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Thrifting For Savvy Shoppers

March 17th, 2012

Thrifting For Savvy Shoppers By Barb Tobias NABBW’s Thrifting Expert Most of us have less cash to burn these days, so buying other folks castoffs is a great way to save a buck … particularly when searching for short-term items. The Internet, specialty shops, bookstores, and going out of business sales carry drastically reduced items that are perfectly good for occasional needs or events. Moms-To-Be While some pregnant celebrities bare their bellies for posterity, the majority of expectant mothers are concerned with being covered and comfortable. Most can squeak by for three or four... Read More

The Bustling Thrift Scene … from Dicey to Divine

March 15th, 2012

The Bustling Thrift Scene … from Dicey to Divine By Barb Tobias NABBW’s Thrifting Expert As the economy spiraled downward, Americans tightened their belts and secondhand shops made their move onto Main Street. Spencer James, lead writer of the Brigham Young University Study, states that thrift shopping increases when the economy slows, and that middle class families are shopping at thrift stores with the same regularity as lower income families. The study goes on to suggest that while high-income shoppers scour the secondhand market for antiques and unique finds, the average family is... Read More

How I Became A Garage Sale Junkie

March 15th, 2012

How I Became A Garage Sale Junkie By Barb Tobias NABBW’s Thrifting Expert It wasn\’t a planned event. I was simply curious after spotting a lopsided Garage Sale sign dangling from a post on the side of a road. At the time I was a single mom struggling to eke out a living for my son and myself, so I yielded to my nosy nature and the prospect of finding a few treasures. Following the arrow with heady anticipation, my hopes were dashed as I pulled up to the house, scarred by piles of clutter strewn across the lawn. After jockeying my car into a spot across from the sale, I hesitated,... Read More

Clutter in Your Closets = Cash in Your Pockets

July 7th, 2011

Clutter in Your Closets = Cash in Your Pockets By Julie Hall for the NABBW I\’m well known for the following quote about stuff. “If you don\’t see it or use it for 2 years (maximum), you\’ll never use it, so get rid of it!” Why allow your home to be cluttered up when life is hard enough? SIMPLIFY and make some cash too! Did you know that 80% of what we own we never use? We use the same 20% of things every day because we are creatures of habit — our favorite clothes, shoes, kitchen ware, etc. That leaves much we don\’t really need and as I say, “put... Read More

Fifteen Reasons to Fall in Love with Thrift… Cheap Doesn’t Need to be Chintzy

February 10th, 2011

Fifteen Reasons to Fall in Love with Thrift… Cheap Doesn’t Need to be Chintzy By Barb Tobias NABBW’s Thrifting Expert I’ve been gleefully shopping thrift for over 30 years.  But, I’ve been wearing thrift since I grew from toddler to teen … from the proverbial hand-me-downs to the secondhand gown my mother bought me when I was voted Homecoming Queen.  Needless to say, having to live on the cheap for so long, I abhorred anything thrifty during my formative years. After I was married and on the rebound from my frugal years, I only bought new; determined not to live a life filled... Read More

Holding a Diva Garage Sale – Part III

December 3rd, 2010

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