Pretty please, can I get a free étagère?

Kelly’s reaction to this piece of trash sitting in my garage was priceless. 

It was like we’d run into a celebrity.

The jumping, the screaming, the “Oh my gosh!”

I found this étagère while out thrifting and snatched it up.

It’s old; shabby chic multiplied by 10.

It weighs about 50 pounds. 

The wood was chipping on the pop-out shelves, leaving slivers in my fingers if I wasn’t careful.

Kelly and I found it delightfully full of potential.  She re-did this piece in lightening speed, finishing it in one evening. 

Here it sits in our booth at QcumbersZ.  We are keeping it as a display piece and not selling it.  Somethings are worth holding onto too.

It’s wonderful having a friend who makes everything shine, who makes everything beautiful, and I’m not just talking the étagère.

A friend who sees potential in life and opportunities in ways others do not

That’s how Kelly is.

I’ve heard that your are most successful when doing what you love.  I believe that's true.

It took me about a week to find something I've been looking for, something I didn’t want to pay full price for.

The counselor needed a dollhouse to keep at his office for play therapy.

I found this doll house for $2.99.  I love that he came to me and said "You need to take a picture of me before I go to work holding the doll house for your blog."  Talk about supportive!  Off he goes to work.

Selling trash has taught me a very valuable lesson.

It’s taught me the value of a $1.00.

I’ve been privileged to be a stay-at-home mom for 11 years.

Although I’ve dabbled in a few business endeavors, my husband has been the main provider our entire marriage.

Trying to grow my business has taught me just how much work it is to make a living.  It isn’t easy and it’s tough out there.  I try to stretch my budget and have always realized I could never do this without my husband.  I appreciate him so much.  Horray for dedicated husbands and dads.  My man makes it possible for me to be here, taking care of my kids and pursuing my dreams everyday.   

Selling trash can literally start with $1.00 investment.  Kelly has taught me to set a weekly goal of what I want to earn.  In addition, to make a list of the things I’m hoping to find.  I’ve watched it work for her.  She needed doors for our booth at QcumberZ, and found them out at a garage sale the week before. 

I read to my 5-year old Mayer every night before bed.  He's loves Curious George.  I found this book for him while out thrifting.  New, it sells for $26.00.  I found it for $3.00.  

We are on page 105 out of 400 pages.  I like to reward my kids when they finish a series of books.  Chandler just finished the entire Series of Unfortunate Events and wanted me to take him to Subway.  So, I asked Mayer if he wanted to do something special with me when we finish reading The Complete Adventures of Curious George.  He said "I want to read it with you all over again."  

I love shopping trash because lots of little blessings pop up along the way too.

So, would you believe I found another étagère?  With mirrors, glass shelves and a light. Fancy!

This one's as-is, no work required and going on Craig's list.  I'm hoping the sell of this étagère will pay for the étagère we're keeping at our booth.  It would be like getting a free étagère.

Taxes, Craig's List and my Top EBay Sales of the Week

Yesterday the counselor and I had an appointment with our accountant.

Image found here.

Taxes are stressful and for a girl who’s not to detail oriented( remember the counselor calls me reactive), I had to step it up a notch. I downloaded my PayPal earnings and EBay fees. I deducted my Goodwill and USPS receipts. The counselor and I worked all day on piles of paperwork and tax forms. The fact that we are still in love really says something about his good nature and our commitment to each other.

The day went from busy to busier when I had a couple of calls off my Craig’s list postings. I made two sales. Remember the chair I purchased last week from Goodwill for $32.00.

I brought it home and cleaned it up a bit.

The boys loved it. They brought out their blankets and snuggled up with each other while we watched Aliens in the Attic. Today when they came home from school they were very sad because the chair was gone. I was thrilled because it sold for $95.00.

Last week, I made my way to Salvation Army for their Wednesday 1.00 day. It’s was a bit of a zoo with a full parking lot and no shopping carts to speak of, but I found some great things.

For example, this beautiful Jam's World Shirt. Remember, last week a pair of Jam's World Pants sold for $16.09 so I hope to make a nice profit off this $1.00 investment.

Anyway, after I shopped I made my way outside and saw a Salvation Army truck picking up trash. I spotted a beautiful table/desk and asked the attendant if I could buy it.

For $5.00, I brought this beauty home. With just a little dusting, I placed it on Craig’s List & it sold for $45.00.

I haven’t done Craig’s List in a while, but Kelly is the expert that inspired me to give it serious consideration again. Craig’s List has no fees and is local for your area. So, my sells are listed for the Phoenix area and picked up at my home. I must advice, use caution with Craig’s List. You can always count on SPAM/fraud email to come into your email account (just don't open it) and always have someone with you when you open your home to a stranger. Personally, I’ve had a great experience and think the Craig’s List community is very nice. I still have posted this Lane Chestnut Hope Chest. I purchased it this weekend at a yard sale for $40.00 and have it listed on Craig's list for $100.00. It's a beauty and a great buy for someone out there.

Yesterday was also a shipping day. You know how I feel about shipping (it’s not my favorite part of EBay selling), but after our tax appointment the counselor and I made it to the post office. The automated machine makes it so great for after hours. I do have 2 international sales this week (Canada & Switzerland) so I’ll be back at the post office waiting in line later today.

I can't believe another week has passed (that means only 4 weeks until baby girl is born). Here are my Top EBay Sales of the Week.

A pair of overalls is always a sure sell. These Tommy Hilfiger Large Denim Jean Overalls sold for $17.50.

I fell in love with this Women's Small Curious George Primal Bike Shirt. I had a ton of interest in it, with over 12 people following it throughout the week. Only two people bid, but I was still happy with the sell at $9.49.

These Ann Taylor Loft Pants Tan Career Pants sold for $15.53. I'm not sure why they sold so high, only that two very serious people wanted them. New, they'd be around $50.00 and both bidders were aware of this. The interesting thing about these pants is I relisted them for .99 cents because they didn't sell the first week at $6.99. Sometimes a .99 cent listing gets a lot of attention and turns into a big sell.

I found this Ralph Lauren Plus Size 3X Denim Jean Dress at the Mountain View Rummage Sale. The dress has two small sunflower size tears at the sleeve. Even with this defect, I listed the dress and mentioned the flaws. The dress still sold for $24.99.

I was bad and sold the Eileen Fisher bag I promised I'd never sell. I only sold it because I knew the bag would be dirty in about one minute of use. I sold it for $10.49 to a customer in Germany. I hope she enjoys it.

This lot of Ralph Lauren Medium Shirts, purchased for .50 cents each at a yard sale, sold for $9.99 as a set. Cute, aren't they.

This weeks EBay sells are looking just as good. Be sure to become a follower and you'll be qualified for our 3 current give-aways (check the top right of the screen to see them listed). Also, I'm looking for resale success stories. Be sure to leave your story under any blog posting in the comment section. It's exciting to see what you're doing and you could be featured on My Dear Trash and win the EBay shirt give-away.