Sunday, January 8, 2017

The Things You Learn at a Garage Sale


Today, we're joined by Kate Carlisle, author of the Fixer-Upper Mysteries, which will be coming to the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel next week. So just for fun, she's going to join us TONIGHT to live tweet during the premiere of The Art of Murder, a brand-new Garage Sale Mystery. Then she'll be back again next week for the premiere of Framed for Murder: A Fixer-Upper Mystery, which is based on Kate's book, THIS OLD HOMICIDE. 

And we're so excited that we're giving away a $25 Visa Gift Card to one lucky winner today. Enter by answering Kate's question below and be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you.

Welcome, Kate!

Thank you so much for inviting me to guest blog—two weeks in a row—here at Mystery Lovers Kitchen! Having a book turned into a TV-movie has been a wonderful whirlwind, and it's especially exciting to hear from all of the new readers who discovered me because of all the hoopla. And now a double-bonus from MLK—two guest blogs, and two fun evenings of live-tweeting while watching Hallmark Movies & Mysteries' latest premieres.
   

Life is good.


In honor of tonight's movie premiere theme, I wanted to share a random factoid that I learned at a garage sale: wiener schnitzel is not pork. When you make schnitzel using pork cutlets, it's just schnitzel. Wiener schnitzel is made with veal. Which kind of blew my mind because "wiener" and "pork" seem to go together. But the hostess at the garage sale was from Germany, and I'm not brave enough—or stupid enough—to argue with a German woman about schnitzel.

So here is an authentic recipe for German schnitzel, but please, whatever you do, don't call it wiener schnitzel.

Schnitzel
2 lb thinly sliced boneless pork chops, about ¼-inch thick
½ C all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
3 eggs
½ C plain bread crumbs
Clarified butter (ghee) for frying
1 lemon

Pound the pork chops to tenderize them. In a bowl, mix the flour, salt and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the bread crumbs. Dredge the pork chops in flour, then eggs, then bread crumbs.



Melt the clarified butter (also known as ghee) in a heavy pan over medium-high heat. I found mine at Trader Joe's, but I also saw it in the international foods section of my supermarket. If you can't find any, you can use a combination of regular butter and vegetable oil.



You need enough so that the butter or oil comes halfway up the sides of the chops. Cook until well browned, about 2 minutes per side.



Drain on paper towels and serve with a lemon wedge. (Also served here with dressing.)

 

Do you like going to garage sales? If so, share one of your most successful buys, something you use all the time. Remember to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win the $25 Visa Gift Card!

Be sure to follow Kate (twitter.com/katecarlisle) and MLK (twitter.com/mysteryloverskitchen) to join the fun tonight at 9 pm EST/8 pm CST, for the premiere of The Art of Murder: A Garage Sale Mystery!

110 comments:

  1. I definitely like checking out garage sales. Many years ago, I found/purchased an old porcelain teapot (and I collect tea sets) - gorgeous and in perfect condition. EMS591@aol.com

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    1. Oh wow, I love beautiful old teapots. Good job, Liz!

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  2. We don't have time during the year to do garage/yard sales. We do them as we travel on our yearly vacations. We've traveled from Cape Cod down as far as Colonial Williamsburg and as far west as Luray in Western Va.

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    1. ooops forget the email addie: NoraAdrienne (at) gmail (d0t) com

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    2. That's a fun way to while away some vacation hours! And you get to really see how people live in different parts of the country.

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  3. I love garage sales. I dvr'd all the movie mysteries as I just was notified. Thank you!

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  4. I absolutely love garage sales. A few years ago, a local women who makes custom fabric decorations from her home had a garage sale. I bought multiple pieces of decorator fabrics in French Provincial patterns for $1 a yard. They perfectly matched the colors in my home, and I have enjoyed finding uses for them. I also love finding vintage kitchen pieces and glassware. marciataylor@windstream.net

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    1. I had a neighbor once who was a quilter, and when she had a garage sale, there were lines around the block!

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  5. I don't garage sale anymore, but when I did I came across a glider rocker like my mother used to have , for only 10.00 ! I still have it today ! kathambre@yahoo.com

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    1. Aw, that's precious! Do you think of your mom every time you sit there?

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  6. Lovely to see you here, and we're so looking forward to out tweetfest this evening (and next week too!). I love both garage sales and fixer-uppers.

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    1. Thank you, Sheila! I'm both excited and nervous!

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  7. I don't go to many garage sales, but when I do, I enjoy them. I really like the antique Terrier porcelain teapot I found at one.
    marlene(dot)ezell(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. I have found some great out-of-print books and extra dishes to match my collection at garage sales. grace dot koshida at gmail dot com

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    1. Now you're speaking my language, Grace. I love to look for old, rare books at garage sales. Sometimes you find a real treasure.

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  9. I'm looking forward to attending the rummage sales and garage sales this spring! Church sales are the best! I have found lovely leather pocket books, coats, I award my wardrobe every spring and fall! And the kids get into the fun of a good time finding a good toy or game.too!

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    1. Almost always lots of great kids' clothes and toys. I love that we recycle them by passing them along.

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  10. There used to be a quaint little house that was transformed into a Bed & Breakfast, down the street. The owners eventually passed away and the family sold the property. They held a huge garage sale and my husband and my husband and I bought MANY things. We had been fascinated by the place for years. Rumors it was haunted!!! I bought very old cast iron muffin and pop over pans. They are wonderful and I use often. I swear we have heard those pans rattling around the kitchen at about 3a.m.!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Oooh, you just gave me a shiver! I might have to use that in a book someday. ;)

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  11. Oneponychick66@hotmail.com. sorry forgot

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  12. I like garage sales. I got almost new looking roll top desk for $30 at one. When I got it home, there was a hidden drawer inside and end up finding old letters that someone wrote back and forth to a gentleman I believe in WW 2. Plus there was an old twenty dollar bill. I tried to return this stuff to the people I bought it from but they already have moved.
    Unfortunately don't have the desk anymore or letters. Ex-boyfriend took these items :-(

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  13. I haven't been to a garage sale in a while, but I do like going to them. You never know what treasure you may find. I love the recipe. Thank you for this chance! areewekidding@yahoo.com

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    1. Winter isn't the best time of year for garage sales... but it IS the best time of year for schnitzel! ;)

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  14. Nine years ago I found an old, old, wooden magazine holder. Some light sanding. A coat of paint to match my kitchen decor. Picked up a couple of flower transfers and I use it in the kitchen for cookie sheets and muffin tins. It sits at the end of the counter near my work station. It is especially appreciated now. Two years ago seriously damaged my knee and have a hard time bending. Della at deepotter (at) peoplepc ((dot) com

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    1. What a clever idea! I've never heard of someone using a magazine rack for that purpose, Della. You're very creative.

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  15. You never know what treasures will be found at garage sales. I look for pristine toys for the grandchildren who live here and visit every weekend. I found a bike which was $5 and still is used and enjoyed. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  16. I love garage sales. I often find full skeins of yarn so I can crochet afghans to my hearts content without spending a lot of money. cheers@Marjimmanor.com

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    1. I bet you can find lots of those, from people who enjoy knitting but never seem to have time to do it. Good for you, Margo.

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  17. Me, my mom, and my kids go to yard sales every Spring and Summer. We find a lot of great things. I get very excited when I find good books.
    moonbay7399(at)gmail(dot)com

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  18. I haven't been in years. I already own too much stuff. I'm at the stage where I am getting rid of things. My niece and I used to go. She bought a portable TV fit $5 one. Our family members tend to have a one TV rule. Since she bought it she was allowed to keep it in her room. suefoster109 at net zero.net.

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    1. LOL! Clever girl to figure out that workaround. Maybe she'll be watching Hallmark Movies & Mysteries next week when my movie comes on. ;)

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  19. I go to a few in the spring and summer in our area. I have found garden items which were like new. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  20. I love garage sales. I love collecting old books and found an old copy of The Wizard of Oz which was an original. brichardson0056@yahoo.com

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    1. OMG, what a wonderful find, Becky! Treasure that book.

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  21. I love garage sales and I would have to say the best thing I got over the years were Agatha Christie Books. I have everyone of her books in paper and love reading them. They are a treasure to me. Can't wait to watch the new movie tonight. Thanks for the chance. Lisamil46@gmail.com

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    1. That's a collection I would treasure, too, Lisa. Agatha Christie is one of my greatest inspirations. (I'm sure that's true of most mystery writers.)

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  22. Used to love browsing through flea markets and garage sales. We did get some nice milk cans that we refinished for outside decoration. But now that I am 65, I find myself avoiding them and trying to declutter instead. Kuzlin at aol.com

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    1. I think a lot of people feel the same way, decluttering, unfettering their lives.

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  23. I have never done garage sales. I guess just busy with other things. Thanks for chance. Janngrogan@yahoo.com

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  24. I love garage sales.I collect Homer Laughlin dishes and I found a whole set of 1949 dishes at one of those sales. I am after a certain teapot now...
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

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    1. I had to go look them up. Some really pretty patterns!

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  25. I once bought a book at a yard sale for 50 cents and then sold it on EBay for $50 dollars. This was the start of me and my husbands book business in hat we still work at 10 years later. dr(dot)oldsmobileaticloud(dot)com

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    1. Wow, Jeannie, that's quite the return on investment! Good job!

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  26. Haven't been to a garage sale for a very long time. Best buys have been books.
    kckendler at gmail dot com

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  27. Live garage sales. I've found some great finds. A book case for $5, a cookie jar that looks like a lighthouse. My dad loved and collected them. So I bought it as a rememberence of him. And of course books. mommatoodle at msn dot com

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    1. What a lovely way to remember your dad, Pam! Did he love cookie jars or lighthouses, or specifically cookie jars that look like lighthouses?

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  28. I found a stock pot for $2 that we use all the time for cooking for the big family gatherings.
    kkat.edwards(at)gmail(dot)com

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  29. So excited to watch the movie tonight and to see YOUR movie next week, Kate! Thanks for joining us and sharing the fun.

    I'm still trying to figure out what to do with the 3 multi-paned windows I bought for a dollar a piece at a farm auction 20 years ago. I think they'll become a headboard when we redo the guest room.

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    1. Thank you, Leslie! Wow, you've had them for 20 years? You have to do *something* with them, after holding onto them for all this time!

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  30. I must admit I have never been to a garage sale, but I'm looking forward to watching tonight's movie (we just got the Hallmark Movies and Mystery channel). I'm looking forward to seeing the Fixer Upper movie next week which is why we got the channel in the first place. Thanks for offering the giveaway, lilflynracer at msn.com

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    1. Wow, Amy, I'm truly honored that you got Hallmark Movies & Mysteries so you could watch the Fixer-Upper Mystery. I think you'll love the channel. I know I do!

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  31. I love garage sales, but need more stuff like I need another arm! One exception is books (of course). After I read them, I donate them to my local library. Win,win for everyone. ksarginson@tampabay.rr.com

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    1. Isn't there something exciting about going to a garage sale where they have all the books you like to read? It always makes me feel like I want to make friends with the owners because clearly they have excellent taste in books. ;)

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  32. I haven't been to any yard sales in quite sometime due to severe arthritis, but when I did go I bought a nice used glider chair for my living room and a white wicker chair and bench/foot stool for my little front porch. Both were things that I needed and so the price was much more reasonable for them than brand new a d I liked them very much. I miss being able to find fun items especially things to give to others who mentioned that they were looking for that kind of item. Memories will have to keep me happy about the good times years ago. I don't do Twitter so hope to be included in the fun somehow. Thank you. Cynthia B. ceblainATtmlponlineDOTnet

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    1. You're included in the fun right here, Cynthia! :) Thank you so much for your comment.

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  33. I love garage sales and flea markets! The bedroom set in my guest room, Franciscan dinnerware, and a few candlesticks, jewelry, and a picture or two are the evidence. When I was young, my dad headed a 'block garage sale' with all the neighbors. It was funny having strangers trapsing all over our front yard and seeing an old toy or piece of clothing picked up, but it was fascinating seeing my dad barter with the visitors.
    kat8762(at)aolDOTcom

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  34. I am a garage sale fanatic! We go every weekend and I have literally furnished my house with things I have found! I have found so many things it is hard to say what I love best! I guess the one I love the most is my granddaughters changing table. It was falling apart but with a little TLC, elbow grease, and paint it looks brand new! I don't tweet so have a great night ladies!
    edtercross7304atyahoodotcom

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    1. Turning trash into treasure. I like your style, Terri!

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  35. I'll visit a garage sale every once in a while. I have found some pieces of furniture that I've used over the years.
    turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com

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  36. We enjoy going to garage sales and while i was in Ca one year my husband found me an end table to put near my chair that would hold my yarn and everything but that isn;t the best buy. He was on a job and there was a garage sale across the street from where he was hooking up a gas meter. He saw a beautiful curio cabinet and i have always wanted one. He went over and asked the lady if he paid for it and then after work he would be by to pick it up and she said Well I won't go down on the price just to tell you as it is a piece my husband gave me for my anniversary but i would love to hold it for you. She sold it to him for only 25.00 he could not believe it when she heard that he was buying it for me and i am disabled she was so happy that another woman was going to get joy out of it. He tried to give her more money for it but she wouldn't take it. They were moving from Ia to AZ and had to get rid of a lot of items and we were blessed she chose to part with it. It now sits next to our dining room table it is a corner one and it is gorgeous! ptclayton2@aol.com

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    1. Oh, what a beautiful story! Thank you so much for sharing. Your husband is a good man, and he was meant to be on that street that day. <3

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  37. I like going to yard sales but haven't been in quite a while. One thing I found at one that I use often, is a small hand held food chopper, just a blade with a handle. I use it when I don't want to wash a grater or a food processor. lclee59(at)centurylink(dot)net

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  38. I've only had veal twice in my life, and one of those times was wiener schnitzel. So yummy! But I can't bring myself to buy veal, so this pork alternative sounds great! Thanks for sharing the recipe! And I'm enjoying the Garage Sale Mysteries on HM&M today... love all the cozies made into movies! aleonardi (at) my.com

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  39. I don't really like garage sales, but turns out one of my favorite lamps that I have used in many different rooms came from one.

    Congrats on the new show! Have it programmed into my DVR. Good advice in the Kings River Life interview to remember books are books and TV is TV. You can enjoy both!
    sallycootie(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Exactly, Sally! I've heard readers say "The movies ruined the books," but they don't. The movies don't change the books at all. :) If you can just let go of the need for them to be the same, you can enjoy both.

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  40. I bought a desk chair years ago and used it for many years. I have since upgraded, but I do remember it! dalubbert(at)hotmail(dot)(com)

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  41. Cant wait to watch your show. Too bad I dont tweet so wont be able to join you all tonight. I dont garage sale shop so dont have any good finds. I used to go to antique shops and little side shops though and when I was 15 I found a 1920's bedroom set. I ended up buying it for my 16th birthday. I had that set until I was about 28 and then gave it to my niece. Loved that thing and sure wish I still had it, lol. Thanks for the giveaway! kayt18(at)comcast(dot)net

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    1. Just so you know, Kay, even if you don't have a Twitter account, you will be able to see my tweets if you want to. Just go to www.twitter.com/katecarlisle It will ask you to log in, but you don't have to.

      Wow, what a great garage sale story!!! You got a lot of use out of that set.

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  42. I'm so excited for these upcoming Mystery Movies. About a year ago my Husband who has since passed away went to a garage with friends in Hastings, Michigan, he saw a high powered pressure washer & he told me to hurry & tell the man we wanted it because a guy behind us way eyeing it too. I found a big deep slow cooker that I use quite often & it was about $3.00. I love finding great bargains at garage sales. I love all you Mystery books & I would love to win this gift card. Thanks for this generous chance. lindamay4852@yahoo.com

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    1. I'm so sorry you lost your husband this year, Linda. That's a fun memory of him--trying to swoop in before the other guy got the pressure cooker. :)

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  43. I enjoy garage sales. It's fun finding bargains. My best buys are always books which I sometimes get for as little as a quarter. My favorite find is a bright yellow painting of flowers that I have in our back entry---it just brightens the whole room.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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    1. Yellow flowers... how lovely! :) There's something very satisfying about finding the perfect piece of art for a specific spot in your house.

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  44. When I lived in the San Diego area, I went to garage sales every weekend But, when I moved away, I stopped going, and, I stopped buying things I didn't need, too. I did buy lots of stuff for my son when he was young and that may have saved some money but now I don't have to buy for him.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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    1. Yes, if it's something you need, then you're not saving money no matter how little it costs! :D

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  45. I enjoy garage sales. As they say other people's trash are someone's treasures. Living on a small budget it is interesting to see if I can find cozy mysteries second hand, among other items. I can't wait to see Kate's book into a Hallmark movie. Thanks for the chance. robeader53@yahoo.com

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  46. I found an old crumpled up, dirty quilt. With much effort I brought it back to life and use it every day for napping. I look at each piece of fabric and wonder what garment it came from and who the person was that wore it
    Oceandrm17@aol.com

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  47. I love going to garage sales. The best item I found was a metal wall hanging for my spare room for $2.00. I also love to find books. When I'm done reading them I donate to the library so they can sell at their book sale.
    donnaing1@gmail.com

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  48. I don't generally go to garage/yard sales. I might stop at one occasionally if hubby isn't with me -- and if I'm up and out early enough. In this area there are 'estate' sales -- and they don't mean the people are dead, just maybe moving, or for some other reason selling most of what they have. I've been to a few of those and recently bought a small secretary bookcase desk. I totally have too much furniture, and didn't need it, but I liked it and wanted it. And it came from a friend's home. She was pleased I got it, and I look forward to using it in our new home.
    donna {dot} durnell {at} sbcglobal {dot} net

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    1. That's especially nice because it can make you think about your friend every time you look at it. Enjoy, Donna!

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  49. I need a new teapot, I think it's time to hit some garage sales!!
    reneejr at earthlink dot net

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    1. A couple of people have already mentioned finding teapots, so you've got a good chance!

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  50. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  51. Living in an apartment I never went to Garage Sales, but when I moved to house I started going to ones in my neighborhood. The best thing I got was a beautiful mirror which completely changes the look of my dining room. alicerussell@cruzio.com

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  52. I do, but I don't like getting up early on the weekend, so it doesn't happen much! parkeremma2003 at yahoo dot com

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  53. Hearty Congratulations Kate! A book made into a made for t.v. movie is wonderful! Yes, I go mostly to estate sales, but, I'll frequent garage sales too. I've found many beautiful hand embroidered dresser scarves, hankies and such that are great for craft projects that I do. Thanks for a chance to win! sxygrndma48{at}yahoo{dot}com

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    1. That's a great way to use your finds! I love finding things that can be used for crafts.

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  54. I love going to garage sales. The best find I ever found was a large sturdy 5 drawer dresser that I still use today.
    meowcat_21@hotmail.com

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  55. Love schnitzel, we actually had it for Christmas dinner and we used pork. I haven't been to many garage sales lately, I'm trying to downsize and I should probably have a garage sale. I did find a really unusual magazine rack at a garage sale, it's wooden and it actually folds up. I also look for books at garage sales.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  56. I paid$5 for an old metal Victorio strainer and sold it for $85 :) siamesecuties@earthlink.net

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  57. Rarely visit garage sales unless I'm searching for something specific. Best finds were a baby crib, car seat and stroller when our granddaughter was born (our son and his wife were using our originals). servedogmomATyahooDOTcom

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  58. I am watching Hallmark right now! I am really looking forward to watching Framed for Murder next week! The best think I got at a garage sale was a playpen that we cleaned up and kept at my mom's when my son was little!!

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  59. I don't usually go to garage sales since I feel I have enough things in my house and garage for my own sale but one time I found a beautiful solid wood bookcase for $30. One can never have too many bookcases.
    scarletbegonia5858@gmail.com

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  60. ooh, yummy receipt, thx! love garage sales and here in Sacramento we have weekly peddlers/antiques events. I love to buy mystery and cook books and treasure each one I find

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  61. ooh, yummy receipt, thx! love garage sales and here in Sacramento we have weekly peddlers/antiques events. I love to buy mystery and cook books and treasure each one I find

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  62. I love garage sales and yard sales....I bought an old Christmas pop up book last year at a yard sale for one dollar. I don't think the owners knew how intricate the book was. It is beautiful. An awesome antique find.
    rachaelabrams317@gmail.com

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  63. I do not like garage or yard sales. I used to go just to look for books. But now I am pickier about my books so I don't bother. I have heard of people finding wonderful old books at garage sales but I don't have the patience and I also don't live in a suburban area anymore so it makes it more difficult.

    ElaineE246 at msn dot com

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  64. amy guillaume lindermanJanuary 9, 2017 at 8:15 AM

    my best garage sale find was a whole bunch of old trixie belden and cherry ames nurse books! they are in great condition and i think i only paid about $1 a piece! aelinderman@sbcglobal.net

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  65. I love garage sales. I found a vintage old world map. Best find so far. Zeta(at)iwon(dot)com

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  66. I bought an old antique trunk at a yard sale that I love. It sits at the foot of my bed and holds bed linens.
    eswright18 at gmail dot com

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  67. My favorite find at yard sales were handmade clothes for my daughter.

    emmasmom69 AT gmail DOT com

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  68. I love going garage sale hunting with my wife..My favorite find was I found some 20 games and a NES system for 20.00..Made me feel young again :)

    Hestisdabest @ yahoo.com

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