My style has left the building

My maternity leave is about to end and I need to start thinking about going back to work, which means I'll have to leave my sweatpants at home. I tried on my "skinny" jeans and I only have 1 pair that fits (aka buttons but could burst at any moment). My maternity jeans are way to big, so I'm stuck in limbo. I've been working out for the past month 3-4 times a week doing Stroller Strides and can see some progress in regaining my shape. But I refuse to go out and buy all new pants when I'm sooo close. At least that's what I tell myself to stay motivated.

So like any normal woman, trying a few things on in your closet morphs into trying everything on and then you just hate your whole wardrobe. So you set out to buy all new, which can be expensive, unless you sell your clothes like I do on Poshmark (as previously posted). This helps me justify buying new clothes :) So I signed up for StichFix to see what ideas they can give me to freshen up my wardrobe. I should be receiving my first box next week, so I'll let you know how it goes.

Cleaning out the closet

At a loss with what to do with a closet full of gently worn clothes that you've grown out of love with or the season has changed? Hate to give them away when there's still some value there? Try selling them on Poshmark. This is a site that allows you to post clothes in a closet and have people follow your closet. Name your price, post pics and share with your followers. Buyers pay $4.99, 2-day Priority Shipping, which is added to the final price. Poshmark keeps 20% of the final sale for items over $15. You can only post items through the app on your phone or tablet.

I've bought and sold numerous items over the past year and its a great way to find items you liked but maybe couldn't find in your size. You can shop my closet to get an idea how it works or read more about Poshmark here.

I'll review Thredup at a later date, since I've only started using that site, but here's a referral link that will get you $10 towards your purchase.

Online garage sales changed my life

I can't exactly remember how I came across the first Facebook group I joined, but I am now a part of over 10 local online garage sale groups on Facebook. I couldn't believe I hadn't found them sooner. They are almost better than an actual garage sale since you can shop anytime, anywhere. Members post items they want to sell and all you have to do it comment that you want the item and it's yours. Seems to easy right? Just search for Buy/Sell/Swap/Resale and include the name of your town and I'm sure some will pop-up. Most of them are private and you have to be accepted in order to start selling. Make sure to read the rules for each group you join or you risk getting kicked out for not posting a picture or agreeing to buy something and then not show up. Some of the group admins don't take any crap and one misstep could get you booted.

Here's a list of some of the items I've sold on Facebook:
Coffee Table
Headboard
Bed Frame
Kids Clothes
Appliances
Electronics

I've purchased some nice things from people as well. You won't believe how many people sell items with tags still on. Sometime I'll tell you how I've taken items I purchased from these groups and doubled and tripled my money.

My husband asked me if I have been keeping track of how much I've sold. I hadn't, but started a spreadsheet for 2015. I've even got my mom selling her stuff online as well. I know they exist in the Chicago area, so hopefully they are also available wherever you are located. Happy Buying/Selling!

New Year's Resolution

The start of a new year means time to make resolutions. This year I want to expand upon lifestyle changes I made last year. I committed to working out twice a week while pregnant with my 2nd child and felt great during and after. I had less time to do my hair and makeup while on maternity leave, so I went day after day without of makeup or doing my hair. I've learned to like my natural look and want to find ways to enhance my natural beauty, rather than covering it up.

I also got on a kick with purging junk around the house last summer. It's amazing how much crap one accumulates over the years! Between garage sales, online consignment sites, ebay and craigslist, I've gotten rid of a ton of crap and make some nice cash on the side.

Over the past few years I've morphed from being a spontaneous spender to a thoughtful shopper. I use this in every aspect of my life and take an extra minute to decide if I really need to but that a cute shirt on sale or the newest gimmick for my daughters. Even splurging on a Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte sometimes has to take a back seat. At over $4.00 a drink, it can add up during the week.

This blog is meant to help me remember new ideas I come across that center around the things that matter most to me, as well as way for me to share these ideas with you. Hope you enjoy a peek into my mind and world.