Listening to those with Amazing Talents

I recently went to my cousin's daughter's baby shower. My cousin is a frequent garage sale visitor. I must say I have never really given it a try, I have usually done the retail haunts or the online shopping.

My dilemma is that my daughter is three months old, and I am not in a hurry to go back to work, and I really need to earn x amount of dollars ... or make some lifestyle adjustments.

What kind of stuff do you buy second hand? What kind of stuff is bad to buy second hand? I have bought some reusable nappies second hand, and they have turned out great. However - is it possible that when you buy something second hand it very well will turn out to be a dud??

I have bought an iron before, and it was a total piece of junk.

My cousin, though, she seems to be able to pick up amazing stuff for a real bargain price. It involves time and driving around though - and with a little baby - my goodness. Maybe it is a business idea for somebody?? I could sure learn a thing or two off her though to be able to find some good stuff.

She had some fabulous prizes at her baby shower that she had picked up second hand. Maybe people are just tossing out really good stuff at their garage sales now ... I guess there is only one way to find out.

Maybe it is a good way to pick up a new wardrobe?

My brother too, is amazing, the way he seems to be able to budget.

One of the things he told me was to write down everything I spent. He says it soon will make you think about whether or not you will want something or not.

I have been doing that, and it was an eye opener - last week I spent a lot of money on pain relief related things for my back.

Is it too, also that instead of finding the simpler things in life that are pleasurable, that we go to things, and then have to think we have to work harder! ... do we really need these things to maintain our lifestyle?

I have rethought whether or not I really need a bigger house to fill with more junk.

My mother used to entertain a lot, and we had a big house, and she worked herself to death I am sure. I am quite happy keeping life simple ... it is the time I give my family, not the stuff that makes life high class :)