News from the Vine of Little Green Beans

Q: What’s Cool for Summer for 4 to 6 Year Olds? A: Scratch...

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:27:20 -0500

Q: What’s Cool for Summer for 4 to 6 Year Olds?

A: Scratch Art!

New arrivals of all types of Scratch Art from Melissa and Doug.

Perfect for crafting on hot days.
Enhance other projects with this easy add-on.
Easy and no instructions to read and follow.

All less than $4 every day at Little Green Beans. Come See Us!

Little Green Beans is a member of Austin Gives and a For-Benefit...

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:54:47 -0500

Little Green Beans is a member of Austin Gives and a For-Benefit Business, donating hundreds of in-kind goods each month to non-profits that help local children. It’s just built into what we do!

Please Join Us! Register Today.

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:37:00 -0500

Please Join Us! Register Today.

http://pinterest.com/pin/206954545347315149

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:01:13 -0500

http://pinterest.com/pin/206954545347315149

Shared by our friend, customer and librarian Susan on why...

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:36:36 -0500

Shared by our friend, customer and librarian Susan on why it’s important to establish a reading routine with our children.

Like the bag shown in Austin Fit Magazine, Little Green Beans...

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:00:48 -0500

Like the bag shown in Austin Fit Magazine, Little Green Beans also has these roomy totes. Just $12.50 (plain) and add $12.00 for a monogram (shown above).

Come and See Us. 9070 Research Blvd. Suite 103, Austin.

As Seen in Austin Fit Magazine, May 2013: Fit Finds for Austin Summer - Including Two from Little Green Beans

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:24:00 -0500

Whether you’re going to Zilker Park for Blues on the Green or catching some rays at Walter E. Long...

Multilingual Dreams By Sharon Munroe Long before I had...

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:00:57 -0500

Multilingual Dreams

By Sharon Munroe

Long before I had children, I had a dream that I would give my children an international education, including significant exposure to other cultures and early language immersion. My understanding that such a background provides no better foundation for being a global citizen and many unique skills, no matter what paths they take in life. Fortunately I live in Austin and it’s 2013.

Like so many other kids of my generation, I studied Spanish starting in the 7th grade. An American teacher with the best intentions but a poor accent left me able to read much Spanish but speak little. In high school in New York City my teacher was a native of Spain and took us on field trips to Spanish live theatre productions. My accent and listening improved but I had limited use for Spanish outside of some family travel to Latin America.

Had I studied French as a child I likely would have qualified to enter the United Nations International School in New York City. I was not admitted since I spoke no French as I moved there and entered the ninth grade. (This is no longer a requirement I read.)

The French school, Lycée Français de New York was across the street from the small, private school I attended from 9th through 11th grade. I enjoyed walking past their school on my way home during my teen years, listening to my peers speak the beautiful French language. I still think about it, now in my mid 40s.

Two of my close friends during my senior year of high school were from Tokyo. Emi and Noriko shared a lot of their culture, food with me and I became fascinated with the Japanese language. In the mid-1980s, Japan’s economy was booming. Japanese multinational firms like Toyota and Sony were gaining significant market share and established a large presence in the U.S. Japan was in the business news daily. I was motivated to learn more and was encouraged by my parents.

In college I decided that I wanted to spend a semester in Japan, learn about Japanese business first-hand and get to see my good friends again. Learning Japanese in college was a big challenge and I only progressed a bit when in the country and when native speakers had limited English proficiency and took the time to talk with me, slowly. Living with a family outside of Osaka was an incredible opportunity. The Kajis opened their home and lives to me, an American 20-year-old, who at 5’9” with blonde hair. I was certainly noticed by the neighbors and fortunately made friends easily. I learned a great deal and had some of the best times of my life in Japan.

(The photo above shows me crouching down to be in a photo with my homestay mom, Kaji-san near Nara, the ancient capital of Japan.)

I went on to work for Japanese multinational companies based in New York and California in my 20s, leveraging all that I had learned as a young adult. My experiences grew and were valued.

What if I had I been exposed to other cultures and languages earlier in life? What other path might I have gone down?

I want to do better for my children and give them this incredible multicultural and multilingual advantage sooner in life, starting at age 3. My son attends the Austin International School and my daughter will join him this fall.

What have you done to make your dreams come true for your kids?

Our Customers Want Your Gently Used Baby Bjorn...

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:07:44 -0500

Our Customers Want Your Gently Used Baby Bjorn Carrier.

Why?

Always in style.
Fast to put on.
Easily worn by most moms and dads.
Liked by some of the fussiest babies.
Ours are less than half the price of new.

We’d love to see yours. Consign with Us.

If You Don’t Like the Weather…Just Wait a Minute By...

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:41:50 -0500

If You Don’t Like the Weather…Just Wait a Minute

By Sharon Munroe

Here in Texas as the saying goes. Today that really happened! I set out clothes the night before for my kids and myself with an attempt to make our morning a bit easier.

The little ones were done with their breakfast and ready to get dressed for school by 6:15AM. (Yes, it’s early but that’s their natural schedule. They wake by 5:30AM most mornings.)

They were cleaned and dressed in adorable summer clothes based on the outside temperature of 73 degrees. A colorful sundress for our daughter that came from Little Green Beans and khaki shorts and a sweet top previously adored by our oldest son at that age on our toddler son.

Off to school the went with my husband at 6:50AM.

Oops. No sweaters, jackets, rain coats, boots or other things they might need. Who knew?

By 7:30AM, our Texas weather had changed. It was 48 degrees! (25-degree temperature drop in about an hour!)

Now having grown up in New York City, I was used to checking the weather multiple times per day. Back to the habit to pack backpacks and the minivan with a change of clothes—for any possible weather—at all times for all 3 kids.

What do you do to prepare for any weather when you have lil’ ones to dress?

Yes, This is a Big Sticker! It’s available as a visual...

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:00:46 -0500

Yes, This is a Big Sticker! It’s available as a visual reminder that Baby Monitor Cords Can Cause a Huge Hazard to Your Baby.

Get Yours Today at Little Green Beans.

Read More:

Learn more about baby monitor cord strangulation risks and how to safely place your baby monitor in your home by following these tips from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

What Not to Buy Gently Used

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:00:54 -0500

By Sharon Munroe It might seem funny to hear from a consignment store owner on what NOT to buy...

Baby Gear is Always in Style at Little Green Beans Every day...

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:10:42 -0500

Baby Gear is Always in Style at Little Green Beans

Every day local families come to our store looking for the best, gently used Baby Gear.

They are looking for the Best Brands and High-Quality Items that have been proven safe and not subject to recall.

When they come into the store, we check them for quality:

No missing parts.
Without Stains or Tears.
Not subject to recall.
Something that we feel can Sell Quickly - Within 60 or Fewer Days.

Families Who Consign Get:

50% of the Selling Price to use as store credit or money for other things they want to buy.
Knowledge that Their Well-Loved Gear Can be Used by a Local Family.
Satisfaction that their Item(s) Did Not End Up in the Landfill.

Consign with us today. More questions? Call: 512.346.3046

By Sharon Munroe A milestone moment is happening to me that many...

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:00:48 -0500

By Sharon Munroe

A milestone moment is happening to me that many of you may have experienced. My youngest child is no longer a baby.

I could see it coming for months. His coordination has been improving, he walks and is beginning to talk. He’ll be 18 months old next week. No longer a baby but always my baby.

With each milestone and season I take the time to reflect and organize. What items no longer fit my kids? It can be clothing outgrown or toys no longer played with. What wont the younger ones be able use?

Until today I hadn’t considered the baby toys.

The cute infant toys like rattles and soft blocks that each of my three kids played with as babies. There are the stuffed toys that clipped onto their infant carrier and hung on their crib. So many small things that were grasped by tiny hands exploring their new world.

What to Keep?

Some things are sentimental. Clothing worn coming home from the hospital or on special occasions are keepers. First toy and blanket, gifts from a special family friend - also keepers.

Can I Say Good-Bye?

The large pile of odd toys only used for a short season (like the one shown above) can be passed along. Good-bye. I consign the best ones and those that have been a little more “loved” get donated to charity today.

No sense in holding on to that pile much longer. It will be reminder that we no longer have a baby in the house. Good-bye and I sincerely hope that you are enjoyed by another infant.

By Sharon Munroe We have a new reader in our home and our...

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:00:34 -0600

By Sharon Munroe

We have a new reader in our home and our nightly routine has been increased. We practice sight words and have him read from the old favorite Dick and Jane book collection from William S. Gray.

My sweet husband bought what seems like every different title (over 15) to give us variety. His younger siblings can use them too!

Did we all grow up with these simple books?

What else do you do to encourage an early reader? Let us know.

By Sharon Munroe As a parent of a five-year-old, I am learning...

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 09:01:13 -0600

By Sharon Munroe

As a parent of a five-year-old, I am learning everything I can about children and reading. How can I instill a love of books and reading in my son? It turns out that this is a tall order.

Among the articles and books I have found is How to Make Your Child a Reader for Life by Paul Kropp. Here is the “Cliff Notes” version…

You (parents) are the most important people who can help your child read.

Between ages two and five, children need to learn that print and language connect, that books have both information and stories and that the English alphabet has 26 characters - that come in some different shapes and sizes.

Between ages four and nine, children have to master phonics and rules of language and will be able to recognize approximately 3,000 words.

To enable reading…

Parents should take the time to read out loud to children daily
Find a quiet time when you can read together
Help them with phonics and phonemics - the struggles of early reading
Listen to them while they read out loud
Borrow or buy books regularly
Show your own interest in reading for pleasure
When you cannot read (for any reason), tell a story - any detailed story - real or fiction.

6 Tried & True Time Saving Tips

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:01:17 -0600

By Sharon Munroe As working mom with three kids ages 5 and under, I often am asked how do I manage...

Growing Green Kids Green living has become a major topic of...

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:00:38 -0600

Growing Green Kids

Green living has become a major topic of conversation throughout the country in recent years. The phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” is used frequently in stores, homes and even schools.

There are many ways to live “green” or eco-friendly and teach your family a different way of living that can save their community for years to come:

Many of us keep reusable bags instead of plastic for use at the grocery store.
We find new uses for things such as containers and avoid using disposable water bottles.
One of the most important thing we can teach our kids about living green, or frugal, is to not waste food. Let your kids help you pack their lunch (including leftovers in washable containers) and explain how it’s a waste-free lunch.
Consignment shopping is one of the easiest ways to be “green.” We all need clothing to wear and you can almost always find a consignment store to meet your style for women, men, your home and children.
Consignment shopping is a growing trend in green living and I own an independent children’s and maternity store called Little Green Beans.

Facts and Figures -Textile Waste:

Americans throw away more than 68 pounds of clothing per person per year; about 4-5% of the municipal solid waste that ends up in landfills, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (2009).
The Council for Textile Recycling estimates that 12-15% of Americans shop at consignment or resale stores, preventing 2.5 billion pounds of waste from going to landfills. This still represents only about 15% of our total discarded clothing.
Of the clothing prevented from entering the waste stream, resale and consignments stores are responsible for about half of the clothing recovered.
Clothing that is sent to landfills is only 50% biodegradable.

The two most common materials for clothing, polyester and cotton, are unsustainable:

Polyester is made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and accounts for 2% of the world’s oil use.
Cotton needs incredible amounts of water to grow, requiring anywhere from 400-715 gallons of water for a single organic cotton T-shirt.

Shopping consignment reduces waste, conserves energy used for production and waste removal, reduces our use of resources, supports local business, and offers greater access to high-quality products across the economic spectrum.

Why Recycle Clothing and Textiles?

Reducing waste reduces landfill space requirements.
Reduce energy used for getting rid of the waste.
Reduces demand for primary resource production e.g cotton, and in turn reduces the use of pesticides.
Reduce the emission of methane and carbon dioxide gases into the atmosphere.
Help disadvantaged people locally and in the developing countries as the clothes and shoes we donate are handed down to them.
Stores like Little Green Beans donate items that are not saleable in our store.
When a charity can sell the items they raise funds for community programs.

No energy is used to create second-hand items.

This is not true for items that you purchase new and must be produced, packaged and shipped to chain stores.
The packaging process can sometimes cost more than the product and releases more carbon emissions into the air.
All items are local - not brought in from other towns and countries into resale stores.

Shopping at resale and consignment stores provides great education lessons for families. From reusing and recycling to helping local non-profits help the community and even money and budgeting tips for the future.

A quote from the Huffington Post gives you more to think about if you are still concerned about the “pre-owned” aspect of resale and consignment shopping:

“Carefully inspected and then laundered, second hand fashion is cleaner than the escalator handrail at the mall.” - Huffington Post

If you are interested in learning more about consignment shopping be sure look through our archive of posts on this blog and come visit Little Green Beans to talk to our team members about consigning gently used children’s and maternity items.

The Great Coupon Story Being a kids resale store owner I hear a...

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:41:00 -0600

The Great Coupon Story

Being a kids resale store owner I hear a lot of stories. Many are from our customers about their kids, how they are growing and their development. Some of the best stories are about how the local families use the items they purchase from our store or even better — what they do with the money they earn from consigning with us. They fund summer camp, vacations, piano lessons, and a college fund!

Being a green, eco-friendly store, we offered a reusable coupon. (We have one now.) Some customers used the coupon a few times for purchases for their own kids and gifts for others. We were glad to see them!

I even had a customer who laminated her coupon. She (we’ll call her “M”) found it to be important and that crafty gal wanted to make sure her’s was well-intact for regular use. She used it eight times in less than two months.

We certainly appreciate M and our other regular customers’ ongoing loyalty! Our store inventory changes daily and we hope to see you often too.

We really take being a local Austin business seriously at Little...

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 09:00:46 -0600

We really take being a local Austin business seriously at Little Green Beans (and manage to have a lot of fun doing it)! We are locally owned and operated by a mom of three young children and a helpful team of moms and grandmas. We love to talk with our customers!

Almost all (95%) of our store’s supplier’s are local - local families bring us their best baby gear, children’s clothes, maternity clothes and toys to resell in our friendly store daily.

Local folks share in the store’s success. Each item has a consignor who shares our revenue: 50/50 and win/win. When an item is purchased by one family, the other family who consigned it immediately gets the benefit.

Store credit, cash and consignor checks are readily available when an item sells.
Many families earned hundreds of dollars in the past year consigning things they no longer need.

Learn more about How to Consign at Little Green Beans.

Image from eakdesign.etsy.com