Organizing and consolidating information dealing with simplifying life since January 2006, to help those considering a lifestyle change as well as those expert at living an abundant life in a frugal way.
Simple living means many things to many people, of course. For me, one of my lifestyle changes has been to do my own manicures and pedicures.
My initial incentive here was saving cash.
However, an added bonus has been safety. I've learned that pedicures come with all sorts of nasty health hazards. I discovered that most nail polish is toxic.
Which is why I'm happy to report that my favorite nail polish, which you can buy on Amazon or at Target, is a pretty light pink shade called "Ballet Slippers" by Essie. That's it in the image below. Nice, isn't it?
Essie is a non-toxic brand of nail polish. There are others, if you want to shop around.
Queen Elizabeth and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge
And if saving money doesn't spur you to action, much less having toxic chemicals seeping into your nail beds, consider this: This same Essie shade (Ballet Slippers) is said to be the favorite nail polish of Queen Elizabeth and Kate Middleton.
Thrift stores offer amazing buys, but there are drawbacks.For one thing, this stuff is used and lots of
people are wary about buying used merchandise.Repairs may be needed.Some fixes
are obvious, mending a hem or sewing on a button.Others are not, like faulty wiring. .
Shopping at a Thrift Store
Then there’s the thrift store experience.The inventory turns over rapidly, and their
stuff isn’t placed prettily on the shelves.Stuff is stacked, clothes are shoved onto racks.You have to search through lots of things to
find your treasures in a thrift store.Dig through bins.Look through
the dishware stacks on the lower shelves.
But the prices!Thrift store finds can be amazing, especially for savvy shoppers with
experience in thrifting.
So, what if you want that thrift store price but you want
new stuff?You want things from nice
stores, no previous owner, and still in their packaging – for pennies on the
dollar?
Well, then you may want to investigate salvage stores in
your area….
New Stuff for Sale at Salvage Stores
There are different kinds of salvage stores.Here in San Antonio, for instance, we have
more than one salvage store that sells “architectural salvage.”That’s not what you want.
You’re looking for stores like these, some selling
merchandise and some selling food items:
.
1. New Merchandise at Thrift Store Prices
.
Some salvage stores sell stuff.New stuff; good stuff.You’re still going to have to sort through
the inventory, but you are looking at new products.
“With over 90 locations across eight states, Dirt
Cheap is a bargain hunter's paradise. We offer leading private label and
name brand merchandise for as much as 30-90% off regular retail prices. …
We purchase our merchandise from
retailers all over the country, so we may carry items that you would not
usually find in your region. Our merchandise changes weekly, and
sometimes daily, so it pays to stop in often!" .
2. Food Bargains at Salvage Stores
.
There are also salvage stores that sell food.Groceries at really low prices (like a
quarter for a soda).
