50% Chance

Peanut is a clothes horse and loves to dress, undress, dress, partially undress, partially dress, etc, etc herself.

I've arranged a few piles in her drawer of pants (which are NEVER touched), skirts (which are always in short supply), t-shirts and long-sleeve shirts for her to make her own combinations. Usually they don't match in the usual sense, but since virtually everything is a variant of pink, its not that far off.

The funniest part is that everything seems to be put on backwards. Always.

Starting with her underwear. And, ending with her shoes.

We've talked about how tags go in the back and she even searches for the tags, but opts to put them in the front. With shoes, we've talked about putting the flowers on the outside and she knows, but they always end up on the inside.

Shouldn't there really be a 50/50 chance of her clothes sometimes facing the right direction?? Somehow the rules of statistics don't seem to apply to toddler dressing.

Prettiest in Pink

I don't know how it has happened, but Peanut has turned into a pink princess fanatic.

The other day, she was pretending to play golf (papa's newest love). When papa asked her if she would like a set of clubs and balls too, she replied "How about pink ones? Pink princess ones?"

On our trip to pick out curtains for Tex's room, Peanut chimes in "I need pink curtains". She already has some cutesy curtains for her room. Granted, they are not just pink.

As we strolled through the toddler clothing department, "How about a dress? A pink one?"

And, it was with the motivation of princess stickers and underwear that Peanut was encouraged to start using the potty (even though its only white!).

Her favorite Disney princess? "The pink one" = Sleeping Beauty.

I had really hoped to keep the princesses out of our lives for another year or more, but somehow their allure is irresistible. In trying to figure out how they slipped in, I think it all started with Ms. Christie's Dancing DVD where a ballerina dressed as a butterfly first caught Peanut's eye. This then lead to her picking out what she called a "dancing dress" with butterfly wings for her 2nd birthday present. Perhaps princesses just looked like little girls who always got to wear pretty ("plilly") dancing dresses!


But, the PINK!!! Its all Peanut.

Consignment sale confessions

I'm becoming a consignment sale junkie! I wouldn't yet call myself an addict - I don't get in line at 6.00 am, I don't have to be at EVERY sale and I don't haul away mountains of stuff. Perhaps, I should say I'm becoming a conisseur - I'm developing refined strategies, a critical eye, an ability to swoop & scoop with grace.

In reality, I only hit two (three, if you count that I went back to one!) sales: Divine Consign in Grapevine and Plano and the Rockinghorse Sale in Coppell. I do have one more in mind. This year I skipped the Just Between Friends sale because I found the one in Denton so small last time.

For Divine Consign in Grapevine, I arrived around 10 am on opening day. Good timing, no line, no mad rush, still plenty to look over the gear. This is the sale I also decided to visit again on 50% off day - just because it was close by and I wondered what would be left. Not a whole lot of high quality stuff. I did pick up a bag of toy cars for $0.50, a Fisher-Price Little People fire station for $2.00 and Little Tikes tool kit for $0.50.

Divine Consign in Plano was disappointing. Maybe I was late? But, I felt like the prices were higher and quality lower. I even saw some repeats from Grapevine. Won't make the drive there again!

The little Rockinghorse Sale in Coppell gave me the one big item I'd been searching for - table and chairs for Peanut. For $20, I got the cutest wooden giraffe and walrus back chairs for a matching table :-) Otherwise, its like a big garage sale, but just around the corner so I'll be back again! You can get in early to this sale on opening day with a $5.00 donation to the hosting church's youth group.


My hints for successful consignment shopping:

• have a shopping list and focus on those items first - there were specific toys I wanted, everything else I skipped until I had looked for those first.
• bring a few empty canvas bags to fill with shopping. Yes, some people drag an empty laundry basket around with them, but its not very practical.
• there seemed to be tons of clothes available at all the sales so look over the other stuff first unless you are desparate for clothes.
• if you MUST have a bigger item (stroller, beds, big plastic toys, bikes, etc) - you will have to be fanatical about being there first. Volunteer to get in on the pre-sales.
• consign something yourself to get in early without the hours of volunteering - most sales let you shop at the first night as well. I suppose you are a consignor even if you only put one item up for sale!
• peek around all the corners - both Divine Consign sales were spread over several unconnected rooms. One toy-filled and overlooked room was brimming with goodies because half the shoppers didn't even notice it!
• move your big items into the roped off hold area - or better yet, have someone take them there for you - and continue shopping
• I had Peanut with me. I also had lots of snacks and drinks for Peanut to keep her happy. She's a quiet, happy shopper so I knew it would be OK. If yours isn't, you'll be better off sans bebe.
  

Last two sales I know of for fall in the area both take place tomorrow!
North Dallas Mothers of Twins Club in Richardson and the
Metrocrest Parents of Multiples sale in Flower Mound.

Its almost Divine Consign time again

Soon, August will upon us and it'll be consignment sale season again! Hip, Hip, Hooray!

Divine Consign is already looking for volunteers for their events in Grapevine and Plano. Being a volunteer gets you into the must-attend-to-get-the-real-deals pre-sales.

At the pre-sale I attended for a spring sale, it was just madness. Imagine the good old Supermarket Sweep programs where a couple has like 3 minutes to run through the store to fill their shopping cart and everything in the cart is then free.

It was just like that minus the shopping carts - moms racing through with laundry baskets or strollers in tow. Grabbing toys, shoving clothes into the carts, wild-eyed and oblivious to each other. Not much was left dangling on the racks after that crowd came through there...

Papa's little Peanut

We had a mellow Father's Day yesterday as Peanut was recovering from a fever. She sported special, hand-made, designer (read: mama went to Michael's and decorated) shirts all day long with messages like "Papa's Girl", "I love my dad" and "My papa rocks!". Luckily there were three shirts because by day's end she had had all off & on :-)

Peanut's papa had dreamed of a breakfast at IHOP for Father's Day. I'm not exactly sure what he expected from IHOP, but being Dutch I suspect it was something similar to the mega-pancake houses you can enjoy in the Netherlands. There you get such pannekoeken delights as cheese and bacon pancakes...ohh...so good! IHOP is not exactly that, but off we went! Unfortunately, many others had pancake plans and the guests were spilling out into the parking lot. We decided to pass and enjoyed some treats back at home.

While we were out, my dad had left us a message. He's already in Finland enjoying the summery shores of Lake Koitere near Ilomantsi where our summer cottage is. Lovely sunset, perfectly still waters, sauna heating, freshly caught perch frying....and amazing temperatures of 80F. We miss it already! He just finished his prostate cancer radiation treatments last week and was on a plane bound for 'home' as soon as humanly possible. Now we wish him a beautiful Finnish summer to help recuperate and repair his mind, body and soul.

He's also planning to film some of the surrounding wildlife for Peanut - the diving birds nesting under the sauna, the seagulls, the island mice and those soothing birches swaying in the breeze. I'm so happy that Peanut will also get many years with him to learn about the joys of nature - just like he unveiled to me and my sister.

More consignment sales -- Rockinghorse in Coppell

Rocking Horse Sale

It looks like if you are into consignment, there is no lack of choice! This one is in Coppell and being promo'd to the Finnish mama community.

Its close by so I think we'll check it out. I was even trying to sort out some clothes to sell, but its tough! Those little itty-bitty baby outfits are too cute and who knows we may need them again or we could pass along to Auntie M .... one day .... maybe ....

Living Hope Church
Coppell, Texas

Spring Dates: March 2-4, 2006

Come shop or consign with us!

We are celebrating our 18th sale!

Consignor price tags are being distributed now.

The mega-consignment sale - Divine Consign

By word of mouth from one our Gymboree mama's (no, not the mama of the boy Peanut bit)


This is evidently a mammoth consignment sale that takes place twice a year in Dallas.

From the looks of it - Divine Consign promises to be just that.



Note that "first time moms", ie, those pregnant or with a child under 1 year can get into the PRE-SALE. But, they are like the number three pre-sale group following the volunteers. Nonetheless, its the night before Divine Consign opens its doors to everyone else.

I've signed up for the pre-sale...more posts to follow.

Another hot consignment store tip was for Once Upon a Child in Flower Mound next to the new Sprouts supermarket. Once we visit, I'll have some more info.

Plus from Dallas Child - a 'how to' save in your shopping with garage sales, consignment shops and more. Here is thier list of area consignment shops:

Consignment/Resale/Thrift in the Dallas Area Please call ahead to verify information, as it is subject to change.

Shop: KidSwap
Drop Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Fri
Appointment Necessary? No
Percent to Seller: 40 percent
Consign Cost: N/A
Items Accepted: Name-brand, in-season clothes, cars and strollers. No toys!
Location: Dallas
Phone: 214/890-7927

Shop: Mudpuppy
Drop Hours: 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Fri
Appointment Necessary? Yes
Percent to Seller: 40 percent
Consign Cost: $10 per season
Items Accepted: Toys and clothes
Location: Fort Worth
Phone: 817/731-2581

Shop: Play It Again Sports
Drop Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon-Fri; 10-6 Sat; noon-5 Sun
Appointment Necessary? No
Percent to Seller: 50 percent
Consign Cost: N/A
Items Accepted: Sporting goods (exercise, hockey and baseball equipment)
Location: Dallas
Phone: 214/821-7737

Shop: Play It Again Sports
Drop Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon-Fri; 10-5 Sat; noon-5 Sun
Appointment Necessary? No
Percent to Seller: Percentage varies depending upon item.
Consign Cost: N/A
Items Accepted: All Sporting goods
Location: Dallas, Carrollton
Phone: 972/3805-550

Shop: Purple Pony
Drop Hours: 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri
Appointment Necessary? Yes
Percent to Seller: 40 percent
Consign Cost: N/A
Items Accepted: In-season, excellent-condition clothing. No toys.
Location: Dallas
Phone: 972/422-4500

Shop: Runt Rethreads
Drop Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon-Sat
Appointment Necessary? No
Percent to Seller: 50 percent
Consign Cost: N/A
Items Accepted: In-season kids clothing (must be washed and on hangers)
Location: Mesquite
Phone: 972/686-7007

Resale Shops
Shop: Children's Orchard
Drop Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon-Sat, 1-5 p.m. Sun
Appointment Necessary? Yes
Percent to Seller: Based on condition of item; 30 to 50 percent of resale price
Items Accepted: Excellent condition baby items (clothing, toys, furniture). No car seats or mattresses.
Location: Lewisville
Phone: 214/488-2257

Shop: Kid to Kid
Drop Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon-Fri
Appointment Necessary? Yes, but drop off available
Percent to Seller: Based on condition of item; 20 to 40 percent of resale price
Items Accepted: Brand name not necessary. Toys and baby equipment, but car seats must be like brand-new.
Location: Allen and Plano
Phone: Allen: 972-390-1117; Plano: 972/781-2543

Shop: Once Upon a Child
Drop Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon-Fri
Appointment Necessary? Yes, but drop off available
Percent to Seller: Based on condition of item; 30 to 40 percent of resale price (20 percent more if store credit accepted)
Items Accepted: Baby furniture, toys, equipment and clothing
Location: Plano, Carrollton, Flower Mound, Garland and Mesquite
Phone: Plano: 972/618-5800; Carrollton: 972/250-6603; Flower Mound: 972/874-0779; Garland: 972/495-4662; Mesquite: 972/279-8048

Semi-annual Consignment Sales
Sale: Great American Wee Sale
When Held? April 2- 4
Percent to Seller: 60 percent (70 percent for volunteers)
Consign Cost: N/A
Items Accepted: Gently used baby and children's clothes, games, toys, equipment, maternity clothing and furniture. Clean, working, stain-free and in-style.
Location: Plano
Web site: www.greatamericanweesale.com

Sale: Just Between Friends
When Held? March 5-6
Percent to Seller: 70 percent (80 percent if five new friends consign)
Consign Cost: $5
Items Accepted: Gently used toys, videos, maternity, children's clothing and baby items.
Location: Dallas
Web site: www.jbfdallas.com

Sale: Just Between Friends
When Held? March 17-19
Percent to Seller: 70 percent (80 percent if five new friends consign or $25 sale gift certificate)
Consign Cost: $5
Items Accepted: Gently used toys, videos, seasonal maternity, children's clothing and baby items.
Location: Dallas
Web site: www.jbfconsignment.com

Sale: Lil' Lambs Sale
When Held? March 25-27
Percent to Seller: 70 percent
Consign Cost: $6
Items Accepted: Gently used toys, videos, seasonal children's and maternity clothing only. Toys, videos, furniture and baby items.
Location: Allen
Web site: www.fpcallen.org

Sale: Tried and True Sale
When Held? March 19-20
Percent to Seller: 50 percent (60 percent for volunteers)
Consign Cost: N/A
Items Accepted: Gently used toys, videos, seasonal maternity, children's clothing and baby items.
Location: Plano
Web site: www.triedandtruesale.com

Thrift Shops
Shop: ACO Upscale Resale
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat
Items Accepted: No mattresses, recliners or car seats
Location: Allen
Phone: 972/727-4751

Shop: Casa View Thrift
Hours: 9a.m-9 p.m. Mon-Sat, 1-7 p.m. Sun
Items Accepted: Everything
Location: Dallas
Phone: 214/324-5026

Shop: Genesis Thrift Store
Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat
Items Accepted: Everything
Location: Dallas
Phone: 214/520-6644

Shop: Goodwill
Hours: 8 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Mon-Fri
Items Accepted: No mattresses
Location: Dallas
Phone: 214/638-2800

Shop: Goodwill
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon-Sat, 1-5 p.m. Sun
Items Accepted: Everything
Location: McKinney
Phone: 972/542-3721

Shop: Hannah's Hand-Me Downs
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue-Sat
Items Accepted: No mattresses or car seats
Location: Dallas
Phone: 972/642-1115

Shop: Thrift Mart
Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun-Sat
Items Accepted: Everything
Location: Grand Prairie
Phone: 972/721-1861

Bid your way to cheap baby gear

The local e-Bay is called Huuto.net and features a Children's section chock full of furniture, clothes and various other baby gear.

I was cruising through the listings last night and saw plenty of bargains - especially in the baby clothes section. Many times a package is offered that can include 50 pieces of clothing. Much of it looked to be in good condition and the prices were very reasonable.

A few quirky items found their way to the site as well:
> 20 diapers -- ??
> 10 Libero diaper proofs of purchase - ??!! - OK, you can collect them and send them in for a free spoon, but ??
> coupons to Citymarket for discounts on diapers
> issues of Vauva magazine

We have used Huuto.net to sell items in the past and have been very pleased with it. Often the buyer pays the shipping costs. We send the packages COD via Posti and the buyer pays the amount to Posti who transfers to our bank account before releasing the package.