Wednesday

Let's Have a Big Round of Applause For...

Bartering? Well, let me explain. There's people that have a real knack for it, realize the benefits and do it all the time. Then there are people that are new to the concept and are experimenting with it.

For others, I mention the word "barter" and it seems to cause a bit of confusion. This is when I refer to it as trade, swap or exchange, followed by an example; electrical work in exchange for plumbing services or that mountain bike in exchange for that beer fridge. (That usually gets their attention).

Bartering has been around forever but it's certainly made a come back. With today's economy, it's the smart thing to do.

Sometimes I wish more people did it though. Maybe I'll Forrest Gump it across the country preaching from the good barter book.

I even thought of a great idea for the Ellen DeGeneres show. We'll call it "Trade Ya" (just 'cause I can picture her saying that). Members of the studio audience can bring in something small and Ellen can go around asking if anyone wants or needs it. When someone raises their hand in excitement, Ellen will grab what they have and offer it in return. "Anyway", I'll have my people call her people.

Maybe a Barbara Walter's interview where she'll make me cry, oh no wait, she's retired now.

Okay, The Oprah Winfrey Show. An episode titled "Saving Money" teaching people to barter for what they need. BTW, she really should have a website of the month club.

I thought about Dr. Phil but I really can't take anymore of his wise old sayings. Can't count your chickens before they hatch...If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck...A rolling stone gathers no moss, etc. etc. and etc.

Barb Di Renzo
www.u-exchange.com

Thursday

Seed Exchange

Bartering For Your Garden

In the past few years, my interest in gardening has grown. I don't have an awful lot of spare time but when I do, I'm usually doing something in the garden. Whether it's spring, summer or fall, there's always work to be done around the yard.

It's peaceful, rewarding and great exercise. I'm always looking for something new, changing things around or digging things up. I enjoy looking at other gardens for inspiration or new varieties of plants to grow.

What I have realized is that having a beautiful garden is expensive. Having an abundance of flowers, foliage and shrubs can cost an arm and a leg. That's why I think seed or plant exchanging is such a great idea. I dig up my bulbs every two years to detach new bulb growth and collect as many seeds as I can, as I'm sure many gardener's do.

I came across one of our member's listings today that I thought was such a great idea. She's bartering organically grown produce in return for help around the garden. A very creative way of getting a helping hand without having to hire someone for the labour. You can't beat fresh produce on the table for a couple of hours of your spare time.

It just shows that whether it's seeds, produce or a little help around the garden , bartering works on so many levels.

Barb Di Renzo
www.u-exchange.com

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