Yard Sale Advice 101 with Pizazz!

You guys are well aware I am in the midst of having a yard sale.  I must disclose a tiny bit of information with you...I hate having a yard sale.

 

I have a friend, three emails from some readers, and a direct message off of Twitter that have been asking some questions on yard sales.  This post is for you (and the rest of you who want a smug joke here and there)...

 

My Yard Sale Past:

I think I have been involved in yard sales since I was unable to move about on my own.  Both sets of grandparents live on a really busy highway that gets tons of traffic both into and out of the town I call home.  I remember sitting in the kitchen and watching the final count of the day's profit.  One time my aunt got close to $200 because she had sold all her baby items and clothes from when she was so incredibly thin she probably had to shop the children's section for herself.

When I was a small chappy I loved New Kids On The Block.  They were coming to Greensboro to do a concert and I just had to go!  We had a yard sale, I made the loot necessary for my ticket.  I think I was seven.  We headed to the concert only for me to come down with the flu in the midst of it.  I was able to see Perfect Gentlemen but not NKOTB.  Major bummer.  The lesson is at the tender age of seven I was making money to do what I wanted to and it was a yard sale that allowed that. (Tearing up yet?)

I have totally seen the yard sale evolve from the 1980's to the 20teens.  Prices used to be a quarter to fifty cents for an item.  Now they go for upwards of $5 for an item. I guess I'm stuck in the 80s and really want to get rid of things so I try to keep my prices on the lower end.  The whole point of having a yard sale is getting rid not rich, right? Right.

Why have a yard sale?

 

To get rid of things and get a little cash - that is why you have a yard sale.  Sure you can just load it up and donate it to Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity or Salvation Army or the guy who lives in the van down by the river.  Realistically though I think we could all use a couple extra twenties in our pocket so why not do the sale...in your yard.

 

Step One - get the box.

Step Two - open the box.

Step Three - put your junk in the box.

 

Who would have ever thought Timberlake and ole Andy were onto something with that song

 

Step One:  Make a decision or fifteen.

 

 What to chunk into the yard sale box - follow this guide I made for myself for items you need to rid yourself of:

 

a) Do not fit any longer

b) Are no longer played with

c) Make me question what possessed me to buy such a contraption

d) Have grown distant from

The best way to do this for me is to clean up the house and then go room by room with a box, bag, plastic tote and start filling it up with stuff that doesn't need to belong to us anymore.

I started in my nursery.  I'm done having children.  I need not keep anything.  For you sentimental types I do have a 8x15 box that some little things went in for him to see and care less about when he's 18.  The baby tote filled up fast and easy.  It included:  outfits, onesies, socks, bibs, multipurpose pads and cloths, some toys, a easy seat for babies (I believe Bumbo is appropriate for descriptive purposes), a stroller, a load of bottles and everything that goes with them, a monitor that we never really used, blankets, etc.

Next up the diva's room.  She has slowed down on the hurricane of changing sizes six times a year.  We are in a 6 or 7 and stuck there which is wonderful.  However, she has TONS of clothes and she is gaining height so we went through all her summer, fall, and winter attire and picked what worked and what made her look like a flood-prepared child.  Her feet are growing too so we had shoes galore to throw in.

Linen closets need attention when you are cleaning out to yard sale.  It is amazing what you can find in that one closet.  A Lady Remington that I think I used one time maybe (on my legs, you needed that info because I know how minds can run rampant).  Storage containers that made no sense sitting totally empty.  Bedding that we do not have an appropriate size bed for.  Sheets that I didn't like the material they were made from (I am a picky sleeper).  Table cloths need your attention, why are you saving them?

Our coat closet housed some coats we are too small and too large for.  It also held a multitude of various bags that need new homes in a bad way.  I think I am a bag junkie.

The playroom/office was next.  I always realize my kids don't have an insane amount of toys when I see what they have and mentally compare it to others.  I weeded through the baby's stash and got a few out that he has surpassed.  The kid and her Barbie collection <sigh> we'll keep those for a few more years I do believe.

The kitchen - ahhh the kitchen the room I cannot wait to be remodeled.  I went through it with a fine tooth comb and am selling a tiered cupcake stand I used twice - I had high hopes for that piece of work.  A set of ice cream dishes that I received as a bad Christmas present that I decided I could put to use...but never did.  Various baby kitchen accessories are no longer needed - we are in toddler stage.  I went through all my bake ware and decided to hold on to most of it - it gets good use.  I may have to set up for another sale after renovating if we have some money in the kitty to get some new pieces.  I did have too many saute pans for one kitchen and could admit to it.  I have dishes I want to rid myself of but for whatever reason I kept them.

Bathrooms hold some interesting stuff that believe it or not you can let go of.  Some people have excess hair dryers, flat irons, crimpers, hot rollers, etc. 

Our holiday closet was so fun to go through (that was sarcasm).  DVDs stuffed away to never be watched again - in the tote!  Winter decor that I don't use anymore - in the tote!  Crap I don't know why I bought it - in the tote!  I must have had some good ideas when I received or purchased that right?

Last was my bedroom.  Having given birth a year ago I had plenty of clothing to try on and keep or chunk.  Needless to say my hard work has paid off and the larger sizes of post pregnancy and six months post pregnancy are all up for grabs for good prices.  As are some pieces of jewelry, shoes, etc.  The hubby had basically separated all the clothing he wanted and didn't want months ago and he didn't even realize it.  I had already bagged the pieces he didn't like away.  I still need him to check his closet again.  I see tons he doesn't wear anymore in there. 

I thought that was the last room - the bedroom - boy was I wrong.  We have a laundry room and I will call it Amanda's Hidden Store. All the stuff we have crammed in that room is unbelievable.  I spent two hours going through and chunking into the tote.

 

Check your attics, basements, outbuildings, and garages.

 

 

While chunking you need to pay attention to the details.

As you chunk items actually LOOK at them. 

Is it stained?  Then it needs to go away and not into someone elses hands. 

Do they want your stained crap?  No. 

Is it Gorilla Glued back together?  File 13 or recycle that - no one wants broken. 

 Is it missing pieces or does it work?  Um do not be a liar to someone else to make a buck, recycle or file 13 it too.

While in the chunking process keep things in some type of order - like for the nursery I put all the items together.  That makes it easier when you set up for your sale.  You can easily unload all the items at one time in one space.  You'll appreciate it immensely.

 

Bacon, lettuce, dough, bread, scrilla, moola, dirty paper, the root of all evil - lets price!

The biggest headache of yard selling is pricing.  I recommend you price everything you want to sale. 

Here's my logic -

 if you are out at a store shopping and you pick something up and there's no price on it nine times out of ten you'll put it back. 

 It is a headache to not know what the seller's price is and a lot of people are shy and not going to ask.  I want it priced so there is no question about how much I want for the item. 

 Pricing is a pain in the buttocks but so worth it. 

You aren't put on the spot when someone says - "how much?" - you can say - "Whats on the sticker?" 

 This is so critical. 

Also, if you are setting up shop with a friend and nature calls your friend isn't stuck guessing what you want for items. 

Overshot and low balling are not our friends!

Pricing takes time but time will get you more money in your change purse.  So how do we price?

Well one thing you must drill in your brain is what you are doing...you are having a YARD SALE. 

 A yard sale is not a Gap Clearance sale, its not MegaMart, its not a rented space beside Macy's and Ann Taylor in the strip mall. 

A yard sale is a cheap way to get some stuff (consumer) and a fast way to get rid of things (you). 

If you want to sale for a higher price then you need to go to a consignment shop with a good reputation. 

No clothing item should be over $5. 

That price tag should be reserved for dresses, coats, and heavy apparel that is well worth it and in incredible shape.  That means no stains, tears, rips, messed up zippers, or do it yourself stitch work (unless being a sweat shop employee is on your resume.)

T-shirts are not fine clothing. 

I get so griped when I see a t-shirt overpriced.  If you paid some ungodly sum for a t-shirt then shame on you.  T-shirts are so cheap to make and so foolish to spend tons of money on.  Max on a t-shirt that is in good shape whether it be AE, A&F, or Atlanta Braves is $2.  It should be stain free and not so washed that you can see through it.  Any embroidery or screen print should be in good shape.

Bundle it. 

This is key with kids clothes - keep outfits together.  Good condition sets can go for $3-$4 while those "play clothes" need to be appropriately priced between 50 cents for separates and $1.  Baby items can and need to be bundled.  Put those bibs and same size onesies all together and price them within reason ($1 for the bag).  Remember to throw out the bibs that look like they were used by fifteen babies during a spaghetti dinner.  Good items to bundle:  cups, dinnerware for kids and regular dinnerware, socks (baby ones, don't sale your old socks), crafting items such as ribbon spools/glues/scrapbook stuff, toys (put all the Barbie clothes together, put all the rattles and smaller baby toys together in a bag and sale for a reasonable price.  I bundled rattles and teethers (that were re-sale worthy because they weren't used) and priced them at $2.)

Shoes are tricky. 

Actually they aren't.  If they are your muddy gardening tennis shoes then you need to chunk them to the trash.  Shoes need to be in good condition with no worn soles or holes or nasty shoe strings and Velcro needs to be clean.  If you spent $200 on a pair of boots do not plan on selling them in a yard sale for $50 take them to a consignment shop or take $5 for them.  If the shoes are a good brand and in good condition then price them between $2 and $4.  I'm selling all shoes for $2 - $3 a pair and many are brand new.

Jeans are expensive. 

But not at a yard sale.  If they are in good condition $2-$3 per pair.  If they are ratty looking and weren't purchased looking ratty then chunk them.

Underwear oh no. 

Seeing panties at a yard sale turns my stomach.  However, bras in good condition can be sold.  How many of us have bought an adorable or nice bra only for it to not fit all that great?  If its clean and in good shape sale it.  (.50-1.50)

Kitchens are expensive rooms. 

But this isn't Crate and Barrel. 

Your kitchenware should start at .25 for gadgets and never exceed $5 for a full service for four - eight place setting.

Utility & Technology is a good seller. 

Strollers, car seats, tools, electronics are all expensive brand new but if its been used and it is ten years old you cannot expect someone to pay you half of what you paid for it now.  I have a flat screen tv that is just that - a flat screen.  The TV is remarkable however its not a skinny tv - its got a flat screen and a bulging back.  I am asking $10.  I have a DVD/VCR combo that works great and I am selling it for $5. 

I'm not out to play Best Buy in my garage. 

I am out to get rid of this stuff.

 

A good rule of thumb is to be cheaper than the Goodwill. 

Here's the ugly truth - Goodwill has some good stuff if you have time to go through it.  You shouldn't try to out price them because you think you're some type of special person who has vintage A&F or Ann Taylor clothing - they do too. 

Take some time and walk through the old GW and look at their prices.  Most kids clothes are $1.50-$2.00.  Adult clothes go from $3-$5. 

There are a lot of people that think like me out there (scary huh?) when they go to a yard sale they say in the back of their head:  "Well I'm not paying that because Goodwill is cheaper."

 

 

 

Prep for the people.

 

Advertise it.  This doesn't mean take out a page in the weekly paper it means use social media, craigslist.com, the local paper's classified section (many times free for a few lines), and post on community boards. 

 

Be basic.  Put the location, date, start and end time, and a brief listing of items on hand.

 

Put your sign up when you are ready to have strangers going through your items - not before!  It is annoying to have your sign up and then start unloading.  They don't get to see the full monty and you have some dude in your way.

 

If you are having your sale in a garage or covered area you could set up the day before the sale and cover it or close it up.  If you are having your sale in the elements then you may want to wait until the day of the sale to get up at the crack of dawn and set up.  It is 2013 people are on bath salts I wouldn't recommend you decorating your yard with stuff only to have a random clepto raid your sale while you are snoring.

 

Ideally you would hang clothing and display everything as well as you can.  Unfortunately, we do not all have racks to hang clothing on so I suggest you fold it pretty nice and put it on tables. 

Never leave it in totes, never just dump totes on tables, never use the ground for clothes.

Who wants dirt, bugs, and feet on potential purchases?

 

You can get creative with clothing line if you have the time and willpower.

 

The deal is this:  make it looking appealing and make more money.

I say keep $20 in change on yourself for the sale.  Make sure you have plenty of quarters and singles and at least one ten because there's always some person who only carries the $20 they got out of the ATM to the sale (me).  And they always only buy $2 worth of stuff. You have to wipe out all your change on them (sorry).

 

Have another person hang out with you during the sale.  Bad people exist even in your yard.  I read about an idiot robbing a yard sale for the money box.  There will be a time when you need to pee or feed the baby and you need another adult to be there to assist you.

 

At the end of your sale take advantage of programs that come and take away what is left and give you a receipt.  Habitat for Humanity does this and it eliminates your headache of packing it up and taking it to wherever (or setting your yard on fire because you said you didn't want to deal with it anymore).

 

The customers.

You need to be prepared for your various shoppers.

All kinds of people make this world go round and round.  Many of those people are annoying when it comes to yard sales. 

People will ask you the price of an item even after they've looked at the sticker fifteen times. 

Best response when they ask how much?  "How much does it say?" 

When they play dumb just point the sticker out to them again.  When they try to haggle just say

 "The price is right there we've both looked at it three times now.  It hasn't changed."

Some people will try to steal.  They are sad people.  Always watch your stuff and keep small items close to you at all times.  If it is super valuable do not sale it in a yard sale.  I would hope that is common sense but....

Discount seekers are always on the yard sale road.  As if a quarter was too much to ask they want to work out a deal with you.  Perhaps it is:  If they buy those boots for $5 can they get the $3 sweater for $1.50.  The answer is no.  I like the idea of responding:  How about $8 for both.  If they can't do math then they'll think its a discount.

Children come with adults to yard sales.  They think yard sales are play dates.  Don't let the kids play too much with the toys or they will destruct them. 

 I always try to keep toys in a bin and close to me - the scary lady who has the eye ball on everyone.  Try to have your sale away from any play equipment in your yard. 

You don't need some brat breaking an arm on your swing set. 

If kids are too unruly ask their adult to put the leash on them or tell them you have a new tranquilizer gun you'd like to test on their child if they could wait a second while you get it.

 

Keep your own kids inside or occupied.  Nothing is worse than them seeing that toy they got three years ago for their birthday that they never played with on the for sale table. 

 

Keep your dogs away if they are tempted to nip, growl or bite.  Everyone wants to pet a pooch but strangers can make dogs uneasy.

 

Smile - a lot.  People are more apt to spend a lot of loot if they feel welcomed and you seem to be super friendly towards them.  Compliment them and they'll repay you....in quarters.

 

 

Share your tips in the comments section!

Three Things Tuesday

Here are three things that are burning my brain this Tuesday.  If you want to tap in please do!  The comments section loves it when you make your mark!



1.  This dad blame yard sale.

(Dad-blame is a totally Southern phrase its the cousin to dag gone, dog gone, and the nicer way to say damned)

I am so ready for this thing to be over.  I'm currently stressing over just how I will lay everything out.  I needed a rack for clothing to hang out and went to Facebook in hopes to have friend who would let me borrow theirs.  No luck.  (I never have any help via Facebook.  I was without telephone service and put a request out for someone to please report my line out....no one could take five minutes to do it.  Needless to say I contemplate the usage of the word "friends" on Facebook now days.)  I really don't want to fold the clothes on tables but it looks like that will be my only route.

I also cannot stand when someone tries to haggle at a yard sale.  Seriously, I keep my prices very low (twenty-five cents to ten dollars for a large working electronic) yet someone or some group will think that is an opportunity to haggle.  Guess what - I'm not a used car salesman, this isn't an auction, so either you pay the flippin' buck or you wait til Goodwill gets it and sales the shirt for $3.75.  (Yes sometimes I lose my cool)...

I want my hallway back....I have this formation called Mt. St. Yard Sale and it needs to erode on down.



2.  Birthdays!

Yesterday was my uncle's birthday.  I think he is sixty-five.  He could be sixty-six.  Oh lets just go with sixty-five a good rule of thumb to go with the lower number!  His birthday signifies the beginning of what I refer to as "birthday season".  Your family may also have a cluster of months where it seems all the babies were born.  The big time for our family is September.  In that one month alone we have five birthdays.  It starts with my brother's and ends with my grandma's (or is it my aunt's...hmmm I always get those close together mixed up). 

I am responsible for two of the upcoming birthdays.  Little Man turns 1 on the 24th of August and my Little Diva turns 6 on the 4th of September.  I'm doing the dual birthday party this year.  All I can think of is
Decorations
Food
Invites
Gifts (oh gosh I convulse as I think about the potential of ugly clothes and crappy toys)

I have created the invites and I want them going out next week.  Everything else needs more planning. Eeek!

I did get this awesome recipe I will be making for the party!  This is a great blog called Back For Seconds you should totally check it out.  Your taste buds will thank us both!!!



3.  A BIG BAD attitude problem

So my soon to be six year old has a horrible attitude issue.  I blamed it on the lack of sleep she gets on the weekends.  Now I'm seeing it may be more.  I think it is her age.  I think that the tween years start early.

She's constantly wanting to be in control and make her own decisions.  I give her opportunities to do that.  I let her pick her clothes out for the day, her dinner when I want the kids fed before the parents, play time activities, etc.  I thought I was doing a good job at letting her have a bit more independence but this kid is getting a bad case of the attitude-in-need-of-adjustment syndrome.

I'm not a spanking kind of mom.  I don't see where it works at all for my kid.  She could care less if she gets a ten second paddle.  It doesn't phase her.  (I heard you say you aren't doing it hard enough....shut it)  I can take away things but she ends up creating something to take its place.  Her imagination is grade A which is a blessing and sometimes for me - a curse. 

Friends say it is summer boredom and once school starts she'll be a different kid.  They say the boredom of summer will go away and she'll be stimulated and feel better.   I like to think they are right. 

Just know I don't make monsters.  I try really hard to raise good, smart, well rounded and adjusted kids....sometimes they pick things up on their own though.  God help us.
 

 

Weekend Recap

Saturday

 

I had to pull my ark out of the storage unit.  The rains came...and came....and came.  The sun refused to shine.  I despise driving in heavy rain so I did what I needed to do (and was on my to do list) I priced all the yard sale stuff.  It took me about an hour to finish it all up since the pricing party started last weekend.

 

My hallway and laundry room are all crammed with things we don't use, wear, and or need anymore and I cannot wait for all of it to be in someone elses tender loving care.  My countdown starts today we are T minus five days until the sale.

To celebrate the end of pricing stuff the hubby and I laid on the couch and watched our DVR'd shows from the week.  Remember, I am on this go to bed by 9/9:30 crunch so I can feel good.  Bed at nine translates to missing my shows.  I cannot complain about a rainy Saturday that started off productive and led to couch nesting for a bit over an hour.  The children played loudly on the floor as we zoned out!

 

Around 5pm the sun broke through.  The oldest kidlet was off with Nana so it was just me, hubby, and baby.  We grilled some steaks, I whipped up a yummy pasta side and fixed some sauteed mix veggies. 

 

After bedtime for little man and time with our bichens and the pig <eye roll> we were suckered into an older movie - "The Adjustment Bureau" - I loved that movie!  However, I also love Matt Damon (way better than Affleck if you ask me).  That was a great movie that had me glued to the tv for about 90 minutes.

 

Sunday -

 

The oldest kid ended up spending the night with Nana.  We skipped church for a little outing to Target, Dick's and the Dollar Tree.  The agenda included purchasing golf balls, a birthday card, and a stuff to make my yard sale sign.  Done, done, done. 

 

While out we hit up Mario's Pizza for some delicious, greasy, kill your heart goodness.  Baby Boy joined in too - he loved it.

 

 

When we got back the little one did not fight us one bit for a nap.  Yay!

 

 

 

Hubby loves golfing.  He's been going most Sundays.  Since the monsoon came in on Saturday he was forced to leave the clubs alone....ok except for chipping in the backyard.  I joined in.  I am no golfer even though I would like to pick it up.  He kept laughing, shaking his head but complimented my hits, or is it swings or is it...ok I don't know.

 

While we were reading the paper on the porch my darling spouse found some puppies for sale.  We have been dog free for well over a month now.  It has been an adjustment.  I am a major doggie lover and honestly have always had dogs in my life.  After we became dog free I made the decision I would have no more dogs until the kids were much older.  (Think:  When you have that weird urge for a baby as you edge toward 40 but know if you do it you'll go insane, yeah that is the time to get a puppy.)  Besides we have the house remodel on the horizon and the last thing you want is a teething puppy choosing your new cabinets to cut its canines on.  There is a time and place for a pooch and that time and place is neither here nor yon right now.  So why in the world did my husband tell me he had found some German Shepherd puppies....only miles away....for a great deal.....and then show me the picture of them?  ALL the pictures of them?  Furthermore why did he tell me he would give me the money to go get one that afternoon.  AND lastly, why did he continually bring it up?

 

Because he's a jerk that's why!  No, seriously he's far from it.  I decided he wanted the animal (and yes maybe I did as well) but he wanted to pawn it off on me because he literally sucks at taking care of anything with four legs.

 

So the verdict is in:  Negative on the doggie.  I will be looking when the time is right but its not on the agenda now, or in a month, or in a year.

 

The weekend ended with homemade ice cream (which I despise) at my grandma's. 

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Recipe for you:

This week I am doing some cooking off of what random items I have on hand.  On Saturday this was a hit!

 

I had a quarter box of rotini, e.v.o.o. a fresh tomato, an onion, salt, pepper, garlic pepper grinder (McCormick).

 

I lightly buttered a sautee pan and tossed in small slices of onion - added a tiny bit of salt and let them cook for about 3 minutes.  Meanwhile the rotini was cooking in a pot with lots of water and salt like my favorite Ina Garten tells everyone to do!

 

I diced up my tomato and tossed it in with the onion.  Added some salt and a few grinds of the garlic pepper grinder along with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of e.v.o.o.

 

I drained my pasta and added it in my pan with the veggies and seasonings.  Then I gave it a good "slosh" around and transferred it all to a dish and put an Italian cheese blend on top (which melted....yummy!)

 

Can I just say my baby loved it, my hubby loved it, and I said "yep I'll be making that again!"

 

Got to love impromptu good ideas!

 

 

Of course you think about this in July....

This week I have noticed something that I didn't think I was quite ready to see.  I will give you a minute to brace yourself for what you are about to read.  If you are like me you need to prepare yourself for things that you are not quite emotionally ready to take in with your eye balls.  Ready?

Christmas

 

Oops was that a bit small for the old windows to the soul?  Ok, I'll try again.

 

Christmas.

 

Yes, the holiday season.  The most special time of year that induces stress and anger and anxiety.  You know, when you blow money on people you don't even like? 

 

That's just my take on the commercial side of the season.

 

I really like Thanksgiving - it is our favorite holiday because we go off on our own and there is little to no stress involved.  Christmas is great and I love the reason for the season but the commercialization of the holiday and loss of meaning really leave me with a sad feeling in my gut of guts. 

 

Oh well.

 

The things I love about Christmas include:

1.  Decorating

2.  Music

3.  Fun outings

4.  Good church concerts/plays/musicals

5.  The excitement from my five year old.

 

After reading about people having all their shopping done, seeing Pinterest shares of holiday ideas, and my mother mentioning the purchase of several Christmas gifts I did find myself putting the cinnamon potpourri in the warmer and letting it scent my home.  I also began thinking about this year's Christmas tree and how to best place it so that a certain baby wouldn't be trying to climb it.  Then I started the thought process of gifts being handmade.

 

Heads up friends and family this is your gift from me this year....ok now please forget about it.  Or act surprised later on ok? Here's the link to this idea!



Is this not beautiful.  That's it, I'm planning a get together!  Here's the link to this idea!

 

 

For about an hour I had my own personal little Christmas in July.  Then I was over it.

 

The potpourri can continue though...

 

 

 

 

The real reason please. Link to this here!

Five on Friday!

 

I'm so in love with the lovely bloggers who do the Five on Friday link up party (icon above) that when I read I could also join in and link up I just had to do it! Check those awesome blogs out and follow them on your Bloglovin account.  Here are my five loves this week!!!

 

 

 

1.  My new shoes. 

 

Oh my goodness these are so comfy and cute.  They also have that retro flair - remember the old wooden bottom Candies?  I actually stumbled upon these on a diaper run to Walmart.  I looked, I pondered, I tried on, and oh my goodness they felt great! These are Dr. Scholl's (do I sound suddenly twenty years older?) and they are not wooden soled.  I can wear them with a cute casual skirt or my shorts with no ouchies.   Yay!

 

 

2.  Tuesday Night Date Nights

 

So Tuesdays are dance night for my little girl.  Love that to pieces because she loves dance class.  This summer it also means mini date for my hubby and I!  We don't have a lot of time since class is only an hour but we make the most of it.  When you have two kids it gets tough to get time alone with each other so whatever we can get we will gladly take.  We're cheapskates and in a time crunch so we end up at the Subway close to the studio and chat and laugh over our subs.  You cannot beat the $4 special they have going on!  A six inch sub and drink for $4 - oh yeah!

 

 

 

3.  The book I just finished up!

 

 If you love Mad Men you'll really love Truth In Advertising (John Kenney).  I think of it as a modern day Don Draper telling the story of his life.  I adore this book.  My husband is going to read it next - I'm forcing him to.

 

 

 

4.  Bob anyone?

 

I did it!  I cut my hair off and I LOVE IT!  I posted yesterday about the style - I was adamant about this not being the inverted/contorted/soccer mom/Posh Spice cut that every woman doing her Friday after work shopping in Harris Teeter rocked out for like three years.  I was so over my long hair, all I found myself doing was pony tailing it so it was time for a change. 

 

 

 

5.  My kidlets.

 

This week brought some heartache.  A dear friend had a late term miscarriage.  Before kids I would hear that type of news and say "how sad" - now it hits me on another level.  It is these times in life that really make us see how blessed we truly are.  I find myself hugging and kissing and saying I love you like fifty billion extra times when tragedy occurs.  I am so blessed with my two healthy babies - thank you Lord!

A Hodge Podge

Tuesday I went shopping with my mother and grandmother at {Hanes Mall}.  I don't head to the mall too much these days, however this week I went two times!  The first on Sunday for the little girl some shoes at {Stride Rite}.  The second on Tuesday.  On Sunday I scoped out some sales and so a trip back was necessary to get some deals.

 

This time of the year is great for stocking up on end of season deals.  You know it is time for the Halloween and Christmas décor to adorn the displays when the temperature is so hot out that all you can think of is a new bathing suit!

 

Here are some of the best deals I spotted.

 

{Belk} -

 

 A southern favorite, has tons of clearance racks of items in every department.  The racks are offering up great deals of items already marked 50% off and ready for you to take an extra 50% off at the register.  I'm not very in love with current clothing styles but I did score a cute shift dress I can easily transition with into the fall.

The little boy also got a few outfits for next year when he is a bit bigger.

 

I have major issues with little girl's clothing when they go from the sweet sizes of 4-6x into the world of 7 and up.  A lot of the clothes look...well...trashy or clown like!  I was not impressed with anything in the 7/8 sizes so my sweetie pie will have to wait until another trip to score her new duds.  I already have ideas in mind!

 

{Charming Charlie} -

 

 If you haven't heard of this place it is like a Claire's for women. I have a love hate relationship with this store. I love this store because every color has its own section.  I hate this store because there is so much in there I tend to get distracted and annoyed.  Right now they are running a special of take an extra 50% off the clearance items.  I needed a skinny belt for the dress I purchased and scored a two pack for $3.  Cannot complain about that!

 

{Gap Stores} -

Currently you can take an extra 40% off all clearance merchandise.  I love Gap it is one of my favorite Outlet stores to shop, I don't do much shopping at the mall stores.  However, this deal is one you should take advantage of!

 

{Children's Place} -

Their sale pricing starts at $2.99 need I say more?

 

{Dillards} -

Some sale racks but nothing that really made me go "wowza" - my grandma really scored on some new clothing which she really needed!

 

{Macy's} -

I didn't go in Macy's but my mom reported some great mark downs there that you can take extra discounts on.

 

{Bath & Body Works} -

They are running some great specials on summer scents.  As always I restocked on our hand soaps because I cannot betray the Bath & Body Works Foaming Hand Soap.  They are awesome to have on hand for small gift baskets too.  I have also found they last a lot longer than other hand soaps and this is coming from someone who may wash her hands three times in five minutes!

 

Does anyone else think that malls are quickly becoming a thing of the past?  I had that feeling the whole time I was strolling around.  Luckily, the mall is loaded with stores and I didn't see hardly any empty stores if any at all.  That is a good sign.  I just have this feeling in a few years malls will be obsolete...????

 

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Guess what I did?

 

Yep, I cut it off.  It is NOT that over-done so yesterday Posh Spice Beckham wedged back thing that I rocked like every other American woman back in day (of 2 years ago).  It's a cut single line bob with a beveled edge and a few longer layers for face framing and so I can still have a half up pony.  I adore it and the hubby does too!

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Last week's dinner by the pool was so fun I did it again last night.  We always associate lighter fair with hot weather and by water but last night I served my chicken pie.  Instead of a heavy side I just did French style green beans in a very light butter sauce.

 

Sometimes I cheat on my crust.  I use two store bought deep dish frozen pies.  One the chicken and milk based concoction will go in the second will be removed and placed on top.  When you're in a hurry its a great tip!

 

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And lastly my little man is officially eleven months old!  Wow this time has flown by.  He is such an incredible blessing to our family. 



Got (Pretty) Bush?

As I type this I am hearing VeggieTales:  Everybody's got a water buffalo mine is fast and yours is slow playing in my head.  For some reason I felt you needed to know that.

 

 

G'day!  I'm not Australian but its fun to say.  Today I want to talk you into buying a plant.  Seriously.  Here's the question - Do you have a butterfly bush in your yard?  If you said no (and you do have yard you can plant in) then I advise you to go quickly and purchase one.  You will be happy you did.

 

 

 

Five years ago I received a cutting from our then babysitter of a butterfly bush she had growing in her yard.  A cutting is a living piece of the tree, generally a small healthy viable piece that can be transplanted into soil and with proper care will grow into the full size plant it is meant to be.  This was my first ever attempt at growing a cutting and I was super successful.  (I think that is what has driven me to want to plant and garden so much, I found something I was truly good at doing and in this life we miss so much we are good at.)  That little stick of a bush turned into a 6+feet tall bush in our backyard.  I caught on to pruning it correctly and manicuring it to be pretty so now I keep it around 5 1/2 feet tall. 

 



Sometimes my rinky dink camera & I take good pictures!



 

 

Last year I bought a butterfly bush to equal out the other side of my little pretty area in the backyard.  They are both purple and gorgeous. 

 

 

 

However, the best part of having a butterfly bush is well....BUTTERFLIES!  This is peak season for both the insects and the bushes.  My back yard is a sanctuary for the pretty little flying beauties.  I kid you not, most days I have around twenty-five butterflies eating off the 2 bushes that use them as their namesake (15 per bush).  So if you are looking for a pretty plant for your yard look no further.

 

 

 

So we have our first bunny - I had told you this before I believe in a post from last week (remember that sleep issue and brain fog?)....here's an updated picture of him!

 

 

Today wouldn't be complete without me adding a good recipe in....so how bout a sketti & meatballs night?  I made my own meatballs using my favorite mama/cook/blogger's recipe {The Pioneer Woman} of course! 

 

This {recipe} was to make Mini Meatball Sandwiches but I used it for my spaghetti.  Delicious.

Sleepy Me!

So I am doing some "scientific" research this week.  Lately I haven't felt all that great.  I'm very drowsy and just cannot seem to get going.  The weather is what I have been pointing my finger to.  You know we humans have to blame something!  It could be a whole ball of ideas - Mirena (lots of women blame their whole batch of life problems on this pharmaceutical I'm finding out)....2 young kids (extremely draining)....forgetting my vitamins (unhealthy of me to forget)....too much coffee (never!)....brain drain (I do use my noggin to do a lot of things believe it or not).

Whatever it is - I think I can adjust it with something fairly simple - SLEEP.
 

 

For the past few weeks I find that my "unwind" time is 9pm.  At this magical hour both children are asleep and the hubs and I are on the couch or porch chatting and flipping channels or enjoying silence. I generally hang out on the couch or porch until 10 or after and then shower and find my way to bed.  Then the whole shebang begins between six and six thirty the next morning.

 

I do not see this as healthy.  I do see it taking an enormous toll on my system.

 

This week I'm instituting a new regimen.  The baby normally goes to bed between seven and eight.  The kid can snooze for the evening between 8:30 and nine.  That means the DVR can catch my shows and I can be in bed between nine and 9:30.  It truly sounds daunting to me!  To have a set bedtime that is so dare I say early!  However, I feel it is something I need.  How about you?  Could you use a more structured time for sleep?

 

 

Sleep is so critical and it is not something you can catch up on.  If you miss out then well... you miss out and cannot buy back what you lost.  Losing sleep is losing function and I cannot afford to do that - neither can you (just guessing).  Our bodies do so much maintenance while we are snoring & drooling - it is key to the metabolic cycle and we cannot scrimp on this major duty to cuddle up under the covers and get some shut eye.

 

Since I'm changing up my "bed time" I am also adjusting my daily routine.  I cannot say - "Oh that can wait until tonight" I have to just get it finished in the five minutes it takes me in the morning.  Referring to yesterday's blog - I can be a Martha from 6:30a-6:30p and practice my Mary from 6:30p until time to awake for the day.  Twelve hours a piece for the two dueling personas....sounds fair.

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I have seen a lot of my friends are going to Pinterest for "To Do Chore Sheets".  I had tried that for a while but bombed at it.  So now I just make a print out of my week and include any expenses for the day, any special plans, what's for dinner, and what chores should be done that day.  Hopefully, this self-made plan will be more effective than some Pinner telling me I need to wash my windows and walls on Thursday the 17th and wax the toilet seat on Monday the 31st. 

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So how excited was I to get some pool time Monday?  Totally excited!  Finally some hot sun and good feeling water.  The baby, the diva, and I all enjoyed splashing and swimming.  I even got some quiet time for sunning and reading my current favorite book.  I'll be sharing about it later in the week!

Defining Names

I think I should change my name to Martha.  Maybe after reading this post you'll identify with that statement.

 

We live in a Martha world.  A world where women feel they should always be in constant motion - like we are fish who don't dare quit swimming all around.  There's a fear that if we stop for a mere second we could perish in some way or another.

 

Martha - constantly working...cooking, cleaning, laundering, making everything from a Pinterest Board, volunteering to do it all, going to every meeting (even the optional ones).

 

Martha - not taking time to stop, sit, and just be.

 

Why not, Martha?  Is it because when she tries to yet her to do list taunts her brain?

 

Why not, Martha?  Is it because she is afraid she'll fall behind?

 

Why not, Martha?  Is it because someone in this world frowns on her stopping just for a random moment to smell the roses before they are gone?

 

Why not, Martha?  Is it all of the above wrapped into one big fat ball that bounces against her?

 

Credit for photo

 

So you may be asking who the crap is this Martha and woe be to her.  Well Martha comes to us from the book of Luke (10:38-42).  The extremely brief story is of Jesus coming to visit Martha and her sister Mary randomly one day.  It was also the center of this past Sunday's sermon at the church we attend.  It was a story and a sermon that was apparently and unknowingly picked for me to hear this day.  This beautiful Sunday when I spent the morning cooking breakfasts, doing dishes, cleaning the kitchen, stripping a peed in bed, and making my mental to do list. 

 

 

See, I was being Martha.  Martha fulfilled the woman's role (of Biblical times and sadly enough current times) of busying herself with household chores.  She was meal making, cleaning, laundering, and being a domestic engineer in all things to sustain life and cleanliness back in the day.  Since she had a pretty special guest (this dude named Jesus) suddenly at her door she was put in high gear to be the hostess with the mostess.  She was in the kitchen making a stunning meal, tidying up, probably breaking a sweat and not doing what she should have been doing.  Her sister, Mary, was doing the right thing - putting aside the chores and tasks and not losing her cool over having a surprise visitor.  Mary was sitting with Jesus and listening and learning and living in the miraculous moment of having Jesus Christ at her side putting peace in her heart and rest in her mind.  Mary took full advantage of the moment.  Martha worked herself into a tizzy and asked for Jesus to call her sister out but He didn't He praised Mary but never condemned Martha.

 

Martha was doing what she was taught was right - she was being a Proverbs 31 woman - not being  one tiny ounce idle.  But she was also missing out on the chance to calm herself and visit with her special visitor. 

 

This blog post isn't to tell you that I, or we, should abandon our daily jobs.  This post is to remind myself and you, my sweet reader, that we can set the to do list to the side.  We can push away from our desks for a bit of time and reflect away from the task at hand to take in the moment and find some peace.  The need to just be is a true need for the human body.  We need to release the burdens of our every day and take deep breaths and notice the world around us - the beautiful world around us.  This need is so strong that if we fail to do it we may find ourselves in dark places that produce tears of hurt, sadness, and stress.  No life is meant to experience that - we are meant to experience this life as the remarkable gift it is.

 

Martha wasn't doing that folks.  Martha was busying herself and missing out. 

 

Photo credit

 

So if you identify as a Martha now then maybe you can join me in a challenge to put aside the chaos for thirty minutes each day to reconnect with everything that is unplugged and recharge with things that need no electricity.  Just sit down and stop what you are doing and take in this short life.  Just silently listen to what is on our hearts.  I bet it will calm our busy, list making, minds.

Brownie Estate Volume 1 Issue 1

 

So here's an update of what is going on at Brownie Estate.

 

Saturday - we had made our plans to do our work in the morning and then spend the afternoon at the pool.  Mother Earth had other plans that included an overcast morning (perfect for the work part) but a hellacious down pour for the afternoon which led to a fifteen degree decrease in temp and no pool.  Sad....yes.

 

The hubby got some wood cut and nicely stacked - he mentioned how pretty it looked, very neat and up against the wall.  He does a lot of cutting and stacking because we heat our home and our water with a {Heatmor} Water Stove system.  The good side of this set up is an extremely low energy bill - in the winter we may pay $90 each cycle to heat our house (2400 sq feet).  It has been as low as $45 for an energy bill and well you just cannot complain about that.  The down side is of course the need for wood which can be a headache.  However, if you properly maintain your system the wood need is relatively low. 

 

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I have received some emails about our my husband's pig.  Personally, I am not fan of this girl.  She hates human beings.  I can see myself finding her a new home on a novelty farm.  To be one of the cleanest animals she sure is messy.  Pigs cannot sweat so in the summer heat they need too cool - thus you see her handy-work (or should I say snouty-work).  Originally we had a kiddie pool in the pin for her - after the monsoons of the summer of 2013 we removed the pool and the piggy decided to do some excavating herself.  Pigs love to root and she is no exception.  Her favorite foods are bananas, watermelons, and cantaloupes....along with anything we eat.....along with anything my chickens eat.....along with ok I'm sure you get the picture.  She's fat and seems pretty happy unless a person comes around so woot woot.

 

This is probably my favorite picture.  We aren't in the process of construction or masonry or painting inside the house yet but we are working outside.  Originally, this picture would have been a pit of overgrowth and scraggly trees.  My husband (along with his dad) have worked at clearing out the scraggly woods behind our house and this is how it currently looks.  The goal here is to have grass and a large area for the kids to play.  There will also be some flowers but you knew that already right?

 

So my husband (fresh buzz cut) is staring at this huge brush pile (refer to the picture above this one) that he wanted to burn.  We aren't under any burning warnings because we've had more rain than Noah lately.  Needless to say it did not burn at all (probably because it had just poured rain for 90 minutes) but he is some pyro dude at heart so he had to play with it.  If you look between the brush pile and the husband you see an opening and a small building in the woods.  Folks you are looking at my future chicken barn area!  My favorite animal off the farm is the chicken (bet you didn't know that) and now I will have an even snazzier coop de la coop!  My little girl is wanting a sheep pretty badly....thinking about fencing in some of the grassy areas on the property for a few sheep.  Do you think I would make a good shepherd?

 

Here's the top of the brush pile - this lasted 20 seconds.

 

 

 

I have read that in advertising two things catch our attention faster than anything else

 

1.  Babies

2.  Puppies

 

Well this little heart melter took four steps on Friday.  This was him as we were waiting on dad so we could get our grub on.  I captioned this photo on Facebook as Date Night with my two stud muffins the one I married and the one I made (and not from a Pinterest recipe).

 

 

OK back to the grind.  Here is one of many boxes of yard sale goodies I have for sale.  I spent about an hour going through baby stuff and pricing it only to think:  why am I doing this?

It is a yard sale and I probably shouldn't be spending so much time pricing but I just feel the need.  Look for a blog post coming up about Brownie's Yard Sale Nightmares.

 

We also decided to move the sale up a month.  Anything I make off this sale will go towards the surprise beach trip in August. My little girl still has no clue and I have nearly spilled the beans like twelve times already.

 

Lastly, this picture.  Last week I worked so hard to get my kitchen in good order.  Normally, you cannot see the counter tops because they are covered in papers, drawings, plates, snacks, five hundred cups (because all five year olds need at least 500 a day to go through), along with cooking items and oils.  So a picture after I had finished it up that morning was warranted.  I am so sick of this kitchen and its nonfunctioning 1930 cabinets and perma stained floor and crappy paint job.  I am totally ready for the remodel to begin and my patiently waiting is quickly turning to impatient.

 

For the first time I can actually see the yard, kitchen, diningroom, deck, laundry room, hall, bathrooms as they will be.  Impatient I have become!