No, it's not a column about how a favorite band went to the dark side. (we all have one, right?) We are actually talking about a re-sale/ consignment store. Madigan has inherited my love of a good deal and we have come to an understanding that we have to give some to get some at times.
I started attending these big warehouse children's consignment sales awhile back. My favorite being the Shop Kids Event, typically located in Lafayette or Firestone. The DEALS made my head spin. I walk out each time with BAGS of new and "vintage" Gymboree, Janie and Jack, GAP, Old Navy, etc. Plus, toys, equipment and books. The clothes are in great shape (well, the ones I cherry pick at the preview nights especially) and are cheap! I'm talking $2-$10 for gently used pieces and whole sets of our fave Gymbo lines.
I sold some used items of Maddie's at the last event and was pleasantly surprised with the amount I made. (hey, I made more than I spent on "new to us" goods- so I consider that a WIN!)
Now, the brains behind the events has opened a full fledged store in Longmont. http://www.shopkidsconsignment.com/
Madigan and I headed over there yesterday to check it out. Okay... it was a BIT of a drive, but then again most things are when you live in the boonies like us. The store was a great size and packed with goodies. Maddie hit the motherload, returning home with 2 Wiggles books and 3 Wiggles DVD's all for only $15. For another $15 we came out with 1 pair of vintage Gymbo overalls, 1 pair purple owl cord Gymbo overalls, pair of GAP jeans, handmade Western print dress from Aspen, and a sweet flowered Gymbo dress. SCORE!
We left behind some things from Mad's closet for consignment and will be gathering more things for the upcoming event in November in Firestone. http://www.shopkidsevent.com/Home.html
I know there are "other" events and consignment stores, but we really like the way we are treated with Shop Kids and plan on frequenting them for a long time.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
A Stream Runs Through It
After hearing about the opening of the new 3-acre Mordecai Children's Garden at the Denver Botanic Gardens on York a few weeks back, Madigan and I had our sights set on the upcoming free day to check it out. http://www.botanicgardens.org/content/mordecai-childrens-garden
We arrived at 9:30 a.m. to find packed parking and already sweltering temps, but we were determined to see it first hand. The children's garden sits atop the roof of the new parking garage. Since all of the plantings are freshly planted, there is very little shade. Pack the hat and sunscreen. The entrance has a nice little gift shop and very friendly guides to help steer you in the right direction. Madigan took off down the path, through a cave, back around to a set of wobbly bridges, back over the bridges, another pass over the wobble bridges- okay we would have walked these things all day unless she was physically removed- then we went in search of the elusive STREAM. We passed a stuffed marmot in a hollow log, under a mountain bridge, past a rock stacking area, sand pit... and there it was... cool sparkling water! On one end, bigger kids were climbing a rocky waterfall and on the other end a shallow stream with rocks and a beaver dam. Maddie kicked off her shoes and waded in. A guide was passing out natural "toys" to work with. Seed pods and corn cobs floated our direction. We climbed over rocks, made dams of pebbles and had a ton of fun. Note: be sure to bring a change of clothes!
After having our fill of the cool water, we left kicking and screaming and headed for the main gardens. The flowers are still beautiful this time of year and Madigan delighted in all of the colors. A new cafe looks promising, where the old gift shop used to be (now relocated to the entrance).
All in all a very nice morning. We live too far and Maddie is still too young at 16 months to fully enjoy an annual pass, but maybe we will see you there on the next free day. We will definitely return for another frolic in the stream.
We arrived at 9:30 a.m. to find packed parking and already sweltering temps, but we were determined to see it first hand. The children's garden sits atop the roof of the new parking garage. Since all of the plantings are freshly planted, there is very little shade. Pack the hat and sunscreen. The entrance has a nice little gift shop and very friendly guides to help steer you in the right direction. Madigan took off down the path, through a cave, back around to a set of wobbly bridges, back over the bridges, another pass over the wobble bridges- okay we would have walked these things all day unless she was physically removed- then we went in search of the elusive STREAM. We passed a stuffed marmot in a hollow log, under a mountain bridge, past a rock stacking area, sand pit... and there it was... cool sparkling water! On one end, bigger kids were climbing a rocky waterfall and on the other end a shallow stream with rocks and a beaver dam. Maddie kicked off her shoes and waded in. A guide was passing out natural "toys" to work with. Seed pods and corn cobs floated our direction. We climbed over rocks, made dams of pebbles and had a ton of fun. Note: be sure to bring a change of clothes!
After having our fill of the cool water, we left kicking and screaming and headed for the main gardens. The flowers are still beautiful this time of year and Madigan delighted in all of the colors. A new cafe looks promising, where the old gift shop used to be (now relocated to the entrance).
All in all a very nice morning. We live too far and Maddie is still too young at 16 months to fully enjoy an annual pass, but maybe we will see you there on the next free day. We will definitely return for another frolic in the stream.
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