I am full swing into planning (or maybe I should more accurately say—FREAKING OUT!) mode for summer break. I am creating schedules, brainstorming new routines, assigning chore charts, stashing away activity ideas and contemplating field trip Fridays! I have learned over the years that its best to have a plan and assign responsibilities otherwise frustration, boredom, fighting and everything else stressful make our way into our home!
The good thing is—most of me loves this! I love to plan and be prepared for life. And what’s even more exciting is finding the special activities that I bring out throughout the summer. Where do I find my secret activity stash?
I used to shop yardsales. I’d get up early at 5:30am, and I’d love it. It would get me out of the house and I’d relax and find deals—often finding more than I was looking for.
But then . . . life changed. I’m not exactly sure how it did, but suddenly my kids are older, I have more things to do and less time to do them. I stopped going to yardsales because Saturday mornings were always busy with other things and just good old family time!
And then it happened. I never expected it myself, but here I am two years later and I am a full-blown consignment sale shopper! Seriously!!!
So how did I become a consignment sale shopper?
Everything is all in one place. It is like going to 100 yardsales in one day. Really, its more like scrolling through craigslist or facebook marketplace, but being able to touch and feel everything in person. For example, let’s say, you are looking for a play mat or a boppy pillow. You can go from yardsale to yardsale to find the perfect one, or you can go to a consignment sale and have a dozen or more to choose from!
It takes less time. When I would yardsale, I’d go every week for a few hours every morning and drive all over Lancaster County. Now, I got to one consignment sale for about 2-3 hours in a morning and I’m done! Last spring I found dozens of ideas for my summer planning in less than 2 hours!
I find better deals. This is another fact that is still hard for me to believe, but its true! Yes, when I went to yardsales, I would find items priced cheaper — almost everything would be under $5, and I would rarely pay over $1 for most items. At a consignment sale, items were priced a little higher, but they were better quality, in better shape and of greater value! I’m still shocked that I found these $40 hexabits for only $3 last year!
Variety. At yardsales you never know if you will find what you are looking for. At a consignment sale, you always find more than what you are looking for. You’ll find hundreds of puzzles, games and clothes for all ages in the same room!
My FAVORITE consignment sale shopping event is coming to Lancaster in only a few weeks! I’ve partnered with Just Between Friends Lancaster, PA to share their sale with you. Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, as I show you how to save 50-90% off retail on clothes, books and toys!
Just Between Friends Lancaster Spring 2017 Sale
Here are the dates you want to mark on your calendar: The Just Between Friends Lancaster Spring 2017 sale runs from April 20-22, 2017. It is at the LANCO Fieldhouse in East Petersburg. Parking is plentiful and FREE! Admission is charged only on day 1 and it’s $3, but you can go here and get your FREE ticket!
Want to Shop Early?
There is a pre-sale the day before the public sale for select groups. On April 19, consignors, team members (those that volunteer to help at the sale), and special guests are invited to shop early. Those special guests include first-time parents and grandparents, teachers, and anyone who wishes to purchase a Prime Time pass. Are you in one of those groups? Then you get to shop early! Just remember that you do need a pass to get in that day. Grab yours here.
Learn More
The Just Between Friends Lancaster website has tons of information for shoppers, consignors, and those wishing to grab one of those coveted pre-sale passes. You can also join JBF Lancaster on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.
Take a peek at the sale from last fall. Each season they have more and more consignors and items available for sale!
Be sure to follow JBF Lancaster on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram — they are always posting new pics of what is for sale!
