Millions Shop Ebay

Founded in 1995, ebay is headquartered in San Jose, CA

As noted in last week's post, cyber shopping is a convenient avenue to find incredible deals and save serious money.  And, no discussion would be complete without mentioning ebay.  To date, it has 212 million registered buyers and sellers worldwide.  Since I'm not an experienced ebay shopper, myself, I turned to someone who is, Ms. Angel D.  Not only is Angel a brilliant bargain shopper, in general; she knows ebay's terrain and is fantastic at explaining the ins and outs to a greenhorn.  Here is our interview:

Q: Explain in a nutshell how ebay works.  And what you need to shop on it.

A: In order to shop on ebay you first need to set up an account.  Accounts are free.  You can than make a purchase in two ways:  You can either bid on an item you want, or sometimes people have a "buy now" option.  Payment takes place in a number of ways, and is up to the seller.  Some sellers will accept a personal check (you mail the check to them; when the check clears - they mail your item to you); others use PayPal, exclusively.  I prefer to use PayPal.

Q: Talk about ebay's great appeal -- its advantages over a retail store and how you can save money on it.

A: The greatest appeal is, you can find things on ebay that you can't find in stores anymore.  Not only antiques and older collectables, but also things that are only available in specialty stores ... and sometimes you don't know where the specialty stores are.  For example, I have an Italian charm bracelet.  I have no idea where they sell these charms anymore, but on ebay I just type "Italian charms" into the search box, and it brings up 50+ online "stores" that sell these charms.

Q: Name some of the great stuff you bought on ebay.

A:  Collectables (vinyl LP's, CD's, hall china), Italian charms, handmade sewing items -- I CAN sew, but often don't have the time.

Q:  Besides ebay, are there other websites you like?  Tell us which ones, and why you shop on them.  

A:  I use Amazon.com more often than ebay lately --- I mostly buy books and CD's, but Amazon has just as much variety as ebay -- especially since they have the buy “new” or “used” options.  And, Half.com -- a devision of ebay that is strictly "buy now," new and used items .... for books/movies/music/video games only.

Q:  What tips have you learned about getting the best deals?

A:  I generally compare between ebay and amazon to find the best price available that includes shipping.  Free shipping is a supreme bonus.

Q:  Do you have any buyer beware advice?

A: Always check feedback when buying .... especially on ebay.  A “good feedback percentage” is a must.  Some people never buy from new sellers, but I have taken a chance, or two and have not had a problem.  Also, if you are getting a lot of emails with multiple excuses that's probably a sign that the item isn't what it should be.  Move on ... because honest sellers will settle on a fair price and close the deal.  You want to buy from sellers who are professional; people who answer back right away.  Not people who send you endless emails that say how hard it is to get to the post office and how they must set up a special box just for you, etc.

Q:  It might be fun to talk about the items you bought, which turned out to be a steal.  And what you paid for them.

A:  Some of the best "steals" I got were vinyl records.  Many people do not know what they have, or will sell things in a "lot" instead of individually, to save time.  I once bid on a lot of 20 vinyl 45's -- all Jerry Lee Lewis ... paid $5.00 + shipping, and discovered an original, mint "Breathless" recording -- stamped, “signed 45” in the stack.  NICE!

Really!  It is nice to find a treasure {signed by The Killer!} for 25 cents!  Thank you, Angel, for an excellent rundown.


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IT Velvet Luxe for Ulta Makeup Brushes Now Only On EBay

Learn how to use makeup brushes here.

On THE SAVVY SHOPPER, I don't normally write sales-flash posts on products. Occasionally, I'll post a too-good-to-ignore sale alert on the blog's Facebook page, where such up-to-the-minute (act now!) information works better. Here (by design) readers can go back 10 years to read blogs that mostly keep their relevance. The advice and tips don't date like this present blog entry will eventually do ... in a day? ... a week? ... or a month's time. (Well, we will ... together ... find out.)

But a price drop on a stellar makeup brush (that is also unwisely being discontinued) is too good not to share!

Last year I bought a quality makeup brush from the IT For Ulta Velvet Luxe line. The brushes in that particular line, are plush, soft, firm, precise in the application; and never, ever shed. In other words, everything we want: It is hands down the best makeup brush I've ever used! 

Retailing at $48, I was happy to get it on sale for $24. In the future, I knew I had to buy more makeup brushes in the Velvet Luxe line to replace inferior brushes ... when they again went on sale. Although on sale, the money still adds up! 

Not until a year later did I return to Ulta to buy my 2nd (a blush) brush. To my great surprise, Ulta is out of stock of the It Velvet Luxe blush brush (as well as many of the other Velvet Luxe brushes which do other jobs expertly). Why??? Because IT Cosmetics is in the process of discontinuing their Velvet Luxe variety of brushes. Insane!!! ~~ as their new brushes  -- at the same price -- are inferior! They are not as soft or plush! So double trouble!!

Readers, the light at end of the tunnel is ...  you can (while supplies last) still buy the IT For Ulta Velvet Luxe brushes on eBay for even less money than Ulta's best sale price.

I own 4 of the IT Velvet Luxe brushes: LBD Powder #307; Plush Foundation #304 (a multi-tasker, I use it for blush and bronzer); Soft Focus Sculpting #315 (blush); and I just ordered the Empress Fan brush #324 (such a price drop why not? ... to set makeup with finishing powder). I also like the Kabuki brush -- it's the biggest of the brushes. If you don't mind the size, you can use it in place of  the #307 and #324 brushes. Truly once you pay for an item and walk out the door, it's nobody's business how you use it!

As to why IT Cosmetics is replacing their superior Velvet Luxe brushes with less plush, or stiffer bristles I haven't a clue. THE SAVVY SHOPPER doesn't like change unless it's an improvement. :(


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IT For Ulta Velvet Luxe Goddess Kabuki Brush

Back in August 2019, I learned It Cosmetics had discontinued its amazing Velvet Luxe line of makeup brushes after visiting Ulta intent on buying a 2nd brush. This was a crazy business move as my review of the superior line of brushes describes:

This and all of the following photos relate to the last paragraph of the blog. :) Wow, I especially love the oval ring, post earrings, and matching necklace.

Here's a snippet of my review: "'Last year I bought a quality makeup brush from the IT For Ulta Velvet Luxe line. The brushes in this particular line, are plush, soft, firm, precise in the application; and never, ever shed. In other words, everything we want: It is hands down the best makeup brush I've ever used!'"

Fortunately, I found 4 of the coveted sizes of the brushes on eBay, paying bargain prices for them as it turns out! Unfortunately, the one that got away I still pine for, namely the Velvet Luxe Goddess Kabuki Brush. I can make do with the brushes I now own, but every now and then I still go online to see if somebody, somewhere, anywhere is selling my longed-for kabuki brush. Makeup brushes must be sold new-and-never-used for me to buy them, and as we get further and further away from 2019, there's little chance the kabuki brush will be listed on eBay or elsewhere. A makeup maven who buys closeouts would have to discover it stashed in her basement for us to see it listed for sale again, but if I ever find it, my set will be complete.😍

By becoming a more mindful shopper and an under buyer, I make fewer mistakes, avoid buyer's remorse and save a few bucks along the way. But the other side of the coin is, I also must accept losing out on a few desired articles. However, on balance, I think I come out ahead. 

Material things will come and go. Something new always replaces an old wish that vanishes.

No engagement is needed, I just love this ring.😀

All the lovely things posted today on this blog are on my Fairy Godmother Wish List but wisely I decided not to buy them. However, the kabuki brush I'll snatch up for a good price if ever, ever I see it again!

You can't always get what you want

But if you try sometimes well you might find

You get what you need.🎶  Mick Jagger

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Tree Of Life Skin Serums

There's a vitamin C serum on the market that tops a number of beauty editor's lists {namely, Skin Ceuticals}.  It sells for $166 for 1 ounce, and frankly, the endorsements annoy me since regular people (Raise your hand!) can't afford to use it every day. So what good is the expensive recommendation?! That's when I decided to find equivalent brands of skincare backed by science for less money. I've got your back, readers!🙂

In my quest for cheap without compromise skincare, I've found another brand I like called Tree of Life, a plant based, cruelty-free, non-toxic line founded by biologist, Ellyn Davis.

Tree of Life offers top-notch ingredients in the right combinations to address every skin concern. The company takes care of its customers in a myriad of ways. A peruse of its website teaches you about proper skincare. You learn about ingredients in the serums and how to use the products correctly. Once you identify what you want your skincare to do, it's easy to know what to buy. The trio featured at the top is a useful, basic set of serums (vitamin C - for daytime, retinol for nighttime and hyaluronic acid for day or night moisture). The beauty line also offers a money-back guarantee.

Plus Tree of Life cares about you by not asking you to deplete your savings to buy their scrubs, serums or moisturizers. The cost of 1-once bottles averages from $7 - $11 (with one multi-ingredient formula going for $18)... super affordable for proven ingredients and lacking fillers! The brand keeps costs low with simply packaging and by not advertising. Money is spent where it counts on product development and its clean, potent ingredients. 

Combo packs knock already low prices down more, and the retailer offers VIP Rewards which I recommend always signing up for, as extra savings go to repeat customers.

Available on their website, Amazon, Walmart and eBay. Tree of Life ... I'm your newest customer!

Readers, are you feed up with overpriced skincare???

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Beauty Advent Calendars

Many retailers offer Countdown Advent Calendars or 12 Days of Christmas Calendars with gifts of makeup and/or skin care. For a beauty enthusiast, receiving an advent calendar of beauty items, one per day, feels like winning a lottery! Here are the top 2 impressive ones: 

1) Let's begin with the holy grail from Liberty (see top photo↑). Expensive at £169, which is $226.22 for 24 days of gifts. A click on the Liberty link here shows you what a magnificent presentation it is. The makeup and skin care contained in it is top-notch of lesser-known, up-and-coming brands giving a beauty aficionado the chance to discover fantastic new products. Wow, people are selling just the empty box on eBay for $60 bucks!

2) Estee Lauder - Created another festive package. The multi-dimensional star is a big ornament made of sturdy cardboard with 25 hidden compartments of goodies! Estee Lauder is the parent company of several famous cosmetics: Not only the Estee Lauder line, but Clinique, Origins, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Aveda, Bumble and bumble, Darphin, Smashbox, Michael Kors and GlamGlow, therefore the holiday star contains 25 wonderful products from all these lines! Cost: $270 per box. 

Good luck getting your hands on the #1- Liberty or #2- Estee Lauder Advent Calendars as they are wildly popular. At this point, I'm seeing them marked up in price on eBay. (Make a mental note to look for next year's Limited Editions in October 2018.) But don't fret ... there are tons of other fetching Advent Calenders with makeup and skin care items that are equally desirable, not as pricey and still available. Here are some to consider:

3) Ole Henrikson 12 Days of OLE Glow Skincare Advent Calendar - From Denmark, an assortment of 12 cleansing and nourishing skin care products, including mini sizes of facial scrub, botanical moisturizers, hydrating gels and anti-aging serums. Sells for $49.

4) Ulta 12 Days Of Beauty - A box of fun, trendy holiday tinted and generously sized blush, crayons, illuminators, glitter eyeliners, matte lip cream and metallic lip gloss. Price: $13.50

5) NYX Professional Makeup Lippie Countdown Advent Calendar - 24 days of NYX's most loved lip colors, including glosses, creams, matte and bright vamps. Usually $65, but $45 at Ulta.

A fun roundup of the Best Advent Calendars of 2017 can be watched here.

Something for every budget. Any of the choices make pleasing gifts! More is not always better, but it's certainly gooood.😉


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Amazon Delivers On A Holiday Weekend!

Yellow light: charging!

Dear Readers,

I didn't think I'd be able to blog until mid-June. You see I work on a 13 inch MacBook Pro, and its charger died suddenly on Wednesday, May 26th. I can't easily blog on a phone or iPad unless I were to merely upload a photo, or a bunch of words without photos ... yet I do both, which sometimes requires editing to make the blog look its best. Plus, nearly all of my blogs require research, as well as, fact-checking and reading everything available on a topic for accuracy. It's possible to use a phone or iPad for research or editing, but it would be super slow and annoying.🙂

So alas, let's get to the subject of today's post: Ordering from Amazon. 

Despite a desire to support local brick and mortar stores, as well as, small businesses (as we should do!), we can also support Amazon with a good conscience. Often Amazon really comes through for customers, and I must give the online retailer its due in offering fantastic choice, price and customer service:

 1) On Amazon, customers have an abundance of sellers, products and price points to fit their budgets. At times you need the top of the line, and at other times you don't ... so lots of selection lets you save money by ordering exactly what you need at a price you can afford.

2) Consumers can't beat the convenience as the products are delivered straight to your door saving you additional time and money.

3) I like the transparency of how the items are listed. By reading everything, I have a good idea of the articles. Plus I read all the customer reviews before I buy an item, and I leave detailed reviews as a guide for other Amazon customers.

4) I appreciate how Amazon stands behind the merchandize sold on its website from various sellers around the world, so if anything goes wrong, I don't have to worry about losing my money. Amazon resolves what goes wrong between you and the seller. Also customers have windows for free returns.

5) And finally ... golly, you often get faster-than-expected delivery ... nearly always quicker than the delivery date you are told! My Wednesday purchase -- the laptop charger -- which was supposed to arrive on June 11th, came today on a holiday weekend! I'm doing a happy dance!!!

Prime Amazon (which I do not have) is worth considering especially if (1) you live in a house or apartment building where packages are left on doorsteps; or (2) you order lots of single items under $25 and wish to save shipping costs; or (3) you simply desire the benefits of Prime Membership. I don't need a Prime Membership for the security of my packages, and I get free shipping with my Amazon subscriptions. I also bundle purchases on non-subcription goods to qualify for free shipping (as I try never to pay for shipping). Sure I'd love to watch the Amazon movies and series (called Amazon video) or have access to special deals, but for now I'm fine (and can better resist temptation) without a Prime Membership. I am forced to wait a beat before ordering. Moreover, I think Amazon would agree that despite not having a Prime Membership ... I'm an excellent customer who definitely helps keep their lights on. 

And a final thought: A happy customer like me always desires happy company employees! Please always treat workers exceptionally well, Amazon, by trickling down your tremendous success to lift up the quality of their lives. Success should be shared.🙏

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The Gemstone Chrome Diopside

Le Vian designed for Macy's

Ever hear of Chrome diopside? Me either ... until recently. It's a beautiful deep forest green color that rivals an emerald. The color comes from traces of the element chromium. Before a large mineable deposit of the gem was discovered in Siberia in 1988, the supply was far too limited to be brought to market. Chrome diopside forms at the entry of diamond mines. Before the discovery, mainly jewel collectors owned it. Unlike many other stones, such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds, the color of chrome diopside is natural without the standard (and acceptable) industry practice of heat treatment to make the stores transparent. The deep green color, along with its clarity give the stone its value.

Photo: Ebay - Russian Diopside Sterling Silver Necklace

Why would you buy chrome diopside in lieu of emeralds if drawn to the rich green hue? Because they are as beautiful as emeralds and cheaper since the demand is not yet as high. Some jewelers expect the price for chrome diopside to rise as soon as the public becomes more aware of them. One jewelry expert said, "and as soon as they are renamed!"🙂

Photo: Overstock - Miadora Chrome Diopside with diamonds

Chrome diopsides (a 5.5-6.5 on Moh's scale of hardness) will scratch easier than diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds, as they are softer. For that reason, a neckless is a more practical setting for the stones, than pieces that take a beating, such as a ring or bracelet. Like pearls (a 3-4 on Moh's scale), these green sparklers are delicate and need to be treated with care.

Nonetheless, if looking for natural, untreated green gems, now is the time to consider chrome diopsides while they are less expensive than emeralds.

Photo: Wikepedia

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Bormioli Rocco Frigoverre Jugs with Hermetic Lids ... Brilliant

Come inside my refrigerator. 

See the glass beverage jugs above? I love them! Let me explain why.

I use a gallon of milk each week and always, always run out on a weekend. Fetching milk is a chore I can do without. Why it feels so vexing, I don't know exactly ... perhaps because it's so repetitive, and I don't like standing in lines to buy it. Plus, far too often I have to leave a cozy Sunday night roost to go out into the rain, cold or heat to shlep it home. 

So I decided to replace a task I don't like with one I don't mind. Now I order two big boxes of dry powdered milk from Walmart's online store. My order ships directly to my home free-of-charge. I mix a half gallon of milk at a time to keep in my refigerator. Price-wise, buying powdered milk is cheaper. I get an extra gallon of milk per box, which adds up to lots of savings over a year's time. I also discovered that the texture of baked goods and homemake yogurt is actually better using powdered milk. In my opinion, powdered milk tastes good as a beverage if you drink it cold. Glass keeps milk colder than plastic.

So that brings me back to the glass jugs. I need them to store cold ready-to-drink milk. I thought about using Mason jars before finding them. They are Frigoverre 1.2-liter glass pitchers made by Bormioli Rocco, an Italian manufacturer. I bought 4 pitchers. They are pretty! I feel like a farm girl taking a glass jug out of my refrigerator, pouring milk into coffee, or a recipe.

The handle is strong. The spout makes pouring a breeze, and the container is sleek and compact taking up only a small area of space in the refrigerator. The jugs fit in the shelves of the door, but I store them in the top center of the refrigerator so the milk is ice cold.

The jugs are a heavy duty glass and will not absorb the favors, odors or color of any foods stored inside. They also have innovative hermetic lids. It takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of how to lock and unlock the lids, they seal air tight with ease.  You can shake the jugs without spilling any liquid.

I may use one or two of the jugs for iced tea this summer. Perhaps Italians serve red wine in them.

Easy to wash and reuse, they are the perfect refrigerator pitchers and should last a long time provided nobody drops one. Likewise, I will avoid pouring boiling water into them because glass is tricky and will crack with heat ... and then, I will definitely cry. The jugs come is 3 sizes: 0.5L, 1.2L and 2L.

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10 Websites That Save You Money

Like many of you, I find myself shopping more and more online lately. Not only is purchasing online convenient -- saving time and transportation costs -- the mechandise, itself, is often less expensive. Here are ten easy-to-navigate websites, which can save you big bucks on essentials, plus cut down on your errands ... leaving you with free time on your weekends:

Merchants:

1. Walmart - There is a wide range of non-perishable grocery and drugstore items you can order online and have delivered directly to your door with free shipping, as long as, you have a $50 minimun order. Examples include: bathroom tissue, snacks like dry roasted peanuts and Tazo chi tea, personal care products such as soaps, shampoo and hair condition, as well as, home goods like storage containers, blenders and food processors. The prices at Walmart are usually unbeatable; and it is easy to put together a $50 order of articles you need to restock each month.
2. Amazon - You can buy just about anything on the site -- truly the sky is the limit-- and there are always many sellers around the country, so you can select the best price. But, the reason this blog loves Amazon is because it offers amazing customer service, so if anything goes wrong with a purchase, Amazon will step in and help you resolve the issue.
3. Overstock - Offers lots of products, low prices and fabulous customer service. (See my review here.)
4. Zappos - Ditto. (See here.) Zappos began by selling shoes, but quickly expanded to include clothing and home goods. Their customer care is awesome.
5. 6PM.COM - Offers deep discounts on name brand clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children. 6PM is Zappos' sister company, so you receive the same excellent customer service and free shipping on all orders. Unlike Zappos where returns are free, you pay to send back a mistake, which is fair enough considering the huge savings.

Tools: 

6. TheFind - A website to help you peruse your favorite stores, locate the best prices on goods of interest and (if you wish) receive sale alerts on products you like. You enter the name of a product in the search box to pull the information up.
7. InvisibleHand - A browser add-on to notify you when there are lower prices available on goods, flights, hotels and retal cars.
8. PriceGabber - A website that compares prices and provides product information so you can zero in on the best deals.
9. PoachIt - A browser add-on that tracks products you are watching to go on sale and emails you as the price goes down. -- out of business. People are using Shoptagr instead.
10. RetailMeNot - A website to find discounts for all your favorite retail stores. I never buy anything without first checking this site for promotional codes to save 10% - 80%.

With a little help from the internet, you can always find the lowest price, rarely paying retail for anything. Plus, what a blast receiving packages in the mail these days!

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Pandemic Sheltering In Place Fashion

Uniqlo for crew-neck t-shirts here. Pair with a cardigan on cold days.

According to The Talk, an afternoon TV show, many people who are Sheltering in Place are not bothering to change out of their pajamas or sweats into regular clothes since they can't go to work. Not true of me. I rise to shower, wash my hair and get dressed each and every morning ... later than usual but still! Being clean and tidy (wearing clean coordinated clothes) lifts my spirits! I couldn't deal with feeling sloppy and dirty on top of riding out a pandemic! But since I have nowhere to go, I don't have to fuss much with my wardrobe and can wear the same things over, which I do. Who's here to see it? I bet my neighbors aren't taking notes if we happen to pass (spaced properly apart) in the lobby.

Perhaps it would be entertaining to see my pandemic uniform. Everything featured I'm wearing as I write the blog.

Aeries - cotton with a touch of spandex lightweight Chill leggings here.

I stick to casual, comfortable and easy to maintain attire. Sometimes I get wild and crazy by changing the color of my t-shirts! One day I'm Lady pink, the next day Bonnie bluebell and the day after Fire Engine Red Deb. Woo-hoo! June Cleaver had her pearls, but I live in sleek ballet flats! Whoopee!

Merrell Nubuck Inde Ballet flats - discontinued - but I hope Merrell brings back another ballet flat, as they have more support than many other brands. These are my indoor shoes. They don't have enough support on concrete, which leads to the next image. :) No link since it's discontinued - there are a few on Ebay.

Furthermore since rarely leaving home, I sometimes hand wash the leggings or t-shirts in Woolite, or dishwashing soap and hang them up in the bathroom to dry before bed. The less I have to go down to our common laundry room, the better. Being at home constantly, this bit of handwashing gives a gal a small sense of accomplishment. What is there to dooo next? Let me at it!

NAZAROO Shoe Insoles Arch Support Inserts (here) are excellent to keep my high arches happy in my Merrell ballet flats. With insoles I should be able to turn them into outdoor shoes this summer. We'll see.

To be safe I wear two sets of shoes, one for inside and another for outdoors. I also spray the soles of my outdoor shoes with 3% hydrogen peroxide at the door to kill any possible virus, and sometimes the soles of my indoor shoes because I walk down the hallway in them to put trash in the dumpster. 

Once in a while to make myself happy, I put on a bracelet in my apartment. But I stopped wearing makeup and jewelry to go outside to buy groceries. I mean, why wear anything under a face mask? It would only get the mask dirty. And rings on fingers when you're forever worrying about Coronavirus and washing your hands? I think not!

Merrell Dassie - my outdoor to the supermarket shoes here.

To be honest, if we weren't all in the same boat, I couldn't bear staying home for so many weeks. Yet I can get through this challancing time knowing how EVERYONE all over the globe must do the same to fight this disease. Indeed, we are all in this together ... and some of us are very lucky to be sheltering in a comfortable home. It turns out the things we need are quite simple!

What are you wearing at home during this pandemic?



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