Saturday Book Resources

Still reading mystery series... Should have an actual book review next week.

So, here's a couple of bookish websites I turn to on the rare occasion that Amazon lets me down:

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Both of these websites deal in used books sold by independent sellers, which I love to support. I sell a few things on Amazon once in a while myself and really appreciate my buyers. You can get some really great deals here while supporting small businesses or individuals.

Let me be clear, I really like Amazon. Most of the time, their prices are the best around and it's just so easy to shop with them. They usually have what I want, new items anyway, and their free shipping for $25 and over orders can't be beat. But here's how Amazon fails me:

I'll give you an example of a search I made recently. I was looking for an out of print book that was selling on Amazon through independent book sellers, for upwards of $25. For a little paperback!! So I went to Alibris and found one copy for $1.99. Yay! I didn't need it to impress anyone, it didn't need to be a shiny, new copy, it just needed to be affordably readable. Maybe I just lucked out finding it so cheap, but knowing I can go places other than Amazon for my reading needs is liberating.

On Amazon, if you want to buy several books from one seller, you are forced to pay the full shipping price for EACH book. Huh?? 21st century folks, there should be a method to combine shipping for the same seller. Many of the independents that sell on Amazon also sell on Alibris and/or Abebooks, so I zip on over to those websites, where shipping for one seller is combined, and get what I want for shipping that makes sense.

These websites are also excellent resources for text books.

I used to be able to spend hours in bookstores, browsing and reading in snatches. Now, not so much. I don’t know if I just don’t have the patience anymore or if there just aren’t enough bookstores nearby with character and books I’m interested in perusing. But the fact that I can support independent bookstores online makes me feel good. There’s a place in the world for Borders, Barnes and Noble and Amazon, but God bless the indies!

Do What You Love!

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Ode to High Speed Posting!

La la la! Singing the praises of high speed internet! I was able to post 5 new vintage jewelry listings on Etsy tonight. Can you say effortless? For those of you who haven't read any of my travails regarding dial up, let me just say that trying to list 5 things on Etsy a month ago would have taken all night and a year off my life!

I love to buy old jewelry at yard sales and church bazaars. Some go into new jewelry pieces or artwork but some are real finds, either signed (which means the name of the manufacturer is stamped on the back) or not. Here's a couple of things I posted tonight:

Here's a beautiful pair of Richelieu earrings. The pearl is peeling just slightly but otherwise they're in great condition, with all the shiny shiny rhinestones intact.

Are these a blast from the past, or what?! Do you remember sweater guards or clips? I wore them when I was a kid. You clipped each side of the collar of your sweater so it wouldn't fall off when you had the sweater draped over your shoulders. These are classics signed by Judy Lee.

I picked up this apple because I was impressed that all the rhinestones were intact. This little baby really shines! It would make a unique teacher's gift just because of the blue color.

Come on by bearchick.etsy.com to see more vintage and handmade items I've posted in the last few weeks. And remember, domestic and Canadian shipping is free till December 15!

www.bearchick.etsy.com

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