Never Buy New - Print Cartridges

I realize reusable print cartridges aren't the most exciting thing. But, ever since I discovered these handy little guys I have been asking myself why anyone would never buy new cartridges. Here is what I mean: the cartridges are cheaper than new ones (only $16) , reusable (i.e. not contaminating the earth when thrown away), and more convenient than going to a store (the company I use, Rapid Refill, has a drop/pick up site at my work.) Umm.... hello?

Flower Pots (guest appearance)

While I catch up on posting please enjoy this guest appearance by fellow second-hand shopper Heather Daniels. Heather's husband Steve made this lovely flower stand which Heather adorned with used flower pots. I have experienced this flower stand first hand, and let me tell you - those flower pots look stylish and brand new. Good work team!

Summer! Lawn Chairs

I am ready for summer! These lovely lawn chairs are comfy, easy to store and look great. Together they were a total of $5.98 at my local second-hand store. They retail anywhere from $8.00 to $25.00 each. The small table you see in the forground has been part of our outdoor living for as long as I can remember; and it obviously needs a makeover. So, I am taking suggestions - what color would spruce it up?

Picture Frames

Black spray paint can make all the difference - I am into it lately. These previously mismatched frames make a beautiful group. Clockwise from the top - a previously silver frame (recent present), an old wood frame from my parents, an overstocked Target frame that ended up at my nearby second hand store - it was neon green ($1.49) , and a originally black frame, reused again.

Magazine Rack

As a re-user I love white elephant gifts - what a great way to reuse a horribly ugly, useless or lifeless item. This re-user also thinks there is nothing quite like turning a white elephant gift into something usable - especially when there is very little work involved. The magazine rack wasn't the highlight of the gift - but rather the circa 1990 Seventeen magazines stored inside. The magazines will be dropped off at my local gym tomorrow (which should be entertaining) and the rack got a new coat of paint and is now revitalized (and not ugly.)

Before
And After!

Never Buy New - Paper Towel Holders

At any second hand store you will find the most amazing collection of paper towel holders. Made of metal, plastic, wood, in every shape, color and decorative theme possible. I have been trying to imagine why there are so many used paper towel holders - I guess you only find one in your typical kitchen, and they don't really wear out. So, when they end up at stores they stay. The selection at my local second hand store includes the metal-stand-up kind, the attached-to-the-wall-wood kind and the shouldn't-be-owned-by-anyone-but-a-eighty-year-old-woman kind. So, if you are in need of a paper towel holder you will can get your fill.

I, myself am not a huge fan of paper towels (note the whole reduce, reuse, recycle theme) but I decided that I shouldn't critic items such as paper towels until I have children - I can imagine they may take on a saint-like status when food starts flying through the air.

Gift Bag

This adorable and fun triangular gift bag looks brand new and was only $.99 (the $3.75 price tag from original purchase still attached.) One of the things I love most about shopping second hand is that I would never go looking for a triangular gift bag - but once it was found I knew it was uniquely perfect. Note the reused tissue paper as well!