It is difficult to believe that it has almost been a year since the site went "live". In some ways I feel like I am still just beginning, but in other respects I feel as though this is what I have always done. I have learned a great deal but am reminded every day of how much I still don't know. Starting your own business is one amazing roller coaster ride. In the end though, I can't imagine doing anything else - this is my bliss.

There are so many intriguing aspects to the secondhand culture. I see stories everywhere and am always meeting the most amazing people. I want to capture it all on the site but am learning that I can only do so much. I am therefore thrilled to announce that a few new writers will be joining me in my pursuit to "raise awareness and enthusiasm for secondhand shopping." Melissa Wood, a journalism student from Langara, offers her perspective on moving away from home in Garage Sale Savvy and T.Paul Ste. Marie, a local writer and "Fashion Victor", provides his take on the world of vintage fashion for men in Cents of Style. Surya Govender weaves you into Elaine Garrett's wonderful world of transformative art in Savvy Living.

In the Feature Article of the Ezine I take you behind the scenes at one of the newest and most popular Flea Markets in Vancouver, the 21st Century Flea Market. And for those of you looking to organize your own event, Tricks of the Trade highlights some of the key considerations from some of the top event organizers in the Lower Mainland.

I continue to move my way around the city profiling secondhand shopping areas with In The Neighbourhood. This issue I take you to Dunbar Street in Vancouver and introduce to Barry Gilpin, owner of the four Cheapskates stores. Definitely the place to shop if you are looking for any kind of used sports equipment.

I recently decided to expand my business to include secondhand shopping tours called Secondhand Safaris. This was one of those ideas that evolved over coffee one day with friends (thanks Dan and Alison). None of us realized then what this would lead to. What started out as a way to promote the site and local secondhand stores, has evolved into a series of unique shopping sprees that are proving to be a lot of fun. Come find out more about the tours in the renamed section Secondhand Safari (previously Scrapbook). Book your tickets early as we are quickly selling out!

Sincerely,
Jo-Anne Lauzer
Publisher/Editor

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Profiled recently by Kerry Moore in The Province

Check it out! The Safaris have been rated as on of the best things to do in Vancouver by Craig Takeuchi in Vancouver Magazine.

Come hear Margaret Gallagher's take on our Safaris on CBC's Basic Black radio show.
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