A GREAT Deal

A couple years a go a friend of mine introduced me to the Seattle Family of Multiples sale and my life has never been the same since. It's an AMAZING opportunity to by kids gear, toys, nursing stuff, equipment, clothes, etc. at garage sale prices. It works like this: all the members of the SFOM (people with twins, triplets, etc) get their stuff together, price it and put it out for sale. Then other members get to shop first before opening it to the general public; the last couple years they had a 'big spenders' program where individuals who spent $100 or more the previous sale got to go in before the general public...which is a pretty big frickin deal because stuff goes fast. The scene this year reminded me of that wedding dress sale where women get trampled, rip dresses out of each others hands, etc. It's not quite that bad, but it's pretty intense and cut throat because the deals are...AMAZING. Did I mention I was the first 'big spender' in line this sale? Boo ya! Check out my loot from the sale this weekend:

• 2 dresses (including a super cute 'sailor' dress that Vivi wore to Grandpa Bill's funeral)
• 3 complete outfits (complete outfits are the only thing I'll pay more than $3 for. Each of these complete outfits cost $5 or less, including the 3-piece set that  came with shirt, shorts/skirt and pants).

• 5 pair of super cute and play jeans
• 5 pair of khakis/other pants
• 3 pair of stretch/play pants
• 5 'nicer' tops
• 7 'play' tops
• 2 bathing suits
• 7 pair of shorts (hopefully, we'll have a summer this year)
• 5 skirts (probably too many, but oh well)
• A set of star sheets ($2!)

•  A raincoat
• Cute little polka dot hoodie
• Jean jacket (boo ya!)
• Super cute knit poncho with a matching hat (a 'Bellini,' apparently made in Italy! I always seem find a least one super cool item like this; last sale it was a fabulous Asian-style, olive colored REAL silk dress)

•  A small animal puzzle
• A 'Pooh Bear' wagon and learning blocks (super cute with letters, numbers, and corresponding pictures)
• 2 pair of pajamas (in there somewhere)
• 2 pair of dress shoes
• 3 pair of running shoes
• 1 pair snow boots (planning ahead)
• 9 pair of socks

  And since most of my maternity clothes got destroyed in the last hot water heater leak (understatement) and many people were generous enough to give me money for my birthday to go out and buy clothes I got these:

• 5 maternity tops (the cutest cost $1, the orange one fits Doug...yes, he put it on to show me how huge it is. But when you're speed shopping you don't always have time to consider the size. Besides, I'm sure I'll get big enough...oy.)
• 7 maternity bottoms, including some super cute capris for the summer (no way I'm wearing shorts)

I got all of this in great condition and under budget.My grand total? $211. Yup, all that for $200. The sale is every 6 months and unless we really need something, we don't buy it except at these sales. I didn't need any equipment (ie baby slings, bottles, bath stuff, strollers...although I should've gotten a double stroller...doh!), but I still think the most I've spent is $275 and you get a TON of stuff. It's fun find great deals and I love that I'm doing something financially (and environmentally) healthy! Yes, I'm totally bragging :)