We delight in the generosity of strangers, especially when it plays out in community swap forums like yard sales, flea markets, or online marketplaces such as Craigslist and eBay. That’s why we wanted to revisit one of our earliest—and still favorite—posts: The Power of Craigslist.
I’m still amazed the experiment worked. Essentially, we invited strangers to help remove bushes and haul away pea gravel from our meticulously maintained backyard (seen below during our wedding) so we could create a grassy play area for our dog. The result, pictured later below, became a puppy playground we all enjoy.
You’ll have to read the original post for the full account—just forgive any rough spots, it was only our fourth post!
Like some readers back in September of last year (all eight or so of you), you might have felt uneasy about removing the beautiful garden the previous owner had carefully tended. I’ll admit we had reservations when we began last fall, too.
But now, a year later, I can say with complete certainty it was the right decision. The yard is far easier to maintain—no more weeding gravel paths or trimming endless hedges—and it makes the space feel larger while giving Burger his own outdoor paradise. He spends every day chasing squirrels, fetching sticks, and romping around. Since getting a sharp action shot of him in motion is nearly impossible, here’s a quieter photo of him catching his breath and soaking up the sun on the new grass.
Now we want to hear your Craigslist, eBay, or yard sale stories. Found an incredible bargain or used these sites in a clever, unconventional way? Share your tips and triumphs—let’s celebrate the idea that some of the best things in life can be nearly free.