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Gymboree Fall Fashions Shopping

September 18, 2013 by

It has unofficially turned into fall in our home.  Back to school time doesn’t immediately mean the kids are sporting jeans, sweaters and warmer clothing but since we are seeing cool temps in the morning they are scrambling to keep off the chill.  We did Shae’s back to school shopping at Gymboree using a $100 GC they provided.  I’ve been enjoying this store more lately, picking up things here and there that catch my eye.

This year’s collections capture the sweetness and innocence of kids.  Gymboree stays trendy and stylish without losing its audience. You won’t find midriff baring tops, too short skirts or inappropriate sayings on graphic tees.  Florals, plaids and bright colors make your children stand out.

Shae picked out a few pieces all on her own on this shopping trip. These Gem Dot Cuff jeans and Playing in the Rain tee is a perfect outfit of a rainy school day.  She picked these jeans because of the embellished polka dots and loose fit. She’s not a fan of tight jeans.

Gymboree for Girls #fashion

The Gem Safari Flower Caftan was a huge hit.  It was bought with fitted black pants but this pink skirt already in her wardrobe is a perfect match.  I think it was the gems that attracted Shae in the first place.

Gymboree for Girls #fashion

Shop Gymboree for boys and girls when you want to keep the kids looking their age. They specialize in the clothes and accessories that show off kid’s best features.




Consignment Shopping Haul at #JBFPhilly

September 17, 2013 by

Since high school I’ve shopped thrift stores for clothes & jackets. These days I’ve expanded my frugal shopping to also include yard sales and consignment stores. My best hauls have come from Just Between Friends Western Mainline Consignment Sales. The 2 women that run this (and Reading) shopping know what families want and need and put on the best sale in the area. Unfortunately you missed the sale in Philadelphia/Mainline but Reading is coming up soon.

JBF Reading
Thursday, Sept 26 9am-8pm
Friday, Sept 27 9am-7pm
Saturday, Sept 28 8am-5pm HALF OFF DAY
Admission is $2 on Thursday ONLY
https://www.facebook.com/jbfphilly

I went to the Western Mainline sale in the day it opened and left with so many great deals my friends were jealous. Some of my favorite buys were a wooden doll crib with underneath storage for $6, a navy polka dot trench coat for Shae for $10 and Nick and Nora sock monkey jammies for $6.

Shopping Haul #bestdeal #jbfphillyI went with a few rules in mind. These are how I’m able to shop smart and efficiently.

  • Be prepared. Know your children’s clothing and shoe sizes. Find out if they need things like winter coats, sneakers and other basics.
  • Bring something to carry your haul. Large tote bags, laundry baskets, shopping baskets, etc.
  • If you like it, grab it because it might not be there when you circle back in 15 minutes.
  • Shop with outfits in mind. The worst thing to do is getting an adorably pattern piece home with nothing to match it. It will just sit in a drawer.
  • Sort through your haul before checking out. Ask yourself “Would I buy that in a retail store?”
  • Make sure buttons are attached, zippers go up, down AND lock, drawstrings are intact and seams aren’t ripped. Review hems, sleeves, collars and armpits for stains or holes.
  • Inspect baby gear for loose screws, chipped paint, missing pieces. Use your smartphone to check recall lists or reviews.
  • Be comfortable. Shopping can be hard work especially when you are hauling piles of clothing around. Leave the heavy handbag at home.

Use these tips to achieve a successful and fruitful shopping trip. Now see below for the list of things I bought. I spent $170. It sounds like a lot but Shae pretty much got a whole new winter wardrobe and Shaun got 2 winter coats, one for school one for play. Now let’s hope we get some snow.

Consignment Shopping Haul
For Shaun
Zero Exposure Winter Coat with removable fleece liner
Tony Hawk Winter Coat LIKE NEW

For Shae
Jane Girls Navy Polka Dot Trench Coat WITH TAGS
Candies Jeans
Old Navy Jeans
Levis Strauss jeans WITH TAGS
Gap green velour skirt
Gymboree jean skirt
Gap gray skinny pants
Cherokee purple velour skinny pants
Angel Kiss brown cropped jacket
Cherokee pink zip up sweater hoodie
Cherokee teal zip up sweater hoodie
Thalia Sodi brown trouser capris
Old Navy long sleeve applique tee
Limited Too blue sweater tunic hoodie
Unknown brand gray tunic
Unknown brand gray flower embellished sweater
Hype brown and floral sweater dress
Nick and Nora sock monkey jammies WITH TAGS
Nick & Nora flamingo jammies
Unknown brand Christmas Jammies
Gap black & white floral flats
Justice silver sequin high tops sneakers

DVDS
Mary Poppins 40th Edition UNOPENED $5
James and the Giant Peach
3 Barbie Movies

Bell bike helmet $7
Wooden doll crib with storage and bedding




Consignment and Thrift Store Shopping for Kids Clothes

April 4, 2013 by

I’ve talked about my thrifting before.  I love to save money by visiting our Goodwill and Salvation Army stores.  Trying to clothe 3 kids is expensive especially when you want them to wear clothes that fit and look good.  The community I live it is mostly families so I know I can find lots of kids clothes to choose from.  Getting things for boys is harder though. I chalk it up to boys being harder on their clothing and they aren’t worth donating once they are outgrown.  We keep sets of clothes for Shaun, school and play.  The play clothes end up trashed, torn and stained.

I’ve been taking more frequent trips lately trying to stock up on spring and summer clothes.  Two trips to Salvation Army and one to Just Between Friends Consignment Sale in Philadelphia really produced some great items.  Here is a REALLY long video of me going through my purchases from that date. I ramble, I can’t help it.  I apologize.

Here are my Salvation Army finds, some things were purchased on Family Discount Day, 50% off certain color tags.
Not Shown 5 various tees for Shaun, local professional and college sports and AberCrombie and Fitch $2 each

Gymboree Green Tunic Length Sweater $3

Kobe Kids Pink Sweater Shrug $2

Knitworks Pink Plad Button Down $1

Old Navy Pink Tee $2

Kids R Us Purple Tee $2

Faded Glory Floral Twirly Skirt $1

Tech Gear Basketball Pants $1

Urban Pipeline Blue Cargo Shorts $1

Urban Pipeline Blue Cargo Shorts $1.50

Burnside Plaid Shorts $2

Gymboree Striped Capris $4

Old Navy Plaid Capris $2

Arizona Jeans Denim Shorts $2

Mossimo Denim Shorts $3

Justice Black Sweat Shorts $2

Bob Marley Tee $2bob marley tee for kids

Sabreena can often be found with me shopping thrift stores, especially the outlet where things are dirt cheap. This time around I took both Shaun and Shae. Shaun was bored but a good sport with trying on shorts and keeping out of trouble. Shae on the other hand picked out 20 other tees to buy. She likes clothes and really like to pick out her own things.  This is the reason I like to shop alone.




Just Between Friends Consignment Sale Main Line, PA

March 4, 2013 by

Shopping for kids clothes is a HUGE expense. Mine don’t seem to stop growing, not even if I’ve already shopped for that season.  While I love shopping new trends and styles I also prefer to save money on basics like jeans, coats and tees.  By gently used I’m able to stock up on great deals for coming seasons without putting a dent in our bank account or sacrificing on fun kids fashion.

just between friends consignment sale

Coming to the Greater Philadelphia Expo in Oaks, PA on March 14-16 is Just Between Friends,  the nation’s leading Children’s and Family Consignment Sales Event Franchise.

Just Between Friends Sales events are a savvy shopper’s dream!
These are not retail stores but rather savings extravaganzas–shopping events that happen usually twice a year per location. At these events, consignors bring their new and gently-used children’s and maternity merchandise to sell. Shoppers can then browse and purchase these items at great savings, usually far below retail prices.

At a typical Just Between Friends event, you can find clothing, toys, baby equipment, strollers, high chairs, cribs, joggers, nursery gear, maternity wear, baby carriers, play yards, play sets, coats, shoes and more in an organized, clean environment.

just between friends consignment sale

just between friends consignment sale

just between friends consignment sale

On March 14th-16th HUNDREDS of shoppers will decend onto over 35,000 square feet of space to spend money while saving money from over 700 consignors looking to make a few bucks for their own families. Admission is cheap but there are opportunities to download free admission passes.

I”ll be headed there for a sneak peek to see why they were voted 2012 Franchise of the Year

Check your schedule and make time to visit Just Between Friends Consignment Sale in Oaks, PA.

I Disclose




Sears Last Minute Gift Grab

December 13, 2012 by

It’s less than 2 weeks till Christmas and if you’re like most people there are still a couple last minute things you need to shop for. This last minute things might be gifts, home decor or even fashions and accessories.

Sears wants to make these shopping sessions effortless and easy on the wallet by offering

Sears Last Minute Gift Grab for Members on December 17th.

On Dec 17th 1:00am – 11:59pm CST Members of Shop Your Way will have access to some of the HOTTEST Deals of the season. Click here  for all the details.

This is a Sponsored Post with Brandfluential. I am a Sears Blogger, though all opinions are my own.




Want To Be A Personal Shopper?

December 3, 2012 by

Have you ever wanted to be a personal shopper? This is something that Melinda had talked about many many times in the past and now there is a totally free program that allows you to recommend Sears products and services to your friends and family with the potential to earn a commission based on those recommendations.

If you want to become a Personal Shopper by Shop Your Way you can sign up HERE for free. Once you are all signed up you can then invite friends and family to become clients and you then begin earning commission on items and services that you recommend.

You’ll earn 1% commission on all qualifying purchases made by your clients. If you have 20 or more clients who make a purchase you are eligible to earn an additional 1% commission as long as your client uses their Shop Your Way Rewards membership number when purchasing online or in a store.

This is on “My Wish List” catalog

In my opinion the Personal Shopper by Shop Your Way is a win win for everyone involved. It’s really easy to create a wish list for all to see and I have actually created a “My Wish List” catalog in the hopes that Melinda or a family member might get me something off of it for Christmas. I also created a “Things I Have” catalog so that my friends and family are able to see just in case they are interested in buying the same item that I already own which would earn me a commission so like I said it would be a win for me and a win for my friends and family.

Remember the Personal Shopper by Shop Your Way is totally FREE so be sure to sign up today so that you can begin earning a commission.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions in this post are my own!!!!

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Personal Shopper by Shop Your Way from Sears

November 14, 2012 by

How would you like to earn money by recommending great products to family and friends? That is possible if you sign up for the Personal Shopper by Shop Your Way program which is totally free. Once you sign up for the free program you can begin to invite your friends and family to become clients.

I would love to get this for Christmas!!

You can begin recommending Sears products and services once you get people to sign up as your client.  Once you are signed up and have clients you can earn 1% commission on all qualifying purchases made by your clients (family and friends). If you have 20 or more clients who make a purchase you are eligible to earn an additional 1% commission as long as your client uses their SHOP YOUR WAY REWARDS membership number when purchasing online or in a store.  So the bottom line here is if you like to shop and you share great products with your clients there is the potential to make a nice commission.

I have this air compressor and would recommend this to someone in need of one for their home garage.

One of the cool things that I like about the programs is that you can create catalogs showing things that you own, things that you want and a lot more.  I own a good amount of Craftsman’s tools so I have a catalog set up called My Things which are items that I currently own and could recommend to my clients to purchase and I would then earn commission on those purchase.  I also have a catalog set up called My Wish List which pretty much speaks for itself. They are items I am wishing/hoping to get this holiday season or somewhere in the near future.

The holidays and Black Friday are right around the corner so why not sign up for the Personal Shopper by Shop Your Way program, get some clients and recommend some great products that they may want to purchase. By doing so not only have you made a commission but you have made a client very happy with their purchase.

For full details on the Personal Shopper by Shop Your Way program click HERE. Don’t delay sign up today and start making some money and don’t forget the program is totally FREE!!!

This is a sponsored post but the opinions in this post are my own!!!!

I Disclose




Tips for Thrift Store Shopping

October 12, 2012 by

Over the last couple of months I’ve increased my visits to thrift stores.For as long as I can remember I’ve always enjoyed shopping thrift stores. As a teenager I remember picking up armloads of jeans and a vintage navy pea coat. As an adult I still search for simple basics like jeans and fun sweaters but I also love getting things for the kids and the home.  Basic frames can be repainted. Jars can be re-purposed into bud vases or bathroom decor. Sheets can be used altered into simple curtains. The sky is the limit.

Having 3 kids in school this year was a blow to the wallet. Usually Shae could get by with leggings and tees but now that she’s all grown up she needs real clothes to get her through the day. Sabreena is a special kid. She has a unique style and loves to incorporate old and new, hipster and trendy. She loves scoring a Mister Rogers sweater with elbow patches even more than me. Shaun grew 4 inches and gained 20lbs since last year. He needed an entirely new wardrobe.

Finding great things at thrift stores or even flea markets is hit or miss. I’ve been able to pick up awesome pieces for me and the girls but not so much for Shaun and NOTHING for Rob. I want to show you some of the things that I have gotten recently and give you some tips to make your own thrift shopping adventures go more smoothly.

  • Pack Light. Don’t way yourself down with a bulky handbag or heavy coat. Slip your phone, wallet or cash/cc in your pocket and wear a light sweater. As you are rummaging through bins or shelves or racks you don’t want to worry about where your coat and purse are.
  • Set a Budget. It’s easy to get carried away when things only cost a couple dollars. Buy ONLY what will get used, use the same discretion for impulse buys as you would any other store.
  • Bring Cash. Some mom and pop shops may not accept credit cards so be prepared with cash. This is a great way to stay within budget too.
  • Dig Deep. You aren’t going to find anything if you just skim displays. Dip deep within the racks and find that hidden gem.
  • Examine Everything. There is nothing worse than coming home, sorting through goodies and seeing missing buttons or broken clasps. Thoroughly look over every item you think you want to buy. Check seams, zippers, button holes, collars and even pockets. Try things on to make sure that size medium hasn’t been altered to fit a petite also. Don’t forget the glassware and jewelry.
  • Give it a Chance. If you go and don’t find anything don’t give up. Ask how often they rotate stock or when they replenish what’s on the floor. Come back a different day. Try visiting a different store, inventory is going to be different everywhere you go, any day you go.
  • Have a Plan. Make sure you have sizes and dimensions for anything or anyone you are shopping for. If you know you need a cute side table, measure out the space you need to fill so you won’t waste your money on something too big. Measure windows for the correct length of curtains and make sure you have your kids current sizes for coats, clothing and even fun costumes.

Here are my latest finds from my favorite Salvation Army. This particular store is so well organized and brightly lit that I easily spend 2 hours in there at a time.
I told you Shaun has grown so much from last year. He needed a new coat and this one is a perfect fit.

Buy clothes for Shae is often hit or miss. Kids are hard on their clothes but these were in really great condition.

I’ve been collecting this really expensive pottery for a few years. Most of it comes from the same potter but since they moved to New York I haven’t been able to get anything new recently. I found these adorable piece that complement what I already have and it fills the need to buy the more costly pieces online.

Rob buys me flowers pretty often but I absolutely hate the stock vases that flower shoppes offer so I like to keep some fun choices on hand to make the switch when he surprises me with a bouquet.

Do you shop Thrift Stores?   What are your own rules and tips for getting good deals, great items and saving money?




Kohls Back to School Shopping Haul

August 24, 2012 by

My job was simple. Go to Kohls with $100 in Gift Cards and get what you could for Back to School.

As I explain in the video I don’t usually do massive wardrobe redos for back to school. Since the weather is still warm the kids can get away with what they have. Within that first month of back to school we do a once over of everyone’s clothing and see what fits, what is worn out and what is just plain ugly.

This year Kohls is kicking off Back to School season in style with more than just great deals on jean. They aren’t leaving out those headed to Higher Learning or even their first apartment. Shop for clothes, bedding, organization materials, tools for the kitchen and more. Shop brands you and your kids will love like Princess Vera Wang, Rock and Republic, Bobby Flay, Candies and lots more to cover everything on your Back to School shopping list.

bedding for dorm or new apartment

Looking great this school year doesn’t have to cost a lot. In addition to being the one-stop shop for basics and fashion essentials, Kohl’s also offers shoppers the thrill of savings with a variety of ways to get incredible values on the brands they love. There are no brand exclusions when using offers like Kohl’s Cash® coupons or Kohl’s charge card discounts. Additionally, these offers can be used in conjunction with sales events to maximize savings. From fashion to great value, Kohl’s is the shopping destination for savvy shoppers.

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Shopping Doesn’t Have to be Hard

November 7, 2011 by

When shopping for someone else’s kids are you often stumped? Do you wonder what their interests are? How do you accomplish shopping for a thoughtful but not wasteful gift? My advice for such a predicament is Kidorable.

Kidorable is the perfect shopping spot for kids aged toddler to school age. Boys and Girls alike are going to love the fun and whimsical designs for kids umbrellas, boots and raincoats. Shae has been wearing Kidorable rain boots for over 2 years. She is going on her 3rd pair now; Ballerina this time. I’ve gifted boots to my friend’s daughter and they were also a smashing hit. Regardless if they are tv junkies, artsy or into sports a cozy bath towel or backpack is always going to come in handy.
Find the perfect gift for any kid using their Holiday Gift Buying Quiz. Find out some gift giving myths and browse the fun and unique themes for kids stuff!






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