Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Review: Red Ribbon Consignment Closet

Driving home from the mall last week, I discovered a little shop on Valley Forge Road with strollers out front for sale!  Slamming on the the brakes, I quickly made the turn into the small shopping area.  I was practically licking my lips, ready to sweap up that jogging stroller that had caught my eye.

We were greeted as we walked in the door, by a nice woman who explained the layout of the store.  My husband went to conquer the downstairs, while I roamed the top floor.  There some nice items, but the selection wasn't very big for 9 month old clothes.  The prices weren't that cheap either.  A used Carter's outfit was only a dollar cheaper than what I could have found new.  I was discouraged. 

But wait, there was the stroller!  I quickly made my way to the prize.  It was beautiful...and expensive.  $110 for a used stroller?  Granted, they are expensive new, but I've seen these strollers sell for $60 at the big consignment sales, and I just couldn't in conscience buy it.

I made my way downstairs to meet my husband and see what he had found.  He was eyeing up a shopping cart cover that was $16.  Again, too expensive for used status. But then I had an idea!  If the owner was selling items at high prices, she probably paid good money for consignment items.  I mentally listed through the four bags of clothes and multiple baby gear items I don't use anymore.  Dollar signs chinged in my mental register. 

Did I get to unload my stuff and get lots of money? NO! They only buy items twice a year and the next buying time was in August!!!  So overall, the trip was a bust. Not that the store isn't worth checking out, just don't go expecting to save a lot of money.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

It's Fun to Play at the YMCA

As summer quickly approaches, I made a vow to  myself to get back the Y instead of paying for a membership I never use.  My husband manages to get there and raves about the $2 an hour babysitting service for members while they workout.  Maybe, just maybe, I too, could put my baby in the care of trained professionals while I sweat off some of these stubborn pregnancy pounds.

Or...I could find classes that both me and the baby could enjoy.  You could take a look at the Summer YMCA Program Guide yourself, or take some suggestions from me.

Ever since the little bear turned 6 months old, I've wanted to take her swimming.  Yet I'm terrified of her drowning as I'm not the most competent swimmer myself.  This is why the Y's five 2-week swimming programs sound ideal for getting our feet wet.  Classes at Phoenixville Y are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:35-10:05am and again at 6:40-7:10pm starting June 13th for "shrimps and kippers" (6-18month olds).

I'm also thinking of checking out "Stroller Fitness" class. The program guide claims it's a "total body workout including power walking and toning exercises."  I say, "why not?" Come join me Mondays from 9:30am-10:15am. 

Well, now that I've posted it publicly, I guess I have to go back to the gym!  See you there ladies and gents!