Since mom and dad are such avid garage sale junkies, it only makes sense that mom decides to have her own yard sale. Making a few extra dollars is the prudent thing to do rather than throwing away perfectly good clothes with lots of life in them. So mom starts making a list of things to do to get ready for the sale.

1)      Set a date

2)      Gather everything

3)      Wash, dry and fold or dusting sale items

4)      Testing sale items to ensure it works and all parts are included

5)      Advertising – pay for newspaper ad, post online, pay for road signs… or make them … hmmm

6)      Price tags and markers – buy

7)      Rent tables and some way to hang items – pay

8)      Babysitter for the children – pay

9)      Put signs up

10)    Change box

Mom starts to bust her butt to gather gently used outgrown clothing and no longer used treasures. The pile quickly outgrows the laundry basket that mom has been using to keep everything in. Now she needs to find a place to store the future tag sale items that is out of the way. Not an easy task with three little ones running around. The designated spot to accumulate sale items is taking up valuable space needed with children running around playing. The best spot would be a little used place so there’s no worrying about something getting broke or a child getting injured.  Not to mention it looks like a mess and might need to be moved or hidden if company comes over to visit.

Finally, the big day has come. The attic, garage and basement have all been hauled out. Mom has checked her list twice to be sure she has a successful sale. She has worried all week about the weather being too cold or raining causing a poor turnout in attendance. She had to ask the neighbor to come watch the sale for a few minutes while she put up the signs at the end of the road. Now she’s ready just waiting for the crowd.  As she tends to last minute touches she can’t help but think about having strangers at her home and her safety. What will she do if someone needs to use the bathroom? God forbid if someone should get hurt while at the sale! As the day goes by with a few stragglers stopping in Mom wonders why her yard sale is not having better results. She thinks about all of the money she had hoped to make but instead spent. Finally, the end of the sale is in sight so Mom starts to ponder what she will do with all of stuff that didn’t sell. She is exhausted, disappointed and doesn’t have the energy to even think about it. Mom wonders why she even bothered, since it seems to be a wasted effort. Her thoughts turn towards finding an easier way for next time.

Later, after picking up the sale as Mom sits in front of the computer she again thinks there has to be a better way! In a simple search she finds Consignment Crossroads and quickly discovers how easy the website is to use. All that is needed is a picture of each item with a size and description. Since everything needs the yard sale price tags removed so it doesn’t get ruined, it only takes a moment to take a picture then upload it onto Consignment Crossroads website. Now mom can relax while waiting for a buyer then ship all of her sold items while counting the money on the way to the bank! Using Consignment Crossroads is so much easier, stress free and just think about all the money that will be  saved by not have another yard sale….

Buying online is so easy and convenient these days. Trying to pick between big box retail or a mom and pop store may be a little more difficult.  After considering these points it should be stress-free to decide where to buy too.

Five reasons to purchase from Consignment Crossroad rather than a major retailer are as follows.

1) Go green, recycle and reuse – Help cut down on waste at the landfill by purchasing hand-me-downs that might have been thrown away otherwise. Peoples taste in fashion changes very quickly sometimes long before the life of the clothes have begun to show any wear to them. Children grow so fast sometimes what they put on today is too small next week. Items offered for sale at Consignment Crossroads needs to find a new home to be used again.

2) In or out of season – Ever needed a bathing suit in September or a sweater in July? Good luck finding one at an online major retail store. At Consignment Crossroad there is no need to wait for the proper season.

3) Sales, coupons and clearance racks – The prices are so low there is no need to wait for a sale or a coupon. Consignment Crossroad has something for any tight budget.

4) Customer Service – Ever tried contacting a brand name retail store with a comment or issue online? After being directed to their FAQs menu to answer most popular questions you might get lucky enough to actually send an email or fill out a form. Using Consignment Crossroad, an email sent to the seller will get quick and courteous answer better than any customer support department can give.

5) Support small business – Purchasing from a family owned small business rather than big box online retail stores will help improve the economy.

Paying full retail price is no longer the only option for online purchases. Gently used fashions and treasures at a fraction of the cost can be found at Consignment Crossroad.

Looking forward to the Friday, Saturday and Sunday garage sales use to be a ‘fun’ family event back in the day. When the newspaper came, the yard sale section would be read and reread by both mom and dad so no deals would be missed. Addresses would be mapped out to save time and gas by making one big loop. Everyone would pile into the car excited about what adventures the day would bring. Half an hour later little Johnny has to go potty; Sally is crying because someone pulled her hair and Bobby is hungry… Everyone is made happy and the trip is continued chasing down that allusive great bargain. Seeking and searching for each address, driving for miles on a wild goose chase, wondering ‘have we gone too far or is it around the next corner?’ (We’ve all been there, done that!) On a ‘good’ day the car can be loaded to the gills with little treasures stuffed everywhere and anywhere. Sometimes it’s amazing just to find the fighting, cranky and tired children amongst the ‘must have collectable items’. Finally having had enough it’s time to head home where it’s time to really check out the newly purchased gems that were just dragged back only to find this is broken or that is chipped. Whose idea of a ‘fun’ family day was this again?

Then someone came up with the flea market idea. A bunch of people pack up their household goods for sale and bring them to one location. After having to deal with traffic, finding a parking spot and the overwhelming mob of other shoppers, mom is exhausted before looking at the wares of one vender. Often the precious possessions being offered for sale are unorganized, making it difficult to keep an eye on the little ones. If you happen to discover a booth which usually carries goods with a similar taste to yours, they might not be at the market again next week or their booth might be moved so you have to waste time trying to find them. Once purchases are made, they then have to be toted through the many buildings often without a bag before returning to the car. This outing does not turn out to be a good time either.

The goodwill store had great intentions. Donated items are put on display for sale at reduced prices. All racks, tables and shelves are over run with stuff piled on top of each other. Mom spends hours searching for the right size, only to leave empty handed and frustrated. Often children are allowed the run of the store, screaming at the top of their lungs while they play hide-n-seek amongst the racks of clothes. Mom will be leaving with a headache.

Then one day as the kids are happily playing, mom is on the computer when she discovers an answer that solves all of her problems. Consignment Crossroads has quality products with rock bottom prices. As she investigates this online consignment shop she sips her coffee listening to the children quietly playing. Still in her pajamas she quickly appreciates that treasures are organized into categories saving her time in her search for the special china with an unbelievable affordable price that Grandma had, to relive those nostalgic memories continuing a family tradition. After she places an order, mom walks away thoughtful about how easy Consignment Crossroads was to use. To think while relaxing at the computer a beloved item was found which will be shipped right to her door and she was able to stick to her shoe-string-budget. She will check for new consignments daily so she will not have to pay expensive retail prices again.

In todays’ world of hustle and bustle, conserving gas and cost effective budgets are no longer occasionally thought about, they are the first and foremost concern. With the price of gas going up, heading to the store just for a gallon of milk is a thing of the past. Shopping from the luxury of your home without breaking the bank, is quickly becoming the preferred method of shopping without the hassle of traffic or crowds to fight and not being cooped up in a car. Save time, energy and your sanity… shop online for frugal deals at Consignment Crossroads!

Mommy guilt fills my thoughts even though there is nothing that I can do about it. Because of financial decisions I made pre-Mommyhood I must work.  As a working mom there is daily guilt that gently tugs at my hearstrings. Is Lacey being persuaded to join preschool gangs? Is Alexis the target of 1 year old bullying? Later on in life will their therapists diagnosed them as messed up because their mom chose to work instead of staying home with them? Are they at daycare too long? Are they the first ones there? and the last ones to leave?  Will they even recongnize me when I pick them up? I am constantly questioning my abilities as a mother.

So in an attempt to one day stay home AND make an income I am trying my hand at my very own business.  The consignment business.  And why not?  Every parent knows from experience how quickly children outgrow their clothes.  Once a child hits a growth spurt some items are bypassed, never to be worn or even have the original store tags removed!  With the joys of motherhood I have discovered the high demand for childrens’ pre-loved clothing in my own efforts to recoup cash to use towards the next size of clothing items needed.  So I created an online resale website called Consignment Crossroads.com.  During the development of the website I was moved to provide a vehicle for others to become involved too. The more, the merrier, right?  Together we can create a wonderful community where everyone has the opportunity to recycle, earn and save money as well. Consignment Crossroads offers a ‘crossroads’ where numerous buyers and sellers meet to recycle quality items.  Consignment Crossroads’ goal is to provide a way to recycle those items and save money.  This website is a low cost member’s site without the typical high prices or high consignment split shared between the consignor and the consignment business.  (A very common split is 60/40 which means the consignment shop would keep 60% of the selling price of each item, and the seller, or the consignor, would only receive 40 %.)  My online version is the perfect option to buy and sell 24/7 without leaving the comfort of your own home.  I invite you to sell or shop our website.  Should you accept I hope you enjoy yourself, meet some wonderful people, find A TON of quality items, earn a few bucks and save a few bucks. If you have any questions or comments or would like to share your experiences here, please send me or a member of the team a message.

Good luck,

Julie Hughes

Owner

ConsignmentCrossroads.com

• Pack a hospital bag for yourself and the baby, complete with blankets and his/her “going home” outfit.  Pack your “going home” outfit, too.  Please note that you most likely won’t fit into your old jeans just yet.  Bring an outfit that will fit.
• picture ID (driver’s license or other ID)
• your insurance card, and any hospital paperwork you need
• your birth plan, if you have one
• eyeglasses even if you usually wear contact lenses, you may not want to deal with them while you’re in the hospital.
• toiletries, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, deodorant, a brush and comb, makeup, and a hair band or barrettes. Hospitals usually provide soap, shampoo, and lotion, but you might prefer your own.  Bring cheap throwaway flip-flops to wear into the bathroom and shower
• bathrobe, a nightgown or two, slippers, and socks. Hospitals provide gowns and socks for you to use during labor and afterward, but most will allow you to wear your own clothes if you prefer.  Choose a loose, comfortable gown that you don’t mind getting dirty. It should be either sleeveless or have short, loose sleeves so your blood pressure can be checked easily. Slippers and robe may come in handy when you’re walking around during the early stages of labor.
• a list of people to call and their phone numbers, your cell phone and charger
• regular bras or comfortable nursing bras and breast pads (you will need these whether or not you are breast feeding because they stop leaks by absorbing milk)
• remember  your bobby pillow or breastfeeding pillow to add comfort with feeding your baby -  bring the binkie, too
• car seat (the MOST important item – the hospital will NOT let you leave with baby without a car seat)
• camera, video camera, flip video, film, memory cards (or film or tape), batteries, and charger.
• DVDs and/or mindless reading material such as a magazine
• SNACKS – you will get hungry and may not like what’s on the hospital lunch menu. Snacks!  After many hours of labor, you’re likely to be pretty hungry, and you won’t want to rely solely on hospital food. So bring your own – crackers, fresh or dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, or whatever you think you’ll enjoy. A bottle of nonalcoholic champagne might be fun for celebrating, too.
• photos of your other children – when they come to visit they will see that you haven’t forgotten them.
• gifts for older siblings – some parents bring gifts for the new baby to “give” to big brothers and sisters.

I hope you found this blog helpful – please feel free to add any comments below or helpful tips for our other readers.  I wish you well in your pregnancy and you’re parenting journey!  Enjoy every…parenting…minute!  God bless!

Joyfully,

Julie

***Be sure to check out the prior blog entry – Tips on preparing for the arrival of your new baby.

• Take a shorter shower to lower water-heating bills.
• Lower the temperature of your water heater.
• Enlist the kids to turn off all the household printers and computers.
• Close your windows and blinds.
• Obey the speed limit on your way to school or work to reduce the amount of fuel used.
• Turn up the thermostat or program the thermostat to adjust at specific times.
• Change the filter in your A/C.
• Run ceiling fans instead of the A/C.
• Leave the lights off – keeping them off will keep a room cooler.
• Prepared dinner on the outdoor grill. 
• Fill up that dishwasher, a full dishwasher uses less water than hand washing so load up those dishes and press the energy-efficient cycle button.

SAVING ISN’T JUST FOR ENERGY – Can’t live through July and August without A/C, but still want to cut costs? Try saving on your BACK TO SCHOOL clothes budget instead.  Shop and/or sell online at Consignment Crossroads today.  Tell us how much you saved.

Tips for preparing for baby:

• Know the route to the hospital where you will deliver and ensure your driver does too!  I also found scheduling & taking a tour of the Labor & Delivery floor to be comforting. If you plan on home birthing, know the route to the hospital in case of emergency.
• Prepare home birthing area if needed (sheets, towels, blankets, water pool, etc).
• Attend a childbirth class to know what to expect.
• Purchase the crib and accessories such as sheets, mobile, blankets etc.
• Buy the appropriate car seat (rear facing) and make sure you have it installed properly. 
• This one is fun!  Make a list of baby names.  Baby name books and websites are helpful tools.  
• If your baby is a boy, decide ahead of time whether or not to circumcise.  Discuss with your OB or pediatricain what to expect and proper care.
• Make the decision to breastfeed or bottle feed, or alternate between the two.
• Select a pediatrician BEFORE baby arrives. Many doctors will allow and encourage you to make an appointment to “interview” them before your delivery.  I met with two or three before I made my decision.  I went with my gut feeling and who I felt most comfortable with.   Discuss care with them.  ***Ask for a number of business cards.  You should bring at least one business card with you to the hospital as they will ask for your pediatrician’s information on several forms. 
• Purchase a book on parenting; this is especially helpful for the first-time parents.
• Make sure you have the necessary toiletries at home such as baby-powder, diapers, baby wash, thermometer, layette items, wipes etc.  You probably won’t need to bring any to the hospital as they will provide these for you.  Call the hospital ahead of time just to make sure.
• A baby sling is a HUGE asset! Whether this is your firstborn or 5th child, you will need your hands free and baby loves the closeness of mama.
• It amazing how excited friends and family get when one is having a baby and will offer to help and overwhelm you with gifts.  One of the many items you may receive will be baby blankets and I say you can never have too many of these.  Stick one in the car, the second car, baby’s room, family room, in the pack n play, in the car seat…. You get the point.
• Wash all the baby’s bedding, clothes, etc. baby’s skin will be delicate and anything his/her skin will touch should be washed in mild detergent.  Dreft is a great detergent to use when washing baby clothes.  Don’t forget to wash any items that will touch baby’s skin.  This includes sheets, blankets, burp cloths, bibs, etc.
• Make sure you have a supply of heavy-duty pads waiting at home!  The hospital will provide sanitary pads, which you’ll need because even after a c-section, you’ll bleed after delivery.

I hope you found this blog helpful – please feel free to add any comments below or helpful tips for our other readers.  I wish you well in your pregnancy and you’re parenting journey!  Enjoy every…parenting…minute!  God bless!

Joyfully,

Julie

***Stay tuned for next week’s blog on tips for what to bring to the hospital for the big day.

Would you like to help the Hodges family by donating your Pre♥loved items to their online auction? Do we have a feel-good project you!!

Consignment Crossroads is sponsoring an auction specifically for the Hodges Adoption Journey (fee FREE). You can help by 1) listing your items for sale 2) shopping or 3) both.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Well, simply join our community here at http://ConsignmentCrossroads.com/

Next list your items with our FREE listings!!
Start listing your pre♥loved items today, tomorrow, & over the weekend.  We will promote the event to shoppers for the following dates: June 11 – June 15, 2010.  100% proceeds go to the Hodges Adoption Journey fund.

Please place all items under the designated category: Hodges Adoption Journey AUCTION.

Collect payments directly via Paypal or Google Checkout. If you don’t have a Paypal or Google Checkout account you are welcome to elect to have the funds deposited directly into the Hodges Paypal account.

Let me know if you need any help. julie@ConsignmentCrossroads.com

Please keep starting bids LOW or try to list at least 5 items that are each $5 or less (including shipping). This will generate interest, create sales and keep it FUN for all.

You can also help by shopping online from the comfort of your own home during the designated dates and purchase from others who are donating 100% proceeds to the Hodges family. Good luck to the Hodges!! Thank you & God Bless!!

1. Research the item: Be sure to research your item to determine
an approximate value. You can do so by doing a Google search.

2. Reasonably low prices. Keep item prices reasonable. We all want to
make top dollar for our belongings, but remember, these are items that
have served their purpose for us and the buyer looks forward to a
considerable amount off the original price.

3. Have items listed by Sunday afternoon for Sunday evening shoppers.
That is prime time for people to be on their computers and shopping!
eBay traffic proves that’s a great time!

4. Include Important Keywords in the Title. Did you know that your
title is critically important to your listing & is the main way people
will find your item? For that reason, research all the important
words that people associate with this item. Look at other listings to
see keywords others have included in their listings for similar
items.

5. Write a catchy description and include all details. Write as if
you were writing an ad—because you are! The description & photos are
the only way buyers can learn about the item & decide to buy. Include
all flaws or damage about the item. People get very upset & leave
negative feedback if you are not honest about the condition.

6. Take great photos. Great photos in good lighting is crucial!
Include as many photos as you need to show all the features of the
item. Take close ups of significant features of the piece. Make it
easy for prospective buyers to get excited about your item! Then they
will purchase more from you!

7. Keep Shipping Costs Low or Free. Set shipping prices low. Use the
Paypal shipping feature that allows you to print US Post Office labels
from home with free delivery confirmation included. The mail carrier
picks them up from you for FREE- so no more trips to the post office.
See our website’s FAQs for more details.

8. Be available during the day to answer questions. Check your e-mail
often throughout the day and evening. People will have questions &
they expect timely responses, so answer them promptly.

9. Ship the items as soon as you are paid. I love accepting Paypal,
since they handle the entire financial portion of the transaction.
Once a payment is in your Paypal account, you can ship, since it is
considered cleared. Buyers LOVE it when you ship quickly. That helps
encourage positive feedback!

10. Be generous with positive feedback. I leave glowing positive
feedback as soon as I ship the item to a buyer. This sets a pleasant
tone & the buyer is in a positive frame of mind when they receive
their item. Then, they are much more likely to leave me positive
feedback!

Well, Mom, tomorrow is Mother’s Day, and I miss you more than I can ever say.  As I walk through the local grocery store and retail shops it hard to forget that it is Mother’s Day.  Its on the radio, newspaper, etc.  I see large bouquets of flowers and think to myself what kind of floral arrangement should I send you this year?  And then it hits me …again. I cannot send you anything to show you how much I appreciate you…for you are no longer here.

Many of you may not know this, but this is my first Mother’s Day without her.
After living every moment of my life knowing that I had my mother with me, it’s strange to me that I no longer do. I realize many of you know what that feels like ….long before I did.

For those of us who don’t have our mothers with us anymore, we can try to tell those who do that there is never enough time. They think they know but they don’t know. It’s like trying to tell a young person how short life is. They think they know but they don’t know. And they won’t until time is no longer on their side. For all of you who have lost your mom — May you find comfort in your beautiful memories of your very special *mom* this Mother’s Day.
For those of you, who still have your moms this Mother’s Day, don’t miss a moment of what you can still have today but which will slip away from you someday all too soon. Honor her in every way possible, the best way being time spent with her. Laugh, love, cry, celebrate and, by all means, reminisce.

So, here’s to you mom.

You’ve been gone a short while and I still think of you all the time and all the things you did to make sure your family had what they needed to survive.  You showed your love in your service to us.

You were truly giving and understanding to all five of us, and to the many more children besides your own. In Heaven, all the roses are white; there are no tears. Truly the pain of not having you here with me is awful to know, I can hardly bear it. But I am grateful to have known a Mother’s love which is unconditional & purely given – rarely received on earth.  Oh, that all love should be as this love is. So tender, so considerate, so transcending.

So this Mother’s Day I WILL give you a gift.  With the blessings of my immediate family and from my wonderful husband, this Mother’s Day I will give my unborn daughter your middle name.  Jean.  She will be Alexis Jean when she finally arrives in late July.  I knew that would make you smile.  To my Alexis Jean in heaven, as you grow and prepare for your descent to earth, give Mom/Grandma a kiss and “I love you” from me.  I know you will.

And Mom, in passing, should you bump into Miss Layla Grace – please give her a big hug and a kiss from all of us who know of her. 

Love, your daughter, Julie

Happy Mother’s Day to all of us and to you, Mom.

Mother’s Day will be hard but I’m sure mom is right here watching over me and very proud.