FREE 'How To' Ebay Workshops ~ several libraries!

Have you ever wanted to sell on eBay but just not sure how to get started??  Several SD County Libraries are hosting FREE eBay workshops!

Here is the line up!

Vista ~ July 19th 10am - 330pm

San Marcos ~ Tuesday July 20th & Thursday July 29th 5 - 730pm

Valley Center ~ Wednesday July 21 & Thursday July 22 5-730pm

Lemon Grove ~ Friday July 23 10am - 330pm

Poway ~ Saturday July 31 10am - 330pm

registration may be required - for more info check out http://www.sdcl.org/

Happy Selling!
Kate

Gymbucks redemption is upon us!

Those of you who have been earning Gymbucks - redemption starts on July 15th!  I LOVE Gymbucks! I don't go too crazy at Gymboree, but if you always use a coupon and enjoy searching the sale racks it is kinda silly NOT to shop there if you have small kids. 

My kids both have several TONS of gymboree clothing that were less than $4 (plus a coupon discount on top of that!) My daughter already has a beautiful raw silk Christmas dress that was originally $50+ that was marked down to $8.99! (plus I used Gymbucks so it was really only about 1/2 that!) Try to find a deal like that at Walmart even - you can't beat it!  The best strategy is always to shop for the next size up on the clearance racks, I know they are gonna be bigger next year - I would rather buy something at 80% (or more) off and let it hang in the closet for a few months rather than pay full price next year.

Also - this isn't for everyone, but have any of you ever sold on Ebay? I sell many of my kids "Excellent Used Condition" Gymboree & surf brand items on Ebay.  More often than not my items are bid up and sold for MORE THAN WHAT I PAID FOR THEM! What?!  Heck- we don't have any equity in our house - but at least we have some in our closets ;)  If you are considering this make sure to research both online safety and also the best strategies for selling - it can be tedious - but it can be a great way to clear out and make a little extra money at the same time.

I'll see ya at Gymboree!
Kate

Check out our Amazon store! Top right tab

I just wanted to point out our newest addition to the blog. We have a tab on the top right corner for our Amazon book store. 

Full disclosure, I have not read every one of these books, but some.  I stand by the authors.  I really love Dave Ramsey and Larry Burkett's views on being prudent and responsible with the money we make.  I also love books that have helped me learn how to make the most out of our one income household - I LOVE finding new info on how to be a more efficient stay at home mom - finding ways to do things cheaper and how to make a little extra money have really helped me ride the 'stay at home mommy' train for much longer than I truly anticipated being able to.

Anyway, if you are looking for a place to spend those Amazon gift cards you 'earned' free from Swagbucks please go through my little store.

I get a tiny percentage of any sales that come through my Amazon store, if you were gonna buy any of these books anyway, think of it as a small 'thank you' to me for my awesome money saving strategies that doesn't cost you any more. =) 

PS - all money that we may make through our Amazon store will go towards our 'adoption fund' - we appreciate your consideration!


Check it out!
Kate

30% off entire purchase at Gymboree (can be combined with sale & clearance items!)

the 30% off coupon has ended - but it will be here again for Black Friday (or it usually is anyway) - still read this post about how to save $$ w/ gymboree, but coupon is not available.

I have a confession to make, I am addicted to Gymboree clothing for my kids.  Gymboree clothing is so stinkin cute and it is such good quality, we all know that.  That is not enough of a reason for me to buy it though, the reason I buy Gymboree clothing is because it is often cheaper than Target & Walmart clothes! I am not kidding!  There are a couple rules you must abide by to make this work.

1. Never ever look at the new stuff - go straight to the clearance racks in the back.  I have found items marked down more than 60% on a regular basis.  I have found tops and leggings for $1.99, shoes for $5.99, jeans for $6.99, dresses for $5.99, I could go on and on!

2.  Join Gymboree rewards (not the credit card, just the rewards).  You get one point for every $1 you spend at Gymboree or the Gymboree Outlet (oh dont even get me started on the deals at the outlet!). Once you hit 250 points you get a free $5 gift reward card. (remember that there are always 'bonus point' events so you don't really have to spend $250 for that reward.)

3. I always watch for special 'additional 20% off clearance' signs.

4. Sign up for 'Circle of Friends' - you can just click here for the coupon for 30% off your entire purchase.
(special tip just to keep in mind - there will be a circle of friends coupon good for the day after Thanksgiving - combine that with the 'early bird' incentives that day & you will be floored with how much you save!)

5. Gymbucks - for every $50 you spend you get a coupon for $25 off a $50 purchase in the future.  You can use a coupon when you spend your original $50, but you cannot combine a coupon w/ Gymbucks.  You can earn and use Gymbucks with clearance items!

6. This may not be for everyone - but check out Gymboree on ebay - it sells like hotcakes.  If you are able to buy with some (or all) of the incentives above and keep the clothes in good condition you can make some or all of your money back when next season rolls around. I wash my kids clothes in cold water, gentle cycle, and hang to dry.  I cannot remember the last time I sold their clothing on ebay as 'EUC' without making a PROFIT!! That is right! They wore them and when I sold them they went for more than what I paid just by people bidding them up. Again, maybe not for everyone, but something to keep in mind. My husband never even asks what I spent anymore!

Enjoy ~
Kate