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Photo by Beth Cardwell |
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Photo by Beth Cardwell |
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Photo by Beth Cardwell |
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Photo by Beth Cardwell |
muse. mom. maven.
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Photo by Beth Cardwell |
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Photo by Beth Cardwell |
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Photo by Beth Cardwell |
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Photo by Beth Cardwell |
I am an avid reader; books have always been in my blood. I began collecting antique books in second grade (the older the inscription the better), spent my primary days reading Enid Blyton’s Mallory Towers series, and of course, L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables series. I ended up getting both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in literature, worked in several bookstores, and finally spent a few years as a children’s publishing sales rep before starting a family. I love books for their content, their entertainment value and their aesthetic. Whenever I used to move, my books were the first things unpacked and placed on my custom 4’x8′ bookshelf; my books made wherever I lived ‘home’.
Obviously, I wish to encourage a love of reading with my children, so we started integrating books into D’s bedtime routine when he was just a couple of months old.
Declan is an incredibly visual baby, so we often change what we’re reading, sometimes on a nightly basis. I recently noticed that he was especially drawn to photos of animals and books with different textures. I decided to try a great used book outlet nearby, where we often go on rainy weekends to peruse the shelves and pick up books at noncommittal prices.
Harvest Book Company is a large online retailer of used and rare books, but they set up a small ‘storefront’ retail space in their warehouse where people can buy right from the shelf. I suppose I should mention that I scoped this place out even before we moved here, as the hotel we stayed in (when looking at potential houses before moving) was located in the same industrial park. Used book outlet minutes from where we live? Score!
We also scored the last time we went, as we were able to find a great book with pictures of animals, and we found this amazing gem (did I mention that they carry a large selection of children’s books too?):
This is a pristine 1963 edition of a book that resonates with both my husband and myself from childhood, and it’s the perfect read as we head into spring. What a find for $1! There are several great things about this a.) we get to share a favorite childhood story of ours with our son, b.) it’s one of my favorite forms of recycling (used books), c.) it’s illustrated by Richard Scarry, d.) the book is in pristine condition and is a board book, without the chunkiness of today’s board books,
e.) the book was formally owned by a little boy named Boris (doesn’t get much cooler than that):
and, g.) Declan really seems to be enjoying it:
I’ve shared how much I like children’s consignment sales, so here are a few tips for those of you who are new to consignment sale shopping:
Get started by finding a sale near you. A friend of mine recently sent me this site, which lists sales across the country (thanks, Nate): www.kidsconsignmentsales.com
Happy shopping…and be sure to stop back and share your great finds with me!
I love finding new ways to recycle, especially when they benefit my family, and children’s consignment sales are one of my favorite ways to recycle. For those of you not in the ‘know’, children’s consignment sales are typically semi-annual sales, held in the spring and fall, where parents can either a.) sell gently used children’s items (clothing, toys, equipment), b.) purchase gently used children’s items at a fraction of the retail price, or c.) do both.
Shocked that many of my parent friends are unaware of consignment sales, I feel obligated to share this information with everyone. A friend recommended a great site with listings of family-friendly activities in my area, Playground Buzz, (thanks, Jen) and I find my consignment sale listings through their dedicated list. I’ve also done an internet search to find sales in the area where my family lives – a great excuse for a visit.
I’ve been to two sales this season, and have managed to procure an Easter outfit, shoes in D’s next size, pajamas, a baby gate, crib sheets, a ton of board books, a jogging stroller, and my absolute favorite find: an Ergobaby Organic carrier with rain hood and infant insert (mint condition)…all for under $200. I have two more sales that I’d like to check out, in hopes of finding a Radio Flyer Wagon with all-terrain wheels. We’ll see how it goes…Happy Shopping!