CULTURE
10 SIGNAL TRIBUNE
Shopping on a shoestring In Living Color
Shoshanah Siegel Columnist
In my last article, I wrote about how I love yard sales, flea markets, antique and thrift stores. I’m always looking for items that are great in value and less in cost. Also, I tell myself that this is a way I can do my part, for conservation and protecting Mother Earth. Whether you are searching for treasures just on the weekends or making it a part of your vacation travels, here are some tools you
might bring with you on your shopping adventures. Tools of the trade • Tape measure. Before you go shopping, measure the area where the new item would be placed. Also, measure your vehicle to check to see if you indeed have room for what you are looking to buy. These two details might influence what you purchase. • Be sure to note where you bought your new item. The larger the event or venue, the more you can lose track of where you were. I learned this lesson just last week when I couldn’t find my
These cobalt-blue vases and other vessels are among the finds at local flea markets.
JULY 26, 2013
car in a huge parking lot. Had to have security assist in finding it. Embarrassing, and preys on the notion that I am losing my mind. Better yet, take a picture of the location. • Magnifying glass or loop (as I get older this is a must). • Flashlight (for the early or late birds). As the saying goes “the early bird gets the worm.” This is often true, but you can get some great deals at the end of the day, as well, because Photos by Shoshanah Siegel the sellers don't want to have to haul their Whether you are a treasure seeker on the weekends or you make it part of your vacations, there are endless places and items to buy nationwide. stuff back home. • Wear a hat, and put on sunscreen & Flea Market Annual. Have a rough chases. I have both a fanny pack that I • Wear comfortable shoes idea of how much the item you’re con- can rotate to the front of my waist, and • Always bring food and water. Noth- templating sells for in different venues. a purse that has a long strap that goes ing ruins a day of fun if you’re hungry Also, use your phone to access the across my chest. Both allow me to be and parched. Internet or call a friend for advice. If hands-free and, I hope, will prevent • Have a list of items you are looking you or anyone in your party go their theft. for. If not, you might get over- own way stay in touch by cell phone or • If you see something, and you really whelmed. love it, buy it. This is a lesson I learned a walkie-talkie. • Be sure to do your homework. This • Bring bags to hold your purchases. from experience. I ask myself, if I buy is especially true if you are looking for Planning on getting some bigger this item how will I feel? Or more a specific item. I like reference materi- items? I have seen people with small importantly, how will I feel if I don’t als such as the book The Garage Sale shopping carts and wagons. Have buy it? I have also noticed other shopsome small towels, newspaper or bub- pers waiting to see if I will purchase ble wrap to keep your finds separate the item or put it back, so they can snag it for themselves. and safe. • Bring cash, preferably small denominations. Most vendors do not accept How to haggle I have to admit, this is one area that personal checks or credit cards. Have a place to stash the cash and small pur-
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