This is our new favorite library book, "Just Enough and Not Too Much", written and illustrated by Kaethe Zemach.
It is about a man who lives a happy yet simple life until he decides he may need more stuff. He keeps getting and getting and getting until life isn't as fun anymore. So he throws a huge party for his friends and gives most of it away.
Paul read this to me this morning before we headed out on a family garage saling expedition. And I know it doesn't really make sense to go garage saling just weeks after your own garage sale and especially when you are technically homeless. Nonetheless we needed to get out and Clara did need some new shoes (which we found, lavender leather Puddle Jumpers for $1). We also picked up a few books to enjoy over the summer. What we really didn't need and what we already have too much of are Beanie Babies, I gave in and now we have 5 more.
But the biggest temptation came earlier in the morning before we even left the house. Emily called me from a sale in Mapleton because there was a Huskylock serger for $15. I already have one but I thought I could keep one set up for a rolled hem, or just leave it set up with white thread. I told her to offer $10 but no more than $12. The seller did not accept so I said, "Okay, I hope someone else comes along who really needs it because that will make their day".
Garage saling is fun and can save you money on things like shoes, books and furniture but you've got to remind yourself "just enough and not too much" which in the end I'm glad I did because having another machine set up on my table would make my sewing more difficult.
Great Garage saling advice! Even if you are in a transition it's fun to go out and see the stuff that is for sale and hopefully there is something that you were going to buy new.
ReplyDeleteGarage sales are great - but you do start to get bogged down. I'm really glad I picked up all the 25 cent books I did. Everything is so expensive here. But maybe I spend less. I had Scott buy me Ben and Jerry's ice cream (about $7 a pint). I would feel bad, but I have only bought 3 pints in 6 months so that is pretty good, right?
ReplyDeletep.s. we might be moving to Malaysia
Sorry to call and tempt you-- I will have to read that book each time I go out so I don't end up with too Much!!
ReplyDeleteI love it that your sister leaves a comment and tells you a different location she might be moving to, and it is different every time. Malaysia sounds great!
ReplyDeleteI picked up garage saling again now that I don't have much shopping entertainment here. I now know which neighborhood has the kinds of things I am looking for, and the funny thing is, it is my own neighborhood. I love it!