Grow With Me Boutique

Consignment Tip

2012-02-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

Today's consignment tip is about matching sets. Matched sets are those outfits you buy as one: the boy's dress pants with the matching vest, the fancy girl's dress with the little jacket, the summer shorts and top, and so on. Matched sets sell best and as your are selling two pieces at once you earn more cash or credit. So, when getting your clothes ready for consignment, take a few minutes to fold the sets together to guarantee they sell as a set. Happy Consigning!

Chinese New Year

2012-01-23T19:03:00.000-08:00

My parents went shopping over the weekend and as a promotion received red envelopes with coupons and prizes inside in honor of Chinese New Year, which began at midnight January 23rd.

The celebration lasts for fifteen days. One of the activities that will happen during those fifteen days is the giving of “lucky money.” Different traditions exist around this lucky money. Most cultural groups hand out the money to children. Many hand out the money in red envelopes, others in green or white envelopes. A friend of mine says in his culture lucky money is thought to represent starting out the New Year in prosperity with a wish that it will continue all year. He says it is also a time to clear one’s debts and start fresh and had many stories to tell about his parents and their actions during Chinese New Year. He also recounts how his parents taught him to spend and save the money he received in his red envelopes.

I got to thinking about what my friend learned about money from this tradition. So much of what our children learn they learn from our examples and actions not from our words. I wonder what my children are learning about money and debt from what they see and hear. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topic and also any ideas you have for teaching children the value and role of money.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_envelope

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/chinesenewyear1.html#ixzz1kEo3idB5

Snow Day Activities

2012-01-18T14:44:00.000-08:00

Here are some ideas to get your creative mind going and bump your house bound family out of the crankies.

Outdoor ideas:

1) Take food coloring squeeze tubes outside and paint a picture on the snow. Be sure that whatever is buried under the snow won't be damaged by food coloring and that the kids have on old clothes not their new winter gear. A variation of this is to build a snow sculpture or snowman and then use coloring to decorate.

2) Start a neighborhood snowball fight. Find a place away from cars and windows, build a stack of snowballs, wait for someone who looks up for some fun to walk by.

3) Make snow angels.

4) Get a snowball and freeze it for summer or until you need the space, whichever comes first.

5) Take your camera outside (or cell phone : ) and take turn capturing pictures. Ideas: get pictures at the minute, snowflake level and pictures of the whole landscape. How small or how large of an area can you get? Try to get pictures with white and only one other color in them. Of course, this is an activity for not-clumsy kids unless you wanted a new camera, anyway : )

Inside activities:

1) Cotton ball snowmen (and/or other creatures). Glue cotton balls to paper to create snow creatures. Use markers to add details such as eyes and buttons.

2) Create a fort or tent inside. While this can be messy, it is a contained and manageable mess (just big blankets) that will often keep kids busy for HOURS. Encourage them to design rooms within the fort, to read books inside it, to invite in their stuffed animals or dolls in to play.

3) Mine the recycling bin for "treasures" and have a creativity contest. What creative repurposing ideas can the kids create for things from the recycling bin? (Contestants vote to identify winners OR everyone gets a prize indicating the unique attributes of each creation.)

4) Pull out the photo albums and tell your kids stories about the pictures. Ask them what stories they remember. Write down their memories or have them write them down if they are old enough. Put the stories into the album or create a new story album.

5) Make puppets. Brown lunch bags, an old tube sock, two rectangular scraps of material from a ripped shirt, etc. can all work as bodies for puppets. Add yarn or curled fabric hair, some button or paper eyes and features and you are well on your way to a puppet show.

6) Do something you never seem to have time for - bake with the kids, read to each other, curl up and watch a movie...

Of course all of the above will be even better with hot cocoa. Hopefully, you have some instant stashed away in the cupboard. If not, here's some options:

Heat milk and add chocolate syrup OR

Mix 1 c. sugar, 1 T cocoa, 1/2 cup milk and heat until sugar is dissolved. Add to by teaspoonful to hot milk until it meets your chocolate and sugar preferences. OR

Melt chocolate chips or a candy bar and add to warm milk. When melting chocolate either place in microwave or melt in a double boiler on stove. If you don't have a double boiler just use two pans of a similar size put water in one (1" or so) and put the other over top it w/the chocolate in it.

Resolution

2012-01-09T09:52:00.000-08:00

Are you a New Year's Resolution kind of person? I seem to alternate. Some years yes, some years no.

This year I'm a yes. I resolve to spend more time with my children. I resolve to let my husband know how great he is for the small things he does because the small things add up to a big difference in my life. I resolve to stop and look at the beautiful mountains that surround us instead of mindlessly driving to and fro from all my "activities." How about you?

New Year's resolution idea from Grow With Me Boutique - Resolve to save money and time!

Ways to save money with Grow With Me:

Buy clothes for your children and yourself here. We carry clothes for kids from preemie to juniors. We also have women's and maternity clothes.

Bring in your clothes for consignment. Clean out your kids drawers while you are putting in those new clothes. http://www.growwithmeboutique.com/p/consignment.html

Buy gifts here. Our prices for new and gently used items will help you keep change in your wallet, too.

Ways to save time with Grow With Me:



Intuit Online Payroll Support Team	Payroll Forms Due for Grow with Me boutique	3:22 am	4 k
Sweet Bobbins	bib invoice	Sat, 10:48 am	537 k
Keith Lee, American Retail Supply	Complimentary retail webinar	Sat, 4:06 am	21 k
Susan J. Berndt	FW: Critical Notice: 1099-MISC Regulation Changes for Tax Year 2011	Fri, 2:54 pm	29 k
Susan J. Berndt	Appointment	Fri, 9:52 am	5 k
Susan J. Berndt	RE: Appointment	Fri, 10:10 am	9 k
Jim Lee - HTV	HTV ad PROOF- final	Fri, 9:12 am	549 k
Family Access	Salem Woods Weekly	12/15/2011 12:11 pm	11 m
Family Access	Salem Woods Weekly	Thu, 10:55 am	6.4 m
melissa overton	WEEKLY REMINDER	01/02/2012 11:52 pm	3 k
TJ O'Connor	new years	01/02/2012 10:50 am	6 k
TJ O'Connor	Baby food	01/02/2012 10:33 am	4 k
Serena Thompson	My Favorite Find	12/31/2011 10:30 am	3 k
Ramsey Peltier	January New Account Incentives	12/29/2011 6:40 pm	6 k
HTV	Re: Referral	12/21/2011 1:39 pm	2 k
Jim Lee - HTV	RE: Referral	12/22/2011 1:36 pm	3 k
Tom and April	RE: January Storytime Themes	12/22/2011 9:38 am	2 k
info	Follow up from ABC Expo	12/21/2011 7:46 am	382 k
info	fw: Follow up from ABC Expo	12/21/2011 7:47 am	425 k
Jenn	RE: Photo	12/19/2011 10:40 am	2 k
Jenn	RE: Photo	12/19/2011 1:54 pm	2 k
Jenn	RE: Photo	12/20/2011 1:53 pm	3 k
Intuit Online Payroll Services	Year-End Is Coming. Get Ready with Intuit Online Payroll	12/16/2011 1:50 pm	23 k
Ben Franklin Crafts	Royalty Club profile completion	12/12/2011 10:42 pm	10 k
TJ O'Connor	swelling info	12/06/2011 11:27 pm	8 k
TJ O'Connor	Re: pics	11/27/2011 3:52 pm	2.8 m
TJ O'Connor	Re: pics	11/27/2011 3:53 pm	3.0 m
TJ O'Connor	Re: pics	11/27/2011 3:53 pm	4.2 m
TJ O'Connor	another blog	11/13/2011 12:42 am	3 k

Our just right sized store makes shopping easy and low stress. Our location next to grocery and craft stores means you can make a quick stop on your way to grocery shopping.

We can take the time to help you find what you need whether for that child who has outgrown everything or that special baby shower gift you need. So, you have time left to do other things like visit the candy shop, visit with friends, or sit and enjoy a peaceful moment by yourself. (Or maybe just to get on with the rest of your to do list.) Just let us know what you are looking for and we'll help out. Shopping here saves you time and money.

blogs

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

Pajamas. What is it about footy pajamas that we love so much? I was shopping this week and noticed they have footy pajamas in about every size including adult large. The idea of wrapping up yourself in a big old blanket with feet is just so enjoyable.

Hope you are wrapped in something cozy and enjoying a wonderful weekend.

Christmas Eve Traditions

2011-12-16T09:05:00.000-08:00

Pajamas. My parents borrowed a idea from a family when my brother and I were small and it stuck as a tradition in our family. Christmas Eve everyone gets to open one package. The package is ALWAYS pajamas. The surprise is just in what kind of pajamas – footy pajamas for a six foot tall woman, fleece p.j. bottoms with pockets for the man of the house, Thomas the Tank Engine pajamas for the little boy, princess pajamas with sparkly lights and slippers for the 6 year old girl… Then the whole family dons the pajamas and takes a picture. The idea originally was to have us in clean, new pajamas for Christmas pictures the next morning. Of course, now we have our own homes we get dressed before going to our parent’s house. But wouldn’t it be fun to go in ‘jammies just one year?

What I am thankful for

2011-11-23T09:41:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is my mom’s favorite holiday. She loves that it is a day that focuses on what’s good in the world. The holiday is not about getting or giving gifts and it’s not commercialized to the same degree other holidays can be. At our Thanksgiving dinner, we each write on a card what we are thankful for and then go around the table sharing what we wrote. Mom keeps these cards so each year we can revisit past expressions of gratitude. Doing so helps me remember how much I have in my life to enjoy – not only the material items (a car, house, etc.) that make my life pleasant but the important people (husband, children, family) and the feelings I get from having so many wonderful others in my life. Enjoy your family and have a wonderful holiday!

Winter Skin

2011-11-04T09:01:00.000-07:00

I was out to dinner last night with my children. They both started to complain about stinging on their lips while eating. I quickly realized that it has been nice to see the sun the past few days but the bright and shiny days and cold nights has also dried out our skin. I can feel it in my hands, face, and lips. I know we dread the months and months of rain but right now a little moisture would be kinder on my skin.

Some of you have already experienced the benefits of a great line we carry in the shop. Episencial good-for-you skincare line. They are very thoughtful in the entire process of making this line. Our family used it this summer and will now be using it this winter as well. We do have samples and would love to know what you think! Mention this post and receive 15% OFF of any Episencial purchase! Plus you can check out this review...http://www.mommafindings.com/2010/05/review-episencial-healthy-skin-care-for.html

School lunches

2011-10-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

Time. I thought when the kids were both into school there would be more of it; but school lunches, laundry, and all the other tasks that go with school take TIME. So, I’m trying something new, Sunday lunch prep. I like to think of it as a two-fer. Two-fers are activities that meet two of my top priorities – in this case saving time AND getting time together as a family.

We spend about an hour of family time Sundays prepping and bagging our lunch goodies for the week. I buy veggies such as carrots, celery, snap peas, and green beans. Most just need washed and put into containers. Some like the green beans we like to put into a pickling marinade or toss with a sesame dressing. Then they all go into the “lunch drawer” in the frig.

Fruits that can be put into lunches whole (bananas, oranges…) go into a box in the pantry designated as lunch only. Those that need cut or refrigerated (watermelon, grapes…) go into individual size containers and into the frig lunch drawer.

We divide up snacks from those giant bulk bags (granola, pretzels, dried fruit) into small, individual containers and these go into the pantry box, too.

We are trying for greener living so we are using the reusable snack bags. The kids love the fun designs and wanting to get a favorite bag can motivate them to pick quickly on a rushed school morning.

Our school day routine is that each child grabs: a fruit, a veggie, a snack item, a beverage, cheese sticks and whatever other protein we have going and puts it all in a lunch sack. So far, so good. How about you? What are you doing to save some time now that school and all its related activities are in full swing?

Community

2011-09-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about our community. I love living in Monroe. We chose to live here because my husband and I both grew up in small towns and wanted that same experience for our kids. However, we also wanted access to fun activities and events for our families. Monroe has the small town feel without being too rural and isolated.

I know a key to small communities continuing to flourish is to patronize the local vendors. As the owner of Grow with Me Boutique, I am committed to supporting our local community. Did you know that we carry a wide range of products that are made by Moms right here in the Valley? Products like infant and toddler bibs, cute headbands for Mom or daughter, nursing cover, pacifier clips, snack bags, and many more. What is your favorite part about our community?

Books

2011-09-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

Last week, I went to the Evergreen State Fair with my husband, kids, and parents – the whole gang : ) In order to avoid carting around arm loads of things as we ran from ride to ride, we told the kids they could buy one item on our way out of the fair. Each time we looked at something, we’d review all the other items they had seen and discuss which was top on the list at the time. I can’t tell you how excited I was that my son’s item that kept on the top of the list all day was a book. I want nothing more than for him to grow up loving reading and being able to read well.

My mom, a teacher, tells me that many studies show when kids have positive reading experiences with parents, they are more likely to love reading and do well in school. Evidently, kids will transfer that warm feeling of being snuggled by a parent, rolling with laughter over a funny parts and having their parent’s attention when they read together to other types of reading, including reading in school. That means they feel good when they open any kind of book – even a textbook.

Seems like our reading has paid off so far! In support of your snuggling time, we are having one last free book Thursday. So, stop by with your child today and we’ll give him/her a book for your snuggling time.

Back to School

2011-08-29T08:07:00.001-07:00

After a week of 80 degrees plus, I think I can say it seems like summer has finally arrived - just in time for us to head back to school. This time of year I find myself missing the carefree days of summer I had as a kid, savoring the days I've had with my kids this summer at the beach flying kites, camping, and picking blueberries. I am also looking forward to the normal schedule I'll get when they are back at school - it is such a bittersweet time. And then, of course, there is the "oh my gosh!" overwhelming feeling of the need to buy school supplies, clothes, etc. Let us help you. We love helping parents and kids find outfits that work without breaking your pocketbook. We've got what you need in the store to outfit your kids well and still have money left to spend on your Labor Day outing.

Summer Clearance

2011-08-04T22:16:00.001-07:00

This last week it feels like summer has arived! Have you put off buying summer clothes not sure if you would ever need them or thinking you child's next growth spurt is right around the corner? Now is your chance! We have to start making room for all the amazing back to school clothes so summer items are marked as low as 75% off.

This leads to my next question...what will our fall be like?

Back to School Preparations

2011-07-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

Seems hard to even think those words with the lack of sun we are experiencing! I dont feel like summer has even started yet we are already asking for back to school consignments? Here at the shop we need to be ready before the crowds are. So here are a few tips to get the most out of your back to school consignments:

Think Fall...

Jeans, long and short sleeve shirts, lightweight jackets, shoes, lightweight boots, rain boots and jackets, hats, backpacks, and lunch sacks.

All items should be freshly laundered.

Please fold all clothing with sets together. They are more likely to sell with matching pieces.

Mark your boxes or totes with your name an phone number

All of these simple steps will make the consignment process a success! Now go enjoy your summer....

Summer Reading

2011-07-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

Having books at home and being read to are two of the most important factors of children's success in school. Did you know that if your kids read in the summer their literacy growth may be as much as if they attended summer school? Key factors are that students need to select their own books and it doesn't really matter what they read, even books about popular teen stars or books about your child's interests work.

"Teachers and literacy experts agree that children of all ages need to be read to or to read by themselves and to talk about books over the summer. When you read or talk to your young child about books, she develops important language skills, understandings about books and print, and knowledge about how stories are constructed that will help her to become a strong reader and writer. Your school-aged child's summer reading and book discussions will help him maintain his reading skills, improve his reading fluency, and learn new vocabulary and concepts. Most importantly, when parents and children enjoy summer reading together, children develop a love of books and reading that lasts a lifetime." From http://www.pbs.org/parents/readinglanguage/articles/sumreading/main.html

At Grow With Me Boutique, we'd like to help out with your child's summer reading. We stock a variety of books for kids from birth to teenage years. Titles change frequently. Consider a weekly trip to the library and to our store. In addition, each Thursday this summer (beginning June 30th), we will each of the first five children who visit our store a free book

Boy Cycle - our current phase

2011-07-01T19:18:00.002-07:00

Here at Grow With Me, we've noticed some trends. Seems there are ages and stages when we can't get enough clothes for girls and then others we can't get enough clothes for boys. Makes me wonder about birth rates and such. Have you noticed this, too?

The good news is that if you have a boy who has outgrown some clothes, we'll be happy to consider them for consignment. Come on in to the store Monday - Wednesday from 11am to 4pm and Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

Classes and informational sessions

2011-07-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

As a mother of two, I know how hard it is to feed and clothe growing kids. In addition to offering great prices for high end clothing, we are now offering a class on couponing. Natana will be here to teach customers about money saving techniques.

To reserve your seat simply email your name and phone number to Store@growwithmeboutique.com

Hope to see you Wednesday July 27th @6pm