Thank you Craig, whoever you are, for helping us to find wonderful deals without looking hard.
We have been shoppers of Craigslist for a few years now and have been very happy with the results and many of the new people we have met in the process.
This summer's finds: wrought iron patio table set, and "new to you" bikes for the kids. $100 not too bad for a girls Specialized mountain bike with a shock and flowers on the frame. We just tell our kids that they can get better bikes gently used, then we teach them how to lube the chain and whalla, they are ready to ride. They get to earn $$ for 1/2 the cost and the mom & dad match fund will "match" what they earn to put towards it.
Here's the craigslist website. Don't let the view get you nervous, just start typing in the "search" box on the left side. We have seen both sides of Craigslist: buyer and seller. Deal in cash, only with those you feel good about. Then go ahead and do a little spring cleaning, donate most of the items to another family in need and keep a few things to sell and get money to upgrade.
Go ahead, search for yourself and see if there's a deal in your area. I've gotten a bedroom set, kids bed frames, computer monitor, the wii, and many other things that have saved big money. I bet Santa's elves have a special department to search things out on the web for a deal. Things don't have to be expensive or junkie and you don't have to be a shoppie (which I'm not) to find deals.
I'll have to post a picture of Sperry girl and her bike soon.
~Signed, One Happy Customer!