Hi, I’m Arlene.

Welcome to From Pennies to Plenty! If you’re new here, you might be wondering about the name. It actually goes back to how this blog began.

How it started

Back in 2015, I wanted to host a spring clothing swap. But everyone I invited already had plans or could only stay for a short time. The clothes I wanted to swap were still in great condition, so I didn’t want to donate them.

So I listed a few things for sale online, and they sold. And then I sold a few more things. Before long, I was hooked on selling.

Once I ran out of my own clothes to sell, I started finding things at local thrift stores and selling them online. I also sold things for my friends and family. What started as a way to get some unwanted clothes out of my closet turned into a multi-year side hustle.

Over the years, I sold thousands of secondhand items and made thousands of dollars doing it. I started From Pennies to Plenty to share what I knew about reselling along with other everyday ways to make and save money.

How it's changed

A lot can change over the years and so can a blog.

I eventually stopped reselling as a side hustle a few years ago. My life and interests changed. What was once an exciting side hustle became monotonous and less profitable. I took time off from reselling and blogging to decide what I wanted to do next.

These days, From Pennies to Plenty is a more personal collection of the things I'm doing, learning, trying, discovering, and thinking about.

You might find me writing about a weekend adventure, a new food I discovered, something I'm loving, a hobby I'm trying to hold onto, getting older and all that comes with it, health and wellness, or simply something that's been on my mind.

There isn't necessarily a single theme tying it all together other than the thought of plenty.

Finding plenty in everyday life

When I first started this blog, “plenty” was mostly about how to make money, save money, and find ways to have a little more.

These days, I write about plenty differently with a wider lens.

Plenty can be so many things like finding something that makes you happy, trying and learning something new, eating something delicious, and spending time doing something just because you enjoy it. 

For me, plenty is often found in the little things like a day spent picking peaches and nectarines, taking ballet class, discovering a new item that improves my life, exploring somewhere new, and spending time with family and friends.

From Pennies to Plenty has become a place for me to document how I’m making the most of my life and share them with anyone who stops by.

Thanks for being here. I hope you'll stick around and find something that resonates with you.