Going to thrift stores and garage sales, etc. is a good way to get bargains IF you know what you are buying, can evaluate it properly, etc. However... many thrift stores, church rummage sale coordinators, etc. also have access to the Internet, and/or professional appraisers, and are starting to price their "treasures" accordingly.
And, at those "upscale craft shows", those prices reflect what the vendors are paying to be there-- usually high fees for the space, plus things like transportation and lodgiong, and if it is a really "upscale" show, they can't just set up themselves-- they have to pay union labor to set up their space and unload their items and move them from the loading dock to their booth. In addition... they need to make enough over the cost of materials to stay in business (including taxes, fees, SSI, etc), and hopefully, make a "living wage". Most crafters I know make no where near minimum wage for their crafting time, after all the expenses are taken into consideration-- some consider themselves "doing well" if they break even. ... View related article.
I save the unopened ones to donate to a local women's shelter. Also the shampoos, lotions, etc.
Used soaps, I wrap with tissue, and stick in the bag of dirty clothes-- keeps the smell down! When unpacking, those soaps go into the bathrooms to use just like any other bar soap. ... View related article.
Don't use monofilament fishing line!!(That's the cheap stuff). It stretches, and degrades. The GSP lines (Fireline, Power Pro, Spiderline Fusion) are good for bead stringing, but not cheap.
And don't use dental floss except as an emergency repair (and flossing, of course). It also "degrades" fairly rapidly, and if you use the "flavored' type, it can attract ants.... Beading thread (Nymo) isn't all that expensive-- about $1.50 for a bobbin of it. With the popularity of beading these days, it's easy to get the right materials to do the job correctly-- don't be "penny wise and pound foolish". Instructions for bead stringing can be found at www.beadwork.about.com -- free! ... View related article.
To cut a long strip from fabric, fold in half with selvedges together, then fold in almost in half again, but leave about 2" from the selvedges. Cut fabric desired width up to that 2" point, unfold, then cut through one selvedge to every other initial cut, and then cut the other selvedge through to the other initial cuts. Roll into a ball. ... View related article.
What kind of fabric/fiber is it, and what kind of beading? Is the purse in good condition, other than the yellowing?
If cotton, soaking in a solution of hot Oxyclean may get rid of the stain-- I was able to treat vintage crocheted doilies sucessfully, but it took a few tries to get all of the staining out.
If it is a bead crochet or bead knit purse, it may be either cotton or silk cord-- turn inside out before washing and/or soaking in the Oxyclean. ... View related article.
I have two teen boys, and we have meat/dairy daily, but I average $500/month. That includes non-food items, like soaps and toiletries. And I don't "coupon", except for CostCo's (which usually are either significant $ off or "2 for 1" types).
I could probably knock another $75-100 off if I had to, by not getting snack items (mostly for school lunches) and some of the "semi-convienience" type products like frozen meatballs, and not get their favorite cereals or ready to drink juices, but then I would have less time to do other things needing to be done and have to "fight" with hubby and the boys over the resulting menus.... ... View related article.
It may be an area specific thing, but... My experience is the same as Linda's. I'm in San Diego (USDA Zone 10+, Sunset Zone 23)-- leave them alone except for pruning, and they do fine... drought conditions suit them. However, they must do OK with plenty of rain, too-- they have them growing along the roadsides in HI. ... View related article.
For any of the canned pasta with a tomato based sauce: add per can 1-2 T extra virgin olive oil a few shakes of garlic powder 1 T "Italian seasoning mix" (basil, oregano,etc) or pesto
Mix well, and heat (stovetop or microwave). Serve with Parmesan cheese on top. ... View related article.
