tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72475688814610322952024-03-12T18:48:35.119-05:00Confessions of a Thrift Shop MomAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-32503858725830547392012-11-17T23:10:00.003-06:002012-11-18T18:02:13.678-06:00'Tis The Season!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
I know what you're thinking "ugh...its not even Thanksgiving yet!"...."I bet she says Happy Holidays too"...Well, guess what my cyber friends...I'm a bitter bitch at Thanksgiving time. I need this holiday to pass...don't judge me yet, read first...or skip the next two paragraphs and read about our new Christmas tradition.</div>
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I am a very thankful person, and feel incredibly blessed. But its difficult to feel thankful on a day you are obligated too, especially when its either the birthday or the death date of your first born. You see, I had a beautiful little boy named David, on Nov. 24, 2002. I was suppose to take him home. His room was ready, we were ready...but instead two days later, my little guy died. For the past 10 years Thanksgiving has landed on Davids birthday, his death date, and in between. It's a punch in the gut each and everytime. </div>
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This year, you would think I would be thankful that Thanksgiving is actually before my cryfest...nope, still sucks. So when you see someone who isn't really jolly this holiday season, cut them some slack. It ain't all rainbows and lollipops for everyone during this time.</div>
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So to help me keep my sanity during this bitter pill of a holiday I have devised a plan...A Christmas shopping spree for our first annual Chrismas tradition...Ugly Christmas sweaters and sweatshirts for all! </div>
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I do find that I prefer the Christmas sweatshirts, they have a certain elegance that the sweater just doesn't have. Something about the elastic waist just makes me smile. And if I don't think it has enough pizazz, I have a well stocked supply of fabric puff paint and glitter to make everyone jealous! I also think a very lovely christmas tree, or reindeer turtleneck underneath will make an excellent addition to the ensemble. OH! Don't forget the wreath brooch that lights up! </div>
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The rest of my family is in on it too...siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews . Oh, this is gonna be good. Competition fierce. But I promise you, God as my witness...I will prevail. I have a whole list of thrift stores, that I will be canvasing...I will succeed in this mission. </div>
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I have to admit, I've been stumped on men's sweaters. Can't find one quite right. But I will...and my husband will wear it. I am not above withholding gifts to get what I want. I may supply him with drinks before we get this party started just to make sure he will submit to my shenanigans. </div>
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Another tradition that we are dabbling in this year, is the white elephant gift exchange. I've done this in the office, and everyone is so nice. Lottery tickets, Fannie May melt-aways, pretty little trinkets...me, I want to be mean. I want someone to unwrap this beauty and pretend to love it...</div>
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My family is a mixed about this. They want to go nice, but me...I'm going naughty. I'm not afraid of coal in my stocking. Well, maybe a little bit...I may find something more like these crafty kitties...</div>
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I'm positive Etsy will have a great selection, if not the overflowing chrismas selection at at my local second hand store will suffice. It's gonna be good. And I will take pictures.</div>
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And yes, I do say Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings with a sprinkle of Merry Christmas. </div>
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Why? </div>
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Because thats the all inclusive bitch I am.</div>
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Winter Greetings, Everyone!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-77203372575206272752012-08-13T15:33:00.000-05:002012-08-13T15:40:54.945-05:00Size doesn't matter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think this picture describes my daughter perfectly. I will make this quote artwork for her room. With the constant thumping on our heads about how us women are never enough, I want my daughter to be reminded that she is enough...no matter what size. <br />
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My girl has it socially easy in the respect that she is naturally very petite. Much easier than those girls who are naturally larger. I get that. I truly do. I think back on my own childhood, I was average, but since I had other quirks, and bullies LOVE to just be mean...I was called fat, ugly, anything that could degrade my body image. I look back at those years...I wasn't fat, or ugly. I was a kid. And truthfully, even if I was "fat" who the hell cares. No one, let me repeat NO ONE should critique another person on how they look. And as much as I believe its whats in the inside that counts, the media, bullies, and other asshats...will tell us otherwise. <br />
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Even those amazing Olympians who we just watched on TV are not immune to the body policing that us women endure. Really - a conversation about Gabby Douglas's hair? That makes me physically ill inside. The weight lifting gals...those women are mighty! But the crap they get, makes me want to punch someone.<br />
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Not sure what everyone else got to watch during the Olympics...but here at my house, with no cable I saw a lot of beach volleyball. Now, those women are athletes by all accounts, but I would also like to see some women boxing, weightlifting, or just about anything else too. But since those women aren't what media considers ideal, I guess my son gets to watch what NBC forces on us...the ideal 5'10, no fat, all muscle body. Well, not really, I get to turn off the TV, and I do. <br />
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We watched swimming, more swimming, gymnastics and a little track/field. I wanted more of a variety, but NBC wasn't really into variety this Olympics. They were into half naked athletes, and <a href="http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=bcf_1344586580">creating soft porn commercials</a>. Even my husband was taken back by all the exposure beach volleyball got...but the comment that made me laugh was his anger at a camera man who was on the court taking an upshot of these athletes. He said "that should be illegal, he should NOT be on the court, whats he trying to do? Get a closeup of her ass?" why, yes dear, that's exactly what he's doing. Didn't you know, women athletes are only worth watching if their jumping in a bikini.<br />
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Ok...off my "women are constantly sexualized" soapbox. Back to my daughter. Her size, even if it socially acceptable, is still against her. She is unusually short for her age. So she gets treated like a baby. People pick her up, talk down to her, and my favorite is when people do baby talk to her. The child is six years old. I don't care how short she is, you can tell she is older than 3 by the way she carry's herself, along with the fact that she has a pretty strong grasp on the English language.<br />
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So this quote is perfect. My daughter is small but mighty, and people who try to prove otherwise, are in for a world of hurt!<br />
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Like the boys who tried to imitate her after she did her handstand...it was awesome watching these boys, who were all bigger than her...keep trying but basically kept doing "head" stands and falling.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-673883623924509932012-07-19T11:12:00.003-05:002012-07-19T11:12:46.070-05:00Here the deal...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4amtoX-whLSy1vd8X6OOk7RPIrj9oRCvKXm2OYA5dQb9G25oew4UYpoLbQ2nweKR-8o0yPY7ufIvlmBGH7HNdo0W4DSq6uZ__Dyu1VhGpOSJTi4QxU9ftFRYMRi3bJUxagQ5XwLNrc4/s1600/IMG_20120714_114616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4amtoX-whLSy1vd8X6OOk7RPIrj9oRCvKXm2OYA5dQb9G25oew4UYpoLbQ2nweKR-8o0yPY7ufIvlmBGH7HNdo0W4DSq6uZ__Dyu1VhGpOSJTi4QxU9ftFRYMRi3bJUxagQ5XwLNrc4/s320/IMG_20120714_114616.jpg" width="235" /></a>it's summer. Hot, and 100 degrees with two kids and a hubby that sleeps during the day...so I am always trying to figure out something to do...either very quietly in my home, or outside. So I have had very little time to work on the blog. <br />
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Plus...we are hoping to move, and I have been told I am not allowed to purchase another item for this house. Hehehe....I find it cute that my hubby thinks using the word "allowed" works for me. Normally that word would make me go on a shopping frenzy...but I have to admit...he's right. I came to this conclusion yesterday as I was cleaning my home for a showing. I realized...I have too much shit. I have a happy home overfilled with toys. Toys in the living room, dining room, kids room, my room, attic and basement...and the yard too. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo-Xir-33sLBGn9pDNSssnZ8JL-YYQ6gupFvkDb1f7SK2xiwt28mYkPKT0k4hmvcKciiNkRWEtqf8LXKVOHJTG0X5ylNgNIRpvumf91oJZaO3C10njOHSNkfohv8u5JpDCvfwDCzkH1g/s1600/IMG_20120713_134229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo-Xir-33sLBGn9pDNSssnZ8JL-YYQ6gupFvkDb1f7SK2xiwt28mYkPKT0k4hmvcKciiNkRWEtqf8LXKVOHJTG0X5ylNgNIRpvumf91oJZaO3C10njOHSNkfohv8u5JpDCvfwDCzkH1g/s320/IMG_20120713_134229.jpg" width="235" /></a>I have a sentimental attachment to every piece of paper my children have drawn on...I need to get cold-hearted. I need to throw some things away. I need to give some things away, and I need to resale some stuff pronto!<br />
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So bare with me as a purge my house, and I will post about that...but on a day that is not beautiful and I'm enjoying my kids for what could be my last stay at home mom summer.<br />
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I was trying to make this blog strictly thrifting...but I may branch out a bit with things that we are doing as a family...we'll see, maybe if I'm not exhausted from doing things as a family I'll post about it.<br />
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Don't worry...<a href="http://www.kidscloset.biz/">Kids Closet</a> consignment sale is around the corner...and I have many of things to sell, I'm sure that will be an adventure in itself. I've already gathered 2 boxes of books that I will be selling....and I'm still left with a small library...sigh...this is gonna take some time!<br />
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Until then....we will be enjoying our summer! Hope you are too!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-18557052236870760982012-07-13T11:49:00.002-05:002012-07-13T11:52:04.209-05:00Fashionably LateLittle late for the party...but its summer...so things move a little slow around here...<br />
Junes Blog hop!<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/"><br />
<img border="0" src="http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj590/russej10/bloglovin-1-1-1-1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/"></a></center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>Rules!!! I copied from While Wearing Heels...super cool Blog!</center><center><br /></center><center><div style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">***These are the complete instructions for sign up, so skip to the rules if you already have Bloglovin'***</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In order to participate in this hop you need to sign up for Bloglovin’. Go to </span><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Bloglovin'</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;">. Hit the green sign up button in the right hand corner. Next enter an email address and create your password. You will get a confirmation eamil that you will need to follow a link back to Bloglovin' to continue the process. Once you click on the link you will be brought to a page where it says to choose blogs to follow. You don't need to do this. Click next in the bottom right hand corner. The next screen let’s you know about the mobile app so just click next again. This screen will show that you are not following any blogs. Click on Account in the upper right hand corner and toggle down to widget. Choose the widget you want displayed on your page. Put your url into the search query and it should pull up your site. Click on your site and it will say display this icon. The next page should bring you to a screen that has you display it into your layout. Once you hit publish you’re done! If you view your blog you should see the icon and now your followers can add you to their Bloglovin’ feed. Seriously, so simple. So let’s get to the blog hop. This is a party so make sure to have some fun and mingle.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> There’s only a couple of rules:</span></div>
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</center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-43126731312109921222012-06-28T14:22:00.001-05:002012-06-28T14:31:33.477-05:00Thrifty Thursday!<div style="text-align: center;">
You see that boy in the picture? He doesn't listen. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvAExis5vjCvDp57nXpdEaMsGdx7RV7jKgcDsrKmsn6LgJ-9yozMqzgv9Ixby_nK8z49k6xrSjjxwlc9TGhzxeQiEyOTFe0j8rUcyECN4J_eRBPUJKY72qA0PssLwkDT5GAPNnGTSpDM/s1600/grow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvAExis5vjCvDp57nXpdEaMsGdx7RV7jKgcDsrKmsn6LgJ-9yozMqzgv9Ixby_nK8z49k6xrSjjxwlc9TGhzxeQiEyOTFe0j8rUcyECN4J_eRBPUJKY72qA0PssLwkDT5GAPNnGTSpDM/s320/grow.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
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It doesn't matter how many times I tell that boy to stop growing...he just won't listen!!</div>
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So last weekend, when I noticed that his toes were almost appearing through his gym shoes, I decided it was time to go shoe shopping. The first place I stopped - Once Upon A Child. I had little hope. Because finding anything for boys - specifically shoes for an 8 yr old...is almost non-existent. I can find dainty little dresses for Moo girl all day long - but a decent shirt without a stain or rip in a size 8... that's always questionable.<br />
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I am so glad I went!<br />
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Someone else must have just outgrown their barely worn Air Jordans...because I hit the motherload!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tf2zloyAoh6a9zk2jr4bvT5UwWS-PDU1c64Eup_RAq6e80OhONJXWd_B0jMSokg8tkHldxCKzOY8fr2SKvh3REaeP6v4whPPsw3s3izpm3g3bcP77yUsn8Xub7sRl4n0iWmtHX_rjYg/s1600/20120621_125917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tf2zloyAoh6a9zk2jr4bvT5UwWS-PDU1c64Eup_RAq6e80OhONJXWd_B0jMSokg8tkHldxCKzOY8fr2SKvh3REaeP6v4whPPsw3s3izpm3g3bcP77yUsn8Xub7sRl4n0iWmtHX_rjYg/s400/20120621_125917.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWogL4xbYJjfWRpaLS4cd-aOooLHV_r0KuOrXKTN9C-49tQMLWguFRyGdtHBmtPVHTYDApYsWooadqoBlFZYAwPVY9rnSSsQ9MLx_6o8t2Acz51XLK85yje0tnrQ6QovN1NV44MIyLPFo/s1600/20120621_162640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWogL4xbYJjfWRpaLS4cd-aOooLHV_r0KuOrXKTN9C-49tQMLWguFRyGdtHBmtPVHTYDApYsWooadqoBlFZYAwPVY9rnSSsQ9MLx_6o8t2Acz51XLK85yje0tnrQ6QovN1NV44MIyLPFo/s200/20120621_162640.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjgAKdbpDlCM-jzct3ebdHKu_BfkEoDrCAcwQWvpvxBSWCFMdFRZiCjFKY7Bazg-MSSMeBWMP1nTrwx-QwPY2SXRNn00Cbz73cTbj4xpeBbYNQyBH-7BE0bmuoud3PP2bU4LVZH_HYdc/s1600/20120621_162527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjgAKdbpDlCM-jzct3ebdHKu_BfkEoDrCAcwQWvpvxBSWCFMdFRZiCjFKY7Bazg-MSSMeBWMP1nTrwx-QwPY2SXRNn00Cbz73cTbj4xpeBbYNQyBH-7BE0bmuoud3PP2bU4LVZH_HYdc/s200/20120621_162527.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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My boys favorite pair was the Nike black and yellow ones...they are a size too large. But, fall will be here before you know it. I got Moo girl a pair of black Air Jordans...how cute is that? I got that boy 7 pairs of shoes, in a variety of sizes, Nike and Air Jordans. <br />
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After experiencing this happiness...I decided to press my luck in the boy clothes department...so glad I did!<br />
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I want the I Rock t-shirt!</div>
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After going through the boys I decided Moo girl needed shorts. Again, I pat myself on the back...it was clearance day or something at Once Upon...because I did good!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPH2qfCntFebymLQNAjCNuoMN6OVUuItXLdeCxHpvPDME1kJMlJHwep_970Hr2av_TaPNS6Uw9244US3HisZfkDlUN8CYWprjkl-qvDhshq79gVMqQFtT_A8ui-d0ClCp_aHCEuo61dA/s1600/20120621_162102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPH2qfCntFebymLQNAjCNuoMN6OVUuItXLdeCxHpvPDME1kJMlJHwep_970Hr2av_TaPNS6Uw9244US3HisZfkDlUN8CYWprjkl-qvDhshq79gVMqQFtT_A8ui-d0ClCp_aHCEuo61dA/s320/20120621_162102.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a reminder of why I do resale! See that shirt?! So glad I didn't pay full price.</div>
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<center><a href="http://www.blueeyedowlboutique.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd392/blueeyedowl/tstbutton.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<a href="http://www.harpershappenings.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/zlwylv.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-3244414453018448332012-06-28T11:09:00.001-05:002012-06-30T09:37:19.536-05:00UPDATE: Dream Catcher<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwb1XVo-IT_NfMzbBajeEpbVGwZcEVVwlI-qmOlxGZO1N14qzYfeBz-doSkiMjsYXQMxulikRU-p5qRXjC-aXSzZxuGIrQtNB-_1BqCP930_YWPivreIPKH-aM1eWACkLGImidNTd1teQ/s1600/tan+maddie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwb1XVo-IT_NfMzbBajeEpbVGwZcEVVwlI-qmOlxGZO1N14qzYfeBz-doSkiMjsYXQMxulikRU-p5qRXjC-aXSzZxuGIrQtNB-_1BqCP930_YWPivreIPKH-aM1eWACkLGImidNTd1teQ/s320/tan+maddie.jpg" width="170" /></a>Remember my hope for the <a href="http://thriftshopmom.blogspot.com/2012/04/sweet-sleep.html">dream catcher</a>? It was going to change lives...allow sleep in my household. Yea, the only thing that 1/8 Cherokee Indian blood is doing in Moo girl, is giving her a FABULOUS tan!<br />
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I'd say she is in my bed 5 out of 7 nights, usually sneaks in anytime between midnight and 5am. How do I say no to "mama...can I sleep with you" in her sweet squeaky voice? I can't. I. just. can't. So when she wandered into my room, to sleep with my new comfy blanket...I didn't think twice about it. <br />
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When I could no longer pretend to be asleep I couldn't help but stare at her sweet little face. She is so peaceful to look at until she decides to talk. Out of nowhere as I gaze mommaish at her little face she starts to whisper..."mama...COFFEE!!" she then jabs out her hand grabs a fistful of my hair and pulls me to her. Confused and dazed...it took everything I had not to bust into hysterics. I didn't want to wake her out of her slumber, Lord only knows what she would do to me then!<br />
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And this is why she doesn't do sleepovers. </div>
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This peacefulness...is deceiving.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPKxhIUsvL_jJE3NNj6uXDe_e4u6NoU6viAUr0Wv7yjGLGtF34jTTxfwoGeAJD_gsVYwylgqrcDrrgjbyvcLCFgWmutKcq7TM9VXaRtLRILUOwYxy4TNcKzwAnKBK0BAUnimBIiNbLn0/s1600/20120628_075744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPKxhIUsvL_jJE3NNj6uXDe_e4u6NoU6viAUr0Wv7yjGLGtF34jTTxfwoGeAJD_gsVYwylgqrcDrrgjbyvcLCFgWmutKcq7TM9VXaRtLRILUOwYxy4TNcKzwAnKBK0BAUnimBIiNbLn0/s400/20120628_075744.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-9822235463933075112012-06-19T12:04:00.000-05:002012-06-19T12:07:22.440-05:00Birthday Celebrations!If you've been reading then you know my love of birthday parties! I love celebrating my children, its just one of those things us moms like to do.<br />
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Well, those birthday party's also add up. Not just monetarily, but also in toy clutter. My children have been blessed with a mom who loves toys almost as much as they do..so we have plenty of them, not just at birthday times, but at all times.<br />
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So this year, I simplified things a little bit. It was still a crazy birthday season, with family and some close friends coming over on a Saturday to celebrate both kids birthday,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzmLOFvBxlYxvAf776axjP4WPhyphenhyphen4GREX4G4E2vpRqCKV9MAXstpxY2TCt6DkL6ZO2z-yTTNy_I4Y6hqCN4j-gIlwG-llU2AucdtZJ_qjxGuddl4VBMjK7HPd8AtXbhCnUY5OhSGOL8mw/s1600/464789_2197077003490_101766435_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzmLOFvBxlYxvAf776axjP4WPhyphenhyphen4GREX4G4E2vpRqCKV9MAXstpxY2TCt6DkL6ZO2z-yTTNy_I4Y6hqCN4j-gIlwG-llU2AucdtZJ_qjxGuddl4VBMjK7HPd8AtXbhCnUY5OhSGOL8mw/s320/464789_2197077003490_101766435_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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but then we also celebrated them on the individual dates too. <br />
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Thankfully we have Haunted Trails less than 10 minutes from my house. No need for a big backyard blowout, when we can have good buddies and laser tag for four hours! <span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
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Now onto my Maddie Moo Girls birthday...<br />
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By her day, I was kinda done with cake, and toys. So we did something a little different. I'm very lucky that I have a wonderful sister who is also the owner and operator of my daughters Montessori school. So on Maddies birthday she got to go to summer camp and spend the day with her friends. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWx98bvf_itfEkkyqx-AK91tK_rvr4ge_NuVxhAxXwgnJZ5LOi3VO_dnLenxLJWNXuQ3OVmxX6uY2VkGiRrsge11xGIyca9wC3MMiJWJTDbioRxGYmwCbb6IGx4XkoL9SVzyNyY5QtzM/s1600/20120612_123306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWx98bvf_itfEkkyqx-AK91tK_rvr4ge_NuVxhAxXwgnJZ5LOi3VO_dnLenxLJWNXuQ3OVmxX6uY2VkGiRrsge11xGIyca9wC3MMiJWJTDbioRxGYmwCbb6IGx4XkoL9SVzyNyY5QtzM/s320/20120612_123306.jpg" width="320" /></a>I know, I know...what a birthday party...she got to spend it in school! But really she had a blast. This way she got to see all of her friends, pass out those delicious marshmallow pops...and again, I had no clean up - and no added toys! I think that was the best part for me. <br />
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But don't you worry about Moo girl...she still got plenty of toys from mom and dad!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">She recently has a new obsession...My Little Pony. She decided she wanted a My Little Pony Birthday Party...so while she was at school...guess where I went? </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Yep, I went thrifting. Because, any good thrift store - will always have a bag of My Little Pony's. </span><br />
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And even though I was all caked out...I did make some awesome cupcakes!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-3653042203092140222012-06-19T11:17:00.001-05:002012-06-19T11:19:42.950-05:00Easy Peasy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I would like to thank Pinterest for this Easy Peasy Summertime treat. I have two birthday children in June, and I was getting really tired of cake, so I wanted something simple...and this was it! We made these delicious marshmallow treats for moo girls summer camp class.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQq1lOTmvHLZfnsJ63vKJrGsJi8I53z3NQ_qdboIQBBDBOcrJ48lEPjyyjkan6vl0du5qBCkL4DW-ZxlkUkyXIxOJxImRp4JLmNPnKQynm6Y705_9St9bEGekC_e8l7e2tVzTYCjPa5SA/s1600/20120611_200116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQq1lOTmvHLZfnsJ63vKJrGsJi8I53z3NQ_qdboIQBBDBOcrJ48lEPjyyjkan6vl0du5qBCkL4DW-ZxlkUkyXIxOJxImRp4JLmNPnKQynm6Y705_9St9bEGekC_e8l7e2tVzTYCjPa5SA/s200/20120611_200116.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Get yourself some marshmallows...any size will do - but the Jumbo ones are really fun! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Melt some chocolate, and dip those babies in it! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZqKuyQ75bH4Jhgm8sWbYA6WnajUnWFQfGOSccZDInkM7TcKkBkXvNoeGYMxljaS8O5GWpqnrXMX1fNr8dhavfxcchGp3qFdKc6akQ7g5hpe5HZSblRP4lqWyffd5cVNqWGe80HIXRPM/s1600/IMG_20120611_200306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZqKuyQ75bH4Jhgm8sWbYA6WnajUnWFQfGOSccZDInkM7TcKkBkXvNoeGYMxljaS8O5GWpqnrXMX1fNr8dhavfxcchGp3qFdKc6akQ7g5hpe5HZSblRP4lqWyffd5cVNqWGe80HIXRPM/s200/IMG_20120611_200306.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCLn6pgn3QEvgNn_tDTY0Y888VTG11fd52iuGxnMjWh1yZjDnIpdXN7dUY52-jZGfS9HEf7Qb9hTG5YhNRNEfe1cHQ8mPz6EDRmW0uzcGe7m93wU3ELUYvqilvfT9zLzt-o2COAxqBuY/s1600/20120611_200054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCLn6pgn3QEvgNn_tDTY0Y888VTG11fd52iuGxnMjWh1yZjDnIpdXN7dUY52-jZGfS9HEf7Qb9hTG5YhNRNEfe1cHQ8mPz6EDRmW0uzcGe7m93wU3ELUYvqilvfT9zLzt-o2COAxqBuY/s200/20120611_200054.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="background-color: white;">Then have the kids decorate with sprinkles...SO MUCH FUN! So much mess too - but completely worth it! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">At the time all I had was straws for sticks...and it worked. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
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Kid approved!!!<br />
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For my next batch I made smores - I liked these the best! Make sure you wait for the chocolate to harden. I liked them better the next day after the marshmallow toughened up a bit.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-21874411760787161102012-05-31T21:54:00.000-05:002012-05-31T23:00:58.837-05:00Thrifty Thursday...Quirky Shirt EditionWhat can I say, I'm <a href="http://thriftshopmom.blogspot.com/p/for-love-of-quirky-t-shirts.html">addicted</a>. But then you should know that by now. Just happened to be in the vicinity of a Goodwill Store yesterday...had to go take a look around. <br />
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Nothing really catching my eye...I needed a good chuckle, so I went to the T-Shirt aisle...never fails!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjDHPuQM7PoyZ_QDGXL42GFv8I32tgh2OY5Dx54iWIVr89azLmw43dvy5U6BXt-kQhoqkCwbfC7_lTmbaKxbZtyWXDw-sFdYb7AfYxwiwbFp_D9uo5NKCIlRwy8_mVLhiQ5ithH6dp-0/s1600/20120530_123256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjDHPuQM7PoyZ_QDGXL42GFv8I32tgh2OY5Dx54iWIVr89azLmw43dvy5U6BXt-kQhoqkCwbfC7_lTmbaKxbZtyWXDw-sFdYb7AfYxwiwbFp_D9uo5NKCIlRwy8_mVLhiQ5ithH6dp-0/s320/20120530_123256.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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I could almost see me wearing this...but honestly, it would only cover one of my troubles...so...it stayed on the hanger. Plus, I think my shirt should say something like "these give me a back ache" They're not really trouble makers anymore.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeGG8heKz1Ns0MlbIyxDD3oNWw_W6kB-CLH55ttRWzmoYTZwU6KHZ6Tzx8-p-SnbEHJ8zFs-zuj54Ho9CxULTw6hs7X7SVFuNqnyjlf9yI1s6OEBtIxYiOtE4TJOf0jhcperG35lGTpk/s1600/IMG_20120530_120207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeGG8heKz1Ns0MlbIyxDD3oNWw_W6kB-CLH55ttRWzmoYTZwU6KHZ6Tzx8-p-SnbEHJ8zFs-zuj54Ho9CxULTw6hs7X7SVFuNqnyjlf9yI1s6OEBtIxYiOtE4TJOf0jhcperG35lGTpk/s320/IMG_20120530_120207.jpg" width="240" /></a>I remember when this saying was popular...back in 1999...not so much anymore. Think it would scream "I bought this at good will" so, another shirt to stay on the hanger - But the message is still a strong and relevant message, even in 2012.</div>
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But I couldn't go home empty handed. I grew up in the 80's...and I love me some CHEERS! The shirt dates me...but thats ok. It is so worth it!</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">You're welcome - I know you'll be singing this song for the rest of the day!</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Wanted to add a link to <a href="http://herlibraryadventures.blogspot.com/">Library adventures</a>...she does a lot of thrift store and vintage finds...she has some really nice stuff. I link to her page, so I want to give her a shout out!</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Also...<a href="http://apronthriftgirl.typepad.com/">Apron Thrift Girl</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-79667184528861426232012-05-29T01:06:00.001-05:002012-05-29T01:10:52.858-05:00Memories of Birthday PastI'm gonna share a little personal information with you...but not TMI, so don't worry. Growing up, we didn't celebrate birthdays for religious reasons. Now, before you get all sad on me...I didn't really know what I was missing, so I wasn't ever too upset about the whole thing. It was what it was. <br />
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Now, I celebrate birthdays. Not so much mine, it just makes me uncomfortable. Not saying I didn't try...but my first attempt was my 21st, and basically I messed that party up something awful, sent everyone to a hole in the wall bar, which was the wrong bar. This was before people used cell phones, so yea, it was a giant mess. I still had my tequila, but, a few people short. So I kinda gave up on my own birthdays.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNoBJEMwsjKeTmMz5wnqdIu_IH8H2cd3vDeDtssU2JW9aredMWi9Z02ur5yAg0LWA_raE9hZyJyb8g2zueYbmyTOVenViUtYNk4Gl8hLFeche1HNWdqZng0LUIechNgX9dExbgr-B7_w/s1600/matthew+bday+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNoBJEMwsjKeTmMz5wnqdIu_IH8H2cd3vDeDtssU2JW9aredMWi9Z02ur5yAg0LWA_raE9hZyJyb8g2zueYbmyTOVenViUtYNk4Gl8hLFeche1HNWdqZng0LUIechNgX9dExbgr-B7_w/s320/matthew+bday+pic.jpg" width="240" /></a>My kids...are an entirely different story. Matthew's 1st birthday was months in the making. This was all before <a href="http://pinterest.com/curiosity2/">Pinterest</a> so really, I was roughing it with the ideas. Thank goodness for good ol' Disney Family magazine, and Martha Stewart.<br />
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I planned a Safari themed birthday...I sent these oh so crafty invites to family, friends, you name it - if I knew you at one time in my life, you were celebrating my boys birthday!<br />
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I had several people error-check this invite before I sent it to a bazillion people...and no one caught the "oops" well, of course my smart assiest friend found the error..and loves to bring it to my attention every year during Matthew's birthday season...can you spot the error? Well, his mother should have!<br />
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Martha Stewart...she helped...look at these awesome cakes! I did good my friends, I did real good!<br />
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And since...Matthew's first birthday was a huge event, my girl had to have a huge first birthday event too.<br />
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Luau Time! <br />
Oriental Trading was my friend, decorations, candy, goody bags, flip flop pinata...SO MUCH FUN!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwnJK8hmdq_b5oqf46kB4b2DUS8HIpw7ntPTtE8PDNCyQ4sIoHIJDV1GJ7ygWgdWCrOthGQqNbK-EvKJhNg_4bXoncLpyHvAeDUu-GiXhhx8-zyI1gmF-_1SKQTrLkaVJnp4Tu3avlkw/s1600/Maddies+Bday+2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwnJK8hmdq_b5oqf46kB4b2DUS8HIpw7ntPTtE8PDNCyQ4sIoHIJDV1GJ7ygWgdWCrOthGQqNbK-EvKJhNg_4bXoncLpyHvAeDUu-GiXhhx8-zyI1gmF-_1SKQTrLkaVJnp4Tu3avlkw/s320/Maddies+Bday+2007.jpg" width="320" /></a>Do you see that cake?! <br />
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That is one fabulous flip flop cake standing in graham cracker sand! Yea, I did it, and yes, I am one PROUD Momma! <br />
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(Remember, when having the date on the picture was so cool?! I HATE it now, why did I do that to so many pictures?! Plus the wrong damn date to boot!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPphBx5nliJppLUXtdoMHh0yhxp1jHq-EB65Dv087dOfxKVwhkBLjXv-CKTix1NOmbHaXc3KIEKmSMerw1A1XerePyjE58rptA9ba7Koh8QAN4mSQ3TXdl0C03dhRFTLFLKB5XrId2X2s/s1600/sprinkler_fishbowl_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPphBx5nliJppLUXtdoMHh0yhxp1jHq-EB65Dv087dOfxKVwhkBLjXv-CKTix1NOmbHaXc3KIEKmSMerw1A1XerePyjE58rptA9ba7Koh8QAN4mSQ3TXdl0C03dhRFTLFLKB5XrId2X2s/s200/sprinkler_fishbowl_l.jpg" width="160" /></a><br />
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And you know what - Martha Stewart can kiss my ever lovin' ass! I'm sure some of you have seen those easy, and just so fabulous jello fishbowls, that Martha makes look so easy.<br />
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Do you see that look of disgust on that girls face? I don't blame her...my fish looked bloated. And those pretty little cupcakes with the strawberry on them? Thankfully, no one cracked a tooth on them. Thanks Martha. <br />
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But I did have that fabulous flip flop cake that saved the day! Damn, I loved that thing!<br />
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I'm bringing up such fond memories because its that time of year again. My big guy is turning 8, and my little lady is turning 6. The parties have calmed down some. Well, a little bit. Not really. I try not to make a big deal out of them, then before I know it...well, I make it a big deal. I can't help it. I am so blessed to have these kids in my life, and that they are happy, healthy, and I get to hug them everyday. I want to celebrate it! I want it perfect...bloated fish and all!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-3899056484131172822012-05-28T18:59:00.000-05:002012-05-28T19:00:23.321-05:00Added a page!!You know how I love me some t-shirts...so I added a page<a href="http://thriftshopmom.blogspot.com/p/for-love-of-quirky-t-shirts.html"> For the love of Quirky T-Shirts</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-27107679710732787622012-05-17T13:50:00.000-05:002012-05-24T22:47:35.294-05:00Thrifting Thursday PostI believe it was the Christmas when my boy was one and a half and I was preggers with my girl. I had been hinting to my husband that I really wanted a down comforter. How nice to snuggle up in a nice comfy blanket. So I was a little surprised when I opened my gift and found a Big, Red, Shiny Kitchen Aid Mixer! Surprised, shock, amused, annoyed...anyone of those adjectives would work. <br />
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My pregnancy brain couldn't comprehend on how one could mistake a comforter for a mixer. A comforter was something of luxury and would help you sleep...while a mixer would torment me and confirm my suspicion that I really sucked at baking. I was happy with my big bowl and spoon, it worked just fine with my box of brownie mix. </div>
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So, I returned it, and had my eye out for a new comfy comforter. The thing is, I never found that perfect comforter...and basically was shit out of luck on the Christmas gift that year. I'm sure the refund money <a href="http://thriftshopmom.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-name-is-mom-and-im-toy-aholic.html">went to kid toys</a>, because, well, thats what I do. </div>
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I have no one to blame but myself. Should have just kept the damn mixer in a box under my sink for a few years until I was ready to use it...like now. Yes, I would like that Big, Red, Shiny Kitchen Aid mixer now, 5 years later. I've been thinking about it lately. How it would be nice to try to make some homemade bread with the kids. I could try to make some kind of bakery good that didn't come from a box. When my girlfriend requested that on my thriftshop runs to look for a Kitchen Aid mixing bowl, I knew I was really missing out.</div>
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But I don't want to spend that kind of money on something I may or may not ever use...so as I was browsing in my stores...I found this beauty!<br />
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Its not Big, Red, Shiny or even a Kitchen Aid...but it'll do. And for $3.99, I'm all about it.</div>
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And it makes great box brownies!</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-17209536682869256872012-05-10T13:50:00.005-05:002012-05-10T14:42:33.349-05:00My name is mom, and I'm a toy-aholic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Its true. It started out innocently enough. Just random baby toys. Then I saw it...the twinkle in my sons eye. He LOVED toys. I LOVED my son, and my addiction began. <br />
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The outdoor toy collection was fabulous...every play house, slide, pool, slip-n-slide, wagon, bike, basketball hoop, soccer goal, ball...you name it we have had it. <br />
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Great toys to mimic mom and dad...toys to just enjoy with friends...<br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Its not till recently that we have started to give them away...the one thing we have kept...</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">the SANDBOX! </span>
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This didn't stop with toddler outdoor toys....oh no, we had a vast collection of indoor toys too...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuNSW_MjClskmouH1pRm9OZzTxbHodCz0u0ft5IHqEb6Dfrhn8qVPvfyVJyiPsNoNqyPfMAH2AritAHyRsYeDW0PeVVSI4FiVS_sVNGn-2j2uF-Xew8_OSekN0jCodGSxU7kZ2cWCogI/s1600/NOv+2007+(52).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuNSW_MjClskmouH1pRm9OZzTxbHodCz0u0ft5IHqEb6Dfrhn8qVPvfyVJyiPsNoNqyPfMAH2AritAHyRsYeDW0PeVVSI4FiVS_sVNGn-2j2uF-Xew8_OSekN0jCodGSxU7kZ2cWCogI/s200/NOv+2007+(52).jpg" width="172" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREYUHXuc3emPG6nCLOE2op3a3FAm1M4wr9e2j2ijGePeeDZ6vuKRT75Zx1ik78UN2mo8iHJ14ojdNyyXZYATJ5U930IUmkKHyusXVRU0lwbgL_YZOZ_Vjc3WXu5TmbfH2gvTVaHCR_m4/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREYUHXuc3emPG6nCLOE2op3a3FAm1M4wr9e2j2ijGePeeDZ6vuKRT75Zx1ik78UN2mo8iHJ14ojdNyyXZYATJ5U930IUmkKHyusXVRU0lwbgL_YZOZ_Vjc3WXu5TmbfH2gvTVaHCR_m4/s200/IMG_0423.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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I know what your thinking...your poor husband! He has to deal with an addict! Don't pity him. <br />
He is my enabler.<br />
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One day I started going through some old boxes of his childhood stuff. Do you know what he had? Toys! But not just any toys...Star Wars from the 70/80's. Yoda still in his original packaging. He did not "play" with these toys as a child, he organized them for fun. The Star Wars ships still with instructions and stickers! <br />
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The action figures packed neatly in Darth Vaders Head...still with the mini-guns! We have all the characters except maybe 5 of them. Its insane! <br />
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"My children will PLAY with these toys!" I declare...and he whole heartily agrees! But one condition...be careful of the lead paint. "The children can go nuts with these toys, just no eating them". I'm good with that.<br />
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Now, my son has become an expert on all things Star Wars, and has his own massive lego Star Wars collection. That he is very serious about.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspOHraYnzZYycsHn3p4ulNLAV7RIrnPIASB4dPBDDuc9LJxnEqZPubow4sW3YHmSfPOCcKsSNtb1DM6Jmcx9x2tBt3EY7hDBc50jChyIHnoBNzNolX3XFtYK7NFuBMmO7iIQf_zREisQ/s1600/IMG_20120505_212534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspOHraYnzZYycsHn3p4ulNLAV7RIrnPIASB4dPBDDuc9LJxnEqZPubow4sW3YHmSfPOCcKsSNtb1DM6Jmcx9x2tBt3EY7hDBc50jChyIHnoBNzNolX3XFtYK7NFuBMmO7iIQf_zREisQ/s320/IMG_20120505_212534.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Star Wars was just the beginning...Matchbox Cars...and these cars were in MINT condition. My husband had the coolest toy collection! My son has played with every single one of these toys...not gently, not just to "organize" them like his father did. These cars tell stories...even now, at age 7 these cars come out and have massive battles, and story lines. And as long as he doesn't lick them...he's good.<br />
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Lets not forget one of my first and favorite finds from my husbands childhood...the Wells Fargo Mobile Play set...that man managed to save all the little "extras" we still have the play swords!<br />
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Your wondering why am I telling you all this..."great, Kath, your kids have a lot of toys. Whip-de-doo". Well, to me its a HUGE whip-de-doo. <br />
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You just saw the fabulous toys that my husbands family kept for him. They were a part of his childhood. Its kind of a big deal. I have no toys from my childhood to share. These are memories that have been kept in a box to be passed on to his son and daughter, how cool is that? Its a reminder that not everything needs to be thrown away. Some things are keepsakes. That's why when I get a hard time from people for keeping mementos...I tell them they can shove it. When my son is done with Star Wars, you bet they are being boxed up and passed on to his children. There are some things that are worth keeping...and there are things that can be given away...I don't need to keep the playhouses, I have plenty of pictures, and I like the idea of another family enjoying snack time on the roof.<br />
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Another whip-de-doo about all this is...that my kids can have numerous <a href="http://thriftshopmom.blogspot.com/2012/04/dehoardifying-part-2-dont-judge-me.html">creepy dolls</a>, and outdoor toys because I thrift. If I had to pay full price, we'd have a fraction of it. My kids would still be happy. They are not spoiled, they are grateful for what they have...<br />
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Hell, a box is a source of pure joy in my household...</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-21958283233744996352012-05-05T22:53:00.001-05:002012-05-05T23:22:54.601-05:00You like me, you really like me!I am a newbie at all things bloggy...so imagine my surprise when I found out that my fellow blogger at <a href="http://www.ideallyspeaking.ca/">Ideally Speaking</a> nominated me for a Liebster Award! I need to say, I love following her on twitter...the girl has an awesome collection of t-shirts..I think my favorite Earth Day shirt that she featured from her collection was "I do it outdoors...walking, people!" if I could link to instagram right now I would! <br />
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So, what is a Liebster Award? Well, let me tell you...<br />
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Its a little something for us newbies who have less than 200 followers. I clearly qualify for this nomination! This little stamp of approval helps give recognition to bloggers for a job well done. It helps bring exposure and attract more followers to those of us who clearly need a little help. The best part of this award is that the person who is giving it to you is telling you "YOU ROCK!". And really, who doesn't want to hear that once in awhile? Honestly, even if I gain no new followers I really do appreciate the fact that someone is reading my blog and enjoying it enough to let me know.<br />
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But its not all giggles and hugs, nope...we have a few guidelines that we follow...<br />
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<ol>
<li>Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog</li>
<li>You must link back to the presenter on your blog</li>
<li>Copy and paste the blog award on your blog</li>
<li>Present the Liebster Blog Award to 5 blogs you think deserve some recognition. Remember they have to have 200 followers or less when presented with Liebster!</li>
<li>Make sure you let the bloggers you nominated know they have a Liebester! Leave a comment on their blog. DM on twitter. Facebook post - however you normally get in contact with them.</li>
</ol>
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So, now its my turn to nominate 5 blogs that I love...alrighty then...<br />
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<a href="http://garagesalesrus.blogspot.com/2012/05/final-reveal.html">Garage Sales R Us</a> This is a new one I'm following...this lady has some serious designer skills. You must take a look at what she has recently done to a set of dressers.<br />
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<a href="http://zannahbrown.blogspot.com/">Write, Rinse, Repeat</a> Also a new one I found. Not even sure how, all I know is that she is a smart ass and I love her. Need a laugh? Go to her blog...now!<br />
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<a href="http://blog.lib.umn.edu/draeg001/regionalpartnerships/">A View From Here: Resettling Big Stone County Minnesota</a> Now, thats a mouth full! This lady here, she is one of my favs. She's been blogging for a few years now, and she is a personal friend of mine. She is smart, and funny. I adore her! Moved her family from the city to the farm, and is doing some marvelous things.<br />
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<a href="http://whilewearingheels.blogspot.com/">While Wearing Heels</a> is another fun one. Who doesn't love a craft tutorial?<br />
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<a href="http://fracturedfamilytales.blogspot.com/">Fractured Family Tales</a> is another great blog. I came across her through some of the bigger writing blogs. She writes for the #yeah writes contests. She does a great job. She posted this little funny...<br />
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So I pinned it on my pinterest board, because it made me crack up. First time I ever got a comment on anything I put on pinterest... It got over 600 repins, and 171 likes...I'm still getting this thing repinned ...I posted it over two weeks ago! I also should note...that I really don't have any God-fearing facebook whore friends, so please don't think I'm talking about you. I just thought it was funny.<br />
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I guess that wraps up my 5 blogs...I have a few more that are excellent that I follow, but they already have plenty of followers...but if your interested...I have them on the right column of my blog...check them out too. If you have a chance.<br />
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<span style="color: #646464; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-29193955173905900432012-04-29T22:45:00.000-05:002012-04-29T22:45:26.058-05:00dehoardifying part 3: I did it for the mug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLDoXQzUvi7BxtuQca_vIa69qmb6N3BcuweG9795G7gqJJ4ptd5KnCPYGNkcgUh0333x1wZ4PNxwgM6sbkSkfStdzPid0OSs2sIywYvCoHM_HZrHP7AXZ-CTUbqMylaVm49pzo-WZkfU/s320/PicsArt_1335754048884.jpg" width="273" /></div>
Well, sorta. Actually no. I didn't even know I was going to get a coffee mug! I guess if you volunteered for two shifts, you got a free coffee mug, how nice is that! This will be put to lots of use, thank you very much <a href="http://www.kidscloset.biz/">Kids Closet</a>! <br />
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I actually did it to dehoardify. I dropped off 10 boxes, and got back only 4, so I did just that! I was pleasantly surprised with the amount I made this spring, the most ever! So again, thank you very much!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSE5_EHpuk15sMkwK_1SwL0X4F4ded2OcJRPddPpdOb196BxAhvEVXM8ZfTYydOjCGzUDD225hiLjRGoYMbI4bfrAs2sErzKWgRkXR8dtlarCvdS-RKYOYJpstW-2UmzhczXbcODMvYOU/s1600/20120429_215729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSE5_EHpuk15sMkwK_1SwL0X4F4ded2OcJRPddPpdOb196BxAhvEVXM8ZfTYydOjCGzUDD225hiLjRGoYMbI4bfrAs2sErzKWgRkXR8dtlarCvdS-RKYOYJpstW-2UmzhczXbcODMvYOU/s200/20120429_215729.jpg" width="150" /></a>I got the opportunity to volunteer on the last day, when people were picking up, so glad I did. First, because I forgot I got a $10 coupon for that day, so big shout out to Michelle for reminding me. I didn't think I'd find much on the last day, but pleasantly surprised I found a gymnastics T-shirt! I love my graphic tees! Also got a couple of other shirts, leotard, and 2 dresses. Very happy.<br />
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I'm doing this backwards, but its late...and I'm scattered brain...So, in the beginning...I volunteered during the pre-sale, this way I got first look at the items. I do pay full price, but its worth it especially for the hard to find boy size 8. I found five pairs of shorts, and a shirt. Thank goodness! Because that boy of mine, has no idea when shorts are too small on him...and nothing makes me cringe more than when he sneaks outside in a pair of shorts that hug his butt way too much. So thank you lady who brought the size 8 shorts, you have saved me a lot of embarrassment (just me, cause my son could care less)! <br />
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Now onto the toys!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamZ31LQB0nkBdDdGGI0ldK70Tms0zOm2UIyBThvf3aURFbsaDhoka73vPDbrfoHTfpuqPkifxxvAxr9d2S2L5Oy4g-3OlOt5KNTgAs6ZcTgHwX2YDK4T81c2ro-cNvwgF1Wm-lGawsfY/s1600/IMG_20120426_223731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamZ31LQB0nkBdDdGGI0ldK70Tms0zOm2UIyBThvf3aURFbsaDhoka73vPDbrfoHTfpuqPkifxxvAxr9d2S2L5Oy4g-3OlOt5KNTgAs6ZcTgHwX2YDK4T81c2ro-cNvwgF1Wm-lGawsfY/s200/IMG_20120426_223731.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvpXMtsqTCQJJS598YNTKD7wdblQkphUdQI6Uu5P_WvXMy-fEAJiV1wMK5uorYNAM2K6fnVPejlz0VgPkOmoduAB4cPq1MdWifwYhcMKeNDyNocqrafNBfbvQoh7z48aU969XJ7WXW_k/s1600/IMG_20120426_175559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvpXMtsqTCQJJS598YNTKD7wdblQkphUdQI6Uu5P_WvXMy-fEAJiV1wMK5uorYNAM2K6fnVPejlz0VgPkOmoduAB4cPq1MdWifwYhcMKeNDyNocqrafNBfbvQoh7z48aU969XJ7WXW_k/s200/IMG_20120426_175559.jpg" width="200" /></a> I questioned both of these purchases. $6 for wedgits, which I hemmed, and hawed about thinking they were too young for Moo girl. So glad I bought them - she's been playing with them ever since! The $4 bag of legos. The legos I struggled with...picked up, put down, then said screw it, its only $4 and bought them. So glad I did! The treasures that we found in that bag!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCB2EcLLbS7I5ANvUQCm_TuepGKaf5pNMZphFEBfcYETzb0ShzgYnwvKMwTJPopSQlbBdSzhmGQnDY8qJcg2dTwLtL4SGJAKpeW6CzD8O6U8OAeRhQ4ROYe3bqwfhfxFZPhnuf56XEmhY/s1600/IMG_20120429_103851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCB2EcLLbS7I5ANvUQCm_TuepGKaf5pNMZphFEBfcYETzb0ShzgYnwvKMwTJPopSQlbBdSzhmGQnDY8qJcg2dTwLtL4SGJAKpeW6CzD8O6U8OAeRhQ4ROYe3bqwfhfxFZPhnuf56XEmhY/s200/IMG_20120429_103851.jpg" width="200" /></a>On the second day I volunteered again, this time...I went to the vendors. So happy I did! I hate paying shipping when all I want is a $5 item from Pampered Chef. I've been dying for these bamboo toaster tongs FOREVER! The dog ate them awhile back, and I've been mourning their loss ever since. Kids used them, I used them...ugh. Damn Dog. Well, guess who had them in stock?! My new favorite Pampered Chef Lady. They also have the best paring knives ever! <br />
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Talked to some very nice ladies, and also got a sample of a candle. Excited about the candle, and as soon as I try it out I will let you know all about it. Its for my crafting projects...if you go back to <a href="http://thriftshopmom.blogspot.com/2012/03/good-bad-and-ugly.html">The Good The Bad and The Ugly</a> post, it will show you how I use my candles for crafting, but I can only use soy because of the soot. This candle may work instead...I'll let you know.<br />
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Overall I'm a happy camper. I think most people were very happy. I talked to some new consignors, and you have to remember its a learning experience. Pricing things fairly for both the shopper, and yourself is always difficult. I know I gave some stuff away, that I could have made a couple of more dollars on...but at least its out of my house. I also know that I forgot at least two items - but you know what, they got donated to a good cause at the end of the day. So its all good. <br />
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I'm already looking forward to getting rid of all my fall stuff since my Moo girl has finally out grown her three's! I will have another 10 boxes I'm sure!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-35272719706170178522012-04-29T21:31:00.001-05:002012-04-29T21:34:33.462-05:00Creepy Doll Saga...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqbIB3l2HWbWLD9wGScLfVmDmadlw3Er2f3NN4DCIl95fWK4EZRJVzHL4Koln1FrtBFnZxbBqlf3EusLTcIeAjEDLqOnFW4kVKrqV7yfiNUsv555G7D_cSim3JJeYCUY_zo9zENbdAzM/s1600/20120425_082923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqbIB3l2HWbWLD9wGScLfVmDmadlw3Er2f3NN4DCIl95fWK4EZRJVzHL4Koln1FrtBFnZxbBqlf3EusLTcIeAjEDLqOnFW4kVKrqV7yfiNUsv555G7D_cSim3JJeYCUY_zo9zENbdAzM/s320/20120425_082923.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I was nervous about putting Moo girl in the van, not because of boxes crashing all around her if I came to a sudden stop, but more because she would see that I have boxes of her stuff, and her vanity going to the consignment sale. I got a little nervous when she said "mom, is that my baby's beauty desk?" I sweetly say, "Why yes, it is my love! We are going to go ahead and sell it, because mommy has a really nice vanity for you when we move and you get your own room". This seems to hush her. So I'm good. Then after a bit of a pause..."mom, you know the two dolls in my room? You can get rid of those too." I don't know how to respond. I LOVE those creepy nightmare dolls! She proceeds with saying "They kind of scare me at night, they look real. But before you give them away, make sure you get my clothes back"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWNd0hwjrnFELtMgTc6OUlYgKHxKsVjZFsAhz3CCgiQI5lIYYMAEok3Jvi-042EJdX1kuNtm7DtRnw58cJvEFdfegIwbdWX6N1FDyVsgAm6VPuoJiu7AxuvoG85RoOxlLrMmLV-isHeM/s1600/IMG_20120426_230217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWNd0hwjrnFELtMgTc6OUlYgKHxKsVjZFsAhz3CCgiQI5lIYYMAEok3Jvi-042EJdX1kuNtm7DtRnw58cJvEFdfegIwbdWX6N1FDyVsgAm6VPuoJiu7AxuvoG85RoOxlLrMmLV-isHeM/s320/IMG_20120426_230217.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
How can these two lovelies scare you? How can these give her nightmares? Yea, I know. Very easily they are creepy as all hell. Especially that gleaming green eyed one. What was I smoking when I got these?<br />
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The thing is, I'm not getting rid of them. They are to stay in our family and send chills down the spine of future generations. Every household needs a crazy artifact...and these two are ours. I know the grandkids will be disappointed when they survive childhood with them only to find out they aint' gettin' nothing for them on Antiques Roadshow, and they will be paying for therapy with their own money. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOXGI5LXEMk7LaN6qigwm5MU5gpCoN9rGZz_Sw6oo7DaSFB57F_Clch0eSrPuP7jvKULAYmHBQSl5pPkkuMpoHi7-9b_mKlebY57Z-_VpvIxDhaLxNIbGVoQ-LhlpZJJ4fzxtz9pfJN4/s1600/IMG_20120429_201530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOXGI5LXEMk7LaN6qigwm5MU5gpCoN9rGZz_Sw6oo7DaSFB57F_Clch0eSrPuP7jvKULAYmHBQSl5pPkkuMpoHi7-9b_mKlebY57Z-_VpvIxDhaLxNIbGVoQ-LhlpZJJ4fzxtz9pfJN4/s200/IMG_20120429_201530.jpg" width="150" /></a>So, I shuffle them off to my room, hearing Moo girl say "good, maybe now I can sleep at night".<br />
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I prop them up in the corner, then quickly realize the closet would be better.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8hzulJvnjlkvOnALckaLPqBM5hFZBR8wiZF75t58PASCyjs4sSdoyZ5KGLplyEeSF0cixQLmFmmG7hjqAFJeu3nT3z-dAdusuOsr7KwjCR2_9xgmTEYjrZDnfT_-LfxEBg6olvEnTSk/s1600/IMG_20120429_201726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8hzulJvnjlkvOnALckaLPqBM5hFZBR8wiZF75t58PASCyjs4sSdoyZ5KGLplyEeSF0cixQLmFmmG7hjqAFJeu3nT3z-dAdusuOsr7KwjCR2_9xgmTEYjrZDnfT_-LfxEBg6olvEnTSk/s320/IMG_20120429_201726.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">They scare me more in the closet, so off to the basement they go! They can play among their friends, and be happy, creepy dolls.</span>
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Look! Green eyes can finally sleep. This may make her less incline to creep into my room tonight. But, I'm a little nervous about Blondie. She's got to be tired too. It has been 2 years of standing. So, Moo Girl found her a rocking chair, and a baby to hold, so she can be warm. And tomorrow, we will have to make her a bed that fits her, by request of Moo. She's such a good dolly momma. But then again, she may just be nervous too. We must keep the dolls happy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDdIgQzBX_OE27E-E24S_THwIJc0ebSH01m4hJSVB4TWEv-U38phn7SXXoBbKxwMyR7H7Joorz4AvN47q-LoAZq6nXcaBPo7jIT_TdwWq-ozWX97N4GjJdYSGNHftt_mw5Cp8JR0fBrM/s1600/IMG_20120429_202554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDdIgQzBX_OE27E-E24S_THwIJc0ebSH01m4hJSVB4TWEv-U38phn7SXXoBbKxwMyR7H7Joorz4AvN47q-LoAZq6nXcaBPo7jIT_TdwWq-ozWX97N4GjJdYSGNHftt_mw5Cp8JR0fBrM/s320/IMG_20120429_202554.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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So we find Blondie a wig, and then a hat...ummm...Blondie does not look amused. Think I'll go make sure she has her favorite pink hat on before I turn out my lights.</div>
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Sweet Dreams Everyone!!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-14430009260482406342012-04-24T12:05:00.001-05:002012-04-24T23:00:34.483-05:00To buy or not to buythat is ALWAYS the question! With <a href="http://www.kidscloset.biz/">Kids Closet</a> sale tomorrow, I have had this on my mind...a lot!<br />
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According to Facebook there will be a lot of new shoppers to Kids Closet. Congrats to you! Once you cosign, you always cosign! You start to look at kids clothes shopping in a whole new way.<br />
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Lets start with what consignment is...it is moms helping moms. That is one of the main reasons why I keep going back to consignments shops and the bi-yearly consignment sales. My money goes directly into other moms pockets. Plus its a great way to reduce, reuse and recycle. Its the feel good event of the spring! <br />
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What consignment it isn't...a garage sale. Consignment is one stop bargain shopping at its finest. You don't have to go to 5 different bad garage sales to finally luck upon one good one. So remember that when shopping. Some things may be priced higher than what you expect, but remember what the sellers do...we wash, inventory, tag, get stuck by stray safety pins and bleed. Consignment sales are clean, organized, clothes are majority stain free, and the toys work. That doesn't always happen at your garage sales or thrift stores. A mom makes a few bucks, and a mom saves a lot of bucks! Its a win-win my friends.<br />
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Notice how I said majority stain free. I'm sure you did. Sellers aren't perfect. We try, we do. But sometimes we just wash, look quickly, tag, and be done. And a stain, or tear may slip through our hands. So here are some tips to catch our mistakes...<br />
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<b>Stains:</b> Mesmerized by the cuteness of the front of the dress aren't you? The beautiful embroidery that is just screaming your little girls name. Don't forget to look at the back! Never know if that previous lil' owner sat in cherry pie. A seller would never purposely sell you a dress like that, but, pie happens. With dresses, look at the hem line, make sure no dirt stains or ripped seams on the bottom. The dress may not be perfect, close enough is good, you just don't want half a hem undone.<br />
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<b>Swimsuits:</b> People always question swimsuits at resale. How many swimsuits have you bought your kid they wore once, and they tugged at it the entire time? or just didn't like it and wouldn't wear it? Just because your kid didn't like it, or it didn't fit your kids body type, doesn't mean it won't fit someone else. You can't return it, so you resell it. Its fine. No one is going to catch cooties. What do kids do in swimsuits? They swim in bleach water. What do you do when done...you rinse it out. No cooties my friends. Its fine. BUT you do need to be careful of two main things. Chlorine wear. Check the elastic bands. Give a gentle tug on a waist band, or leg hole to make sure the elastic doesn't break apart. I have fallen victim to a perfectly good looking swimsuit with bad elastic. Always check. Also the top may be perfect, but look at the bottoms. One too many sits on the concrete makes a swimsuit look bad...don't get mesmerized by the cute ruffles...always check the butt!<br />
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<b>Shoes: </b>Shoes are expensive. I also like my daughter to have a pair for every day of the month. This is another one of the many reasons I love consignment. Dress shoes are a great buy at consignment. Kids outgrow those before they can even wear them twice. Boy shoes are tricky. My boy wears one pair of gym shoes. That's it. He does not like variety. When looking at shoes check the bottoms and the toe heel. They don't need to be perfect, but you don't want them worn out. <br />
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<b>Tears/Holes:</b> Some jeans have holes because that is the style that was bought, some have holes because your kid ripped the butt. Check for wear in the inner thighs, hem line and around pockets. Also check for pilling under the arm holes, and inner thighs of pants/shorts<br />
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<b>Brand Names:</b> If you've been reading my blog, you know I can be a brand snob. But for good reason. Quality counts. BUT...I like me a really cute Faded Glory July 4th dress too. So, yes, make sure the quality is there...but sometimes, cuteness wins over. For these prices, cuteness can win. <br />
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<b>Sizing: </b> Sorry, not a lot of help here. My daughter doesn't grow and my son is the same size as his age. So I buy accordingly. Ok...here's a little help. When my son was 1 year, he wore 24 months. When he was 24 months he wore 24 months. Get that? Kids grow wide then tall. I find this to be especially true during the toddler years. I wish I could be more helpful, but my kids are older, and everything I once knew about sizing during the toddler years, has been thrown away. One more good thing about buying resale...the clothes are pre-shrunk. <br />
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<b>Toys:</b> Batteries should be in all toys, so make sure you press a few buttons to make sure it works properly. Board games are a great buy at consignment. Those things can get pretty pricey in a store. Kids outgrow and get tired of games quickly. Someones loss is your gain!<br />
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<b>Books:</b> Used books are great. You can find books that are brand spanking new for cheap! Or gently used ones that still are perfect for your kids. I have some favorite toddler board books, so thankful I didn't have to pay full price for so my kids can have their very own personal library. Honestly, we have too many.<br />
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<b>Consider the Children!:</b> When dressing baby/toddlers, its all about what you prefer. Then they reach an age...where its about them. I'm at that stage now. So things are getting tricky at my household. My daughter has yet to find a pattern that doesn't match. My son a long-sleeve shirt that he wants to wear. So, for you that are shopping for older kids, keep that in consideration. You may still love your girl in baby doll dresses - she may not. You may think Batman is still cool...your son...not so much. <br />
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<b>Buyer etiquette: </b> I am not miss manners. But I've been to enough of these to know some basics. <br />
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<li>Please don't rip open bags or boxes. If you have a question about an item in a bag or box, go to the front desk, or ask a volunteer to help. At a <a href="http://www.kidscloset.biz/">Kids Closet</a> sale they allow you to open a bag at the front desk while someone is with you to make sure everything is in there, and works.</li>
<li>Don't take 2 piece outfits apart. Once, I had a boys dress suit I was selling, somehow it got separated...pants gone. That was a bummer.</li>
<li>When shopping, people tend to grab and hold on to something for dear life, than after 2 hours realize, nope don't want it. Did you ever really plan on buying it in the first place? Its ok to hold onto things, and to change your mind. Its all good. Just remember that all the time a shirt you never really wanted was in your bag, it didn't sell to someone else. If your a buyer & a seller, you understand what I'm talking about.</li>
<li>Listen & Talk. I'm friendly. The good thing about that, if I'm looking through shoes and I hear you saying your looking for a size 8 gym shoe, guess what? If I find it, I'll say "hey...look what I found" so instead of one pair of eyes...you have two pairs of eyes looking for you. </li>
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Consignment shopping is one of those mom things, that not everyone gets. Not everyone understands that this stuff is fun. We get together, shop cheaply, ooh and ahh at each others finds, and have a good laugh. Then, we never have to see each other again, but it was good while it lasted. So tomorrow, everyone have a great time! Find some good deals, enjoy your shopping time, and hope to see you there!<br />
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From this to this....</div>
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And 5 boxes, shopping bag filled with shoes, and I haven't even got to finishing the toys!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-43866317153303585322012-04-21T20:42:00.000-05:002012-04-21T20:58:27.941-05:00dehoardifying part 2: Don't Judge Me!I was so gung-ho last time I blogged. <b><a href="http://www.kidscloset.biz/">Kids Closet Connection Here I Come!!</a> </b> I was all about getting it done. I did. The clothes, mostly. Found my new method didn't work as smoothly as I liked. So re-vamped it a bit realized, I need to tag as I go. If not, I end up with a lot of clothes out of order.<br />
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Then procrastination crept in. I blame the toys. We have lots and lots of toys. I knew it was going to overwhelm me, and confuse the kids. Before you judge me, and you will, you have to understand my kids PLAY with their toys. Not a little bit, A LOT! My kids have yet to meet a toy they won't play with. I know what your thinking, get rid of them while there at school. That would be the logical approach. Not happening here. My kids know. They have a sixth sense that is so keen that even when I think of going into the basement to purge, they come up to me and ask "whatcya thinking?". They know every damn happy meal action figure they ever got. My children form attachments to these items. They know when they "accidentally" go missing. My children can name the age they were when they got a certain doll or matchbox car. It's that scary.<br />
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Then you think...toys break, throw it out. Not in this household. Not when Dad can fix ANYTHING. Something breaks, "oh dad can fix it". And he will. Doesn't matter, if plastic or metal, my man has the glue or the ingenuity to get it fixed. <br />
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So I got brave yesterday, went to the orphanage corner of the basement. This is what I collected.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxURPJJTECt4esnYu3IaYkuBjucv6CPGTAbNcNMbdf8vVnFznU8GoV8ibIb1TTsdyMXEJyHzAA35nCMkmbLp0zfzYP26lLeNtJoWlP9tryIvdmMAazk522Lu9qeZuBTZz7Vwh193A6dx0/s1600/20120420_111704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxURPJJTECt4esnYu3IaYkuBjucv6CPGTAbNcNMbdf8vVnFznU8GoV8ibIb1TTsdyMXEJyHzAA35nCMkmbLp0zfzYP26lLeNtJoWlP9tryIvdmMAazk522Lu9qeZuBTZz7Vwh193A6dx0/s320/20120420_111704.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Not too bad right? 12 dolls. Then I went upstairs...I had to get a picture of these three dolls. They stand in the corner of the kids room. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOytcnvcW1jViAMBnaywl-7lux6ZSOVIGI2d865IiLId-8w_-I6zR7Vo844bFzJhuk4pyKMYW8W5E68KIxC417rlSHchyoOnBPGs5AqLBRAMtpu2Ssf1pRWb1ltMjO48Txz5sMWZUfOI/s1600/IMG_20120420_112129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOytcnvcW1jViAMBnaywl-7lux6ZSOVIGI2d865IiLId-8w_-I6zR7Vo844bFzJhuk4pyKMYW8W5E68KIxC417rlSHchyoOnBPGs5AqLBRAMtpu2Ssf1pRWb1ltMjO48Txz5sMWZUfOI/s200/IMG_20120420_112129.jpg" width="150" /></a>I think I figured out why Moo girl has an issue with sleep...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofs6uf6K36hXqXM9miT50ivByLDxD9Mdzo2hTF07ccDRMSk1EtzPUBC_BWmKZkodJAqnMN6OGQyjl7jjkQBC_FQTzYrS3omoMySt-DYSDNX20rUiVSQ22dHiRN-Z_i9HjQcI63iIxkL8/s1600/IMG_20120420_112336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofs6uf6K36hXqXM9miT50ivByLDxD9Mdzo2hTF07ccDRMSk1EtzPUBC_BWmKZkodJAqnMN6OGQyjl7jjkQBC_FQTzYrS3omoMySt-DYSDNX20rUiVSQ22dHiRN-Z_i9HjQcI63iIxkL8/s320/IMG_20120420_112336.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I first brought them home, they were taller than my Moo girl! I had high expectations for these dolls. I was going to re-thread their hair. Yep, in my insanity of sleep deprivation, I believed I was going to re-wig these two dolls. As you can see, that never really worked out. But now two years later Moo is a little taller than the blonde, she shares clothes with them and nothing that a hat and feather boa can't fix.<br />
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So back to the basement that I thought I was conquering. I asked Moo to pick out the dolls she would like to keep. We went from fifteen to seven (the bedroom dolls we keep). I was happy. I even set them up for her in her doll bunk beds. THRILLED that she could so easily say good-bye. Feeling accomplished, I merrily went on with my night.<br />
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So today, I went deeper into the basement. To the boxes I packed last summer, thinking we were going to move. Since that didn't happen, its time to unpack and discard.<br />
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OH DEAR LORD! I have 4 bags of stuffed animals. 3 boxes of dress up (can't wait for the fall <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.kidscloset.biz/">Kids Closet</a> </span>sale! I have enough Halloween costumes for a classroom). And WAY too many boxes labeled "toys". So I go and get more coffee. <br />
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My children with their psychic ability come downstairs and join me in finding their long lost toys that they have been looking for every.single.day. I start feeling good, even with Moo girl sneaking stuffed animals upstairs as I organize. My son, keeping an eye out for those missing happy meal toys...overall its working. Things are being let go...<br />
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then, in the midst of unpacking random toy boxes...I find these...<br />
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Seven additional dolls. I laughed thinking, damn, Maddie has a lot of dolls. And I moved on. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhf-w2v9aPEHWGPLw9yehC24H3dqvsyDPjOKYgQ5jooynJ-sQzBiopQM91k7pdVwttZGS8Pm_JV3WeluXiE5mjYgWBOmhzD4ks9lyOToZ8JP6caYNqZyjN16RFsavx1dTEJbcDhCLvNk/s1600/20120421_161425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhf-w2v9aPEHWGPLw9yehC24H3dqvsyDPjOKYgQ5jooynJ-sQzBiopQM91k7pdVwttZGS8Pm_JV3WeluXiE5mjYgWBOmhzD4ks9lyOToZ8JP6caYNqZyjN16RFsavx1dTEJbcDhCLvNk/s200/20120421_161425.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Then I found these...</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I cringed.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiti-zROeTpRuRZzZ4JfwZBW3IqnL58lN42S6zWBKsanz-g562FBtNcC6M7Kvvn9LPclxgqwgpbkdPguW2sUicBnJtyGCl8ex4ZoNWtWpZ_p63gdOEXZVAywh4GnSDvZKVY1Q7RKDtoq-I/s1600/20120421_155438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiti-zROeTpRuRZzZ4JfwZBW3IqnL58lN42S6zWBKsanz-g562FBtNcC6M7Kvvn9LPclxgqwgpbkdPguW2sUicBnJtyGCl8ex4ZoNWtWpZ_p63gdOEXZVAywh4GnSDvZKVY1Q7RKDtoq-I/s200/20120421_155438.jpg" width="150" /></a>Then I found this one...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEYibzn4ClKlYIItzX1Iv6bG6pO7bYaleTm6vPmHurodikS9e-ERnGnee5GcuilFKmkUqK63SCTqqSYqqvSa1BYNz3xmyzaYLCDkf5FVvyou_zOUTNF2ZA7FgJCKlU8PvuMoaZi_n6QU/s1600/20120421_162107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEYibzn4ClKlYIItzX1Iv6bG6pO7bYaleTm6vPmHurodikS9e-ERnGnee5GcuilFKmkUqK63SCTqqSYqqvSa1BYNz3xmyzaYLCDkf5FVvyou_zOUTNF2ZA7FgJCKlU8PvuMoaZi_n6QU/s200/20120421_162107.jpg" width="150" /></a>I whimpered. Glad that it was done. </div>
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But it wasn't...</div>
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I will never buy another doll. I will scold those who buy my girl another doll. Really?! 26 dolls!! The only saving grace in this...is that Moo girl played with them. These dolls were all very much loved and appreciated. They had beds, high chairs, and blankets. They were fed, diapered and when friends were over, everyone had a couple kids. It worked. </div>
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But not now. Now, we say adios to the dolls...</div>
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but him I'll keep.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-75477201200616936722012-04-19T20:39:00.004-05:002012-04-19T20:43:07.575-05:00Finders Keepers, Losers WeepersLast night me and hubby were driving down a street when I saw a new thrift store. I was so excited...couldn't wait to check it out today. It wasn't really a thrift store. It was more of a resale, vintage, retro, whatever I can call it to make it cost more kind of place. Its the thrift store that people go to because they don't want to go to the poor peoples one down the street. So they go there to spend 3x as much for an item so they don't have to rub elbows with the rest of us.<br />
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Do I sound hostile? That's because I am. I walked in because I saw this pretty pink velvet Bombay chaise lounge chair. <br />
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So cute! I was contemplating getting it...$140. Little steeper than I wanted to go. But it was THAT CUTE! So I walked and thought...<br />
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They did have some very nice furniture, some fairly priced, some overpriced. Nothing I would consider a screaming deal. I did find a really funny cat saying, that I wasn't going to spend $10 on...but it was worth a picture. Overall the store was clean, neat and decorated nicely to sell things. I'll go back in the future. <br />
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But my mind kept going back to that pink velvet chair sitting so daintily in the window...hmmm...so I go back to it. I over hear this loud women, you really couldn't NOT hear her, saying " I can picture myself with TWINS sitting on that chair!" "I'm just NOT SURE" walking around making a HUGE production of her wishy washiness. So I chirp in and ask something...this witch interrupts and says "I'LL TAKE IT! I'M GOING TO LOOK AROUND, I'LL PAY LATER" and walks off. <br />
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WTF just happened? She didn't want the chair until I opened my mouth. So after a few minutes of her browsing...I told them if she doesn't buy it, I'm interested. Of course she forgot her wallet in her HUMMER. Fits her personality. Then she struts back in barking about how she has a store too. I walked out. <br />
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Annoyed. Very annoyed. I get the finders keepers, thing...really! She was just so rude about it. She made a big show about being iffy, but the moment someone else showed interest, she waved her arms and announced it was hers. UGH! <br />
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So I went to the poor mans thrift store and guess I what I found?<br />
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My next craft project! Very excited, and only $10. So, I think I'll be ok without spending the $140, I know my hubby will be happy too.</div>
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<center><a href="http://www.blueeyedowlboutique.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd392/blueeyedowl/tstbutton.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-17751058917930769072012-04-16T12:36:00.001-05:002012-04-16T12:39:33.660-05:00Sweet SleepThis is my Maddie Moo girl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXrt-syolHU3V2wroVhfoW1ARFEGp1zoAY_ozRdoQLIQnXfBaiAAXkG4HgAA3GTAkRWU9DvbooZmYTnqUcKJ6faoIrHDO7boQIcAmCfiUHS6VEg8heBcw4ATIi9RQjVqYPvLVk3uP_H8/s1600/100_0817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXrt-syolHU3V2wroVhfoW1ARFEGp1zoAY_ozRdoQLIQnXfBaiAAXkG4HgAA3GTAkRWU9DvbooZmYTnqUcKJ6faoIrHDO7boQIcAmCfiUHS6VEg8heBcw4ATIi9RQjVqYPvLVk3uP_H8/s200/100_0817.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITnyrjMxGCH-OVEuLPFQweVwiFDqN00doJTAKGrwOcapp8aP9SmKrwBZGCQfMGajhMjF3n3DlMCfPfgm0lDiBM5_wIHon8THNELaxwiRAU5mnXpfYRgHjtM5SwYUJSxTGW_tvIT6Iyec/s1600/100_0818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITnyrjMxGCH-OVEuLPFQweVwiFDqN00doJTAKGrwOcapp8aP9SmKrwBZGCQfMGajhMjF3n3DlMCfPfgm0lDiBM5_wIHon8THNELaxwiRAU5mnXpfYRgHjtM5SwYUJSxTGW_tvIT6Iyec/s200/100_0818.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Since birth Moo girl has not slept. And before you roll your eyes at me, I did it all. I know, you still rolled your eyes at me. Its ok. I roll my eyes at moms who claim their kids don't sleep too. Because they never endured Maddie Moo and her amazing sleeping habits.<br />
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When she was a newborn, I did the unthinkable...I co-slept. Did so for over 6 months. For those who don't know my girl, she is a tiny little thing. I didn't even realize she was 6 months, because her size said 3 months. So I rushed to put her in a crib. That was my first mistake. <br />
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My children share a room. During the "she must sleep in her crib phase", my son shared a room with me. I needed advice, stat! I started taking all sleep advice, and quickly learned these wonderful tidbits:<br />
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<li>Keep a routine, go with baby's natural sleep schedule</li>
<li>Limit her naps, two naps...no, make that one nap </li>
<li>Use music, don't use music</li>
<li>Toys, no toys in crib</li>
<li>Pacifier, no pacifier </li>
<li>Don't rock her to sleep, rock her to sleep</li>
<li>Put her to bed before she falls asleep</li>
<li>Nightlight, no nightlight</li>
<li>Feed her, don't feed her</li>
<li>Change her, don't change her diaper (because really, who doesn't like to sleep in crap?). </li>
<li>And my least favorite...let her cry it out </li>
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And if none of that is working...your doing it WRONG! I'm not saying all of this advice was useless...Matthew is an awesome sleeper, even through the sleepless Maddie months. So, I must have did something right at some point. Just none of it helped my Moo girl.<br />
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After my last and biggest failure of crying it out...Matthew got his room back, and Maddie slept where she slept best, on my chest. Thats what worked for us. Then she eventually got heavy, and really did need to sleep in her room. It worked for awhile. Then night terrors happened. It was awful. She would remember nothing, but I would. My son, well, he learned to be a deep sleeper. I thank Maddie for that.<br />
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When she moved into her toddler bed, funny thing happened. She figured out she could easily walk into my room wake me up and I would walk her back to bed. I put a dog gate up so she wouldn't escape. She may be small, but she is agile. The dog gate soon became a safety hazard. So instead of taking a walk at 3am on a nightly basis, I put a step stool next to my bed and learned how to sleep with one arm hanging off my bed so that she could climb in herself without me having to get up. I sense the eye roll...but I also hear the "shit! I wish I would have thought of that". Its all good my friends, we all have different ways of parenting.<br />
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Then the night terrors came back...with vengeance. No longer was it a quick scream and back to sleep. Now it was a blood curdling scream, along with a punch to my face. Yes, my Moo girl got physical. I asked for lots of advice, most of it sucked. Got a lot of eye rolls about doing it wrong, and I'm letting her rule the household. Truth was, I wasn't. At first I thought maybe she was faking it. I would get double punches to the face, and a swift kick to the gut from her as she would scream "MOM!", roll over and go back to bed. It was horrifying to me. Funny, but horrifying at the same time. I tried to wake her up once, and I couldn't. She was sound a sleep. When she did wake up in the morning, she had no memory of the events. <br />
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My neighbor suggested a natural remedy, Calms Forte for kids. Ever hear of it? Doesn't work. I tried. But its a good placebo. When she is all wired before bed, and her mind will not calm down, she takes two. If she believes it will work, then it will. Its because she asks me for two more after an hour, I know it doesn't. But we still keep trying. I get desperate. And before you get all excited and think "she needs to try sleepy time tea!" been there done that. Worked like a charm for my son, Maddie is immune to all sleep agents.<br />
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Things do calm down around here, she goes through spurts of sleeping soundly through the night. With maybe only one 5 am wake up a week where she sneaks in with me. I don't mind so much anymore, she has gotten so good at it, that I wake up roll over and "surprise" shes sleeping next to me. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnpdyldOls3rmwVY6HQuSuHDjLKCP4C4zxcg_5-mKm2JwvTKUdyqUxrdJqsAVF8Rj3y9Xmbq3pbLnZft7qr43_A3a1VPxQBkiXwWCHyMYgpH4vfZFRjjBKz-2sfoS4lscPHBJd2US6NY/s1600/dream+catcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnpdyldOls3rmwVY6HQuSuHDjLKCP4C4zxcg_5-mKm2JwvTKUdyqUxrdJqsAVF8Rj3y9Xmbq3pbLnZft7qr43_A3a1VPxQBkiXwWCHyMYgpH4vfZFRjjBKz-2sfoS4lscPHBJd2US6NY/s320/dream+catcher.jpg" width="237" /></a>Night terrors are gone. Now she has nightmares. Last week, she says to me "I need a dream catcher, that would help me sleep". It was a random sentence on a random day. I said "ok". Not thinking much about it. This past Friday I went to Goodwill. Not really looking for anything, got a couple of kid books, then laying on top of some coffee mugs, I see it. Really? Could it be? A dream catcher! .99 cents. I'm spending five bucks on placebo medication for my kid, I can spare a dollar for a dream catcher. I have a little native american in me...this may work. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-82245546332941006582012-04-14T12:10:00.001-05:002012-04-14T12:11:10.302-05:00For the love of t-shirts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a thing for quirky t-shirts. It started with this one...<br />
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It was my brothers. I confiscated it before he went into the army when I was in 8th grade. Not sure how I've held onto it this long...but I have. I've never worn it. I think it started out with sentimental value, and now its one of my t-shirt obessions. I keep waiting to wear it...maybe this summer I will.<br />
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Then on one of my many visits to the thrift store...I found this one...<br />
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As a kid I loved "LOVE IS" use to cut them out of the paper, and collect them. It was such a big deal when I was little. Not sure if they even make the cartoon anymore. This shirt reminds me of being a kid, and I feel like one when I'm wearing it.<br />
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My kids are not immune to my obsession. <br />
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But I am picky about their t-shirts. I'm not a fan of the "I am better than You" sayings. I like quirky, not "you suck, eat my dust shirts". We've all seen them. Sometimes they give you a giggle, sometimes it brings out your competitive nature. But overall, if I don't want my kid saying it, I don't want him wearing it.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHflm0rkvOw/T4mrdNbT7dI/AAAAAAAAB2k/_BWtgla8QI8/s1600/IMG_20120414_114809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHflm0rkvOw/T4mrdNbT7dI/AAAAAAAAB2k/_BWtgla8QI8/s200/IMG_20120414_114809.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZHzhxVdO-8/T4mtSbWPKxI/AAAAAAAAB3M/dySgXslyJ_g/s1600/IMG_20120414_115946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZHzhxVdO-8/T4mtSbWPKxI/AAAAAAAAB3M/dySgXslyJ_g/s200/IMG_20120414_115946.jpg" width="200" /></a>Don't like the "girls rule, boys drool" concept either. I'm more of a "Girl Power" with sequins kinda t-shirt buyer for my daughter. <br />
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My moms name is Ruby...so how could I resist a "fruit juice stand shirt"?<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8IIO3RYZQDM/T4mmMR7sWVI/AAAAAAAAB1A/Dkg-UmhmNbY/s1600/IMG_20120414_112140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8IIO3RYZQDM/T4mmMR7sWVI/AAAAAAAAB1A/Dkg-UmhmNbY/s200/IMG_20120414_112140.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Now onto the main reason I'm typing up this blog post...<br />
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I found it a week or so ago - so giddy when I picked it up...waiting for the perfect day for her to wear it...and yesterday was it. DJ DANCE PARTY!! I love that she is channeling her inner Pat Benatar!<br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-83730112898893591292012-04-11T11:54:00.002-05:002012-04-11T12:07:25.242-05:00dehoardify...part 1dehoardify: the act of getting rid of stuff before you become the house with the petrified cat in the basement and you don't even own a cat.<br />
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Me and my sister one night decided to watch Hoarders for the first time. We were giddy with anticipation, expecting a good laugh over a bucket of popcorn. That didn't happen. It actually made us sad. The episode we watched, the state took the family's kids. In order to get them back, she had to dehoardify her house. Any sane person would have thrown away the used 7-11 cup laying on the garbage heap, along with everything else, just to get their kids backs. But this woman wasn't sane.<br />
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So, before the insanity creeps into my house...with the help of kids closet...I am dehoardifying. <br />
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This Spring I'm using <b><a href="http://www.kidscloset.biz/"><span style="color: black;">Kids Closet</span></a> </b>to do the job that must be done. Kids Closet is a traveling consignment store. You pay $12.50 for a consignment fee, then the split is 70% you, 30% them. They also do promotions to help you reduce your consignment fee. <br />
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The object is to gather all your unused kid items, tag and sell. To do this, you should have some kind of strategy. I don't have it down too perfection yet, but I'm trying. I started early this year with organizing my items. You need to freshly launder your clothes. I know, they've been sitting in a box all winter, why would you need to wash them? For that exact reason...they need a fresh smell. They sell better that way, plus it gives you a chance to review the items for stains and tears. Once washed I neatly fold and bring upstairs and I start typing. Kids closet has a software program that you use on their website. You type in your item with description. This is nice because you can stop at any point, save and continue on with your day. Then come back at another time when the kids aren't screaming, or need to be picked up from school. Also during the sale, you can monitor your inventory and see what is selling, and what isn't.<br />
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<b>Pricing. </b> I know you LOVED that dress on your little girl, it brought out the blue in her eyes, but guess what, I don't care. I have no emotional attachment to that dress. Don't care if it is Gymboree, its not worth $15 resale. I will wait for half price day. So, instead of waiting for that dress to sell, go ahead and list it for $8-$10. With that price point you will more likely get a buyer on the first day. Last day is half price day, and you want your items to sell before then. Remember, you want this stuff out of your house, and make a little cash on the side. Don't get greedy. But don't give it away either. Again, you want to make a little cash on the side. If your not sure what its worth, look it up. That's one of the nice things about doing your inventory on the computer. You can open up a tab and see what Old Navy cotton shorts are worth these days. Not much. They have sales all the time. You can price $5 but they will not sell until half price day. So you might as well price them at $2-3 so that they sell on the first day. If you have a hard to find item, like slim or husky, you can price a little more, because those are difficult items to find. If you have the matching bloomers for that dress...put it with them! Personally, I'm more likely to buy the dress with the bloomers and pay a little more, than the dress without. Shirt/short combos are also a good sell. It makes consignment shopping easy. Don't have to bother with trying to find matching items. But don't despair if you don't have a "set", I find myself looking for singles because of my daughters sizing. She's a 4/5 top, but she can only wear a size 3/4 shorts. Thats the great thing about shopping consignment...anything goes! <br />
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<b>Brands.</b> Everyone knows Gymboree, TCPlace, and Gap. So they are easier to price...but the other high quality brands like Speechless, Vigoss and Mini Boden can be difficult because not everyone knows those brands. With those brands, you have to let the quality of the item speak for itself. So while you are shopping, you may see something marked high, look at the quality...it may be worth that little extra. Everyone also knows Target and Walmart brand clothes too...remember what you paid for that cute little Circo t-shirt? $5? You're not going to make your money back. So price accordingly, you will easily sell it, and still make money.<br />
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Once I've typed in all my items, I carry them down into the dungeon of my home, and they sit until I get enough courage to print my tags. To my surprise I had 344 items. Let me rephrase that. 344 ITEMS! Think about that...even if I only get a $1. for each item, thats $344 dollars I didn't have before. That's just my first batch of items, I still have kid toys to tag!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WURZt1LkLKs/T4WxcHg8neI/AAAAAAAABpA/bFZ6Tfx58Cw/s1600/20120411_105632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WURZt1LkLKs/T4WxcHg8neI/AAAAAAAABpA/bFZ6Tfx58Cw/s200/20120411_105632.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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Once I hit publish on this blog, I will go downstairs and conquer tagging. I do this by getting out the whiskey, hangers, and safety pins. I'll have the iron ready if something needs a quick smooth over. Once I get a group done, I will put them in a box, according to gender and size and be done. Did I say whiskey? I meant coffee. Irish Coffee.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-3920694316127781462012-04-05T10:42:00.001-05:002012-04-05T16:20:07.662-05:00Gotchya!Thrifting is the adult version of hide and seek. <br />
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Remember as a kid, or even just yesterday when you were playing with your kids...just how fun it is? Creeping around the house looking for that certain person...then Gotchya! Sometimes they hide well, sometimes they are standing behind the lamp - and its pretty easy. It can get boring...quickly. Because before you even try they jump out at you and scream. <br />
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With the game...you know who your looking for...that silly little kid who hides in the same place, over and over again. Thrifting is like that. You go to the same store looking for the same things, and you usually find some version of what your looking for, its not always very exciting. It can get pretty mundane and put you in a rut.<br />
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Then when you play again...your kids shake it up a bit, and go to a new hiding spot...they try the closet, or under the bed. Its fun, then quickly becomes routine again. Then just when you think your going to fake surprise one more time...you are surprised! They aren't there...so you look and look, not realizing they went back to the original spot deep inside the closet. And then you find them, and its giggles and belly laughs. Yea, I had that moment yesterday. Went back to my original thrift store that I hadn't been too in about a year. I used to go weekly when Matthew was a baby. Then when Moo girl was a baby. Then life got busy, and I stopped. Forgot about this secret place, because it was a little out of the way. Then yesterday, I remembered. I've been wanting a dresser for Moo girl. Currently we have my husbands dressers from when he was a kid. Great blonde wooden sturdy dressers. They are in great shape, and look good. But, these dressers, are running out of room. Matthew is growing and his pants don't fit so neatly in one drawer anymore, the kid needs space. Maddie is slowly getting kicked out.<br />
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Not sure what compelled me to go to my old stomping ground, but I did. And it was lovely! I walked in, the lady greeted my like an old friend. I walked to the back room...and there it was...I asked about it, I played with the drawers, I saw the Ethan Allen stamp, I needed this dresser. It was perfect. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0gIQs3qUN_IKPFUJXy4q9ENukQ2H5-EofTBtDAIO_2guYNHwXmV0Fk-M6DvjdYosjLjRWcbxPjpgV6_DC7dN1Nr5gJ4goOz9bkb-ANExIvEotDexVQ3J7x9_9viKsf4VzrsT_QnSgxM/s1600/20120405_101754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0gIQs3qUN_IKPFUJXy4q9ENukQ2H5-EofTBtDAIO_2guYNHwXmV0Fk-M6DvjdYosjLjRWcbxPjpgV6_DC7dN1Nr5gJ4goOz9bkb-ANExIvEotDexVQ3J7x9_9viKsf4VzrsT_QnSgxM/s320/20120405_101754.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNYoz0u0ZKMbMQSVU-lBMqzHFtibOmaNn6Y9dDOw-rpJJR1CHRaI7eyWBIvg0sa3anfIarg-yFwE_rlcsWnzyL0KmXy6tytdZtnwt006ARa3oCPAtd3SVLZ1PYzcTSfy-Qf4579vIQiE/s1600/20120405_101702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNYoz0u0ZKMbMQSVU-lBMqzHFtibOmaNn6Y9dDOw-rpJJR1CHRaI7eyWBIvg0sa3anfIarg-yFwE_rlcsWnzyL0KmXy6tytdZtnwt006ARa3oCPAtd3SVLZ1PYzcTSfy-Qf4579vIQiE/s200/20120405_101702.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-SWOLtgzNRBm0aSlfVYF1wReAeZSyAHL2HbxI1os3FDyih2fLBc7s0v1elQulNxeESgCTNb5wD-LHsqVRrVfowO6T3N-y24CUXfrhatAoBsV_IdEpyXoePZ5yM82y6e1DZqxeHz483U/s1600/20120405_101458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-SWOLtgzNRBm0aSlfVYF1wReAeZSyAHL2HbxI1os3FDyih2fLBc7s0v1elQulNxeESgCTNb5wD-LHsqVRrVfowO6T3N-y24CUXfrhatAoBsV_IdEpyXoePZ5yM82y6e1DZqxeHz483U/s320/20120405_101458.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Then she said to me.."it has a top, we were going to throw it away" I almost swallowed my tongue. She walked me out back, and my heart skipped a beat. Why would you throw this away? Then she showed me the why...someone used the very top as a plant holder. Some water damage, but the thing is, no one can see it. Its only on the top, and it can easily be covered.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwWY7jxYB9M_qXD7VN22xFVFiyajcaCduxHwhBPU8n0E50hr_vXH0BbCmh-T5i-TSp_gNIESkIunV9GTblZiu6mgnsDSGeTFJHoqtNuYjkfKfsXraDmPbbNvNmM5hbwgLax7Xgds57O0/s1600/20120405_101509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwWY7jxYB9M_qXD7VN22xFVFiyajcaCduxHwhBPU8n0E50hr_vXH0BbCmh-T5i-TSp_gNIESkIunV9GTblZiu6mgnsDSGeTFJHoqtNuYjkfKfsXraDmPbbNvNmM5hbwgLax7Xgds57O0/s200/20120405_101509.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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All this, for $40. It was a good day of hide and seek!<br />
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<a href="http://www.harpershappenings.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/zlwylv.jpg" /></a><br />
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<center><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.blueeyedowlboutique.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd392/blueeyedowl/tstbutton.jpg" /></a></u></span></center></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-32364795491146130532012-04-04T18:13:00.001-05:002012-04-04T18:21:57.716-05:00love hate relationshipsI hate my husbands white pick up truck.<br />
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A week ago, my soccer mom mini-van had some tire issues so it was out of service. I needed to pick up my daughter from school...my only choice...the pick up truck. <br />
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I mentioned this to my friend who had never seen the pick up truck and said "oh, its one of those manly trucks huh, takes a ladder to get in?"<br />
me: "no, not so much".<br />
friend: "oh, is it a disaster inside, men, they don't throw things away!"<br />
me: "no" pause "nope, its one of those trucks that if you saw it on garbage day in your neighborhood you'd think I was gathering metal for recycling".<br />
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Yep folks, that about sums up our twenty-one year old, white pick up truck. Hubby has done some things to try to make it attractive...like paint it, put new vinyl on the roof, throw a blanket in it to cover up the torn apart seats. And as you would suspect...didn't work. Still a white, rusted up pick up truck that jumps when it starts. Hubby does have a stick shift (manual) vehicle that he drives to work. I could use it, but I don't do stick shift. He tried to teach me, but that was a lifetime ago, in Northern California with lots of hills, in his Z28 Camaro. Driving lessons didn't go over well. So, for the past 12 years I have refused to let him teach me...I don't want a divorce.<br />
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So when my vehicle is out of commission...its the truck. I do my very best to avoid driving the truck, the windows are hand cranked, the radio doesn't always turn off when the car does. Its either flaming, dry, hot air out of the vent or...well, not really sure what else comes out. I don't use the "vent" in the summer, just crank down that window and go.<br />
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This vehicle changes me. It turns this mom into a honey badger, don't care. Moo girl needs to go to gymnastics? Just throw her car seat in the front and its a mini-adventure. What? Need to pick up your boy from baseball practice? Everyone squish in...and go. <br />
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I drive this thing around like I own the road. Road rage goes away in this truck. You drive like an ass...truck don't care. Pissed because I'm doing the speed limit? Go the hell around me...truck don't care. People are more nervous about me hitting them... judgmental fools don't think I have insurance. Oh! The love I have for this truck...the don't care attitude is exhilarating. <br />
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The best thing about this truck: it gets me from point A to point B. No gimmicks, no automatic windows, no automatic lights...it just drives, and makes me work for it. The truck knows its job and it does it. Need a hand moving? We got the truck. What?! Truck just got rear-ended by someone talking on a cell phone, while it has furniture in its truck bed? Pick up truck don't care...still drives, rear ender...needs a tow truck.<br />
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Its not a pretty truck, its not a smooth ride by any way of the imagination. But you know what...don't care. Today, the truck helped me move an Ethan Allen dresser from my local thrift shop to my home. How badass honey badger is that?!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247568881461032295.post-81824171809083887912012-04-03T14:04:00.001-05:002012-04-03T14:05:49.903-05:00Remember the red shoes?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is why I love pinterest...I saw a tutorial about glitter shoes. But in no way was I ready to use one of my already owned shoes. Then shopping for Moo girl, I came across these cheapies...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmB6fZjGXQo/T3tHos8P0PI/AAAAAAAABSY/KDDTcHJaYOk/s1600/20120324_133108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmB6fZjGXQo/T3tHos8P0PI/AAAAAAAABSY/KDDTcHJaYOk/s200/20120324_133108.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Which became a craft project....</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDka620KRxTJvxxO-x0tLcKQ1m4cjLlDdlPFM0z1bsJoAbUbFz9Qrjgwvt1F5dtOBw65ELZGp6uM7bco60xZGnQZt7ejWGzPB6LKXEoFyygi6PKBo2uUyR4QEu_JKUWaqQvLWBJZMZMSo/s1600/20120331_220720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDka620KRxTJvxxO-x0tLcKQ1m4cjLlDdlPFM0z1bsJoAbUbFz9Qrjgwvt1F5dtOBw65ELZGp6uM7bco60xZGnQZt7ejWGzPB6LKXEoFyygi6PKBo2uUyR4QEu_JKUWaqQvLWBJZMZMSo/s320/20120331_220720.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I used modge podge and glitter. Tape around the bottom of the shoes.</div>
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Waited over night...and now we have Glitter Shoes!</div>
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I'm going to change the shoe laces...not sure with what, but I figure something to make them a little bit more fancy. Something to lure Moo into wearing them. Maybe elastic so no tying necessary. Any ideas?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019303374077079339noreply@blogger.com0