Open Your Garage For Me, Baby!

I attended a free class this morning at Seward Co-op about shopping on a budget. I was finally moved to become a member, after contemplating it for almost two years. I guess it really doesn't make sense not to be, if you are going to shop there frequently or even just occasionally. I could spend the membership fee money on a lot of other things that wouldn't have near the value. Plus, I always feel strangely guilty when the check-out clerks ask me for my member number and I stare at my shoes and mumble, “I'm not a member.” I'm planning to try to shop there as much as possible in conjunction with the farmers' market for things I'm unable to get at the market, such as staple grains and beans, dairy (if I can't find what I need), as well as personal products, like deodorant and detergents. The woman leading the class this morning suggested using your quarterly 10% discount (which you receive if you are a member) to shop from the “Wellness” section, where all of the personal products are, since these tend to be more expensive. Definitely true, as I bought my deodorant there last time and it was more than $6 for the stick. No more aluminum seeping through my pores though, so I'd say the extra buck or two was worth it.

I'm getting pumped for garage sales this year! It's unbelievable what people are willing to give away for nearly nothing, and I intend to find some good deals.

Here's what I am seeking from sales this year:

Food Preservation Supplies

half-pint and pint mason jars

jar bands

jar rack for the stock pot

electric food dehydrator

food-safe 5-gallon buckets

freezer shelving

storage containers for root cellar

Kitchen

hand-powered pasta machine

butter dish

storage cabinet

display rack for my pretty new pots and pans

Around The House

table lamps for living room

filing cabinets for my magazines and other various papers

cheap shelves for organizing the basement

Always Looking For...

nice yarn

useful craft supplies

cute/vintage/unique decorations

books

clothes/shoes (not often found)

kitchen items I didn't know I needed...ain't that the truth