This time last week, I was sitting in my oldest daughter's new flat. I was helping her get settled in a bit. When she moved in, the room had an old double bed frame. She had borrowed a couple of twins mattresses from us, but what she really, REALLY wanted was a nice futon. Since she has just a studio on the ground floor, she wanted somewhere that her friends could sit when they came over. But also a nice place to sleep. We looked at all the discount websites. But the one she wanted most was almost £300...much more than her budget. What she could get for the hundred pounds or so that she could afford was not a good selection.
So I asked her to give me a few days to check out charity shops, Freecycle and just look around. A pleasant surprise was the following advert that I found on our Islington council's swap exchange:
White Single Beds
Free to anyone who wants to collect it, we have a futon in a pine finish. The frame is in very good condition. The cushion/mattress is white and the padding is still pretty good although the cover could do with a clean. It's only ever been used as an incidental sofa/bed but over the years various spillages have marked it. A zip runs all the way down the back so I guess the cover could be removed and washed, although I've never tried myself. We don't have room for it anymore but it seems a shame to throw it out, so if you want it, it's yours.
I emailed and it was still available. We arranged to pick it up this evening, but when we arrived my jaws almost dropped open: it was the EXACT one she wanted. The mattress cover needs a wash or she may use the hundred pounds in her budget to purchase a really nice one. My vote went for using that money to purchase material and the two of us making a couple of them. No matter which option she chooses, I cannot tell you how excited I was to be able to help her out like this...at a time when we are watching every pence. And a special thanks to our angel, Graham, who choose to take the time to re-use this wonderful futon.
Some of you may think...that was lucky. So let me tell you about my other find last week. As I was taking my younger daughter to nursery, I noticed a large clear plastic bag of toys near our bin. I especially noticed the large foam number puzzle on top. Of course, I knew better than to stop and draw her attention to it. But after I dropped her at school, I stopped to explore...and discovered not just the wonderful puzzle but HUNDREDS of pounds worth of Barbie's and accessories. The biggest find was the extremely rare pregnant Midge doll. My older daughter obviously is too old for Barbie and my younger one is really too young just yet. I did something a tad bold: I shared my fetish/find with my neighbour. I was a tad reluctant, but I knocked and explained about the stuff. I was reluctant because how do you say...I was going through the trash and guess what I found. Turns out, she thought it was great and now her grand-daughters are absolutely delighted with their 'new' Barbie's, especially the pregnant one that none of their friends have. In the past, I 'saved' a Little Tikes kitchen set that would have cost close to a hundred pounds.
My point is that...one person's trash is the top of another person's wish list. So before you toss something, check to see if your council has a Swap Exchange or register with Freecycle. Other options include donating it to charity shops, having a yard/car boot sale and like me offering it to friends (I will do another post sometime about how much of my daughter's clothes and toys come this way). Just think you could be the answer to someone's prayer...just like Graham was tonight.
Christmas Sales Smart Air Beds 5 x 1 Inflatable Sofa Bed (Regal White) - Full Size 201
Dec 13, 2011 13:52:51
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Christmas Sales Smart Air Beds 5 x 1 Inflatable Sofa Bed (Regal White) - Full Size Feature
- AC pump and 3 nozzles, patch kit and storage bag are free with the purchase of the product
- Inflates in about 90 seconds
- Deflates in about 2 minutes and can easily be stored in a closet, trunk of a car, camper or shed
- Seating surface is 14" high off the ground
- 28" seating area is suitable for two adults
Christmas Sales Smart Air Beds 5 x 1 Inflatable Sofa Bed (Regal White) - Full Size Overview
If you are looking for more than "just an air bed", then the Smart Air Beds 5 x 1 Inflatable Sofa Bed is probably the right piece of inflatable furniture for you. Depending on the chambers you inflate and the configuration, the Smart Air Beds 5 x 1 Inflatable Sofa Bed can be:-An air bed that measures 74" x 54" x 7", perfect for two people as a short term sleeping solution- A raised air bed that measures 38" x 54" x 14", great for a temporary bed for a small child (please provide parental supervision)- A relaxing lounger - from the air bed position, just inflate the back and arm rests-A sturdy recliner - take the lounger and flip it over so the arm/back rest is sitting on the ground-And of course, a spacious two person sofa (54" wide with ~ 35" of seating space)Five uses from one product - hence the name 5 x 1! The Smart Air Beds 5 x 1 Inflatable Sofa Bed is made of PVC vinyl which is easy to clean or repair should any kind of mishaps occur (comes with a patch kit). Also included absolutely FREE with your purchase are a detachable AC pump with three nozzles (made to plug in to US outlets - a value) and a lightweight carry bag to take everything with you (a .99 value). If you want to take the Smart Air Beds 5 x 1 Inflatable Sofa Bed camping with you, all you will need is a rechargeable or battery powered pump (not included), and you are good to go!When you are finished using the product, deflation and storage is a snap. Simple release the air through the three quick release valves (most of the air will immediately evacuate), use the deflation port on the AC pump to suck out the remaining air, fold the sofa up, and store it in the carry bag. When it's all said and done, the item is no bigger than an average gym bag! Please note: white vinyl is easy to scuff and mark, but is easily cleaned with something like the Mr. Clean Magic Scrubber.SAVE NOW on Christmas Sales Offers below!
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