What does it take...

to revive the economy? Apparently only 6 women, two days, and The Children's Place (and a few other token stores). This past weekend I went on a 2 day shopping trip with some friends. This is an annual tradition started by my friends, Becky and Vicki. They started this tradition at least 10 years ago. Though, I think it has been longer because every year they tell me they have been doing this for 10 years. This is my second year in on the trip and it is so much fun! Though, there are a couple non-negotiable rules.

Rule #1: At least one Christmas gift must be purchased.
Rule #2: Show and tell. At the end of the first day, we all empty our bags and share our purchases for the day. Part of show and tell also includes bragging. That is, bragging about the great bargains we found and how much we saved through clearance racks, coupons, etc, etc. For example, on one of several visits to The Children's Place, I bought Eli 2 polo shirts and a pair of shorts for $2.68. They were all on the $0.99 clearance rack and I had a 15% off coupon. That deserves some serious bargain hunter bragging rights! If you haven't been to The Children's Place lately, get out there. They are having some great sales right now!

Here's a pic of all our bargains for the day. This is a bad pic because I took it with my phone so you really can't fully appreciate the mountain of stuff! Consumerism at its best.

All in all, we had so much FUN and found some amazing bargains along the way! And, yes, Eli spent his first full day with the sitter so I could go shopping! Ha! But, he did great. The dropoff was pretty rough because he screamed when I left, but he had a really great day. He ate really well, took a very long nap, and made everyone laugh. So, that makes me feel a teeny tiny bit better!

Jason and Pea also spent some quality "guy" time together on their own little shopping trip! They went shopping for a new toilet seat to replace the one little pea broke. He likes to "help out" by putting the toilet seat down...more like, slamming the toilet seat down. Somethin' just had to give with that brute toddler force. Let me tell you, it is no fun sitting on a cracked toilet seat! ;) We made need one of those toilet seat locks!

They also had some fun playing in the leaves.