Baby Shopping on a Budget {Spring Edition}

{photo credit}

Did you read my post last fall about baby shopping on a budget? Well, it's that time of year again {YEAH!!}

Minnesota Valley Mothers of Multiples is having their spring sale this Saturday, March 31 at the Eagan Community Center.  Public shopping is from 11:00 - 2:00 and if you bring a new {still in the package} baby or child item to donate {i.e. baby food, formula, toy, etc} you can get in FREE! Check out {and LIKE} their facebook page for a preview of some of the items and a chance to win prizes like free entrance or the first spot in line!

Northside Mothers of Multiples is also having their semi annual sale this Saturday, March 31 at the Presbyterian Church of the Master in Coon Rapids from 9:00 - 2:00.

Just Between Friends started their Twin Cities spring sales last weekend.  There are still 9 different sales between now and June, so be sure to check out the dates below for a sale in your area!

{Eagan} March 15-17
{Coon Rapids} March 28-31
{St. Cloud} March 29-April 1
{Blaine/Andover} April 19-21
{Maple Grove} April 25-28
{Woodbury} May 10-12
{Elk River} May 10-12
{Eden Prairie} May 3-6
{White Bear Lake} May 17-19
{Edina} May 31-June 2

Want to know my secret for knowing about all these great consignment sales? Check out twincitieskidsales.com, a website that lists all the kid consignment sales in the Twin Cities {and Greater MN and WI}.  Or you can check out their facebook page here.

Happy Shopping!!

Is Your Home Safe for Baby?

Every milestone is such an exciting moment in your baby's first year. From smiling to cooing and sitting on their own.  Then the next thing you know they're on the move--crawling and walking! Your baby is no longer a newborn, but a curious baby that wants to get into everything. 

E was an early crawler, and while I was so excited for this milestone, I also realized my days of reading a book while he cooed in his bouncer were over. This little curious baby needs constant watching because he loves to find trouble.  It was time to baby proof the house.  

I felt that we did a pretty good job of baby proofing our house {what works best for our family} but where we struggled was with the gates.  I live in an older home built in the 40s that has a unique staircase and entryway.  I love my husband, but he is no handy man. After a few attempts with standard gates, we gave up and two heavy totes became our temporary baby gate.  

After months of our temporary solution someone recommended me to Foresight Childproofing Inc., a local childproofing company in the Twin Cities.  I cannot say enough good things about the company and owner, Peter.  Through his years as a stay-at-home dad, Peter truly understands the importance of having a safe home and is passionate about what he does--it shows.  

Talking to Peter over the phone and sending him pictures of our staircase, he was able to figure out exactly what type of gate was needed without even coming out to my home.  When he came out to my house he was quick to install the gates and even got E to un-glue himself from my leg enough to curiously wander over, say hello and attempt to help put up the gate {of course!} And let me tell you... I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER.  Why did we not do this sooner??? It is so nice to not have to worry about E climbing the stairs without someone behind him.

Foresight Childproofing does much more than install gates.  They will come out and do an entire evaluation of your home and recommend how to create a more child-safe environment; letting you customize a plan that works best for your family. The great thing is that you are able to do as much {or as little} as you want {or can afford}. You can purchase the products from Foresight Childproofing and install them yourself; or do what we did, and have them installed for you. 

To contact Foresight Childproofing or find out more information about the company check out their website here.  

{note: these are my own opinions and I was not paid to write this, just hoping to help other families out that may be in similar situations!} 

Free Admission to the Minnesota Zoo!

Babies love the zoo. Wait, let's admit it, so do parents! So what's better than going to the zoo? Going to the zoo for FREE!  

Right now the Minnesota Zoo is running a program called Recycle for Rainforests.  Recycle your old cell phone at the Minnesota Zoo March 1 - March 16 and receive free admission.  One admission per cell phone donation.  Valid for either child, senior or adult admission.  Free admission applies only on the day of your cell phone donation. Not valid with other promotions. For details about how the program works, click here.

Don't miss out on your opportunity to help African rainforests and the animals that live there. And an opportunity to bring your baby to the zoo at no cost! It's a win-win!