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Repair, Don’t Replace

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

Few try to repair or get it repaired. I remember when there was a shoe repair shop on almost every corner. You could take your radio to the radio and TV repair shop down the street, but most things you could probably fix yourself. Actually repairing a broken item yourself will give you a nice sense of accomplishment.

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Used Furniture – Re-purpose, Recycle, Re-use.

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

Furniture is expensive, no doubt about it. In spite of the expense, some of the newer furniture is much less well made than older pieces. Whether you are just starting out; wanting to freshen up your own older items; or furnishing a second home, furniture buying can make a big dent in your budget. Ways to save on furniture.

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5 Budget Friendly Ways to Bring More Life to Your Apartment

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

If you already own all of the furniture and accessories you will need to furnish your apartment, this will allow you to do more with less. If you are budgeting for furniture and appliances, your may have more creativity than cash. Here are five ways to stretch your decorating dollars: 1) Buy used furniture.

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Ways to Make Do With What You Have

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

Get some shoe polish and shine up those old shoes, take them to a shoe repair shop to have the re-heeled or soled if they are worn down. This used to be a common occurrence with a shoe repair shop on every main street. Learn to hem and patch and sew on buttons to repair minor issues with clothing. Go Frugal Go Green'

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Collecting – Tips for Fun and Profit

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

Some things can be repaired, but usually true collectors want original condition. Don’t clean or repair immediately. For awhile, there was a trend called ‘Shabby Chic’ Old wooden furniture, painted white – with crackled or chipped finishes – were highly regarded by collectors and decorators.

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Not So Free – Free Things

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

I love going to garage sales. These things now live in our garage, taking up space that we don’t have! I don’t like mahogany furniture, and hubby hasn’t gotten around to spending time on those end tables, so I doubt these things will ever be of much use to us. Free is good, right? Maybe, maybe not.

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Should You Spend Your Money on Home Re-Decorating?

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

Have you ever shopped at neighborhood garage sales? You will find the most amazing collections of nearly new home decorating materials at them – beautiful lined panel drapes; lovely dining room furniture and display cases; wall art, wing back chairs, clocks and more – all for a pittance.

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