I was so excited to enjoy an early morning shopping trip to Giant Eagle this week. Have you ever stumbled upon the shopping carriage of discounted bananas? We bought 11 bananas for .99! The bananas were surprisingly not bruised or over-ripened.
After I returned home I forgot that we had recently purchased a bundle at our warehouse grocer... oops! Ideas that I embarked upon with the extra bananas include:
- Chocolate chip, whole wheat, banana bread... yummy!
- Smoothie preparations. You could purchase a few ounces of these frozen bagged products of various fruits but we saved a lot of money creating our own pre-smoothie blend, or cut into smaller sizes are perfect summer treats for toddlers!
After they froze on the cookie sheets, we placed in freezer plastic baggies for storage.
What are your fruit tips for bargain buys that help your family eat healthier?
Where can one afford to purchase certified USDA Organic Foods for your family?
It is so exciting to have discovered a surprising store with fabulous deals on organic foods. Check the expiration dates and consider whether your family will consume the food prior to then, or is concerned with expired foods.
Big Lots has a small yet, amazing selection of organic foods for our child. From pureed fruits to cartons of milk, the organic options are more affordable then purchasing at local grocers.
Do you have any unusual stores that you recommend for purchasing organic foods for your family?
The right column includes more links. Certain Goodwill Stores have more variety of maternity/nursing clothes than others. I found a decent selection at the thrift store in SouthSide. Also, if you register at Target then you may receive a coupon towards nursing/maternity clothes!
If you are interested in online purchases for great prices... check out maternity/nursing clothes sold online through Old Navy and Gap. Also, La Leche League, International has accessories and clothing.
Near South Hills the Sears Store has many affordable options, as does Burlington Coat Factory and Gabriel Brothers. Remember to check other thrift stores though their selection may vary... Salvation Army in South Side, and Red, White & Blue Thrift Store. **One of the cleanest & most organized thrift stores where I shopped is the St. Vincent de Paul's Thrift Store in Castle Shannon**
Another option is A Mother's Boutique in Wexford. Also, if you subscribe to mailings you will receive coupon towards a purchase. [More sophisticated and expensive options were available at Becoming Mommy, Inc. located in Squirrel Hill. Apparently the store closed in Spring 2011.]
Apparently more locations of Macy's are carrying a maternity department, though during my pregnancy there were none located close to our home. Another department store option is JC Penney. Remember to use coupons from mailings or internet at Kohl's, too!
By far the most helpful employees work at MotherhoodMaternity located in The Mall At Robinson.
Remember to check with family and friends for helpful hand-me-downs and recommendations for comfortable clothing. You may find other local options by viewing the Expectant Mothers Guide.
*Store Review*
The The Has Bin Consignment is a local, consignment and retail store. It is located in Bethel Park, PA.
Pros:
- Informative website with details such as a printable coupon & details about "Bag Sale Day."
- General quality of products
- Variety of merchandise
- Parking
Cons:SIZE OF STORE
- The advertised space for nursing is a lone, upright chair squeezed in a hallway near the bathroom, clothes racks and sole fitting room.
- There is not enough space to include your shopping cart inside of the closed fitting room.
- It is difficult navigating a shopping carriage through the overly cluttered aisles (overflowing with disheveled hangers, over-stuffed boxes, etc.)
- Some of the clothing prices were beyond "thrift" range.
