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11 garage sale finds you should never pass up

Vintage furniture Want to snag the biggest bargain on vintage furniture at a garage sale? The key is to wait until the end of the day. By then, the sellers are wondering how they are going to get that heavy old sofa off of the grass and back into the living room – and they’ll be more likely to take your initial offer. Be careful with upholstered items (bed bug alert!), but once you’re confident it’s clean, try to look past garishly coloured fabric and eye-popping patterns: you can always reupholster a piece of furniture to better suit your sense of style. Artwork Garage sale artwork is a great way to add some colour to your home. It’s fun to pick up art for two reasons: You might learn about interesting local artists, or, even if you don’t like the image, you can always repurpose the frame. This is key for larger paintings and drawings, because big frames can be so expensive. Haggle if you want, since art is subjective and the sellers might not have too many interested buyers. Also, odds are that they’re tired of looking at it and just want it gone. Vintage jewellery Not to sound old-fashioned, but they don’t make jewellery like they used to – costume jewellery included. Since the popularity of items like brooches has declined over the years, you can usually get a deal on these accessories, and if you like, the possibilities for upgrading them are endless. Give tarnished silver a good polish with a paste of baking soda and warm water. For gold, paying a few bucks for solid pieces should pay off – you can always sell them for scrap or have them melted down to create something new. Kitchenware When you see pots and pans at a garage sale, look for rust, non-stick surfaces that are scratched or flaking, and chemical coatings that might leach out into your food. Cast-iron ware, on the other hand, can be salvaged and restored no matter what the condition – and it’ll last forever. Also, if you find the following items in good working condition, snap them up: stainless steel baking items, kitchen timers, serving utensils, Pyrex or ovenproof glass baking dishes, and quality knives (you can always take them in to be sharpened). Just make sure to wash these great garage sale finds well before use. Small kitchen appliance If you’re in the market for an ice cream maker, single-serve smoothie blender, or rotisserie, consider scouring garage sales first. People hold sales to sell off unused items that take up space on their countertops, and bulky, highly-specialised small appliances are often priced to move. You’ll usually be able to scoop them up for a fraction of their retail price – even if they’ve only been used once or twice. Jackets When it comes to apparel, jackets can be among the best garage sale finds. Since sellers spring-clean before their sales, bulky or unworn winter coats and vests are some of the first things to hit the to-go pile. Check for holes and wear before purchasing, and dry clean or give a good washing before putting in the closet for next year. For children, buy the next size(s) up and store in a closet for future seasons. Tools Tools like drills, saws, nail guns and compressors can be great garage sale finds. As long as the seller can prove that they’re in good working condition, snap them up. Ask how old the product is and how much it has been used over the years. Always keep an eye out for rust, which usually means the integrity of the metal is compromised, making the tool more dangerous to work with. Silverware Odds are you can pick up a stylish silverware set for cheaper than what you can find new at most stores, plus you’re likely to hear a cool back-story to boot. There’s also a chance that what you’ve got is actual silver. How can you tell? On the back of silver-plated items there will be markings that can include the company name, the country in which it was made, a product number, and the E.P. (electroplate) marking. Don’t miss this garage sale find! Bicycles Bikes can be a great garage sale find, but it’s important to take them for a test drive before you commit to the purchase. Hardcore bargain-hunters might consider bringing a wrench to adjust the seat and get a real feel for how it rides, paying particular attention to the condition of the brakes and tyres. (Although tires can always be filled with more air, check the treads for wear and the sidewalls for cracking.) For kids’ bikes, the owner’s children might not have used the item much before they outgrew it, but ask. Exercise equipment This is one of the best garage sale finds! A lot of people lose interest in their fitness gear quickly, which means you can get the equipment you’ve been looking for at half the price or better. Look for big-ticket items (elliptical machines, treadmills) as well as other indoor merch like hand weights in the spring, when New Year’s resolutions are long forgotten. Research the equipment first: It’s important to know where certain machines tend to wear out the most. Books Bulk up your home library with new favourite reads, especially children’s books (kids outgrow their books quickly as their reading comprehension increases) and hardcover classics. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/home-tips/11-garage-sale-finds-you-should-never-pass-up-2?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

11 garage sale finds you should never pass up

<h2>Vintage furniture</h2> Want to snag the biggest bargain on vintage furniture at a garage sale? The key is to wait until the end of the day. By then, the sellers are wondering how they are going to get that heavy old sofa off of the grass and back into the living room – and they’ll be more likely to take your initial offer. Be careful with upholstered items (bed bug alert!), but once you’re confident it’s clean, try to look past garishly coloured fabric and eye-popping patterns: you can always reupholster a piece of furniture to better suit your sense of style. <h2>Artwork</h2> Garage sale artwork is a great way to add some colour to your home. It’s fun to pick up art for two reasons: you might learn about interesting local artists, or, even if you don’t like the image, you can always repurpose the frame. This is key for larger paintings and drawings, because big frames can be so expensive. Haggle if you want, since art is subjective and the sellers might not have too many interested buyers. Also, odds are that they’re tired of looking at it and just want it gone. <h2>Vintage jewellery</h2> Not to sound old-fashioned, but they don’t make jewellery like they used to – costume jewellery included. Since the popularity of items like brooches has declined over the years, you can usually get a deal on these accessories, and if you like, the possibilities for upgrading them are endless. Give tarnished silver a good polish with a paste of baking soda and warm water. For gold, paying a few bucks for solid pieces should pay off – you can always sell them for scrap or have them melted down to create something new. <h2>Kitchenware</h2> When you see pots and pans at a garage sale, look for rust, non-stick surfaces that are scratched or flaking, and chemical coatings that might leach out into your food. Cast-iron ware, on the other hand, can be salvaged and restored no matter what the condition – and it’ll last forever. Also, if you find the following items in good working condition, snap them up: stainless steel baking items, kitchen timers, serving utensils, Pyrex or ovenproof glass baking dishes, and quality knives (you can always take them in to be sharpened). Just make sure to wash these great garage sale finds well before use. <h2>Small kitchen appliances</h2> If you’re in the market for an ice cream maker, single-serve smoothie blender, or rotisserie, consider scouring garage sales first. People hold sales to sell off unused items that take up space on their benchtops, and bulky, highly-specialised small appliances are often priced to move. You’ll usually be able to scoop them up for a fraction of their retail price – even if they’ve only been used once or twice. <h2>Jackets</h2> When it comes to apparel, jackets can be among the best garage sale finds. Since sellers spring-clean before their sales, bulky or unworn winter coats and vests are some of the first things to hit the to-go pile. Check for holes and wear before purchasing, and dry clean or give a good washing before putting in the wardrobe for next year. For children, buy the next size(s) up and store in a cupboard for future seasons. <h2>Tools</h2> Tools like drills, saws, nail guns and compressors can be great garage sale finds. As long as the seller can prove that they’re in good working condition, snap them up. Ask how old the product is and how much it has been used over the years. Always keep an eye out for rust, which usually means the integrity of the metal is compromised, making the tool more dangerous to work with. <h2>Silverware</h2> Odds are you can pick up a stylish silverware set for cheaper than what you can find new at most stores, plus you’re likely to hear a cool back-story to boot. There’s also a chance that what you’ve got is actual silver. How can you tell? On the back of silver-plated items there will be markings that can include the company name, the country in which it was made, a product number, and the electroplate marking. Don’t miss this garage sale find! <h2>Bicycles</h2> Bikes can be a great garage sale find, but it’s important to take them for a test drive before you commit to the purchase. Hardcore bargain-hunters might consider bringing a wrench to adjust the seat and get a real feel for how it rides, paying particular attention to the condition of the brakes and tyres. (Although tyres can always be filled with more air, check the treads for wear and the sidewalls for cracking.) For kids’ bikes, the owner’s children might not have used the item much before they outgrew it, but ask. <h2>Exercise equipment</h2> This is one of the best garage sale finds! A lot of people lose interest in their fitness gear quickly, which means you can get the equipment you’ve been looking for at half the price or better. Look for big-ticket items (elliptical machines, treadmills) as well as other indoor merch like hand weights in autumn/winter, when New Year’s resolutions are long forgotten. Research the equipment first: it’s important to know where certain machines tend to wear out the most. <h2>Books</h2> Bulk up your home library with new favourite reads, especially children’s books (kids outgrow their books quickly as their reading comprehension increases) and hardcover classics. Image credit: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/11-garage-sale-finds-you-should-never-pass-up" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

10 garage sale finds worth buying.

It’s hard to know exactly what is worth buying secondhand, but these garage sale finds should be snapped up if you see them! Large furniture Large furniture can be a great garage sale find. The key to buying big items at a garage sale is to wait until the end of the day. By then, the sellers are wondering how they are going to get that huge vintage sofa off of the grass and back into the living room. Be careful with upholstered items (bed bug alert!), but once you’re confident it’s clean, try to look past garishly coloured fabric and eye-popping patterns: you can always reupholster a piece of furniture to better suit your sense of style. Home office supplies Stationary is a great garage sale find. Normally, your eye instantly jumps to the larger items like couches, kitchen countertop appliances, and, yes, questionable taxidermy. But force yourself to examine smaller items too, especially ones you use regularly. Pens, push pins, and paperclips are office staples you can never have enough of. Artwork Garage sale artwork is a great way to add some colour to your home. It’s fun to pick up art for two reasons: You might learn about interesting local artists, or, even if you don’t like the image, you can always repurpose the frame. This is key for larger paintings and drawings, because big frames can be so expensive. Haggle if you want, since art is subjective and the sellers might not have too many interested buyers. Also, odds are that they’re tired of looking at it and just want it gone. Vintage brooches Not to sound old-fashioned, but they don’t make brooches like they used to. Since their popularity has declined over the years, you can usually get a deal on these accessories, and if you like, the possibilities for upgrading them are endless. They’re a great garage sale find! Tip: Consult a vintage jewellery guide to learn how to spot key details that will help you recognise what an old brooch might actually be worth. Kitchenware When you see pots and pans at a garage sale, look out for rust, non-stick surfaces that are scratched or flaking, and chemical coatings that might leach out into your food. Cast-iron ware, on the other hand, can be salvaged and restored no matter what the condition – and it’ll last forever. Also, if you find the following items in good working condition, snap them up: stainless steel baking items, kitchen timers, serving utensils, Pyrex or ovenproof glass baking dishes, wooden or bamboo serving bowls, wicker baskets, ceramic or porcelain dinnerware, stainless steel flatware and quality knives (you can always take them in to be sharpened). Just make sure to wash these great garage sale finds well before use! Jackets Jackets are a great garage sale find. Since sellers spring-clean before their sales, bulky or unworn winter coats and vests are some of the first things to hit the to-go pile. Check for holes and wear before purchasing, and dry clean or give a good washing before putting in the wardrobe for next year. For children, buy the next size(s) up and store in a wardrobe for future seasons. Tools Tools like drills, saws, nail guns and compressors can be great garage sale finds. As long as the seller can prove that they’re in good working condition, snap them up. Ask how old the product is and how much it has been used over the years. Always keep an eye out for rust, which usually means the integrity of the metal is compromised, making the tool more dangerous to work with. Fishing rods Bamboo rods and reels are non-mainstream antiques that some collectors will shell out major bucks for. Silverware Odds are you can pick up a stylish silverware set for cheaper than what you can find new at most stores, plus you’re likely to hear a cool back-story to boot. There’s also a chance that what you’ve got is actual silver. How can you tell? On the back of silver-plated items there will be markings that can include the company name, the country in which it was made, a product number, and the E.P. (electroplate) marking. Don’t miss this garage sale find! Children's formal clothes Looking for a children’s dress or suit for a special occasion? Formal clothes for kids only tend to be worn on a few occasions, and you will often find them being sold in near-new condition for a low price, which makes them one of the best garage sale finds. Garage sales are the perfect place to look for a communion dress or a suit for an upcoming wedding. Also good to score: slightly damaged, cheap party clothes for kids to use in dress-up games. This article was written by Alison Caporimo and first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/money/20-garage-sale-finds-worth-buying" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a rel="noopener" href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> Image: Getty Images <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Money & Banking

Handyman builds his wife a pub in their garage for just $300

After eight weeks in lockdown, one Sydney man has had enough. Unable to visit the pub due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, Daniel Rule decided to bring the pub to him. His wife Kaylyn told Sunrise that she had mentioned to her husband that lockdown was making her miss going to her local pub for a cold one. Agreeing with her, Daniel pulled his resources and decided to build a pub in the garage of their Sydney home. “I honestly didn’t think it would happen as fast as it did - it was all done within a couple of hours,” Kaylyn told the Channel Seven breakfast show. The impressive set-up features a bar bench made out of wooden pallets, flashing lights and bar stools. Daniel purchased all the materials at a cost of $300, after browsing Bunnings Warehouse and local businesses on Facebook Marketplace. Kaylyn decided to document the construction process on her TikTok account, and the video has been viewed over half a million times. In the video, Daniel creates the bar by nailing together wooden pallets before sanding down the surface and applying varnish. He also mounts two shelves to the back bar to hold alcohol and a television for watching their favourite sports. Kalyn said the reaction to the video has been “crazy”. <div class="hide-print ad-no-notice css-qyun7f-StyledAdUnitWrapper ezkyf1c0"> “I just wanted to make the video so I could show our friends and family - we honestly didn’t think it would blow up like this.” <div class="hide-print css-drbrjk-StyledCardContainer e148s7sr3"> <div class="e148s7sr1 Card-Media css-m8orbs-StyledMedia-StyledCardMedia e1m2h3dd6"> <div class="Card-Media-Content css-1kaoam0-StyledMediaContent e1m2h3dd7">Image credit: TikTok @kaylyn.rule</div> </div> </div> </div>

Home & Garden

5 things in your house that could be worth money

<h2>Vinyl</h2> Vinyl is back, baby! Hipsters and older people alike are fighting to get their hands on limited release titles and sought after vintage vinyl. But it’s hard saying what your collection may be worth. “Some records won’t sell for more than 50 cents while coveted first pressings can command thousands of dollars,” says Dan Orkin, who manages the <a href="https://reverb.com/">Reverb Price Guide</a> website. Currently, on the Reverb LP marketplace there is a 1956 self-titled Elvis Presley album listed for $US105, while the Purple Rain album, by Prince, still in shrink wrap, is listed for $US179. <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/thought-provoking/9-most-expensive-valuable-and-collectable-records-all-time">Check out the 9 most expensive, valuable and collectable records of all time.</a> <h2>Arcade games</h2> That old arcade game that you dragged from your parent’s attic to your current house’s attic may be worth some change, even if it’s not working. According to Seth Peterson, co-founder and CEO of All You Can Arcade, a nonworking arcade game can still fetch $US100 to $US400. Working games range from $US600 to $US2,500. Some titles are hotter than others right now. “Asteroids is an awesome title with high replayability and is worth $US1,000,” says Peterson. “The value of Pong has quadrupled in the last four years and is approaching $US2000.” <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/money/Make-Extra-Cash-by-Selling-Online">Find out how to make extra cash by selling online.</a> <h2>Retro/Vintage T-shirts</h2> Those T-shirts you just couldn’t part with from your youth could be worth a whole lot more than you originally paid for them. “Concert, advertising, and shirts with a cool scene are all the rage,” says Reyne Hirsch, long-time appraiser on Antiques Roadshow. A Prince T-shirt on Poshmark recently sold for US$380 and a 1990s Mario Brothers Nintendo 64 Game T-shirt sold for $US150. <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/save-money-ways-youve-never-thought-these-10-tips">Find out how to save money in ways you’ve never thought of before with these 10 tips.</a> <h2>Air Jordans</h2> You begged for them, saved up your pocket money, and babysat for endless evenings in order to buy those coveted Air Jordans. Was it worth it? Hirsch says you could have a slam dunk of cash in your soles. “Early Air Jordan sneakers can sell for hundreds if not thousands of dollars, depending on which model and the condition.” <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/money/How-to-Tell-When-a-Special-Deal-is-Not-So-Special">Find out how to tell when a special deal is not so special.</a> <h2>Turntables</h2> Lovers of vinyl need something to spin their tunes on so they could be anxious to get your old turntable. “Stereo equipment has recently been selling quite well online, especially vintage turntables and stereo receivers,” says Orkin. Check out online sources like <a href="http://reverb.com/">Reverb</a> or eBay to see what similar turntables have sold for if you want to part with yours. Written by Lisa Marie Conklin. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/money/25-things-your-house-right-now-could-be-worth-money">Reader’s Digest</a>. Find more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="https://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA93V">here’s our best subscription offer</a>.

Retirement Income

$45 garage sale item fetches almost $1 million

A garage sale item sold for $50 has gone under the hammer for more than $900,000. An exceptionally rare bowl from the 15th century, made in China, was sold without thought at a garage sale in the US state of Connecticut. Adorned with cobalt blue paintings of flowers and other designs – the small white bowl is just one of only seven that are known to exist in the world. The auction ran by Sotheby’s estimated the artefact to be worth $380,000 to $640,000. However, it seems the bowl defied all expectations after it received 15 bids starting at $256,000 and ended at $923,797 after various fees. The antique comes from the Ming Dynasty-era. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840370/china-garage-sale-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/dee2b1f05df8431890aefa6060dfda2a" /> Angela McAteer, head of Sotheby’s Chinese Works of Art Department, said the result for the “exceptionally rare” bowl “epitomises the incredible”. The bowl was made in the early 1400s during the reign of the Yongle Emperor, the third rules of the Ming Dynasty, and was created specifically for the Yongle Court.

Money & Banking

Nail salon workers suffer chemical exposures that can be like working at a garage or a refinery

Anyone who has walked past a nail salon is familiar with the noxious odors that emanate from acrylic nails, polishes and removers. Customers getting manicures and pedicures endure the smell temporarily, but manicurists who inhale these evaporating chemicals for hours expose themselves to health risks. The smells come from volatile organic compounds, or VOCs – compounds that <a href="https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/volatile-organic-compounds-vocs">easily become vapors or gases</a>. These substances have been <a href="https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality#Health_Effects">linked to health problems</a> ranging from headaches and respiratory irritation to reproductive complications and cancer. In a normal room-temperature environment, VOCs evaporate and humans breathe them in. Our research team, along with colleagues at Colorado State University, recently investigated <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.03.086">chemical exposures in six Colorado nail salons</a> and found that employees spent their days exposed to high levels of VOCs. Participating technicians, who had worked in salons for up to 19 years, reported suffering headaches and skin and eye irritation. We measured levels of benzene and formaldehyde in the salons, and determined that exposure to these known human carcinogens was increasing the workers’ lifetime cancer risks above one in one million – the level that <a href="https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/iwachap10.pdf">many U.S. agencies consider acceptable</a> in regulating exposure to harmful substances. Nail salon workers in New York City rally for safer working conditions. Identifying health hazards A 2015 <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/nyregion/at-nail-salons-in-nyc-manicurists-are-underpaid-and-unprotected.html">New York Times exposé</a> highlighted underpayment and poor working conditions in New York nail salons. However, it failed to address chemical exposures that salon workers experience daily. Several research groups have sought to <a href="https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2010.300099">characterize</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09603123.2012.755152">quantify</a> VOC exposures <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-018-1353-0">in the nail salon environment</a>, using standard measurement techniques and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-007-9084-4">self-reported health surveys</a>. Their research shows that nail salon workers are exposed to higher levels of VOCs than they would typically be expected to encounter in most homes, occupations or urban environments. As a result, these workers frequently experience work-related health symptoms. Our study measured 10 VOCs, including the carcinogens <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.03.086">benzene and formaldehyde</a>. We found that VOC levels in the six salons where we monitored regularly exceeded common threshold levels for <a href="https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iris_drafts/atoz.cfm?list_type=alpha">odor and inhalation risk</a>. In some cases this posed a significant risk of cancer over a 20-year exposure period. Twenty workers answered questionnaires about their personal health. Among them, 70% reported some form of short-term health symptom related to their employment, while 40% reported multiple related symptoms. We worked closely with salon owners to enlist volunteer nail technicians to participate. Having owners’ support was instrumental, since it allowed salon workers to accurately report on their health and working conditions without fear of reprisal. Workers have participated in making groundbreaking policy change such as passing the SF <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HealthyNailSalon?src=hash">#HealthyNailSalon</a> Program Ordinance <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EFCSRchat?src=hash">#EFCSRchat</a> Like working at an oil refinery Many people view cosmetology as a relatively safe profession, but it isn’t. We found that exposures to aromatic hydrocarbons like benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes – collectively referred to as BTEX – resembled those previously reported in studies of <a href="https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Ambient-Air-Quality-Monitoring-in-Terms-of-Volatile-Singh-Ramteke/7089e7068ccb85bca9d05f36598e2b5fb92ae910">oil refinery workers</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10807031003670071">auto garage technicians</a>. Our results aren’t unique. A 2018 Iranian study found similar concentrations of benzene, ethylbenzene, and xylene in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12995-018-0213-x">Tehran beauty salons</a>. Another study conducted that year in Michigan found concentrations of toluene at <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-018-1353-0">over 100 parts per billion</a>, which is roughly 30 times higher than <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/toluene.pdf">reported urban outdoor levels</a>. Regulation of this kind of workplace exposure has not kept pace with science. Many U.S. occupational safety and health exposure limits have not been updated <a href="https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2014/12/01/Can-OSHA-Update-the-PELs.aspx">for nearly 50 years</a>. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, readily acknowledges that many of its permissible exposure limits are “<a href="https://www.osha.gov/dsg/annotated-pels/">outdated and inadequate</a> for ensuring protection of worker health.” OSHA offers only guidance and recommendations for businesses, effectively shifting the burden of worker protection onto private industry. This is especially problematic in the nail salon industry, where over 90% of salons are small businesses that <a href="https://www.labor.ucla.edu/publication/nail-files/">employ fewer than 5 people</a> and do not have safety personnel on staff. Inadequate cosmetic product regulations and labeling requirements make it hard to know which products are actually safe. A 2012 study by the California Environmental Protection Agency found that 10 out of 12 nail products labeled “toluene free” still contained <a href="https://dtsc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2018/04/DTSC-Summary-of-Data-Findings-from-Testing-a-Limited-Number-of-Nail-Products-April-2012.pdf">up to 17% toluene</a>. Products labeled free of the so-called “toxic three” ingredients – dibutyl phthalate or DBP, toluene and formaldehyde – actually contained <a href="https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/nailsalons/chemicalhazards.html#resources">greater concentrations of DBP</a>, an endocrine-disrupting compound, than products that made no claims at all. Solving the problem Owners often work in nail salons, so they generally support efforts to improve air quality inside their businesses. Those who we interviewed typically had some understanding of the problem and wanted to fix it, but didn’t always know how. The <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-05/documents/nailsalonguide.pdf">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a>, the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/99-112/pdfs/99-112.pdf?id=10.26616/NIOSHPUB99112">National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health</a> and <a href="https://www.osha.gov/Publications/3542nail-salon-workers-guide.pdf">OSHA</a> all publish healthy nail salon guides. Yet owners in our study had never heard of them – perhaps because the guides are only published in English, while many nail salon workers are Asian and Latino immigrants with limited English language skills. Several grassroots community organizations have published guides to improving salons’ air quality in both <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5783e9b9be6594e480435ffe/t/58f447f903596ebd7ca8f6f3/1492404219566/Nail-Salon-Booklet-FINAL-Vietnamese-March-26-2014-adjusted-for-color-copier-and-single-pages.pdf">Vietnamese</a> and <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5783e9b9be6594e480435ffe/t/58f447e386e6c023e6aff51c/1492404197241/Chinese-FINAL-Version-2-2012.pdf">Chinese</a>. These references discuss ventilation and use of personal protective equipment, which are paramount for mitigating chemical exposures in the workplace. Small changes, such as running ventilation continuously, wearing <a href="http://safety-zone.com/products/nitrile-gloves/">nitrile gloves</a>and utilizing proper <a href="https://www.firstaidglobal.com/product-page/carbon-filter-masks-n95-with-exhalation-valve">charcoal face masks</a>, can significantly reduce worker exposure. Results from <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2019.106499">our most recent study</a> also suggest that placing large activated carbon sinks in salons could effectively remove VOCs from the air. We are currently experimenting with embedding these chemical-absorbing materials into <a href="https://cen.acs.org/environment/pollution/Environmental-engineer-Lupita-Montoya-scrutinizes/97/i32">pieces of art</a> that can hang on salon walls. Another priority is conveying information to larger audiences and advocating for more safety training in cosmetology certification programs. Education and training are particularly important for ethnic minority groups. Many workplace standards enforced by OSHA, such as those regulating exposure to toxic and hazardous substances, <a href="https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/nailsalons/standards.html">apply to nail salons</a>. However, cosmetic manufacturers are <a href="https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/fda-authority-over-cosmetics-how-cosmetics-are-not-fda-approved-are-fda-regulated#Who_is_responsible">not required</a> to obtain federal approval for products or ingredients before they go on the market, or to file product information with the agency. In contrast, California passed a bill in 2018 that will require manufacturers to <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180AB2775">provide ingredient labels</a> on any professional cosmetic products manufactured after July 1, 2020 and sold in the state. The campaign for this common-sense reform was largely led by advocacy groups like the <a href="https://cahealthynailsalons.org/">California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative</a>. Practical steps like this can improve conditions for workers who receive little attention but are exposed to serious health risks on the job every day. Written by Lupita D. Montoya and Aaron Lamplugh. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/nail-salon-workers-suffer-chemical-exposures-that-can-be-like-working-at-a-garage-or-a-refinery-118152">The Conversation.</a>

Beauty & Style

How to hold a successful garage sale

Clearing your home of clutter or old and unwanted items is an important task when you’re planning to sell or move house, but it can be also be a great way of simply freshening up and re-organising your home. If you hold a garage sale after the clean up, you also have a chance to make some extra money and have a fun day with family, friends and neighbours. If you don’t know where to start, the key is planning and preparation. Here are our five tips for a garage sale. 1. Decide on a date Choose a Saturday or Sunday, three to four weeks ahead. You need time to collect, clean up, arrange and price items. By deciding on a date in advance, you also have a deadline to work towards. Make sure the date does not clash with any major local events or sport activities, and that helpers are free to assist on that day. 2. Start Collecting Begin sorting through your home for goods you are willing to sell, including everything you want to get rid of. You will be surprised - your junk can be another person's treasure. Remember, though, that some items may need to be cleaned or repaired to ensure a good price. It’s important that you tell as many neighbours, friends and family as possible that you are having a garage sale, as they may have some items they want to sell and may be willing to help out on the day. 3. Spread the word Advertise in your local paper two weeks before the day, but don’t forget to use social media (many neighbourhoods have their own Facebook pages) or websites such as gumtree.com.au. Facebook has recently launched its ‘Market’ in Australia aimed at helping people find things for sale locally. Ask local shops and supermarkets if they allow signs in their windows, and consider community notice boards. Also place signage on the corner of your street and main road, either the evening before or early on the morning of the sale. Often your local real estate office will be able to help you with the supply of pointer signs because agents are frequently asked to help their clients with garage sales. Remember to keep all signs and advertisements brief - the day, date, start and finish time and your property address is all that is required. 4. Be prepared Make sure all items are clearly priced with stickers before the day. Keep pricing simple – saves having to do a lot of adding up on the day. Have plenty of change available, including small change and notes. Money belts are useful for collecting cash or you can use a till as long as it is never left unattended. It is also a good idea to have a calculator, pencil and paper, bags, boxes and newspaper to wrap valuables. And don’t forget to have drinks and seating handy for you and your helpers – it can be a long morning! 5. On the day Don’t be surprised if you find serious buyers knocking on your door an hour or two before start time. A good ‘official’ starting time is 9am, so that visitors won’t disturb you too early. During the day, remember to keep your house locked at all times, and ensure you have a secure place inside your home to put cash as it accumulates. State a clear finish time so people are not coming too late in the day. After the sale has finished, donate leftover items to a local charity. By being prepared you will be able to relax and enjoy the day, ending up with a clean house and a little extra cash at the end. Written by Stewart Bunn. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/property/how-to-hold-a-successful-garage-sale.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Art

Can you spot the snake hiding in this garage?

A photograph released by Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers of a snake hiding in a garage has left the internet stumped, revealing just how stealthy snakes can be. The image below was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SunshineCoastSnakeCatchers/" target="_blank">posted on Facebook</a> on the weekend. Can you spot the snake? <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSunshineCoastSnakeCatchers%2Fposts%2F1895780920673694&width=500" width="500" height="540" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe> Having a little trouble? Scroll through the gallery above to find the answer. Did you see the snake straight away? Hero image credit: Facebook / Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers

Home & Garden

Retired man discovers Jackson Pollock artwork in garage

When clearing out the garage, it’s natural to stumble across the odd forgotten treasure, but imagine one retiree’s shock when he found a lost artwork by famous expressionist Jackson Pollock in his Arizona home. The man, a relative of New York City socialite and art collector Jenifer Gordon Cosgriff, discovered the “gouache” painting alongside a number of works from artists such as Jules Olitski, Cora Kelley Ward, David Porter, Hazel Guggenheim McKinley, John Charles Ford, Louis Siegriest, Isamu Noguchi, and Kenneth Noland. Noland’s piece sold in January for an impressive $145,000. He hired appraisers to assess the value of the artworks, and was stunned to learn he was the owner of a genuine Pollock dating between 1945 and 1949. <img width="499" height="704" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/38255/image__499x704.jpg" alt="Image_ (347)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> “As we're going through the stack and we're down to this last piece [...] I was like, 'God, that looks like a Jackson Pollock'," auction house owner and appraiser Josh Levine told <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2017/06/12/us/lost-jackson-pollock-painting-garage-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a>. "We asked ourselves immediately what everyone else would, ‘Why is this in Arizona?'" The painting will go up for auction on Tuesday, where it is expected to fetch close to $20 million. That’s quite the retirement fund! Tell us in the comments below, have you ever found a valuable item while clearing out your home or the home of a loved one?

Art

6 ways to use your empty garage to earn money

Amelie Mahone is a loving wife and a mother of three. She loves to read about history and write articles on various topics, such as: business, education, history and teaching. In this piece, she explains how you can use an empty garage to earn money. If you have an empty garage full of junk that’s gathering dust, you may be ignoring an asset that could make you some money. The sharing economy is growing substantially. This collaborative consumption is helping small businesses to save money and individuals to make the most of their resources. Online communities are forming and allowing people to share their assets for a profit. <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60" target="_blank">Airbnb</a> is a prime example of the kind of websites cropping up to help pair renters with rentees. This all means that it’s easier than ever to turn empty space into a money spinner. And with a space as big as a garage there are lots of options to choose from. So how can you make use of your empty garage? 1. Rent it as a parking space If you don’t need your garage for your own car and the space is easily accessed from the road, you could choose to rent it as a long term parking space to someone who commutes to your area. You could also offer short term rentals, particularly if you live near a city centre, a sports stadium or event venue. Parking space in many cities is at a premium so take advantage and advertise your empty space. 2. Rent it as storage space You’ll probably have less coming and going from your property if you rent out your garage as storage space. Whether they’re off travelling or being seconded to another city, people regularly search for storage space when they’re in between accommodation. There are many companies that can help you to market your space and find people looking for a place to keep their stuff. 3. Turn it into a workshop If you have the means to invest a little into your garage, you could transform it into a workshop space fit for an artist, a repairman or a tradesperson. Getting one long term let or lots of shorter ones will give you a decent income. 4. Have a garage sale Gather all of the bits and bobs you don’t use from around the house and <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/2016/12/5-tips-for-a-successful-garage-sale/" target="_blank">set up a stall in your garage</a>. Put a sign out at the front of your house to tell passers-by that you’re there. Get a money box with change and some tables on which to display your wares. You’ll get rid of lots of old junk and make some money in the process. 5. Rent it as a pop up venue Many small independent businesses are choosing not to rent or purchase their own premises. Instead these companies are creating so called pop-up events in original spaces, avoiding the commitment of a long term let. Depending on the location of your garage, businesses and entrepreneurs may be interested in renting your space for a pop-up vintage clothes shop or a pop-up art exhibition. 6. Turn it into your own business space If you have an eye for antiques or are handy with electrical appliances, you could start your own business from home, using your garage as storage or work space. Keep stock in the garage or kit the space out as a workshop. You may also be able to get some tax benefits for using your home as a workspace. It’s always worth checking with local authorities and your mortgage provider before you make any big changes to the way you use your property. However, all being well, there are plenty of ways to make money from your empty garage space. With the right online presence and the right space, the possibilities are endless. Do you have empty garage space? If so, what do you use it for? Written by Amalie Mahone.

Money & Banking

Boy sneaks into neighbour’s garage to play with dog after his pooch died

A woman in the US has shared the heartwarming video of a little boy sneaking into her garage to seek comfort in her dog after his own passed away. While reviewing her security footage, Hollie Breaux Mallet, from Louisiana, was puzzled as to why a little boy kept sneaking in her garage. She soon realised he was playing and cuddling her dog, Duchess, before running back to his bike to go home. In a bid to find him, and tell him that he’s welcome over anytime, she shared the security video on her Facebook and wrote: "Attn Neighbors! Anyone know who this sweet little boy is? Every now and then when he rides his bike he will quickly come and love on my dog or play fetch real quick, but always leaves quick like he doesn't know if he should be here! "I'd like to tell him he's welcome to stay and play, she loves the attention!" The video quickly went viral with many heartened by the bond between the boy and the dog. The boy was soon identified as Josh, when his mother contacted Hollie. "Thanks for the add Hollie! Josh talks about your dog all the time! Every time we pass he looks to see if she was sitting where he could see her. Just didn't know he was doing things like this,” the boy’s mother, Ginger Clement Breaux, wrote. “Last night when I first saw it, I was torn as a momma being happy and upset because he knows he shouldn't be on someone's property, but I wake up this morning more happy that he just absolutely adores dogs so much.” Hollie was however pleased to find the boy and invited him over any time to play with his new best friend. <img width="240" height="320" src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/news/2016/06/08/350AA6C500000578-3630575-Best_friends_Josh_has_since_taken_a_number_of_selfies_with_Dutch-a-49_1465365653753-large_trans++LZ1bJd-I99VgiaPxe-UMcPlZBRoezaD186OgGOZAjuQ.jpg" alt="Dog" class="lead-asset-image" style="float: left;"/> “So glad to see that innocence and love was caught on camera instead of what they are normally used for. Can't believe all the views this post has received, so glad to have captured this sweetness!” she said. As to when Josh will get another dog of his own, his mother said, “We had our dog Bella since Josh was two, but she passed away last year. Things have been busy and Josh is active with after school activities so we have not jumped back into taking on the responsibility of starting all over again with a new pup quite yet. It will happen though!” In the meantime, we’re sure Josh’s visits to Duchess will keep them both happy. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2014/09/the-benefits-of-having-a-pet/">Why having a pet is SO good for you</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/photos-of-animals-hitchhiking/">Hilarious photos of animals hitchhiking</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/how-to-help-your-pet-conquer-their-phobias/">How to help your pet conquer their phobias</a>

News

How to ensure you make money at your next garage sale

If you are hosting a garage sale, follow our tips below for some stand-out items that are sure to draw a crowd. Nicely displayed accessories Punters love to grab a vintage looking handbags or necklaces – but they are more likely to notice it if it is well laid out. Rather than a tubful of your pre-loved jewels, take the time to set them out (a tray of white rice works well as a backdrop). Hang handbags on a hat rack rather than piling them up. Bags of clothes Rather than haggling over one item of clothing, try offering them the chance to fill a bag for $5. The buyer will feel as though they are getting a bargain, and you won’t be left with a load of clothes to sell online. Later in the day you could reduce the price and also use it for items like CDs. Records Why not just offer everything at the one price so that the buyer feels as though they’re getting a good deal. Of course you could also do a bit of research online to see if you have anything worth selling for more. Tools If they’re in good condition you can generally get rid of tools at your garage sale quite easily. Toolboxes are also quite popular, as is gardening equipment or seedlings. Books Similar to the bags of clothes idea, try to stack similar books together and sell for one low price. This is a great idea for kids’ books, as they tend to be less fussy about specific authors. Cold drinks Even if the casual browser doesn’t end up buying anything, tempt them to stops with big bucket full of chilled water and soft drinks. Price them for a gold coin and you should have no trouble getting through the lot if you get a nice sunny day. Old wooden furniture You might have been about to throw it out, but your rickety old chair could be someone’s weekend DIY project. Shoppers often want to haggle, as they will be doing the majority of the work, so you could even price these items a bit higher than what you expect to end up getting for them. Retro toys If you’ve got some classic dolls, figures or movie memorabilia stashed away you might find that the garage sale isn’t your best option. If you think it’s worth something, selling them online through auction sites such as eBay would prove more lucrative. Baby items Parents are often on the hunt for decent quality second hand clothes, cots, bouncers and other baby paraphernalia. It’s a good chance for you to clear it out too, so price things reasonably and you should have no trouble selling it all. Anything stained or smelly – ditch it. Antiques If you can put “antiques” on your signage you will most likely draw a crowd. Even if it’s just one or two key pieces, that will help. Seasonal goods Keep your seasons in mind and pop the garden furniture and fans out the front in summer, and heaters and blankets out if it’s cool.

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6 ways to use your empty garage to earn money

Boy sneaks into neighbour’s garage to play with dog after his pooch died

How to ensure you make money at your next garage sale