Free shorts for summer...how I did it in 1 minute

You've likely seen all of the spring and summer clothes at the stores lately.  You've probably also noticed the price tag at say, Target, where they average $9.99.  If you like better brands, say Gymboree, than you'll pay $22.95 on average.  These prices don't take into account sales or coupons, but it gives you an idea.  If you're like me and like to have around 8 pairs of shorts for each child, than that runs you $80 - $184 for just 1 child.

If you're like me and prefer to shop used, than you can save some considerable cash.  You'll probably pay a max of $2.99 each pair, costing you $24 for 8 pairs.  Much more reasonable.

However, a few months ago it dawned on me that I could save even more money by re-using Baby J's knit sweats for summer shorts.  This morning I was going through all of his clothes; the stuff he's wearing currently (and making a pile to donate) and the big box of stuff I bought last summer at garage sales.  I came across 6 pairs of sweats that currently fit J around the waist, but weren't the correct length.  This is where that 1 minute of time = free shorts.  The pictures speak for themselves :)

Before

After

I'm going to do the same thing with Miss A's cotton leggings when it gets closer to spring, since she still fits into them.  These homemade shorts may not be okay for anywhere except the backyard, but I don't mind.  If you're looking to do this for your kids but don't have any leftover sweats/legging, than now is your time to shop.  The thrift stores will be full of fall/winter clothes once the weather in your area shapes up and people start buying spring/summer clothes.  If you prefer to buy new pants, the stores are clearancing their fall/winter clothes and you can score.  The thing to remember about buying pants to make into shorts is that they only need to fit around your child's waist.

What are your favorite brand(s) of shorts for kids?  How will you save money on this summer's wardrobe?

Linked up over at Raising Homemakers

Back from a trip

Hi all!  This past week I took the kiddos to visit my friend who recently moved to Salt Lake City.  We had a fun-filled week and plenty of stress at the airport.  I learned never to fly Southwest Airlines ever again because their pilots are not trained on everything.  We sat at the airport for 3 hours waiting for them to land all the while every other airline was landing and taking off.  But, I'll spare you the gory details ;)  My friend and I took the kids to a few local thrift shops (see links below) and I scored some deals on cotton PJs (for the upcoming warm weather), some swim trunks for Baby J, and plenty of short sleeved shirts.  I crammed it all in my cumbersome bag and brought it all home to wash, which is what I'm doing today.

We also hit up the Zoo and the Aquarium, which my 2 yr old adored.  She really loved the monkeys and elephants.  The attractions in SLC are much cheaper than say Seattle.  The admission to the Zoo and Aquarium were just $9/adult and 2 and under are free.  So, my friend and I got to go for $18 and we didn't pay anything for the kidlets.  As for Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo it's $11/adult.  Furthermore, for the Seattle Aquarium it's $17/adult.  Also, we didn't have to pay for parking in SLC, woot! 

The thrift stores we visited:
Thirft Town (my favorite for selection and prices, but the staff wasn't too friendly)
Deseret Industries (my second favorite, the organization was lacking, but made up for by a wonderful staff)
Kid to Kid (eh.  The prices were really high for 2nd hand and the staff seemed a little stuck on themselves)

This week's deals

Since we're trying to de-clutter, Peter Walsh says to not buying anything that isn't a need.  Well, the kids need some more long sleeve shirts because the weather isn't warming up like I thought it would.  I got all three of these for $1.14 including tax.  What a score!

I also found about a SUPER deal on Seventh Generation products from this blog I follow, Organic Deals.  They posted that Toys R Us is clearancing most/all of their 7th Gen products.  So, I called my local TRU and they said that all of the cleaning products were $1.98/each.  I got all of this + the Kiss My Face products for the same $1.98/ea.

Today's great finds

This morning my wonderful MIL came over to watch the kids for me while I ran errands.  I had to go to the bank and to the pet food store for dog food.  I happened to stop by the Salvation Army on my way b/c I was looking for a cardigan, a light jacket , some 3T sleepers, and possibly some capris/shorts.  Well, I scored all of this for $22!  It's not my best deals, but for what I got I'm MORE than thrilled!

I got a Helly Hansen fleece zip up for $3.89, for myself.  These retail anywhere from $75 - $125, SCORE!

These are Levi 542 capris that appear to be like new! $4.89 (retails for $45)

2 Carter's 3T jammies for Miss A (she really likes the sports and big trucks) $1.89/each

I hit up the $.25 rack and found these.  They'll be great diaper covers and I'll hem them into shorts when he outgrows the inseams :)

Cute 3/4 sleeve top for Moi, $1.79

The stacker in the back is Melissa & Doug, the other two are from Ikea (made in Sweden).  These came all in 1 bag and were $5.89!!!!!!!

Educo "Double Bubble" for $1.89.  Made in Canada.  

We already have about a dozen of their Anamalz and love them

So needless to say I'm so stoked with my finds.  We're now set for Jamesy's birthday tomorrow!