Saturday, November 30, 2013

Make Recycled Gift Tags From Old Holiday Cards


When I first got married, we did  not have a lot of money for the little things, like tags for presents. My husband's grandmother, Grandma Fuller, taught me how to make pretty Christmas gift tags, using old cards that had been mailed the year before! This is a very easy and cheap way to finish off your presents. In my opinion, they look a bit more personal than the store bought tags! 

Materials Used:
Old holiday cards
Scissors or paper cutter
Hole punch (optional)
Marker or Pen, for labeling


Step 1: Collect Card Covers


Gather up your collection of old holiday cards, and either cut or tear the covers off, along the crease. You can usually get 4 good size tags from one card cover! 

Step 2: Cut & Punch


Cut your Tags! 
This is where making the decision to use scissors or a paper cutter is crucial...if you cannot cut straight lines (like me!) you may want to use a paper cutter. Or you can have slightly wonky ones, like I do, and call them "rustic". Large cards that have a scene that would not look quite right cut into two tags, can become a folded gift tag! (See picture below).


Step 3: Write & Ribbon


Use a pen or marker (I chose red marker so it would be easy to read) and address your tag. Attach the tag to your gift with ribbon or tape. I  use fabric gift bags that have ribbon attached, so this was really easy.

You can omit punching a hole in the corner and just tape the corner to the gift, just make sure to make the cards large enough to flip. 


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Saturday, November 16, 2013

Classic Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce Recipe


Whether you serve them with your stuffing, dessert, or it has its own special place on your table, cranberries add a classic touch to your holiday spread. Make your own homemade cranberry sauce this year for Thanksgiving using fresh cranberries! This easy recipe is so simple yet yields amazing results. I am a bit of a purist when it comes to "the sauce", I don't care for extras like nuts or orange zest. A lot of the people sharing the table with me won't even touch a cranberry, but they certainly won't eat one that tastes like oranges! So I am sharing with you my simple standby, a 4 ingredient classic cranberry sauce recipe.




If you LOVE the smooth jellied version, you can check out my tutorial to make your own! Can ridges optional! I like to let mine set in a well-washed can, to add those little ridges. It's a fun way to give everyone the cranberry sauce they expect, with great homemade taste.


 

Homemade jellied cranberry sauce, complete with can ridges! 

You will need:

1 (12 oz.) pkg. whole cranberries

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup apple juice, unsweetened if possible

1 1/2 cup sugar

Directions:

1. Combine water, apple juice and sugar in a medium sized sauce pan and bring to a boil. Add your rinsed cranberries and bring it back up to a boil (the cranberries will initially bring down your overall temperature, requiring that we bring it back to a boil). 

 
Medium-low flame 

2. Reduce heat to med-low (as shown) and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 


 
Berries cooking, none have burst yet 

3. Remove from heat. 

The next part is optional: 


I like to mush up some of the berries with a potato masher at this point, or you can remove half the cranberry mixture and blend it until the consistency you desire. Many of the berries burst during the simmering process, but I like to have a nice mix of berry bits and smooth, silky sauce. 

4. Cover and refrigerate until serving. I think it gels better if you make it the day before, but you should at least wait a few hours with it in the fridge before serving. 

This tastes great with real vanilla bean ice cream! 


Also is great used on leftover turkey sandwiches! 

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Thursday, October 31, 2013

10 Trick Or Treat Safety Tips



Keeping safety in mind, children can go gather their parents free candy trick or treat to their hearts' content! 




1. Parents should inspect treats and throw away anything unwrapped or loosely wrapped - including anything homemade from someone parents don't know. Check for signs of tampering or small holes.


2. Watch out for choking hazards for little ones, such as gum, peanuts or hard candy.

3. Tripping is a concern, so make sure costumes are not too long, baggy or loose. 

4. Costumes should be bright, reflective and flame retardant. Face masks need to fit well so that children's vision and hearing is not impaired.

5. Feed children before you trick or treat. When they're hungry, they could be tempted to sample the treats.

6. Children younger than 12 need parental supervision. THIS IS LAW in many places, including Illinois. 

7. Remind children to walk from house to house and not to walk in yards, where they could trip.

8. Flashlights with new batteries should be used as they walk on the sidewalks.

9. Driveways and alleyways are dangerous areas and need to be approached cautiously. If you're driving trick-or-treaters, have them exit your car on the curb side. Most importantly, stay off your cellphone while driving to avoid the distraction, the Illinois State Police urge.

10. If you're on candy duty at home, make sure your walkway and yard are clear in anticipation of kids coming to the door. Keep dogs and other animals inside and away from the door. Also keep jack-o-lanterns with candles out of the way.

BE SAFE AND HAVE A 
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

How to Inspect Halloween Candy Properly

Make sure to thoroughly inspect your free candy your kids' candy before they (and you) dig in!

Parents should inspect treats and throw away anything unwrapped or loosely wrapped - including anything homemade from someone parents don't know. Check for signs of tampering or small holes.



How to Inspect Candy for Trick or Treating Safety -- powered by ehow


BE SAFE and Have a Happy Halloween!



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Saturday, June 8, 2013

10 Things to do with Kids This Summer ~ FREE!

These days, "fun" and "free" don't seem to meet up enough. But there are plenty of ways to have fun with your kids this summer, without having to spend a lot of cash! You just have to get creative. the key is to make ordinary things more fun! Like my first item on the list...

Beat the Summer Time Blues with Free Fun Activities!


1. Have a picnic! 
You have to eat anyway, so why not make it fun? You don't have to invest in one of those cool picnic sets to have a blast (even though they are pretty cool). Make some sandwiches, grab some chips and juice and head to your back yard or local park. Or you could even grab take out and go to a park, the idea is the same and you get to eat while taking in the scenery. Plus the kids can work off some energy before you head home! Bonus!

2. Expand their horizons...for free!
Many cities have free concerts in the park, some even have free (or cheap) movies in the park. We have seen several free plays by local colleges. Check your local paper or go to About.com's local site for your area to find these events near you. Invite friends and it becomes a party (that you don't have to host). Many of these are evening events, so they won't cut into work time. You can bring your own snacks, too. 

3. Educational fun
Most museums have free or deeply discounted days during the summer. Often it's on a regular basis, like the first Tuesday of the month, but sometimes it's just a once a year event. Go to the websites of attractions in your area and search using the keyword "free" and see what come up. Make a list of what's free and when in your area and refer to it often.

4. Learn to Skate
There are dozens of roller skating rinks nationwide that participate in the Kids Skate Free program—which is just as it sounds: a way for children to skate, and therefore get some good exercise, for free this summer. Visit the Kids Skate Free website to find a participating rink near you. You’ll find rinks in 30 states.

5. Take up Bowling
There are dozens of roller skating rinks nationwide that participate in the Kids Bowl Free program ~ if you sign your kids up at the Kids Bowl Free website, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Some bowling alleys have free or cheap shoe rentals as well. 

6. Earn Free Books & Prizes
A great free activity for summer has always been free summer reading programs at your local public library. This summer, your young reader can participate in Barnes & Noble’s own version of a free reading program, and earn a free book in return. All the details, including a book log to use, are on the Barnes & Noble website
This summer, my daughter completed the reading programs at both our library and B&N, she earned 4 free books and a few fun trinkets, like a bracelet, bookmarks, and a reading pillow.  She loves getting in on freebies, and loves books!

7. Camp out
Either use a tent you already have, borrow one, or make one out of blankets - it doesn't need to be fancy to be fun! You can even roast marshmallows over a little hibachi grill, tell stories, or play games. Plus, if you need the bathroom or the weather takes a turn, you can run indoors. This is great for most age groups. 

8. Have a scavenger hunt
This is something that can also be modified by age group. Clues and hiding spots can be made more difficult for school age kids, or they can help younger siblings complete the list! Make it fun, going through the house and the yard.

9. Grow a Garden
Check with your neighbors, or your local Craigslist "free" listings, for free plants and gardening supplies. My daughter and I have a little container garden that we put together from peoples' leftovers, and it has given us a fun thing to do together every day.

10. Build a back yard water obstacle course
Another idea that can be changed depending on the age of your kids. Use (safe) items from around the house to mark off a course, with fun tasks. Borrow things from neighbors and invite their kids to join in, too! Use a wading pool, lawn chairs, laundry baskets etc as obstacles. Make it more fun by adding sprinklers to run through, or have them carry a full water balloon through the course - the idea is to not drop it! The kids who make it through with an intact balloon get a prize - getting shot by the adults with the hose!

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Saturday, May 4, 2013

Organic Pest Control Remedies

MILK
Milk is effective against a range of mildews on peas, pumpkins and cucumber leaves. Use equal parts milk and water and spray every couple of days until the mildew is under control. If the mildew is out of control remove the affected leaves to avoid the mildew from spreading and do not water at night, try watering in the mornings.


MOLASSES SPRAY
Molasses is a good deterrent sticky spray, ideal for cabbage moths and grubs. Blend 1 tablespoon of molasses with 1 liter of hot water until the color of weak tea, then mix in one tea spoon of detergent, which will help the molasses to stick to the leaves, spray top and under side of the leaves. You could also add vinegar to this brew to make it more potent.


VINEGAR SPRAY
For cabbage moths and grubs. Blend 1/4 vinegar with 3/4 of water, then mix in one tea spoon of detergent, which will help the vinegar to stick to the grubs, bugs and leaves of the plant, spray top and under side of the leaves. You can also add molasses to this brew.


Severe damage done by a cabbage moth. 
 



CHAMOMILE TEA
Is a mild fungicide. Pour boiling water over a chamomile tea bag, leave to steep for ten minutes, when cool use as a spray.


VEGETABLE OIL
Spray recipe: Mix 1 tbsp of liquid soap with 1 cup of vegetable oil. Dilute as required using 1-2.5 tsp of the mixture to 1 cup of water. Oil sprays can cause burning when applied to sensitive plants. If in doubt, test a plant sample first and wait 2-3 days to see if burning results. Oil sprays can also cause burning if applied when shade temperatures exceed 29 degrees Celsius or when applied within 4 weeks of a sulfur spray such as wettable sulfur or lime sulfur. 



PURE SOAP
Pure soap when mixed with water can be used as a natural insecticide for the control of some sap-sucking insect pests, including aphids and mealy bugs. It is a contact insecticide and works by breaking down the insect’s exoskeleton, causing it to dehydrate and die.



CURE FOR WHITE/BLACK SPOT (mildew)
Add *1 liter of FULL fat milk to an *8 liter watering can, watered on Roses or mildew attracting plants, will kill white/black spots.  



SCALES
Make the oil spray by blending two cups of vegetable oil with one cup of pure liquid soap, and mix it until it turns white.
Dilute one tablespoon of the emulsion to one liter of water and spray all affected areas thoroughly. Do this during mild weather, because if it’s hot it may burn the plant’s leaves.
Scales shoot a sweet substance called honeydew. Ants literally farm the scale to feed on the honeydew. They’ll pick them up and they’ll move them all over the tree. Honeydew also leads to sooty mold, a black dusty fungus that grows over the leaves and stems. Controlling the scale will also get rid of the sooty mold.


To keep APHIDS and OTHER PESTS off your Roses: Finely chop 1 onion and 2 medium cloves of garlic. Put ingredients into a blender with 2 cups of water and blend on high. Strain out pulp. Pour liquid into spray bottle. Spray a fine mist on rose bushes, making sure to coat both tops and bottoms of leaves.


GENERAL PESTICIDE
3 hot green peppers (canned or fresh) 2 or 3 cloves garlic 3/4 tsp liquid soap 3 cups water Puree the peppers and garlic cloves in a blender. Pour into a spray bottle and add the liquid soap and water. Let stand 24 hours. Strain out pulp and spray onto infested plants, making sure to coat both tops and bottoms of leaves.


ORGANIC BUG SPRAY FROM ONION SCRAPS
You can make your own organic bug spray from kitchen leftovers! Simply save your onion skins, peels and ends then refrigerate in an empty margarine-sized tub or ziplock bag until the container is full. Once you have enough, place the onion pieces in a pail and fill with warm water. Soak for a few days, up to a week. You can keep this on the patio in the sun to steep but this is optional. After one week, strain the onion bits out and store the onion water in spray bottles.


Photo Credit: Australian Organic Gardening


AGAINST INSECT PESTS
1. Soapy water (NOT detergent). Try to find one based on caustic potash, rather than caustic soda and mix well with water until frothy (you’ll need more soap in hard water areas). For aphids and other soft-shelled insects
2. Oil sprays suffocate insects. Boil 1 kg soap with 8L of oil, stirring until dissolved. Dilute 1:20 with water just before use. Spray on cool days only.
3. Tomato leaf spray (very poisonous). Cover leaves with water, boil and cool. Use immediately as a general insecticide.
4. Wormwood spray. Infuse leaves in boiling water and leave for a few hours. Dilute 1:4 and use for sap-sucking insects.
5. Chilli spray – equal volumes chilli and water blended and sprayed fresh onto caterpillars. (Prevent contact with eyes and skin.)
6. Lapsang Souchong tea – a strong brew (1 tbsp in a pot) deters possums from nipping rose tips.


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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Great Gardening Freebies

1. You can get free seeds by sending a SASE to Winterstown and they will send you a 6 pack of free seeds, along with information on how to save your own seeds for next year's garden!  Click here to get the info and get your seeds!

2. Marigold's Loft is offering free square foot gardening planner printables! These come in handy even if you aren't into square foot gardening, just to have a printable planner on hand. Click here to go to her page and print it out! 

 

3. There is a free visual garden planner available at BHG.com. You can choose the plants and set it up, and see what it will look like - very nice for flower gardens! 

4. You can sign up for more than 10 free gardening catalogs! I love to window shop for gardening stuff more than anything else, I think! 

Free Annies Annuals Catalog
© Annie's Annuals and Perennials







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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Going Green in the Garden: Helpful Tips to Get Started

Not only is going green in the garden better for your wallet, it is a great idea if you are worried about pesticides, GMO foods or if you are trying to help the planet by eating locally. Plus, it is a fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike! Not to put too much of a hippy-dippy spin on things, but my daughter and I love the feel of dirt in our hands, feeling like we are "one with nature" and bonding in the process. It is something special we share.  

Composting doesn't have to be a big commitment. Even a small bucket of well-tended compost can make a big impact in a garden, and cut down on kitchen waste. (Photo credit: Kitty meets Goat)

1. Compost
Kitchen scraps, coffee grinds, grass clippings… composting will reduce your garbage and produce an excellent fertilizer to mix in with your garden soil.

2. Use a Rain Barrel
Capture rain water in a rain barrel, a great clean source you can use to water all of your potted plants and gardens, even a small lawn.

3. Attract Helpful Critters
Build a bird and bug paradise to attract these critters to your garden.  Local birds and many critters (like spiders and bees) are helpful in controlling the pest population naturally, as well as helping to pollinate your fruit trees and flowers.

4. Grow Native Plants
Native plants are naturally more pest and disease resistant.  They grow well with less maintenance and are very often instrumental in attracting beneficial creatures of all sorts.  Find out what plants are native to your area and scatter your favorites throughout the garden. They also tend to use less water!

5. Mulch With Natural Mulches
Mulch is an easy way to retain moisture in the soil, which will help you to conserve water usage.  It’s also a handy way to combat weeds and when you use natural mulch, it will breakdown into the soil and fertilize the area over time. It is also known to discourage several types of garden pests. 

6. Use a Push Mower
Cut down your power or gas usage and get some exercise with a push lawn mower.  Sometimes called a reel mower, these do an excellent job on your lawn and are powered by none other than you. It is also a handy way to get your teen to get some exercise!

7. Try Companion Planting
Companion plants are those that pair well together, forming a natural barrier against pests and weeds. It is also helpful to know what types of plants should not be grown together. 

8. Use All Natural Bug Spray
Find a good organic insecticidal soap or mix up something yourself using natural liquid soap, horticultural oils and water.  Add to a spritzer and spray onto infected foliage.

9. Use Natural Pot Materials
Using things like paper, stone or clay for your pots is a great way to make a green container garden. 

 10. Try Square Foot Gardening
 When paired with companion gardening, this is touted by many avid gardeners as the most efficient way to grow your own.



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Saturday, April 20, 2013

10 Minute Office Chair Recover Project


 I upcycled an older style office chair for my daughter, and it only took me 10 minutes! You can see the finished product above, with her retro desk (we plan to paint it a fun color for her "big girl room".) When I inspected the chair, screwdriver in hand, I realized there was no way to take it apart. I would have to tuck the fabric between the hard plastic shells and the upholstered seat/backing!  I chose a pastel purple fabric, grabbed some scissors and got to work...and it was easier that you would think!

Copyright Little Mom on the Prairie & J.Rae 2013

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Sell More with Signs ~ 10 Tips for Garage Sale Signs


Having a successful Garage or Yard Sale is an art form... and so is knowing how to do your signage right. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you make your signs, and when you place them!

1.  Bigger is better...to a point. You want to make sure your signs are big enough to see from the road (i.e. in a moving car) but not so large that they cause a distraction.  I once saw a minor traffic jam cause by a sign made from a full sheet of neon poster board, with tiny lettering. Which brings me to my next point...

2.  Be effective. Use sturdy cardboard and make sure the sign is clearly written, perhaps with big block letters...fill in the big block letters, too. Or use block letter stickers. 

3.  Less is more - Don't clutter your signs with a list of what you have to sell. Just say Garage Sale, day(s) it will be held, times (open to close) and maybe an arrow pointing the way towards your sale. 

4. Location, Location, Location! Hit all of the major intersections nearby, and make sure you have arrows pointing in the right direction (sometimes it helps to add the arrows after you hang the signs). 

5. Some areas have laws regarding the placement of signage (like yard sale signs). Most places have laws that say something like: "It is illegal to post, without a city or county permit, private signs on a Public Right of Way. "Public Right of Way" is commonly defined as both sidewalks on either side of a street and everything in between (including the grassy medians between the sidewalks and gutters, medians, traffic signs and light pole, trees and foliage, fences, etc.". 

6. Do a drive-by test of your signs. After your signs are up, drive past them and see if you can read them easily, because if you can’t, nobody else can either.

7. Place your signs early. When I first started having sales, I would scramble around the morning of, placing signs around town...and get back to the house to a line of early birds, waiting to shop. I suggest that, as long as you are not expecting rain, place your signs out the day before (make sure the day of the sale is on the sign). 

8. More is better. The biggest mistake I have made in the past is to not have enough signs. 

9. If you are planning on having a lot of garage sales, you might want to invest in some nicer, more re-usable signage. I got some for FREE from Vistaprint (you do pay S/H). You can get 1 each, a free banner and a free yard sign. 

Free Banner from Vistaprint

Free Yard Sign from Vistaprint

You can order more flyers, banners and more yard signs by clicking here

10. TAKE YOUR SIGNS DOWN WHEN YOU ARE DONE! If you don't, you could be fined for littering, depending on local ordinances. Plus, leaving up signs is a sure-fire way to make sure you get rained out on your next sale day! Don't tempt fate, remove your signage! 


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Saturday, April 13, 2013

Find Garage Sales Online


Here is a quick list of links you can use to find garage, estate, yard or rummage sales online, free! Bargains are out there, waiting to be discovered...so take a look and see what is in your area! 




Check out Garage Sales on Gsalr.com
View and search for sales by map. Save your gas money and plan your garage sale routes in advance using the directions tool!

Find estate sales and estate sale companies at EstateSales.org

You can also search for sales through yardsalesearch.com

Free-cycle often has listings where people list their garage sale leftovers. You can hit up the sale, too...just don't get all grabby-hands before their cut off time. Be respectful! 

Check out your local Craigslist.com for garage sales. I quite often advertise my own sales here. It's free to put up an ad, and they change daily, so check often!

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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

10 Tips for a Successful Garage Sale


When I asked my neighbor if she wanted to join me in having a garage sale, she grimaced and said "Oh, no...that sounds like a lot of work for not nearly enough money".  I was surprised at first, then I realized, that having a successful garage or yard sale is something of an art form. 


10 Things You Should Do for A Successful Garage/Yard Sale:

1. Check local ordinances a few days ahead of time. Some areas may require a permit and have a limit on how many garage sales a household is allowed to have per year. Nothing puts a damper on a sale like having the cops stop by and write you a ticket! 

2. Advertise online for free! I run ads on my local Craigslist, on Free-cycle (you must be offering something free to do so  - see #4) or on several free online websites. For a full list, check out : Advertise Your Yard Sale / Garage Sale Online Free

3. Ask neighbors to get in on the fun! A multi-family garage sale will always attract more traffic than a single family sale. Sometimes you can get the whole block involved! 

4. Advertise in the local papers. Split the cost with the other families - another reason to have a multi-family sale. 

5. Place your signs. This is important! Be aware that there are laws regarding the placement of signs (like yard sale signs). Most places have laws on the books that read something sort of like: It is illegal to post, without a city or county permit, private signs on a Public Right of Way. "Public Right of Way" is commonly defined as both sidewalks on either side of a street and everything in between (including the grassy medians between the sidewalks and gutters, medians, traffic signs and light pole, trees and foliage, fences, etc.").

6. Put up advertisements on bulletin boards in your community. Try places like your local grocery stores, community center, laundry-mat, etc. Spread the news of your sale via word of mouth too to co-workers, friends and family.

7. Have a cash box and change. I use an old cash box I got at someone else's garage sale, and I keep around $20 in change. I have a $5, 10 singles, and the rest I get in rolls of change. 

8. Don't pick a holiday weekend (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day) to have your sale. You'll generally have a better turnout if its a non-holiday weekend. 

9. No pets! You may have the friendliest dog in the world, it's best to keep them away from your yard sale. Some people are afraid of dogs or are allergic. The last thing you need when trying to make a little extra money, is to get sued over a dog bite. 

10. Pricing can make or break the deal. No one wants to ask you every few seconds "how much is this?" and I have even lost a customer once because I did not price things! She picked up an item and asked how much, and I said "Make me an offer!" with a smile on my face. She scowled, said "oh, no, I don't like that" and just walked away! 
To figure out how to price things, check out "How to Price Items for A Garage or Yard Sale". 

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Saturday, April 6, 2013

Cut Pet Care Costs by 80%!


The ASPCA puts the average cost of caring for a cat at $56 per monthThat is $672 per year! You can add between $5-15 per week if you have a dog depending on the size. Between food, litter, toys and treats...the money adds up fast! But there is a way you can cut down on pet food costs. I  have successfully brought my cat care costs down to less than $10 per month, or a total of around $120 per year! 

Copyright Little Mom on the Prairie 2013
I have a rescue kitty (named Josie) that I care for, even though I am not supposed to have animals and even though my budget is super tight...but I couldn't turn my back on her tiny fuzzy face! Now she is a lot more healthy-looking, Thanks to my FREE Pet Food Stockpile! 




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Wednesday, April 3, 2013

How to Price Items for A Garage or Yard Sale


Pricing for a garage (or yard/rummage) sale can be tricky. Too high and you scare off customers. Too low, and you might not get what you want from a "barter-shopper". I can help you navigate the ins and outs of pricing! 
Here are a few tips to help you out:



1. If an item is in "like new" or "gently used" condition, price items about a quarter or third of what they would cost new. 

2. If an item is new and in original packaging, you can price it at half of what it would cost new, but be willing to negotiate. 

3. Clothes are generally very poor sellers, although there are exceptions. New or like new kid and baby clothes can be sold for around a third of what they cost new in the store. Adult clothes generally will sell if you price them at $1 or lower - people are not very likely to take a risk on something they cannot try on before buying. 

4. Try to look at your items objectively. When pricing items, keep in mind that "a third of what it costs new" is only a guideline. No one cares that you paid $75 for your advanced computer sciences book 5 years ago. You'll be lucky to sell it at all. 

5. Be precise if they ask about a priceWhen I've asked the seller how much they want for a particular item, many times they respond, "I don’t know, how about .50 or .25?" No buyer in their right mind will say, "yeah, I want to pay the higher price." The better way would be for the seller to answer, "How about .50?" Then if the customer puts the item back, or hesitates then you could say "or how about .25? I'm open to negotiation!"

6. The bigger the item, the bigger the price tag should be. Make it obvious. If you're selling a dresser, you can't expect the buyer to be looking all over for a tiny dot sticker. Take a full sheet of paper and put the price and list any good selling points or flaws: "Dresser - $40 Firm - only 2 years old - comes with a coordinating mirror". 

7. The price should be on top of an item, not on the bottom. I know it’s a lot of work, but worth it because you won’t have people asking every thirty seconds, "how much do you want for this?"

8.  Back up your price. If you are trying to sell something that is a high dollar item, find it online or in a catalog and print/cut it out, and tape it to your item. It shows the buyer that spending $10 for an item that normally sells for $40 new is a good deal. Be selective if you do this, people may get turned off if you do it for every item you're trying to sell. I also, personally, only do this for new or like new items, unless it was expensive (over $500) or large (furniture)...though I have seen this done with gently used kids toys. 

9. you can always go down on a price, but you can never go back up. If you don’t have time to price everything individually, signs are helpful, such as "all books .25 each" or "any piece of clothes $1.00", or "anything on this table .50".

10. Keep your money close. I like to use a half-apron with several deep pockets. One side is for the change I start out with, and the other side is for incoming cash. 

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