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Living on the Cheap in Brokelyn

Living on the Cheap in Brokelyn published on 2 Comments on Living on the Cheap in Brokelyn

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Wow! I’m in love. Brokelyn is a new blog I found out about from OTBKB. It’s edited by Faye Penn of InStyle Magazine backed by a team of bargain hunters, writers and photographers. There’s a special thanks to a deceased cabbie named Susan the “angel investor”. That brought tears to my eyes for some reason.

Sometimes bargain sites can be a bit overwhelming, but Brokelyn is an easy, pleasant read. It’s broken up into several categories. There’s an article on cheap airfares. The author has scored deals four times to Ft. Lauderdale for under $40 roundtrip! Four times!

I love the comparison of the PS Food Coop to Fairway. Ya know, I’m kind of anti-coop. I tried joining twice and both times I was turned off by the nuttiness. I’d rather pay more for my food. Sorry.

Check out the posts on five $10 gifts for kids and where to find cheap yoga.

Dock alert! Free 30 foot boat on Craigslist.

I told you it’s a great site!

New Barter Site and Stylin Work Dress

New Barter Site and Stylin Work Dress published on

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I received an email from a Caroline Woolard and nosy little devil that I am, I clicked on a link within her signature. Well, I’m glad I did, because Caroline has an awesome new barter site in the works called OurGoods.

The work dress above, developed along with Jen Abrams, is the first project (soon to be one of hundreds) on OurGoods. Although I would die for this dress and shovel dog poo to obtain it, the truth is, with my work habits, I’d have the dress looking like drek in no time.

Caroline gave me the story on OurGoods.  So let’s just go to the cut and paste:

“OurGoods is a peer-to-peer online network that facilitates the barter of goods and services between artists. The site matches barter partners, provides accountability tools, and offers technical assistance resources to help artists complete their barters and their projects successfully.

OurGoods emerges in response to the current economic crisis. To some extent, the arts have always existed in a recession economy. Independent artists in particular are experts at making do with very limited resources. As it becomes clear that even those limited resources will be scarcer in the coming years, OurGoods enables us to leverage what we already do well in order to create a support system for ourselves.”

Make Me An Offer Vintage Sale!

Make Me An Offer Vintage Sale! published on 4 Comments on Make Me An Offer Vintage Sale!

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  • Sink vanity. Listed at $1200. I want it gone!

Out with the old, in with the new! It’s time to get ready for the Brooklyn Flea in Ft Greene. The outdoor market starts on April 18th. I do not, repeat, do not want to go out there with last year’s inventory. So, I’m having a virtual stoop sale. A “Make Me An Offer Sale”.

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  • OMG, this is taking up half my storage space. It’s down to $195. What do you want to give me??

Check out the Reclaimed Home shop and pay no attention to the prices. I’m willing to come down big time on larger pieces especially, as they’re taking up the most space. The longer I’ve had it around, the less I’ll take.

You can also spend hours looking through old Flickr photos. Much of that has been sold, but I still have some pieces that were never uploaded to the store. So have fun with that!

Artwork and restored furniture is not as negotiable, but you can certainly try. I won’t be insulted by any offer. The worst that can happen is I’ll tell you to fek off.

You may even get local delivery out of me if you take lots of stuff or don’t bargain me down too much. We’ll see.

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  • Please, get all light fixtures out of my face!

High End Contractor Giving Recession Discounts

High End Contractor Giving Recession Discounts published on

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Our buddy Andrew is a high end contractor who charges sick prices we couldn’t even dream of affording. He gets gazillions of dollars to work on opulent palaces. That was before the collapse of the world economy.

I was chatting with Andrew the other day and he needs work. He hasn’t had a contract in awhile, yeah, because of the economic situation, but mainly because he took time off to sell his house and buy another. And renovate the new home before moving in.

I don’t really know what Andrew’s company, Anglo Inscape normally charges for jobs. He and his employees are highly skilled, meticulous craftspeople. They do specialized, quality work. But Andrew is ready to set his ego aside and charge less because he just wants to get to work again.

Now, I’m not saying he’ll be as cheap as grabbing a day laborer off the street, but it’s possible that this high end contractor might be charging mid range prices now. It can’t hurt to ask. You heard it here that you don’t have to be intimidated by him.

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The Free Store

The Free Store published on

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There’s only a week and a day left to “shop” at the Free Store on Nassau Street. The project, which opened last month, is the brainchild of artists Athena Robles and Anna Stein. It’s funded in part by The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) and The September 11th Fund.

Although you may walk in and take something without putting in, you’re encouraged to drop off. Obviously, if nobody worked on the barter system, the store would’ve been empty the first day. Word is there is still plenty of merchandise.

More info at Free NYC or Artlog. If you want to read something really funny, check out the comments on the NY Post article. People getting all up in arms about the project. “Hippies!” “Commies!” “It’s Obama’s fault!” Good stuff.

Cheap Gifts, NYC

Cheap Gifts, NYC published on

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Is anyone even buying gifts this year? All I’m hearing is that we’re gonna be lining up for bread any day now. But if you still have a couple of pennies to rub together and you’re searching for gifts that look great but cost less, here are a few shops around New York you may have forgotten about.

1.  Pearl River. The King of Chinatown! Ok, so they moved up to Broadway. You can really fool someone into thinking you paid a fortune for their gift if they don’t know this place. If they are familiar with it, they’ll thank you anyway: “Oh, I love Pearl River!”. Who doesn’t love Pearl River? They’ve got everything! Yes, it’s all made in China. But that’s because it’s a Chinese department store. So that makes it cool.

2. Sahadi’s. Mmm, Sahadi’s. When I want it to look like I spent a lot, I like to do gift baskets. Sahadi’s has top of the line gift basket fill. This middle eastern supermarket peddles coffees and teas, nuts and grains, cheeses and crackers. AND if you’re going to someone’s house for Thanksgiving, get thee to their deli section….olives galore, hummus and babaghanous, salads….

3. Trader Joe’s. I might be disappointing the fans, but I can take or leave Trader Joe’s. I’m not big on their food brand. What I do like though are their wine prices. Even if you don’t want to swing as low as $3 for a bottle of 3 Buck Chuck, you can do swimmingly on those $5 bottles! They also have a castile soap that’s just as good as Bronners.

4. National Wholesale Liquidators.  Need a basket for all those food goodies? National Wholesale Liquidators is like a luxury dollar store! Items are more than a dollar, but they are cheap! As the name implies, this is a liquidator, so you can (sometimes) find quality for less.

5. Flea Markets. From Columbus Avenue to my favorite Brooklyn Flea, where else can you get handmade or vintage items direct from the artisan or um, person who found the vintage item? Be sure to check out Brooklyn Flea’s Gifted indoor holiday show. But don’t forget those regular vendors freezing their arses off in the schoolyard! I’ll be back there December 7th. Dress warm if you’re covering outdoor markets!!

6. Street vendors. I have a little bit of an art addiction. I usually purchase my goods on the street because that’s where I can afford it. Where can you find the best street vendors? Near the Met, Union Square and near MOMA. I hate to take away from the artists at the paid holiday craft shows at Union Square and Grand Central, but we’ve all gotta start somewhere.

7. B&H or Adorama. If you’re looking for camera, digital or video equipment, these are the guys. Do not bother looking anywhere else! Take my word for it. I’ve been in the photography business for 20 years. Word.

8. J&R. Audio or computers. I know less about this than the cameras, but I’m pretty sure they still have some of the best prices in town. Oh yeah, they also sell CDs. Remember those?

9. Canal Jeans. It’s still around (the last I checked)! It’s located on Nostrand Avenue near Brooklyn College. That’s the Junction for all of you Brooklyn novices. Just a shell of it’s former self, but still…it exists. FYI: So does Domsey’s.

10. Museum Shops. Perhaps not the least expensive shopping source, but I always find lovely gifts at the Met shops, MOMA and Brooklyn Museum.

Tschotschke Clearance Sale!

Tschotschke Clearance Sale! published on

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My storage space is full and I need to clear way for new inventory. I’ll be doing a BIG flea sale this Sunday. All tschotschkes must go! I’ve made $5 grab bags full of cute little goodies. Then I’ll have $5 and $10 bins. Clean me out!

Check out my flickr page and store and make an offer on larger items as well. I’m not so flexible on handmade or restored items. Just all that as-is stuff that I haven’t even dusted.

Brooklyn Flea, space C5, this Sunday 10am-5pm.

Cost Cutting Renovation Tips

Cost Cutting Renovation Tips published on 2 Comments on Cost Cutting Renovation Tips

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1. DIY

If you’ve never lifted a hammer in your life, now is the time to start. Buy a book, take a class, but goddammit, learn about that house you’ve just spent your life savings on! No skills? Come on, there must be something you can do. Demolition is fun. Or how difficult can it be to paint a room?

2. Be your own General Contractor

Even if you don’t have the skills, there are still some ways to save money by going the DIY route. Do you have management skills? GC your own job. There are very few contractors out there who are great at everything they do. And if they are, trust me, they charge for it! If you have the time, hire and oversee each individual contractor….the plumber, electrician, floor guy/gal, plasterer, rocker, painter, etc.

3. Salvage! Salvage! Salvage!

I’m not just saying that because I like old crap. Why create waste in the landfills when you can reuse materials? Try to salvage existing flooring and cabinets in your home. If you cannot, you can always find second hand material Build It Green or Green Demolitions. Places like Eddie’s and Silver Fox have all the antique details you’ll need to properly restore your old home.

4. Sales, Liquidation and Inventory Overrun

Sometimes companies list sales, but even if you don’t see it, it’s always good to ask. Think discontinued items, slightly damaged goods and returned custom orders. They don’t want to sit on this stuff and the price difference can be significant! Check out Overstock.com for kitchen and bath hardware and tools.

5. Craig is your man!

Craig for Vice President! My life revolves around Craigslist. Forget buying from companies. They want to make a profit. There are people out there who just want to get this stuff out of their homes. They ordered too much flooring. The brand new kitchen isn’t their taste. They want a modern look and that marble mantle just doesn’t fit in. Be sure to search the free offerings first.

6. Save on paint

You know you can buy previously opened cans of paint for a song? Sometimes people buy the wrong thing and need to return it. I just did it the other day. They gave me semi-gloss when I asked for flat. I painted half a wall before I figured it out. I know that Home Depot has them. Not sure about other paint store. Places like Hudson Valley Materials Exchange in New Paltz sells them too. You’ll just have to settle on the colors they have available, is all.

7. Again with the Craig

Some DIYers buy tools for the job and resell them when finished. There’s no need to buy new tools unless you’ll be doing this all the time. Things like the Silent Paint Remover, tile cutters or old cement mixers can be good buys. If you rent these tools, it could possibly cost more than buying if the job takes a long time.

8. Appliance rebates and tax incentives

Check out the Energy Star site for new appliance incentives. You’ll not only be saving money when purchasing them, but running energy efficient appliances over the long run will help in a big way.

9. High end contractors for less

Retired contractors. Fireman contractors. Guys or gals working for a high end company, but looking to take on extra work for themselves. All trained and highly skilled, but at a fraction of the cost because it’s just a side job.

10. Negotiate

I don’t like doing it, but I hear it works. Try it with everyone from contractors to kitchen showrooms. Let’s make a deal, Monte!

Antiques on the Internets

Antiques on the Internets published on 2 Comments on Antiques on the Internets

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As an antiques buyer I usually just hit the local flea markets, yard sales and Craigslist. Now that I’m exploring different venues as a merchant, I’m discovering some sites that I knew about before but never really used.

Sometimes you don’t have time to shop around and if you’re looking for something very specific, it’s best to get it online.

For smaller vintage items, such as fabrics, linens and kitsch tschotkas, Etsy is the place to be! I’ve always loved Etsy for the handmade goodies, but it’s a great source for straight vintage as well.

Mitzi from Vintage Goodness recently started an online directory called The Vintage List. There are very few vendors on there as of yet, but help spread the word! If you build it, they will come.

Everyone knows about Ebay. I found many a bargain in my day and I’ve also had some let downs. Buyer beware. As a seller, I find their fees a bit too rich for my pocket.

Two antique malls I just signed up with are GoAntiques and Tias. I’m still working on uploading to both of my online stores so I can’t say how they are for merchant sales. One good thing about GoAntiques from a seller’s point of view is that they’ll automatically upload items to Ebay auctions, no fee. And unlike Ebay, these sites separate the reproductions from the real antiques. How many times have you done an Ebay search only to find new items sneaking in with “vintage” or “antique” in the description? I hate when that happens! Anyway, my take on these sites: Fewer bargains, but higher quality merch. It’s my impression that these sites are geared more towards collectors and dealers than the general public. I’m kind of lost there myself, but I’m learning!

Ruby Lane is the third big not-Ebay antiques mall. I really haven’t dealt with them, so I don’t know much.

Did I miss any? I’m sure there are lots out there!

Estate Sale In Newburgh Saturday

Estate Sale In Newburgh Saturday published on 3 Comments on Estate Sale In Newburgh Saturday

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7 piece bedroom set: $1600. Northern Furniture

Last week I hooked up with Aline and Gio from Bleecker Street Antiques to preview the estate sale they’re holding in Newburgh this Saturday. The woman who lived there didn’t update anything since the 70’s. Walking into the home is like going through a time warp. Strictly mid century furniture and tschotskas! And it’s all in perfect condition, albeit the woman has a smoking habit.

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9 piece dining room set: $1800. White Furniture Co.

Well, I didn’t completely clean them out. They still have tons left. The vintage clothing is to die for! I got some great items, but I didn’t want to be greedy and take stuff I knew I’d never wear….like the Mary Tyler Moore dresses and the fancy 40’s frocks. I did get me some swell polyester pants suits though, including one sparkly flare pants number I can’t wait to get into! And shoes….there were plenty of vintage shoes.

The furniture from the 50’s and 60’s is still there. It was too big for me to take. My husband would’ve killed me. Good stuff too! What they listed on their site is the real thing, but they’ve got plenty of inexpensive junktiques too. Oh, there were dishes and glasses, linens, artwork, record albums (remember those?) and even a vintage TV and a snow blower. Check out some of my own finds on this flickr set.

So, come up. Do some estate shopping. Have lunch at Macchiato. And then buy a house for under $100k. Sounds like a plan!

Estate Sale
135 West Street, City of Newburgh
Saturday, July 19th
8am-5pm

Flea Finds

Flea Finds published on 1 Comment on Flea Finds

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Entertainment pour moi? Oh, you shouldn’t have!

Yeah, so we got rained on a little at yesterday’s Brooklyn Flea. Beats standing there all day in the sweltering heat. Not such a bad day considering. We got rid of a few larger pieces, creating some much needed storage space. And Elvis has left the building! After 2 weeks at the flea, the crocheted king went to a good, loving home. I’ll miss him.

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I wandered around the market, but I was loving the gals right next door. Bleecker Street Antiques came from Sag Harbor (not Greenwich Village) with their small collectibles. I fell in love with the stone and terracotta corbels they brought, but alas they were too rich for my blood. Still, at $350 and $400, the price wasn’t crazy town. They come across lots of these babies as someone’s father (Or some such relative. I forget.) was in the salvage biz. The architectural artifacts are off of NYC buildings, but most of their inventory comes out of homes in and around The Hamptons.

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I also took great interest in Local Labels. They were just setting up, so I didn’t want to bother them too much, but here’s their website. If you haven’t figured it out yet, they represent local businesses. The items range from baby goods to housewares to specialty food products. The website is really user friendly. You can search by price or item. Love to search by price! Always a happy thing, no?

Flea Market Kvetch

Flea Market Kvetch published on 4 Comments on Flea Market Kvetch

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I usually like to take a 5 minute walk around the Brooklyn Flea on Sundays to look for designers who create home furnishings out of reclaimed materials. I did see a ton of new vendors there selling great antiques, but I didn’t take any photos. I will tell you this: The flea is becoming more of a draw for antiques and vintage dealers.

Unfortunately for some of those vendors (me), people are buying the smaller “junk” items more than larger furniture. Another vendor was kvetching to me at the end of the day how he has to schlepp all this stuff back to his house, which is too full to begin with. I hear ya, fella! My storage space is filled floor to ceiling and next week my new items will be going into my living room once again.

Don’t get me wrong. I sell the little junk too. I can earn a few hundred from items under $50. But I’d like to be able to do well with the furniture too. I’d like to empty my storage unit so I can get some fresh inventory.

The market is still in it’s infancy and perhaps it’s not a destination yet for serious furniture buyers or antiques collectors. Or perhaps the economy is just kicking everyone’s asses. I was speaking with another vendor who did Columbus Avenue last week only to break even. And she’s been in the business for years.

In any case, I’m going to do an experiment next weekend. I’ll swing for a double space and put out only the big stuff. I can’t fit many pieces of furniture in my 10×10 booth, so the few chairs and end tables I put out have smaller items displayed on top of them. And if more than 3 people are under my tent, it’s too crowded for others to fit in. So before I lay blame on cheap people, bad weather and holidays, I’d like to see if the fault lies within myself.

I’ll keep you posted!

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