You all know that for months I have been trying to declutter, cut down spending, etc...
One of my goals for this year was not to buy any kid's clothing (and I've stuck to it pretty well).

Tonight I packed up clothes for a consignment sale this week. After giving two huge boxes and a suitcase full of 2T girl's clothing to my SIL, then selling another $50 worth to Once Upon a Child, then giving several bags to the outreach center and Goodwill, I still had 30 items of 2T clothing for the consignment sale- most of them brand new or only worn once or twice. 30! Pathetic.

Now here is the part that will give you all a good laugh on my behalf.... my dd is off the charts for height and weight. She just turned three. All the 3T winter clothes I stockpiled in my crazy days- are they going to fit her this winter? They will if tomorrow is Christmas. ARGHHH!!!! I have been so foolish. Well- live and learn. Reminds me of my favorite quote: You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm. And be smarter next time.

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them

There is always a silver lining if you look!! You can maybe sell thios 3T sizes or something at a consignment to buy 4T, and suggest to family for Chrstmas gifts clothes in size 4T would REALLY be the way to go, maybe post up what you said at Feecycle, and be sure to watch for yard sales and such, and remember... it's alwys a gamble buying something in advance, and it's more often than not it's to your benifit! so don't worry, this time it wasn't, but there's been a dozen more times it has been

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"And the state of his bathroom -- I'm not one to gossip, but there are things crusted on his sink that have not simply developed intelligent life but have in all probability by now evolved their own political systems." Cain describes Abel in in SANDMAN #70

Consign your stuff and hunt for 4t stuff.

Man.....I'd love to have great 2t stuff! Just about the only good thing I do is buy consignment for both my kids. I love going to the consignment sales.

Just as a thought for next time ..... when I buy clothes at clearance prices for next year, I always put the clothes in a plastic bin. On the inner lid, I tape an envelope with the reciept (of course, I leave the tags on the clothes). The stores I buy the clothes from I know have return policies for whenever (as long as you have a reciept and tags) ... so no target, wal mart, sears. However, JC Penney's, Kohl's, and Macy's will take it back. That way if the clothes do not fit I can return them. I have learned and now I only buy a few pieces (since my kiddos basically wear the same shirts/shorts/pants 90% of the time).

great tip- I will take that to heart. Thanks!

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them

My littlest dd is 3 and will be wearing 3T in the winter. If you wanted to barter them I would be willing to do that. I am not an approved trader as of yet but I don't think it will be that hard to do that. Let me know. You can pm me if you want thanks

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Revmom aka Evie:love:

I will let you know about this- thanks for the offer. I have to try everything on her to see if I can salvage anything first- probably will do this next weekend. This weekend we tried on all the 2T stuff from last winter that was too big or I thought she could wear again... I guess I was dreaming when I decided to hang on to all that. I think we both need a few day's break from wrestling in and out of clothing- if i can catch her in the right mood I might try again sooner.

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them

If you are handy (or know someone who is) with the sewing machine you may be able to take out some seams and use another fabric from some other piece of clothing to add in to allow some room. I read a blog by one mom that did this with her daughter's clothes to avoid buying clothes. She would also take a cute "small" dress that still fit in the waste and cut the bib (top) off and created a cute skirt. For the winter it can be layered. This is my suggestion from a different perspective.
Good luck.

That is also a great suggestion. Being pathetic is turning out not to be so bad, after all. I'm picking up some great tips here!

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them

I am incapable of buying so much stuff in advance for my kids. Last week my SIL told me how she had already bought all next year summer clothes for her dd. She made great deals but all I could think about is What if they don't fit next summer?? On the other hand, I keep reading about people who do this, I was wondering if maybe I was missing out on something?

Finally, I decided that I rather buy less clothing but make sure they fit (as someone else mentionned they always wear the same things anyway). Also, there are always sales somewhere.

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Marie - SAHM of DS Benjamin (april 2004) and DD Rose (march 2006).