Facebook Online Garage Sale Groups

Y’all know I love to get my hunt on……garage sales, Craig’s List, thrift stores, consignments stores, flea markets, ebay, no matter the store front virtual or not I love to search for a good deal! Even if I was Mrs. $Money Banks$ I would still hunt!

-Many of our decorations are from Goodwill
-Some of my favorite props are ones that I spent $5 on at flea market
-Ninja’s home (our bunny) is a 2 story apartment was found for dirt cheap off Craig’s List. Bunny condos are freaking expensive but not his abode!
-And the list goes on and on!

With a little one on the way the hunt has been even more necessary than before as we try to prepare without breaking the bank. As many know babies outgrow things at the speed of light and they need a lot of contraptions! Enter The Hunter…..Moi! I’ve been dead set on finding items for Weston (our little bean on the way) at great to reasonable prices! Kiddos outgrow things so quickly that most of the items we’ve bought are in brand new condition even some with the tags still on them!

 

Online Facebook Garage Sale Groups Are Your BFF

What are they? Basically they are exactly what they are called, online garage sale groups hosted through Facebook’s group feature.

How does it work? Members of the group post items they would like to sale usually with price and details on the item. Other members then leave a comment under the post saying they’re interested, making a lower offer if you think the listed price is too high, or asking further questions about the item. The seller will then offer the item to commenters in the order the comments are left…..pretty much a virtual line.

Most items are listed as PPU (Porch Pick Up) meaning you agree on a price swing by their house on a agreed upon time and the item will be waiting for you on their porch. Most items are paid for through paypal or by leaving cash at a top secret spot. ;o) I actually prefer PPUs. I feel it’s safer and I don’t really want to go into anyone’s home or garage. With that being said I always take Kent with me just to be safe.

How can I find groups near me? Log into Facebook and search Online Garage Sale city name (enter surrounding cities that you wouldn't mind driving to pick up your items. You should find several groups you can request to join! Once you’re in the group make friends and ask other members for recommendations on a few of their favorite groups. You can find general garage groups but you can also narrow down your search for groups that sale specific items (kids clothing, infant gear, antiques, and so on). I’m currently a member of 11 groups. The more you join the more goodies you see! 

Tips!
-Be sure to read the guidelines. Each group is a little different. Some are stricter than others so be sure you understand how things work.

-Learn the lingo!  
        PPU-Porch Pick Up
        PPUO-Porch Pick Up Only
        ISO- In Search Of
        OBO- Or Best Offer
        NWOT- New Without Tags
        NWT- New With Tags

-If you see something you’re interested in and it’s at a great price JUMP ON IT! When items are in great condition and priced well they fly.

-Get in line! If you see something you want but see several others already in line go ahead and leave a comment saying you’re interested. Many times people change their minds and you may get lucky and be the next one up.

-Don’t be shy to ask for a lower price if you feel the item is overpriced. Most times they will say sure!

-Respond quickly! This is the same for buyer and sellers. If you’re posting items you want to sale post at a time that you are available to answer questions quickly so folks don’t lose interest. On the flip side if you’ve left a comment that you’re interested in an item be courteous to the seller and let them know quickly so they can offer it to someone else if you decide to pass.    

-Inspect your items before you drive away with them! It’s up to the seller to be responsible and honest but it’s also your responsibility to make sure you’re happy with what you’re buying. If it’s a PPU and you’re not happy with what you see leave it on the porch and contact the seller immediately to let them know you decided to pass and why.

-When you’re posting an item be sure to include as much detail in your discretion as you can and be honest with things that have scuffs or need a little TLC. The more detail you leave the less time you’ll spend answering questions.

-When selling items if you really want to see it go bye-bye list it at a fair price. No one cares that you’ve had it for a year, spent $100 on it, and have a huge attachment to it. We’re all there looking for a great deal so if you want your items gone fast list them for fair prices!

What have you recently snatch from your garage sale groups?

I have a running list of items I need/want and try my best to only buy something if it’s an item I’m going to use now or need for the baby.  Here are a few of our recent finds!

 

Weston’s bedding. The set is from Land of Nod and in great condition! For $30.00 the seller included:  2 crib sheets, 1 new mattress protector, bumper, crib skirt, and padded changing pad cover. I’m in love with the colors and flexibility! We’re doing his room in a vintage theme so I think this will look great!

 

$25 Electric smoker for Kent! He’s wanted one for the longest and was thrilled! We’ve had some yummy smoked chicken and salmon so far!

$4 Diaper wipe warmer for my studio! I don’t plan to use one for Weston but for my sleeping itty-bitty clients I think it will be great!

New in box magnification cosmetic mirror with light and wall mount $25.  
This has been on my list for the longest but they are freaking expensive!!!!  This one was priced a little higher than I would like to pay but she had tons of people in line so I couldn’t offer her a lower price. Paying $25 is way better than $100 though!

 

Boppy pillow with pillow case and My Breast Friend pillow case $5

 

Everything you see below was purchased for $50 from a church garage sale. The guy that we bought the smoker from told us about a huge garage sale that was happening. So glad he shared his scoop with us! Don’t be shy to ask people you interact with in the group if they know of any consignment events or great garage sales going one.

 

 

Good stuff huh?
Now get out there find some garage sale groups and start hunting!

Project Life:I Want To Do It But Where Do I Start?

I have several friends that want to start Project Life albums this year but feel overwhelmed and are not sure where to start. Can you sympathize? If so this post if for you!

Let me start off by saying that I am in no way affiliated with Becky Higgins or Project Life. I’m just a customer who loves the product and wants to help!

The Good Ol’ Days:
I miss how Becky used to sale her kits. It was a one stop shop type of thing. You paid for a full kit and got everything you needed to complete an album in one whack. I’m glad I started Project Lifeing (It’s a cool word let’s go with it) before the change. Now everything is sold separately and you need to purchase the items you think you need for your kit. I get it but I can see how this could be overwhelming to someone who is new the whole Project Life craze.

Nuts and Bolts:
The great thing about PL is that it’s simple. It’s all done for you. All you need is a little time, printed photos, and a pen. That’s it! You can take it as far as you want to go after you have the basic items or you and keep it simple.  With that being said the Core Kit is a big part of the simplicity of Project Life. It’s the design element that’s pulls it all together. This is where you want to start!

Select a core kit that you love. This year I’m using Clementine! 

 

 

The Album:
Now that you have your design elements picked out it’s time to add an album to your cart. Becky has an album designed to match each core kit. You can select your core kit’s album or choose her solid white album. I always go with the album that coordinates with the kit I’m using.

 

 

The Pages:
This is where it can get a little tricky. There are several different photo page designs and Becky is not the only company that sales great quality photo pages that work with the Project Life album.

My suggestion would be to start with  a pack of Design A. Get to know it use it in your layouts. THEN decided where you want to go from there. There are tons of ways you can use this layout.

Once you’ve become familiar with the Design A layout you can decide if you want to keep going with it throughout your album or mix it up a little. I’m one for mixing it up!

Design A and D (shown below) are the 2 designs that I use most often.

Becky tends to run out of photo pages. Don’t let that stop you! Check out other companies such as We are Memory Keepers for photo pages protector options.

Instagram 
We love it……right? It’s great for capturing those precious yet random moments which is what Project Life is all about.  If you’re a big Instagramer like myself you may want to include your Instagram photos in your album.

 

Love this photo page proctor for my Instagram photos!

 

The Extras:
You can go as far as you want with this. Nothing below is necessary. In fact my 1st album only included the items we’ve talked about above and it’s beautiful BUT if you want to add a little extra love to your album here are a few simple and cost effective ways you can do that!

Washi Masking Tape: You can find it online, at Target, and at you local craft supply store 

 

Smash Book Goodies: I love to use Smash Book accessories in my albums. They’re easy to find and not too pricey! You can find them at Target, online, and your local craft store.

 

Scrapbook Paper Kits: Becky sales scrapbook paper that coordinates with the album but I like to find design elements that coordinate while adding a little something different so I don’t purchase her scrapbook paper.

You can purchase scrapbook paper by the sheet or in a kit like the one shown below. I love that the kits usually include coordinating letters and design elements. Look for scrapbook paper kits online, at Target, Wal-Mart, your local craft store and even  discount stores like Tuesday Morning and Ross. Be sure you take a coupon along if your purchase yours at Michaels or Hobby Lobby! Every little bit helps, right?

 

Alphabet stickers: Yep! I use them a lot in my album! Easy and cost effective way to add a little pop to your pages! 

 

Stamps: Because they’re cute and easy to use! Tons of great stamps out there! Find a few that you like that complement the overall look of your album.

 

The Personal Touch:
Love that you not only add photos to your album but memorabilia as well. Here are some personal items I like to add to my Project Life album.
-Printed Blog Post
-Recipes
-Receipts from outings or things I want to remember 
-Letters/cards/invitations
-Printed out emails or fb comments
-Drawings
-Magazine articles or pictures that I like 
-Tickets from a movie/concert/show
-And the list goes on………

So what do you think? Are you ready to get your Project Life on? If you’re still not sure what to do I’ve included links to everything you’ve seen in this post. You can follow the links and just purchase what you see here and you’ll be good to go!

I’ll be sharing my Project Life layouts through Instagram! If you’re on Instagram let’s be buddies so I can see what you’re doing with your album as well!

 

What’s in my Purse the Good the Bad and the Ugly

My purse has been looking pretty bad for a few months now. I think the junk rotates it’s self in and out.  Every time I look for something I have no idea what I’m going to pull out. I began to feel somewhat like Mary Poppins…….only a less organized, cluttered version. Instead of finding a shiny new coat rack in my bag I found dirty gym socks!

Soooooo I thought it was high time to clean my black hole of a bag out! Naturally I video taped for you to see!

 

 

So now that I’ve spilled the beans it’s your turn. I know I can’t be the only one with random things in my purse. What are a few odd things you carry/find in your bag?

Sometimes I Try to be Like Martha Stewart

Yes it’s no secret sometimes I try to be like Martha! Just like Martha. Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I fail miserably.

This time I failed…….

I failed miserably.

 

One of my co-op buddies sent out Martha’s Mineola Tangelo Buttermilk Scone recipe since we had tangelos in our co-op basket.

 

 

Martha’s scones looked like this……

You know beautiful in everyway!

 

My scones looked like this…….

You know nothing like Martha’s!

When I finished the recipe I looked at my bowl of goop and realized I was NOT going to be able to roll it into a ball like Martha said.

I started added flour, and more flour, until it resembled cake batter. I decided to pour it into muffin tins and cross my fingers. 

Well they're definitely not scones but they turned out pretty tasty. Kent said they were his favorite baked item I’ve made. Not sure if that should make me happy or sad.

I guess scones are back on the list of things I’ve never made.
Sorry I failed you Martha. I hope you still love me.

 

 

I’m linking up with:
-Serenity Now

When a Facebook Status Turns into a Blog Post

I was going to try and get a discussion going on facebook  but decided to turn my  status update into a blog post! Below is what I was going to post.

If you work from home, are the COO of your household, or just a gal/mommy/wife trying to do it all you may find this post interesting!

Because every post needs a picture!

This was my status update: I think I’m finally getting into my “work from home grove”. It took a year but I think I almost have it. What am I doing? I’ll list the changes I’ve made in my comment below. If YOU work from home I want to know your tricks too!!!!

 

What I was going to put in facebook my comment:

Things I’m doing to stay focused while I’m working for home-

-No personal phone calls while I’m working.

-I start work at 8:30am every morning and try to wrap up around 7pm (depending on my work load).

-I no longer drop what I’m doing to play with friends or family during my work day. If there is something I want to do I schedule it and work evenings to make up the hours I took off during the day.

-Every Monday I write my goals for the week. I write goals for Home Organization, Project Completion, Relationship, Health, Work, and If I Have Time I need to…..
I keep my goal note book on my desk and look at it several times during the week.

-If I want to write a blog post I get up early so I have time to do it before my work day starts or I do it in the evenings and schedule it to post when I want. I love when I have several post scheduled! 

-I take an hour lunch break! This is my me time! I watch TV, read blogs, whatever! I make sure that I look at the clock when it starts so I know when my lunch break is over.

-I take dance breaks during the day! I’m not a sitter and get antsy if I’m sitting for hours on end. To keep my self going and energized I pick an upbeat song and break it down in my office. Yet another reason why it’s good that I work from home alone! My dance breaks are fun but NOT pretty! A 2min dance break will do ya wonders! Go ahead and give it a go. I promise you’ll like it! Sometimes I share a link on facebook to a song I had a dance break too so others can get their grove on if they like!

-As I’m still growing as a business owner and photographer I have A LOT to learn! I schedule an hour a day to read something that will help me in those areas. Some days it ends up being longer than an hour but it’s important to me that I continue to strengthen on those areas.

 

These pics I’m sharing really have nothing to do with this post.
Just random pics I’ve taken.

What I’m still struggling with: 

-Balancing working and our home. It seems like I can never keep up with our house! There is always something that needs to be organized, washed, or cleaned. We don’t even have kiddos yet! I need to get this under control!

-Not over scheduling myself. I have a real hard time saying NO!

-Learning the power of NO and not feeling guilty when I have to say it. This is a big one for me. I’m really hard on myself and saying NO to someone brings on tons of guilt. I hate that I do that to myself. I need to learn that I can’t do it ALL or keep EVERYONE happy.

-Getting in gym time. I have the time to do it I just don’t make it a priority. That NEEDS to change!

-I do something work related every day including the weekends. I need to find a balance so I’m caught up with work and not struggling to catch up on the weekends. A day off without guilt would be nice! See there’s that guilt again!

-Setting boundaries with friends and family. I LOVE them and want to chat on the phone, meet for lunches, have fun with them but I just can’t do that and stay on track unless I schedule it.

I had a friend that thought I was mad at her because I’m always so busy during the day. I wasn't upset with her just busy working. I had to explain the new leaf I’m truing over and how I’m trying to stay focused during the day. If I want to continue to grow my business and proved the best service I can I must treat my work days like anyone else. Just because I work for myself and from home does not mean that it’s not a real job. I need to keep telling myself this! My job is one of those “There is always something I could be doing” type jobs!

 

 

Spring is going to be a busy time for me! I’m almost all booked up for March, April, and May, and will be getting married in the mix of all it! I’m so blessed that my business is taking off. I still pinch myself at times. I can’t put into words how grateful I am for the opportunity to follow my dream; a dream that I didn’t even think was attainable.

I’m slowly but surely learning to work smart not hard! I’m not prefect at it and I still have Shinny Ball Syndrome but I’m trying to overcome that! :o)

To be able to make it through the next few months I’m going to need all the focus I can get!

Don’t Leave Me Hanging……….

If you work from home, did work from home, or are the COO of your household I would love to know how YOU stay on track! Let me know your tips or tricks of the trade!

OR if you work from home and are struggling to stay focused let me know what you’re struggles are!

I would LOVE to hear from YOU!

Here I Come 2011: Resolutions and a Confession

 

I’m so ready for 2011!

Wedding!

The hope of become parents!

Another year doing a job I ‘m NUTS about!

I feel it in my bones…….

2011 is going to be a BIG year for us!

 

-One of my resolutions this year is to do a better job of journaling our day in day out life. As a photographer I’m sure your thinking I have tons of pictures of our outings, family events and so on but that couldn't be farther from the truth. I use my camera for work, blogging, and that’s about it. 

At the end of the day the last thing I want to do it edit more pictures or sit on my booty longer than I already have. I let this keep me from taking my camera along to different events. The thought of adding more images to the “TO Edit” list stresses me out!

I’m going to change that this year!!!!

 

*Below are the tools I’m using to aid me in my resolution of documenting 2011!*

Project Life: I haven't been this ga-ga over a product since my Keurig and as you know I’m in love with Mr. Keurig! No, I am in no way affiliated with Becky or her Project Life line I’m just nuts about it. I plan to take a open approach to my PJ Book. There may be some weeks that I take a picture a day. There may be some weeks that I don't. My goal is just to document our life! One of the MANY things I love about this product is that you can really make it what you want! It’s all about simplicity and documenting the things that matter most to you.

If you’re interested in learning more about Project Life I’ll include some links below.  

 

My Project Life kit is all set up and ready to go.
I’m starting today! Kent and I are being lazy and Parker has been playing with his new squeaky toy (ALL DAY) so I’ve taken a pic that tells the story of how we spent the 1st day of the new year!

 

 

 

One Line A Day Journal: I’ve kept a journal since I was in middle school but I seem to fall in and out of love with it. I did a much better job writing in it more often when I was younger but I now only visit it occasionally. A line a day seems like something that’s more doable. Quick, simple, and easy, right up my alley. If I’m having a day that I feel needs more than 1 line I can always write an entry in my normal journal. I love that it’s a 5 year log so I can look back and see what was on my mind 5 years ago.

Hummm wonder what my life will look like 5 years from now.  

I am in no way affiliated with this product just excited about it!

 

 I wrote my 1st entry today!
This is what I wrote: “If the sight of the blue skies fills your heart with joy, if a blade of grass springing up the fields has power to move you, if the simple things in nature have a message you understand, Rejoice, for your soul is alive.” – Eleanora Duse
(My all time favorite quote and a great thought for the new year!)

 

 

 

 

Now it’s time for my confession:

I’ve become a photography snob!

Everything must be prefect……..

lighting

settings on my camera

and so on………

I MUST take the perfect picture at ALLLLLL times.

When it’s not to my standards I beat myself up about it.

That can be a lot of pressure and often kills the mood when you’re trying to capture a raw moment. You should have seen me Christmas morning trying to get everything just right.  Having Kent reenact something he did because I didn’t have my setting correct the 1st time I snapped the shot. Upset that there wasn’t enough light. Whishing we had more windows in our living room. Kent telling me to just shoot in auto and use the flash….yes he said USE THE FLASH!

What in the word was he thinking? USE THE FLASH AND SHOOT IN AUTO. Uh I’m soooo above that!

This is where the snob part comes in.

Do you see where I’m going here?

I missed out on important moments because I was being a stuck up snob about getting the prefect shot.

I’m down right ashamed of my behavior!

I even put my camera away Christmas evening due to bad lighting. I was letting the “RULES” get in the way of capturing precious moments that I wanted to remember forever.

The good news is that I checked my behavior!

I had a heart to heart with myself (I have these often) I realized I was being silly and that some pictures can be just that……..pictures!

I got my camera back out and shot away……flash and all!

It’s was a bit freeing actually!

Not every image I take needs to speak to me. Sometimes it’s about the little things, the moments that make your heart sing. When you capture those moments the “settings” do not always have to be perfect, the image does not always have to be edited. It’s about freezing the moment in time.    

The rules are great!

I love the rules

and I will continue to apply what I choose while I’m working but when it comes to the other stuff……..

it’s okay to take a little breather, forget the rules and just shoot!

 

 

****************************************************************

Links about Project Life:

-Why I decided to go with PL: HERE
-What’s in the Kit: HERE 
-How to set it up: HERE
-How are others using it (vlog): HERE
-How are others using it part 2 Flicker Pics: HERE
-Where to buy it: HERE

A Line a Day Journal:

-If you too are interested in A Line a Day Journal I found mine HERE

Finding Places to Store Items

Our lower level lacks storage space. Not really sure what the builder was thinking when he/she designed a family home without a coat closet on the lower level. Not having storage put me in a pickle through the years as we’ve grown into our home. What does a gal do when she’s running low on space to store things? She makes the best of what she has and thinks outside the box…..right? Well in this case we’re going to think INSIDE the box.




This sits next to our fireplace in our living room. I use the basket to store extra blankets and the to trunk store our karaoke equipment. Not only are these two items great storage pieces they add a little color to my living room and tie in decor patterns I use throughout our home. Don't mind the nosey dog in the background. :o)




This chest sits on a shelf in our living room. I use it to store Kent’s Play Station bit and pieces. I want to give this little guy a face lift but I haven't decided what I want to do with it yet.




   A little nook in our living room that received a makeover a few months ago (click HERE to see the makeover). I use the basket next to the chair to store magazines that are waiting to be read or placed in my magazine organizer (click HERE to see how I organize magazine clippings).





We still need to install a cabinet in our 1/2 bathroom on our lower level. It would definitely come in handy but for now I use this basket I bought at Goodwill to store our extra toilet paper. This little basket has been a lifesaver! 






  This basket sits on top of our refrigerator. We store bread, baked goods, chips, and tortillas in it. We’ve had this guy forever! I bought it at World Market years ago. I loved the open weave and the large size. It’s great for storing and the open weave makes it easy to see what’s inside.






   This chest is in our kitchen as well. I use it to store our electric mixer and the mixer attachments. It’s easy for me to get to and it’s tucked away so no one can see it!





I’m an avid coffee and tea drinker. It’s one of my guilty pleasures. I found the cake pedestal at Goodwill last summer and turned it into a little coffee/tea station. I use the coffee canister to store my Keurig coffee pods and the smaller canister for my Keurig tea pods.






I use this apothecary jar to store my non diary/low fat creamer. I love me some creamer but a gals got to watch her calorie intake. Storing it next to our Keurig makes that much easier for me to have a cup of joe. Hummm, maybe that's not a good thing.

I want to hear from you:
What are some ways you store everyday items throughout your home?

I'm linking up with:
Reinvented
Just a Girl
Room to Inspire

Craft Room Before and Afters

I recently put together a craft room using mainly thrift store goodies. I thought it would be fun to look at few of the before and after pictures.

Before

After a little spray paint, batting and fabric hot glued to the
back of the original print. A garage sale find turned into an inspiration board.

Before

After a little spray paint and fabric. Antique inspired frames
turned into wall decor.

After adding scrap book paper, and fabric. A Goodwill frame turned into a little workspace decoration.

Before

After a litter primer and spray paint.
A super cheap auction find turned into a an end table.

Before

After adding a drop cloth and hand stitching the sides for a more uniformed look. An old foldout table turned into a perfect craft table.