it to my daughter for headshots and special events.

I believe in caring for my stuff, especially leather goods since an animal’s life was given for me to have it. I kept the jacket cleaned and in a dust cover. But at one point I cleaned and conditioned it with a bad product and the jacket started cracking and discoloring. I was heart broken, I had screwed up my favorite jacket.

So I started looking around for a new one. First I couldn’t find the quality I wanted and I couldn’t find one I could afford. A $400-$700 unnecessary expense is not in my budget. Most brand name leather jackets I could easily afford came out of China at $99-$169. Though the Chinese have mastered leather tanning, (they brought in Italian craftsman back in the 1990s to learn the craft), I can still feel the quality difference.

Maybe that makes me a snob. Maybe that makes me unrealistic. So before I lay out a few hundred on a new jacket, I decided to take my jacket to an expert…. Not the dry cleaners, but an expert on leather goods who was a perfectionist … Gary Barini.

Barini’s Leather makes high quality, handcrafted leather handbags, wallets, accessories as well as repairs and reconditions leather goods.

Fearing my jacket was kaput, I kept postponing taking it in. I hate getting bad news. But when I finally did, Gary assured me that he could not only repair and recondition my leather jacket, but it would be better than new.

I got my jacket back and it was perfect again. Clean and soft, no residual stains. It looked better than new!  Gary is a miracle worker! He only charged me $125. This bargain shopper couldn’t be happier!

Gary at Barini’s Leather makes restoring and repairing an older leather jacket is often better than buying new.
He’s THE guy… the craftsman you want for your favorite leather pieces!

Barini’s Leather
12210 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 506-5422

Shoes for Hubby … and Me

October 30, 2019

I’m not an avid fan of Shopping at an Outlet Mall. As a whole, are not really discount outlets any more. So much Special Purchase product, lower quality product or just a small corner with a “Sale” sign. But if you love a specific line and want a good selection, it’s sometimes worth going out of the way to shop at an outlet mall.

Such was our case.
My guy desperately needed new shoes. He’d worn his favorite shoes out to the point that we couldn’t even see the size. He’d also Permabonded the soles onto the shoe. Ya… I know!

We knew the shoes were made by Merrell, but we weren’t sure on the size. Though Merrell shoes are found nearly everywhere, hubby wanted a big selection, so we headed out to the Premium Outlets in Camarillo.

I’d forgotten how many shops were actually in the Outlet Mall. It’s confusing and difficult to find the stores you want to shop!

Before we even found the Merrell store, we were sidelined into the Jockey Outlet were I got 5 panties for $35 and an another 15% off with a scratcher they were handing out. Not really an “outlet”, they had specials to add value to your purchase. So I also picked up 3 socks for the price of 2. They said I saved $35… Like, I ever pay retail?

Needless to say, I wasn’t allowed into the Coach Outlet…. That’s what I get for shopping with “him”.  So we stayed focused and went into the Merrell Outlet store.

They had 2 walls of Summer sandals on sale and some walking and hiking shoes specials. They were, however, having a “Buy 2 get the second at 50% off” promotion going on storewide. That’s a 25% overall savings. So we started looking around.

Good thing we went, he needed a wider shoe and the outlet had the selection to pull from. Hubby found 2 pairs and I actually, found a pair too. A great pair of shoes that are the best fitting athletic/ hiking shoes I have ever found on sale at $69 instead of $80. I was really surprised. I was just trying on shoes to help pass the time. Had they not been so absolutely amazing I wouldn’t have purchased ‘em..

Hubby was so happy I helped him with his purchase, I got treated to a lovely late lunch with a lovely glass of wine at the Black Cow in Montrose when we got back.
We’re both loving our new shoes! Shopping at an Outlet Mall paid off for us.

Sample Sale Tips

October 7, 2019

Attn: Sample Sales Shopping Enthusiast!
The biggest Sample Sale / Warehouse Season of the year is revving up.
From Late October to Mid-December more Sample and Warehouse Sales happen that at any other time of year.
This is where you find discounts of 50%-95% off on higher quality goods. Most sales happen later in the week, Thursday -Fridays and on weekends.

These are no frills shopping experiences and are for the serious bargain shopper.

Of course information on these sales is posted in Hot Sales or in our Bargain Alerts and Newsletter.

To start the season right, preparation is paramount!

Before you head out:
1. Take your measurements – (Shoulders. Chest, Waist, Hips, In seam, thigh and upper arms circumference). Take the measurements of family members you may buy for.
Write them down and put ‘em in your wallet or cell phone.
2. Eat something before you go- hungry shoppers make bad decisions
3. Pack water, a protein bar snack, some shopping bags and a tape measure!
4. Many Sample Sales don’t have changing rooms so be prepared with prudent underclothes and/or outer clothes that are easy off/ easy on.
Dress comfortably, including good walking shoes.
5. Wear a cross body handbag, fanny pack or put your cards/ cash /cell in your pocket for hands free shopping.
6. Have Cash and ATM/Credit Cards on hand.
7. Plan to get to the sale early. Good sales will draw a crowd.
8. If you’re shopping for home goods or furniture, plan ahead how you will get your treasures home.
9. Parents should leave all children under the age of 12 at home. Do not take strollers.
10. Make a list of what you’re looking for, both for yourself and as gifts.
Even a mental list is better than no list. Shop for what you want first, then cruise for other deals afterward.
Stay focused. Sample Sales & Warehouse Sales can be chaotic and loss of focus will slow you down causing you to lose out to a faster, more organized shopper.

When you get there:
1. Be prepared to rummage. Grab anything that you think you like. You can put it back later if you change your mind.
2. They may not allow try ons or have a dressing areas and the only way to know for sure an item will fit is to measure it.
Don’t be afraid to ask someone there about an item or another size. Many sales hold back and add inventory all day long or over several days.
What you want, may be in the back.
4. Examine everything very carefully for damages, irregular color or stitching. It is steeply discounted for a reason.
5. Try Team Shopping!
A couple of shoppers hit a Sample Sale together pulling items both for themselves and their team member. It’s the fastest way to shop a sale.
Both team members have to really know what the other likes and hopefully be different sizes. This technique works well at all sales.
6. Bring a sense of humor and good manners. It can be tight quarters in chaotic circumstances.
A good sense of humor can save the day and turn a potentially nasty situation around into a good laugh!
7. All Sales are final. Once you’ve bought it, it’s yours. Enjoy your savings!

The Joy of Bargain Shopping

May 16, 2019

It isn’t just about saving money. For avid bargain hunters, it’s also about beating the system and knowing you can ALWAYS find what you need for less without giving up on quality. You can live better for less! That’s the Joy of Bargain Shopping.

There’s a lot of comfort and power in that simple idea.

Need new shoes for work… yes you can find quality designer shoes for the price of a cheap copy.
Need a new tablet? Yes, you can find one for less than retail.
Bed sheets fraying? Bargain hunters know where to go, what they should look for and what they should pay.

The Joy of Bargain Shopping is about living better for less. Not giving into all the hype in the retail marketplace. Bargain shoppers are armed with knowledge, resources and the willingness to hunt. They know that they can have the best for less.

They also know that bargain hunting can be fun and much more satisfying that regular retail shopping.

Imagine budgeting $1000 for Holiday shopping and only spending $400. How about a kitchen remodel budgeted at $22000, but only costing $13000. Perhaps finding a wedding dress for $500 instead of $2500. Maybe you need a new gas range but pay $2000 instead of $5000 or a washer & dryer for $500 instead of $1800? These kinds of savings are realistic to savvy bargain hunters.

Saving real money can be life changing. You’ll have more money for retirement, college tuition, medical bills or even be able to afford a vacation, when you couldn’t otherwise.

Once you realize you don’t have to play the game, full price retailers want you to play, you’re given the freedom to decide how, when and what you’ll spend your money on. You’re in control.

What a concept! Yes you can live better for less.