[continued: Raves]

Thrift Shops and Flea Markets
What, you're still paying retail? still thrilled by a sale at Macy's? You haven't been thrifting! We know that there are two kinds of people in this world, (Pepsi and Coke, in case you were wondering), but we can't imagine *anyone* not finding something thrilling about schnupfing around acres of treasures at a weekend flea market. Thrift shops fill the mid-week gap. Take your old stuff to the nearest worthy cause's shop, and then browse for some wondrous item to take back home.

Trader Joe's
There is something about the very heft of a two-pound bag of pistachios that shrieks indulgence, but the price puts it within reach of everyday folk. Nuts, fruits, wines, cheeses, waters, healthy fixin's, all fresh and affordable. Don't forget to pick up the newsletter -- a fun free read for foodies. We don't mind the faux Hawaiian shorts anymore.

USPS Priority Mail
Sure, we use the heck out of FedEx, too, but this options from the U.S. Post Office is the world's best shipping bargain. They even tell you that you can exceed the weight limit if you use their standard letter envelope; so if you need to send small geological specimens on a budget, you've found the answer. 

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