Today I welcome my first guest to the blog!
Trina Holden
I had the privilege of meeting Trina at
Allume last fall... Can I just say, She is a riot! She is everything this introvert isn't... and I kinda want to be like her when I grow up (even though I'm pretty sure that she is younger than I am).
When she released her new book,
Embracing Beauty this month, I was blessed to be part of the launch team which meant I got an advance copy of the book! It was an awesome read and I want to tell you all about it, but I also want you to go get a copy of the book yourself! (
you can win one at the end of this post) It is that awesome! It's a very easy read and I learned a lot reading it... It covers everything from what God says about beauty, personal style, pregnancy, and thrifting! but today, Trina gets to do the talking... and she's here to talk about thrifting!
Thrift shopping with kids is a challenge, do doubt. But I grew up in a thrifting family, and now clothe my own family of 5 almost completely from the thrift store, so I know it can be done.
Here's three strategies that can help turn thrifting from a chore into an adventure the whole family will look forward to:
1. Turn it into a Treasure Hunt. If you're kids are old enough to dress themselves, they're old enough to help shop for their clothes. Before you head out, make a list of each child's wardrobe needs (is it socks, shoes, or dress pants we need this month?) and assign them each a list or at least one key article of clothing to look for. Start 'em young, and by the time they're in their teens, you can take a divide and conquer approach at the thrift store--each child shopping for their own wardrobe, leaving mom free to shop for herself!
2. Invite Friends. Thrift shopping is always an adventure with unexpected surprises--why not turn it into a fun field trip with friends? I love to invite friends along with me when I go thrifting--first, because I love having another girlfriend's opinion on my outfit, and second, because our kids love the chance to hang with each other! If you've got some older kids in the mix, they can keep an eye on the younger kids playing in the toy section, leaving the mommies free to shop fast and try things on easily.
3. Bring plenty of food. This is my key strategy for keeping everyone happy at the thrift store. Pack plenty of snacks to combat boredom and low blood sugar. I recommend tidy snacks like cheese sticks, dried fruit and nuts, and don't forget hand wipes and a few water bottles to complete your thrifting picnic.
With enthusiasm and a good plan, you can turn thrifting into an activity your children look forward to, and create a legacy of frugality with your family!
For more tips on thrifting with kids, avoiding buyer's remorse, and steps to finding your personal style, Check out my new book "Embracing Beauty: Practical Style for Every Shape and Season of Motherhood"!
Trina has also graciously offered a PDF digital download of the book to one of my readers! To enter the giveaway, check out her page and let me know which chapter you are most looking forward to reading. Share the giveaway on twitter or facebook for an extra entry!
And for Community Conversation:
Are you a thrift shopper? What was one of your best deals?
(come back next week ...hopefully, for my review of the book)
