*Know the route to the hospital where you will deliver; even if you are home birthing ,know the route to the hospital in case of emergency

*Prepare home birthing area if needed (sheets, towels, blankets, water pool, etc)

*Attend a childbirth class to know what to expect

*Purchase the crib and accessories such as bumper pads, sheets, mobile, blankets etc.

*Buy the appropriate car seat (rear facing) and make sure you have it installed properly. You may also want to buy your front facing toddler car seat at this time so that you’re prepared for your quickly growing little one

*Make a list of baby names.  Consulting baby name books and websites is fun!  

*If your baby is a boy, decide ahead of time whether or not to circumcise.  Discuss with your OB or pediatricain what to expect.

*Make the decision to breastfeed or bottle feed, or alternate between the two

*Choose a pediatrician and discuss care with them.  Many doctors will allow and encourage you to make an appointment to “interview” them before your delivery.

*Pack a hospital bag for yourself and the baby, complete with blankets, diapers and his/her “going home” outfit.  Don’t forget to pack items for mom for during and after delivery!

*Purchase a book on parenting; this is especially helpful for the first-time parents

*Make sure you have the necessary toiletries at home such as baby-powder, diapers, baby wash, thermometer, layette items, wipes etc.

*Wash all the baby’s bedding, clothes, etc. baby’s skin will be delicate and anything his/her skin will touch should be washed in mild detergent.  Dreft and Baby All are great detergents to use for baby clothes.  Don’t forget to wash any items that will touch baby’s skin.  This includes, sheets, blankets, burp cloths, bibs, etc.

Many people think “second-hand”, and have visions of torn and ratty clothing, stained furniture and broken toys. If you find an honest and reliable online auction, you’ll find people are selling quality products that are inexpensive, not cheaply made. By shopping resale, you can expect to save big off the original retail price. Many of the items are only worn a handful of times, or played with once. If you look closely, you may even find new stock with the original tags. Many times children’s clothing gets grown out of before it’s ever worn.

When shopping for resale items, you’ll want to keep in mind not only the money saved, but also the functionality and safety of the merchandise. Before you buy ask about the seams in clothing. This is where you’d find the most wear and tear. Also look for stains. If you’re good with a needle and thread, and stain removal, chances are you can get an even more discounted price on something that’s not in the best shape. When buying toys look for broken parts, missing pieces, and jagged edges. You don’t want a disappointed or injured child. However, most online auctions sites discourage any listings involving damaged goods, so this isn’t a typical risk when buying online.

As children’s interests develop and they become active in sports and other extracurricular activities, the cost of keeping them in uniforms can be prohibitive if you buy from brick and mortar traditional retail stores. Many online auction sites have sporting equipment, uniforms, skates, tap shoes and leotards that show no wear.

To encourage reading, one needs access to books. You can access your public library, but can incur late fees or purchase fees if you misplace or damage the books you check out. When you buy them from online auction sites, they are yours to keep. Baby can enjoy them until they wear thin, and if they become a favorite, you don’t have to worry about returning it.

Online auctions provide a great alternative for parent’s of growing and active children. With the auction sites you can buy not only what you need, but what you want, too. Your children can stay on top of the latest fashion trends, wear name brands and participate in their preferred activities. Using online auctions you can spend less and buy more.

GymboKids is offering:

10% off all previously loved baby, children’s, and maternity clothing

Enjoy combined shipping on all orders!

From Our Dresser to Yours is offering:

Free first class shipping on one item

OR 50% off one priority shipping item

You can also enjoy combined shipping prices!

Appalachian Blossoms is offering:

Custom Labeled Body and Linen Sprays 4 ounces for $3.00 per bottle - choose your own scent, picture and text
Linen and Body Spray in 100 scents, $2.50 each
Sparkling lip gloss, great stocking stuffer, $2.00 each
Slimline lip gloss, $1.50 each
Sparkling Vanilla Snowflake Body Spray $1.50
Beautiful Dog Christmas cookies - 7 for $5.00 (plus, free personalization)
Dog “Gingerbread” Houses - $5.00 each (plus, free personalization)

Simply Casual Kids is offering:

30% off everything in the store!

Tickled Pink Doll Clothes Boutique is offering:

20% off any purchase!

Creative Party Cards is offering:

50% off everything!

Baby Oh Baby Boutique is offering:

FREE Shipping for anything over $75

OR 10% off all orders $74.99 and under

Cuddling Baby is offering:

Mei Tai or Podaegi carriers with $1 Shipping in the US only, $5 to Canada, and $7 International
Simple Creations is offering:

Buy 4 Just Right Potato Sacks, get 1 FREE

Buy 2 custom woven headbands, get 1 FREE

Spend $35 or more and get FREE shipping

Create Photo Cards 4 U is offering:

FREE matching thank you cards to all custom invitation orders

5% off all holiday greeting cards

April’s Auctions is offering:

50% off ALL Buy Now auctions - shipping excluded

Christy’s Cuties is offering:

10% off and a free VOTIVE candle for every purchase $10 or more

MORE TO COME!

Remember that our sellers all offer different ways of paying, so please check their listings or stores for payment preferences (Paypal, Google Checkout, RME, Money Orders, etc.). Enjoy holiday shopping and remember to always check back since our moms post new baby clothing, kids clothing, toys, maternity clothes and so many other great things daily!

 The Mommy Auctions featured store for October is Creative Party Cards!  Amberle’s store features:

*Tell us about yourself: your family, interests, hobbies, education, etc.
 
I am married and have two of my own children (ages 1 & 2) and a stepson ( who’s 7).  My interests and hobbies are anything crafty.  I love crafts, whether it be paint, popsicle sticks & glue crafts or digital ones ( putting together digital announcements and cards.)  I love taking photos of everything, and would like to pursue professional photography in the future.
 

*How long have you been selling on MA? How did you discover MA?
 
I have been selling on Mommy Auctions since about April of 2008.  I found MA through someones signature on a playgroup board and clicked on it to check out what it was all about.
 

*Did you sell any other place before MA?
 
I have been selling online ebay for about 6 years.  Although I am basically all converted over to mommyauctions now.

*What type of inventory do you sell? What is your favorite item (s) to sell?
 
Right now I currently sell Birth announcements, party invitations, holiday cards, custom collages and our newest product custom brag books.  Sometimes I also sell my childrens gently used clothes.  My favorite items to sell are all of my custom items.  I love being able to capture people’s special moments for them. 

*What is the best part about selling on-line?
 
The best part about selling online is meeting new people, and being able to “work” from home too.

*What advice would you give to new sellers just starting out on MA?
 
Mommy Auctions is a great place to sell.  Sstick with it as things start out slow but they DO PICK UP.  Also, check out the forum and meet all the great mommas that make up the MA family.
 
*Anything you would like to highlight about your store: inventory, customer service, sales, specials, new items, etc.?
 
Be sure to check out our custom made brag books.  Also keep checking back as we will be having BIG SALES on our holiday cards and holiday brag books.

Thanks to Amberle for sharing about herself and her Mommy Auctions business!  Be sure to check out her store!  Just click on her logo at the top of this post!

 Lelli Kell shoes for toddlers and elementary-age girls are a very popular and are a hot item!  Made in Italy, these European shoes are done in unique designs featuring bright, bold, vibrant colors, intricate bead-work, and embroidery.  For over twelve years, Lelli Kelly, a husband and wife team, has created beautiful shoes for play, school, sports, and dress.  Mary Jane shoes, canvas shoes, sneakers, and boots are available for girls!

Shoes feature a real leather, perforated insole.  Inside is a layer of Latex Foam, trademarked by the company that is odor absorbing, contains antibacterial agents, and keeps feet fresh and dry! 

Lelli Kelly shoes have been recognized by a team of marketing experts as topbrands magazines as “one of the most important brands in Italy”.  Visit the website at www.lellikelly.it/eng/  to see their entire catalogue!

Our own, Simply Casual Kids, also sells these adorable shoes at very reasonable prices here at Mommy Auctions.  Check out her store at

http://www.mommyauctions.com/Simply-Casual-

Kids,name,simplycasualkids,username,4340,user_id,shop

Whether your little girl needs shoes for dress or for play, she will “be stylin’” in Lelli Kelly shoes!!

        Recently, I had a chance to sit down and talk with Jeanette, owner of Ooh La La Princess Boutique to learn more about her and her Mommy Auctions store.  Well, I didn’t really get a chance to sit down with her, but she did write a little about herself and her store:

      I’m a semi-retired grandmother and great grandmother of 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  I have a small immediate family of 2 daughters, one deceased at age 25.  I like to sew a little, but don’t get time to do it much anymore, but my real passion is selling on-line.  This all started out as a hobby and ended up being more full-time than my present job outside my home!

     I’ve been selling on Mommy Auctionssince February when another auction site rolled out changes that discouraged a lot of sellers.  I just felt there had to be a better place to do what I liked best and that’s when I found Mommy Auctions!  Strangely enough, the one place I was trying to get away from was where I found about MA!  I checked into this site and the rest is history!

      My inventoryis children’s clothing, both new and used.  My favorite thing to sell it little girl’s dresses, the fluffy, girly, party dress type.  Easter is a big time for me to be able to do that.

     The best part about selling on-line isthat I get to meet so many nice people.  My customers are some of the nicest people I know!  In fact, some of them have become close friends, and we still keep in contact.  I have one friend that mentioned the other day, who would have thought we’d still be communicating four years after I sent her the wrong size pj’s for her little guy!

      My advice to newbies who are starting to sell  is to hang in there and persevere.  It takes time to get started and create a reputation for yourself.  It can be a lot of work, but in the long run, it’s worth the time and effort.

     My store, Ooh La La Princess Boutique features new items on a regular basis.  I’m always adding new inventory and you never know what you may find!  Stop in and take a look:  you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you find!  Right now the emphasis is on Halloween costumes and winter outerwear is right on its heels!  I put a high priority on customer service.  I want everyone who makes a purchase from me to be completely satisfied!

     Thanks, Jeanette for sharing a little about yourself and your store!  If you have not visited Ooh La La Princess Boutique, have a look today! http://www.mommyauctions.com/Ooh-La-La-Princess-Boutique,name,Jeanetteski,username,2386,user_id,shop

I can say as a satisfied customer myself, that Jeanette has high quality items and offers very friendly service!

     Autumn is in the air, the kids are back to school, and that means that there are many new book titles for kids!  The timing is great as most kids have to complete reading at home for reading practice!  There are several new titles of books that have just been released or that are due to be released soon.  Here are just a few new books for you and your kids to check out!

1.  Brisingr-  The saga of Eragon continues in this brand new book to be released on September 20.  Fans of Christopher Paolini will be thrilled to read about the farm boy turned dragon rider who must save the world from the evil king!  For pre-teens and young teens!

2. Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken- This cute, hilarious book by Kate DiCamillo ( author of Because Winn Dixie)features illustrations by Newberry Medalist Harry Bliss.  Laugh along as you meet the adventures of a chicken who is not afraid to fly!  For ages 4-8.  To be released October 1.

3.  Madeline and the Cats of Roam- Written by the grandson of Madeline’s creator, Ludwig Bemelmans writes the first all-new Madeline book in over 50 years!  For ages 6-8 ( 48 pages).

           4.  Eve of Emperor Penguin-    The Magic Treehouse series by Mary Pope Osborne continues in Antarctica!  For ages 8-12 years, 128 pages!  To be released September 23.

 5.  Thump, Quack,Moo:  A Whacky Adventure-  Doreen Cronin ( author of Click, Clack, Moo) writes another hilarious, adorable picture book for kids of all ages!  42 pages.   

      After a three year leave of absence, I will be returning to teaching in just a week!  Three years ago, I was expecting my second child, and had never sold on-line!  Now, I have three children, a step-daughter, and have three on-line stores and sell and market my stores everyday!  Now, I consider all moms to be work-at-home moms, but about two years ago, I joined the many other moms who opened their own on-line selling business, and became a WAHM.  This new venture in my life is exciting, but I’m also wondering about the adjustment.  I will be working part time and will have my afternoons and evenings.  How will I ever keep up with my daily household chores, responsibilities, and business tasks?

     I take my business very seriously and dream of making it “big”!  Doesn’t every entrepreneur?  It’s not just about making money;  I have no desire to be rich, just to make a comfortable living from my home business.  It is satisfying to create and build a business and watch it grow!  Working at home has allowed me to be home with my young children where I set my own work hours and schedule.  I have had such flexibility in my days since I very rarely have a schedule that isn’t set by me or my babies!! 

      Selling on-line has opened up a whole new world for me where I have learned an incredible amount about photography, forums, social networking sites, SEO, marketing, and customer service, just to name a few.  Three years ago I did not even own a digital camera!  I have enjoyed the artistic side to selling on-line, with creating and writing listings, creating Squidoo lenses, and of course blogging!

     Now, I am preparing to go back to teaching and wonder how other moms have made the adjustment to returning to work, while continuing to run and grow their home business.  What tips and advice do you have?  Can you share anything from your own experience?  I would love to hear your ideas!  They would not only help me, but other moms as well!

     After a long hiatus, the Mommy Auctions Featured Store is back on the blog!  Each month, a new store will be chosen randomly from those that have been nominated on the Mommy Auctions Forum ( you can also nominate yourself!).  See this thread for more information:  http://www.mommyauctions.com/community/showthread.php?t=7174

     This month’s featured store in From Our Dresser To Yours ,owned by Reen.  I recently asked her a few questions to learn more about her and her store.

Tell us a little about yourself:   My name is Rena, but my friends call me Reen.  I grew up in Western WA state.  Two and half years ago my husband and I moved in-land and enjoy life on the prairie.  We started our family eleven years into our marriage and wouldn’t have it any other way.  Our children our almost  11 and 8 years old, a son and daughter respectively.

How long have you been selling on-line?  I started buying on-line about six years ago when my family was looking for a new vehicle.  After a few years of buying, I decided to begin selling and trading on-line since it seemed like a great way to save a ton of money on our children’s clothing and for our home school items, gifts, and our own wardrobes as well.

How long have you been selling on Mommy Auctions?  About six months ago, I was looking for potential customers’ needs and Googled a particular Gymboree line.  Lo and behold, I found someone who had placed a want ad at Mommy Auctions!  This was perfect timing because the other site where I was selling had staggering fees.  Mommy Auctions soon became the solution, the place to buy on-line every time!

What is the best thing you like about Mommy Auctions?  I have met women who have now become friends for a lifetime.  These are the kind of people you can trust.  This is a fabulous mommy community!  Plus, at Mommy Auctions, there is only a small fee charged when your items sells;  how refreshing!  The owner, Sam, is a one in a million kind of gal!  We all love her like family and we feel like family here!

Tell us about your store:    I set up our little store, From Our Dresser To Yours, bought business cards and postcards, had WAHM Designs ( another Mommy Auctions seller!) create a logo for me, and I was all set!  We provide gently used designer clothing from Gymboree, Gap, Old Navy, The Children’s Place, and other great quality clothing.  Some of our clothing is new with tags.  We accept Revolution Money Exchange (R.M.E.), PayPal, and Google Checkout.  We ship items using exact weight, size, and location without handling fees.  Even though we have a hobby level business, it has become much more than that.  Mommy Auctions is a loving, caring, and friendly place to visit.  Please visit us soon!  We would love to help you get started shopping or setting up your own store!

Thanks, Reen, for sharing about yourself and your store!  Please visit From Our Dresser To Yours for outstanding bargains, quality items, and friendly customer service!!

http://www.mommyauctions.com/shop.php?user_id=2521