Christmas Decorating with the Thrift Talk Diva By Barb Tobias, NABBW’s Thrifting Expert I know, I know. It\’s just November…I mean the Thanksgiving stuff isn\’t out and my holiday meal isn\’t even organized. Yet, here I am planning my Christmas decorations. My rationalization is this … it takes me a month or two to orchestrate the festive bedecking of my home in the spirit of frugal yet chic décor. I enjoy this creative holiday endeavor, and dive into producing grand arrangements with gusto. After all, I am a collector of orphans … the savior of parts … creatively... Read More

Thrifty Christmas Decorating By Barb Tobias, NABBW’s Thrifting Expert I am a collector of orphans…the savior of parts.  I love to put together all the unloved pieces that people throw away and make masterpieces.  And, no season brings more opportunity than the holiday season. I begin my decorating by pulling out all my Christmas finds and begin sorting, purging and grouping “orphaned” items that will be used to fashion holiday displays. This year I made a splendid centerpiece from odds and ends collected throughout the year from various thrift venues…garage sales, flea markets... Read More

Holding a Diva Garage Sale – Part III By Barb Tobias, NABBW’s Thrifting Expert There is always a lot to do right before I open up for business the morning of my sale, and if I have failed to plan effectively … I’m stuck. I can’t simply leave to run for the store or the bank or to put out signs.  So, all last-minute preparations are carried out the day before the sale. The Day Before the Sale Getting a minimum of $100 in small bills for change is first on my agenda. At the least, I make sure I have fifty $1, six $5 and two $10. I’ve learned that people will often hand you... Read More