Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Re-using as an Art: The Attraction of Second-Hand
I love telling the story of how we started remodeling our house. My husband was home alone one day and was bored. So he does what every other person does when they're home and bored: he tore out our basement bathroom. I came home to a completed gutted masterpiece, complete with a bathtub in my laundry room across the hall.
I wasn't upset - I was actually excited. We had bought the house partly because it needed updating, and we are very much DIYers. In fact, I'd already had the design and decorating all figured out. Unfortunately, so did my husband, and our two ideas were not the same.
He came to me with the laptop one day and said "Pick out a vanity." On the page was a list of vanities from a large home-improvement store.
"I already know what I want," I said, pushing the laptop aside.
"Oh. Which one is it?" he asked.
"I want to get a used dresser or table from an antique store or second-hand store and then fix it up. We can buy a sink and a countertop and cut a hole in the top of it. I saw it one a show once and it was so cute!"
He looked at me with horror, disgust and confusion.
"What?" I asked.
"Sounds expensive," he offered as a defense.
"No, actually, it would be much cheaper."
"I don't want to do that. I want all new things in my bathroom," he proclaimed.
(enter in sounds effects: dun dun dun....)
Thems were fightin' words.
"Everything new in your bathroom? Since when do you care about decorating?" I retaliated.
"I don't, but I do care about quality," he offered as rebuttel.
"And you think spending a fortune on a cheaply made piece of furniture produced in bulk is better quality than something that was hand made and has stood the test of time?"
"Yes."
He then proposed a challenge: I find the piece of furniture, the countertop and sink and price it out and see if I can change his mind.
Well, that never happened, for two reasons: 1) I am a busy women that works 50 hours a week, raises a toddler and keeps an entire household running. 2) I knew that no matter what I found or did, he wouldn't change his mind because he's stubborn like that (he later admitted that I was 100% correct about this).
We ended up purchasing an expensive mass-produced vanity from a large home-improvement store. But, I will eat my words - it is very nice and the quality is very good (because of the price, I suppose). And - I know in my heart of hearts that I will get that second-hand store vanity that I've been dreaming about. Afterall, we have two more bathrooms to remodel.
My point is simple: why spend a fortune on something brand new when you can save money and resources by purchasing it used. It's how I was raised. Because of this, there are certain things I will not do: like spend $50 on any article of clothing (except shoes and undergarments - those I buy new for obvious reasons). I hate buying brand new furniture - they just don't make it like they used to, meaning you get a lot more quality for your dollar if you buy used. Anything can be resuscitated using some sandpaper and paint or some new fabric. The best part - it's your style, all your own because you've created it. Whenever I read home decorating magazines, the best pieces are found and transformed into something unique and personalized.
The same goes for clothing. Some people may say that thrift stores are where clothing fads from past decades have gone to die - and that is true. However, if you allow yourself time and patience to sift through the masses, you can find some real gems. For example, I went shopping the other day and found a beautiful skirt from Anne Taylor Loft, brand new, for $2.50. Why? Because someone bought it and didn't like it anymore. Loss for them, huge win for me. I made sure to tell everyone where I procured the skirt and how much I paid for it at work when I graciously accepted compliments on it. This has happened more than once.
Maybe it's my upbringing. My mother is also an avid lover of thrift stores. I remember being a little girl and going on shopping trips to a neighboring town and the first place we would stop is the thrift store. When we were done, we would compare what we got and for how little. Then we would go to a clothing store and laugh at the prices. To this day, I still call my mother and brag when I score a deal at a second-hand store.
New doesn't necessarily mean better. There are standards when it comes to second-hand, however:
1. That couch your neighbors threw into the alley - it's probably there for a reason. That would not be considered second-hand. That would be considered gross.
2. Buy used - not dirty. This goes along with number 1. Almost all second-hand stores have high standards as to what they will and won't sell. Afterall, it's not a garbage dump. Still, it's pays to have a good eye and inspect what you buy. There could be stains and rips that weren't noticed or that can't be fixed.
3. Buy used - not broken. This also goes along with numbers 1 and 2. Make sure it works before you buy it. Getting a great deal on something you can't use is actually wasting money. A lot of times, the stores will put a disclaimer on the item and be very honest about any flaws. It would still be beneficial to test it out yourself. Never be afraid to ask to plug something in and test it - especially since most second-hand stores have a final sale and no returns policy.
4. Be realistic. I could easily spend hundreds of dollars at a thrift store and bring home a u-haul filled with stuff. That couch with the good frame that just needed to be reupholtered, the cute wooden shelf that needed some paint, or that nice basket that can be used somewhere. Don't buy it unless you have a plan for it. After all, it was brought to the thrift store because it was taking up space in someone else's house and they didn't know what else to do with it. Why repeat the trend?
5. Never donate where you shop. This is along the lines of "never eat where you defacate" to put it in PC terms. It really is embarassing having to explain to your husband why you purchased the exact same shirt twice, only to donate it again two months later.
6. Sometimes quality wins over price. Remember - everything in a second-hand store has been owned, meaning it was in someone else's house. Not everything donated to a second-hand store should be. This is the reason I won't buy shoes or undergarments from thrift stores. With some pieces, like kitchen cookware for example, it's better to purchase new and get the same quality for the same price. A used set of pans with scratches and dents would be perfect for a cash-strapped college kid living on their own. However, this might not be the case for a newlywed couple that is able to make an investment into cookware that will last the next 20 years. Think long-term: if you need something to get you through the next few years, perfect. If you're looking for something to pass onto your children, it might be beneficial to purchase new. It depends on the person and the item.
Happy shopping!
I wasn't upset - I was actually excited. We had bought the house partly because it needed updating, and we are very much DIYers. In fact, I'd already had the design and decorating all figured out. Unfortunately, so did my husband, and our two ideas were not the same.
He came to me with the laptop one day and said "Pick out a vanity." On the page was a list of vanities from a large home-improvement store.
"I already know what I want," I said, pushing the laptop aside.
"Oh. Which one is it?" he asked.
"I want to get a used dresser or table from an antique store or second-hand store and then fix it up. We can buy a sink and a countertop and cut a hole in the top of it. I saw it one a show once and it was so cute!"
He looked at me with horror, disgust and confusion.
"What?" I asked.
"Sounds expensive," he offered as a defense.
"No, actually, it would be much cheaper."
"I don't want to do that. I want all new things in my bathroom," he proclaimed.
(enter in sounds effects: dun dun dun....)
Thems were fightin' words.
"Everything new in your bathroom? Since when do you care about decorating?" I retaliated.
"I don't, but I do care about quality," he offered as rebuttel.
"And you think spending a fortune on a cheaply made piece of furniture produced in bulk is better quality than something that was hand made and has stood the test of time?"
"Yes."
He then proposed a challenge: I find the piece of furniture, the countertop and sink and price it out and see if I can change his mind.
Well, that never happened, for two reasons: 1) I am a busy women that works 50 hours a week, raises a toddler and keeps an entire household running. 2) I knew that no matter what I found or did, he wouldn't change his mind because he's stubborn like that (he later admitted that I was 100% correct about this).
We ended up purchasing an expensive mass-produced vanity from a large home-improvement store. But, I will eat my words - it is very nice and the quality is very good (because of the price, I suppose). And - I know in my heart of hearts that I will get that second-hand store vanity that I've been dreaming about. Afterall, we have two more bathrooms to remodel.
My point is simple: why spend a fortune on something brand new when you can save money and resources by purchasing it used. It's how I was raised. Because of this, there are certain things I will not do: like spend $50 on any article of clothing (except shoes and undergarments - those I buy new for obvious reasons). I hate buying brand new furniture - they just don't make it like they used to, meaning you get a lot more quality for your dollar if you buy used. Anything can be resuscitated using some sandpaper and paint or some new fabric. The best part - it's your style, all your own because you've created it. Whenever I read home decorating magazines, the best pieces are found and transformed into something unique and personalized.
The same goes for clothing. Some people may say that thrift stores are where clothing fads from past decades have gone to die - and that is true. However, if you allow yourself time and patience to sift through the masses, you can find some real gems. For example, I went shopping the other day and found a beautiful skirt from Anne Taylor Loft, brand new, for $2.50. Why? Because someone bought it and didn't like it anymore. Loss for them, huge win for me. I made sure to tell everyone where I procured the skirt and how much I paid for it at work when I graciously accepted compliments on it. This has happened more than once.
Maybe it's my upbringing. My mother is also an avid lover of thrift stores. I remember being a little girl and going on shopping trips to a neighboring town and the first place we would stop is the thrift store. When we were done, we would compare what we got and for how little. Then we would go to a clothing store and laugh at the prices. To this day, I still call my mother and brag when I score a deal at a second-hand store.
New doesn't necessarily mean better. There are standards when it comes to second-hand, however:
1. That couch your neighbors threw into the alley - it's probably there for a reason. That would not be considered second-hand. That would be considered gross.
2. Buy used - not dirty. This goes along with number 1. Almost all second-hand stores have high standards as to what they will and won't sell. Afterall, it's not a garbage dump. Still, it's pays to have a good eye and inspect what you buy. There could be stains and rips that weren't noticed or that can't be fixed.
3. Buy used - not broken. This also goes along with numbers 1 and 2. Make sure it works before you buy it. Getting a great deal on something you can't use is actually wasting money. A lot of times, the stores will put a disclaimer on the item and be very honest about any flaws. It would still be beneficial to test it out yourself. Never be afraid to ask to plug something in and test it - especially since most second-hand stores have a final sale and no returns policy.
4. Be realistic. I could easily spend hundreds of dollars at a thrift store and bring home a u-haul filled with stuff. That couch with the good frame that just needed to be reupholtered, the cute wooden shelf that needed some paint, or that nice basket that can be used somewhere. Don't buy it unless you have a plan for it. After all, it was brought to the thrift store because it was taking up space in someone else's house and they didn't know what else to do with it. Why repeat the trend?
5. Never donate where you shop. This is along the lines of "never eat where you defacate" to put it in PC terms. It really is embarassing having to explain to your husband why you purchased the exact same shirt twice, only to donate it again two months later.
6. Sometimes quality wins over price. Remember - everything in a second-hand store has been owned, meaning it was in someone else's house. Not everything donated to a second-hand store should be. This is the reason I won't buy shoes or undergarments from thrift stores. With some pieces, like kitchen cookware for example, it's better to purchase new and get the same quality for the same price. A used set of pans with scratches and dents would be perfect for a cash-strapped college kid living on their own. However, this might not be the case for a newlywed couple that is able to make an investment into cookware that will last the next 20 years. Think long-term: if you need something to get you through the next few years, perfect. If you're looking for something to pass onto your children, it might be beneficial to purchase new. It depends on the person and the item.
Happy shopping!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The Laundry Chronicles
For some people, laundry is the bane of their existence. I, however, don't mind it. I've been doing my own laundry since I was in high school - not because I had that type of mother that made me do all my own chores, but rather because she always ruined my clothes. I could have a brand new shirt made of the most durable material, wear it once, have her wash it, and it would be ruined.
Since taking over, I have rarely washed anything in hot water and I have never sorted by color. Instead, I sort by area of the house. I wash my and my husbands clothes together, I wash my sons clothes in a separate load, I have a separate load for towels and rags, and another one for bedding and blankets. I always wash in cold water and am very proud to report that I have never ruined a piece of clothing. The reason isn't the cold water - that just saves energy and money. The reason is because I read labels. If there are any special type of care instructions, those items are put in a special pile and cleaned with a Dryel at-home dry cleaning kit. When I have enough garments for a load, I toss them in the fabric bag with a Dryel sheet and let the magic work. To help keep things extra clean, I also take these garments to the dry cleaner at least once a year or if they get really dirty. I usually keep a running pile for the dry cleaner as well so it's not a wasted trip.
My laundry room is in the basement, so I learned early on to never leave a load of wet clothes just hanging out in the washer. It only took one load of mildew-scented clothes and the multitude of extra washings needed to get rid of the smell to help me remember. The good news is that I always try get the best deal on laundry detergent. To me, soap is soap and the bottom line is that it should clean clothes. I do try to be conscious of what's in the detergent and will buy "free" detergent and earth-friendly detergent whenever possible, but I admit that my checking account sometimes wins out. I have looked into making my own laundry detergent, but with only a family of 3, it wouldn't be efficient enough. We'll see how I feel about that in about 15 years when my house is riddled with teenagers.
Unfortunately, there is no consequence to forgetting a load of clothes in the dryer. Even running down to a cold cement-floor basement at 6 a.m. in the middle of winter in nothing but a towel is sometimes easier than folding the laundry and putting it away. Because of this, I often find myself drying clothes twice - once to dry them and once to get the wrinkles out from letting them sit in the drying/laundry basket in a crumpled pile for a few days.
I am also a recovery dryer-sheet junkie. I would always buy the cheapest I could find, thinking that I was saving money. However, I would then use 2-3 sheets per load and still end up with so much static I would have to wear rubber soled shoes just to fold laundry. I then discovered the Bounce Dryer Bar. Amazing. No static, fantastic smell and nothing to remember or throw away (meaning no pulling a used dryer sheet out of your pant leg during that important meeting - been there, done that.) It is a little expensive, and I find that they never last as long as they say they will, but I think that's more due to my laundry habits. It's still well worth the money and I would never go back to the dreaded dryer sheets.
I grew up with a clothes line and have wanted one since leaving home. At our rental house in college, I managed to string up some clothing line from the house to a tree in the back yard. It was not pretty, and it never lasted long, but it worked for what I needed. Luckily, this spring, I invested in a Household Essentials Parallel-style clothes line from Amazon.com. It was very reasonably priced compared to others that I had looked at, but the real selling point was that it can be folded up and taken down for storage. It did require a permanent ground fixture, which included digging a hole and filling it with concrete. Luckily, we had some laying around (yes, I have that kind of husband) and it was actually very easy to set up. Now, I have laundry out every chance I can get. I will even save laundry and wash it on the weekend to ensure I can dry them on the clothes line. If you are able to purchase a clothes line, please do. It's better for your clothes, your energy bills and the planet. Even for the area that I live in where it's winter half the year, it's still a great investment. And my clothes and sheets smell and feel amazing. Sometimes clothes can sometimes feel stiff after hanging on the line. For towels, this is okay. For the shirt you'll be wearing on your skin for 10 hours, maybe not so okay. I always fluff my clothes in the dryer on a low heat setting for about 20 minutes, which seems to cure the stiffness
So here are my tips for laundry:
1. Wash/rinse in cold water: it saves money and you don't have to sort by color or worry about bleeding colors.
2. Read labels: special instructions are there for a reason. These clothes deserve extra care to last any amount of time. Likewise, undergarments should be given special care. I don't put my bras in the drying because the straps get twisted and the cups often get deformed. Instead, I hang dry them.
3. Sort by area, not color: this helps in the putting away department. You'll save time by going to one area of the house instead of hopping all over.
4. Don't leave wet laundry in the washer: it only takes once and you'll know why.
5. Invest in a clothes line: if the fresh air scent isn't enough of an incentive, the energy savings should be.
Products I love:
1. Dryel at home dry cleaning kit
2. Bounce dryer bar
Since taking over, I have rarely washed anything in hot water and I have never sorted by color. Instead, I sort by area of the house. I wash my and my husbands clothes together, I wash my sons clothes in a separate load, I have a separate load for towels and rags, and another one for bedding and blankets. I always wash in cold water and am very proud to report that I have never ruined a piece of clothing. The reason isn't the cold water - that just saves energy and money. The reason is because I read labels. If there are any special type of care instructions, those items are put in a special pile and cleaned with a Dryel at-home dry cleaning kit. When I have enough garments for a load, I toss them in the fabric bag with a Dryel sheet and let the magic work. To help keep things extra clean, I also take these garments to the dry cleaner at least once a year or if they get really dirty. I usually keep a running pile for the dry cleaner as well so it's not a wasted trip.
My laundry room is in the basement, so I learned early on to never leave a load of wet clothes just hanging out in the washer. It only took one load of mildew-scented clothes and the multitude of extra washings needed to get rid of the smell to help me remember. The good news is that I always try get the best deal on laundry detergent. To me, soap is soap and the bottom line is that it should clean clothes. I do try to be conscious of what's in the detergent and will buy "free" detergent and earth-friendly detergent whenever possible, but I admit that my checking account sometimes wins out. I have looked into making my own laundry detergent, but with only a family of 3, it wouldn't be efficient enough. We'll see how I feel about that in about 15 years when my house is riddled with teenagers.
Unfortunately, there is no consequence to forgetting a load of clothes in the dryer. Even running down to a cold cement-floor basement at 6 a.m. in the middle of winter in nothing but a towel is sometimes easier than folding the laundry and putting it away. Because of this, I often find myself drying clothes twice - once to dry them and once to get the wrinkles out from letting them sit in the drying/laundry basket in a crumpled pile for a few days.
I am also a recovery dryer-sheet junkie. I would always buy the cheapest I could find, thinking that I was saving money. However, I would then use 2-3 sheets per load and still end up with so much static I would have to wear rubber soled shoes just to fold laundry. I then discovered the Bounce Dryer Bar. Amazing. No static, fantastic smell and nothing to remember or throw away (meaning no pulling a used dryer sheet out of your pant leg during that important meeting - been there, done that.) It is a little expensive, and I find that they never last as long as they say they will, but I think that's more due to my laundry habits. It's still well worth the money and I would never go back to the dreaded dryer sheets.
I grew up with a clothes line and have wanted one since leaving home. At our rental house in college, I managed to string up some clothing line from the house to a tree in the back yard. It was not pretty, and it never lasted long, but it worked for what I needed. Luckily, this spring, I invested in a Household Essentials Parallel-style clothes line from Amazon.com. It was very reasonably priced compared to others that I had looked at, but the real selling point was that it can be folded up and taken down for storage. It did require a permanent ground fixture, which included digging a hole and filling it with concrete. Luckily, we had some laying around (yes, I have that kind of husband) and it was actually very easy to set up. Now, I have laundry out every chance I can get. I will even save laundry and wash it on the weekend to ensure I can dry them on the clothes line. If you are able to purchase a clothes line, please do. It's better for your clothes, your energy bills and the planet. Even for the area that I live in where it's winter half the year, it's still a great investment. And my clothes and sheets smell and feel amazing. Sometimes clothes can sometimes feel stiff after hanging on the line. For towels, this is okay. For the shirt you'll be wearing on your skin for 10 hours, maybe not so okay. I always fluff my clothes in the dryer on a low heat setting for about 20 minutes, which seems to cure the stiffness
So here are my tips for laundry:
1. Wash/rinse in cold water: it saves money and you don't have to sort by color or worry about bleeding colors.
2. Read labels: special instructions are there for a reason. These clothes deserve extra care to last any amount of time. Likewise, undergarments should be given special care. I don't put my bras in the drying because the straps get twisted and the cups often get deformed. Instead, I hang dry them.
3. Sort by area, not color: this helps in the putting away department. You'll save time by going to one area of the house instead of hopping all over.
4. Don't leave wet laundry in the washer: it only takes once and you'll know why.
5. Invest in a clothes line: if the fresh air scent isn't enough of an incentive, the energy savings should be.
Products I love:
1. Dryel at home dry cleaning kit
2. Bounce dryer bar
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