Moncure Elementary's 2nd Helping Consignment Sale's Haul

This past Saturday was the first consignment sale of the season.  It also happens to be my favorite of the local consignment sales.  It is a smaller consignment sale that benefits a local elementary school's PTO.  This sale is the consignment sale with the largest return for consignors with the potential for almost 80% of sales if you volunteer.  As a result,  I find the prices to be cheapest at this sale in comparison to other sales in the area.  I've purchased several items for 25 or 50 cents at this sale through the years.

When I say it was the first consignment sale of the season, I mean they really beat other area sales by almost 3 weeks.  This did seem to play a role in selection as they had quite a turnout.  The half off period runs from 12:30-2 pm.  When I arrived at 12:19, there were already 13 people in line in front of me which I've never seen before.

This is usually the sale where I pick up wooden puzzles for a quarter, hand puppets, finger puppets, and other cool items.  Sadly, I didn't have as much luck in this area this time.  I still feel I got some good deals, but I will have to keep looking for some of the specific items I'm searching for.  All together, I spent $17.

Here's my haul.

A pair of ministar 12-18 month shoes with owls on them for .50 cents.  A pair of 18-24 month loafers from Old Navy for .50 cents.  They really looked unworn.  A pair of size 6 Crocs with removable fleece lining, so they can be worn year round for $1.50.

Set of Clifford books for $1.  Since it was only $1, I wasn't disappointed the set only had 3 of the  4 books in the set.  We have already read these books several times, and LB loves carrying around the case since it has a handle on top.   

Children's place tights for .50 cents.  4 pair of Hanes socks for .50 cents.

Carter's sleeveless size 12 month polo for .50 cents.  OkieDokie size 12 month dress for $1.

Carter's bathing suit coverup for $1.50, and Old Navy capris for .50 cents.

Carter's size 18 month tunic for $1.50.  Christmas shirt with a huge bow that happened to be brand new for $1.50.

Tommy Hilfiger size 3t dress for $2.50.

24 month khakis and leggings for .50 cents each.

These items were all for my niece.  The bags each contain 2 piece pajama sets for .75 cents each.  One pair was a Halloween set, and the others have ballerinas on them.  The shirt and khakis were .50 cents each.  Funny thing is I bought the same top last year at a different sale for my daughter in size 18 months.

I like that the receipt is so detailed.  You can use it of documentation for tax purposes per the cashiers.  I was saddened by the spelling error of a cashier, however.  

All in all, I would sale it was a respectable haul for consignment shopping.  I don't mind just picking up a few pieces at a time since I plan to hit up a couple of sales.

The fall sale has been announced for October 15th in case you are local.  

Microfiber Camp and Travel Towel Review #TravelTowel

I like to be prepared, so the idea of having a compact towel on hand sounded convenient enough that I was glad to purchase one that could fold up to  5"x 7" wide and less than 2 inches high.  I admit to being a bit doubtful of how absorbent something so small could be.

Upon receipt, it was as compact as advertised.  However, the towel was a tight squeeze in its carrying bag to the point I ripped the bag taking it out.

Even out of the bag, it is small enough to be convenient.  And, it does have a nice hanging loop.

Since we weren't going to be swimming or camping until the weather warms up a bit, I decided we would try the towel out after a regular shower to test its absorbency and comfort.  My other half was actually the one who used it.  He found it as soft as any towel we own and much softer than hotel towels.  While it did the job of drying his skin, he did not find it to be as effective at drying his hair.

Due to its super absorbent nature, I discovered it took an excessive amount of time to dry.  I hung it to dry around noon, and it was still damp the next morning.  If I went camping for more than a day, I don't feel confident it would have dried out for use the second day.

I still like the idea of having a towel I can easily throw in my diaper bag or back of car for whatever may come up including a surprise shower.


You can purchase this item at Amazon here.

I received this product for free in exchange for a review, but all opinions are honest, genuine, and my own.

AYL 900 Lumens CREE Tactica Flashlight Review #AYL Flashlight

I should preface this review by saying I love flashlights.  I received 2 for Christmas this year and also gifted two for Christmas as well.  Perhaps, it's because I've experienced one too many power outages, or my vision is not the best in the dark.  Maybe it's just my need to always be prepared. 

Before I even got a chance to take try it out myself, my other half had to try it.  He loved it and has now claimed it for himself.  It's lightweight and compact enough for him to clip on his belt or keep in his cargo pocket for work.  After a couple of weeks for using it at work, he still loves it and hasn't had to change out the batteries.  It is super bright as advertised even in pitch black conditions.  You can change the broadness of the area you are illuminating by telescoping the flashlight out as you can see in the below pictures.  

It also has a strobe and SOS feature.  I think the SOS feature is pretty cool since even though I learned morse code as a scout; however, I cannot guarantee that as an adult in a situation where I would need it that I would remember it.  I would definitely want to bring this with us camping or hiking.  

The magnetic base is nice as long as you don't have the cord attached as it prevents it from rolling away.

He also like the clean look of the flashlight.  The anodized aluminum is not only heavy duty but looks manly which he appreciates.  

You can purchase this flashlight from Amazon here.  

I received this product for free in exchange for a review, but all opinions are honest, genuine, and my own.

Kale, Sweet Potato, Kidney Beans, and Quinoa

Meatless Monday

This is one of my favorite recipes currently due to its versatility.  I originally created this a filling for enchiladas and as a vehicle to introduce quinoa to my little one.  Since I've used it as a side, entree, or as a filling for burritos.  I am planning on serving it as a side at Thanksgiving this year since its ingredients scream autumn to me.

2-4 regular size sweet potatoes(less if you get some really large ones)
1 cup red quinoa
1 onion
1/2 bag of greens
2 cans of kidney beans
dash of cinnamon
 a dash and 1/2 tbs cumin
 1 tsp paprika
salt and pepper to taste
1 jalapeno pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
olive oil

1. Cut up your sweet potatoes into 1 inch cubes.

2. Toss in olive oil and a dash of cinnamon and cumin.

3. Place on a parchment paper lined pan and roast in a preheated 375 degree oven for 20-25 minutes.

4. Cook the quinoa according to the package directions.

5. Dice the onion and jalapeno pepper.

6. Saute the onion and jalapeno pepper with the olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic.

7. Once the onions are translucent, add the greens and cook them until wilted.

8.  Drain and rinse the kidney beans.

9.  Add the kidney beans, sweet potato, and quinoa.

You can serve as is for an entree with some fruit.  Since my little one is lactose intolerant, I served this as is for her and melted some queso fresco onto a tortilla and used this as filling to make burritos for her father and I.  To make enchiladas, I crumbled queso fresco onto tortillas and filled them with the above mixture.  Then, I liberally topped them with salsa verde and more queso fresco.  I baked them at 375 degrees until the cheese melted about 8-10 minutes.  Once they were done cooking, I added chopped cilantro on top.

Special Freebie from Shutterfly for Leap day

Today only, Shutterfly is offering your choice of either 4 magnets or 4 sets of address labels for free with the code LEAPDAY.  You would still be responsible for shipping.  I've never seen them offer more than one magnet or address label in a freebie before, so this is a bit of a big deal.  I love Shutterfly freebies.  They make great gifts for family members especially while my little one is so little.

I know at the holidays, I will use a couple dozen address labels for Christmas cards.  However, if you are looking for other uses for address labels, I love using them in lieu of book plates or as labels on my little one's stuff when we have play dates so there is no question which toddler's stuff it is.

Kiddos Plus Child Safety Product Review #KiddosPlusSafetyLocks

I love that these don't involve any drilled holes, so they are perfect for renters or even just parents who don't feel like dealing with ugly holes in cabinets. Also, having the magnetic key means no safety latch showing on the exterior of the cabinet. It is nice that not every aspect of my home has to look like it is taken over by my kiddo. Just have to remember to keep the key in a place the adults will remember, but my toddler can't reach. The corner covers for a table included were an added bonus. I would have preferred they were clear though as they are way darker than our current coffee table.

You can purchase it at Amazon here.

I received this product for free in exchange for a review, but all opinions are honest, genuine, and my own.