Loving to shop (again!)

Do you love to shop?  Most of us have said "yes" at one time in our lives, but to mothers of young children...not so much. 

I still remember my first shopping "spree" after being a new mom.  I wanted some new boots, but they were $65, and all I could think was, "Do you know how much I get for my baby for $65!".  This was nine years ago, but still.  I got the boots, but didn't wear them for 4 days until I had tried them on with everything I owned, reminding myself how much use I would get out of them.

Pre-kids, however, I would shop for hours, laughing with girlfriends, or my wonderful sister.  Driving from shop to shop was not unusual, and stopping for a small bite along the way was a frequent treat as well.

Once you are a mother, shopping becomes one of the "have to", rather than the "get to".  Even if it is shopping for a new outfit for yourself, it is something that has to be fit into the day between feedings, naps, laundry, cleaning, all the while trying to find your baby's "happiest" mood to aim for a tolerable shopping attempt.

Finally getting to the store, only to find you have not mastered the breastfeeding timing, thereby having sprung a leak, has happened to most, as well as having to leave a full cart because the infant screams could not be tolerated by your scattered mind any longer, and home seemed the only logical response.

Taking your time to leisurely try on each chosen item to find the perfect size, and determine the best selection from the pile of options... ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha, yea right!  Add more than one child to the mix and you are lucky to get any clothing (be it the right size or even your desired style) home for at all.

Here is what worked the best for me, BUY IT ALL!!  That's right, can't decide between two killer pair of heels?  Get both.  Not sure what size you are after the "joys" of motherhood have settled in...take home a few different sizes.  When you get a second during nap time, or if hubby is nice enough to take the baby for a while... try things on in your own home that is much more spacious than any dressing room.  Take the time to check out your purchases from every angle, and see how things coordinate with your current wardrobe.  After you have taken sufficient time to feel comfortable with your selections, take the rest BACK. 

If you were like me, despite the struggle to get out the door, I NEEDED to get out at least  few times a week, so it was much better for me to spend a short amount of time in the return line than it was hurrying to make decisions in a 4x4 changing room with a screaming child (and perhaps an older sibling crawling under the dividers, telling you the color underwear of your fellow shoppers).

Oh Yeah!

I went shopping today (first time since my medical complication!) with my little girl.  Because I hadn't been out in the stores for so long, I was really shocked by how many holiday items are already out.  BOO many of you think, WOO HOO!!  I say.  This is the time, when you are less stressed and can think more clearly to start digging in with the many necessary purchases.

Chances are pretty good that you won't forget a gift for your mom, significant other, or children, but it is what I call the "oh yeah" gifts that can add to the stress.  Dance teachers, co-workers, babysitters, and school teachers can slip your mind when you start making the BIG list. 

I don't know about you, but I usually do not remember the gifts that I receive, but I do remember the thought and kindness of the person who gave to me.  DON'T stress about the gifts!  It really is the thought that counts.  I like to pick up several "oh yeah" gifts throughout the year when they are on good sales.  Back in July I found a great sale on Salt City Candles, and had 9 shipped to my house for $37.00.

There are still many "oh yeah" deals out there.  While you are out running your regular errands, keep your eyes out and throw some in the cart.  Having a good stash on hand will relieve some of the holiday stresses.

What to buy?

I admit it, I love to shop, shocker I know.  I, however, am guessing that I wonder breathless and starry eyed in a different department than you do... the HOME ORGANIZATION department!!!  All of the bins, containers, drawers, and plastic dividers make me a very happy camper!!!

I have learned that many people feel that if they purchase a lot of organization equipment, they will be or become organized.  Although I have a lot of products that I really like, it is not necessary to spend a lot of money purchasing items in order to be organized. 

Purchasing some key items however, will make a big difference.  Knowing that, let's go over the most typical sale prices of key items so that you will be able to recognize a good deal when you see one.

One tip before you go to the stores - keeping your storage containers in the same color will give a less cluttered look.  Either purchase all items in the same color, or have the same color for each area or room.

The three drawered cart:

These are currently on sale for $9.99 at Walmart, Target, and K-mart.  They vary slightly in size and color options, but know that because this item is on sale so frequently, don't pay more than $9.99 for it.

Fabric Bins:

I LOVE these bins, they are great almost everywhere.  They can be REALLY expensive though.  These are on sale at Target this week for $5.99 each, NOT a great deal.  K-mart frequently has them on sale for $2.99 in a bunch of colors, so wait for that sale.

Bins, Totes, and Containers:

These come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.  My favorites are clear, with the latches on the sides.  It doesn't seem to really matter the brand, but it is this style that I have had the best success with, but they do typically cost more. 

For the most part any item is better than nothing.  I do not recommend paying more for the under bed bins with wheels.  Most of us have carpet in the bedroom, so they would slide under the bed easily without wheels, why pay more? 

Each store varies greatly on sizes and prices.  I find it really confusing because they list them in so many different sizes and quarts vs. gallon.  I have broken it down for all of us. 

Here is what is available this week from 1 star to 5 stars, 5 being the best price:

Walmart

34 Quart Container:  $5   **** 
65 Quart Container:  $6  *****
20 Gallon Container:  $6 *****
90 Quart Container:  $8  *****

Shopko
17  Gallon Tote $5.88  *****
26 Quart Sweater Box $5.88  ***
56 Quart Clear box $5.88  ****
30 Quart Ultra Latch $5.88  ***
16 Quart Drawer $5.88  *

Target
17 Gallon latching tote $3.99  ***** 
66 Quart latching tote $5  *****
20 Gallon latching tote $5  *****

K-mart
60 Quart under bed storage
(clear with wheels) $12.99  ***
17 Quart “Omni” box (clear) $3.99  ***
26 Quart “Omni” box (clear) $5.99  ***

A lot of information, but I hope that it helps!

Remember the good old days?

I can sew, not extremely well, but I make due. Making pillows, basic curtains, and mending is about as far as I go. Funny though, when I recently pulled out my sewing kit, I realized that I really hadn’t updated it since my Jr. High Sewing Class. I went to Joann’s today with four 40% off coupons in hand and acquired/improved upon the basics.

What is in your sewing kit and when is the last time you updated it? Even if re-attaching buttons is the extent of your “skills”, you will still need a basic sewing kit.

My basic sewing kit includes:

Small sheers (new one purchased today!)

Seam ripper (new one purchased today!)

Extra bobbins (only necessary if you use a machine)

Extra machine needles (only necessary if you use a machine)

Measuring tape

Thimble

Needles

Extra pins

Pin cushion

Thread in basic colors (white, black, brown, blue)
Small container to hold everything (I just switched everything over to a new “really useful” box that I got at an office supply store for half off!

My updating (after the coupons) was just over $10.00. I figure after more than 20 years, it was time for an “upgrade”.  Maybe it is time for you to upgrade too.

New Sales!!!

Okay, you know how much I LOVE this store.  Have you checked out the new mailer?  There are some great sales on really good organization products that I wanted to let you know about.

This product is called the Kangaroo Keeper.  It holds all of your purse items in an organized fashion, and allows you to transfer it to other purses.  Those who know me well, know I have about 20 purses and change them every day depending on what I am wearing.  I have bought a similar product on-line for almost four times this price, and have not been thrilled with it.

The Kangaroo Keeper has two different sizes and they both come in one package for $9.99!!!  I will be getting this today, and I will let you know what I think.  For $9.99 though, why not try it I figure.

This is the Handbag Hangup and is on sale now for $12.99.  I haven't tried this one, but I do have the Real Simple version, and paid $29.00, this one doesn't look as sturdy as Real Simple's, but it does look like a great way to hang up several purses in an organized way!

I have previously highlighted Cube Space Bags, and they are amazing for consolidating clothes, blanket, and such into a small package.  The Space Cubes come in a package of 7 in a variety of sized, and is $39.99.  These are the Space Bags, come in a 5 piece set, and is on sale for $14.99!!!  If you use your $5 off coupon, that makes $10 for 5 bags! 

Who doesn't love small plastic containers?  I use them for everything from hair accessories, small toys, and kitchen drawer organization.  This is a 24 piece set and is on sale for $4.99!!

Do you have a designated place for keys and mail?  This wall mount mail and key rack is on sale for $9.99.  I really like that it has a place to keep mail and coupons too.  If you don't already have something for these items, this might be something to try.

I am heading out now,(armed with my multiple coupons from my multiple newspaper subscriptions) to check these things out.  I will let you know how it goes, and let me know if you try any of these out and what you think!

Perfect timing!

Don't you love it when you are getting ready to go a store, check the mail before you head out, and there is a coupon for your very purchase?!?!

Did you receive a Kwal Paint ad today? I actually received two by accident! On both sides of the ad, there is a 30% off your entire purchase coupon, so that means that I got 4 of them.  They do not expire until September 30.  This fits PERFECTLY with our focus for the month of September...

If there is anything you have been thinking of painting, updating, or changing, this may be a good time to do it.  For now, just DON'T THROW OUT the ad.  Save it, and we will go over it during September.

School Clothes Organization

My baby has her first day of pre-school tomorrow.  She is beyond excited and very ready to go.  I like to make sure that we can cut down on the wardrobe drama in the mornings by picking out our school aged childrens' clothes on Sunday. 

Typically I pick out the weeks worth of clothes and let the girls choose which order they want them to go in.  We hang them in their closet in day order, and every night before bed, we hang the next day's outfit on a small hook set in their rooms.  Then the shoes and accessories are added and we are all set.

For those without kids (or adults who would like to be on top of things a little more), Sunday night preparation for the week could be helpful for us too.  Just think how much time would be saved in the mornings if none of us had to wonder, "What am I going to wear today?".

Everything in its Season

When shopping for your children's Back to School clothes, keep in mind it is still SUMMER when school starts, and very hot.  Fall clothes won’t work well for the first several weeks or even a few months.

For kids AND adult shopping:

When a clothing line first come out, they are generally for the season coming up, and not the season that would currently work.  It makes NO SENSE to pay full price for something that you can't even wear!  Waiting until it is closer to or even the correct season will make the same items much cheaper, and you can wear them right away if you want.

The only exception to this rule, would be when you are purchasing clothes that are PAST their season.  These items would be on clearance, and it would be worth it to purchase clearance items and save them until the correct season. 

Back to School Shopping

Back to School time is generally a stressful time for families. “So much to buy!”, we tell ourselves. In reality, I think there is a LOT less to acquire than we think.

Look through your children’s wardrobe (or your own if you don’t have school age children but still want to stay on task this month), and do an inventory of what they have that is in good repair and fits them. I know, the word inventory makes you groan, but, just imagine how much time you will save at stores getting things you may not need after you assess the situation, not to mention the money!

I went through my 8 year old’s closet and pulled out some items that needed better deep cleaning before they would be acceptable “school clothes” again. A few I felt were pants that had worn out in the knees too much, so I made them into shorts. After all was said and done, I felt that she only NEEDED new socks. Her backpack was only one year old, and still in good shape. The lunchbox was in good shape, but the Princess theme that she chose in pre-school is no longer “cool”, so I figured after 4 years, I could get her a new one, and give the Princess lunchbox to her younger sister, who is currently in love with Princesses.

Of course, every child wants a new outfit for the first day of school, and new shoes are fun too. I will purchase her those items, but really she doesn’t need anything else. To “freshen” things up, I will make her some new “hair pretties” to match what she already has so that she does have more new items to go with her current supply.

How much is “enough”? Well I figure that 10 outfits/days worth of clothes is a good estimate. Now, these are 10 days of clothes that you would be willing to have your child wear in public, I am not talking about the grungy Summer clothes that have been played in over and over.

 

10 days seems to be a good amount for laundry purposes. Inevitably, they will spill something, or make some other mess that will require at least one extra change during the week. This way, you will have a 1 week buffer between laundry days.

Check out all socks, (in good repair, AND the right size), and underwear too. Also, make sure the shoes still fit. We had a pair of buster browns that were great, and fit, but just needed a polishing = easy fix!

Now, if it is within your budget and desire to get an entire wardrobe for your child (or you) at this time, go for it! However, remember it is a good rule to remove an old item for every new one you add in (unless things are in poor condition, or outgrown). Keep those closets organized while you are adding to it. You may not have room for all of the things you want to purchase.

Bite the bullet, do a quick inventory (it took me about 5 minutes) with your child and see what is really NEEDED before you decide what is WANTED. Happy Shopping!