Childish Things

2012, This will be a good year.

2012-01-12T14:44:00.000-08:00

We've all had a few weeks to get used to writing "2012" instead of "2011" and with every new year are new resolutions.

Resolution: Stay organized. Easy to set, difficult to execute.

If you're anything like me and you take an inventory of everything you've got, you are shocked at just how much stuff you've obtained and begin to understand why it is your closet can never be as organized as you want. It's like the junk drawer threw up and has cluttered up your house. How rude.

Having kids multiplies the amount of stuff you have infinitely. If you type "toy organizer" into Google the most common hit is this guy:

Good news! We sell these at Childish Things! Since the name of the game is consignment, they aren't always in the store, but lucky for you we have a Wish List where WE will call YOU when we get one!

Stick it in the play room for toys and games.

Put it in the mud room or entry way for shoes, gloves, hats and the like.

Stand it in the closet to keep your kids wardrobe in order.

To add your name to our wish list for shelves like this or any other shelving unit click here and you'll be hearing from us soon!

Small Business Saturday!

2011-11-25T14:49:00.000-08:00

Amidst all these crazy holiday sales is Small Business Saturday! It's one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year and almost everywhere is running some sort of deal. The big department stores opened at 10pm- on Thanksgiving! If anyone else thinks that's starting to get a bit excessive should pledge to support the small businesses in your community.

Tomorrow Childish Things is having a fantastic sale to help you get ready for the holidays!

15% off Melissa and Doug items,

20% off consigned clothing and shoes,

20% off Trunkis (perfect for holiday travel!),

50% off all books!

If you aren't around Boulder, CO stop by your local shops and support small businesses!

"When we all shop small, it will be huge."

Food for thought.

2011-11-23T07:32:00.000-08:00

As you know tomorrow is Thanksgiving, a great day to spend time with the family and slip into a well worth it food coma. While some of you maybe be taking in some extra calories to gear up for Black Friday, it might be worth taking a look at this and see that shopping at midnight this Thursday might be something you can afford to skip. It really spells out a few of the Black Friday shopping myths.

Why not turn this:

http://lauraburciaga.com/shopping/black-friday-shopping-tips/

into more of this:

http://www.granitetransformations.com/blog/1032/8-great-tips-for-a-perfect-thanksgiving/

Come in to Childish Things (at a decent time) and shop our great holiday items!

Candy Coma, Anyone?

2011-11-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know that according to the Huffington Post online Colorado searches the most out of any state for organic candy? It's not really all that surprising, but fun to know!

image from: http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/09/21/best-halloween-candy/

Whether or not your little trick-or-treaters gathered pillow cases full of organic candy or the old classics like Reese's, a ton of candy is a ton of candy. Why not let them go through their candy, keep whatever amount you think is appropriate then have them donate the rest! There is a great local option for rewarding your child for practicing some self control. Dentists in Boulder and Lafayette are offering a Cash 4 Candy party on Friday, November 4th from 3-6 pm! The deal is that you bring your extra candy and get paid $1 per pound! The candy is then shipped to the troops overseas. Why not make a dollar and show our troops how much we appreciate their service to our country? There will be door prizes and the school with the largest representation will receive a donation!

Check out their website and flyer for more information on the event!

Added bonus- you won't be tempted to eat the candy yourself!

Last Minute Costume Ideas!

2011-10-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

Did October sneak up on you too?? I'm not sure how this happened, but Halloween is just about a week and a half away! I know you all have the internet so you can just as easily google "last minute costume ideas", but here are a few of my favorite ones.

I know, at first glace it looks like this would take a while, but check out the directions. It doesn't look all that bad.

http://alphamom.com/family-fun/holidays/last-minute-kids-owl-costume/

The instructions say to sew on the feathers, but I say grab the hot glue gun and get it done even faster!

This looks SO easy! It's a bubble bath! Check out the directions here! (Cartoon bathroom not included) This website in general is a jackpot for last minute costume ideas. I might just steal some and keep them in mind for myself.

http://www.parenting.com/gallery/no-sew-halloween-costumes-for-kids?pnid=114914

These not doing it for ya? Come on in to Childish Things and find one of our costumes left over or search the racks for a plaid shirt for a cowboy or a tutu for a ballerina- the possibilities are endless! Come in and get creative!

Egg Carton Planter!

2011-08-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

Here is an easy craft for making an egg carton planter!

Step 1: Eat some eggs!

Step 2: Cut off the top of the carton to make compartments for the seeds. If you want to decorate it be sure to use non-toxic markers.

Step 3: Fill the compartments about 3/4 full of soil, place a seed in each spot and top it off with soil. Give it sun and water and watch it grow!

Step 4: Once the plants are popping up through the soil you can plant them in the ground! The beauty of this project is that the biodegradable egg cartons make it so you can plant the whole thing in the ground!

Since we're rounding out the summer months, planting in the ground might not be the most practical option, but you can do the exact same thing in a big planter and keep the plants year round!

Thanks to parentsconnect.com for this idea- full text here

Beat the Heat!

2011-07-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

I sure don't have to tell you that it's hot out- take one step outside past 9 AM and you'll probably start to sweat immediately. All you mothers-to-be out there have it even worse. Pregancy is a beautful thing, but no one likes to be overheated. Here are a few tips to "beat the heat", as they say.

Stay hydrated!! Sounds so simple, but it's so important. Along with drinking plenty of water, try freezing some of your favorite lemonade or juices into icecubes to give you something to snack on.

Go to your local water hole! Swimming is a quick and easy way to cool off. Maybe even just a cold shower would do.

Do activities where there is AC. Go shopping, go to the movies. Yes, I'm telling you to go shopping!

Stick your head in the freezer. Seriously.

If swelling, or edema, is a problem (and sometimes, unfortunately, it's worse due to heat) try proping your feet up. Another tip is putting aloe or a mint-infused lotion in the fridge and applying to you legs and feet.

Tips, brought to you by Toronto4kids.com and Maternitique.

http://www.mommyposh.com/2011/07/25/beat-the-heat-while-pregnant/

Recycle your old t-shirts into a hula hoop rug!

2011-07-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we have old t-shirts that have too much sentimental value to get to get rid of or are just a little bit too stained to be able to consign. Well, here is a fun project that is super simple and gives you a great new rug for your kids room! With just a few supplies, and I mean just a few, your youngin' can weave themself their own rug. You'll need a hula-hoop, scissors and a bunch of t-shirts!

Here is some weaving jargon for you to use to impress your friends; because we all know everyone is impressed by weaving knowledge:

warp- set of lengthwise yarn (in this case t-shirt) that is held in tension on the frame

weft- the material inserted over and under the warps to create the weave

Check out this link, courtesy of Family Fun, to get all the instructions.

This is seriously a crazy easy project to make a fun, colorful, handmade rug!

Who said dressing boys isn't as fun?!

2011-07-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

Mixing and matching what you've got is crucial in stretching your dollar while still making sure your little guy looks stylish.
Here are some cool outfits we've got from 3 shirts, denim shorts and 2 pairs of shoes:

The plaid shirt is by Jacadi and can be $25 and up- but is just $6.95 at Childish Things.

The brown shoes are by Morgan and Milo and retail regular price at $40! CT has it for just $16!

The Denver Brocos tee is from Gap and is $20.. Not at CT- we have it for $6.95!

So remember, shop consignment and save yourself a bundle!

And for crying out loud, how cute are these shoes?!

Throw on him a pair of Wayfarers and you've got yourself a regular hipster.

Do you remember these?

2011-06-30T15:05:00.000-07:00

Working in a consignment store, we see a lot of things come through- clothes, toys, books, you name it. And even though I'm all grown up I still remember a lot of the same things from when I was a kid. I get the most nostalgia when I see books come in that used to be my favorite. These were some of the best ones:

Maybe I had high levels of empathy as a kid. Maybe I just like happy endings and was glad Alexander didn't end up moving to Australia. But either way I always enjoyed this story reminding me things were not so terribe, horrible, no good or even very bad.

And of course, growing up in a house with two brothers made a book called The Stinky Cheese

Man very appealing. This collection of stories is a compilation of traditional fairy tales rewritten with a silly spin.

Then I remember every night before I went to bed I would not fall asleep until one of my parents read me this story; reassuring me that they will "love me forever, like me for always, as long as their living, their baby I'll be."

Happy reading!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

Take some time today to spread the love to the great Dads of the world today. The best gift you can give is creating memories that will last forever. (Especially when sometimes they are hard to buy for!)

This is my Dad and I'm one of the luckiest daughters ever. I look up to him so much and never stop learning from him. Dad, you really are the greatest and I love you so much!

Happy Father's Day, Dads!

The Meehoo with an Exactlywatt

2011-06-14T16:39:00.000-07:00

Knock knock
Who's there?

Me!

Me who?

That's right!

What's right?

Meehoo!

That's what I want to know!

What's what you want to know?

Me, who?

Yes, exactly!

Exactly what?

Yes, I have an Exactlywatt on a chain!

Exactly what on a chain?

Yes!

Yes what?

No, Exactlywatt!

That's what I want to know!

I told you - Exactlywatt!

Exactly what?

Yes!

Yes what?

Yes, it's with me!

What's with you?

Exactlywatt - that's what's with me.

Me who?

Yes!

Go away!

Knock knock...

-Shel Silverstein

I always remember smiling when I'd read this poem when I was a kid. It's like the children's version of "Who's on First" by Abbot and Costello. Clever stuff.

Life is more fun when you get to imagine that this could be on the other side of your door just popping over to say hi!

http://anentrepreneuraccidentally.blogspot.com/2010/11/meehoo-and-exactlywatt-interaction.html

Getting Your Pre-Baby Body Back

2011-06-07T15:30:00.000-07:00

Go from this:

to this!

Okay, so no one really looks like this. Ever.

We all know magazines airbrush even already in shape bodies, it's pretty unfair.

You've just deliverd a beautiful bundle of joy and hopefully you've been able to spend priceless amounts of time bonding with your newborn, but it's okay to want your prebaby body back. It might not be easy, but hey, you just delivered a baby!

Please make sure you get consent from your doctor to start a workout regimen. Your body just went through a whole lot and it's important to make sure you don't do too much before you are ready.

A great place to start is walking. (Bring your baby with you!) Grab the stroller and hit the pavement to get a start on turning that baby weight into a thing of the past. Our store is lucky enough to be settled in Boulder, Colorado so taking a walk or hike is easy and, of course, beautiful! Take advantage of wherever you live and enjoy some great outdoors!

Check out Fit Pregnancy's website to see a few links on hints to getting fit! They offer suggestions like walking, pilates, yoga, strength training and more! They even have a link for a list of suggested work out songs! Some of my favorites, you ask? Here ya go:

Don't Hold Your Breath Nicole Scherzinger
Misery Maroon 5
Spirit in the Sky Norman Greenbaum
Up Around the Bend Creedence Clearwater Revival
Really anything from the Remember The Titans Soundtrack

Losing weight can be a long process so remember to be patient! And please, please make sure you talk with your doctor before you start.

School's Out for SUMMER!!

2011-05-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

Alice Cooper is right, school-is-out. Even though the weather is hesitant to admit it, summer is coming!

http://www.coloradomountainranch.com/site/camps

What are you to do with those kids and all that extra energy, you ask? There are a ton of summer camp options for all sorts of ages in and around Boulder. One of your best resources to find a fun outlet for you child is Boulder County Kids. They produce a quarterly newspaper of local info to help guide you and your family during each season. So natrually, they have a great guide in this summer's edition. They distribute their publication in stores or you can read it online here. Choose from a plethora of camps ranging in arts/crafts, outdoor activities, dance, music, overnight and more!

Keep your eyes peeled for deals too! For example, if you register for an avid4adventure camp online, enter "bck" to save $20!

Don't forget to check out Childish Things for your summer camp needs!

Safe Recycling Ideas for Recalled Cribs

2011-05-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

As you may or may not know, drop side cribs have been a topic of conversations regarding the safety of children. Tragically there have been several fatal cases involving the drop side since 2001. Millions of cribs have been recalled and there will be a federal ban on producing and selling (including resale) drop side cribs starting in June 2011. Read more about this here. Now, if you do have one you have two options: destroy it or find other uses for it. Not sure what I mean? Here are some of my favorite creative uses for crib sides that don't put your baby in danger. Check out these DIY projects:

This one is an easel crafted from crib sides!

A kitchen organizer for all those miscellaneous kitchen items.

This one is awesome! Keep all your crafting supplies on this wall organizer!

This one might take a little more expert craftmanship- but you can get as creative as using the legs on another table top!

Tell us about your repurposed crib projects!

The Look for Less!

2011-05-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

Dressing your little ones can be a whole lot of fun but spending money on trends is definitely not. Kids grow out of their clothes so fast that before you know it that designer dress doesn't fit! What a bummer. That's why consignment stores are so perfect- you can get gently used clothing at a fraction of the price! Our store is full of brand name clothing at a majorly discounted price.

Let's take this outfit below for example- it's composed of a Crewcut skirt, Old Navy tank top, Juicy Couture jacket and Converse sneakers. This ONE look would cost $144 new- that's just crazy talk! Lets see how much it would cost you at Childish Things..

This skirt is similar and its $45 and we're selling it for $11. That's a pretty great deal!

The tank top is from Old Navy and just $5.

These adorable shoes are $25 new and only $12 here!

Here's the kicker.. Think you can't afford Juicy Couture? Think again. This track jacket is $64 new (!) and a mere $16 at our store!!

At Childish Things this entire outfit is just $44! Come stop in and find a great deal!

To Cloth Diaper or Not to Cloth Diaper-That is the question.

2011-04-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

Cloth diapers can be two very scary words. Often times parents cringe at the thought and tell anyone saying otherwise to take a hike. Well, cast your fears aside! It's definitely an investment worth looking into. Long term they will absolutely save you money and are a great alternative to piling dirty disposable diapers in landfills. Today, we're going to focus on the differences between cloth diapers and disposables, but click here to see our feature on BumGenius diapers and stay tuned for more details on other diapering systems!

The number of diapers you use per day can depend on the age of your child:

0-6 months is approx. 10-12 changes
6-12 months is approx. 8-10 changes
12-24 months is approx 6-8 changes

Here's the low down on disposable diapers. They come packaged in many quantities but typically end up being $1.50-$2.00 per day. Chidlren can be in diapers for about 2 1/2 years so that ends up being ballpark $1400! Yikes! And it's even more if you have more than one child!!

Cloth diapers are a terrific alternative that save some change (and the environment!). Let's say you are going to use BumGenius diapers and want to buy 20 so you can do laundry every other day. At $17.95 a piece that's just $360. Already you can see how much cloth diapering will save you!

http://greenbabyguide.com/2010/07/21/drying-your-cloth-diapers/

A few more cost effective cloth diapering tips:

Use a high-efficiency washer to reduce energy costs
Wash in cold water
Line dry

As the Real Diaper Association puts it, "Just as people are rejecting single-use plastic water bottles and grocery bags in favor of reusable versions, increasing numbers of parents are choosing reusable diapers, thereby literally cutting their household waste in half."

STILL not convinced? Here is what one of our customers had to say about cloth diapering:

"I was definitely a little bit nervous at first about using cloth diapers, but after visiting Childish Things and hearing about how the new cloth diapers work I felt a bit more at ease. After using them with my first child it was a no-brainer that I would continue to use cloth diapers with my second child. I have been very happy with how easy cloth diapers are to use and clean."

Help us in raising awareness on the benefits of cloth diapering and sign up here for the Great Cloth Diaper Change!

Just "comment" any questions below and we'd be more than happy to help!

Calling all Planeteers! (Any Captain Planet fans??)

2011-04-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

Let's keep this planet we live on clean and green! This month is host to Earth Day and it's the perfect opportunity to do whatever we can to live green. There are lots of options for practicing a sustainable lifestyle and it can be as simple as buying Earth-friendly products! Lots of companies these days are eco-friendly and we just happen to carry a couple of those brands, just for you.

We'll start with Dandelion Earth Friendly Goods. We are happy retailers of their natural tableware made with corn! You can use these products over and over in feeding your child all while knowing you've made a smart eco-friendly choice!

Feeling crafty? Don't fret. We carry ClementineArt that has great, naturally made products that let children's creative imaginations run wild! Choose from natural paints, crayons, crayon rocks, markers, and modeling dough. Or don't choose- get them all! Bonus: it's LOCAL to Boulder, CO!

Be earth friendly while potty training with the BecoPotty! These smart little potties are made with waste plant material, come in three colors and are low to the ground making it easy for your toddler to use. Once you are finished with the potty, teach your child how to be green and plant it in your garden because it is BIODEGRADABLE!

We only have one planet! Join Childish Things and go green!

The Great Cloth Diaper Change!

2011-03-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

Come to Childish Things to participate in the Great Diaper Cloth Diaper Change!

This is your time to help break a world record right here in Boulder, CO. Around the world, thousands of people will simultaneously change thier infant using a commercially sold cloth diaper. Pre-register here to get your spot in this great challenge!

There will be raffles & goody bags for our participants!

Visit the Great Diaper Change website for more information!

See you there!

Protect your babe from those UV rays!

2011-03-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

Now that the sun is finally coming out and spring break is around the corner it is time to start gearing up for summer. Banz has the ultimate collection on sun protection. From hats to sunglasses to swimwear, they have your little ones covered!

The Adventure and Original sunglasses are comfortable and secure for the child. With an adjustable strap, they are equipped to fit any size head!

These wide-brimmed bucket hats are a must-have for any outdoor adventure. They come in many prints and colors and are adjustable to fit your child as they grow!

UV swimwear allows parents to feel at ease while their child is out in the sun with UPF 50+! They come in a simple one-piece or shirt and shorts two-piece for boys and girls. Also a great purchase, the UV protection water shoes. Light-weight and flexible for any active water-loving kid!

Come on in to Childish Things today to see our selection for yourself!

Cloth Diaper Highlight :: Bumgenius

2011-03-07T19:02:00.000-08:00

Diapering your child has become an art. Cloth diapers are innovative, green & cost-effective.

One very popular cloth diaper is the one-size Bumgenius diaper.

This diaper features a one-size system so the diaper can grow with your baby.

Check this out!

And a pocket system that allows your baby to stay completely dry.

Go here for more!

Stop in today to see them for yourself and get a free demo!

***Also, Don't forget to register for The Great Cloth Diaper Change here!

Your Maternity Wardrobe Essential?

2011-02-23T15:31:00.000-08:00

A belly band! Naturally, numerous companies make these stretchy, sleeve-like items, but they all have the same function. They are useful in prolonging the life of your pre-pregnancy clothes and help fine tune the fit of your maternity clothes. In the first stages of your pregnancy maternity pants might be just a bit too big but your normal, pre-pregnancy pants are a bit too small. Rather than buying a pair of pants that will only have a short life, use a belly band. Using your pre-pregnancy pants, keep the button undone and use the belly band to lie over the waist of your pants and underneath your shirt to achieve that adorable layered look. If you are wearing maternity pants that are too big you can fashion the belly band in the same way and it will keep any slack from pants that are too big up on your waist. Use them with pants, shorts and skirts to maximize your wardrobe during every stage of pregnancy.

Below are a few pictures of “regular” jeans that aren’t quite wearable on their own but get a new life with a belly band!

Our supply of belly bands are priced approximately 50% of the new price and typically fall within the range of $10-$20.

Cribs :: Information for you & your new baby

2011-02-18T14:53:00.000-08:00

Check out this beautiful crib here!

Cribs are an essential accessory to any nursery. With an uproar in recalls & statistics concerning crib safety, getting the right crib for your little one is a must! All cribs should meet these standards:

No cutouts on the foot or head boards
No cornerposts higher than 1/16"
The crib slats must be 2⅜ " apart or less
Must have a standard crib mattress for sleeping
Does not have a drop-down side

**Always check out this website for the latest safety and recall information.

The company websites are also great resources for their specific products

Two awesome cribs just came into the store, come check them out!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-11T15:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day from all of us here at Childish Things! Here are a few ways to spread the love this holiday weekend!

With some beautiful weekend weather coming our way, you and your family can get out of the house and enjoy some Valentine's fun.

Cupcakes from Whole Foods!

Valentine’s Day Block Party, Saturday, February 12^th. Old Town Lafayette is celebrating the holiday weekend with free truffles, $10 bracelet making, free soup or ice cream with purchase and much more. Take advantage of the nice weather with your kids at this fun event. Visit this website to see a list of all the things going on this day.

This weekend visit WOW Museum in Lafayette and make Valentine’s cards and crafts with the kids. Hurry in while supplies last. Check their calendar out here.

If staying in is more your style, here are some fun crafts to do with your kids!

Valentine's Heart Wreath

Make this fun and simple Heart Wreath to get in the Valentine’s Day spirit. You probably have most of the supplies at home already! I used colored construction paper, Clementine Art glue, Melissa and Doug scissors, glitter and press-on hearts. Feel free to use whatever art supplies you have at home like crayons or markers. Gather up the kiddos and get crafting!

To start, I folded the construction paper into fourths and cut four equal sized hearts with both the pink and red construction paper. Those 8 hearts will become the base of the wreath.

Second, I used the Clementine Art glue to glue the hearts together in a circle.

Once you have the base of the heart wreath done, you can get creative and decorate the hearts however you want! I spread glitter on the hearts and used press-on heart stickers to add extra flare.

Finally, just punch a hole in it and hang with ribbon or string. It’s that simple!

Enjoy your handmade holiday decoration!

Lollipop Valentine Flowers

First, you need to cut out your hearts. These can be any color and size that you want! To make mine, I folded a piece of construction paper into quarters, and cut along the crease. This created four equal size hearts. I did the same on a smaller scale for my leaves.

Write a sweet Valentine's message or decorate!

Glue the lollipop in the center of the heart. Let dry.

Glue the green hearts on the lollipop stick to complete the flower.

Voila! A homemade bouquet of flowers for your Valentine!

Inspiration for Valentine's Wreath & Lollipop Valentine Flowers!

Childish Things will be open Valentine's Day so come in for a special treat!

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

2011-02-06T22:55:00.000-08:00

Hello Winter! With the twenty-something temperatures, snow, and snow-days that Colorado has been host to in the past week, Winter is definitely here. Because going outside is less of an option during these cold winter months, Childish Things is here to provide some fun for your children, and some relaxing time for you.

Melissa & Doug have great crafts that allow your little artist to showcase his/her inner-Picasso.

Melissa & Doug are the masterminds behind this amazing art easel that has a chalkboard on one side, and a dry-erase board on the other. It holds paper and paint cups for endless fun.

We also carry Finger Paint Paper, Doodle Pads, Drawing Pads, Color-By-Dots pictures, and Jumbo Coloring Books by Melissa & Doug for limitless fun.

Decorate-Your-Own Figurines, Swirl & Spin Art, Stained Glass Frame Set & Paint By Numbers set all by Melissa & Doug are just a few options for your older children.

Clementine Art, locally made in beautiful Boulder, make all natural art supplies. The Crayon Rocks and Modeling Dough are must-haves in your art supply drawer.

The possibilities are endless for your little artist. While dreaming of the summer sun, these fun art projects are sure to brighten up your home!

Can it really be.......

2010-08-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that winter could be arriving in the next month or so. It's been so warm and beautiful--everyone is enjoying the outdoors--having BBQ's, visiting the pools and parks, attending free concert events. I look forward to fall, and even winter, but my favorite seasons are spring and summer for sure.

If you find yourself thinking about fall and winter, and clearing out "stuff"--we are now accepting those colder season clothes for consignment. You should see all of the stuff we've already received--amazing. And, people are already buying winter coats, boots, and even ice skates. So bring your things in early and take advantage of the early season shoppers!

Have a wonderful remainder of summer, and don't be caught without some boots for that first fall snow!

Childhood Memories

2010-08-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

It’s August and it’s time to get ready for back to school. This time of year always brings back memories from my own back to school days.

Until I was 15 years old, I lived every summer on a boat. My mother was a teacher, and the day after school let out in June, we moved to our boat at the one of the harbors on the North Shore of Long Island. My dad went to work from the boat each day, and we kids swam, played, swam some more, went water skiing, fishing, and generally had a great summer—every summer. We didn’t go on family vacations because living on the boat was a vacation in itself. School always started 2 days after Labor Day, so on Labor Day we moved home from the boat and had one day before school started.

That first night back home is what I remember most about back to school. You see, at the harbor, we never heard crickets. Never. When I would go to bed that first night home, all the windows would be open—this was humid New York remember, and all I would hear were the crickets. It was a soothing sound to me, a welcome sound~~I loved school as a child. And so to this day, I always associate the sound of crickets with back to school.

We invite you to share your back to school memories! It’s always fun to hear stories from others. Also~~stop in this week to get your Back to School gift from Childish Things!!

New Stuff!

2010-07-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

We never know what will arrive at Childish Things on any given day. Look at these two recent arrivals. The chair is beautiful--from Pottery Barn Kids, and very comfy. Can't you just see yourself rocking your sleepy little guy to sleep in this chair? But wait--you want to use it in the playroom instead--it comes with 2 denim slipcovers too!!

Kids have too much energy? Look at this climber to keep them busy for hours--from Step2--it's sturdy, clean and fun--who could ask for more.

Diapers--Who Knew??

2010-07-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

Did your toddler finally get potty trained? Or have you decided to try cloth diapering and want to do it cold turkey and need to get rid of those disposables? Or your little newborn has gone from size NB to size 2 overnight? Well--here are a few ways to use up those remaining disposables--

Line the bottom of a flower pot with the absorbant side of the diaper up. The diaper will absorb excess water, and you won't need to water so often. (Note: I take no responsibility for what the diaper gel might do to your plant roots!!)
Are you achy from toting your toddler throughout the mall? Moisten a disposable diaper and place it in the microwave on medium-high setting for about 2 minutes. Check that it's not too hot for comfort and then apply to your achy part. Better yet--shop at Childish Things next time where you can put your little one down in our play area and you get to have both hands free to actually shop!
Donate them to the Childish Things changing table so parents who ran out of the house without their diaper bag can change their babe. Hey--you KNOW you've done it yourself once or twice!!

Have any other uses you'd like to share? Post them here for all parents to see. Thanks for reading and sharing!!

PS--If you're getting rid of those disposables to try out cloth diapering, come into Childish Things for a cloth diapering demo--it's FREE!!

New Site

2010-07-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

Well, our new website is up and running. Same web address, www.childishthingsconsign.com I'd like to thank my daughter, Jessica, for helping me design it and get it just right. I may be able to run a store, but I am still in need of help with the technical computer stuff. I still don't know how to attach more than one picture at a time to the stores Facebook page! That's ok though--I am enjoying the learning process.

Also I wanted to let all you cloth diapering Mama's out there know that we are clearancing out our BumGenius One Size 3.0's. The sale will run until our supply runs out. The sale price is $15.95 per diaper. That's a savings of $2 per diaper. If you're interested, stop by soon before they're all gone!

Welcome!

2010-07-07T14:54:00.000-07:00

Jennifer and I recently attended the NARTS conference in Palm Beach, FL. (NARTS, by the way, stands for National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops.) In between swimming in the ocean, sipping cocktails poolside, visiting resale stores, and going out to eat; we managed to attend a slew of workshops on various things related to the resale industry and retail in general. We also were proud to present the workshop on the details of running a children's store!

We learned a whole bunch of stuff, and one idea I got was to start a blog--so here it is. Mostly it will be pictures of neat things that arrive at the store, but I'll also have other things like great activities to do with the kids, good places to visit with out of town guests, and other fun ideas. I welcome your comments--(be nice please!)--and I hope you enjoy visiting both the blog and the store!

The following are two items we recently received--a brand new Stokke Mini Sleepi bassinet, and a set of 2 Nova Naturals playstands.