My Drug of Choice

Hello.  I am Mom of All Trades and I am an addict.  My drug of choice - consignment and bargain shopping.  If you don't know the joy of a great consignment store I urge you to seek one out.  If you are a bargain shopper, there is nothing like finding a brand-new Talbot Kids' sweater on the dollar rack - at least I enjoy it!

One of my favorite local shops is The Little People's Shoppe in Lansdale, PA.  There is a great selection of baby and kids' clothing, plus equipment, furniture and toys.  There are a lot of name brand items, so you know you are getting a great deal every time you go there.  Their sale racks make the bargains even better!  50% off consignment price and a $1-rack will keep more money in your pocket at the end of the back-to-school shopping blitz. You can check out the Little People's Shoppe for yourself at http://littlepeoplesshoppe.com/.

Don't have a consignment store near you?  How about a Mothers' Market or consignment sale?  Many areas have one-day or weekend long events where moms can get great deals on just about anything for their family.

Our area has a series of big consignment sales coming up.  One of the largest sales is a series called The Clothing Tree, LLC, a local consignment event company specializing in children’s and teen’s clothing, is hosting its sixth annual series of Consignment Event in September and October in three locations across the Upper Bucks County and Lehigh Valley area.  This sale will feature items for the fall and winter seasons.

This year's sales are scheduled as follows:
September 9-12 - Rodeway Inn and Conference Center, Allentown
September 23-26 - Benner Hall, Quakertown
October 21-24 - Leithsville Fire Company, Hellertown

Each sale includes presales for volunteers and first-time moms, special discount days and more!  For more information or to register as a shopper or consigner, visit www.TheClothingTree.com, email info@TheClothingTree.com or call 1-888-703-TREE.

Consignment sales like this one are a great service to the local community in many ways.  In these difficult economic times, consignment sales offer great bargains for families on everything that they need for their children.  Shoppers can receive clothing, toys, equipment and furniture at bargain prices - an average of 75% off retail costs.  In addition, those that consign with the sale can earn money on items that their family has already gently-used, creating "found money" throughout their homes and adding much needed cash to their pockets.

Even the local thrift store can be a great place for bargain hunting.  Our local Salvation Army has a half-price day every Wednesday and when I go, I can always come out with something and not just for the kids, but for my husband and I as well.

No thrift stores, either?  How about checking out yard sales and looking for a bargain?  It's new to you, right?  Just look in the classified section of the paper and see what is listed.  Most yard sales will list the type of items that they  have for sale, which will really help you narrow down which ones to attend.

Good luck bargain shoppers!  Can't wait to hear what bargains you have picked up!