Penny Wise Shopping: The Best Dressed for Less Consignment Sale

Spring Sale: May 3-5
The Masonic Home of NJ Fellowship Center
1114 Oxmead Road
Burlington Township, NJ (click here for directions)

Parking: Yes, lots of it and free

http://www.bestdressedsale.com/

Simply print and hand in a paper print out of the coupon below at Best Dressed for Less on Saturday, May 4th between 9am-5pm and you will save $5 of a $30 purchase! One coupon per customer (coupon must be printed in advance). Valid Saturday, May 4th 9am-5pm ONLY!

I have been to a lot of consignment sales since my kiddies were born, but the Best Dressed For Less Consignment Sale is top notch!  As with other consignment sales, the Best Dressed For Less sells gently used children's clothes, toys, shoes, equipment, furniture, and so much more! I saw many brand names lining the very organized ranks such as Gymboree, Gap, Children's Place, Old Navy and many boutique clothiers as well. But what sets the Best Dressed For Less Consignment sale apart from the others is the organization, neatness, and helpfulness from volunteer staff. 

From the moment I walked through the doors, several volunteer workers walked right up to me to ask if they could assist me. They explained how the sale worked, described the layout of the room, demonstrated how to grab tickets for larger items, and walked me to the holding area where I can put my bags down so I could go back and do more shopping.  You can tell that this is a well oiled machine!

Right away you will notice how all the aisles and items are clearly tagged and labeled.  Boys items are on the right hand side of the room and girls clothes are on the left hand side of the room. Both areas are clearly labeled by size and the aisles are wide for lots of shoppers. Most importantly, the prices were amazing! All the items I picked up cost $10 or less!

You will find tons of seasonal items such as jackets, hats, scarves, snow suits, boots and even sports equipment like cleats and bike helmets for kids of all ages and sizes! My kids needed winter jammies and I scoped up several pairs all under $5.00, one set was just $2.50!! I picked up a fall pink GAP jacket for my daughter for only $10. In addition, I bought shoes for my son that were only $8.  I LOVED finding the sets of the clothes, like a carters long sleeved shirt with sweatpants for $3 and a Levi's long sleeved shirt with jeans for $6.00.  You really can't beat prices like these!

 

I spent a lot of time in the costume rank because my kids love to dress up and I was looking for Halloween costumes.  I scored big time!!  I got a pirate costume for just $3, a fireman costume complete with hat and accessories for $8, and an Ariel wedding dress with the veil for $10.

For those in the market, you will find lots of strollers to choose from as well as pack and plays, bassinets, bumbo seats, and various baby and toddler items! You can even decorate the baby's room with the available lamps and other decorative item! For the expecting mom...check out the maternity clothes section.

So, if you can, clear you schedule for Friday! Doors open at 9am and stay open until 7pm. On Saturday, you can shop from 9am to 5pm and on Sunday from 11am to 3pm.  I have also heard that on Sunday, many items are discounted by 50%!  Another thing that sets this sale apart from other consignment sales is the option for consignors to pick up unsold items or to donate them to the Family Service of Burlington County. Everyone wins at the Best Dressed for Less Consignment sale!

Get shopping!

Town Wide Yard Sales

Yard Sale/Garage Sale Season is upon us!  For bargain hunters, Saturday becomes one of the most anticipated days of the week.  While area and individual homes are great places to find deals and usually take only the morning, town wide yard sales are a treasure hunters dream and can usually take all morning and afternoon to comb through the goodies.  With the price of gas constantly rising, town wide yard sales are becoming more popular as you can just park it and walk it!  So check out this list of town wide yard sales, if one is not listed please comment below and I will add it to the list!

APRIL

Audubon Town Wide Yard Sale: April 13th from 8am to 2pm
Raindate: April 20

Haddon Heights Town Wide Yard Sale (Spring): April 20th
Raindate: April 27.

Delanco Town Wide Yard Sale: April 27th 9am. Stop by Washington Fire house on Burlington Ave to pick up a map!
Raindate: None

Wenonah Town Wide Yard Sale: April 27
Raindate: Unknown

MAY

Laurel Springs: May 4 beginning at 8:30am 

Riverton's Treasure Day: May 11th  from 8am to 3pm
Raindate: May 19.  Food and drinks are available from town restaurants and many homes sell drinks, pretzels, and hot dogs.  Bathroom facilities, food, and tables are available at the Church (whose name escapes me at the moment!). Great small town to park it and walk it.

Haddon Township Town Wide Yard Sale: May 11 from 8am to 2pm
Raindate: May 18

Westville Lions Club Community Yard Sale: May 18 from 8am to 2pmLions Den Building in Westville Park

Somerdale Town Wide Yard Sale: May 19 
Raindate:  May 20


JUNE 

Collingswood Town Wide Yard Sale: June 2 from 8am to 2pm
Raindate: June 9
Bordentown City Wide Yard Sale: June 2 and June 3 from 8am to 4pm

Oaklyn Town Wide Yard Sale: June 16th from 8am to 2pm

SEPTEMBER

Edgewater Park Town Wide Yard Sale : September 15th beginning at 8am.

Merchantville Town Wide Yard Sale: September 29th  beginning at 9am. Maps will be available at the following locations the morning of the sale: Borough Hall, News Nook, McFarlan’s Market and the Merchantville Diner. 

Delran Town Wide Yard Sale: September 29th beginning at 8 am. 

Delanco Fall Town Wide Yard Sale: September 29th beginning at 9am.

OCTOBER

Haddon Heights Town Wide Yard Sale (Fall): October 12
Raindate: October 19

Fore the Planet! Indoor Minature Golf

Location: Linvilla Orchards

Website: http://www.linvilla.com/

Bathrooms: Yes

Eating area: Yes (indoor and out) and food for purchase at Linvilla Grill

Parking: Yes and free

Attractions: 300-acre farm, Christmas tree maze ($5), playground ($1), animals for feeding, hayrides in fall, pick your own fruit

Hours: Open Everyday until March 17

Sunday through Thursday 9am to 5pm

Friday and Saturday 9am to 8pm

 Price: $6.95 (ages 11 & over)
$4.95 (ages 10 & under)

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A recent birthday party brought us to Linvilla Orchards and its latest special event, "Fore the Planet" indoor miniature golf. I was really excited to get the opportunity to visit the 300 acre farm after hearing great things about it. We made the trip on a Saturday morning leaving our home at around 10am and arriving at 10:30.  I understand that it is usually a 45 minute to an hour drive, so I guess that is not typical.  There was no traffic on 95....I swear it was not my heavy foot!!

Early February is probably not the best time to take advantage of the farm, due to the dark, damp, chilly, and unpredictable weather, but on this particular day it was not too cold, so we were able to enjoy all the farm's attractions. Our first stop was to head indoors to the indoor market and play some miniature golf. It was bright, colorful and inviting. This my kids first time playing, so I didn't know what to expect. My oldest had no problems getting right in there and was speeding right along.  My youngest got a little frustrated on some of the harder holes, but overall they both proclaimed that they wanted to play golf again.  We even went home and set up a golf course in the house. So this definitely left a mark on the kiddos.  

However, I think the educational message of "Save the Planet" was lost on just one round of the golf. The kids were so excited and overwhelmed that the meaning went right over their head. It would have been nice to go a second round, slow down and read the information that went with each hole. 

After golfing, we explored the Christmas tree maze.  That was quite an experience! A little frighting for me as my daughter kept running ahead. But we all made it out alive.

Next, we went to the playground area to feed the turkeys, chickens, and peacocks and play on the large playground.  This area also has a maze.  Donation to the playground is $1 and you place it in a bucket as part of the honor system.

We finally left the farm at around 2pm, so weather permitting, you could spend quite a while exploring the farm and you will get a lot for the money. My kids also fell asleep in the car on the way home, so I would say this day was hole in one!

Click for a larger image

Tips:

• I would not suggest getting off Exit 6 from 95.  It dropped us off in a seedy area that had me locking my doors. Okay, I admit, I am a suburban mom, but I am not used to seeing drug transactions occur right before my eyes.  Next time,  I will go a little further on 95 and get off at the 452 exit. Hopefully that exit will not have me gripping my wheel and locking my doors.
• Bring your own food and drinks to save money! Have a picnic at the farm.
• Save more money by skipping the Christmas tree maze and have fun with the maze at the playground that comes with your dollar donation
• Play golf on a nice day, even though it is indoors, so that you can take advantage of the playground, maze and animal feedings, especially if you are driving an hour to get  to the farm. You will get more for your money and could make a day of it.

Have a "ball" a Linvilla Orchards!

The Living Nativity

Location: Fellowship Baptist Church

1520 Hainesport Rd., Mt. Laurel, NJ

Website: http://www.livingnativity.org/

Bathrooms: Yes

Parking: Yes and FREE

Eating: Cookies, Hot Chocolate and Water...FREE

Attraction: 13 walk through scenes depicting the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus with cast members and live animals

Around the area: Johnson's Farm: Visit with Santa and Reindeer and Christmas Light Show Hayride

Cost: FREE

Dates: December  1, 2, 8, 9, 14,15, 16

Hours: 5pm to 8pm

For the last couple of years, I had seen the signs go up around Thanksgiving advertising "The Living Nativity" and started to hear buzz from several people that the elaborate production put on by volunteers of a church was worth a visit.  It wasn't until last year that my family and I finally ventured to see what all the fuss was about......and were amazed by what we found.

I wasn't really sure what to expect.  I thought it was going to be a walk through of scenes just showing the birth of Jesus. I thought we could go through at our own pace and be finished in about a half hour or so.  Boy, was I totally unprepared for what we found!

When you first arrive, you wait in a line to receive a letter of the alphabet. After receiving your letter, you are taken to a holding area for a short time.  Your next stop is to wait in the Church to listen to songs, and watch a short movie of the Creation story and a dramatic rendition of the story of Adam and Eve.  When that short show is over, everyone waits patiently for their letters to be flashed up on the wall of the Church.   

When your letter is displayed, you exit the Church area into the lobby where you are again wait in a  holding area until your guide for your group comes to lead you outside. That entire series of waiting took us nearly an hour! It didn't feel like an hour because you are constantly moving from one place to another, but still the wait can be long for little ones. Tip: Bring snacks for the kids while they are waiting.

Finally,you are lead by your guide outside with your group to 13 live action scenes. The scenes are kept in the dark until your group is settled and like magic the lights and recordings turn on and the actors and animals come alive!

I think one of our family's favorite scene is when the angels appear to the shepherds.  It is quite dramatic! And yes, all the animals are real!  This year, one of the sheep was quite hungry and stole the show by reaching up and over to eat the foliage from the trees!  Another favorite is entering the detailed scene of the bustling town of Bethlehem, complete with vendors, Roman soldiers, and cast members moving among your group, completely in character.  It really is something to see.  Below are some additional photos of our favorites. Walking through all the scenes took about 45 minutes and it is completely outdoors, so dress appropriately!

 
Following the  "The Living Nativity" your group is lead back indoors to enjoy hot chocolate, water, and cookies.  Information and fellow members of the Church are there to assist you and answer any questions you may have.  We always find the members to be very friendly, informative, and happy to assist! The entire show, including stopping for cookies, took my family nearly two hours, so set aside enough time.

It is amazing how many volunteers are involved in this production. The crowd control organization is amazing and very reminiscent of Disney! The costumes and set design are beautifully arranged and the technology of some of the scenes will leave you asking, "How did they do that?" In addition, the folks at the Fellowship Baptist Church are prepared, organized, and just darn happy to provide this show for the enormous number of people who come to see....for the amazing price of FREE! Their smiles become quite infectious.

The "Living Nativity" has become a family tradition in our house  It is a great way to keep things in perspective among all the craziness of the holiday and to remember the reason for the season!

Tips:

• Arrive early! Even arriving at 4:30 be prepared to wait in a line to get into the Church. 
• Expect to be there at least two hours
• It is wheelchair and stroller accessible
• You may want to eat an early dinner, especially for those with little ones or bring snacks
• DRESS appropriately for the cold weather!
• Bring a flashlight. It was dark with light coming from lanterns and dimly lit path, my little guy was a little afraid because he could see me.  The flashlight app on my phone came in handy!
  

Happy Holidays!

Pickin' Pumpkins for Just Pennies!

Pumpkin picking season is upon us.  If you are not careful, the very simple of idea of going on a hayride to pick the perfect pumpkin can turn into a VERY expensive outing! Here is a comparison of area farms and their prices along with their additional attractions. Remember, if you are pumpkin picking the cost of the pumpkin is , for most cases, an additional cost from the wagon or hayride to the patch.  Please check their website for complete information. If you use another farm, please email me and I'll add it to the list! You make the decision, who has the best deal?

Prices are subject to change. Call ahead and/or check website.
Updated October 2012

NEW JERSEY

Farm Name	Location	Hayride Cost	Pumpkin Cost	Other Attractions	Notes
Johnson's Farm	Medford, NJ	$3.50/pp	$.79/lb	Discovery Barnyard and Animal Farm ($6.50/pchild and $3.25/adults) Moonbounce($3.50) Corn Maz ($3.50)	On weekday, all paid hayriders get half-off Discovery Barnyard and Animal Farm. Farm Market, Bathrooms, tables for eating.
Conte's Farm	Tabernacle, NJ	$2.00/pp	$.60/lb	Corn Maze	If you return with a pumpkin,$2 is taken off the cost of the pumpkin, so essentially the ride to the patch is free. Eating Area. Farm Market and ice cream shop.A few animals for viewing.
Stellwag's Farm (See Family Penny Pincher's Review)	Delran, NJ	$5.00/pp	included in cost of hayride	Andy's Barnyard Animals Rose Garden Nature Trails	$5.00 hayride includes a small pumpkin and warm apple cider and cookies served after the ride in the garden center every weekend. Garden Center.
Indian Acres Tree Farm	Medford, NJ	$3.25/pp	$.50-60/lb	Zipline, Rock Climbing Wall, and Giant Pillow Bounce, Barrel Train Rides ($4.00) Jumpin' Pumpkin ($3.25/pp) Pony Rides ($4.00) Haunted Attractions	Free Playground Picnic Tables for eating. Snack Bar and Gift Shop.
Terhune Orchards	Princeton, NJ	$5.00/pp	$.75/lb	Barnyard Animals (free) Walking Trail Pony Rides (FEE)	Farm Market
Springdale Farm Market	Cherry Hill, NJ	$3.50/pp	$.79/lb	Corn Maze($8.50 kids, $10.00/adults)	Bakery, Garden Center, Gift Shop. Picnic area
Creamy Acres Farm	Mullica Hill, NJ	$3.00/pp	$.45/lb	Cornfield Maze ($6.00/pp) day and night. Night of Terror (mature audiences)	"Family Day Out Package" $26.00 for a family of 4. (w/coupon) each additional member $7.00. 2 and under free.  Includes wagon ride and corn maze. Playground and Barnyard animals available.
Duffield's Farm	Washington Township, NJ	$8.00 with a pumpkin or $4.00 w/o pumpkin (just hayride)	included in cost of hayride	Barn Bounce ($3.00) Trike Track ($2.00) Barnyard Exp. ($3.00) Corn Maze ($3.00) Bracelet for all these extra activities $16.00	Scarecrow making on Saturdays and pony rides for an extra cost. Farm Market, large covered pavilion with tables for parties and eating.

PENNSYLVANIA

Farm Name	Location	Hayride Cost	Pumpkin Cost	Other Attractions	Notes
Shady Brook Farm	Yardley, PA	$12.00/pp	$.59/lb	Pumpkinfest after dark, Horrorfest	$12 Includes wagon ride, inflatables, Barn of Horror, Alien Encounter, SBF 500 Racetrack, Straw Maze, Barnyard Animals, Giant Corn Maze, Tee Pee Play Area,Pig Races (wkends only) Coupon Available. Farm Market, bathrooms, tables for eating
Linvilla Orchards	Media, PA	$6.00/pp (not a pumpkin picking hayride)	$.69/lb	Autumn Moon Hayrides, Hayrides to the Witches House	The hayride is through their orchards. Pumpkins are already harvested and available in Pumpkinland. Animals are on display and they have a playground. Tables for eating and farm market.
Active Acres Farm	Newtown, PA	$5.00/ hayride and any size pumpkin	included in cost of hayride	Haunted Hayride, Haunted House in House in the Hollow and Field of Fright	Not picking a pumpkin but want to ride the hayride? Just $2.00. $10 you can do hayride and corn maze. Refreshments available and seating. Additional daytime fun includes farm animals, pony rides, moon bounce and more!

Morris Arboretum

Click on the pictures for a larger view

Location: 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Phialdelphia PA

Website: http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/arboretum/index.shtml

Bathrooms: Yes, some with changing tables

Eating area: Yes, Compton Cafe on site, and vending machines, 

Attractions: 92 acres of lush gardens and sculptures, Out on a limb tree canopy walk, miniature village and Garden Railway, various historical buildings, and refreshing fountains

Around the Area: Quaint town of Chesnut Hill and Wissahickon Valley Park (Forbidden Drive)

Fee: Kids under 3: Free, Kids 3-17: $7.00, Adults: $16.00

 Or get FREE passes for the whole family with your Library Card with their Museum Pass Program

The kids and I took advantage of this gorgeous summer day to check out the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania.  We scored FREE passes for 2 adults and 4 children for FOUR days by checking out the passes through our local library's Museum Pass program.  That is a savings of $184 for our family!! I LOVE the Museum Pass!  

                

We were most excited to explore the "Out on a Limb" exhibit and to climb 50 feet above the ground into the trees! The kids had a great time pretending to be birds sitting on the eggs, and  jumping on the rope netting and seeing how far they were from the forest floor! The kids also had a great time putting the huge megaphones on their ears to listen to the sounds of the forest! 

Our next stop was to see the miniature Garden railway exhibit. This seasonal exhibit features renditions of storybook and historic buildings made of natural materials set in the garden complete with naturally made tunnels and overhead trestles.  The kids had a blast following all the trains and watching them appear over their heads,  moving under trees, and crossing over small waterways.  Of course...there is a Thomas train for fans! 

Our next favorite stop was the Log Cabin.  This exhibit provides some much needed cool shade, a refreshing dip in the stream and a splash of water from a old fashioned water pump! Parents will find some much needed R&R on the chairs while the kids tidy up the cabin, play school, build with Lincoln logs, or splash around and explore the stream! The kids LOVED this historic building.

Throughout the arboretum you will discover various species of trees and flowers, interesting works of art and sculpture, cool insects, and refreshing fountains and streams! 

Tips:

• Check the weather before planning your trip.  It's all outdoors!
• Check the event calendar for lots of fun activities!
• Wear comfortable shoes, there is a lot of walking!
• Strollers and wheelchairs are fine! Most of the walkways are paved.
• Visit the Visitors Center and get your "passport".  The kids get them stamped at various exhibits. The passport also has great educational information and activities related to the exhibits. Also, pick up some Family Fun cards for extension activities!
• If you kids are anything like mine, you might need to dress them in bathing suit trunks!  Or at the very least bring a change of clothes and maybe some towels...in case someone gets wet!
• Wear sunscreen!
• Two words....insect repellent!
• Pack snacks and lunches and eat at the dining behind behind the Visitors Center. There is a cafe on site and drinking and snack vending areas scattered throughout the arboretum if you are in a pinch.
• Before or after your trip, head down to the quaint town of Chestnut Hill! The kids can eat and play at the Little Treehouse Cafe, and enjoy ice Cream from Brendenbecks! Bruno's is another great spot for food (right on the corner of Germantown Ave.and Northwestern Ave.) with easy access to  Wissahickon Valley Trail (Forbidden Drive). 

Have fun exploring The Morris Arboretum!

Imagination Kingdom Playground

Location: 500 Pemberton-Browns Mills Road, Pemberton, NJ

Bathrooms: Yes

Eating area: YES (covered pavilion, and picnic tables)

Attractions: castle themed playground, baseball fields, 

Wheelchair Accessible Playground: Yes

Fee: FREE

Click on the pictures for a large image

The kids and I ventured out on one of the nicer, less humid summer days to Imagination Kingdom Playground and park located in Pemberton, NJ.  I can't believe this was our first time playing at this hidden gem! What an amazing playground for kids of all ages and abilities! The castle theme park is a favorite among my kids and from the expressions of oohs and ahhhs from the other youngsters, the theme had caught their attention too! 

So where do you begin? Every prince and princess should cross the bridge over the "blue waters" into the inner courtyard where their imaginations may lead them to climb a rock,scale the castle walls, or tackle the giant web thingy!! Whatever the kids decide to do, they will be busy for hours!

Whoever designed this playground understands kids and thought of everything. The large wheelchair accessible ramp and wide bridges allow for children of all abilities to be part of the fun and there is much to see at so many various heights!

There are sooo many places to climb and explore! But don't worry, the ground is covered by some sort of recycled material that is soft underfoot. It's gentle enough for little boys who don't like to wear shoes!

 You will  also find some really interesting equipment here that you may not have seen at other parks. We loved the musical section complete with bongo drums, and "Ring a bell" that you could actually ring with the musical notes provided instead of having to find a stick! The tire swing suspended from a giant catapult was cool, and the giant family sized see saw horse was great for young and older kids!

There is even a wonderful "tot" area that will challenge your little ones and keep them engaged! I loved the ABC and animal climb! 

This is a definite "destination playground"! This site is perfect for playdates, mom groups, birthday parties or for just a few hours of fun!  The whole playground was clean and well kept including the bathrooms that had a changing table! The  large covered pavilion is a great spot to seek shelter from the elements or  for lunch and snacks.  Bring a bat and ball or play some soccer in the fields just a few feet away. Most of the playground is in the sun...but there were some benches and tables in some cool shaded areas too. 

  My kiddos gave this playground two thumbs up and we think this "kingdom" is perfect for the little princes and princesses in your life! Check it out today!

 

Let your imaginations run wild!