Consignment Sales.

I was fortunate enough today to be able to venture out into unknown territory... Yes, I went to Cookeville!!! Horray for me!

A friend shared a "get in early" ticket to a consignment sale. I got to shop earlier than others, because she put clothes up for sale. So, after work, I came home, showered and changed and ventured off early enough to stop at Wal Mart. I was in H.E.A.V.E.N.

For many, many years, I took my daily excursions to WalMart for granted. I went to WalMart so frequently that the greeters would call out, "Hey Emma and Tripp! Are you having a good day?" Or, I would hear, "Is Emma better from her cold the other day?" or "Did you have a good trip to the park yesterday?"

Yep, I was that frequent.

Anyways, I got to go to Cookeville for about 1 1/2 hours - that includes my drive time back and forth.

Oh, wait. I ventured off subject. I have a consignment sale story.
Here we go.

Consignment Sales are just big, organized yard sales that specialize in kids clothes. Some of the items are junk that the sellers are hoping to unload on to someone else. Some items are name brand, boutique outfits that sellers (namely, moms) are hoping to get the same amount of money returned in which they paid. Occasionally, a shopper will happen upon a great deal. Here are some things I have learned about consignment sales since I started frequenting over the past 6 years.

1. Beware of the pregnant women who are shopping. Especially those who tell EVERYONE they are having their first child. So what, lady? You think you are the only one to ever get pregnant? 99.9 percent of people here have had babies. That is why we are here.

2. Keep your composure. When the Consignment Sale Organiser yells "GO!" and shoots the gun, walk calmly to your predetermined most-needed sizes. Don't show your stress.

3. Arrive with enough time to have time to think about who needs clothes the worst. Here is an example of the thoughts in my head - "Emma has grown more than Tripp, right? Yes, Mel, she needs clothes worse. I get lots of things for him from a pass-down buddy. So, I am just really looking for Emma. What does she need? Well, mostly church dresses."

4. Add up the amount spent before you turn over your purchases to a checker-outer. That way, you can make sure your amounts match. And no one gets cheated.

5. Never, EVER, EVER take your kids with you.

6. If you are shopping for multiple kids, and the need for each child is equal, take a shopping friend. When Emma and Tripp were younger, I had a friend named Robin. She and I went together, and I would shop for Tripp, and she would grab things for Emma while she was shopping for her daughter.

7. When in doubt about an item, pick it up anyways. You can always put it back if you don't need it. Better to be safe than sorry.

8. If you have to take your kids with you leave them outside in the car. With the shopping buddy. Then, you can switch out watching kids while each gets a chance to shop. I did this ALOT when the kids were little. Especially on 1/2 price days.

See, men, there is alot involved in dressing our children. Being a frugal mom is important. But mostly, it is all about the kill (finding a great deal). Compare it to deer hunting.