Save That Money!
I’m sure you all try to save money, especially if you are a parent! Kids are expensive, am I right?! So I love finding new ways to save and still be able to do the things we want and have the things we need. And I found a new, awesome way!
Kids on 45th! You’ve got kids? You like to keep them clothed but also like to keep your money? Yeah, you need to check them out! 😅
This is a mama-founded company that’s all about helping mamas like you save money (yay!) and time (yes!) on your kiddos’ everyday clothes. They ship “surprise” boxes of gently-used (and some new with tags) clothes to moms around the country for super-low prices (items start at $1.99 and max out at $12.99 for a winter coat!).
They were so kind and generous to gift my boys a box to try. We are definitely going back for more.
My favorite part? That they customized the items to my kiddos. I could specify what we do or do not want and even what types of things or colors my boys like or don’t. We said we like camo and animals. And look what they sent! Spot on!!
They even have a ‘Happiness Policy’! They build a surprise box of clothes tailored to your kiddo’s style, but if there is ever an item you are not in love with, two taps on your device will get you a credit for the item.
I love the low prices. You can get quality kids clothes for cheap! They have sizes newborn to 14/16 clothes, all in excellent condition. Prices start at $1.99 for baby items and max out at $12.99 for big kid jackets! You get free shipping when you spend $65 too. And, there is no subscription needed and no styling fees. You get what you need ans that’s it!
I love that this saves me time along with money! No trip to the mall needed. Two minutes for online shopping was all that I needed. I didn’t have to search and scour at retailers, thrift racks, or pages cans pages online. No coupon hunting. And no gas spent. You don’t even have to get dressed. 🤣
One more plus? This is green! We all want to reuse and reduce are footprint here. This is another way!
So, my verdict? We are Kids on 45th shoppers for life. Truly. We are so tickled about our experience and cannot wait to make more orders!
Xx
Jess
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We were gifted a box of clothes in exchange for a review of the service, but all opinions expreases are our own!
I Won A Giveaway!
I am never this lucky! But, recently I did actually win an awesome giveaway! I entered a giveaway through My Four Littles blog, http://www.myfourlittles.com. What I won was the April box from Ecocentric Mom Box, https://ecocentricmom.com/. Ecocentric Mom is a subscription box that you receive monthly. There are several goodies and new products in there to try. How fun, right? The products are all natural, healthy, and organic.
Here is what came in April’s box:
- Linwoods Super Food Blends ($6.99) A convenient way to get some great nutrients, omega fatty acids, and vitamins, Linwoods products are made from organic flaxseed, berries, nuts, and seeds. Gluten free, GMO free, dairy and yeast free, vegan, all natural, and NO added sugar! Love the Ecocentric Mom include SIX samples instead of just one.
- Nature’s Gate Rice Bran Facial Moisturizer ($14.99) A FULL SIZE bottle of moisturizer that feels great and is made in the USA. No parabens, phthalates, fragrance, PEG, Mineral Oil, or Petroleum! They also included a sample size of the Shampoo, Body Wash, and Conditioner. Coupon code also included.
- Bamboo Bailey $10 Gift Card ($10) Bamboo Bailey is an online story with eco-friendly, natural, and recycled products for the entire family!
- Fyrefly Organic Serenity Tea (10.95 full size, 2 samples included) 100% organic loose leaf tea. Each sample makes 2-4 cups. I’m not a tea drinker but I may try this one, smells great! Coupon code also included.
- Nature’s Kick Honeystix ($1.79/pack, 2 packs included) Great snack for kids and made with the best honey. Made in the USA. Love easy snacks and these are surprisingly a very convenient way to enjoy honey without the sticky mess. Coupon code also included.
- Frego $5 Gift Card ($5) Frego makes glass and silicone food storage containers that are BPA and PVC free, contain no lead, and can go from freezer, to microwave, to dishwasher! They’re even oven safe.
- Good Greens Bar ($2.99) The first gluten free, vegan, low-glycemic index wellness bar. It was delicious – I have discovered so many great, healthy food bars from Ecocentric Mom. Coupon code also included.
- Boring Goats Goat Milk Soap ($5.50 full size, sample size included) Made in Boring, Oregon, USA, Boring Goats “Non-Scents” soap is made from only the highest quality ingredients.Natural bar soap is the only thing I use with my youngest child so I was really excited to see this. It’s made from olive oil, goat milk, coconut oil, palm oil, and shea butter! Coupon code also included.
- WEXY Biodegradable Snack Bags ($3.99 for 28, small sample included) We love WEXY bags here so always thrilled to get some more. They’re fun, colorful, Made in the USA, and eco-friendly. Coupon code also included.
- 7th Heaven 100% Natural Face Mask ($2.99) Hydrating, cleansing, and toning face masks that smell amazing. Love these, can always use a good skin pick me up. Coupon code also included.
- Kelapo Extra Virgin Coconut Oil ($11.99 for 10 samples, 2 included) Coconut oil has countless uses and is a safe food for our FPIES child, so it’s a staple in our house – thrilled to receive some more! Coupon code also included.
Some of my favorites were the face mask and moisturizer! Everything was so fun to try out and play with. I totally recommend Ecocentric Mom for a fun mail subscription. Thank you Ecocentric Mom and My Four Littles! 🙂
Toy Box
A project done! The abused vintage toy box started out like this:
The white is actually wood filler, added by me. But, you get the picture. It was old, and rough, and needed lots of wood filler and love. I sanded and filled and sanded some more. Finally I chose turquoise paint and white for the inside. Not as creative as I originally sought out to be, but it turned out fun so I left it there. I antiqued the edges a bit and roughed up the “wear spots”. I like how it turned out simple and fun!
After:
What do you think? I think it turned out super adorable. I was going to replace the handles, but the old ones are vintage ceramic and actually cleaned up nicely. I’m even tempted to keep this one! Why keep a toy box? … more news to come! 😉
Small Dining Room Changes
I have been waiting months to bring home my grandma and grandpa’s antique ice chest. Its finally here! We planned to move the “buffet” I painted for a while in the dining room and next it will serve as a changing table/dresser in a nursery (someday). The ice chest is in gorgeous condition and I think it goes very well in the room (also to be painted someday!).
Also, notice Jeremy’s newest addition to the room? 🙂
I thought the “L” paperweight was super cute!
I love it! Also, a tid bit about this room. The walls are wall papered, but with small, randomly torn bits of this cream marbled wall paper. It really was a neat technique. Now, if we ever need to patch a spot, all we need is a small chunk to cover it. The previous owners left us plenty. But, this isn’t my first color choice. Yes, neutral, but to me its a bit blah. I was thinking about testing a spot to see if I could paint right over these wall paper chunks. I think in a navy or gray the chunks could still give a layered texture, but be more my color. Anyone ever try this? Suggestions?
Also, I finally found a table runner I love. Now I can show off my pretty table a bit more. Well, as soon as its pretty, that is. Here is a shot of the runner:
The table is a gorgeous antique table that has leaves for expanding for company. We bought it from the previous owners as well. But, the top has seen better days. There are scratches and white marks where something sat. I am hoping to use Restor-A-Finish on it and be done. Soon! Here is a shot of the ick:
Very soon I hope to be back with an update on that table! Maybe a nice Easter table setting to incorporate my new runner! 😉
Meet Gilligan
Last night Tony came home after a farewell party for our friends, to wake me up in a very odd way. “I found a creature and he needs us to take care of him. Can we keep him?” Yes, its like having a little kid in the house. I, half asleep, was a little concerned. “Here,” Tony said, “stay there and I will bring him to you.” Before I could say a word he was bringing a box into the bedroom to show me his new friend. This got me up and out of bed quickly. He’s so lucky I’m an animal lover. I peered into the Busch Light box (nice, eh?) and saw a fairly large salamander! I was a bit surprised, but after some convincing I helped to set up a temporary home for the little guy. A rubber tote, some dirt and a water bowl. Back to bed.
Meet Gilligan:
Tony is on his way to the pet store today to find out if we can keep him, and how we would go about doing that. I think he really wants to be able to keep the little guy (just like a kid, huh? 🙂
Garage Sale Day Find
Garage sale day in our little town was Saturday! This day has to be one of my favorite spring days. Scouring someone else’s junk for that perfect treasure is a great way to kick off the season. I even got Tony in on the fun. We didn’t find much to bring home with us, but a few treasures makes the day worth it. We brought home a few vintage glass marbles and a couple large dice for the collection. But here is our bargain beauty:
This is an antique set of mailboxes from a post office in Champagne Illinois. I came back twice to check it out, and at the end of the day he said it was too heavy for him to carry back home, so he gave me a sweet deal! It took two men to load it into my truck and we took the drawers out to get it into the house, but since it is on wheels it is easily movable in the house. I love it right here in the kitchen. The drawers were the perfect addition to the “landing strip” area. Tony was thrilled to have his own drawer for his pocket junk. I love its mismatched drawers, and the vintage numbers and letters above the handles. I know, I know. Some of you probably think this guy is tacky (my mom didn’t like it!), but we think its great. And, the drawers are big enough to function in the house! Here it is in the landing strip area:
I’m not sure if the school desk should stay now or not. But, for now, this is what the area looks like. Suggestions?
Also- we did pick up one other thing at the garage sales, but that project will have to wait… 🙂
Antique Treasures
My grandmother just sent me a box of antique jewelry and doodads! I was so excited last night to rummage through all of the sentimental pieces. I’m not sure what I am going to do with all of it, but I have some creative ideas going. Here is a peak at the goods:
The island covered in all the treasures.
I really loved this little tray. My grandma said it was very old. I thought it might look cute in the bathroom when we get in refinished.
A gorgeous cameo and some really pretty crystals.
Another cameo and a very old pin and rings.
Two old jewelry boxes and a sweet locket.
This box was special because my uncle made all of these turqoise and jade rings and pieces. His sign is a paw print and is engraved on the back of each piece.
Exciting huh? I will let you all know what I do with some of the pieces… I can feel the creative juices flowing…
Office Storage
I love the matching office supplies my mom got me a year or two ago. There is a pencil cup, tray, two boxes, and a magazine box, and they are all in different forms of black and white damask with little bits of red here and there. I was thinking lately that I just needed a few more storage pieces for office things. I had recently seen a post online about making your own magazine boxes with cereal boxes. Last night I dug into this project as well.
I cut the cereal box top off and cut the sides on an angle. I then recovered the box by glueing some black and white skull material (I have a thing for skulls right now) over all outter sufaces. It was easy and cheap and I think it goes well in the office space. Now I have one more storage box. More to come in the future.
I didn't take a before picture of the empty cereal box, but here is the finished product.
There it sits next to the other box on the shelf of our pocket office.
Also, another little office update. Tony finally installed the frame for the projector picture. The wall at least appears empty for a reason now. I kind of like it. It almost looks a little purposefully quirky when the projector isn’t on.
Cube Redo
I have had this little storage cube since I was a kid. When new, it had a unicorn and a rainbow on it. Recently I redid the look of the cube so that it could be used in our home. I forgot all about the cube project until yesterday. There was a question posed on Apartment Therapy about recommendations for redoing a similar cube. I thought that I would let you all know how I did the project, and although I do not have any before or durring pictures, I can show you how it turned out. Here was the process:
1. I started by covering the picture areas of the cube with white contact paper. I was lucky that the sides were the same width as the paper, but I did run short of paper at the top and had to piece two pieces together. For a bigger box this is what you would have to do. Not to worry, the seem barely shows once you get the paint on the paper. Just try to line them up as exactly as possible.
2. Once the paper was on, I used an Exact-O knife to cut the contact paper around any hardware or latches. This worked well and really didn’t cause any problems as long as you work slowly and patiently.
3. After the paper was laid and cut, I painted it. I picked a dark red, and simply used wall paint from the hardware store and applied with a regular brush. I recommend this, as it was easy and inexpensive. I personally wanted an antiqued look to go with the worn metal hardware, so I only applied one coat and left it a bit streaky. If you want a smooth, more flawless finish, I think two coats would do the trick just fine.
4. To add a personal touch I used a foam stamp. I found this stamp at the hardware store on sale for about 50 cents. While the paint was still wet I pressed the dry stamp into it in a pattern I liked. When you raise the stamp it takes some of the paint off, leaving a lighter area for the design. I used a circular design that went with the antiqued look.
Viola! Finished! It really was that simple. Now this cube serves as storage for blankets in our living room. And, this has stood up to some use and abuse and even relocating a few times. It has a few small scratches in it now, but that seems to add to it’s antiqued character. If you want yours to stay looking new try using a protective clear coat on top. Here’s what ours looks like:
Some foam stamps similar to mine can be find at http://www.makingmemories.com and other scrap-booking websites.
Have fun!
Make Mine Eclectic 