How to Make A Profit at a Flea Market

With Shohola Volunteer Fire Department holding a flea market this weekend, I figured now would be a good time to share some tips on selling at one. Most of these tips would apply to yard sales as well. The benefit of a flea market, however, is you know you'll have customers and you don't have to put time and money into marketing.

Shohola's flea market will cost $15 a table. More than you think you'll make? At least it's going to a good cause. But maybe a few of these tips will get your profits up.

1. Have quality items. It may be tempting to box up all your junk you were getting ready to throw out and make a couple dollars, but shoppers aren't looking for garbage. They're looking for deals. They'll know a quality item when they see it. Something gently used, or only used for a brief time. The newer the item, the more you can sell it for. No, you will not be able to sell it for what you paid for it.

2. Make it a good price. Generally, you can take what you paid for an item and take off 75% when trying to price it for a flea market. It's a very general rule, but if you're not sure what someone will pay for an item, that's a good starting point. An item that's brand new, you can take 50% off, versus an item that's well used you may take 90% off.

3. Be prepared to negotiate. Part of the fun of a flea market is haggling. Customers know you set the prices, and they want the best deal possible. Don't overprice your items and assume people will offer less, but have a bottom line in mind. If you know the lowest price you'll sell for, you won't have to hesitate or waste time making up your mind on an offer.

4. Keep your table neat. You want your items to look organized and cared for. DVDs and books should be neatly lined up. Knick knacks should be dusted. Everything straight and in it's place. If a customer moves something, put it back. If you have colorful items, arrange them like a rainbow. You don't want your table to look at all cluttered or overwhelming.

5. Label everything with prices. Make sure your prices are clearly marked on every item. Some people may hesitate to ask for a price, or if you're busy with another customer, they may not be able to ask you. This may be the most important rule. Most customers will see the price, and decide to buy an item with only that in mind. It's your strongest selling tool, so use it wisely.


I hope these tips help everyone have a more successful flea market this weekend, or future yard sale.

What are some of your tips for a flea market/yard sale?

For more information on Shohola's flea market, go
here.

How to Save on Your Electric Bill

Ah, thunderstorms. Maybe I'm the only one, but I've always found a good summer thunderstorm to be exciting, and I can't get enough of them. There's just something equally calming and thrilling about watching a downpour of rain with a clash of thunder.

My favorite part? When the electric goes out, and that meter stops running. The tranquility of not hemorrhaging money.

Occasionally for fun (much to the dismay of my husband), I'll pull the breaker on the house to keep our electric bill down. With the exception of the fridge.

The result? A $30 electric bill. Not too shabby for Met-Ed.

It can be a challenge to give up electricity. You'd have to stop reading this, and get off the computer. You'd have to notice how quiet your house is with nothing running. Go ahead and give it a try.

Currently I'm trying to convince my husband to go a week with electricity, with exceptions for the fridge and cleanliness. So far it's a no go, but when he's not home, the lights are staying off. The clothes are out to dry. The AC is off. The TV is off. The WI-FI is on.

Okay, it really is a challenge, and I can't do it, but maybe somebody else can take this to an extreme.

In the meantime, here's a quick list of ways to save money on your electric bill.

• Hang clothes to dry, rather than use a dryer.
• Eat an ice pop to cool off, rather than run the AC.
• But close that freezer quick or the heat will rush in.
• Play a board game, rather than watch TV.
• Turn the lights off when you're not in a room. It's a myth that it uses more juice to turn a light on and off than it does to leave it on.
• Use the grill. Tis the season.
• We.all know how I feel about dishwashers. Just fill your sink with a couple of gallons of water and scrub a dub dub.
• Skip brewing coffee. (I know, not possible for me either, but you'd save a couple pennies)

Just a few ideas to get your juices going. Mankind did survive thousands of years without electricity. The majority of the world still does.

I'd love to hear different ways to cut the electric bill, and if anyone can take the one week challenge! It's on my bucket list for sure.

54 Uses for Tin Cans

I was so inspired by "The Penny Pincher's Book" idea of 31 uses for tin cans, I decided to challenge myself to come up with a additional ideas, and I've got 54. Some are similar, but I'm sure after reading this list you'll have even more ideas.

It may seem like garbage at first, but with a little love, a can will save you hundreds. Just be careful if an edge is sharp that you smooth it out. I have a scar on my arm from an oversized can of fruit that got me. Safety first, savings second.

I love recycling, and if I can get a few extra uses out of items headed to the trash I'm all for it. Who doesn't love saving the environment, AND saving money? So, here we go.

Storage
1. Nail the bottoms to a wall, and you have a cute decorative place to store knick knacks.
2. Keep all your extra buttons in one. For bonus organizing, sew all the matching buttons together, or on a piece of paper so they're easy to find in the tin.
3.Keep your pens and pencils at arms reach.
4. Organize all those sauce packets you get with take-out.
5. Wrap your Christmas ribbon around it, and tape an end shut.
6. Nails and screws around the garage. You can either organize them into different cans, or add them to a junk can as you find them and sort through it when you have time.
7. Clothespins.
8. Instead of silverware in a drawer, you can put them in cans on your table. Ready to grab whenever you're ready to eat.
9. Store larger utensils such as spatulas and basters next to oven
10. Throw rocks in them, and use as bookends.

Gardening .
11. Start your seeds indoors in cans, and bring them out in the Spring.
12. Plant your herbs in cans, and keep them inside. Just don't forget a hole in the bottom for drainage.
13. Hang the cans from your fence to scare away the birds.
14. Use it as a scooper for fertilizer or compost.
15. Store you smaller tools and gloves in a bucket.
16. Use the cans to hold berries and other food as you collect it.
17. Bend part into a wedge, and use as a watering can.

Toys
18. Play kick the can.
19. Play kick the can with a stick.
20. Store things for arts and crafts
21. Decorate the cans as a project.
22. Put some dirt in a can and collect worms to go fishing.
23. Fill it with dried beans, and seal it shut TIGHT for a noisemaker.
24. Glue 2 together side by side for play binoculars.
25. Put a variety in their play kitchen.
26. Let them stack them up, and knock them down.
27. Tell them it's magical and see what they come up with.
28. Keep a couple for the sandbox. They can scoop and make sandcastles.
29. They can try making it float in the tub.
30. Rolling it across the floor.

For a Party
31. Add some flowers for a nice centerpiece.
32. Organize silverware for a buffet.
33. Tie the cans to a car for a wedding.
34. Make candle luminaries for decoration.
35. Set them up with candy for a candy buffet.
36. Bean bag toss.
37. Make a nice place for people to leave cards.

In the Kitchen
38. Store all your meat fats in one. They all come in handy.
39. Decorate how many ounces the can holds, and use for measurements.
40. Use as a biscuit cutter. Or cookie cutter.
41. Use as a rolling pin.
42. Punch holes in the bottom to make a pasta strainer.
43. Bake a cupcake.

Everything Else
44. Make a candle.
45. Store waste oil. (Which you can apply to tools so they last longer)
46. Nail it to a tree so a bird can build a nest inside.
47. Make a bird feeder.
48. Capture rain water.
49. When 2 people are painting, 1 uses the paint can, and the other has some poured into another can.
50. To collect all your composting material during the day so you only have to make 1 trip out to it.
51. Wrap a small gift in it. BONUS GIFT- let them keep the can.
52. Use it as a dice roller.
53. Get 3 and hide something under one. Rotate them, and hustle people out of some money.
54. Decorate nicely, and sell at a flea market. (who doesn't want a can after this?)
 

Penny Pincher Book Review

The Penny Pincher Book Revisited....Living Better for Less

By John and Irma Mustoe


I stumbled on this book at the library in Milford, and I had to share it with everyone. It is just page after page of short tips and ideas on how to save money, with a little but of humor throughout.

On the downside, it's from Britain, so some of the things I have no idea what they're talking about(like what the heck are Christmas crackers?), and everything is in pounds instead of dollars, but you still get the idea.

On the upside, this book is full of genius. And new ideas spark new ideas.

One section of the book is 31 uses for old tin cans, and one of the uses was put a string through them and make a phone for kids. Simple and obvious, but I completely forgot about it. And then that sparked all the other ways kids can play with tin cans.

• The tin coffee cans are perfect for storing crayons and arts and craft stuff neatly.
• Stretch a piece of plastic over the top, put a rubber band around it, and you get a little drum
• Cut them in half (and smooth edges) and you can make an army camp for all their army men
• Bring different sizes to the beach to make sand castles
• Collect worms in them for fishing (or just because your kid likes worms)

You get the idea. I'm sure there's a million uses, and this book will spark all of them.

The authors are also pretty old. They started their frugal living in the 1960s, so even though there's great old school tips, I recommend skipping the  chapter on technology to save time. I'm sure you're all aware that e-mail exists, and it's cheaper than the post office.

My favorite chapter by far, however, was on food. Am I the only one that's never cooked lettuce? Never made a vegetable stock? Wrap tomatoes in newspaper so they last for months? I'm very skeptical of the tomato tip, but I'm willing to try it with a couple.

I highly recommend it as a quick read, and a way to jumpstart your frugality. And every idea doubles as not only frugal, but better for the environment. Win-win.

4 Ways to Use Junk Mail

I get junk mail every day. Credit card offers, insurance offers, so and so running for re-election. I used to just see it as garbage, and it went in the trash without even being opened. What a waste of paper!

Here's a few ideas on how to put that junk to good use.

1. Print coupons with it.
         Or print anything really. Generally, only one side of the paper is already printed, so just flip it in your printer to come out on the clean side. Stores will still accept the coupon if somethings written on the other side, and you don't have to waste your good paper on it.

2. Roll Coins
         You may have to check with your bank to make sure they'll still accept them rolled this way. But it's pretty simple to cut a piece of paper into 4. Stack your coins up, and roll the paper around them. Tape it shut. Label it. Done.

3. Reuse the envelope.
          We have lots of return labels for free, so we can just stick one with our address over theirs, and when they use a window envelope, you don't have to worry about covering up the old send to address. Add a stamp, and tape it shut.

 

 

4. Scrap paper.

          It's always good to have extra paper around. You can write your shopping lost, phone numbers, whatever you need. No need to spend money on a note book when people are shipping free paper to your house everyday. :)

 

 

What about you? Do you use your junk mail for anything? Is this too reminiscent of an extreme cheapskates episode?



More sweet treats... Peanut Butter Banana Muffins and Cinnamon Roll Inspired Muffins

More sweet, healthy, and totally affordable muffins for you and the family! (or just you ;P)

I made two new treats that I have been dying to share with you!!! I just had to do all the calculating of nutrition info and price which took me forever this time!

Peanut Butter Banana on left, Cinnamon Roll Inspired on right

Whats great about these muffins?

• Low Calorie
• Nutrient Dense
• Extremely Affordable
• Easy to Make (I am a terrible baker)
• Filling ( I eat 2 for breakfast)
• Versatile (snack, breakfast, dessert, whatever/whenever you want!)
• You can add or subtract ingredients and make them your own 
• AND THEY ARE DELICIOUS (the cinnamon roll ones are my husband and I's favorite)

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins (12 muffins)

Appliances and tools you need for this treat:

• Oven
• Microwave
• Cupcake/Muffin tray 
• Mixing bowl
• Fork for mixing
• Measuring Cups

Ingredients for this treat:

• 1-1.5 Cups Old Fashioned Oats (I used just over 1 cup to make texture right. Sorry it's not exact)
• 1/2 Cup Apple Sauce
• 1/2 Cup Natural Peanut Butter (or allergy friendly substitute)
• 2 Large or 3 Medium Bananas (super ripe)
• 1 tsp Imitation Vanilla 
• 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1/2 Cup Milk ( I used light Almond milk)
• 1 tsp Cinnamon

How to make this lovely treat:

1. Pre-Heat oven to 350 degrees
2. Grease cupcake/muffin tin (or I suppose you could use the little liner things)
3. Warm Peanut Butter in microwave to make stirring easier
4. Mash Bananas till smooth (I used a regular fork with ease)
5. Add rest of ingredients to bowl and stir 
6. Scoop mixture into tin try to make it so there are even amounts in each cup. (I put a tablespoon full in each then added accordingly)
7. Place in oven
8. Bake for 15- 20 minutes
9. Let Cool and enjoy!

Cost Breakdown!

Ingredient	Initial Price of ingredient	Price per batch (12 servings)	Price per serving
Oats(old fashioned)	$3.99	$0.26	$0.02
Apple Sauce (sweet or unsweet)	$2.29	$0.45	$0.04
Baking Soda	$0.69	<$0.01	<$0.01
Baking Powder	$1.28	<$0.01	<$0.01
Natural Peanut Butter	$2.19	$0.31	$0.02
Bananas	$2.20	$0.73	$0.06
Milk	$3.22	$0.10	<$0.01
Imitation Vanilla	$2.00	$0.06	<$0.01

Totals

Initial Investment: $17.86

Price Per Batch: $1.92

Price Per Serving: $0.16

Nutrition Breakdown

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 Serving

Per Serving% Daily Value*

Calories 122

Calories from Fat 52

Total Fat 5.8g9%

Saturated Fat 0.9g5%

Sodium 2mg0%

Potassium 98mg3%

Carbohydrates 13.4g4%

Dietary Fiber 2.3g9%

Sugars 6.3g

Protein 3.5g

Vitamin A 0% · Vitamin C 5%

Calcium 1% · Iron 3%

*Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Okay, time to look at my personal favorite, Cinnamon Roll Inspired Muffins!!!

What you need:

• Oven 
• Muffin Tin
• Measuring Cups
• Bowl 
• Spoon

Ingredients you will need:

• 1 Cup Old Fashioned Oats
• 1/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar
• 1 Tbsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 Cups Apple Sauce
• 2 tsp Imitation Vanilla
• 2 Egg Whites

How to make my new fav treat:

• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
• Grease muffin tin
• Combine ingredients in bowl
• Scoop into muffin tin evenly
• Bake for 15-20 minutes
• Let Cool and ENJOY

(Optional: for dessert make a quick confectioners sugar + milk icing and ice muffins after cooled)

Cost Breakdown

Ingredient	Initial Price of ingredient	Price per batch (12 servings)	Price per serving
Oats(old fashioned)	$3.99	$0.26	$0.02
Apple Sauce (sweet or unsweet)	$2.29	$0.45	$0.04
Baking Soda	$0.69	<$0.01	<$0.01
Baking Powder	$1.28	<$0.01	<$0.01
Eggs	$1.60	$0.26	$0.02
Light Brown Sugar	$1.88	$0.11	$0.01
Imitation Vanilla	$2.00	$0.06	<$0.01

Totals

Initial investment:$13.81

Price Per Batch: $1.15

Price Per Serving: $0.10

Woahhhh!!! Try to beat that price!

How healthy are they?

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 Serving

Per Serving% Daily Value*

Calories 64

Calories from Fat 5

Total Fat 0.5g1%

Saturated Fat 0.1g1%

Sodium 11mg0%

Potassium 42mg1%

Carbohydrates 12.3g4%

Dietary Fiber 1.4g6%

Sugars 6.3g

Protein 1.8g

Vitamin A 0% · Vitamin C 4%

Calcium 1% · Iron 2%

Best part about learning how to make healthy muffins? Once you get the consistency down you can add whatever you want, fruit, nuts, etc. 

Like these recipes? Comment Below =]

Cheap Healthy Peanut Butter Brownies! Less than $0.13 per serving!

Hi again,

So, since I've been cooking healthier dinners for my husband and I, my husband suggested we try to eat healthier with other meals too. What he said next sparked an amazing idea!

He suggested we go out and buy healthy snacks like Special K or Fiber One bars, since we are always on the go. My next thought was, I really, REALLY don't want to spend over $1.00 on a bar that is not only not that healthy, but it doesn't fill you up! I always end up eating the whole box in one day, and they cost like $4.00 a box. I just cannot justify spending more on a snack than I do on dinner.

I've decided instead to make my own healthy snacks that can be packaged and eaten on the go! And what is great is they are SO HEALTHY & CHEAP, that they can be eaten as a snack, for breakfast or as a dessert!

Last nights creation was Peanut Butter Chocolate Zucchini Brownies!

What I love about these brownies:

• They are super low in calories & high in nutrients
• Very affordable (see cost breakdown below)
• Can be wrapped up for an on the go snack, or even frozen for eating another time
• Dense and filling (I can only eat one at a time)
• And last but not least they are DELICIOUS

Appliances and such that you will need to create this treat:

• Oven
• 13''x 8'' Rectangular Glass Baking Dish(or 2 smaller ones)
• Knife
• Large Bowl
• Serving Spatula
• Spoon or Fork 
• Spiral Vegetable Slicer OR Cheese Grater
• Microwave
• Rubber Spatula

Ingredients you will need for this treat:

• 2 Cups Old Fashioned Oats
• 1/2 Cups Apple Sauce (sweet or unsweetened)
• 1-2 tsp Baking Soda
• 1-2 tsp Baking Powder
• 2 Cups Natural Peanut Butter (or other allergy friendly nut butter)
• .15 lbs or half of one Zucchini (or other Summer Squash)
• 1 cup Chocolate Chips (bonus points for higher cocoa content)
• 1 Tbsp Imitation (or real) Vanilla Extract
• Small amount Pam or Oil (to grease dish)

How to make this DELICIOUS treat:

1. Grease glass baking dish using oil or pam
2. Set oven to 350 degrees
3. Shred Zucchini using cheese grater or spiral slicer
4. Chop Zucchini if slices are to long using knife
5. Warm Peanut Butter in microwave for 30 seconds
6. Combine all ingredients in bowl
7. Stir or Mix all ingredients in bowl (*hint chocolate should melt*)
8. Place ingredients into glass baking dish
9. Smooth the mixture in dish making sure all corners are filled with rubber spatula
10. Place baking dish in oven uncovered
11. Bake for 20-30 minutes in oven
12. Place in refrigerator to cool or let sit at room temperature for 6 hours (this will allow brownies to harden a bit
13. Cut into squares and enjoy
14. Optional: package them in plastic wrap for an on the go treat

Look how mine came out !

I agree not that attractive but definitely delicious!

May cover with chocolate chips on top prior to baking to make appearance better

Cost Breakdown!

Ingredient	Initial Price of ingredient	Price per batch (30 servings	Price per serving
Oats(old fashioned)	$3.99	$0.30	$0.01
Apple Sauce (sweet or unsweet)	$2.29	$0.45	$0.02
Baking Soda	$0.69	<$0.01	<$0.01
Baking Powder	$1.28	$0.02	<$0.01
Natural Peanut Butter	$2.19	$0.90	$0.03
Ghirardelli Chocolate Chips (60% cocoa)	$4.09	$2.04	$0.07
Zucchini	$0.75	$0.22	<$0.01
Imitation Vanilla	$2.00	$0.12	<$0.01

Totals!: 

Initial Investment: $17.28

Per Batch: $4.06

Per Serving: $0.13

Compared to buying pre-made treats that is an 

AWESOME DEAL!!!

As you can see I bought a ton of different things in bulk.

I also bought ingredients for other treats

and some things I already had at home!

Just how healthy are these treats?

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 Serving

Per Serving% Daily Value*

Calories 68

Calories from Fat 39

Total Fat 4.3g7%

Saturated Fat 0.7g4%

Cholesterol 0mg0%

Sodium 45mg2%

Potassium 37mg1%

Carbohydrates 4.4g1%

Dietary Fiber 0.9g4%

Sugars 3.3g

Protein 2.2g

Vitamin A 1% · Vitamin C 1%

Calcium 0% · Iron 2%

*Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Fat

Pro

Carb

Alc

Want to see more recipes like this one?

 Leave a comment below!!!