Greetings! Notice anything different around here? Despite my lack of understanding of web design mixed with my utter laziness about learning new things on the computer, I have (at least for the time being) adjusted my blog theme. To whom it may concern (mom) the link to leave a comment is now at the upper left hand side of the page.

I did it mainly for a new font, and to try to teach myself. If only I could go back in time and relearn all of the code I learned in high school technology class…

I sure enjoyed my previous post, and the little vent session it included. I also enjoyed everyone’s comments and insights into the evil workings of our capitalist regime! However, I’m feeling back in the consumer spirit again. We spent a little time at Target today (no, I don’t live there… yet…), and I also did a different kind of shopping this morning…

What’s more summery than a Garage Sale? (You’d better believe this one is going to be a rave!)

Furniture, clothing, dishes and appliances. Toys, gadgets, gifts and textiles. All for cheaper than those magazines and 100 calorie packs and bottled water we’re trying not to buy, right?

First, my purchases from today:

and a few more from garage sales/ rummage sales/ bazaars past!

Ahhh, that’s better! I feel better about those $7 tampons already! Other non-pictured garage sale scores from the past include puzzles for the kids at work, a TV, a file organizer, hand crafted nightstand, and the tray that would eventually become a gift mentioned in this post.

Now, how about a quick list of what I love most about garage sales (or yard sales, rummage sales, whatever you call them)…

1. The prices. Um, obviously the main appeal to these sales is the price. You can often barter your way to pay pretty much anything you want, especially if the person is moving and desperate to be rid of stuff.

2. The surprise. When you stop at a sale, you never know if you’ll hit the jackpot or totally strike out. But even at sales where I get nothing, I usually at least end up seeing something interesting to talk about. And it sometimes feels like a victory when you find the diamond in the rough (and when I say rough, I’m talking about tables and tables of mangy baby clothes and chewed up infant toys. The bane of my garage sale existence…)

3. The people. Sometimes in the “big bad city,” I forget to meet my neighbors. Whoops! Garage sales make it easy to stop by, chat about common interests (as it is fairly obvious what they are into when you see their stuff strewn all over card tables) and be friendly with humanity. You might even make a new friend!

4. The treats. A lot of times people give out refreshments at their sales (especially the bigger sales or estate sales)- lemonade, cookies, brownies… It’s not something you can count on, but it’s a nice surprise!

5. The earth. Yes, there is nothing better than getting something for super cheap, that would otherwise probably end up in the garbage. Recycling, friends! Everyone wins!

What’s the best thing you ever scored at a garage sale? Do you bargain with people or just pay the asking price? Where else do you get your bargain goods?

Meri