Part of the appeal of spring and summer is hitting up a really good yard sale or flea market – not only is it good for the environment but it’s also hella fun, especially when you find that special piece. So, check out my tips below for a majorly successful trip.

Growing up I’ll never forget the panic that set in every time I saw one of those little hand-drawn signs while riding shotgun with my mom. It almost always meant a sudden slam of the brakes, a quick flip of the blinker, and a figurative middle finger to the poor soul who happened to be behind us at the moment. My mother didn’t just have FoMO, she had FoMOOYS, otherwise known as Fear of Missing Out On Yard Sales.

She and I did this for many weekends throughout my childhood, often scoring some of the best household furnishings for a fraction of the retail price. Mom definitely taught me a thing or two about how to haggle, how to be selective, and how NOT to drive, so now I have the opportunity to pass those tricks of the trade on to you. The tips below are designed to make yard sale and flea market navigating fun, successful, and safe for a bargain-filled summer. Enjoy!

1. Early Bird

Sorry night owls, the early bird really does get the worm when it comes to snagging the most sought after pieces. Planning your route in advance, checking newspapers and the internet for sales, and arriving when the doors open are your best bets for snapping up the most popular items. This also means: don’t even think about going out on the night before! Bright eyed, bushy tailed, and hangover-free is how you want to attend flea markets and yard sales, and try to get out there on opening day to avoid having to shop the “leftovers.”

2. Cash is King

The chances of being able to use a credit card or personal check is slim to none at these types of sales, so having plenty of cash on hand, with a few bills in each denomination, is the best bet for getting the best deal. Being able to put your money where your mouth is, on the spot, is a great bargaining tactic. Remind the seller that you’re paying in cash by saying something like, “I can give you X dollars, cash, for such and such.”

3. Size Matters

Delivery isn’t a guarantee, so make sure that the size of what you’re looking for fits the size of your vehicle. There’s not much worse than realizing you can’t fit that treasured credenza in your compact especially if you’re miles from home. Ask a friend with an SUV or truck to come with and offer to buy breakfast. Also, a measuring tape and predetermined measurements of where your items will live is a must.

4. Quality Control

Just because you’re buying second hand doesn’t mean your purchases shouldn’t be up to par. Don’t buy furniture that has major flaws, like deep scratches or broken legs. Also skip out on poor construction, particle board, and any items that have bugs or bug droppings. Clothes should be free of stains and holes, and whatever you do – don’t buy used cosmetics.

5. Deep Breath

You may know you’re scoring the deal of the century by snagging two authentic Eames chairs for next to nothing, but try to contain your enthusiasm. Until the deal is closed, sellers have the right to change their minds. Remember, this isn’t antiques roadshow, so try not to rub in just how much more money the seller could be making for your items.

6. Fuel Both Tanks

A car running on empty is unacceptable for a day filled with treasure and bargain hunting, but so is an empty stomach, so fill up your car and your belly before departure. Also keep a stash on hand, a mini cooler is best, because staying hydrated and having snacks is the key to avoiding dips in blood sugar and putting a damper on your stamina and negotiating skills.

7. Last Call

This is for when you happen to still be shopping at the end of the day and sellers are eager to pack up. Many people will let things go at a bargain in order to avoid having to repack the item into their trucks, or it’s the last day of the sale and they just want everything gone. The special finds may be gone, but practicality still exists with this technique.

Are you ready to score some deals?! Share your favorite yard sale and flea market finds on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Furniture via Shutterstock

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Not your grandmother’s vintage.

Brooches are not just for grandmothers or dressy occasions, they’re vintage accessories well worth a dust off. If you haven’t been lucky enough to inherit any, fear not: you can find these glittering little darlings at flea markets and garage sales for a song. As long as they don’t have diamonds, rubies or other precious stones, they go for 25 cents to $5 each.

You might be wondering, now that I’ve got this glorified pin what on earth do I do with it?

Here are five modern ways to reinvent the vintage brooch.

1. Present Topper: Stay classy and make a statement — especially at a wedding. Your friends can reuse them, too.

Photo courtesy of Katy Brown.

2. Brooch Magnet: Just remove the pin with pliers and add a magnet with some Gorilla Super Glue. The bright flower brooches are available in abundance at flea markets and thrift stores. Photo courtesy of Country Living.

3. Ribbons ‘n’ Brooches Necklace: This antique brooch necklace is constructed with jump rings and ribbon. Stunning with a dress or t-shirt and jeans. You can find the directions from Martha Stewart.

4. Hair Ornament: Why not wear one in your hair? Pin a brooch as an elastic for a pop of color. No one else will be wearing the same one, that’s for sure.

5. Napkin Holder: Surprise your guests by adding a bit of sparkle to your table decor. Simply tie the napkin with rustic twine and pin on the brooch.

Pin them on baskets, beanies or invitations, too. The possibilities are endless for the seasoned brooch.

The post DIY: 5 Ways to Reinvent the Vintage Brooch appeared first on EcoSalon.

The top stories of the week at EcoSalon.

As McDonalds unpacks its products in an attempt to come clean about how and where it gets its ingredients, we take a closer look (because yes, we like to raise a McEyebrow).

Amy DuFault unpacks rich, sad memories of her grandmother, Jeanne Julia Kerouac.

If you like unearthing bargains from the unlikeliest corners, check out our 40 photos from flea markets round the world.

And, if you’re packing too much into your life, ponder a few of these 50 quotes on meditation and yoga.

Finally, make sure you do not miss the return of the EcoSalon Box! This amazing, limited-edition curated collection of eco-goodies is available in 6 assortments, all priced at the rock-bottom steal of $99. Each assortment would originally retail at over $500, so this is an amazing deal. Check out our  Fashion, Conscious Eating, Travel, Health + Beauty, Mom + Baby and Entertainment assortments now. Go on, get!

The post The Friday 5: Unpacking Edition appeared first on EcoSalon.