February 08, 2022
Shopping for Used Furniture
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. …
January 18, 2022
15 Frugal Valentine Day Ideas
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 …
October 06, 2021
The Fast Fashion Problem
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 …
September 16, 2021
Guerrilla Sample Sale Shopping Tips
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 …
August 17, 2021
Buyer Beware
Retailers, whether they are online or a brick and mortar, will try to tell you you’re getting a great deal or something of value, when you are in fact, not. It’s their business to “sell” you.The only defense you have is knowledge and the ability to comparison shop.
March 24, 2021
Catalytic Convertor Protection
Last year we gave our daughter, my old Honda Civic. We had plans to purchase another car, but surprisingly functioning with only one car during Covid has been easier than expected. But it is getting double duty with one or both of us driving it daily.
After our neighbor had her Catalytic Converter stolen off her old Prius, she was forced to buy a new car. OK, that really got our attention.
February 18, 2021
Due Diligence
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 …
February 01, 2021
The Wrong Way to Set Up Your Outlet
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 …
December 08, 2020
Stay Safe and Save!
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 …
October 20, 2020
The Clothes You Love
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 …
September 16, 2020
The Best Way to Buy Used Furniture
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 …
August 20, 2020
Why I Drove 50 Miles to Buy a Vacuum
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 …
July 07, 2020
The New Normal, Online Sample Sales
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 …
March 16, 2020
Paying Retail with No Regrets
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 …
November 07, 2019
Caring for a Favorite Leather Jacket
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 …
October 30, 2019
Shoes for Hubby … and Me
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 …
October 07, 2019
Sample Sale Tips
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 …
May 16, 2019
The Joy of Bargain Shopping
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. …