I can't speak for anyone else, but I hate paying full price for anything. I mean, HATE it. I'm constantly looking for good sales, and I don't mean the kind of sale where they jack the price up so the "30% off" the new $150 price means I'm still paying $100 for something that would normally cost me $104.99. Uh, no thanks.
I mean actual sales where I can save significant money on things we were going to use anyway. Coupons are great if it's a product you normally buy, but if I'm saving $1 on shampoo but still paying more than I would for my usual brand, guess what... even with the coupon, it's not a good deal! Anyone who knows me can vouch for my frugal, responsible side, and it should be no surprise that my kids' clothing is no exception.
We had twins in 2011, and we were shocked at just how quickly the cost of necessities added up. Whoever came up with that clever phrase "buy one, get one free!" in reference to multiples obviously didn't have a set of their own. It's more like "buy one, pay double." While there are some things they can share, the big stuff usually doesn't fall in that category. Two car seats, high chairs, beds, etc. The list is long. As newlyweds, we didn't have the luxury of springing for brand new baby gear times two, but our babes were still going to need all of these things. We needed a safe, feasible alternative to spending $$$$$ to get ready for these guys.
Enter Rhea Lana's Children's Consignment. Game. Changer. I've been to a few different Rhea Lana events, and I will say the Rhea Lana's of Searcy event is hands-down my favorite!! The first time I went to the sale I was 15ish weeks pregnant with the twins, but I didn't know yet if we were having boys, girls, or both. This made shopping a little more challenging, but don't think for a second that I let it stop me. I went gender neutral and was able to get two jumperoos, two high chairs, two pack-n-plays (one for home, one for grandparents), two bouncy seats, and a ton of bottles, burp rags, and other needed items for less than $200! That's less than the cost of what I would've paid for half of this stuff if I'd bought it new! I couldn't believe all the stuff I'd checked off our list or how I was able to walk out with money left in my pocket. I was hooked.
Here we are, 7 years later (side note - how did SEVEN years go by so quickly?!!), and I'm still a huge advocate for my fav consignment event. I've progressed from avid shopper to lucrative consignor to faithful volunteer. As a volunteer, I'm able to shop earlier and get a better selection than what's available to the general public, and as a consignor, I almost ALWAYS make more money than I spend. Rhea Lana's of Searcy has pretty well ensured that I am able to sell the things we've outgrown and buy an entire wardrobe in the next size and STILL manage to make money on the exchange. It makes my bargain shopping heart flutter! So. Amazing.
Aside from all the incredible prices and wonderful selection, can I also mention how much I love getting rid of all the clutter and toys my kids never use or play with anymore? If you need it for a child at any point from pregnancy/birth to college, you can buy or sell it at Rhea Lana. Sports equipment, pool toys, potty chairs, baby monitors, you name it - they have it. If you live close to Searcy, AR, you should check it out! If you don't, go find the event nearest you. I can promise, I will shop at RL of Searcy as long as it's around, and I hope you can, too!
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