Welcome to another week of Preparing for a Little One, with Wifesessionals. Fast becoming a fav over here. Although I have three kids, I’ve found that this link-up has shown me that I’m not alone in how I’m raising my kids or the choices that I’ve made (especially with some of the heavier topics). For most moms, I would think, that is a priceless gift. You know what you’re doing is right and in reality you shouldn’t need affirmation of that fact. However, as humans I think self-doubt is only natural. One of the weeks I found three or four girls that I spoke to through comment and email responses and we shared that same sentiment. They may not have realized that they gave me a little blessing that day, but they did. So, even if you have kids and sort of have your bearings, stick around and read some posts. You might find your own smile somewhere in there.
This week’s topic is a little more fun and light – Favorite shops and stores. Who doesn’t love shopping? And furthermore, who doesn’t love shopping for a baby!? I’m a succor for it in fact, especially all the little girl stuff. Make it in pink and I’m sure to swoon. I’ve got a couple favorite, some big and some small. Wherever you are google a local boutique. While they might be more expensive you might find some really cool unique things, plus you’re supporting small business. One of my favorite dresses I got for my daughter one Christmas was one I found at a little boutique shop.
1. Target!
seriously, who doesn’t love target. They basically have everything, and as far as big store stuff they are going to be cheaper then Babies R Us and Buy Buy Baby. The truth of the matter is I love going there because I can look for other things besides baby stuff. But you really can’t beat their clothing (aside from Wal-Mart). I just don’t spend a lot (nor would I recommend spending a lot) on baby clothes. They barely use them, so if you can get hand me downs they will probably look almost brand new. But at $3 a piece at wal-mart, their Circo Brand for clothing is awesome!
I love Little Sapling teethers. I bought this one for my niece. My nephew has an anchor and my youngest had one in the shape of California (since that’s where we are from). They are amazing and the kids love them, plus they are a keepsake. It’s such a great company, hand-made, small-business. It’s American made and they plant a tree for every toy sold. They have all sorts of toys and accessories. These also make great gifts and I absolutely love everything about the product and the company.
Reuse Recycle and Reduce!!!! I have found some great stuff at Once Upon a Child. Some of the things still had tags on them even. I’ve gotten toys, a stroller and my very favorite Janie and Jack outfit for my daughter. I’m all about budgeting where I can and I really think every day kids clothes is the way to go. Consignment sales are also an option, but those aren’t held all the time. Most of the clothes, especially for the little ones are barely used and I’ve never had an issue with anything I’ve purchased there. Most of the shops even have a little place where the kids can play that’s gated off so you can shop and just keep an eye on them (or have your seven year old do it, LOL). I’ve never sold anything at one before but I’m sure the experience is equally as great. Usually the stores have a frequent buyer card, so for every ten dollars you spend you get a stamp and then you get 20% off your purchase after you fill it up. Usually twice a year they have a clearance, fill-a-bag sale, so watch for that and get on a mailing list.
4. Cloth Diaper Shops
For my cloth diaper needs I have bought used and from friends, but some of the shops I love and have worked with personally are:
Kebbie’s Diaper Bag – wahm run and Fern is great. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her in person and trying some of her products (check out the cloth diaper tab up top). They are really starting to pick up and grow and carry more products so don’t count them out because they are smaller. They carry some of my very favorite products like Scarlet’s Naturals, Bummis, EcoPosh, Planet Wise and others!!
Kelly’s Closet – larger business with a wide variety of cloth diaper, and cloth diaper related accessories and items. Plus more!!
Diaper Safari – where I order my liners
Abby’s Lane – this used to be where I would go into a brick and morter store and get to touch and feel all the dipes! Oh how I miss them. but they are still around online and they are awesome!!
**make sure to check out my reviews in the Cloth Diaper tab up top and I’m always around to answers questions about cloth diapering
Being who I am (LOL), I was a skeptic when it came to Amber necklaces. It honestly sounded like a mind game, like a placebo affect. But I decided to try it out and was pleasantly surprised at the effect I know it had. It actually worked. Now you have to be careful because they are so many knock-offs and fakes out there. I’ve only worked with three retailers on these – Kebbie’s Diaper bag (which i mentioned before), one of my amazing sponsors The Cloth Nook, and Inspired by Finn. I wanted to share Inspired by Finn with you because of their grab bag options and their customer service.
The grab bags at Inspired by Finn, are sort of like the slightly off sheets you get at like TJ Maxx. The beads aren’t all perfectly matched in color or size. To me, I could care less. I’d rather save money but still know I’m getting a good product. You’re going to probably pay about $19.00+ on them depending on where you buy it from. You can get a grab bag item (where you don’t get to choose) from IBF for about 14.95. I had an issue with the first necklace they sent me, the closure cracked, which can happen. They sent me another one right away, no biggie.
When buying amber, please go with a reputable shop and ask questions if you need to!!
This is a WAHM shop, where you can get just about anything! What I love the most about the shop is the embroidery! She’s even embroidered towels, like for a wedding gift? How amazing is that and a unique option.
thanks for stopping by! Have you ever shopped at one of these shops before? What’s your favorite shop or store?