Next to Newsletter: Next to Newsletter- Monday, May 17, 2010

Morning, everybody!

It's here! The last week of school! Summer vacation is about to officially begin. Stop in at N2N for shorts, capris, summery tops, swimsuits...all your warm weather goodies. We're buying like crazy and Lisa's putting out new inventory as fast as it comes in. It'll be a new and different shop every time you come in!

Congratulations, Graduates!

Bring in your tassel now through May 31 and get 30% off your entire cash purchase! Your parents aren't the only ones who are proud of you, kiddo!

What's on Sale?

Monday-Tuesday: 30% OFF Ladies' Dresses and Sets

Wednesday-Thursday: 30% OFF Menswear

Friday-Saturday-Sunday: 30% OFF Infantwear Newborn-24 Months

There's CA$H in your closet!

Since the economy began it's precipitous nosedive, N2N has been doing all of it's buying in exchange for credit in the shop. That move has kept us solvent and in business while so many other shops have folded.

Now, we've decided to stick our toes back into the cash buying waters...each week, we'll be doing cash buying for one area in the shop that really needs inventory. This week, it's SHOES.

Here's how it works... bring your shoes (men's, women's, children's) that are in perfect condition. We'll buy them for cash. You can bring in other clothing and accessories as well- we'll buy them for credit as usual. Please pack your shoes separately and let us know that you have cash items when you come in. Buying hours are the same: Monday thru Thursday 10AM to 4PM and other times by prior arrangement.

We'll be buying shoes for cash for the next week- through Thursday the 20th. Check next week's newsletter to see what the next buy-for-cash department will be.

New columns!

My husband, Arthur, and I each write twice-a-month columns for The Gainesville Times. His deal with computing and technology issues. Mine deal with whatever strikes my fancy.

His latest was published on May 15. Click here to read Arthur's primer on computer terminology.

My May 14th column is about graduation speeches. Click here to see it.

Putting for Pets

On Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM join the staff & volunteers of the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia for a day of fun and fundraising at their 9th Annual Putting for Pets Mini-Golf Tournament.

All ages are welcome and the monies raised will be used to help care for the animals in our shelter until they are adopted. The event will take place at The Oaks Miniature Golf, 2709 Whiting Road.

Registration is $15 per person or $50 for a foursome. To register, download the registration form (PDF: Download ) and mail in ASAP or call 770-532-6617.

For more information, contact Julie Edwards at 770-532-6617 or email her at julieedwards@humanesocietyhallcounty.com

EpiCute

From the folks who brought you LOL Cats...EpiCute: The Cute Food Blog. It's simply pictures of cute food...and it's addictive. Click here to get hooked.

Celebrity Bowling

Bowl with the Atlanta Falcons players, coaches and cheerleaders from 5:30-8:30 p.m. May 26 at the Oasis Bowing Center, 1601 Horizon Parkway in Buford. There will be a barbecue dinner from Turnstile Deli. Preregistration is required. The event benefits Challenged Child and Friends. For more information, call 770-535-8372, ext. 309 or email gail@challengedchild.org

Memorial Day Blast

There's going to be a Memorial Day Blast in Helen at the May 28-31 at Unicoi State Park and Lodge. There will be crafts, games and boat rides along the river. Fees for events are $2-$4. Parking is $5. For more info, call 706-838-4706

Food Blog of the Week

The Smitten Kitchen features fearless cooking from a tiny kitchen in New York City. It focuses on a lot of comfort foods stepped up a bit, things like bread and birthday cakes made entirely from scratch and tutorials on everything from how to poach an egg to how to make tart doughs that don’t shrink up on you, but also a favorite side dish (zucchini and almonds) that takes less than five minutes to make.

The author is wary of fussy foods and/or pretentious ingredients. She doesn't do truffle oil, Himalayan pink salt at $10 per quarter-ounce or single-origin chocolate that can only be found through Posh Nosh-approved purveyors. She thinks food should be accessible, and is certain that you don’t need any of these things to cook fantastically. I think she's my new best friend.

Brontë Power!

Molly sent us this YouTube video of the Brontë Sisters Power Dolls...finally, superheroes for English majors! Click here.

Wal-Mart Warning

Last week I made a large purchase (almost $200) at the Wal-Mart on Shallowford Road. I paid by check (big mistake.) It was one of those long desk-style checks and the electronic check printer kept spitting it back out until the edges were mangled and the account number was unreadable. I finally wrote another check after I was assured the first check hadn't been processed.

I bet you can see where I'm going here...yep- BOTH checks cleared my bank account yesterday. I immediately went to Wal-Mart where I was told that the problem was my bank, not Wal-Mart. Then I trekked to my bank where they had incontrovertible proof that Wal-Mart had taken my money twice. Since Wal-Mart still would do nothing to correct the problem, I had to file a fraud affidavit at my bank. It'll be weeks before I see my money.
Life lesson: Never pay by check at Wal-Mart. And remember, at the house Sam Walton built, customer service is an oxymoron.

Wise Words

Amy Anderson introduced us to this video of author Katrina Kenison reading from her book "The Gift of an Ordinary Day." It's both beautiful and thought-provoking...especially for you parents of new graduates. Click here to see it. Thanks so much, Amy!

Weekly this 'n' that

Next to New is now on Facebook! Click here to go to our fan page and join up. We'll be posting great deals when we find them during the week and linking to other great frugal sites. We'll have the Deal of the Day and any other Hot Flashes that come our way.

Remember to bring in your plastic grocery bags to recycle and register to win a $25.00 store credit.

Get a $5.00 store credit any time you bring us a new shopper. It's easy. Just bring in your friends who've never tried N2N shopping. When they check out at the register, we'll give YOU a $5.00 credit on the spot.

Let's work to get the word out: friends don't let friends shop retail!

...and don't forget Senior Discount Day- each Monday, everyone 55 and over gets 30% off their cash purchases.

Computer Problems?

Don't hesitate to call Arthur if your computer has a virus or isn't
running as fast as it should. He will come to you or you can drop off your
PC at Next to New. His rates put the Geeks to shame and your satisfaction is
guaranteed. One-on-one instruction available or get some friends together
for an even better rate. He can fix software problems through remote access
if necessary, so no matter where you are, give him a call - your computer
will thank you. You can click here to go to his website.