Our Fall Getaway

I just reserved a "rustic cabin" for two in November at Mt. Nebo State Park in Arkansas. The cabins were built by the CCC in the 1930s and are made from logs and stone and have gorgeous views from the top of Mt. Nebo. Tom and I are looking forward to Fall leaves, a crackling fireplace, hiking, long naps, reading and playing Boggle. Heaven! Thanks to mom and dad for making it possible by watching our kids.

Garage Sale Christmas

The annual Bridlewood Garage Sale happened yesterday and I was one happy buyer. I've decided to make it a garage sale Christmas and have gotten off to a good start. Things I noticed this year: tons of CDs for sale thanks to MP3 players; cars and motocycles are now common garage sale items; the "never hurts to ask if they have any" philosphy yielded a bonanza but I still had to talk them down in price; and no one had any vintage jewelry. Word has gotten out!

My rules for a neighborhood sale:

1) Start early (buy when they're setting things out)

2) Begin in the rear of the neighborhood and move forward

3) Don't ask what they want for an un-tagged item--make them an offer!

4) Don't be afraid to ask for less than the tagged price: "would you take ___ for this?" and negotiate from there.

Remember, you're doing them a service! If they want a better deal they'll have to ebay it or consign it. They just want to get rid of it.