Sell/Buy Used Kids Clothing & Toys: Local Options

Guest Blogger: Linda Scruggs 
RN, BSN
Linda offers fertility and pregnancy wellness services at www.MOMtility.com and is a mom to a 4-year-old and 1-year-old in Lynbrook.  On Twitter: @MOMtility. On Facebook: MOMtility


Sell/Buy Used Kids Clothing & Toys: Local Options
I am on a continuous and often unsuccessful quest to de-clutter my home.  Between my 4-year-old son and my 1-year-old daughter, I seem to be failing miserably.  At night, I sometimes look over at the large pile of toys that have acquired a large corner in my living room and see those toys all staring back at me.  I swear it is as if the toys are taunting me - sitting there in an "organized pile".  I know deep down an organized pile is an oxymoron, so I decided to take action! 

I often donate, but this time I decided to try some local shops that sell and buy gently used kids clothing and toys.  Along with some pieces of clothing that were in excellent, like-new condition with no stains, I also managed to grab some toys that were no longer being used.  I have tried each of the stores listed below multiple times and present my overall experience for each. 

Once Upon A Child (Seaford)
The location in Seaford is very busy.  Each time I have sold items, I have signed my name into a book and had a wait between 10 - 35 minutes.  While waiting to see what items they would accept to buy, I have looked around to see what they are selling.  The store itself is overstuffed.  The clothing racks are organized, but very full.  The larger toys (ride-on, push toys, exersaucers) are sitting up high on a top shelf above the clothing.  It was not an issue to see them but you have to ask a store clerk for help to get the item down to really get a good look at it. 

Positives:
+ I purchased a used Fisher Price Learning Home toy for $35.00 (retails for $89.99) in perfect condition.  The items they sell are priced very reasonably and you can really get a great deal even on an exersaucer or stroller.  They have a very large selection of items.
+ Great selection of books can be found and are priced at $1.50...a huge savings from buying them new at Barnes & Noble or at Target. 
+ Quick turnaround: if you want something and don't see it one day, there is a good chance it will be there if you frequently go back.
+ I have called the store in advance looking for a specific item (so I didn't waste a trip) and they were very helpful and willing to hold it for me until later in the day.
+ Most of my items have been accepted for purchase including baby shoes.

Negatives:
- The price they pay for your item is not much.  I had brought a brand-new Under Armor track suit with tags and they offered $4.50 for it.  I decided to keep it instead.  You'll be disappointed if you expect more than about $3.00 - $5.00 per item you sell.  On the flip side, I have purchased many used toys in excellent condition for $4.00 and up. 
- The store is cluttered and you will likely have to wait to be helped.

Marshmallow Kids located in Mineola
A smaller selection than Once Upon A Child, but very clean, organized, and not crowded.  The owner has been extremely nice each time I have visited.  It is more relaxed and in my experience, she judges the items she accepts carefully. 
+ Clothing is organized, well-priced, and a very good selection without having to search through messy racks. 
+ Low-key store with friendly owner and very well-maintained. 
+ Less is more.  All items appeared to be in good condition and you can find what you are looking for without having to wait.
- Parking can be a little tricky (metered).
- Not a huge selection so if you are looking for a particular item, you may have better luck elsewhere.

Kidz Stuff 
I have visited this store the same amount of times as the other two listed above.  Each time I have found the store to have many items, but quality can really vary.  The owner has been nice, but the store is the least organized of the 3 I have mentioned.
+It is in Valley Stream, it is local!
+Items that likely would not be accepted elsewhere depending on the condition, may be accepted here.
+ Items are priced very reasonable.
- Pieces you bring in will be bought at a very low price. I sold a brand-new baby tub and received $2.00.  $2.00?!
- Parking can a little difficult.
- The store and items could probably benefit from a cleaning.  I came across a few items I was interested in but the condition was not gently used but very used. 

Is it worth it? If you are looking to clear out some space and/or buy some items, it is worth a shot.  I have had great luck buying used toys and have saved A LOT of money that way.  As far as selling items, I think I still prefer to donate. :)

Anne Geddes Launches New Book "my Pregnancy: A Woman's Story"

 

Anne Geddes introduces her captivating new pregnancy project my Pregnancy: A Woman's Story. 

 my Pregnancy is a high-quality collectible magazine featuring women’s intimate and emotional stories recounting their pregnancies and births, accompanied by Anne’s beautiful imagery of the women and selected   elements of nature that bring forth new life, exploring echoing themes  of mystery and loveliness.

On April 28th in Manhattan, the world renowned photographer Anne Geddes – known for her iconic and captivating images of newborn babies – made a rare U.S. appearance where she launched and released the inaugural issue of the U.S. edition of a magazine catering to pregnant woman and featuring their interesting stories as they enter motherhood.  The magazine my Pregnancy: A Woman's Story, available for $14.95, is in partnership with Destination Maternity® and will be sold exclusively at Destination Maternity stores – namely at Motherhood Maternity® and A Pea in the Pod®.   Anne Geddes combines her incredible photography with nine women’s intimate and emotional interviews about their pregnancies, the births of their babies, and beyond.  Anne draws inspiration from nature’s beauty in photographing these resilient and interesting women.

Guest Blogger Fatimah Gilliam with Anne Geddes

One of the more special parts of the event was having the opportunity to speak with Anne personally and discuss the featured women, how she came to photograph them, and her motivations for taking on this project.  Anne is passionate about capturing the beauty and promise of pregnancy and sharing women’s stories – the positive and negative sides of pregnancy and motherhood.  In this unique magazine, she hopes to bring to light the truly universal story of motherhood.  

Anne, surprisingly a native of Australia, walked me through the lives of each of these nine women.  There’s Sonia who struggled with her ticking biological clock, Gina who was diagnosed with breast cancer days after learning of her pregnancy, and Rachel whose child was stillborn days after being photographed but had the strength to remain a part of this project since losing a child is a part of pregnancy for many women.  There’s also a fascinating story about three triplets who all got pregnant within a few weeks of each other, Kaiya who is a teen mother, and Candice who thought she couldn’t have children and unexpectedly got pregnant.  To learn more about these women and the others…maybe you should buy the magazine?

There is diversity in the stories – women from various walks of life and with unique experiences – yet all connected by this human experience that links all of us.  We all have mothers…someone gave birth to us…and many of us will become parents.  While this magazine focuses on women’s experiences through pregnancy, it also offers an interesting lens into the process of being pregnant that male partners and family members might find helpful and intriguing. 

On multiple levels, I recommend this magazine.  The artwork is captivating, and the glimpse into these women’s lives is compelling.  As someone who has been passionate about photography for many years, it was a great honor and joy to meet Anne.  But what I loved most about attending this event was getting to speak with her personally and see how down-to-earth, approachable, and genuine she is.  It was great to get the perspective of the artist behind the work. 

The collectible magazines will come out every four months.  I recommend you start collecting them.  They’re worth keeping and perusing again and again.

About my Pregnancy: A Woman’s Story:

The U.S. edition of my Pregnancy: A Woman’s Story is the continuation of Anne's my Pregnancy project, which debuted to acclaim in Australia in 2011 and was the result of over two years of her passionate work with pregnant women, whose rich and diverse narratives are heartwarming, courageous, and compelling. Beginning April 25, 2012, my Pregnancy will be sold in North America for the first time, exclusively at the 578 Destination Maternity, A Pea in the Pod, and Motherhood Maternity stores in the United States and Canada, and online at www.destinationmaternity.com, www.apeainthepod.com and www.motherhood.com.  Chris Daniel, President of Destination Maternity Corporation officially welcomed Anne Geddes into the DM store and launched this new and innovative magazine and Anne's

partnership with DM stores.

*****************************

 

Guest Blogger Profile: Fatimah Gilliam, a family friend and native Californian, is an amazing photographer and showcases her talents on her annual Christmas cards which we love to receive, is the head of Finance and Fundraising at a humanitarian agency. She holds a Master of Public Policy from Harvard and a J.D. from Columbia Law School. She has run multiple marathons and loves fashion.

Follow Valley Stream Mom on Facebook or on Twitter @valleystreammom.

Making the Transition into Motherhood

Guest Blogger: Katie Moore

Transitioning into motherhood starts from the moment a woman finds out that she is pregnant.  There are a lot of variables that will influence a woman’s transition into one of the most thrilling events in her life and planning ahead for the variables will make the change joyful and simple.

A woman’s expectations about motherhood are usually formed and based on personal experiences that start with the way she was raised, experiences encountered during babysitting jobs, on books she has read about parenting, or by watching the way friends and relatives parent their children. These experiences will have formed an impression on her as to what it will mean to become a mother.

To become educated on what to expect during labor and delivery, as well as how to prepare for the first weeks following delivery, an expecting mother can take one or more childbirth classes. There are classes offered at hospital and birthing facilities to learn about the delivery process, pain management choices and optional procedures like cord blood banking. Umbilical cord blood banking involves the collection and storage of cord blood for potential use as a treatment option
against medical diseases. Classes that teach natural benefits are also offered to teach Lamaze, meditation and yoga. Specialty classes, like breastfeeding classes, will help a mother with a specific task.

Many new mothers erroneously think that motherhood will be like when they played with dolls as children.  One new mother said that she was surprised to learn that babies come into this world with a mind of their own, as to when they want to be held, when they are hungry, when they need their diapers changed, and when they are willing to go to sleep.  She said she did not realize how much time she had to spend caring for her baby.

To be ready to give a baby all the care and love that he will need, a mother can prepare her home ahead of time as well. Some mothers will set up a room as a nursery for the baby or will choose to keep him closer to her in her bedroom. Having a safe crib for baby is the most important part of the nursery; having the baby sleep in the crib without any blankets or objects is a great preventative step against SIDS. Having extras like a changing table, rocking chair for feedings and even a dresser for baby clothes and supplies will help further organize baby’s space.

In the first days and weeks following the arrival of a newborn, mothers will learn that any thoughts of scheduling baby are idealistic thoughts; it takes time for babies to adjust to a normal sleeping schedule. A mother should plan to sleep when baby sleeps to continue to feel rested. It is a tough adjustment but recovery will be quicker for mother if she remembers to take care of herself as well as she takes care of baby.

Sometimes, a new mother will experience some mild depression colloquially, known as the “baby blues”, from the hormonal changes that her body is going through. It is important to spot warning signs of the baby blues and consult a doctor for help if a mother starts to have more dangerous thoughts and feelings. 

Nothing can truly prepare a woman for the arrival of a baby who will impact every aspect of her life.  Being flexible and “going with the flow” will be the best approach because life will become unpredictable. Since the beginning of time, women have been making the transition into motherhood and a woman should let her natural maternal instinct be her guide through the process.

This article was written by Katie Moore. Katie is an active writer within the blogging community who discusses maternity, motherhood, prenatal health, childbirth and other topics within this niche.  If you have any questions or would like to connect with Katie please contact by visiting her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter @moorekm26.

Follow Valley Stream Mom on Facebook or on Twitter @valleystreammom. 

South High School Celebrates L.O.T.E. Week

Guest Blogger: Imani T. Johnson, 9th Grade - South High School

Valley Stream South High School kicked off its annual Foreign Language Week March 5th.  Foreign Language week is hosted by the L.O.T.E (Languages Other Than English) Department.    The teachers, students and staff feel that it’s a week to learn about other cultures and the importance of diversity and tolerance.  As a student at South High School, I feel the school is very culturally diverse; although we see different people from various cultures everyday, we never get to understand or learn about the cultures.

The week started off with a performance of Flamenco Dancing from Andalusia in southern Spain, noted for its energetic, staccato style.  The dancers came fully dressed in tribal attire and performed a traditional dance for students and staff.   In L.O.T.E classes the students took a series of international cultures trivia quizzes.  In addition, some classes got the opportunity to listen to foreign music from different cultures. 

The week ended with everyone’s’ favorite “Food Day” J.  The students were encouraged to bring in different types of food from their native culture for their class to try, this included desserts, drinks, and of course food.

Foreign Language Week was a wonderful experience and I can’t wait for future years.

Memorial Junior High School celebrates LOTE Week this week.

Follow Valley Stream Mom on Facebook or on Twitter @valleystreammom.

Guest Blogger: Keelie Sheridan

From time to time, I will be sharing posts from a fellow blogger and friend, Keelie Sheridan.  She and I met years ago after she won the Miss Brooklyn Scholarship Pageant, official preliminary to Miss New York/Miss America when I was the Executive Director in 2009.  She was an absolute joy to work with and made my job as her director sooooo easy.  Her resume is amazing and includes being an actor, dancer, writer, teaching artist, MFA Acting student and athlete. 

She recently started the blog Sweat=Success and has whipped herself into shape by running, yoga, kettle bells, and entering Tough Mudder contests.  She is a newlywed and married her sweetheart Joe Kurtz, also an actor, and they are both simply a fun and loving couple.  Their wedding theme was Old Hollywood and included a special handshake just before the kiss.  In all my life, I have never seen anything like that but it looks like they will have a fun marriage.

Please welcome Keelie Sheridan who will occasionally contribute to ValleyStreamMom.com.  She is an amazing writer and often writes on the importance of the arts and health issues relating to children. She is the Artistic Director and Creator of Building Blocks - a dramatic-arts program for special needs students ages 4-7. Responsibilities include developing adaptable curriculum suitable for the needs of 4-7 year old students with 2-5 year old functioning levels, integrating dramatic arts into existing curriculum and planning a culminating event for participating students.

Please welcome Keelie Sheridan!