Garage sales are a uniquely American pastime. No other country in the world (correct me if I am wrong) opens their property to strangers to haggle over their used crap. They began to gain hold sometime in the mid-twentieth century and are credited to Alma de Bretteville of San Francisco, who held them continuously to raise money for France and Belgium after WWII. We thank you, Alma, for your gift of great bargains.

It is the great bargain that causes us to set our alarm on a weekend and cruise around neighborhoods looking for hidden treasure. There are many to be had, especially on these warm, summer weekends in the Puget Sound. Seattilites need no reason to get out in the sun when sun is to be had; if you can tickle the tightwad in us, so much the better!

Of notable mention is the annual 500 family garage sale down at Sandpoint this weekend. It began Friday, but will extend through Sunday. Head onto Sandpoint Way and look for the yellow signs on the sidewalk.

If that kind of chaos isn’t your thing or you don’t feel like renting a U-haul, you can always go to Craig’s List and scour the ads looking for something in your area. Being the end of the month, many people are moving (like myself!) so the next two weeks are ripe for stellar bargains on furniture and clothing.
The pros tell me the best deals are in the nicer neighborhoods where people buy better quality but don’t hesitate to sell it for next to nothing.

This weekend I will be baking my Latin skin as I sit out and sell my consumerist spoils in a last ditch effort to get rid of the excess of my early 20’s. If you are on the Eastside, trek on up to Glen Grove Apts. in downtown Bothell and see me. You can find directions on Craig’s List.

Happy Hunting!