Just a Few Finds

Hey y'all! I have been so busy the past few weeks that I didn't have a chance to go to as many garage sales as I would've liked. I did find some cool stuff at the few I stopped at, though.

 

Basket with Vintage Ornaments - $2.00

Spools of Fancy Ribbon (NEW) - 25 cents each

I just love these ornaments. The colors are so pretty together! During Christmastime, I think I'll display them in a tall vase. Love the basket, too! You can never have too many baskets, ya know.

Vintage Vanity Tray (NEW) - $1.00

I needed another vanity tray for my 1950's beauty-inspired bathroom. The one I have now actually belonged to my great-grandmother. This one will match it perfectly! I was happy to find it. Gotta love that old-school packaging, too. If I keep the box, does that mean I have issues? Hope not.

LED Snowflake Lights (NEW) - $1.00

Christmas in July! Last year, we used all LED lights for our outdoor display and I absolutely loved the icy look of them. Watch out, Griswolds. Oh yeah, and see the original price? 24.99...SCORE!

Scrabble Junior Game - 50 cents

Scrabble Game - $1.00

Vintage Book - 25 cents

I am loving all of the Scrabble games I'm finding for my crafting! Those little wooden letters are so darn cute - I just can't pass them up. I have accumulated a lot of Scrabble boards, too. Any ideas about what I can do with those?

Dirt Devil Spot Scrubber - $4.00

Funny story. I was at my aunt's house last week, and her dog went pee pee on the carpet. She busted out her Dirt Devil (I believe it's identical to the one above) and told me that I absolutely needed to purchase one  because they were a life-saver for any pet owner. I immediately asked my mom if I could get one from Santa this year. Oh, most adults don't get gifts from Santa? Sucks to be them! Who would've thought that I'd find a Dirt Devil at a garage sale a few days later? Crazy times. It sells for around $40 in stores!

 Computer Keyboard and Mouse (NEW) - $1.00

I plan to rip all of the keys off and make something out of the letters. Anyone need a computer mouse?

Columbia Zip-up Sweatshirt - $1.00

I don't usually buy clothes at garage sales, but I just couldn't pass up this Columbia sweatshirt. It'll be great for marching band in the fall when it starts to get a lil' nippy out. It was my size, so I took it as a sign, got them to knock 2 bucks off the price, and brought it home!

 Scotch Poster Tape - 25 cents

Children's Flashcards - 50 cents

I need poster tape for my classroom. Don't remind me that school starts in two weeks. Just don't. I thought these flashcards were so adorable! They have bright, colorful images that I can use for crafting, card making, or collages!

Hanging Wire Basket - 25 cents

I thought this would be so cool for something. I just don't know what yet. Storage? Decorating? Hmmm.
I will gladly accept your ideas and suggestions!

Patriotic Vase - 50 cents

Candle Plate - 25 cents

Mickey Mouse Coaster Set (NEW) - 50 cents

I think I have a Mickey Mouse addiction. I just love these coasters.
So.
Much.
Since they don't match my house in any way, shape, or form, I am going to use them for my computer desk.

Mickey and Minnie Framed Posters - $1.00

Yep. I'm obsessed. Again, these don't match a thing in my house. I will proudly hang them in the garage, because HOW CUTE ARE THEY?! I have always loved Minnie and Mickey in their 80's gear. If I remember correctly, I had the same poster in my playroom as a child. Good times!

So that's it for now. Oh yeah, I garbage-picked some cool stuff today. More coming soon!

Take Time for Lemonade,
Kris

The Box Top Saga

Oftentimes throughout my garage sale travels, I encounter some pretty interesting people. Women who insist that I come into their houses to see their decor, men who tell me long-winded tales about their boyhood experiences, and well-meaning people who tell me the past life tale of every artifact on sale in their garage. Unfortunately, along with the quirky folks come the not-so-friendly ones.

I really don't appreciate mean people in general, but crabby garage sale hosts really dampen the mood. I'm sure it's something like a pouty Disney World employee (though I've never seen one) - quite unnatural and very contradictory amidst a backdrop of joyous junk purchasing. Debbie Downers. Negative Nancies. Ya know?

Anyway. So a couple of weeks ago I  was browsing at a garage sale and saw a Rubbermaid bin filled with odds and ends. Usually, this means that the junk inside is not part of the more important merchandise - pieces, fragments, unknown doo dads, and whatnot. This particular bin had covers to plastic tupperware, half-colored coloring books, broken McDonald's toys, ceramic coffee mugs that had been stained brown from years of use, and at the bottom, a particularly charming wicker box top. The box top looked like it had once been paired with a box, but was discarded once the box proved to be useful without it. Just a little wicker box lid. Imagine this, but just the lid (and a lot smaller):

You may be thinking - "now why in the world would she want to buy the lid to a box, without the darn box?!" Well, my dear readers - I have strange visions. I see dead people. Just kidding. Really though, I see potential. I see craft items in pieces of junk. When I saw this box top, I thought that it would make a great picture holder, collage, or centerpiece accent. Who knows? But I wanted it. And I wanted it for cheap.

I walked over to the lady, holding the box top that I just salvaged from the bottom of a bin filled with the  other garage sale misfits, and asked the owner the price. Here is our conversation:

Me: Excuse me, ma'am. How much are you asking for this? (Holding up the box lid)
Lady: That? 50 cents.
Me: Alright, thank you. Would you take a quarter?
Lady: (with a snippy attitude) Absolutely not. I'll take 50 cents.
Me: Ok then.
Lady: I still have a couple hours of my sale left, you know. I'm not just going to GIVE the stuff away.

Alright lady...I get it. Chill. But I go to a lot of garage sales. I will encounter HUNDREDS of box lids in my day, and I will pay a quarter (or less) for all of them. I didn't want the box top THAT badly - especially after the little attitude she pulled on me. I put the box top back, and headed to my next sale. I sure didn't appreciate the mean lady anyhow.

A week passes. It is a Friday.

As I'm driving around at garage sales, I see the same lady's sign up again. I recognized it because her poor attitude was burned into my memory, and somehow, so was her street name. I decided to go back, mostly for my own satisfaction. You see, I KNEW the box lid would still be there. No doubt in my mind. No one else would buy a box lid from a garage sale except me (and maybe my crafty aunt - but that's about it). Also, it was obvious that if the lady was having a sale for a second weekend in a row, she must not have done too well at her first one. Either that, or she had a lot left to sell. The box top was mine.

I walked up the driveway with a little smirk on my face. Well, it might have been just in my head - but I remember physically trying to hold back my grin. I wonder if the lady recognized me. Probably. Oh, well. What did I care?  I walked right up to the same old bin, filled with the same old junk. There, right where I left it, was my little box lid. Our second encounter:

Me: Excuse me, ma'am. How much are you asking for this? (holding up the box lid once again)
Lady: (quickly) 75 cents.
Me: Hmm. Would you take a quarter by any chance?
Lady: No. I'll take 75 cents.

So now I'm mad. I'm just plain irritated. Not only does the lady fail to sell her PRECIOUS box lid during her first weekend sale (three whole days), but she RAISES her prices? We're not talking about furniture, here. Lady, this isn't some heirloom.  Stick to your guns when it comes to selling your vacuum cleaner. Say the "price is firm" when you're talking about a collectable. BUT A LITTLE BOX LID? You're killin' me here!

Needless to say, I left. No box lid, and a bad mood. I was not a fan of this chick.

Two days pass. It's a Sunday. I am driving home from breakfast with my husband when I see her sign again. Since I don't give up easily, I thought we'd swing by for one more go at the box top. At this point, it wasn't about the box top anymore. It was about something much bigger - my pride, and my reputation as the garage sale queen. There was a lot at stake.

Since the lady perhaps had a personal grudge against me for some reason, I thought it might be a good idea to send my husband in for the win. I gave him a single quarter, and with a serious expression and hope in my eyes, bid him adieu, hoping he'd come back with my box top in hand. Since it was the last day of her sale (now the sixth total), I thought she'd definitely be willing to let go of the box top for twenty-five cents. Once again, there was no doubt in my mind - the box lid was still there. After a while of explaining exactly what the heck he was looking for, I sent my husband in to finish the battle I started. We're a team, you know.

I slid the passenger car seat all the way into the reclined position so that "my friend" wouldn't see me. It felt so official...kinda like a secret spy mission. After about three minutes, I saw my husband walking back to the car - EMPTY HANDED. Womp womp. Here's how it all went down:

Bill: Excuse me, how much is this ?(holding up the box lid, who by this point has gotten its hopes up far too many times)
Lady: 50 cents.
Bill: Would you take a quarter?
Lady: No. 50 cents.

So there you have it. The evil woman has her previous lid, and I am lid-less. Such is life. Hope she loves it, cherishes it, and makes something beautiful out of it like I would have.

You may think I'm crazy. Some of you are thinking, "so why didn't you just pay the darn 50 cents?" It's the principle of the thing. At that point, it was a competition, and I was not about to stoop to her level. She wasn't going to win the box top challenge. Not on my watch!

Take Time for Lemonade,
Kristin

Gift Wrapping on the Cheap

One of my favorite things to buy at garage sales is wrapping supplies. There's no need to spend a ton of money in order to make a gift look beautiful, and those party stores will definitely empty your pockets! With wrapping paper selling in stores for around $4 a roll and bows for around $2 or $3, you have to get creative. Since I enjoy making presents look pretty when I go to showers, weddings, birthdays or other events, I have learned to pick up accents throughout my garage sale adventures. After all, it's all about presentation!

Here are a few examples of wrapping "on the cheap" :

EXHIBIT A:

 

Baby Shower Gift

Wrapping Paper (Garage Sale) - 25 cents

Ribbon (Garage Sale) - 25 cents

Baby Bottle (Garage Sale) - 5 cents

Buttons (Garage Sale) - less than 5 cents

Wire Spiral - 10 cents

Picture Frame (Bargain Buy) - 50 cents

Entire Wrapped Gift - about $1.20

(with materials left over!)

 

 I filled the little plastic baby bottle with some white buttons, and included some blue socks and a blue wire spiral to add some cuteness to the package. Also, it's always good to put something personal in a frame when you give one as a gift. If you don't have photos, use a personalized message!

You may recognize the little beaded spiral accent from one of my previous posts:

I simply stretched out the wire a little bit and cut it in half with a wire cutter. Then, I crimped the edges over so they weren't sharp and the beads didn't fall off. 

EXHIBIT B:

I made these bags for the prize winners at my Fourth of July party:

Party Prize Packages

Colorful Lunch Bags (Bargain Buy) - 20 cents each

Ribbon (Garage Sale) - 25 cents

Gift Tags (After Christmas Clearance) - 10 cents for all

Colorful Brads (Garage Sale) - 25 cents

Flag Toothpicks (Dollar Store) - $1.00 for a big bag

Shredded Glimmer Filler (Garage Sale) - 25 cents

All Wrapped Prizes (8 bags total) - around $3.45

(with materials left over!)

I cut up the extra bags to make "frames" around the tags. That way, the bags coordinated perfectly together, since it would be difficult to find paper to match that exactly.

EXHIBIT C:

Tropical Birthday Gift

Plain Colorful Wrapping Paper (Bargain Bin) - 99 cents each

Beach Paper Cut-outs (Garage Sale) - 25 cents

Beach Flowered Wire (Garage Sale) - 25 cents

Stickers (Garage Sale) - 25 cents

Entire Wrapped Gift - around $3.75

Decorative wire is great for many purposes, but it especially works well for making big bows on big gifts (like the one shown above). Get creative and have fun! Make sure your gift is the best looking one on the table. No one will believe how much you spent on the wrapping job! Don't forget, though - the best part about giving gifts is putting a smile on someone's face. So gift away!

Take Time for Lemonade,

Kris

Garage Sale Glory

It was a fun weekend for garage saleing, and I found some pretty cool stuff. It was REALLY hot on Friday morning, but with the lemonade stands to keep me going, I made it through without any major calamities. Here are some of my finds:

 Disney Road Signs - 25 cents each

These will look super cute in the garage. These are actually from Disneyland, and I LOVE finding souvenirs from the actual park (for a lot cheaper, too). Mickey never fails to make me smile.

Books - 25 cents each, plus some freebies

You'll notice that I even picked up some HARD COVER books from the Harry Potter and Twilight series. What a find! These are great for my classroom. I also found two books written by my friend's mom, Lynn Austin. She's such a talented writer, and I highly recommend reading her books (harmless plug). Not sure if she would be happy that her "babies" were in a garage sale, but in a way, I think the person who sold them simply wanted to share the joy with others. That goal was surely accomplished! Did anyone notice the free bookmark? I guess it was a "free with purchase" item. Haha.

Assorted Bins and Baskets - $1.00 for all

Originally, I only wanted to buy the green bin. When the lady told me that it was $1.00, I put it back, because I thought I could get it for 50 cents (I know...I'm THAT petty). She must have saw the sadness in my eyes, because she proceeded to throw every bucket, basket, and bin she owned into the deal - including a cute pink fabric box. SWEET! Obviously, I gladly took them. You can never have too many bins for organizing, and that's the truth, my friends. How else do you think I store and organize my garage sale finds?

Rolling Desk Chair - $3.00

I was in the market for a desk chair for my new basement craft area. Although I saw FOUR throughout my Friday garage saleing trip, none of them met my price expectations. Eventually, I found this beauty (originally marked $5.00) and paid $3.00 for it. Take off the dog hair with a lint brush, and I'm good to go! Haha. Hey, the world's an imperfect place.

Assorted Scrapbook Paper - $1.00 for all

Bag of Magnet Strips - 50 cents

Chipboard Album - 25 cents

Rubber Stamps - 25 cents 

Bag of fabric flowers - 25 cents

Stack of blank white books - $1.00

SIX packs of iron-on black letters - 50 cents

I simply can't pass up cheap craft supplies. I just can't. Can you see how cute those rubber stamps are? I picked up two with vintage cars on them, one with an old antique fan on it (think of the possibilities here), and one that fits perfectly with my blog as it reads "When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade." I must say, I adore the feeling of organizing my craft supplies into their appropriate containers. The nerd in me loves to organize, and that nerd especially loves to organize craft bins.

Wooden Frames - 20 cents each

1980's (ish) Cabbage Patch Kids Stationary (NEW) - 25 cents

Vintage-looking Harrod's Candy Tin - 25 cents

Door Knob Decoration - $1.00

Tie-Out Chain (for Jake) - 50 cents

I just love the door knob decoration for my key room. If you've been to my house, you know what I'm talking about. I might paint it, though. I have to think about it for a little longer. Although my husband begged me not to buy any more stationary, I couldn't pass up the Cabbage Patch Kids paper pad. It brought me back to my childhood! It's not often that someone can achieve that level of nostalgia for a mere quarter. I have a stationary addiction, and it isn't pretty. The tie-out chain is also a great example of perseverance. Last year, I bought the stake for Jake (the kind you screw into the ground) and knew I would be able to find a tie-out eventually. It took me a while, but I found it! I'm so glad I didn't give-in to temptation and buy one from the store. YAY!

Ballparks Book - 25 cents

Hockey Pennant - 50 cents

To distract my husband from the fact that I bought (more) stationary, I picked up a few presents for him. He is a big baseball fan and loves his new book, complete with beautiful, color panoramic photos of America's ballparks. It's a pretty huge book, so I'm sure it wasn't cheap. He also likes his new pennant, since he is a BIG NERD when it comes to vintage sports logos (or current ones, for that matter). Just add it to the list of the silly reasons why I adore him.

"Create Your Own Story Book" Set (NEW) - $1.00

Redken Box Set (NEW) - $1.00

Glitter Eyeliner Set (NEW) - 25 cents

I get so darn pumped-up when I find things that are brand spanking new. This time, I even found new DESIGNER items. Cheap shampoo for this girl? PUH-LEESE! I am moving on up to some Redken. I'm pretty sure this set would sell for around $30 in stores. I also love the story book set. I haven't decided if I'm going to give it to a lucky child or keep all of the pieces for myself (it comes with a TON of craft stuff - glitter, sequins, markers, ribbon, stickers, etc.). The glitter eyeliner will likely go to a student at school who wins a game or something like that. If there's one thing I know - freshman girls like glitter. And eyeliner. Therefore, I deduced that they also enjoy glitter eyeliner, although this hypothesis hasn't been researched fully.

 

Yankee Candle Tarts - $1.00 for 5

Wrapping Paper (NEW) - 25 cents

Luau Decoration (NEW) - 25 cents

Gift Bags - 10 cents each

Another thing I never pass up is gift wrapping items. I still can't comprehend why someone would sell gift bags. You ALWAYS need gift bags! Don't these people give away gifts? The darn things cost a ton in the store. Silly people. I've gotten Yankee tarts cheaper before, but they included some of my favorite scents, so I caved. They sell for $2 in stores so I guess I can't complain. Funny story, though - - when I was shopping at the sale and saw the Yankee tarts, one had a price sticker right over the scent name. It said "Gar [sticker] Cucumber." My stupid self thought, "Oh, garlic cucumber. Interesting combination. I guess I'll give it a whirl." After removing the sticker, it turns out it's "Garden Cucumber." That's a lot more normal. Not sure how popular of a scent Garlic Cucumber would be. Strangely, I'd buy it.

Baby Pool (for Jake) - $1.00

So, I bought my puppy, Jake, a baby pool last week for almost $15 from the store. I was devastated! I looked all summer to find one at a garage sale and never did. I was forced to give in. Then, out of nowhere, AFTER I had already bought the expensive store pool, I found this gem, complete with happy snorkeling penguins and their jolly pelican friends. I was very happy to return the original pool to the store. Problem solved. My little pup gets too hot in this summer weather, and one of his favorite things in life is water. Sometimes, he even "swims" in his water bowl. It's so bad, yet cute.

At this point in my garage sale journey, I headed down the back roads and into the country. It was refreshing -  driving along, listening to Blake Shelton's new CD, enjoying a beautiful American afternoon. Gotta love the simple things.

 Door Hinges - FREE

On my way, I found these gems in someone's garbage pile. They were throwing out some old doors, and left a little box next to them. I had a feeling there were going to be some cool parts inside, and by golly, there were!

 

"Go Duster" (NEW) - $1.00

"Mighty Mend-It" (NEW) - 50 cents

I am always fascinated by the "As Seen on TV" products. Those marketing people are pure genius. I mean, who else can make everyone in America yearn to become the proud owner of a "Snuggie?" A robe plus blanket in ONE comfortable invention? Sign me up! I just had to pick up these TV products. They seem pretty life-altering, but I'll have to let you know. Much to my surprise, the "Mighty Mend-It" also came with a bag of free gems! SCORE!

The last stop of the day was where I hit the JACKPOT. If you know me, you know that I love all things Disney. If you know me even better, you know that at Christmastime, I have a Disney tree (with all Disney ornaments on it). Therefore, you can possibly understand how excited I was to find a bunch of pristine, in-the-box, Hallmark Disney ornaments for sale. Pure joy.

 

Vintage Donald Hallmark Ornament - $2.00

Santa Mickey Hallmark Ornament - $2.00

Patriotic Mickey Hallmark Ornament - $2.00

Shopping Minnie and Mickey Hallmark Ornaments - $2.00

Eeyore Hallmark Ornament - $2.00

Minnie Mailbox Hallmark Ornament - $2.00

Tinkerbell Hallmark Ornament - $2.00

Sleeping Beauty (Aurora) Hallmark Ornament - $2.00

Little Mermaid (Ariel) Hallmark Ornament - $2.00

Snow White Hallmark Ornament - $2.00

Cinderella's Carriage Hallmark Ornament - $2.00

Mickey and Minnie Ice Skating Hallmark Ornament - $2.00

Mickey and Minnie Soda Shoppe Hallmark Ornament - $2.00

Vintage Pluto Hallmark Ornament - $2.00

Although I spent more than I usually do at garage sales, it was SO worth it. Not only are these older boxed ornaments harder to find now, but they sell for somewhere between $12 and $20. I was so, so happy to find them and give them a new place on my Disney Christmas tree. When I got them home, I looked at them all for a good hour. I know that's not normal, but I don't care. I love them so much. I think the Ariel one is my favorite. I mean, come on now, she's sitting in an oyster for crying out loud.

Having a feeling of utter joy and ready to call it quits, I drove past a lemonade stand with little girls waving their arms frantically through the air, hoping desperately for a customer. Of course, I stopped. This lemonade stand had many options! Obviously, they were professionals. I was offered regular, pink, or blue lemonade. I chose blue, and it was really yummy. Happy kids. Happy garage saler. Happy day.

Life is good today.

Take Time for Lemonade,

Kris

Free from a real store?! Woah.

This is a new concept to me, and I don't know how often I will partake in the madness, but I'm sure by now you've heard of "extreme couponing." There's a show on TLC, and basically, there is a movement of people who study grocery patterns, sales, and collect hundreds of coupons in order to get the majority of their household groceries for close to nothing. Pretty cool, but very complicated, too.

My friend Katie has given me some couponing tips, and directed me to a particularly awesome deal at Target this week. Since the store was running a sale on Sharpie pens (usually $1.62, but reduced to $1.00), and there was a Target coupon for Sharpie pens that was worth $1.00 - they were completely FREE! WOO HOO! I was so excited! I had a stupid, goofy smile on my face and felt like I just conquered the world. You can even ask my husband; I actually yelled "yahoo!" and fist pumped the air as I walked jubilantly through the Target parking lot. Funny what a free pack of markers can do for someone's life outlook.

Here they are, in all their glory:

 

I absolutely LOVE these markers for crafting. Perfect for writing thin, yet bold. Strange concept, but you'll have to trust me. I am proud to say that I am the proud owner of TWELVE NEW, and FREE Sharpies! 

Here's the proof for you nonbelievers:

 

Thanks again to my friend Katie, the coupon queen, for introducing me to this awesome life! I don't know if I can handle it like a pro, but this sure got me all riled up!

Take Time for Lemonade,
Kris

What 6 Bucks Can Get Ya

On Saturday, I found a particularly awesome sale in a church. Since they had the sale on Friday as well and were looking to get rid of their huge stash, they had a bag sale.

Basically, anything you could fit into a brown shopping bag was only $2.00 (and yes, it could even "hang out" of the top). I was real excited! I got there when they opened and started filling my bags! I ended up getting three whole bags filled with treasures.

This is what $6.00 can get you:

 

Can anyone find the wind-up, walking nose? It's for my desk at school. Hahaha. I have a lot of strange artifacts on my desk - it scares the kids sometimes, and I find it hilarious.

Lemme show you some of the specific items that I enjoy...

TONS of books! I plan to use them for my crafting, personal reading, and for my classroom bookshelf. I especially love the hardcover, Mitch Albom's "The Five People You Meet in Heaven," and the vintage book "A Husband is Someone Who" - there are a lot of cute vintage images and quotes that can make for some cute collages, cards, or gift items. To put my deals into perspective, one of these books alone has a price tag on it for $13.99. WOO HOO!

 

I also found a file organizer, greeting cards, a huge roll of masking tape, a card game, and an awesome Brookstone calculator. I adore this calculator - it's sooo fancy schmancy!  And who would ever get rid of a full roll of masking tape? Isn't that something you always need? Maybe it's the teacher in me speaking, here.

I'm in love with these vintage Christmas prints! Any ideas for some cool crafts or decorations? I also picked up some mason jars for crafting, an Independence Day bowl, an easel (always useful), and an old splatter shield? I think that's what it is. Either way, I like things that are old and rusty, so it definitely fit the description! I might add it to the collection of old kitchen items I have displayed above my kitchen cabinets.

 

I also got some nice wooden shelves (either for using as actual shelves or for crafting), some pretty baskets, a bunny headband for Jake (it's pink! haha), some tin flowers (I think they're candle holders, but I see them used in a craft...SO adorable!), and a "Instrumental Moods" CD (for when the children get crazy at school). Hey, I'm willing to try anything.

Last but not least...CRAFT HEAVEN! I was super pumped about all of the craft supplies I bagged. TONS of old metal and wooden photo frames, cute nested colorful boxes, lots of pretty ribbon (most new), vintage earrings (for embellishments), and so much more. To put my deals into perspectve, ONE of the ribbon spools shown here sells for $3.99 in stores. WOO HOO! I can't wait to get creative!

That's that, folks. If I ever get a chance to go to a "bag sale" again, I'll be thrilled. It was definitely an exciting day for this junker.

Take Time for Lemonade,

Kris

Nothing is free in this world, except...

Today was free slurpee day at 7-11! Did you get yours? Don't get TOO excited, because it's only 7 ounces (good size for a toddler...maybe). Hey, it's the thought that counts, though. I really enjoyed it on a hot day like today. I got Blue Raspberry, and it was dee-lish!

The free slurpee got me thinking. There really aren't many things in this world that are really, truly free. I mean, there's "buy one get one free" sales, and then there's "buy this product and you get a free [insert cheap item here]!" Sometimes, you can get a free lunch, but it usually implies that next time, it's your treat.

Luckily, though, there ARE some things in this world that are totally, 100% FREE.

EXHIBIT A:

DUMPSTER DIVER DISCOUNT!

Hose Reel Box - FREE!

(sells for around $50 in stores)

EXHIBIT B:

DUMPSTER DIVER DISCOUNT!

Fire Pit - FREE!

(sells for over $100 in stores)

EXHIBIT C:

DUMPSTER DIVER DISCOUNT!

Handmade Wooden Cradle - FREE!

* Note, I intend to spray paint this with some beige crackle, but haven't gotten around to it yet. Also, I know that the flowers are half-dead. I am the world's worst gardener and should probably just stop trying.

What I've learned from these experiences is to (a) pay close attention while driving through neighborhoods on garbage days, because it's definitely NOT all "garbage!" (b) get up early. Whether or not you believe it, a lot of people do this. I actually have seen people pull up to "garbage pick" something two seconds before me. This one person picked up a BEAUTIFUL oak bookshelf that I wanted for my classroom. Oh, well. You win some, you lose some. Finally, (c) have no shame. It's people who paid full price who should be ashamed.

So...are there any other closet "pickers" out there? Let me know the coolest thing you ever got for FREE!

Take Time for Lemonade,

Kris