We are lucky to be expecting our second child this Winter. We are thrilled....but we have a girl and of course we are having a boy this time around. I know, I know, we are lucky to have one of each. But this means we have to buy everything new for this little boy because everything, including the car seat, was pink.

So I've started my project of sorting through all of the bins and boxes that house all of our girl things. As I have started this process, I realized that I don't want to just give away things blindly to local charities, but really ensure that they have a good purpose. I have done some research, and have found a couple of great options for our gently used baby clothes and gear.

First, online communities and auction sites (like EBay, Craigslist) to sell items that are new or almost brand new are a great. I also have the opportunity of posting sale items on a local mother's club website. For the majority of clothing and some gear, I have visited local consignment stores. They are pretty particular about what they take, but if they want what you have they are can be simple and moderately profitable. You'll split the profit at a designated percent. Last, instead of just sending the more used things off to the Goodwill( I love Goodwill but they are so broad), I have found local donation sites that are specifically for mothers and children. I love the idea of giving directly to the audience that will benefit.

Not only has it been a big project, but just keeping the bags and boxes that are going out organized is a job in itself. All the bags are labeled with contents and destination. Then I use my daily planner to make note of where and when items were donated and dropped off.

Recycle your Crocs

People love their Crocs. They are not my first choice for footwear, but I do have to say they are great for kids. The Croc Mary-Jane's let my daughter run around the playground and get dirty without the worry of ruining her other shoes. When they get grimy, I drop them in the washing machine and they are as good as new.

The other great thing about Crocs is that they have a recycling program. I know in our house, these shoes get a work-out (not to mention how quickly kid's feet grow, you're ready for a new pair before the current ones are even worn in). On a recent shopping trip to a sporting goods store, Sport's Basement in the SF Presidio, I noticed they have a Crocs recycling display.

It turns out that the Crocs company, has a recycle/reuse program for old Crocs. The program is called "SolesUnited". Through this program, used (original) Crocs are restored and donated to people all over the world.

So, next time you are looking for good playground shoes for the kids or yourself think about Crocs. Not only are they practical but they are planet and people friendly. Check out their website for more information and donation locations.

http://www.solesunited.com/

No...wire...hangers!

Now we don't want to get "Mommie Dearest" on our families because we are frustrated, like Joan Crawford, because we have pesky wire hangers bursting out of closets. If you or anyone your family uses a dry cleaning service then you probably have an over abundance of wire hangers. I love to pick through my husbands shirts and pull out all of the deserted hangers left with no shirts. And what do I do with them since they are hardly strong enough to hold a button down shirt, I take them back to the dry cleaner. Most dry cleaners are happy to take them back and reuse them.