I grew up sorta poor in the Southern Appalachian mountains and the Tennessee Valley. As a child, I never realized just how lucky I was to grow up in such a beautiful breathtaking part of the Southern US. I do remember much childhood anguish and emotional upheaval that caused getting away to be the memory for many decades. However, over the last few years and with the arrival of my first BFF, I finally understand the process was just that…a process and although the destination was not what I could have ever envisioned in my wildest dreams, it absolutely involved a soul stirring love that 100% took me by surprise. When you are older, learn to slow down from the “ridiculous rat race” and get the chance to experience the most unconditional love conceivable,…you to will see that it really is all about love and family. Some of you might be lucky enough to have experienced this with your own children and I did initially but my own PTSD coupled with the strains and pressure of capitalism took a great toll on what I call “first families”. Grannies, Grandmas, Me maws, Gigis, Grand-mommies, Grandmothers, and us Mimis get it. Not only did we get a new name but a completely different identity and one that can touch the soul. It is very much a best God given gift and when you think your heart is the absolute fullest..,then BFF 2.0 shows up and you truly wear that “Blessed Mimi” T-shirt wear with the most thankful, grateful pride of your life!
I spent all morning listing these 13 treasures on eBay. Please pray for lots of sells, likes or even shares! This is my side hustle and I desperately need to figure out all things e-commerce.
I did get some very needed time in with my precious grands this weekend but back to work I go!
As I was teaching the American Revolution to high school students, I got to thinking about how the colonists were upset about taxes. Actually, what they were really upset about was “taxation without representation”. I really wanted to spark my students’ interests and engagement, so I went a bit extreme and ordered several historical t-shirts.
I bought several history themed t-shirts (see links below #ad) and some props (more links for this too) to help my students become more engaged and maybe passionate about the founding ideals of our great country. But, I could not stop thinking about the massive amount of taxes we pay over the course of a year and eventually a lifetime. What bothers me most is that we just keep on paying them. It is like we are conditioned to do it because our parents did and their parents did it and are great- grands paid it, too but WAIT.. did our great- grands pay taxes?
My grandmother was born in 1913 when the 16th Amendment (fed income tax) was passed. This Constitutional Amendment officially gave the Federal Government the ability to tax everyone’s income but only a few rich folks had to pay. So, by the time my blessed Granny was 30 years the l US Government began to officially enforce federal payroll withholding tax. As you know, WWII was going on in the 1940s and the tax was enforced to help pay war efforts.
So, unlike the crying toddler in the video below, we have only been laying down and allowing the government (federal, state, county, and city) to run all over us with the taxation steam roll for about 85 years. That is 9.7 trillion (federal only)in just 2024. YET the stay broke and want more. It is our earnings, it is our country (We the People) but they will charge you penalties and interest if you do not pay your own taxes on time. They will also garnish your wages and throw you in jail. (Did they not learn from Daniel Shay?)
249 years ago, we protested, dumped tea, took up arms against our own mother country and had an entire revolution over small taxes levied on things like tea (see links below about my favorite drinking tea/ not dumping tea).
The State of SC found an extra 1.8 billion in tax money lying around last year. They could not even explain where the money came from and did they send us a check? Nope
It is getting harder and harder to teach early American identity when the “give me liberty or give me death”spirit is rapidly fading away.
These days I am learning the extreme value of thrifting my treasures but I must say that over the years I have come across some pretty awesome treasures online. Learning that I can share my finds with you and promote my very needed side hustle with Amazon is just icing on the cake!
Also, in the near future I am going to create a video that explains how to create your own Amazon side hustle. When trying to get this going I came across others selling this info for $70 to $2500. I believe I can do it for $10 or less and I mean it. Many out there are using click bait and it seems some have a very different meaning to the word free. Free is not my promise because I am trying to build this side huslte but $10 or under might be an option. Next week…maybe.
Back to teacher treasures…
Teacher Treasure #1 ( Whew! This took some time. The others will probably be a pic and a link (lol).
I actually ordered this magnet hook 2 times this year!! It comes in all sizes but I found the 30lb hold is plenty for hanging items from the ceilings (those with metal strips), the school whiteboard, student desks and even at home in the kitchen (fridge, especially). For the garage you might want a stronger magnet but that is not a problem. These hooks come in multiple sizes and weights.
I chose the 15 pack/30lbs max and they are small but strong. . Get you some! and by clicking my links, you will be helping this teacher with her side hustle, too. Thanks!! click here
Treacher Treasure Hacks #2 – coming soon / click here for sneak peak – Kids need headphones? These work great as a class set.
Teacher Treasure Hacks #3 – coming soon / click here for sneak peak – We always need copy paper – best deal here
Teacher Treasure Hacks #4 – coming soon / click here for sneak peak – Crown George III or any historical king in mini-skits – great for “king of the day PBIS or birthdays
Teacher Treasure Hacks #5 – coming soon / click here for sneak peak – I numbered these paws (private number for each student) and used on the Data Board
Teacher Treasure Hacks #6 -coming soon / click here for sneak peak – Welcome Back Bracelets
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your
shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose” Dr. Seuss
Teacher Treasure #7 – coming soon / click here for sneak peak – Flexible Seating / I got 3 and a cheap rug
Teacher Treasure #8 – coming soon / click here for sneak peak – Awesome way to hide “under the table clutter”
Teacher Treasure #9 – soon!
Thank you for taking the time to read this far and checking out my Teacher Treasures. Vintage Treasures (another huge passion) is coming soon!
Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?
Lazy days remind me that we are spending too many other days trying to earn a dollar. It is alarming to think about how dependent we have become on government printed money. We literally can’t eat without a dollar, and this is a type of enslavement to our own government.
Fifty years ago, most of our parents, grandparents and great grands had access to their own gardens and free water supply. As a child, I can remember the hard work that went into maintaining a family garden but it was healthy eating and abundant.
For most of us now, we are too busy working to ever have time to grow our own food and sadly, the Boomers are in their late 70s to 80s. Many are no longer with us and their knowledge of subsistence is dying out with that great generation.
What will happen if we no longer have access to money? How would we survive? How would we pay for food to eat, water to drink, and a place to live? Even if you own a home, you have to pay yearly taxes to be able to live in your home. Taxes, I will save for another day but we have become a nation that is over taxed by not only the federal government but also our states, counties and our on cities. “We the people”has become we that work for the government to make a government issued dollar that is required to provide shelter and food for our needs.
To have a lazy day (if we are lucky enough to get a few here and there) requires many more working days but who are we really working for the majority of our life?
How many lazy days do we have at the end.. I meant at retirement? Oh and the elderly still pay different types of taxes, too. They also need shelter, food and water, too.
Thrifting is more than a hobby; it’s a lifestyle that celebrates sustainability, creativity, and smart shopping. Every thrift store is a treasure chest filled with items that carry history and character — from vintage clothing to antique home décor. But one often-overlooked gem hiding on thrift store shelves? Books.
♻️ Why Thrifting Matters
Shopping secondhand helps reduce waste and gives pre-loved items a second life. It’s a small yet powerful way to live more sustainably and support your local community. With patience and an eye for quality, thrifting lets you curate a unique collection of pieces that truly reflect your personality — often for a fraction of retail prices.
📚 Turning Thrifted Books Into Profit
Book flipping is one of the easiest and most rewarding thrifting side hustles. While some buyers hunt for décor or designer labels, others head straight to the book aisle — scanning ISBNs for hidden profit.
How to Start
Source Smart — Visit thrift shops, library sales, and estate sales. Hardcovers and first editions often have the best resale value. Scan Before You Buy — Use the Amazon Seller App to check each title’s demand, price, and ranking. Check Condition — Avoid water damage, markings, or missing pages. Light wear is fine for “Good” condition listings. List with Accuracy — Include clear photos and honest descriptions. Add tags like First Edition, Signed Copy, or Out of Print if applicable. Ship Efficiently — Reuse clean boxes and bubble mailers. If you scale up, consider FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) so Amazon handles packing and delivery.
Thrifted books can cost less than a cup of coffee and sell for anywhere between $10–$50 on Amazon — or much higher if you score a collectible edition.
A chilling psychological thriller that follows a man’s dark family legacy. It’s one of those titles that regularly appears on horror fans’ must-read lists — great to buy, sell, or keep.
When tragedy strikes a trio of lifelong friends, secrets unravel fast. This emotionally charged thriller blends suspense with psychological depth — a consistent seller on Amazon’s mystery charts.
A bestselling mystery that grips readers from the first page. Perfect for suspense lovers, and a solid choice to resell thanks to its strong reviews and wide audience appeal.
💡 Final Thoughts
Thrifting is about discovery — the thrill of finding something special that others overlooked. Whether it’s a vintage jacket or a first-edition novel, every find tells a story. And if you’re savvy enough, it can also tell a profit story.
Start small, learn as you go, and remember: one person’s donation is another person’s hidden goldmine.
🧹 Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Review: A Lifesaver for Allergy Sufferers
I just bought this and love it! I was looking at Rainbows but glad I saved thousands of dollars and got this HEPA sealed Shark – Currently on Sale
Disclosure:As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you’re looking for a powerful, affordable vacuum that’s kind to allergy sufferers, the Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum on Amazon is one of the most highly rated options available. It’s designed with true HEPA filtration and Shark’s exclusive Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, making it a top choice for anyone who wants cleaner air while keeping dust and dander under control.
Why HEPA Filtration Is a Game Changer for Allergy Relief
Allergy sufferers know that not all vacuums are created equal. A standard vacuum may pick up visible dirt, but it often releases fine dust, pollen, and pet dander back into the air — exactly what triggers sneezing and itchy eyes. The Shark NV352 changes that with its HEPA filtration system and fully sealed design.
HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. A genuine HEPA filter traps 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns — that includes most allergens like:
Pet dander
Dust mite debris
Pollen and fine dust
Mold spores
The NV352 ensures all air passes through this filtration system before being released, meaning your room air actually becomes cleaner after vacuuming.
Top Features of the Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away
Lift-Away Design: Detach the pod for portable cleaning — great for stairs, furniture, and drapes.
Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology + HEPA Filter: Locks in 99.9% of dust and allergens.
Lightweight & Easy to Maneuver: Weighs about 13 pounds with swivel steering for smooth navigation.
Brushroll Shutoff: Switch from carpet to hard floors without scattering debris.
Multiple Attachments: Includes crevice tool, upholstery brush, and wide pet tool.
Affordable & Durable: Performs like higher-end vacuums at a mid-range price.
The secret isn’t just the HEPA filter — it’s the sealed system that prevents unfiltered air from escaping through cracks or joints. Many vacuums include HEPA filters but still leak allergens around them. The NV352’s Anti-Allergen Complete Seal ensures every bit of air goes through the HEPA filter before being expelled.
That means when you vacuum pet hair, dust, or fine debris, it stays inside the canister — not floating back into your home. If you live with pets, kids, or anyone with respiratory sensitivities, this makes a noticeable difference.
Maintenance Tips for Peak Performance
Rinse and dry the foam and felt filters every 3 months.
Replace the HEPA filter every 12 months or as needed.
Empty the dust cup after each use to maintain suction and hygiene.
Check seals and gaskets occasionally to ensure airtight performance.
A little maintenance helps the HEPA system maintain full allergen-trapping power.
Real-World Results & Reviews
Across thousands of reviews, owners praise the NV352 for capturing pet hair, dust, and allergens while staying lightweight and easy to use. Many report fewer allergy flare-ups after switching from older vacuums without HEPA filtration. It handles both carpet and hardwood floors without losing suction — a solid all-around performer balancing price, performance, and allergy protection.
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of sneezing every time you vacuum, the Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is an excellent investment. With its true HEPA filtration, sealed design, and strong suction, it’s one of the most allergy-friendly vacuums you can buy — all without breaking the bank.
Breathe easier and enjoy a cleaner, healthier home with the Shark NV352.
Don’t laugh! This is my first attempt at recorded assembly. Well, ok…laugh away!
Southern Vintage and All Things Home 