The Day Approaches...

Shopping for my Flapper costume has been mostly successful with the exception of finding a long rope of pearls (cheap).
I was very pleased and impressed with myself when I bagged a NEW 20's style dress and cloche hat (the only 2 must-haves on my list) for about $15, within an hour of beginning my quest.
I "splurged" on one accessory, bought some cheap cosmetics at the dollar store, and I'm planning on crafting another accessory tomorrow...we'll see how it works out.
I didn't get what I wanted as far as shoes, but considering my good luck elsewhere, I won't complain too much.
Having said that...if you own some pearls (any length), or some close-toe shoes with heels, about size 6....you are my new best friend. Mind if I borrow them?

I just did a little test-run on my makeup, with the dress and hat...this is gonna be good, folks. We have a plan for a little photo-shoot tomorrow, so I'll definitely be putting up pictures when I can.

Its really kind of ridiculous how excited I am about this murder mystery...!

My Weekend

What did I do this weekend?

I went to a live show up in a small, artsy upper-floor room, downtown, to see Ari Neufeld and Scott Dunbar...both "One man band"s.

I don't (ok, almost never) go to see live music, and I didn't really know what it would be like, but I loved it!

These guys were so talented, it was a little mind-blowing. They would play an instrument, sing, and then keep a rhythm on a drum with their feet, as well as with little bells and wooden beads attached to their legs. Crazy!!! Ari was always hopping around, it looked like dance.

They played a variety of instruments, from acoustic guitar, to accordion, to banjo, and the atmosphere was extremely relaxed...couches, a coffee bar, people sitting on the floor...I thought it was great, and would gladly pay the $10 cover to see them again, and again.

The CD's are good, but nothing can really compare to watching these guys perform right there in front of you (I had a great view, if not a comfortable seat :D)

Thanks for recommending the show, Rebekah!

Well, that was Friday night.

Saturday morning a couple friends and I hopped into a car and drove out to Kelowna for some bargain shopping at Orchard Park Mall. Its late January, so the good sales are on now, as the stores are clearing out their winter inventory, and the Kelowna mall has a lot of stores that we don't have in Kamloops.

The 2 hour drive is a bit of a trip, but it was a good time to do a little socializing, and ask some tough questions...like, why is there a mural of a tiger on the Westwold elementary school?
And...does the Ogopogo really exist?
And...is Rishelle going to be the crazy lady that feeds the duck in park when she's old? Or has it already begun? Can we save her from this fate?
And...why haven't I ever had Wonton soup before??
It was a good day.

Disappointment

My package didn't come in the mail today.
I was disappointed. Now it won't arrive until Monday or Tuesday.
Its my own fault, I decided not to pay extra shipping costs and go for the 10-11 day shipping. I figure it a good time to practice some patience. Seems like everything these days is instant. I could've just downloaded it (its a CD) and had the music already in my iTunes, but nooooo...I want a tangible CD because I'm paranoid about files being accidentally deleted. So I wait. And wait.
I keep telling myself this waiting will only make me appreciate it more when it comes.
I hope that is the case.

Anybody Want One?

I'm doing one of my routine reorganizations, which included jewelery and lotions this time.

These necklaces have been hanging around for a while, and I like them, but I just never wear them. I have already found a new home for a lotion, thrown out an ancient clay masque tube, and a terrible aerosol perfume I bought in the Gatwick airport because I hadn't had a shower in a while, and it was hot. Niiiiice.
Also up for grabs: 2 pairs of little girls' earrings I bought when I got my ears pierced, NOA perfumed stardust body lotion, and a few other random necklaces that aren't as nice as the ones shown in the picture...I know, I know, I'm too generous.
I wish it wasn't too cold for garage sales.

Closet Treasure

I used to be a much more sentimental person that I am now. While I am still nostalgic, I am finding it much easier to get rid of "things" that are simply around because "I can't throw it out!"

As a result, I almost routinely go through my large closet and dig around in the nooks and crannies for things that I no longer feel attached to.

I do it routinely, because every now and then I see something that I still can't quite bear to part with. Give it another couple months unseen in the recesses of the closet ...and I am ready to let it go.

Today since I had nothing better to do, I was rummaging through my stash of picture frames, scrapbooks, and shoeboxes of junk, I discovered this:
I received this figurine years, and years, and years ago, from an aunt we don't see very often. At the time I was taking piano lessons and would play for any relatives that came over and talked me into it. This little girl sat on the piano for many years after that, occasionally being wound up to play her little tune. Eventually she was relegated to my room, and then my closet, after that.

Today when she was unwrapped I thought, "Why am I keeping this?"
Maybe I should feel emotionally attached, but I don't. I was about to put it in the give-a-way pile with some dollar-store picture frames (see? I am getting better), and weird old plaques, when my wise mother suggested that it might be worth something. It might be an antique.

I inspected the piece for some kind of ID, and then Googled it.

Turns out this little piano-player is a "Josef Original"...a highly collectible item. She plays, "Humoresque" and I saw a few going for $55 - $70! I had no idea it was worth so much.

Thing is, I have no idea to go about selling this thing. Does anyone have any experience with this? How can I get the best deal on it? Am I sick for wanting to sell a gift?

Shopaholic?

Sometimes I buy things against my better judgment, for one or more of the following reasons:

1. Its on sale. It might still be way more than I would pay for it regularly, but hey-- its on sale!

2. I think I like it. I think...hey, is that a sale tag? I like it.

3. I'm shopping at a store that we don't have in Kamloops, and I just can't bear to not buy something there when I actually have the opportunity.*

4. It fits. It might be hideously ugly, or perhaps overpriced, but hey-- it fits.

5. I just want to buy something. Anything, as long as it involves taking something new home.

Do I need serious help or what?!

*Something of this nature may or may not have occurred recently.

Of Books and Bookstores, Used and Old

So I had this great idea for a blog post about books today...

And then my mother had to go and blog books first.

But I'm a free spirit. So I'm going to go with my idea anyway. That's what free spirits do.

Here is a tale of two bookstores.

The other day I went into Chapters to drop off a resume. I figured, I like books. I can work at Chapters, wear the silly little uniform, weather the Christmas shopping storm...make a little money.
If you've ever been there, which you probably have, you know that Chapters is large. And its a chain company. And its affiliated with Starbucks. What was I thinking...

The lady at the desk peered over her glasses at me when I asked to speak with the manager, and crisply told me that "we don't accept resumes here." She told me to go online and apply there. Since I'd already checked out their site and hadn't seen anything about applying online, I asked, "at Chapters.ca?", and she answered peevishly, "yes, go to our website."
Bad customer service reeeeally turns me off. You have no idea.
I didn't bother going online to look.
That's just the way I am.

I went into Second Glance Used Books today.
On a mission.
Not to drop off a resume, but to find a rather obscure book that I have wanted for a very long time.

There is something about used bookstores that are so much more lovable than new ones, I think. They are so inviting. Its not like when you walk into a new bookstore and everything is displayed perfectly, and arranged just so. You don't feel slightly awed, scared to touch anything for fear of bending a corner, or tearing a page. It is the difference between entering an immaculate show house, and the home of an old friend.

Second glance had a box of freebies at the door, and as I entered, I was pleased to see it was filled to bursting with all kinds of books...books stacked on the floor, piled on shelves, stuffed in boxes...every book imaginable. Mystery, Horror, Romance, Children's, Fantasy, Self-Help, Plays, Poetry...on and on.

I couldn't help but grin as I made my way through the maze of books and shelves, occasionally tugging one book out from under a pile, like a game of Jenga, or finding an interesting title wedged between two larger books.

There were a couple of friends gathered in the back on couches, hanging out, and there were a few wanders who had just come to browse. Then there was me, trying to find that elusive novel.

I was sidetracked for a while by a pile of retro-looking Tolkien books. Then by an old book of poetry. Finally I found my way into the children's section, and spied a box of Anne of Green Gables books. Aha!

There were old cloth-bound versions of "The Golden Road", and newer shiny editions of the Anne series, with pictures from the movies. And lots and lots of the typical paperbacks by Seal Books publishing.

I trailed my finger down the titles frantically. Was this all there was? Would I never find my book?

Then there it was. Right there, amidst a sea of "Anne of Avonlea"s...

A Tangled Web
By L.M. Montgomery

I snatched it up, as though some stranger would nab it before I got to the till. It was $2.

There were a total of 8 books stuffed under my arm when I unloaded them onto the counter with a beaming smile. I happily handed over the $30 it cost me. One was like new, and the others were old enough to be collectors items, or so I'd like to think.

I really can't help myself when it comes to used bookstores. They are just so awesome.

The girls at the counter were nice and helpful, and I'm definitely going back...with a resume.

Free to Good Home (or wherever)

This was my first camera! I got it as a Christmas present back in the day, and I loved it. It takes decent photos. It served me well.
It also served my brother well when I got my first digital camera. Well actually he never really used it. So now I'm giving it to you!

Its in perfect shape, very easy to use, and the results will be satisfying I'm sure.
Seeing as you probably own a digital camera, this could be perfect for the small person in your circle of family/friends who cannot yet be trusted with a more expensive piece of technology.

The best part...its FREE!
Leave a comment if you want it.

I've Got a Problem

While we're on the topic of my vices, and I'm looking for blog fodder, let me reveal one of my deep dark secrets.
I seriously doubt if even my mother knows the extent of this failing.

I am an obsessive compulsive picture-frame purchaser.
Have been for years.

The reason its such a well-kept secret is even worse.
I almost never actually put pictures in the frames!
Its sad and true. They languish in the dark recesses of my closet, un-photoed, and un-hung.
I tell myself regularly that I should print some photos off and fill some of these frames up, but I can never decide which photos to choose, and I can't bring myself to put holes in my wall. On top of that, the frames are all different shapes, sizes, colors, and styles, and I'm not sure how to arrange them so that they look good together.

Looking on the bright side, I'm still my frugal Dutch self, and I don't buy expensive frames. Usually my weakness kicks in near the sale rack. Can't pass up a good markdown, ya know what I mean?

Its kind of funny that I never realized how bad it had gotten until yesterday when I was searching my closet for something, and came upon boxes and boxes of stashed little frames, and larger ones tucked in behind other closet treasures. I thought to myself: this isn't good.

But I also told myself, when I move out I will actually put them up.
And I don't know if I'm lying to myself or not.

Life is Good

Today I...
1. slept in
2. did 1 1/2 hours of yoga on a warm sandy beach
3. ate a yummy lunch (that I didn't make)
4. drove to Campbell River with friends
5. found some good deals on a sale rack
6. blasted my music on the drive home and sang along
7. went for a swim in the lake...sooo nice!

and now I will...

8. work on craft project number 2 (picture to come)
9. eat a yummy supper (that I didn't make)
10. work on craft project number 1 and hopefully finish it, or come close!

After that, who knows. Maybe I will read, or watch a movie or....

well, that's gonna be a secret until later on...hee hee hee....

Slightly Disappointing...

So Karissa is coming up to see me in June, and we were planning on hopping on a bus tour that would take us through Wales, England, and Scotland with really reasonable rates. Every time I looked at the overview of it I patted myself on the back and thought to myself, "You did well finding this tour Jill...you Bargain Master, you."
We were going to cover a lot of ground over 12 days and stay in a castle for a night...the works. It was going to be fantastic!
Last night I was checking over some stuff on one of the connected sites and noticed something strange...

"The UKI Combination Tours will not be running in the foreseeable future."

eh?
I emailed the contact address, and sure enough I got something back this morning.
Its a no-go.
Hmmm...
I'm sure filling a month with sight-seeing won't be hard to do. But I do want some variety, and getting around can be expensive. A sight I could do without seeing is a cardboard box called Home! :)

It Feels Good

It is very satisfying to my frugal Dutch nature to find good deals.
There are "pretty good deals" which for the average item might mean anywhere from $10-20.
And there are "good deals", which are under $10.
And then there the deals that are "Rip-roarin' Steals!" for under $1.
Yesterday while shopping for a few miscellaneous items, I stopped my mom to show her a set of dishes I had noticed previously that I thought were pretty sweet.
My Mom is a Bargain Master Supreme. and naturally her sharp eye caught the 50% Off last ticketed price sign, that my yet-to-be sharpened eye had missed. We looked at the price tag and I was blown away! Each piece was about $1.99. The teapot was the most expensive, at $4.49.
It wasn't long before I was loading up a box and we lugged them to the till.
As the cashier was running them through, she goes, "Oh that's funny. They're even cheaper. We must have missed a markdown."
There is something so contenting about good deals.
I had a lot of fun comparing the original full price with what I paid.
Teapot: $24.99.............I paid $2.25
Creamer: $8.99...............I paid $.75
Sugarbowl $9.99..............I paid $.94
Plates: $11.99 each....I paid $1.12
Bowls: $8.99 each......I paid $.75
Mugs: $7.99 each......I paid $.75

In total, the whole six piece set cost me $22.05, and I walked out smiling!

Do you know Joe?

Foreword:
This is a trivial, frivolous, fluff post, which may seem awkward due to the more serious nature of it's precedessor. Its the only way I know how to get back into blogging...so too bad.

A fifteen-minute ferry-ride away from Quadra there is a small sea-side town called Campbell River. This town is small, and is located by the sea.
Did I mention that it is small?
For us Homewood staff without vehicles it seems even smaller because we can only go places that can be easily reached on foot. The main attraction is the extremely large Superstore that is a five-minute walk from the ferry.
The Superstore is AMAZING. It has everything a camp counsellor/cook could need: food, housewares, toys, cards, books, and most importantly-- clothing!
That's right folks. You may still be caught in the past when "Stupidstore" only carried cheap Higher State or other lame brand name clothing. The kind of stuff that wears out after a few washes and is just plain silly all the rest of the time.Not to mention overpriced.
Well its time to rethink your prejudices on Superstore clothes shopping, because now they carry "Joe".
Joe has taste, style, and class. From skirts and spring dresses to sportswear and pyjamas, Joe has got it all.
Trendy tees without obnoxious brand names smeared across them, and long-lasting Lulu Lemon style sweats...everything you could wish for and WITHOUT the crazy prices! This is why it is perfect for penniless camp staff (or students, or bargain hunters). You can get sweet shirts for $8, a good quality zip-up sweater for $10-15, and dresses/skirts for $20. There are so many styles and colors to choose from, even our diverse bunch of girls here can all find something they like.
Its so exciting to find an article that you really love, without having to cough up a ridiculous amount of cash for it. And you also know it will last.
So if you haven't already, check out your Superstore's selection of Joe, and be mightily pleased with what you find.

Bargain Master!

I bring happier news this day.

I have never been much of a Bargain Master (note the capital letters. It is a title). Bargain Masters are crazy people who can find brilliant things for brilliant prices. Oftentimes the brilliant prices come as a result of their bartering.
The mere thought of arguing over a price makes me uncomfortable. Normally I would willingly cough up the extra cash, or just not buy the item, rather than barter for it. Needless to say, the merchants in Guatemala made a killing off me...

However, I have recently come into my Dutch heritage, and perhaps one day I will become a Bargain Master.

The other day we borrowed the movie "Emma" from the lady at the movie store (The store didn't actually carry it, it was her own personal copy). As probably most of you know, I absolutely adore that movie!
I found myself in the movie store the next day by coincidence, and apologized for not having it on hand to return it.
She told me not to worry, because she didn't even like it that much, and I could buy it if I wanted.
Gazoo!
I wasn't about to let the opportunity drop.
"How much do you want for it?" I asked.
"How about $10?" She said.

This is where I pause and explain the sudden transformation. See, my Dutch ancestry rose up and revolted against paying $10 for a used DVD, and without thinking (that is key to the transformation I am referring to) I said,

"We-e-e-e-lllllll, I could buy it new at Wal-mart for $10."
"Ok, how about $5." She said.
"Done." Said I.
And I bought that glorious DVD that I have wanted for a very long time for the wonderous price of $5.

And if that isn't really a good deal, don't tell me so, because right now I feel like a Bargain Master.

Day 1- In Which I Report Happy Things

One of my favorite things is buying something I really want for really cheap. For instance, those of you who read my yahoo blog might remember that we finally got a 'Garage' store in our mall, and how pleased I was. However, being of potent Dutch ancestry I have a hard time spending $18-$25 on one shirt, which is the average price there.
Earlier this summer/fall there were at least two shirts at Garage that I liked but wouldn't buy. Yesterday I found both of them in my size for $5 each! It brought a smile to my cheeks.
That is my happy report for today.