Follow Up: How To Catch A Thief

The simple answer, public records. The wealth of information available is literally a google search away. Don't assume that you are being told the truth. You are perfectly justified in wanting verification. If there is not total transparency, be suspicious. Ask for hard copies of all paperwork included in the matter. Requesting printed copies usually will have a minimal cost.

Tip: In my experience I have found a visit in person to make my requests for hard copies resulted in the clerk supplying knowledge I would have never known had I not been there in person.

Public information includes: birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, land ownership, business licenses, statistical information, court records, warrant list, voting records, meeting minutes, just to name a few. You can access public records from all levels of government, state, county or city. The Sunlight Foundation advocates for open government. Stay in the know on the federal level by visiting their website.

Tip: A printed hard copy of an official record includes valuable information other than just a name.

Public records are so helpful when researching your family tree. A lot of the information that some websites charge a fee to see was information that was accessed for free from public records. Knowing where to look for this free information can be the hard part.

Tip: Family Tree Magazine is a superb site that lists a massive amount of free resource sites for free.

And now a word on prevention. Do not rely on others and their "knowledge" on anything. How do you know they received what they know from a reliable source. Do not blindly trust. That goes for family members, long time friends or some stranger you just met at the grocery store. Take the time and educate yourself. I promise you will not be sorry.

Just one more thing to mention. Do not allow others to take advantage of the system for their own personal gain. If you come across evidence of wrong doing, alert the proper authorities. If you see something, say something. That's why we are in the mess that we are in today.

If you have any questions, leave a comment or email me and I will be glad to clear things up for you.

20 Websites Get It Done or Just Have Fun

pdfescape.com - free online PDF editor and form filler. A reader suggested this post about how important it is to use proper grammar for maximum income results. I agree and here's a link to that post the reader suggested.

ctrlq.org/dictation - free online voice recognition in your Chrome browser.

ifread.com - free email tracking service that lets you know when and where email is read.

homestyler.com - remodel a room or your entire house in 3D from scratch or use a template.

join.me - free screen sharing, unlimited audio, and ridiculously simple video conferencing.

onlineocr.net - convert scanned PDF to WORD.

flightstats.com - track flight status at airports worldwide.

webtransfer.com - share really big files online.

polishmywriting.com - get feedback on your writings, checks spelling, grammar & style.

marker.to - literally highlight parts of a web page to share with others.

kleki.com - create paintings and sketches.

midomi.com - find the name of a song by singing a little bit of it.

faxzero.com - send a free fax to anyone in the US or Canada.

tinychat.com - online video chat community.

privnote.com - send notes that will self destruct after being read.

boxoh.com - track your USPS, UPS, FedEx or DHL/AirBorne package with a tracking number.

whoishostingthis.com - find out who is the host of any site.

disposablewebpage.com - create a temporary web page that will self destruct.

freeimages.com - over 300,000 free images.

picmonkey.com - image editor.

8 Shortcuts To Save Time Cleaning Up

1. Line the bottom of a garbage can with newspaper to catch any leaking from the plastic bag and this will help with any odors too.
2. Another shortcut for that garbage can is to layer with bags, 5 or 6 should work.  Make sure to push air out before adding the next one.  This at least will keep you from putting a new bag in constantly.
3. In the microwave you might consider laying down several paper towels.  Any amount will do.  If there are any spills while cooking, all you do is pick up the top towel and leave the rest.  Makes clean up almost obsolete.
4. Covering dishes of food put in a microwave to cook is a great idea to save on clean up time.  Any microwave safe dish will work, for example a plate will work or a large bowl. 
5. You are probably use to laying down some newspaper to protect your work surface when painting a small object.  Try wax paper instead.  Your object will not stick to it.  No more messy stuck on paint to clean up. 
6. Does it seem to you that your cleaning rags are not doing their job when it comes to cleaning up a liquid spill.  Try to avoid using fabric softener on them when you are doing the laundry.  The fabric softener creates a barrier, making it hard for the cloth to soak up liquids. 
7. The best time to vacuum your carpet and rugs is when it is raining or humid outside.  This will keep the dust from resettling on your carpet or flying around in the air. 
8. A better way then soaking them in a bucket with a cleaner of some sort, that you will probably have to scrub one by one anyway.  And then there is the drying part.  I am talking about all those little toys and pieces and parts of toys.  If you want to get those little suckers clean quickly and easily.  The mesh laundry bags are perfect.  Just put those little suckers in the bag, close it up and throw it in the washing machine, with a lil' bit of laundry soap.  Probably would work in the dish washer too.

     It just wouldn't be the same if I didn't have a couple of links for you to check out.  You are really going to love these two.  I have bookmarked them both for myself to explore later, and I bet you will want to do the same.  You'll see.  Trust me.

Miracle Cleaner. Only two common ingredients. This is genius!  Click the link, you won't be sorry.  One Good Thing by Jillee is the name of her website.  It's way more than one, I promise you that. 

MarytheKaytheBlog 

"How to have an easy but wildly successful garage sale" and that's the title of the first, but certainly not the last post I will be reading on this blog.  The author has an entertaining way of presenting her ideas.  Very good ideas, too.  Even if you are not planning a garage sale you must check it out.

More Tips For Finding Treasure

     The Antiques Roadshow was on tonight on PBS.  Love, love, love that show.  I like the new thing they added where they price things randomly as people are standing in line waiting for their appraisal or maybe they are waiting for the "feedback booth."  That feedback booth can be a real hoot.  Everybody says they had a great time and they really act like they had a blast.  Back to the recent change I've noticed.  The camera zooms in on a particular item and a price appears on the screen over it.  It's great because more values for items are given, so we don't just get the ones that made it for a TV appearance.

     I've got some more useful info about collectibles for you, if you're up to it.  Hope you are taking notes.  Good, glad to hear it.

     My go to for this subject is Kovel 's.  Traveling routinely through the states keeps them in the know.

• The original fringe on an oriental or Indian rug should never be altered in any way.  The difference in value is too big not to notice.  An untrimmed rug could be worth $1500.  And that same rug with the fringe altered or missing altogether, $100.  Huge difference!
• The paint on a vintage cookie jar is applied over the glaze and may come off if put through a dishwasher cycle.  Hand wash only and then be very careful.  I would  just leave it alone.  That seems to be the rule.
• Engravings removed from Silver is a big NO, NO.  This will actually decrease the value.
• Dolls with original hair and hair-do bring the most money.  Don't even wash it.
• Prices are up for exceptional pieces of cut glass.  And even 25% more than that if signed.
• Restoration lowers the resale price of old Christmas ornaments.  Leave it alone.  The wear adds to the charm.
  
• Stay away from vases with a hole in the bottom.  Those vases were headed to be lamps.  
• All Mission furniture is getting lower prices.  With original finish it is worth 10% to 25% more than if refinished. 

Treasure Hunting Tips

1. Modern colorful glass vases and sculptures are really popular right now.  I'm talking about large and over 15 inches high.
2. Star Trek and Star Wars memorabilia of all kinds is getting lots of attention but particularly robots and space guns.  We are suckers for a good movie, don't you agree?
3. Wristwatches with large round faces worn as bracelets are currently in style, working or not.
4. The Chinese market is decreasing and has been since January 2012.  The higher priced items (top 20%) are still selling well for now.
5. Traditional furniture made in the '50's through '80's are wanted by those in traditional houses.  Manufacturers Kittinger, Baker and Widdicomb to name a few.
6. Vintage guitars from the '60's through 2000 are selling for hundreds and even thousands of dollars.
7. Collectors who can identify the patterns, age, etc. of decorated dishes and bowls by Pyrex and Corning Ware are seriously buying them up.
8. Appealing to decorators as well as collectors are wooden sleds, old snowshoes, skis, gut-strung wooden tennis racquets or ice skates with iron blades form Europe.  The price is going up, up, up with their increasing rarity.
9. Posters, toys, patches, badges and even a real full size _______ are hot!  Can you guess what I am talking about?
10. Young buyers are attracted to sixties furniture and accessories with a modern look.
11. Soda bottles and milk bottles with enameled lettering are becoming more valuable, especially those with pictures or sayings.  Patriotic slogans are a plus.  Just beware of fakes because they are out there.

OK, already.  You won't let me have any fun.  The answer to 9 above is ...
Motorcycle.  Anything motorcycle is HOT right now!!!

Resource:  Kovel's Collector's Tip Sheet brochure
Contact them for a free copy of their newsletter, "Kovels on Antiques and Collectibles" 

8 Thrift Store Shopping Tips

     This is for those newbies to the thrift store scene and maybe for the professionals too.  These tips will prove valuable no matter what category you fit into.  There are lots of great bargains to be had in the thrift store if you are willing to take the time and look.  Whether you have a booth at a flea market that needs inventory or you are just looking to add to your wardrobe, need to replace broken dishes from your kitchen, or would like to start riding a bike.  You will find what you need for pennies on the dollar at your local second hand store.  

     They have it all, shoes, scarves, slacks, jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, prom dresses, casual dresses, sweat suits, socks, hats, purses... you name it they've got it.  They also have housewares, craft supplies, pictures, furniture.  It all depends on what has been donated.  And sometimes you will see brand new, still tagged items from the store where item was first purchased.  Either the person that first purchased it had a change of heart (or weight in some cases) or the department store has made the choice to donate.  And if you donate items yourself, don't forget to get a receipt for your tax purposes. If you itemize on your tax return you can get a deduction for the amount of your donation.  It's a win win for everybody involved.  Now on with the tips!

1. Take your clothing off the hangers before getting to the register.  This will save time for a speedier check out.  And there is less likely a chance the cashier will snag the item in their haste.
2. Don't reveal to anyone that you are a dealer or seller.  You will find at some of the smaller (not corporate) stores prices are negotiable.  But! if anyone should find out you are re-selling the merchandise the pries are not so negotiable anymore.
3. Pay attention to the items at the end of the racks.  Other shoppers will put items that did not fit them here or maybe they down sized and these items did not make the cut.  Either way it might be something good that you don't want to miss out on just because they saw it first.
4. Don't review your purchases in a dark corner of the store.  Find a window and a flat surface if you can.  Lay your garments out and check for stains, rips or tears and also look at the structural integrity.  While doing this look at the price again and decide if you can make a profit.  If you decide a piece is a little too much for you, get a plan for the bargaining sure to come.  You could say something like "What's the best price you can give me on this?"  Because you have already decided on what you want to pay, that will be your counter offer.
5. Include a sniff test in your final auditing of your haul.  Steer clear of of moth ball odor and cigarette smoke.  While it is possible to remove the odors from many fabrics.  The time and cost to do so will prove to just not worth it.  Since you need your sniffer to be in tip top shape, don't wear strong odors yourself like perfumes or deodorant or lotions.  You get the idea.
6. Leaving your garments in the bag once you get home is not such a good idea.  I know your tired but you don't want more wrinkles to form.  And you certainly don't want an overlooked odor spreading to the other clothing. 
7. Keep in mind that you are working.  It's a good idea to have a plan and an intended route to help keep you focused.  It can be over whelming at first and sometimes hypnotizing looking through all those clothes.  Don't go when you are sleepy or hungry.  You will want to have all your wits about you so you don't make a mistake.
8. Remember to bring wet wipes or hand sanitizer.  It might get ugly in there. 

That wraps it up!  Go forth and conquer.  Charge!

One more thing... don't over look the jewelry.  More times than not I have purchased authentic silver pieces, clearly marked 925.  Some they know about and price accordingly but there is always some silver items mistakenly under priced.  I even found a brooch that was 14 kt gold with a beautiful diamond included.  This item was not marked with a gold marking but I had a hunch and found out I was right after I took it to be looked at by a jewelry maker friend of mine. You too can be that lucky.

Just Collecting Or Collecting To Sell

 

I want to share some GREAT tips that I have learned for collecting or collecting to sell.  It just doesn't matter really, because I bet everybody that falls in to the "collecting to sell" category  has a collection of their very favorites on the side and vice versa.



Every collectible item is cyclical.  Just look at what is popular right now.  In 10 to 20 years, even Beanie Babies will be in demand again. Scratching your head yet?  Because the kids who couldn't afford them in the 1990's will be in their 30's and 40's with money to spend.  They will want to purchase their childhoods.  Don't throw those Beanies away just yet.  Hold on to them for a little while longer.

Pewter will be marked if it contains at least 90 percent tin.  It is a somewhat dull looking silver-colored alloy made of tin, lead and copper.  Pewter has been used over the years for anything from eating utensils to candlesticks.  Pewter as far as its value is concerned, is at the bottom of the list below copper and only above lead.  It was known as the "poor man's sliver."  Early American pewter with marks from the maker, and art pewter from Europe, can be valuable.

George Jenson Markings

Don't pass up those items that have been signed and dated.  Even if you haven't heard of the maker,  someone has.  Do some research.  Hang on to it for a while if you have to, no harm in that is there...$...*wink, wink*

Why not buy a book.  They aren't cheap to  buy brand new.  But every once in a while I see them at a flea market, thrift store or even a garage sale.  These books sometimes have articles packed full of useful information.  There are beautiful colored photos included also.  If you run into an out of date book, they are still useful as reference for identification purposes.  You can't rely on the prices even when first printed because prices constantly change in the world of antiques for obvious reasons.

Plop Down, Lift Up And Listen

So, you have been looking to buy a sofa.  This my friend is not a decision to be taken lightly.  Your going to want to be comfortable with your choice because the experts say most folks will keep the same sofa for an average of 10 years. And why wouldn't you, they are not cheap.  Some folks will even go in debt to get the furniture of their dreams. Plus, it's almost like your sofa becomes part of the family.

I have done the research and compiled a list that will guarantee you'll get exactly what you pay for when choosing the next member of your family.  I bet there are a few you had forgotten about.  Plus a few designer tips you probably never knew.

Designer Tips:

• Back cushions with squared off edges look more contemporary than the rounded.  
• Exposed legs will look more modern.
• Skirted styles are cozier.
• Metal legs give it a Euro Chic flavor.
• Three back cushions... say traditional.
• Two back cushions... look more updated.
• A single back cushion makes a strong design statement.
• The experts also say to stick to a neutral color and add pillows or a throw or both for color and pattern.

Let's get down to the basics:

1. Buy the best construction you can afford.  Lift the sofa to check for quality.  The heavier the better.  Sturdiest frames are made from moisture-resistant, kiln dried hardwoods.
2. There should be absolutely no squeak when you sit.  The best springs are 8 gauge steel wire set into the frame and hand tied with twine.
3. When you sit on the arms of the sofa, you shouldn't feel wood through the padding.  You'll be glad you checked this the first time you go to lay your head on the arm to watch TV.
4. Finally, plop down (and I mean PLOP) on the sofa seat on one end, near the arm.  The other end of the cushion should not pop up.  You also shouldn't feel like you are being sucked into the corner.
5. You'll want to make sure the depth of the cushions (front to back) allows you to sit (or lay down) comfortably.  It doesn't take much to be too deep which might leave your feet dangling. Or too short, so your significant other doesn't have room to snuggle up beside you to watch a movie.

I hope this helps.  Oh, one last thing, if you are feeling like you just might want to keep your dear old friend that has been around for at least ten years.  Because those were some good times shared.  You could always invest in a nice cover and just keep old blue around for a few more. Except now she's a very pretty beige color. 

Cozy Vintage Chic

Hillbilly Chic

Just The Facts Moon Just The Facts

Mooning-  the act of displaying one's bare buttocks by lowering the backside of one's trousers and underpants, usually bending over.

 

What is the pressed ham?

                       - the bare buttocks of the mooner is forced onto the face of the moonie.  (Eww!)  

Butt Seriously Let's Move On...

*The Moon's Effect on the Body

*"Human knowledge and mythology throughout time have spoken of the moon's effect on the earth and the human body. The moon's gravitational pull dictates the action of the ocean's tides. A woman's menstrual cycle runs in parallel to the cycle of the moon. Some believe the moon affects the emotions—for example, the full moon stimulates aggressive behavior."

*"In addition, the moon can affect the water contained in the human body. The human body is 60% water. When the moon reaches its full phase and new phase, its gravitational pull combines with the sun for the greatest gravitational effect. This period of increased effect lasts about 24 hours."

 

• A full moon always rises at sunset.
• February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.
• The Apollo II had only 20 seconds of fuel left when it landed on the moon.
• Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon with his left foot first.
• Buzz Aldrin was the first man to pee his pants on the moon.
• Buzz Aldrin's mother's maiden name was Moon. 
• The moon has no atmosphere, therefore no wind.
• The moon has 3 types of rock.  These types of rocks can also be found on Earth.
• There is no global magnetic field on the moon.  
• *The golf ball hit by Alan Sheppard while on the moon, went 2400 feet, approx. 1/2 a mile.
• *13% of people surveyed in 1988 actually thought the moon was made of cheese.
• A man's dying wish was to have his ashes placed on the moon.  The ashes were placed in 1999.

*Free calculator to determine your weight on the moon.
*Have you heard of the Moon Diet?  Aka Werewolf Diet.
*See the current Moon phase.
*Moon phases calendar.                                                             

Most folks know their Sun sign.  But what about your moon sign.  Free calculator!

*David Rose is the creator of QuickPhase Pro, a popular moon phase software program. Visithttp://www.moonconnection.com/quickphase/ to discover the fun and easy ways to view the phases of the moon.

How To Pick'em And Keep'em

    If you came looking for dating tips,  Sorry to disappoint.  But since you're here why not stick around and find out how to pick the best, sweetest and juiciest ( snap out of it, we are talking fruit here) from your local grocery store.
     Now wait a minute, seems to me I have heard somewhere, the produce isle is a hot spot for finding a date.  So read on!  With these tips you'll be sure to impress.  Maybe you are in the right place after all.

-Apricot-
Soft yellowish orange color and firm texture.  Refrigerate and use within five days.

-Berries-

A bright color.  Store in the refrigerator covered, unwashed and un-stemmed.  Consume asap.

-Except cranberries can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 1/2 weeks.

-Cherries-
Firm and dark in color.  Refrigerate and use asap.

-Grapefruit- (white and pink)
Skin is greenish-yellow.  Avoid a lightweight could be dried out.  Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

-Grapes- (all varieties)
Plump and flexible stems.  Refrigerate and eat asap.

-Melons-
Fragrance and make sure the blossom end is soft to applied pressure and somewhat indented.
     -Cantaloupe-
     Yellowish, with thick, coarse veining.  Avoid the ones that are too soft.
     -Honeydew-
     Creamy or yellowish-white smooth skin.  If it feels really hard and appears greenish-white, it will        never ripen properly.
     -Watermelon-
     Firm and smooth. The underside should be yellowish or cream-white.  Gently knock on the rind of      an uncut one and you should hear a deep, hollow thump.  The inside should be bright red, firm and      juicy.  If seeds are present they should be mostly black.  White streaks indicate a less sweet fruit.

-Nectarines-
Orange, yellow and red when at their best.  Store at room temperature until they soften and ripen.
Refrigerate and use within five days.

-Oranges-
Firm and heavy with finely textured skin.  Valencias, Temples and Kings produce the sweetest juice
Naval oranges are good for eating.  Refrigerate and eat within two weeks.

-Apples-
Bright color and no bruises.  Should be firm or hard to the touch.

-Bananas-
Bright yellow, no bruises and slightly green at the stem end.  Let ripen at home.  Never store in the refrigerator.

-Peaches-
Well colored and firm.  Will only soften and wither once picked.  Refrigerate and use them up within five days.

-Pineapples-
Fragrance, small compact crown with richly colored crown leaves and protruding eyes.  (Still talking about the fruit) Will store best at 70 degrees, away from direct sunlight.

-Plums-
Soft but not mushy, shriveled or brown.  Refrigerate and use within five days.

15 Verbal Clues Will Identify Test Questions

Some teachers will let you know exactly what will be included on your next test.  But some of them won't.  Or will they.

This one is not a verbal clue but an action.  When your teacher looks at their notes, they are checking an important point they're about to make.  Your teacher doesn't want to give the wrong information especially if it's on the next test.

When you hear one of the following phrases, there's a good chance the next point made, will be on the exam.  So, listen up!

1. "So in conclusion..."
2. "Remember that..."
3. "The basic reason..."
4. "Essentially..."
5. "A perfect example..."
6. "Therefore..."
7. "Notice that..."
8. "So in essence..."
9. "Last but not least..."
10. "And most important..."
11. "A major development..."
12. "Don't forget that..."
13. "The basic concept here..."
14. "Finally..."
15. "From this we have learned..."

It really makes perfect sense when you think about it.

About those true and false questions?

• There are usually more TRUE questions.  So if you have to guess...
• If part of the statement is False, the entire statement is FALSE.
• The more details there are, the more likely it's TRUE.
• The modifiers likely to indicate FALSE are "never," "always," and "all.'

Don't worry, you'll be fine.  It's just a test.  It's not like it's the end of the world.

Lots and Lots of Gift Ideas

I couldn't resist

For the Office... clock for a desk or a wall, desk-top organizer with matching waste basket, letter opener, magazine subscription, briefcase, latest book on management, pocket calculator, desk calendar, pen/pencil set, dictionary/thesaurus set, ,magazine rack, ashtrays, thermos set with tray, bar accessories (if they have a bar), large standing plant, bookends, attractive jar filled with candies, wall mirror, leather telephone directory cover.

For the Home... books relating to a hobby, games, food or drink, stationery, kitchen equipment, cookbook, favorite recipes, house-hold hint book, knife-set, cutting board, condiment set, serving tray, barbecue set, picnic basket, cooler, potpourri, candles,  flowers, large plant, recorded music, pieces to add to an existing collection, personal letter or card.

For a Special Occasion... (recognition, retirement...) tie clip, brooch, watch, bracelet, other jewelry, fine clock, plaque, embossed scrapbook (with pictures already mounted, if possible), tickets for an event, trip or cruise,  "roasting". piece of antique furniture, work of art  ( framed painting, drawing, lithograph, poster, or small statue), hobby or sports item (painting, golf, tennis...), membership at a country club or health spa. (Items can be embossed or engraved with the company logo and/or the recipient's name.)

For Someone Who Is Sick... amusing book, flowering plant, cologne, cosmetics or toiletries, room spray, bath soap, game, soft sculpture, robe, slippers, card, poster  with individual good wishes from group members, memory book or filled photo album, hand-work set like needle-point, knitting or crocheting.  If the person is bed bound but feeling good, blank note cards or stationery to make their time seem productive.

For New Mom and Baby... diapers (disposable or cloth), plant or flower arrangement, card, baby quilt, baby mug and spoon, bibs, rattle, soft toy, baby book or journal, baby clothes sized between six and eighteen months, stroller, book on names, baby care book (if first baby), high-chair dining set, individual or group collection of favorite lullabies, subscription to a parenting magazine subscription, baby travel kit.

assorted teas

Food... cheeses , jams/jellies, nuts, cookies, candy, fresh fruit, dried fruit, baked goods, exotic or regional foods, selected sauces, selected teas, small squashes, smoked salmon, fresh lobster, caviar, frozen steaks, ice cream and toppings.


For Travel... luggage piece to match existing pieces, tote bag or briefcase, folding umbrella, first-aid kit, sewing kit, toiletry or cosmetics it, manicure kit, stationery and stamps, travel iron, magnified folding mirror, wallet, passport case, diary, alarm clock (wound or battery-operated), hair dryer, best-selling novel, dictionary of foreign terms, regional guide or history book, travel game.

this gift seems to appeal to everyone

Tips For Buying and Selling on Craigslist

Buying and Selling on Craigslist  by LewisvilleLove.blogspot.com

Selling:
1. You must take a picture(s) and post it on your craigslist add. No one wants to go to someone's home to look at something they haven't seen. I don't even look at any "selling" post unless there is a picture.

2. Describe it. Tell us the color, size, and be honest about knicks, scratches, and tears. Take a picture of those too.

3. Give the price and inflate it slightly because people (like me) will want to negotiate. So if you want to sell a dresser for $75, list it for $85 or $90. Some people don't ask for a lower price so you may get a higher price anyway. By the way, check out how much your item is selling for on craigslist. Don't overprice your 1980's bedroom decor because you bought it for 1,000s of dollars back then. Be careful not to underprice your items too. You may be surprised how much people are willing to pay for your gently used stuff. Do your homework.

4. If you're single, don't give out your number, just set up one of those craigslist emails. You can ask the buyer to include a number to arrange a viewing.

5. If the items is small enough, meet at a neutral location like a nearby Starbucks. We've done this several times and most buyers are fine with it.

6. If the item is too large to transport, take it into your garage or just outside your door for the prospective buyers to view. We don't have people enter the home for obvious safety reasons and make sure someone (a male -husband, brother, friend) is with you.

7. Accept cash only. Don't take any other form of payment, just cash. There are a lot of scams out there, so minimize being taken by only taking cash.

Buying:
1. Be specific in your own mind about what you want and don't deviate or settle. Consider things like size, color, price you're willing to spend, etc. Right now I'm looking for a coffee table for around $20 or a set for $50. I want real wood (there's that REAL word again) in a rectangle shape. No oval, round, etc. You can also look up key words like Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Anthropologie, etc.

2. Call or email right away. Early bird gets the worm when it come to craigslist.

3. When you go to see an item, take someone with you always! And tell someone where you are going.

4. If you don't like the item, you are not obligated to buy it. Just thank them for their time and let them know it's not what you're looking for. We looked at several chairs before we bought one.

5. Always negotiate the price unless their post says the price is firm. I hate that by the way.

1990 - 2013 THE VACANT ERA

Someone has finally labeled this time frame for history and I think it will stick. Mike from "Mike's Unique Collectible & Antique Flea Market" in Springfield, Mo has it all figured out for us.  And he can even back it up with a real story.  You'll see what I mean after reading his blog post on the website.  Just follow the link below and don't forget to holler back at me here.  I want to know what you think of the new title "The Vacant Era".  It works, don't you think?

  What Era Of Time Do You Collect?

Party Time Is Anytime

So you want to have a party, do you?
But no holidays are coming up soon.
What do you do?
Never fear!
Suggestions are here.

(Sorry!  Something about the word party makes me crazy, fun, weird.)

Have a "Slumber Party" for grown-ups only.  Serve pizza, bake cookies and stay up really late watching movies.  Your guests should arrive in PJ's, toting a sleeping bag of course.



How about a "Clothing Swap Party".     I've been wanting to do this one myself.  I've been to plenty of impromptu ones.  You know the ones where the only clothes gone through are the ones hanging in the closet of whom ever you are visiting.

Start your own Book Club.  You can find information on how to get started with your book club at this link. And I'm sure there are others out there.

Seems like there is always an award show of some kind via Hollywood.  A "Grammy Awards Party". Include a red carpet for your guests to walk on.  Print out categories ahead of time, and have everyone pick the winner.  You know what the trophy prize should look like.


Anyone can celebrate New Year's Eve, The Superbowl or St Patrick's Day.  Find an obscure holiday and go with it.  Planning the party will be lots of fun too.



This website  claims to be the official list of all holidays and observances for the United States.  Believe me they have done their homework.  You'll want to check it out because you are sure to find the theme to your next party there.


resource link for book club
resource link for list of holidays
resource for clothing swap party