Self Portrait: New (to me)
Posted by Alli on October 23, 2008
When it comes to the culture of motherhood, there was a subculture I was really unaware of until soon before Fuller’s birth. The consignment sale.
I knew what a consignment store was, and I thought the “sale” was just an extension of the store. Man was I wrong. It is kind of like a traveling circus, with mothers trying to make a buck, and people being overprotective of their steals and deals. Generally the sales would last a few days and on the last day almost everything would be 50% off.
As my days as a mother gained in number, so did the number of consignment sales in our area. I would hear about them from various friends or on some email lists. And I always felt like there was an underlying urgency where if there was a sale, you must go to it. This always bothered me because I seem to prefer to shop when I have a need, not an obligation. I went to one sale when Fuller was barely classified as a toddler and wasn’t really impressed with the prices and the line to get out the door. I preferred the thrift store, honestly.
So if I turned down invitations to attend sales or “pre-sales” I always felt like I was turning away from some sort of motherhood ritual I should relish.
Well, this week I intentionally went to a consignment sale. I had actual needs the thrift store wasn’t meeting. And paying full price for some of these things was beyond my comprehension, when I knew I could find them cheaper.
I attended the Just Between Friends sale at Camp Jordan Arena. I had a need for Fall/ Winter maternity clothes, some long sleeved stuff for Fuller, and I knew I would be able to score a Baby Bjorn for way below the $80 price tag at Babies R Expensive Us.
I went on Monday morning, after a budget discussion with Damon, and was shocked to see exactly how big the sale was. It filled the arena. But since it was the first full day of the sale, there was barely anyone there. I was able to have Fuller follow me around and not feel like he would get lost in a sea of people. I immediately found a Baby Bjorn for $15, several maternity tops (as seen above- a little big, but it works!), one pair of pants, and several nice long sleeved shirts for Fuller. AND I stayed within budget, so I felt fulfilled.
This doesn’t convert me to consignment sale BFF status, but I’m happy they are around so when I have a need, I can check them out and save some money.
[tags]consignment sales, Just Between Friends, shopping[/tags]
Catharine said,
Handy stuff to know — especially these days.
And, on an entirely unrelated matter, let the record show that October 23rd has come and gone and I have not revealed whether Fuller is going to have a brother or sister.
Never let it be said I can’t keep a secret.
~A~
(PS… On another entirely unrelated topic… does your skin really look that fabulous? Seriously, I hate to use the cliche “glowing,” but, grrrrl… puh-leeze. I went through a second adolescence during pregnancy. And I’ve always had really good skin.)
Catharines last blog post..Where I Was (and Why Nothing Can Phase Me Now)
Jules said,
A Baby Bjorn for $15?? SCORE! You look so beautiful all pregnant “glowie” and warm.
Juless last blog post..Do My Blip.fm Twitters Annoy You?
Alli said,
@Catherine, you are an amazing secret keeper. Thanks so much for your love and attention to our family during this fun time. Every time we put the new boy in his car seat we will be reminded of your generosity, especially during these tight times.
Alli said,
@Jules, I KNOW! it was the only Baby Bjorn in the bunch at the sale, and I was thrilled to have it. I plan on making some slipcovers for it, though I really like the plaid pattern on the inside of it right now.
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