5 tips for shopping at thrift stores

If money is not an issue for you, then stop reading this post.

For the rest of us, money has to be carefully managed. I would rather spend any disposable income I have on clothes and toys for my daughter than on clothing for myself. One way I do this is by shopping at thrift stores. I've found Tibi, Seven for all Mankind, James Jeans, Lilly Pulitzer, Gap, Banana Republic, and J. Crew at thrift stores in my area.

Here are my tips for stretching your budget and your wardrobe, with no guilty feelings.

1. Know your wardobe - A pair of dress pants may seem like a steal for $2 but it's a just a waste of $2 if you never dress up. Only buy what you know you will wear.

2. Have a goal - Do you know you need another pair of jeans? Do you need some shorts that fit post-baby? Zoning in on certain sections of the store will save time.

3. Try it on! - Do not rely on the number on the tag. If it doesn't fit now, it's not going to fit later.

4. Shop for all seasons - Don't pass up a barely-worn J. Crew wool skirt just because it's 80 degrees outside! Try it on - if it fits, buy it and save it for Winter!

5. Go for quality - Don't buy clothing that is already worn out before you get it! You should be able to find several pieces in excellent condition.

How do you save money shopping? Leave your comments here!

Delish! Easy Toddler Meals

So my daughter (11 months old today!) has decided that she no longer wants anything to do with formula or bottles. That's right - she weaned herself. I had to call the pediatrician to ask if she could start drinking milk early - she can. She's also decided that she really prefers to feed herself and baby food is hard to pick up with your fingers. Although she has tried.

So the question is...what finger foods do you feed a(n almost) one year old with 2.5 teeth? I have to admit, she's been eating an awful lot of Gerber Graduate Puffs lately but I don't want her eating crap all the time. What to do.....

Searching online for a lunchbox for her I found the coolest website. This single mama packs a lunch for her 18-month-old four days a week and takes a picture of it and then just describes it. And this baby is eating good! Her lunches are so simple, yet sophisticated. No Gerber puffs. No frosted cheerios. Just real food. See how she does it here.

I'm inspired. And you just may catch some pictures of L's food coming your way!

Tuesday Tip of the Week! - Use rebates online!

This week's tip is sure to save you a little hassle and put some money back into your pocket on things you normally buy. When shopping online, use cash-back sites such as Ebates to earn up to 15% cash back at hundreds of online retailers. Ebates partners with stores to offer discounts and special coupons in addition to the rebates that accrue into your account. At the end of each quarter you get a big fat check in the mail. After I started using Ebates I refused to shop in-store because I felt like I was getting ripped off! Start saving today!

Tuesday's Tip of the Week!

I'm starting a new tradition here at Lil Green Baby. Each Tuesday I'm going to write a post containing a fast and easy tip that has made my life just a teensy bit easier. Feel free to add your own tip in the comment section.

Every baby uses a pacifier, right? Pacifiers are wonderful, wonderful little pieces of plastic mixed with silicone or latex than have the ability to instantly soothe a fussy baby. The only problem is that if your baby is expecting a pacifier then you better have one. Right. That. Instant. (or else!) One day L was shrieking as I was tearing stuff out of the diaper bag left and right searching in vain for the beloved paci. I thought, there has got to be a better way.

A quick google search came up with a pacifier pod from Skip*Hop and I thought I had solved the problem. Truth is, it would have been more fun to watch that $8 burn than continue to use the darn paci pouch. If something so much as touched the little pod the snap button would come undone and I would have to balance my squirming daughter and my overflowing diaper bag on one hip while I bent down to pick up the pouch that was supposed to keep the pacifier nice and handy. Needless to say it only took a few tries at this balancing act before I chucked the pacifier pod.

Here's what really worked. Take one pacifier clip (you know, the ones made out of ribbon with a metal clip on one end and velcro on the other) and attach the "clip" part to the inside of your diaper bag. If your diaper bag has inside pockets (and what kind of diaper bag are you using if it doesn't?) then attach the clip there. Fasten the velcro around your favorite pacifier and tuck it in the pocket to keep it nice and clean. Promise it will be right where you left it!

What the crap is elimination communication? (pun intended)

Some parents use disposable diapers. Some parents use cloth diapers. Some parents use no diapers. SAY WHAT? No, seriously.

Elimination Communication, or EC for short, is also known as Infant Potty Training and Natural Infant Hygiene. Elimination Communication is a practice where parents use timing, signals, cues, and intuition to address an infant's need to potty. EC is widely practiced in less industrialized countries where parents have little or no other choice. The Parents who practice EC rave about all of the benefits, such as reduced skin irritation and money saved (because you don't have to buy diapers.)

So what do you think? Comments?