Bargain Bin #1

Chūko News will now be sending out an abbreviated newsletter called Bargain Bin on the third Friday of the month. Think of it as a place where I share some ideas and notes on second hand finds, interior design and anything for the home. I’ll be posting them here when I can as well to give those non-subscribers a peek at what they’re missing.

Records & Wilfred

I decided I wanted to treat myself to new record player for my 10 year New York anniversary, ignoring for a moment my own weekly advice to buy used or repurpose what I have. After a deep dive of The Strategist, Wirecutter and countless listicles I eventually came to my senses and realized I had a perfectly fine record player collecting dust in my closet. Not only that, it fits like a glove on my bar cart, where I like to keep some vintage decanters, hand painted glasses and a bottle of Wilfreds. If you’re a teetotaler or just need to lay off the nightcaps I highly suggest subbing in some Wilfreds. I like adding a lemon peel and a glug of seltzer. Pop on a record (The First Authentic Black Gospel Collection for me right now) and you’ve got a divine evening ahead of you.

Craigslist Aarke

And while we’re on the topic of seltzer, I crunched the numbers and my monthly seltzer budget ain’t looking too good. I’ve been coveting an Aarke for a while now, but you know your girl rarely buys things full priced. A quick peruse on Craigslist turned up several UNOPENED Aarke’s near me! Hopefully by the next newsletter I’m up to my ears in bubbles.

Retail’s Dark Side

I originally turned to Craigslist for second hand goods of all kinds, but increasingly I’m seeing brand new items being listed. Bless those sellers who have the patience and thriftiness for these community marketplaces otherwise many of these products would end up in landfills or warehouses like this one the New York Times featured a few weeks back. If you want to get into the bowels of American consumerism and return culture this is a great article for that.

Weekly Flowers

Back in 2016 I did the flowers for the restaurants at ABC Carpet & Home. The work was grueling and drama filled, but it did teach me that a few blooms in your home make a major impact. I've been taking advantage of the flower vendor at my local farmer's market (Luna Family Farms at the Saturday morning market at 110th and Manhattan Ave), but carnations or gerbera daisies from my local bodega will do as well. For my California friends I love Full Belly Farms for flowers and beans!

Textile Imports

I'll leave you with this image of stylist Maryam Mahdavi’s Parisian home. I'm no joke applying for a visa to Pakistan (talk more on that later) so that I too can load up on textiles and drape my home in them.