Since leaving my 9-5 job two years ago in favor of taking care of my daughter, my offline shopping time has dwindled to almost nothing. When I was working out of the home, I would often take a lunchtime or after-work sojourn to wander local stores, collect my thoughts and search for the best birthday present, new kitchen gadget, or perfect pair of shoes to add to my wardrobe. Now I wear clogs and sneakers almost exclusively, mostly for practicality; my new job doesn’t require a fashionable wardrobe, and more importantly, shopping with a toddler in tow is not exactly relaxing retail therapy. On a recent shopping trip, I spent about 20 minutes in a Macy’s dressing room trying to coerce my daughter into trying on a holiday dress, only for the trip to end in tears (hers and mine!)

If she weren’t so darn cute, there’s no way that I would have put myself through that ordeal. Shopping for a baby/toddler can be so much fun if you don’t have to involve them in the process. First of all, clothing is so adorable in miniature sizes. Secondly, toys are cool. And thirdly, decorating for a baby or toddler is so much more fun than remodeling a bathroom (a project from which I am currently procrastinating by re-doing my daughter’s baby room with new funky toddler style).

I spend way more time looking at toys/clothes/accessories and kiddie decor than I’d like to admit—I think partially because I’m a little indecisive, but also because we’re on a one-income budget and I like to get the best bang for my buck. IKEA = definitely, Pottery Barn Kids = notsomuch unless I hit my lotto number. I look forward to joining the fray, sharing my finds, and hearing from you about your great finds too!