Knock, Knock. Anybody home?

I have returned from my long, unanticipated absence.  Last week was crazy busy and it quickly got away from me.   I had hoped to get my new blog design up and running, but I've had a few setbacks.  I may just launch what I have, and hope for the best!

Last week I also celebrated my birthday, it was wonderful!  I love birthdays, they are always a very special day, even when it's not mine.  I love the cake and the presents and the balloons, but most importantly celebrating the love of friends and family.  To me, that's what it is all about.  My birthday was special because I got to spend it with my beautiful family and some close friends.  What could possibly be better?

On Thursday I volunteered at the Just Between Friends sale, mostly doing set-up work and checking in consignors and their items. It was hectic and crazy, but a lot of fun. Nothing brings moms together like saving and making money on used baby items!  I shopped the sale on Friday and Saturday (I couldn't resist!) and found some fantastic bargains!  I bought probably 100 small trucks, cars and tractors (basically anything with wheels), 8 pairs of pants, 10 shirts, a rocking horse, a giant Tonka brand garbage truck, a Leap Frog shopping cart, a fun puppy shaped laundry hamper and some wooden puzzles all for about $85!  I also made money on the items I consigned, though I don't know the final amount.  I love this sale!!

For the upcoming week, I've got some great posts in mind.  I recently ran across a book on 500 uses for baking soda, and I can't wait to share some of them! It is also time for me to do my once a month menu plan, shopping and cooking!  I can't wait to pass on some recipes, resources and tips.  I love OAMC, and will try to convert the unsuspecting!

Here's to a great week!

JBF Consignment Sale Time!

It's that time of year again, the leaves are turning colors, the morning air is nice and crisp and dollar signs are floating in my mind. That's right, it's the fall installment of the Just Between Friends consignment sale. This is perhaps the greatest event for any parent looking to save money.  From clothes, to furniture to toys and gear, this sale has everything!  I purchased my $200 jogging stroller for $40 last fall, which was a fabulous deal, but not an unusual one.  In the past I've gone pretty crazy getting toys and clothes for Tysen.  I think last fall I spent about $150 which got me 35 clothing items and 15 large toys.  This year we're pretty set on toys, though I do hope to add a few hotwheels to his collection.

I have attended the sale four or five times in the past few years, and I started consigning at the last sale that was held in the spring.  Last spring I was definitely more organized, I had everything done a few weeks prior to the actual event.  This year I've somehow lost that organization and I have only a few days left to get everything on hangers and tagged before the drop-ff on Thursday.  If you've never been to a JBF sale, I urge you to check to see if there's one in your area.  They typically happen twice a year, and are located throughout the country.