Shop, Sell, Save . . . Smart!

As a mom, it is easy to feel as though we cannot make a difference.  We can get so wrapped up in diapers, baths, kissing boo boos and just keeping our kids looking presentable (and smelling acceptable) that when we finally collapse on the couch after a long day, those thoughts of insecurity can creep into our heads.  In our honest moments, we can probably admit those thoughts can cause us to be dissatisfied with our otherwise happy lives.  For me, the breaking point is usually the grocery store.  I can’t even get a sitter long enough to make a food-dye free trip to the grocery store, let alone worry about the packaging on the product I’m buying being recyclable.  This guilt/grocery combo takes place, mind you, while my 4 year old hides under an apple bin and my 2 year old is eating . . . something . .  .  I think . . . that was stuck to the cart.

Our grandmothers will tell us to “cherish these moments.”  We hear the ole standby, “They will be grown and gone before you know it.”  I want more that that though!  I want to feel like I didn’t abandon my values or my belief in my obligation to my community simply because I gave birth.  Days with these little babies are long, but the years are short and I want to make them count for myself, my family and my community.  I also want to show my values to my children in a memorable way. 

For me, one of the most important ways I can show my children the interconnectedness of people is by recycling.  Even as small as they are, they are beginning to understand things do not just evaporate when we are done with them and there is only so much space on this beautiful earth.  While the connection may sound odd, this ideology is what attracted me to consignment shopping.  The thought of one item being used, by family after family, to meet a need and then be passed on, is simply a delight to my heart.   

This pleasing process is one of the reasons I became involved with Just Between Friends, a children’s and maternity consignment event.  JBF is a children’s and maternity consignment event happening once in the spring and once in the fall.  There are 140 sales all around the country run by moms just like us who have a desire to get great bargains, bring money back into their homes, recycle their children’s items and help their community.    

Here’s how it works:

1. You tag your items using our easy, online tagging system.  You even set your own prices and write your own descriptions.  JBF gives a listing of recommended price points, but you can price your items and describe them however you like. 
2. You drop your items at the event and we take it from there.  We inspect for recalls, stains, missing parts and anything else that would keep items from being a great find for our shoppers. 
3. You shop!  Really, this is the fun part!  You will save 50-90% on clothing, shoes, toys, educational games, bikes, outdoor toys, books and more!    
4. At the end of the sale, you can pick-up your unsold items or we can donate them for you and give you a tax deduction slip. 
5. You get paid! 

Yes, it is just that easy!  We are run by volunteers, mostly moms, just like you.  Our volunteers earn a higher percentage on their items and they get to shop first!  Whooo Hooo!  We partner with a charity who will receive any donated items after the sale.  New this sale, we have several different fund raising opportunities for your child’s sports team, club, organization, youth group, etc.  

We invite you to join us April 5-7 at Events Center West in West Des Moines.  Now accepting consignors for this event and online signup is simple and fast.  For all the details on how to sign up, what we accept and more, check us out at jbfsale.com/desmoines and see how consigning can help you shop, sell and save!