The Secret Society of Mothers Meeting—at a Consignment Shop Near You

Photo Credit: Nicole Begley Photography

Dear Diary,

Someone should confiscate credit cards from mothers recovering from labor and delivery.  We spend most of our time on bed rest, nursing babies in the middle of the night or checking to see if our new additions are still breathing.  There’s not a lot you do during a 4 a.m. feeding, so I quickly became a social media addict.  That led to a harder addiction—shopaholicism.   And soon, several sites knew my name (and credit card number) by heart.  Pretty soon, the UPS man knew not only my name but what type of pajamas I wore as well.  I would answer the door in my new found loves—a mommytail  and cotton, drawstring pajama pants.  Before his brown truck trailed off, I was ripping the packages open and dressing my daughter in adorable, designer outfits.

THEN…I realized we weren’t going anywhere.  Somedays we headed to Grammy and Pap Pap’s, but most of our time was spent indoors.  Even when we went to the baby gym, a shopping mall, or a restaurant, we didn’t venture out enough to wear everything in her closet, which had more clothes than mine.  Most didn’t see the light of day.  I couldn’t send them back, because like many first time moms, I took off the tags and washed the teeny, tiny tops and small and petite pants in unscented laundry detergent.  So, I dressed her up and staged photo shoots throughout the house. My best friend, who is a married mother of five, laughed at my antics and told me about a secret society of mothers who met at consignment stores across the country.

I wanted a membership!  I packed up boxes of “gently worn” clothes and final sale items and cashed in.  I spent the money on long overdue me time at the hair salon and bid goodbye to my mommytail.  The UPS man and I don’t talk as often, but we do see each other on birthdays and holidays.  I miss him hopping out of his truck with his teeny, tiny brown shorts:) My credit card company wondered if I lost my card and sent me mail asking if I wanted to personalize a new one with a photo.  I still am a shopaholic, although I am controlling my addition versus it controlling me.  One way to get a lot of stuff without spending a lot of money is to hit the consignment shops—where I hope to spend my weekend.

The nation’s leading consignment sales event is coming to Pittsburgh today.  Just Between Friends, which has been featured on Good Morning America and CNN, will open up shop in Wexford.  In addition to clothing, parents can sell and buy furniture, toys, baby gear, and even maternity. I’m on a mission for a high chair for Grammy’s house.  I’m sure I’ll walk away with much more.  Maybe the UPS guy can carry it to the car. (Just Kidding!)

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, raising children costs an average of $11,000 for the first year and more than $220,000 for the first 18. Perhaps I can cut that number down a bit by selling stuff.  That way, I can still shower my daughter with gifts (and more importantly, love!)

Diaryofafirsttimemom.com will continue to pass along events and ideas that help you create a baby budget without breaking the bank. 

Live in Pittsburgh?  Check out the local website here.

Spring Sale Dates: May 18-20
RMU Island Sports Center Golf Dome, located off I-79
7600 Grand Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA  15225

Prime Time Pre-Sale Shopping

$10 Admission per person

Friday:  9 a.m.-7 p.m.

$3 Admission (or Print a FREE pass on their website)

Saturday: 8am-4pm

NEW Merchandise!

Sunday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Many items 50%!

Out-of-town?  No problem!  You can find an event listing here.