The Picking Gods Sometimes Shine

Have you ever had one of those days when it seems like - WOW I can't believe I came across that deal.  When you are a picker it is a double dream because you know that you not only got an awesome deal but that you can turn that deal into some major moolah.

This past Saturday I dragged my fiance to the car to get started on our yardsale picking adventure - with the holidays and work this is the only way I am able to get any merchandise to sell.  We go about this in a very organized manner...we drive up and down streets until we find a yardsale. :)  We came across a couple - everything overpriced or just not interesting (I think I bought a couple of items at one place that I may be able to double my money on).  I figured that was how the day was going to go...but I was willing to try and find a couple more before calling the day a bust.

As we were driving down the street, Lamar (my fiance) said we should head over to the drive-in (yes, we still have one) and check out the swap meet they have on Saturdays.  It had slipped my mind because there are usually very few sellers there and generally a waste of time - but the way it was going I figured it was worth a shot.  Boy, am I glad I did.

First site we went to I saw a bag full of a mix of old CD-ROM video games and DVD's - big bag about the size of a yard trash bag full.  I asked what she would take for the entire bag (thinking she would say something between $20 and $50) - she said $2.  SOLD!!!  Apparently, they were a foundation that accepts donations and sells them to help children in need.  Everything I purchased (except for some additional big lots) was less than $1.  I filled up my van for $25 (by the way...lest you think I am a selfish and greedy woman - I did give a donation to the foundation) and am still (5 days later) in the process of getting them all listed to sell.

I wish I had thought to take a picture of the entire score (bad Jennifer...bad Jennifer) here is a bit of a rundown on what I got (sorry, I will probably leave a lot out)

About 30 DVDs, about 20 VHS tapes (I have already sold a couple of these) - including two complete seasons of Highlander), about 50 UNOPENED cassettes, about 200 unopened decal sets from the '70's, about 50 CD-ROM video games, and a bunch of miscellaneous.  I wish I had bought more...as I was leaving, she sold a whole tub of toys for $1.  But, she says they go there about once a month...I will be sure to get there bright and early and grab as much as possible next time.  At those prices, it is worth it to buy it all and sort it out later. :)

Thank you Picking Gods.

Alien Abduction?

Let me tell you the story and you decide....

I sold a weather gauge (check out the pic) to a very nice lady and was getting it ready to ship out this morning.

Since it is an odd shape, I had to manufacture a box which did not look pretty.  I planned on wrapping it in brown paper to make it more safe and secure (also to cover the face that I made Frankenbox) but I ran out of shipping tape.

I decided to pick up some tape on the way to the post office and finish wrapping it in the parking lot.  When I got to the post office the package was not there!  I figured that I may have absent-mindedly laid it down at home and simply forgot to grab it on the way out.  I went ahead and mailed my other packages and headed back to the house.  The package was not there.

I dug through my van, turned my house upside down and still no package.  I have come up with three possible scenarios.  The package fell out when I opened the sliding door to put in the shopping bag from the store, someone stole it out of my van, or aliens beamed it aboard their mother ship because they needed the advanced technology. :)  The way my day is going, I am really leaning toward aliens.

Needless to say, I had to write an apology letter and issue a refund to the nice lady who made the purchase.  Now, if the aliens would simply return my merchandise - I will be happy.

Where Have I Been????

Alas, I have been remiss in upkeeping this wonderful blog - been feeling a little under the weather.  But, I have picked up a few nice things and would like to share them.  But, first - let me tell you a little about my weekend.

I did have a two day weekend this past week (YAY) and got to head off to a storage unit auction.  First of all, let me give you a little heads up - Google Maps SUCK.  Why was I using Google Maps instead of, say, a nice GPS system you may be asking...even if you aren't I'm going to tell you. :)  I purchased a Tom Tom because I know that I have a tendency to get lost.  Yes, I can read a map, yes I am good with directions, but still...I get lost.  Rambling today - sorry, back to the Tom Tom.  I just got my new Tom Tom and it was very very nice, worked well and was easy to use.  Except for the suction cup that holds it to my dash - sucker (ha ha) came loose and it fell and crashed into my console.  Cracked the screen and no more Tom Tom.  Since I bought it through an online auction site Tom Tom would not replace the sucker.  So, I was stuck with using Google Maps to find the storage unit auction I was going to attend.  They had me on the wrong side of the town - on the wrong street - and actually heading in the opposite direction.  After futilely looking for the place I called the storage site and got directions.  These directions were so good that I only had to stop and ask for additional directions three more times before I found the place.  I got there finally, late but there.

Then, so my luck would continue to be completely bad - they decided that they were going to sell off each individual item in the units.  Not a box, not a container - they opened each box and sold the items out of the box.  No opportunity to find a nice surprise, no opportunity to luck out with a great item, and no excitement at all.  If I wanted to attend a traditional auction I would have gone to an auction house which has nice comfortable seats and where I don't have 50 tall people standing in front of me blocking my view.  Needless to say, I did not stay.  But, so the day would not be a complete loss I decided to hit a few yard sales and thrift stores on my way home.  It was an interesting day to say the least :)

Here are a few items that may interest you - if you see something you like then feel free to click the webstore link on the right - all the items should be listed there.  If not, feel free to email me at NewNewNew2U@gmail.com and I will be happy to quote a price (and even haggle a little bit).

Coca Cola Belt Buckle - leather and brass by El Cid

Set of 10 crackle gold/brown glasses featuring Great Works Of Art

Brand new hookah with gold inlay and mahogany box (please request more pictures if you would like) - This hookah has a peacock design with a blue bowl - lots of extras included and the box it absolutely gorgeous

Licensed I Love Lucy purse with a metal handle (along with a shoulder strap) - I will even include a VitaGirl license plate (remember the Vitameatavegamin episode?)

I will get more items on here as soon as possible - please check out my store to see other items I have for sale.

Auction Weekend Coming Up!!

I am so excited...going to have a storage auction to go to this coming weekend.  YES, I actually have a Saturday off (Sunday too...two days in a row - life is good!!!)  The logistics have been a little rough.  The last time I went to a storage auction I had to limit myself to what I could get because I don't have a truck or additional help.

THIS time, I corralled my Mom and Aunt to help me figure out a solution.  So, my Aunt is driving down from NC with a cousin.  This cousin can drive a rental truck for me and help me with loading - so I can get lots with FURNITURE. Tee hee hee.  Since he is also doing some yard work for my Mom, I am getting all of this for only $50.  Or I could be paying him $50 just to stand around for a few hours. LOL

I will let you know what I find. :)

Tomorrow I am going to show you a few small items I found...I think they are pretty cool.

The More I Get The More I Find The Less I Know

I got a few items today...civil war pictures, a Victorian card, various bits of jewelry.  And, I have figured out that I know virtually nothing about any of these. LOL  Let me show you a couple of my finds:

They look to be pretty nice to me...but I just don't have a reference as to where to start researching.  I found a picture card by the same photographer but it was for a Civil War soldier and it was listed as military memorabilia (not quite the same as these pictures).  The card is absolutely beautiful (from 1909 - in German, mailed from Germany to the United States).  The ring has me completely perplexed.  There is a name in the lid - but I can't find a reference anywhere - don't even know if they are real pearls. LOL  So much to learn...better get to it!

Barbie Barbie Barbie

A few weeks ago (as you have probably noticed...I keep bring up past finds.  Unfortunately, I have been working 6 days a week for a while with only Sundays off.  This means, no yard sales, no thrift stores, no storage auctions, and no fun...feel for me.  lol) - anyway, a few weeks ago I went to a nearby town to try and find some supplies for a black powder pistol that my son bought.  Of course I got lost - and stopped at a little thrift store to ask for directions.

The woman was kind enough to point me in the right direction (alas, the gun shop was no longer there) and I decided to have a quick rummage while I was there.  I found this Barbie -

Smile for the camera...

Tilt your head to the left.....

Look coy....

LOL  The perfect model.

This is a DDS Talking Barbie from 1976 (still works) and I found it in a basket for a quarter.  I am going to list it on Ebay for $10 (the only other one listed is asking $30) and see what kind of response I get.

As a side note - she had a cookie jar (Snoopy and Woodstock) that I really wanted - but since I wasn't out searching for items to sell I did not have a lot of cash on me.  She was unable to take my debit card so I had to kiss the cookie jar goodbye.  But, this did spur me to get my own Square - now I can take plastic!!

Follow Up - Barbie sold for $6...not a lot but a nice return on 25 cents :)

Just a Note On Ebay

Am I the only one who keeps refreshing Ebay to see if I have a bid?  Am I becoming obsessive compulsive? LOL