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Dolla, Dolla Bills Y’all

The word “shopaholic” originated in the 1980’s. That fitting, since I was born in that decade. I admit I often buy stuff I don’t need. My weight fluctuates every year, so I end up buying clothes to accommodate my changing shape. I typically do a closet purge every spring in preparation for our neighborhood yard sale to squabble with people who think $3 for an Ann Taylor blazer is too expensive. I more recently started using two websites to earn money for my old clothes, and I’ve had overall positive experiences with both. If you’re looking to reclaim some closet real estate and earn extra cash, read on.

First up is Poshmark. I saw the app advertised on Facebook. You can download the free app on your iPhone or Android, or create an account on their website. Poshmark created a community where people from all over the country buy and sell clothing and accessories. Poshmark keeps a percentage of your “closet” sales, but they cover shipping costs, offer buyer protection, and cover shipping on returns. Selling on Poshmark takes some time to navigate, including taking pictures of your items, adequately describing them, researching retail cost, and then assigning your sale price. Buyers can make offers instead of buying items for your list price; as a seller, you can counteroffer or ignore any low-ball offers. It took me a couple hours, but I uploaded my maternity clothes, a few purses, and a couple other items I had not worn in a while…and earned $260 so far. You can use that money to purchase items from other Poshmark sellers or transfer it straight to your bank account. Most of the money went to my checking account, but I took advantage of awesome deals on a pair of LuLaRoe leggings and an Anthropologie top.

If you want to try Poshmark, download the smartphone app and sign up with the code JKQLF. You’ll get $10 to spend!

Next up is ThredUp, a online consignment boutique for women, maternity, and kids clothing. You can order a free Clean Out Kit from their website. A few days later, a huge green polka dot bag arrives, and you fill it with your gently used but defect-free clothing. ThredUp covers the shipping cost of this beast package and will closely inspect your clothing upon its arrival. They keep approximately 40% of items they receive. What they do not keep, you can select they return those items (you pay return shipping) or have those clothes donated or recycled. I did not count how many items I sent in my first bag, but ThredUp kept 30 items and paid me $70. Like Poshmark, you can use that money to shop from ThredUp, or have the money transferred to a PayPal account.

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Give ThredUp a try by creating an account here, and get $10 to spend. There are detailed videos and information about selling to their organization there, too.

Guess who is not yard-selling this year? This gal.

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Birchbox Favorites

I received some winners in my Birchbox samples over the past few months.  Here is a round up of my favorites.

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Supergoop! Everyday SPF 50 sunscreen: Broad spectrum sunscreen that felt so light, non-greasy, absorbed quickly…I am in love.

Naobay Oxygenating Cream Moisturizer: Holy hydration!  My skin felt smooth, my complexion was even, and this cream makes a great make-up primer.  It’s also packed with organic ingredients.

jane iredale Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain: This balm adjusts to your body’s chemistry to create a customized shade and makes lips super-soft with beeswax, olive oil, and avocado oil.

amika Bombshell Blowout Spray: Nice scent, light, and I stayed frizz-free all day.  My hair had shine and hold without the weight or crunch of hairspray or mousse.

amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo: BEST dry shampoo I ever used.  amika’s brand uses rice starch so you can embrace your Day Four hair.

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator: It’s a one-step microdermabrasion.  My skin felt fresh, clean, and looked bright.

Give Birchbox a try for $10/month.  That includes shipping, five personalized beauty samples, and some really pretty boxes.

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SmartMom Review

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While scrolling through Facebook, SmartMom keeps showing up as a recommended page.  Maybe you’ve seen it, too.  It shows a picture of a toddler playing in a giant inflatable swimming pool in some family’s palatial living room with the tag line, “Our moms have great ideas.”

Okay, whatever.

I installed the SmartMom app (which is free) without reading the reviews.  Mistake.  The entire app is just a message wall with moms posting various questions.  And by various, I mean different moms post the same five questions over and over again.

  • When can I give my baby solids?  Wait, you mean I can’t give my 8-week old cereal?  Why?  She’s big for her age and obviously has an advanced stomach.
  • I had my baby two weeks ago.  Why haven’t I lost 30 pounds yet?
  • My baby is drooling and gnawing on things and fussy.  What is this phenomenon?
  • My child has a cough/runny nose.  We’re going to the emergency room.  What should I expect?  I think it’s bubonic plague.
  • My husband refuses to change diapers, do laundry, cook dinner, or hold our baby.  All he does is play video games.  Is this normal?

As you answer these questions on SmartMom, you accrue points.  These points help you win their monthly giveaways.  Honestly, I lasted about 10 days on this app before I deleted it.  A free B.O.B. stroller just wasn’t worth it.

I get it, though.  Even though I may not be a first-time mom anymore, we are still discovering new firsts in our children’s development and have questions.  However, this app is seriously ridiculous and showed me nothing…besides the world has absolutely no common sense, and apparently no one uses a regular pediatrician anymore.  Instead of the inflatable swimming pool, SmartMom creators should consider this little guy’s wise words:

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