Childrens, Teens, Maternity Consignment Sales Event Blog

We've Grown!

Leslie Meade — 2011-04-22

Just Between Friends has grown and so has our blog! We invite you to visit us at www.JBFSaleBlog.com. Discover parenting tips, recipes, JBF franchise news, product reviews, giveaways and more.

Tips for Morning Sickness Relief

Shannon Wilburn — 2011-04-20

TIPS FOR DRUG-FREE MORNING SICKNESS RELIEF

Psi Bands (www.psibands.com) were invented by two moms who were sick of the morning sickness they had to endure during their pregnancies. Many sources estimate that 80% of pregnant women experience the dreaded “morning sickness” --itself a misnomer, as anyone who has suffered through it can tell you that the nausea can last all day.

At Psi Bands we believe strongly in the use of wrist acupressure to relieve nausea for the following reasons:

• Numerous scientific studies support the use of wrist acupressure to relieve nausea.
• It’s easy to implement – simply place a Psi Band on each wrist.
• It is drug-free so it won’t harm your fetus or interfere with other medications.

Psi Bands are uniquely:

• fully adjustable around the wrist and at the acupressure point;
• waterproof – no more soggy wristbands so you can wear them in the shower; and
• fashionable – available in five fun different designs.
In addition to wrist acupressure to quell the queasies, following are some complementary drug-free tips we have come across:
• Try ginger. It can be found as a powder in a capsule, grated fresh into hot water for tea, in syrup, or even as a sucking candy.
• Cold fluids and solids like ice chips, popsicles, frozen grapes, etc. may provide relief and help take away the metallic taste in the mouth.
• Try not to eat too much at a time, but also avoid an empty stomach. Eat several small meals every day instead of large meals and try to incorporate protein into every meal.
• For morning nausea, keep a small snack (like crackers) right next to your bed and eat a bit before rising. Allow a few minutes for the snack to digest, then get out of bed slowly.
• Stay hydrated. Try a sports hydration drink, as well as water, broth, or juice.
• Get lots of rest. Stress and fatigue can make morning sickness worse.

We are not medical professionals, so contact your health professional if symptoms persist.

source: http://www.webmd.com/baby/managing-morning-sickness

Where to Buy and Newsletter sign up: http://www.psibands.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/psibands
Twitter: @psibands

Top 5 Tips for Successful Children's Consignment

Shannon Wilburn — 2011-04-15

Top Five Tips For Successful Children’s Consignment

As soon as your kids have outgrown or are no longer using items, resell them. Like everything else, clothes, toys, equipment, etc. lose their value over time.
Learn how to get out stains. Magic Erasers are great for plastic toys. Goo-Gone is super for stains. Tide Stain Pens are handy for your purse or diaper bag.
Don’t procrastinate when it comes to tagging. Everyone is busy, but moms who tag throughout the year are the ones who receive consignor checks for hundreds if not thousands of dollars each season.
Look for great deals and share those with other local moms. A bargain is a bargain. If you find an excellent garage or clearance sale, purchase items for resale and you’ll earn some extra money for just being in the right place at the right time.
Talk about saving money with other moms. Moms are smart. Talk to your friends and neighbors about ways you’ve found to save/make money and learn what they are doing to help increase their family’s bottom line.

Just Between Friends

Leslie Meade — 2011-04-13

Just Between Friends April Training is in process in Tulsa, OK!! Welcome new franchisees!!!

5 Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half

Shannon Wilburn — 2011-03-25

Top 5 Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half
by Sarah Roe, Money Saving Queen

"Just Between Friends is all about helping families save money. We have asked our friend, Sarah Roe, Money Saving Queen to give you some tips about saving money on your groceries"-Shannon Wilburn

Everyone is searching for the best way to save especially with rising gas prices and pay cuts. Did you know by learning the strategy of couponing, you can literally cut your grocery bill by 50% or more? It’s easy and it does not take hours and hours of work. Here are my top 5 ways to cut your grocery bill in half:

1. Get Coupons: Companies send out billions of dollars in coupons every single year, you just have to find them. Pick up your Sunday newspaper, visit MoneySavingQueen.com and print coupons online. You can also log onto your favorite manufacturers website and sign up for newsletters full of coupons. One of my favorite ways to get coupons for products I actually use is to call the company directly. Let them know you appreciate them and are looking for a way to save money.

2. Timing: It’s all about timing. Rather than rushing out the day you find the coupons to grab the products, wait for them to go on sale and then use your coupon. Combining a coupon with a sale will always land you the best price.

3. Shop Around: Don’t assume the store you shop at every week is the best store for deals, even if they tell you it is. Remember, every store wants you to shop there, and they will pull out their best marketing tactics to get you in the door. Did you know many stores double or even triple coupons? Many stores now offer store coupons as well. Do your research and find out the coupon policies of the stores in your area.

4. Stockpile: When you get your items for the lowest price possible-maybe even free-that is the time to stock up! That doesn’t mean you have to purchase enough for the next 10 years, simply stock up until it goes on sale again. This also means you will need to have multiple sets of coupons, so pick up an extra paper or visit MoneySavingQueen.com and learn how to purchase coupons online.

5. Organize: Take time each week to organize your coupons and sales ads, and plan your trip. In less than one hour a week, you may save $100 or more! Plan your menu each week around coupons, sales and your stockpile.

Saving money is easy-especially when you shop smart! Taking the time to gather coupons, plan your trip for the right time, and shop at the right store will save you hundreds of dollars a month! And it doesn’t take you away from your family. Get the kids on board with savings too, you will find smart shopping is an exciting way to keep your money in your pocket!

You can find Sarah Roe, Money Saving Queen, on MoneySavingQueen.com. MoneySavingQueen.com offers daily hot deals, coupon matchups to area stores, money saving forums and much more. Sarah Roe is also the author of The Power of Coupons: 13 Ways to Save.

Mom Lingerie

Shannon Wilburn — 2011-02-14

Mom Lingerie

So...I'm not sure if I should tell this story or not as I don't have permission from my hubby. Maybe he will not mind that I am telling the world these things (that's my hope anyway). Also hoping the Elders at our church don't mind that I talk about these things either...since today he is gainfully employed as the Senior Minister at Park Plaza church of Christ...and I would like it to stay that way.

So..if you follow this blog at all..you know that I have been married for 20 years. I have to say that my husband is a romantic. I have no idea what we are doing tonight, but since it's Valentines...I know that he has plans. All I know is that I am supposed to be ready to go out at 6:45 tonight. He wants me to be surprised...(I hope it's sushi!)

Mitch has been, since we dated, a great note writer. He is a great communicator in person and in writing. He just makes you feel special when he writes you a note. On any given no frills day, I might find a note propped up on the bathroom mirror when I wake up...just a note to start my day right.

He is also great with surprises. One Valentines day (years ago) I came home to a house with no kids and he had rose petals all over the house and had even done some chocolate covered strawberries on his own.

Now that you know what he is good at...I'm going to tell you one place where he could use some help. Lingerie shopping!

For years, I had told him that I would love love love it if he would pick out something for me at Victoria's Secret. Any time we would be at the mall together and I would say..."I need to run in VS to grab something" he would conveniently need to go book shopping or sock shopping in another store. He absolutely hates going in VS. I guess since he is a minister...he feels very awkward being in a lingerie store...he is afraid someone might see him. :) If I am lucky....I get a Victoria Secret Gift Certificate so I can go shopping on my own.

A couple of weeks before Christmas, several years ago, Mitch walked in the door with a big pink VS Bag! I was stunned. I went on and on about how proud I was of him actually purchasing something in the store! (in hopes that this might become a habit) He had a big smile on his face. Another thing about Mitch is that he doesn't like to wait. When he has a surprise...he really wants you to guess what it is....or asks if you want it early as he enjoys the giving as much as I enjoy the getting! LOL.

This occassion was no different. He wanted me to open it that night. So...we sat down together, me...oozing with excitement as I opened the pink box to see what treasure lie inside. What I found inside was the biggest - white - terry cloth - robe that you have ever seen! Not some slinky something....not some barely there item....but the complete opposite!

He looked at me and explained with nervous excitement..."Shannon...I went in there and the VS sales lady came up to me and asked if she could help me and I said yes...her next question was...what size is she? And I didn't have a clue! So I just looked over and saw those robes and thought....I want to get the thing that will cover you the most and doesn't have to be size specific!"

I couldn't stop laughing as I pictured him in there nervously trying to find me something....LOL. It still makes me smile!

So, ladies..on this Valentines Day..here is my advice: Send your men with sizes. I'm hoping for something in my size tonight!

Happy Valentines Day,

Shannon

Spring Cleaning

Shannon Wilburn — 2011-02-14

Smart Moms Use Snow and Cold Days to do Spring Cleaning
Originally published on ConsignmentMommies.com

Hundreds of thousands of American moms across the United States are using this cold weather and unexpected snow days to clean out, organize and prepare their gently-used, outgrown and unused maternity and children’s items so they can cash in at an upcoming spring children’s consignment sales event. From strollers to Sketchers, from Gymboree to Johnny Jump-Ups, and from Little Tikes to Little People, children’s consignment events’ offer families the opportunity to buy and sell what their children need for next warmer weather. (and we could all use some sunny thoughts right now.

Getting my Spark & Hustle

Shannon Wilburn — 2011-02-07

Getting my Spark & Hustle

So, I have to admit, after being in business since 1997, I thought I had a pretty good idea of most things "business". However, after attending the first of 8 nationwide Spark & Hustle Conferences in Los Angeles this past week...I found out that I wasn't all that smart. I was overwhelmed with all the real world knowledge and tactics that I learned to take Just Between Friends to the next level.

I wanted to share some of my insights from last week and hope that it will encourage you to , as Tory Johnson says, "It's about the DOing and ACTing, not just the planning."

First off...the line up of speakers was amazing...not sure how I got to be a part, but I am amazed at these smart women (and a couple of men) and how they have turned their passions into profit.

Jessica Herrin, founder of Stella & Dot, is a serial entrepreneur and is currently leading a 100 million dollar company (that she hopes will be a billion dollar company).

Meet our Newest Franchisees!

Leslie Meade — 2011-01-19

We are so excited that these 9 franchisees will host their first sale this SPRING!!

Really? That's a Tradition?

Shannon Wilburn — 2010-12-10

Really? That's a Tradition?

So...have you seen the commercial that came out recently for the new Windows Phone where the only word that they use is "really?". If not, you can join the almost 2 million people to watch this video on YouTube below.

Windows Phone Commerical on YouTube

Recently, after seeing this commercial (my hubby thinks that this is the best commercial he has seen in a long time)....it made me think of things in my own life that make me say "Really?" For those of you who don't get the obvious sarcasm in this one word..you are REALLY missing out. This one word, when said appropriately means, "What in the world are you thinking?" or "I seriously cannot believe that you are doing that!", and it might even be on the same level as an eye roll.

Several years ago, my mom started a tradition of giving all the girls in our family (me, my twin sis, my cousin Amanda, my Aunt Sue, my grandmother Nannie) something alike at Christmas time. One year we all got crazy socks. Of course, we had to take a picture. A couple of years later, she got us all funny houseshoes...and we did the picture standing in a row showing off our houseshoes. Then, one year after I was married and my hubby had joined the fam....we gathered on Christmas Eve and my mom brought out the crazy "gift" so we could continue the tradition.

Much to our surprise...she opened the bag to show us our "matching gifts"...Animal noses! I can hardly even write about it without laughing out loud. I am talking pig noses, elephant noses and more...the kind that has an elastic band so you can stretch it around your head and look like an idiot. Well..I wasn't about to let this wonderful tradition pass us by and figured I had better get my husband in on the action. "Put that pig nose on honey! It's time for a photo opp!" It was his turn to say that magic word, "Really?"

I have paid for that mistake for the last 19 years....as every Christmas, I am reminded..."Do you remember the animal noses?" He jokes that he thought it was an initiation into the family..."Put on your animal nose and let's get a picture."...."Really?"

(I'm trying to find a copy of the picture so you can share in our humiliation)

Seriously, though....traditions are something that someone told me a long time ago make your family stronger. I used to get worried when the kids were little that I wasn't planning and manufacturing enough traditions in our family. Then, not too long ago, I realized that we had many traditions that had grown organically in the Wilburn family...not because I had this master plan, but because they just made sense.

If I were to take some of these things away, now, then my family would be asking ME the question...."Really?"...because they have become a tradition. Things like spending Christmas in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area with family, Sunday morning donuts from Anne's Daylight Donuts in Tulsa (61st and Sheridan) (ooooh so yummy, I might add), Tuesday morning breakfast with dad at Chick Fil-A, getting Hallmark Ornaments from Mitch (dad and hubby) the Saturday before Thanksgiving, beach vacations and more. These weren't things that we set out to do 20 years ago and make a "tradition"....but if we missed any one of these things now...there would be major push back.

I am wondering what traditions, crazy or not, that your family has shared over the years. Please take a minute to make a comment and let us all in on what "Tradition" means to you.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Shannon

Precious Preemies

Shannon Wilburn — 2010-10-07

Update to Precious Preemies

12/31/10
Just wanted to send out an update via video on these two precious babies, who, by the grace of God, are doing great.
http://www.vimeo.com/18266090

Precious Preemies

10/07/10
So..some of you know that my family had an opportunity this past summer to visit Niterio, Brazil, a suburb of Rio. We went there on a mission trip called Let's Start Talking where we taught English using the book of Luke. The primary language in Brazil is Portugeuse, but there are many many people there that want to learn English.

We worked with an amazing team of Missionaires there...all of them young couples getting ready to start a family. We previously knew one of the couples because they were our youth interns back in the day...they started dating after the summer that they interned at our church..ended up getting married and going into the mission field.

On our first day in Niteroi this past June, Wes and Carrie announced to our team of 6 that they were pregnant...with not one, but two babies...TWINS! (That's them on the left in the picture.) We couldn't have been more excited. They were due in December. The hospitals in Rio are top notch and Carrie loves her doctor there.

Earlier this week, my husband called me to tell me that he had just gotten off the phone with Wes and the babies were born a few hours earlier...at 27 weeks premature. We were told that they needed lots of prayers. Their names are Graham and Gibson Gotcher. As I write this they are 4 days old and not quite out of the woods. I just watched an 8 minute video that their dad put together and wanted to share it with you.

In my 40 years..I have not been up close and personal to a premature birth and the miracle that these tiny babies are. However, I did figure that some of our readers have been through something like this and might have some encouragement for these new parents. Wes and Carrie are suprisingly upbeat and we know that positive attitude is a testimony to their faith.

If you take the time to watch the video...be sure to watch it all the way to the end....that is their mom, Carrie, singing...get out the hanky!

http://www.vimeo.com/15612712

Thank you Lord for the miracle of birth

Shannon

I'm Not Complaining! Milk it Babeeeeeey!

Shannon Wilburn — 2010-08-11

Okay, seriously, I’m not complaining! Milk it Babeeeeey!

This summer has been the summer of celebrations at my house! This year, July 2, to be exact…I turned 40 along with my twin sister, Tara. Our hubbies invited us to Seaside, FL in May along with our mom for a relaxing week on the beach. Okay…truth be told….we (me and my sis) actually planned the vacation ourselves and invited our hubbies and mom…like good bossy Texas girls do!

Michelle Wiginton talks about the blessings of re-gifting!

Michelle Wiginton — 2010-07-17

I love to re-gift things that I receive! Especially those beautiful expressions of love and caring that don't last long. You should try it...you'll never be sorry that you did!

Cash vs Store Credit...which is better for you?

Michelle Wiginton — 2010-07-15

Are you a die-hard traditional consignment store consignor? Why? You get paid less, don't get to shop everyone else's bargains first and there is less to pick from. JBF to the rescue!

Mothers Who Cuss

Shannon Wilburn — 2010-07-08

You guessed it....I've never been much of a cusser. Maybe because I didn't grow up around it. Hearing it most days makes me shake my head and wonder why educated, adults have to resort to cursing to get their point across. Sure...it's a social norm among most Americans to throw in the occasional curse word here or there in everyday conversation..but what I don't get is why?

This was the way I felt until about a month ago. What happened last month to make me better understand this need to throw out an explitive every once and a while? The answer: The dreaded and anticipated driver's permit.

Keep in mind that the first time I heard MY mother curse was when my twin sister (sorry Tara) was at the wheel at 15 years of age driving down a neighborhood street and came within millimeters of ramming the passenger's side (where my mother was sitting) into a delivery truck. It was a word that I had never heard come out of my mothers mouth. When she yelled that word...that memory was engrained in my mind forever. (Okay..that may be overstating..not sure she yelled..but it makes the story better especially now that my mom is a minister).

My son got his permit and wanted to drive immediately. I remained cool, calm and collected until he started the car. My heart rate sped up...I started sweating...I was no longer in control...I was leaving my life in the hands of a 15 year old!

For those of you who have already been down this road...I may need some pointers. Every time I get in the car with him and act like everything is okay..I am silently praying the whole time that I will survive and make it to the destination intact. Are you with me? Okay..confession time....I'm a control freak. Yes..I said it. That's me alright..the one who always wants to be in control. Well...guess what, having a 15 year old driver gives you lots of opportunities to feel WAY out of control.

So...although I haven't yelled any explitives lately. I reserve the right to loose control (at least once in the next 5 months)....AND blame it on my son!

By the way, I have a great respect now for those of you who have already gone through this right of passage....any hints about making it out alive would be most appreciated! One more note...Jake really is a pretty good driver! :)

One Scared Mom,
Shannon

Did you know that product manuals mean more money when it comes to reselling your children's items?

Michelle Wiginton — 2010-06-25

If you want to get the most out of your consigned items, start with keeping your product manuals and original packaging. These things can mean extra money when it comes time to resell them!

I Hate Teenagers

Shannon Wilburn — 2010-06-05

I Hate Teenagers!

While I do not profess to be the world's greatest mom...in fact, I am far from it, I'd like to think that I know a little something about teenagers. Let me remind you that my husband was a youth minister for 14 years.

School's Almost Over and Working Moms Tremble

Shannon Wilburn — 2010-05-24

School's Almost Over as Working Moms Tremble

If you're like me, you find yourself somewhere between euphoria and utter terror when thinking of summertime. It's wonderful that the care-free (kind of) summer days promise loads of fun. Yet, when you're a working mom, you are faced with the added challenge of "What do I do about the kids this summer?" thoughts that leave you feeling a bit uneasy. I have stay-at-home mom friends who talk about hanging in there till school's out so that their chaotic schedules will come to a welcomed close. Then they share plans of sleeping in weekdays and hanging out at the pool for days on end. Ahhhh....

Michelle Wiginton talks about what to do when life is interrupted.

Michelle Wiginton — 2010-05-20

When something happens in life, you have the opportunity to make adjustments. What you do when life changes defines you...good and bad...here are some tips to go from good to great!

Everyday is Mom's Day! I wish...

Daven Tackett — 2010-05-15

Mother's Day, a celebration!

I wish everyday were Mother's Day. It feels very nice to be apprecitated for raising children for 1 day out of the 365 days that we do it. It's the other 364 days that are hit and miss.

I am stepping into a new mothering realm, with my oldest child turning 18. I can see now that she will always be my baby. As much as I still want to "do" for her, it is now her turn to "do" for herself, and I have to allow it.

This poem says it all:

Words from a Mother's Heart

I have given you life, but cannot live it for you.

I have taught you much, but cannot make you learn.

I have given you directions, but cannot be there to lead you.

I have allowed your freedom, but cannot account for it.

I have taken you to church, but cannot make you believe.

I have taught you right from wrong, but cannot decide for you.

I have given you love, but cannot force it upon you.

I have taought you to share, but cannot make you unselfish.

I have taught you respect, but cannot force you to show honor.

I have advised you about friends, but cannot choose them for you.

I have advised you about sex, but cannot keep you pure.

I have taught you the fact of life, but can not build your reputaion.

I have told you about drinking , but cannot say no for you.

I have warned you about drugs, but cannot prevent you from using them.

I have taught you about kindness, but cannot force you to be gracious.

I have warned you about sin, but cannot make you moral.

I have loved you as a child, but cannot make you walk with God.

I have taught you about Jesus, but cannot make Jesus your Lord.

I have taught you about life, but cannot give you eternal life.

I love you.

Anonymous

For all the moms, say a pray for your children today!

Daven