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Monthly Archives: January 2010

Michael’s Top Ten Free Items


Whoever popularized the adage, “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” didn’t have a very good internet connection. Anyone with a few spare minutes and a passion for all things free can dig up some pretty great stuff and save loads cash in the process. In the spirit of freecycling, and for the sake of savings, here’s a list of ten free items that you can pick up without having to open your wallet:
10) Retro Sewing Patterns
The 1980s saw the fall of the Berlin Wall and the birth of MTV. It also brought about an explosion of ripped sweatshirts and oversized shoulder pads… which you can now sew, for free! Prepare for the return of eighties fashion (whenever that happens) with these retro power suit, blouse, and skirt patterns. Totally awesome.
9) Computer Desk
Students rejoice. There are a ton of free desks, shelves, and chairs that are calling your name online. What are you going to do with all of the cash you just saved? Oh right… pay off your student loans.
8) Packing Peanuts
Compulsive packer? Avid Ebay seller? Empty swimming pool? Load up on a free (not to mention endless) supply of packing peanuts graciously being recycled by this UsedEverywhere.com user.
7) Magnetic Dartboard
Check out this family-friendly, magnetic dartboard set. Free of charge, danger, and noise. You can rest easy knowing that your kids won’t wake you up, and that they’ll be puncture-free when you do.
6) 124 National Geographic Magazines
A lot has happened in the world since 1985. Catch up on it all, and then some, with a 124 episodic history of Earth. You’ve got a lot of reading ahead of you.
5) Panasonic Television
It’s not high definition, and it doesn’t do 3D, but it can definitely satisfy your itch for watching Friends reruns and soap operas. Besides, where else can you find a free television?

4) Skis, Boots, & Poles
Winter isn’t over yet, and you may be able to squeeze some fun out of the snow that remains with this free ski package. All you need is a warm pair of underwear (which I suggest you buy new).
3) Air Hockey Tables
I see this free air hockey table as the perfect canvas to recreate your favorite moments in hockey history. Set it up in your rec room (right beside that free magnetic dart board you just picked up) and get ready to recap Canada’s winning goal in the Vancouver 2010 gold medal hockey game.
2) Newborn Car Seat
Admittedly, this newborn car seat has already been scooped. Nevertheless, this posting has a purpose. I wanted to point out that baby items and accessories can easily be found online on the cheap (and in many cases free). This like-new car seat exemplifies that. Good hunting moms and dads.
1) Love Seat
Valentine’s Day is approaching. What are you going to sit on? Yeah, that’s what I thought, you need a love seat. Furnishing your house or apartment is an expensive endeavor, so why not pick out a free couch and direct those savings to a good cause. Remember that funky couch covers are inexpensive and can be a great way to align a piece of furniture with your living room’s style and colors.
Enjoy your weekend, and leave me a comment if you score something great for free!

How To: Create a Wanted Ad


Your local UsedEverywhere.com site has a lot to offer, but unless you’re an experienced techie, you may not know exactly how to tap into the network and make the most of it. Stay tuned in the coming weeks to learn the intricacies of browsing used goods, and maximize your results by mastering the system.


This week, I will guide you through the process of requesting an item from your fellow UsedEverywhere.com users by submitting a Wanted Ad. Placing a Wanted Ad is a simple, but effective way to let everyone in your community know that you are looking for a particular item. It can save you a ton of time, and sometimes even get you first dibs on a hot new item.

The pictures below each step will illustrate the process of posting a Wanted Ad for a pair of hockey skates, but it’s just as simple to ask your community for a couch, a car, or even a job! Try it for yourself, and let the incredible internet do the rest:

Step 1) First, click the “Place Ads” tab at the top of your local UsedEverywhere.com site.


Step 2) Next, choose the category that best describes the item you would like to place a Wanted Ad for. In other words, choose the category that you would browse if you were looking for the item yourself.


Step 3) Then, select a more specific category that the item you want would fall into.


Step 4) Once again, select the category that best describes the item you want.


Step 5) Click on the “Wanted (looking for)” check box to indicate that you are placing a Wanted ad, rather than selling the item yourself. Lastly, include a price that you are willing to pay, a description of the item you want, your contact information, and your location.


Step 6) Click “Place Ad” at the bottom of the page, and wait for someone to contact you with the item you are looking for!



Have a question, tip, or trick? Let me know and I’ll feature it in the next How To blog.

Junk Raiders


Did you catch the first season of the Canadian reality series Junk Raiders last fall? It highlights an attempt by seven professionals to transform an old steel factory into a high-end loft in one month. Here’s the catch: they have to get their materials by finding junk for free and recycling it into something great, a practice known as freecycling. Check it out (for free of course!) on DiscoveryChannel.ca.

Michael’s Top Ten Feel Good Items

Are you feeling blue? The last week in January is notoriously plagued with chilly weather and low motivational levels. It also serves as a chilling reminder that our Christmas debt is rising and our New Year’s Resolutions aren’t going quite as well as we would have hoped. Never fear, loyal readers! This week’s top ten list of UsedEverywhere.com goodies are here to keep you feeling warm, inside and out:
10. Elliptical Trainer
Those of us who have tried an elliptical trainer know that they’re easy on the joints, and seem to require less energy to burn more calories. Not only that, but they’ll get your blood pumping, which will keep you warm, and release those long sought after endorphins to keep you happy. It’s a two-in-one solution to a sour mood.
9. Infrared Sauna
Maybe exercise isn’t your thing. No worries, I get that. When I see rain, sleet, or snow outside that last thing I want to do is move, let alone move fast. So, naturally, sitting in a hot box and pretending I’m basking in the sun appeals to me. I don’t know exactly how the ‘concentrated infrared’ carbon panel heaters work, but as long as they do I’m content.
8. Joni Mitchell
There’s a reason she’s lauded as one of the most influential singer/songwriter’s of the 20th century. Joni Mitchell may just be the answer to your January blues. If she’s not your cup of tea, then have a browse around your local UsedEverywhere.com site and find a record that does it for you. Music is escapism.
7. Snuggie Blanket
You make yourself some hot chocolate, park yourself on the couch, and wrap yourself in a blanket. But you have problem… how do you drink that delicious coco without exposing your arms to the seemingly subzero temperature in your living room? Snuggie.
6. Camping Tent
I can’t guarantee a warm excursion, but sometimes all we need to feel good is to get away from it all. You might not want to rush out the door right this weekend, but if you’re interested in a Spring camping trip with family or friends, now would be a great time to get organized. Campsites fill up pretty early, so booking this far in advance will secure your favorite spot and give you something to look forward to. Pro tip: setting up a tent in the living room and making microwave s’mores is a great way to score points with the offspring.
5. Olympics Apartment
Camping isn’t your style? Still want a getaway? Something fast-paced, you say? The Vancouver Olympics are approaching and you can join the hubbub. It’ll cost you an arm, and maybe a leg, but you’ll be right in the middle of a pretty spectacular scene.
Everyone needs “me” time, especially this time of the year. You may not be into comic books yourself, but don’t underestimate their utility. Distract whoever it is that needs distracting with some old school comics and take some time for yourself. Bubble bath?
3. Ice Cream Maker
The de facto cure for bad break-ups also remedies common despondency. Granted, you won’t want to eat it outside, but ice cream coupled with a Snuggie blanket will most certainly skyrocket your spirits (use chocolate for an added effect).
2. T-Jammies
You’re not the only one that has to face the cold temperatures, you know? Suit up your little creature with custom embroidered, T-Jammies. They’re made from recycled human t-shirts, so you can feel good about stopping the doggie shivers and global warming.
1. Cranium: Turbo Edition
Sketch. Sculpt. Act. Hum. Puzzle. Quiz. Cranium let’s everyone play to their strengths, and is a great way to spend an evening with your family and friends. The “Turbo Edition” will likely help you escape from the banal aspects of daily life even faster than before.
Hope this cheered you up! Enjoy your weekend.
- Michael

Toaster: The Finale

We’ve had some great feedback and conversations on our toaster series: The Title, and The Description. Here are the final results. What do you think?
Drum Roll Please…
Vintage Toaster – $5
My late 1930′s toaster needs a new home. Originally bought by my grandmother in the 40′s, this toaster is great if you have a vintage kitchen, if you want to use it as a film prop, or if you’re a student and want a cheap, working toaster.
A great kitchen accessory!
Here are some more specs if you want them: http://www.toaster.org/T9serv_man.pdf
Because it is old and doesn’t have all of the safety features that a new toaster would, I wouldn’t recommend it to families with young children; they can get into everything can’t they?

Call or email if you’re interested!

…So there it is – what do you think?

Michael’s Top Ten Fixer-Uppers

Looking for a pet project to escape from the day-to-day hustle, exercise the right side of your brain, and connect with your kids? Get your Martha on with some of these UsedEverywhere.com items in need of a little TLC.
10. Car or Bed? You Decide.
Perfect for the automobile enthusiast in your life. This slick car-bed hybrid is already in good shape, but is calling out to be branded with your favorite car manufacturer’s logo. It also offers the only safe and legal way to fall asleep behind the wheel.

9. Oak Heart Nightstand

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you may already be thinking about what you’re going to get for that special person in your life. Look no further than this night table carved into the shape of a heart. Show your love in an environmentally friendly way by carving you and your hubby’s name on top of this table instead of on the nearest spruce tree.
8. Steel Yacht
Want to go to Mexico without having to deal with all of that dreadful airport security? Me too, and if I knew the first thing about building a boat, or sailing the Pacific, I would be all over this professionally built, but unfinished, steel yacht. It’s sandblasted and coated with hot zinc; give it a fresh coat of paint and what more can you ask for?
7. Old Trunk
This old trunk isn’t used, it’s experienced. It pulls off the aged look pretty well, but needs some stuff inside of it. Throw in your old halloween costumes to make your very own tickle trunk, use it to store your board games for family game night, or, ideally, load it up with gold and rubies.
6. Children’s Acoustic Guitar
Got a musical prodigy on your hands? Why not give this wooden guitar a custom paint job to reflect their rock n’ roll spirit? They’ll be serenading you with Stairway to Heaven in no time.
5. Vintage Theatre Seats
Going to the movies is expensive, especially if you bring the family. If you don’t mind foregoing the silver screen, ask for some old movie posters at your local theatre, microwave some popcorn, rent a flic, and transform your den into the next best thing with these vintage theatre seats.
4. Slot Machine
It needs work, but this slot machine would be a perfect addition to anyone’s work-in-progress games or billiards room. If you buy three you’ll even get a few hundred tokens. Can we cash those in at Caesar’s?
3. Free Doll House
We love free stuff, especially when it’s this cute. What better way to spend time with your kids than renovating a two-story (plus attic) doll house? Furnish it with your own cardboard cut-outs and it will be “ready for a new doll family” in no time.
2. 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Eat your heart out David Hasselhoff, you’ll soon be competing for the title of Knight Rider with a UsedEverywhere.com buyer. This 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am only needs one modification: a black paint job.


1. “Off the Grid” Cottage
Think of all the fixin-uppin’ you could do in the middle of the forest, a mile away from the real world. This cottage boasts a 20-mile view and a solar array that heats your rain water and generates power. It also has a lookout tower to keep an eye out for all of those people you’ve been trying to avoid. Remember to bring your favorite book, a hammer and nails, and plenty of munchies.


Hope this gives you some ideas for a new project. Have a great weekend!
- Michael

5 Ways to Spruce up Your Furniture

We’ve entered a new year and a new decade. It’s time for a fresh restart, wouldn’t you say? You’ve got grandma’s kitschy nightstand cluttering your attic and that cabinet you scored for dirt cheap on your local UsedEverywhere.com site sitting in your foyer. What are you going to do with it all? Here are five ideas to get you started:

1) The hands-on approach (Restore it yourself)

Those of you who aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty might want to check out an online tutorial and brush up on your furniture restoration skills. Committed do-it-yourselfers can also browse the “Shop equipment, Tools, and Supplies” section of your local UsedEverywhere site (under the “Workplace” category) to find what you need to get the job done. Restoring furniture yourself requires patience and an eye for detail, but will leave you with a sense of accomplishment, and also some extra cash to pay off all those holiday expenses. Just remember to wear your safety glasses!

2) Add glitter (Decorate it)

Ok, so maybe no glitter, but I bet you’ve got a creative itch that needs scratching. You do? Then print a stencil and personalize your furniture opus with your name, some floral patterns, or a picture of Michael Jackson. The wood is your canvas.

3) Go vintage (Distress it)

Everyone loves the look of aged furniture, but you’re not old, you’re young… so how are you supposed to get a hold of your own gem? If your used furniture isn’t quite “used” enough, then try out these online tips for distressing it yourself; and, if someone asks why you’re hitting your cabinet with a sock full of nails, tell them you’re infusing it with sophistication.

4) Outsource the labor (Seek professional help)

There’s no shame in seeking professional help. In fact, I hear it’s all the rage. Check out the “Furniture Repair” page in the “Services” section of your local UsedEverywhere site to find a number of diligent service people who will gladly do the work for you.

5) Sell it

If the above suggestions haven’t stirred your creative juices or prompted a phone call to your local Tim “the tool man” Taylor, you can always put your furniture up for adoption. You’re only a couple of steps away from recycling the old thing, so head over to your local UsedEverywhere site, click on the “Place Ads” tab at the top of the page, and watch the money roll in.

Tried one of these or have a suggestion of your own? I want to hear about it!

Don’t Want to Deal with the Mess?

So the Holidays have come and gone and we really have to say you outdid yourself this year.

From the perfectly selected presents to the flawless household decorations, everything was right on the money. But now that it’s all over there’s that not-so-small task of cleanup to attend to. Not in the mood? We’re not surprised. That’s why we’d like to point you towards our ‘Services‘ section, where you can find all sorts of help for post holiday cleanup.

Check out your local UsedEverywhere.com site to find help for tree recycling, light removal and household cleaning!

Here are a few holiday clean-up services that you can find:


Snow Removal in Saskatoon, SK



Got a gift you didn’t like?

Did you receive a gift you didn’t really like this year? Perhaps Aunt Christie made you another one of her ‘unique’ knitted sweaters, or you got a set of NHL poker chips and you don’t even like hockey.


Here are 4 ideas for how to turn it around:

1. Regift it
If you got some smelly lotions but you only like unscented products you can give your present to someone else. I’m sure you can think of someone who would love that lavender bath set.

2. Sell it on UsedEverywhere.com
Well you know what they say… one man’s trash is another man’s treasure; so like Nick suggested last week in his post about re-selling vs. re-gifting, why not take those gifts you don’t like and sell them on your local UsedEverywhere.com site? And then take that cash and buy something you REALLY want! (And they don’t ever need to know….)

3. Return it
In anticipation of holiday mis-gifting, some stores have really lenient return policies during January. If you know where your gift cam from it’s worth a shot.

4. Donate it
There is likely someone less fortunate who would really appreciate your present. Donate your gift and pay it forward.


So, what did you do with that mis-gift you received?

Cole’s 10 New Years Resolutions for 2010

Happy New Years! I hope you all had a fantastic holiday with lots of family, friends, and food (and did you taking any of my suggestions about what to wear, by the way…?)!

Today, instead of my usual Top 10, I wanted to share my ten New Years resolutions with you. I don’t usually make a list of New Years resolutions, but I figured I’d give it a try this year, and maybe get around to some things I’ve been meaning to do but can never find the time for. I decided to take some of Nick’s advice from his New Years Resolutions post and keep my resolutions tight and focused, rather than broad and vague. That way, I can keep my eyes on the prize! I fully expect that my local UsedEverywhere.com site will come in very handy in keeping up with these resolutions, too!

Cole’s 10 New Years Resolutions

10. Volunteer More

Sometimes I feel like I barely have enough time to take care of myself, let alone volunteer and help others, but volunteering can be as little as a few hours every week, and it does make a difference. I want to find a local non-profit organization where I can lend a hand and help out, even if I can’t devote a huge portion of time. I care a lot about my community, and want to do more for it. I’ve already found a lot of opportunities under the Volunteer Positions section on my local UsedEverywhere site, which are listed under Jobs (scroll down on the homepage and you’ll see it!).



9. Sleep More

I don’t sleep enough. This is a problem, because it results in me drinking so much coffee that I’m pretty sure it has actually replaced blood as the main fluid running through my veins. I think my lack of sleep is due to some combination of my hard mattress, going to bed way too late, and my roommate listening to trashy European dance techno at 3am in the room beside me. My hope is that if I can remove one of these three things, the rest won’t matter so much and I’ll be able to catch some Z’s.

8. See More Live Shows

I love music, and going to shows is one of my favourite things to do in my free time. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s tough to find tickets for a show if it’s in high demand and tickets are sold out in just a couple of hours. My resolution is to not miss out on any shows this year that I really need to see, just because they’re sold out at the venue. I’ve noticed that I can find a lot of tickets for sale on my local UsedEverywhere site; they’re posted under the General Merchandise category. And, to keep on top of it, I’m going to look to see if there are any MyLists for tickets and then subscribe by RSS.

7. Drive Less

I don’t drive an excessive amount, but I’d still like to cut down my carbon footprint a little bit more. I already take public transit instead of driving most of the time, but I’d like to incorporate some more environmentally friendly transportation into my personal life. I think a bike might be the answer. Or I could just stop leaving my house. That’s probably not a good idea, though. Bet you can guess where I’ll go to find my new set of wheels? It’d be listed under Bicycles & Accessories in the Sporting Goods category on my local UsedEverywhere site!


6. Run More

Speaking of driving less, I need to run more. I would like to get myself into the habit of running two or three times a week consistently and sticking to that. Even though I’m already in pretty good shape, I could definitely benefit from more structure in my exercise routine. It seems like just about everyone tries to resolve to exercise more or lose weight after New Years… but I think I might actually stick with this; it’s a pretty specific goal, with fairly modest aims. Maybe I’ll make myself some sweet running playlists for my iPod to get myself pumped while running.

5. Paint My Bathroom

This resolution comes with a little bit of a story behind it. My house used to be a sickening hospital-green turquoise colour throughout. About a year ago, I finally got sick of it and painted everything a nice, neutral off-white, which was a huge improvement. Unfortunately, the bathroom was the only room in the house that wasn’t gross turquoise, so I never painted it. Now some of the paint is getting a bit flakey and I think it’s time that I gave the bathroom the coat of paint it deserves, maybe in a colour with a bit more personality than off-white. Suggestions? Also, the post a few weeks ago about UsedEverywhere’s Services section got me thinking… if I find I can’t get around to it myself… I think it still counts if I get some help right?

4. Eat More Local and Organic Food

I’m going to do my best to implement the 100 Mile Diet, or at least try to eat a greater selection of locally grown meat and veggies. This is keeping with my desire to lower my carbon footprint that I mentioned in #7. Eating locally is a great way to get good, fresh, nutrient-packed food that hasn’t been flown in from who-knows-where, and it also boosts your local economy. I love the feeling of knowing that the food I’m eating came from somewhere I could drive to in an hour or two, rather than from the other side of the world.


3. Spend More ‘Me’ Time

Sometimes I don’t take enough time out of the day to just spend relaxing and doing something just for me. There’s always something I should or could be doing instead, like cleaning the house, hanging out with friends, or catching up on paperwork and emails. I’d like to spend a bit more time doing things just for myself, and I’m realizing that sometimes it’s okay to let a few dishes sit in the sink, or to say no when someone asks me to go out for wings and beer. Maybe I’ll spend the time catching up on some TV I’ve missed, or reading one of the millions of books I’ve bought that I haven’t yet had time to read. Sometimes a little bit of anti-social time is great.


2. Travel

Ooooh, travel! The word itself gives me goosebumps, I get so excited. This year, I want to go somewhere outside of North America. I figure that if I work hard enough towards this goal, I can make it happen, so that’s what I’m going to do. I think wanting to travel more is resolution-worthy because of all the time, planning, and commitment that it takes to make a trip happen, not to mention all the saving up I’ll have to do. This will be a long-term resolution to get out there and see some of the world we live in, and I really hope I can make it happen.


1. De-Clutter My House

Oh man, this is a big one. I live in a house with two roommates, and these roommates tend to change every few months. Whenever a roommate moves out, they always leave a bunch of stuff behind. Because of this, I have a bunch of computer chairs, televisions, mini-fridges, and textbooks lying around taking up space. Thankfully, UsedEverywhere.com exists. I’m going to list all of this stuff and get some cash for it, as well as free up some space in my little home.


So, there they are. My New Years Resolutions. What are yours?


Hope you had a safe and happy New Years Eve and all the best for 2010!
-Cole