Prairie Eco-Thrifter

OCTOBER 15, 2015

Years ago, Mom introduced me to the idea of going to garage sales. People sell the darnedest things at their garage sales. Garage sales take time, you have to hit quite a few before you find the item you want or need. If you are in more of a hurry, find a thrift store instead.

Garage Sale 100

Garage Sale Garage Finds Sale 100

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

MARCH 25, 2014

Just look at the many people scouring garage sales in the summer. Likewise, thrift stores are always full of people. Blender Fifteen years ago, I bought a blender at a garage sale for $3. Toaster Oven I bought a toaster oven at a garage sale for $2. I saved hundreds of dollars this way.

Buying Second-Hand 177

Buying Second-Hand Saving Money Money Garage Sale 177

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

SEPTEMBER 27, 2017

We do put up decorations (ones I buy at garage sales or thrift stores and reuse each year). Search the attic, the backs of the closets, the garage and see what inspiration presents. Dad’s old cowboy hat and a rope from the garage can be the start of a cowboy get up. Tip # 2 Recycle/reuse costumes.

Halloween 138

Halloween Green Reuse Garage 138

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

MAY 23, 2017

As a young mom, I saved like mad – going to garage sales, thrift stores and accepting hand me downs on toys and clothing. Over my life, I have been primarily a saver. But, in college, I spent my summer earnings – on clothes, on a used car and on school activities.

Making 124

Making Recession College 401K 124

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

FEBRUARY 13, 2017

We leave the nest – move out of Mom and Dad’s well stocked home. Some get stuff from stores, the less financially favored head for thrift stores, garage sales, Mom’s house or the trash pickup routes. Starting the life independent. You get stuff. You donate to suitable charities.

Cycle 113

Cycle Kids and Family Friends And Family Sale Garage Sale 113

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

APRIL 11, 2016

Garage sale and thrift store furniture bargains abound. On Mom’s WWII era Lane cedar chest, I used a product called Howard’s Restore-a-Finish to cover the multitude of chips and scratches from the used furniture I wanted to keep. But there are ways to save – consider used furniture.

Re-use 100

Re-use Used Furniture Furniture Recycle 100

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

APRIL 3, 2013

Although Mom didn’t sew much (she did mend), she made sure I took Home Ec in high school. Today it is much less expensive to buy your clothes, even if you buy brand new and certainly if you shop some of the chic re-sale shops or even the thrift stores. Sewing today has dropped out of main stream life.

Sewing 201

Sewing Sewing Machines Machines Saving Money 201