Magazine Swap

Each week I find the time to get out to my local Starbucks and grab a coffee. Fortunately, most of the Starbucks coffee shops in my area are connected to Chapters book stores. This is when I get a chance to pick up my favourite magazines.

Prior to the birth of U-Exchange (my third career), I worked in marketing and as an Interior Decorator before that. I still have a passion for design and decor and grab a magazine whenever I get a chance. Some can be expensive, the average cost is about $8.00 but my favorite ones from the U.K. are $10.95 and up. After being read, these magazines accumulate in baskets in my laundry room until they find their way over to my sister-in-law's house. She and I share similar interests so we agreed to do a magazine swap. Before she sets her magazines aside for me, she initials them. This ensures they don't make their way back to her! I do the same. After I've read the ones she's given me, I give them to my sister.

Even though I still buy magazines, it sure doesn't cost as much as it used to. The one thing we're careful on is any fashion magazines that make their way into the pile. It is of the utmost importance that these are current issues. No more than two months old. None of us want to look like Mimi.

Barb Di Renzo
www.u-exchange.com

Bartering For the Environment

I’ve been an advocate of bartering for many years, emphasizing the advantages for both consumers and business owners. We know that exchanging of goods and services is an innovative way to save money but that isn’t the only benefit, bartering also lends a helping hand to the environment.

We’ve all heard the saying “Someone’s trash is another’s treasure”, well this so called “trash” can be put to good use for someone else and can steer clear of our landfills. Both communities and businesses have stepped up when it comes to re-using, reducing and recycling. Re-using an item is definitely what bartering is all about. We've all heard; "no one will use this" or "it's broken, might as well throw it away", but there's lots of people out there that are pretty handy when it comes to fixing things and could use that item.

I remember years ago, my uncle (a Mr. Fix It) used to tell us not to throw out electronics that we no longer wanted or that no longer worked. Instead, he would take them and repair them. In return, my Aunt would always give me loads of fresh vegetables from her garden. I kept these v.c.r.'s, d.v.d. players and t.v.'s out of the landfill while my family enjoyed fresh produce. He enjoyed his hobby and had a nice little set up in his entertainment room. I won, he won and the environment won. Can't beat that.

Barb Di Renzo

www.u-exchange.com