It seems every year that kids grow faster, styles change, and the cost of clothing keeps going up. Even more so this year. Here’s a site to cut the cost of your Back-to-School Bill, plus sell those items that the children have outgrown.

Just Between Friends® is a site for consignors of gently used maternity, children and baby clothes, furniture and equipment. You can pack up your items for sale, locate a sale in your area, and drop them off plus get a chance to shop the presale. These sales are usually located in a metropolitan area. If your area currently does not offer this service, consider becoming a franchisee yourself.

In Minnesota, event days include Maple Grove on August 21-23rd, Edina-September 11-13th, and Egan-October 3rd-4th. Plus, each sale supports non-profit charities.

Well, the Harry Potter series has ended, or has it? Just when you think that you won’t get your children to read another book along comes J.K. Rowling to save the day with The Tales of Beedle the Bard. t It contains all 5 wizardry tales left to Hermione from Dumbledore in the final book of the Harry Potter Series.

This new and next bestseller will be released December 4, 2008 and can be pre-ordered now at Barnes & Noble for $8.44+sh online price.

Although retailers are looking toward Fall, there is still a lot of summer left and for bargain hunters now is the time to pick-up summer bargains for now and next year. This is one of the times in the year that Markdown Mom shops heavily for seasonal bargains. Online, in-store, and special retailer events like Sidewalk Sale Days at your local mall and downtown areas as well, are opportunities to stretch your shopping dollar.

Steal: Target® has as great faux leather storage ottoman that last year retailed close to $100, so when they advertise this storage ottoman in brown or black as their “lowest price of the season” that’s the truth-steal priced at $59.00!

Steal: KMart® has their Soho® clogs [for those who want an inexpensive knock-off of Crocs], at 50% off, steal price $4.99. Plus for juniors check out the sale on Piper & Blue Graphic Tees at $9.99.

Steal: J.Crew has an extra 20% off their final sale. Use promo code: EXTRA 20, ends Friday, July 25,2008. Want a romantic look, check the Sadie silk faille dress, regular and petite sizes, in 5 lovely colors, reg.$295, now steal price $99-20%=$70 approx. Sale includes men, women, boys and girls apparel and accessories.

Steal: Burlington Coat Factory in-store is having a 60% off clearance sale. Selection of winter coats 50%-60% off. Summer skirts, graphic tees, reg. $20, steal priced at $6. Jeans 50% off.

It’s less than a fortnight since the first day of summer.  What can Markdown Mom be thinking with this Wednesday Steal of Cashmere?  Well, consider this, MDM is not the only one looking ahead.  Target® has already begun to put out it’s college dorm and back-to-school merchandise.  So, it’s not too early to think about the next season or two and it’s never too early to get a bargain.  Now is the time to look for those markdowns on last winter’s boots and cashmere, including coats, sweaters, robes, and so forth. 

 Lands’ End Overstocks has up to 50% off their cashmere inventory.  Cashmere for children, men and women in popular colors. 

One designer has stated that a ‘must have’ in any woman’s wardrobe should be a cashmere cardigan.  Classic style in a classic fabric never goes out-of-date. 

So, check out the selection–next Fall and Winter, you will be admired for your selection and good taste, and you can smile remembering the $avings from this Wednesday Steal!  Besides, you can never start your holiday shopping too early!!!

There are some hot picks out in the internet wilderness this weekend.  Markdown Mom found these bargains for your view and selection:

Lands’ End is having its’ Overstocks Blowout Sale.  MDM found a limited selection of baby items, such as onesies, reg. $7.50/blowout price $3.99, playsuit reg.$16.50/ blowout price $8.99.  Buys for the entire family, but quantities are limited.

Giaim® has an outlet sale with wonderful organic bed linens among other items.  Here’s one that a terrific green value on celery/natural reversible duvet, fl/qn or king, reg. $79.00-$109, outlet sale $23.99-$32.99.  Also shams reg.$49.00, outlet sale $13.99 and pillowcases.  Check out to be green and save those greenbacks!

Britax is known as a leader in the car seat industry  and has been sited by the Wall  Street Journal for the side impact safety of its infant car seats and strollers.  Rarely discounted, however from February 24-March 2nd, you can save up to 20% off car seats, strollers, and more from Amazon.

Right before Super Bowl Sunday, Super Tuesday, are the end-of-the month sales.  Markdown Mom found some great deals at the following retailers:

Dillard’s is taking an extra 30% off current markdowns. This is one sale you don’t want to miss, great prices on designer infant wear, women’s and men’s apparel, housewares, shoes and accessories.  Hurry selection is good right now and prices make these sale  items a steal!  Prices good through February 2nd.

Pottery Barn has gone through its’ stock and if you are looking for that extra special accessory, now is the time to shop as the selection is good.  For instance, these rustic bread boards would look great as part of the kitchen decor, reg. $39.00, steal price $19.99, plus they are clearing out the holiday remnants so be sure to browse prices up to 75% off.

Eddie Bauer ®Outlet  is having its Winter Clearance with 70% off.  Good selection and with the recent cold snap, depending upon the part of the country/world you live in, these sale items are timely like this bomber hat, reg.$39.50, steal price $19.99.  Other items include gear for men and women including diaper bags,down parkas, jackets, sweaters, shoes, accessories and so much more.

And for Super Bowl Sunday and any get-together, Lands’ End Overstocks has this copper  beverage basin, reg. $150, steal price $69.99. Hand-crafted copper with welded seams, 48 hours delivery–in time for the Super Bowl.  Wonderful decorative item that will come in handy for parties!

Markdown Chics are two, new staff members picking the "hottest" and best bargains for the high school, college, and  young career gals & guys.  Look for their latest reviews and trends in apparel, beauty, accessories, tunes and more for the teens and the "ones who can pull it off," and you know who you are! 

First stop this weekend  by the Markdown Chics is Aéropostale.  Great store for  teens transitioning into Spring.  Right now they are having an online blow out sale with an extra 20% off selected clearance.   And check out their recycle Teens for Jeans™, bring in 1 pair of gently used jeans and get 20% off a new pair of jeans, or bid on signed celeb jeans online until February 10th!

Goin’ for that layered look, then take a look at these long sleeve pointelle henleys for the first layer.  100% cotton, so it won’t pill, reg. $39.50, clearance priced at $7.99-20% off=$6.39+sh.  Comes in 5 colors, sizes xxsmall-medium.  Limited quantities.

Second layer.  Next add this babydoll top over the henley, solid man and a great price at $14.99, reg.$24.50, sizes xxs-large.

Third layer.  Hailey skinny flare trouser, reg. $39.50,  sale priced at $14.99-$19.99 sizes 00 to 17/18.  100% cotton.

Fourth layer, add a tote to carry your stuff like the Taylor Tote, reg.$32.50, sale $16.25. 

For expecting parents for 2008, this freebie is a must have for the new baby.  Babydagny™ is offering a purple frog pacifier ,valued at $16, for free.  Simply fill out the baby gift registry and e-mail it to 10 friends for your free pacifier.   You must be a resident of the United States.  The purple frog pacifier will ship in 2 to 4 weeks.

With so many recalls coming from products made in China, it’s difficult to keep up with the latest information.  However, as with everything, it is important to do your research before buying this season.  Some online sites that address the latest news on safety of toys among others is the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.  Not only is this the best site to check  the latest potentially hazardous toys, but this site encompasses other products as well as other children products, household, outdoor, sports & recreation, and specialty that includes anything from frozen carbonated beverage dispensers to computer cables. 

Another site to investigate is Toy Info. org  that provides a good background site on recalls and answers many questions and concerns parents have about the safety of toys.  Although this site is one sponsored by the toy industry, nonetheless it has a lot of important background information and list of referral sites for recall information in its "Toy Recall Info" category.  There are other online sites listed by the search engines, but  Markdown Mom found that many provided limited information, and oftentimes were a marketing device by toy vendors. 

In some parts of the country, summer never ends.  However, in the northern tier we are into the wet days of Fall.  Nonetheless, wherever you live, you won’t want to miss the steals on great sandals and flip flops on clearance at Fashion Bug©.   Shoes reg.$24.99-29.99 steal $6.98, and flip flops $7.99-$12.99, steal $1.98.   Limited sizes and quantities, so hurry!

And for all you handbag fashionistas, MDM found this Calvin Klein "Zippy" Signature tote in classic black/white combo reg.$185.00 steal $46.25 at Dillard’s©.

 Win a closet full of the most trendiest want it apparel from Sak’s Fifth Avenue©.   Contest ends October 7, 2007.  Grand prize valued at approx.$3400 and has Want It Trend package for Him & Her.  Entrants must be 18 years or older.

Remember last week’s RR Show with Lara Spencer and the cool Converse shoes?  Now MDM has found a terrific deal on these shoes for your stylish young ones at  JCPenney on sale today only reg.$30, $9.99, sizes kids 3-13M.

In the search for the fountain of youth, we are all willing to purchase products, no matter what the price, to regain that youthful appearance.  However, some of the best name brand products have a baby line that costs less and works as well, if not better.  Not just for babies anymore, these products are comparable to their adult counterparts and far cheaper.  For instance Aveeno® Baby Calming Comfort Lotion™, reg. $4.99, on sale $3.99 at drugstore.com™ contains colloidal oatmeal, a nongreasy superior moisturizer that soothes the skin not only carries a inexpensive ticket price, but at 8 oz. has more volume than comparable, pricier beauty products. 

This price and product differential extends to laundry products as well such as OxiClean Baby Stain Soaker®.  When all other solutions fail on tough stains, try soaking garment with this product (some exceptions may apply and it is always recommended to test product in an inconspicuous area).  From the manufacturer $9.99+sh for a 3.5 lb. tub. Also instore at Target™ in 1.5lb. containers.

 MDM has used these products with excellent results! 

Remember A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned!

Our society is always on the go and with daycare, our babies join in at an early stage in this race.  Industry has answered the call of bundling our small ones off to daycare with disposable paper diapers.  It is with mixed emotions that parents face this choice between being environmentally correct, and the requirement of providing disposable diapers  that most daycare providers impose.  

Disposable diapers don’t come cheap.  When MDM’s children were in diapers, and two were in diapers at the same time, coupons for disposable diapers were religiously clipped from newspapers and magazines.  Disposable diapers have their pluses:

• 1.  They are convenient especially if you are away from home and
• 2.  They cut down on diaper rash absorbing the liquid away from contact with the skin.  This is not foolproof, but seems to keep baby drier  longer.

However, there are ways to cut the cost of diapers and take a baby step toward being green.  On the days that MDM was home the disposable diapers were supplemented by cloth diapers with absorbable paper liners during the day.   Liners make clean-up easier, and so many improvements have been made to cloth diapers, liners, and underpants that they are worth a second look.   On weekends or days off, think about using cloth diapers to save $$$ and help the environment.  Plus there is the mad dash to the store when you find that you are out of disposable diapers. 

There are more choices on the market now when it comes to cloth diapers and liners.   Soft Cloth Bunz is a terrific site with all the latest in cloth diapers, diaper coversand liners, training pants, and accessories.  Plus you subscribe to their newsletter with upcoming sale promotions, discounts, and new products.   They even help with the downside of cloth diapers–the diaper smell–with products such as Diaper Buddies™.  This is a terrific idea with a dual purpose of deodorizing the diaper pail  and as  a laundry booster when diapers and diaper buddy are added to the wash.  How cool is that?  At $5.50+sh for a package of 6, both convenient and consumer friendly. 

Cloth diapers and accessories make perfect baby shower gifts for the expectant parents, ecofriendly and budget-wise for bringing up baby. 

What Was Old Is Now New-Again !

Just in time for summer vacation!  Can’t get your kids to eat their veggies?   Then try this new juice drink combining fruit and veggies and save money, too! 

Register for Healthy Harvest Surprise™ juice from

 Nestle’s Juicy Juice® and get a $1 Coupon toward your next purchase.

                                                  Click Here →

Because of lagging sales, it appears that merchants are beginning to hold their clearance sales early.  Here are a few steals MDM found:

For all those retro bargain hunters, Wal-Mart has this funky ceiling lampshade in pink and green, comes with installation kit, electric wiring, and cord cover, reg.$5/steal $2 online only.  A bit of whimsy at a fantastic price!

JCPenney© is currently holding a 4th of July Sale at their online outlet.  Bargains are worth checking out.  Today Only here is a cute corduroy jumper reg.$29.99/steal $7.99 in pink sizes 2T-4T. Cute 2 pc. outfit embellished with embroidery.  Buy for a baby shower gift–expecting parents will appreciate apparel not only for newborns for later on. 

Coldwater Creek ® is having its’ Summer Outlet Sale with price reductions of up to 70% off.  This includes apparel, accessories and more.  Looking for a perfect bridesmaid shoe or evening shoe, these silk shantung semi-dior cut heels are attractive on any foot, reg.$59/steal $29, comes in black, violet, cool aqua, pink, bright sapphire blue, light grass green (photo), sizes 6-11.

Sales Alert!!!  Kohl’s  [instore]Wednesday Sale includes 60% off and seniors can get an extra 20% off .   Some items are yellow dot 70%-80% off.  Check out Kohl’s summer shoe sale, but hurry, items are flying out the door!

If you look hard you can find some wonderful "steals" on the web:

JCPenney has been a great site this year especially for that hot look in shoes.  For instance, this Mixit® "Meredith" wedge is on Winter Sale Clearance, but easily will go forward into Spring and Summer.  MDM especially liked it in Bronze.  Comes in Bronze (limited), Black, and Natural in  Sizes 5-11 Medium, Reg.$50/Sale $9.99.

Lands’ End has some wonderful Italian wool blazers at it’s Overstocks On The Counter.  Like this wool/cashmere combination in a pinstripe in Dark Charcoal, Reg.$169.99/$30. Sizes limited 4,6,10,12.

 Dillards End of Winter Sale.   Markdowns have been further reduced by 30%.  Save on everything from Children, Womens, Men, Juniors, Shoes, Luggage, Gifts, Furniture, etc.  You cannot afford to pass this one up!

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 MDM found up to 65% off at Bloomingdale’s Sale & Values.   Wonderful men and women’s fashions including special sizes, hot leggings, shoes, accessories, and more.  Great bargains on velvets like this Calvin Kline Burn-Out Dress, Reg.$228.00/sale $78.99!  For that haute couture look at affordable prices, check out this sale!

Nordstrom has a great many selections in their 70% off sale like this junior dress in a sizes 7-13 in pale pink, plum, and gold–perfect for prom, Reg. $135/Sale for $39.90.  Now is the time to shop Nordstrom before the selection becomes limited!