It's Time To Shop~Rhea Lana Here I Come

I remember the days when we had Little Man.  Our family bombarded us with the most adorable clothes ever.  Toys were busting out of closets and in every major walkway.  It was ridiculous.  As the years progressed and more kids were added to the Torres family, the gifts became more and more spread out.  We were forced to..wait for it...it's hard to share...we were forced to...to...to...

BUY OUR OWN KIDS' CLOTHES!!!!

Whew!  I said it.  That was hard to admit, but the truth sets you free.  As Steven and I began shopping for Little Man and our newest addition, Little Miss, we were shocked at the prices of baby and toddler clothes. What the what?  $20 for baby and toddler jeans?  I hate spending $20 on my own jeans, let alone for a child who will wear this for less than one season.

That's when I began bargain shopping for my kids' clothes.  Consignment sales just make sense.  Unfortunately, finding a sale that wasn't in a gigantic warehouse was hard to find in my area.  Then floating out of the sky like an angel, Rhea Lana of South Tulsa arrived!  For 6 seasons, I have been taking my kids' older clothes to Rhea Lana of South Tulsa, then using the money I make and buying their 'new' clothes.  Since kids grow so fast, it just makes sense.  

Last sale I purchased the kids' spring and summer clothes for under $30.  On my consignment check I made $120 (I didn't have too much last season).  I equate that to shopping for free.  That is the power of consignment shopping.

This year is the first time I am searching for a baby equipment item!  I am in serious need of a side-by-side double stroller for the babies.  Nothing bulky.  More umbrella, folds up easy, and pushes well stroller.  So if you shop and see one, walk on by people.  I repeat, walk on by.  It is MINE!  All mine.  You think I'm kidding? ;)

So, mark your calendars ladies and gents.  The Rhea Lana of South Tulsa Sale begins SUNDAY, AUGUST 10th and runs through the 17th.  For best options, get your hands on an Early Shopper Pass.  If you get your hands on one of those babies, then you get to shop on SATURDAY!  What, what??? The easiest way to go about that is to get pregnant...or be pregnant). 

OR, the absolute best way is to show up like you are 'VIP in the HOUSE' at 7:00pm on Saturday and say, "YO! Torres Tidbits sent me," in your best Italian mobster impression. If you don't say, "YO!" you will have not one chance of getting in.  The bouncers will get you...OR...maybe I just stretching the truth a little bit.  Maybe you can just say, "Torres Tidbits sent me." But without the accent that wouldn't be any fun now, would it?!?

So, Torres Tidbiters, get yourself to the sale a day early and let them know I sent ya' for a chance to get the best deals before the sale opens to the public on Sunday, August 11th!  Just a little love for all those bloggy people out there. 

Rhea Lana of South Tulsa~Get Your BUY On!!!

A few weeks ago I talked about making money.  Although making money is super fun and important, how you spend it is equally important.  You all know I'm a Dave Ramsey fanatic.  We have a cash envelope for our kids' back to school clothing.  We've been saving for a few months now.  Stashing $20's here and there into the Clothing Fund.  Months later we are ready to spend, but letting go of cash you've saved is a bit hard to do. 

That's why we shop Rhea Lana of South Tulsa.  We get more for our money.  When I get to see the gigantic stack of clothes and the little cash that leaves my envelope, it makes it easy.  Our hard earned money works for us and doesn't slip away so fast.  I can't say the same for retail stores. 

Here's some FAQs and their answers...

Where Do I Go?

Rhea Lana of South Tulsa has one location near 106th and Memorial.  If you can find Chick-fil-a (let's be honest...we all know where those are), then you can find the sale.  It's directly behind Chick-fil-a, and the store front faces the Hampton Inn. 

When Can I Shop?

Sale dates for the general public are August 11-17th.  Click here for specific times.

How Do I Get One of Those Early Shopper Passes?

In all honesty, an early shopper pass is the golden ticket and there are a few ways to go about it.  One way is to volunteer your time.  Go here for more info.  Another way is to bring food to the volunteers and workers.  You can also earn a pass by being a Preggers.  No pillows under the shirt please.  We all can tell! 

Me + Cottage Cheese

My entire life I have been active.  I began gymnastics very young and continued through middle school until I decided to do competitive cheerleading through high school.  I didn't cheer in college so I picked up running and aerobic classes.  Weight was never an issue with the exception of trying to keep it on. 

I never had an issue with being self-conscience with my weight on the other side of the pendulum until I had kids.  My first pregnancy I gained 45 lbs despite working out almost everyday.  My body just packed on the weight.  It was frustrating.  I vowed to lose all the baby weight within year.  Well, that was a good plan until I got pregnant again.  Two babies in less than two years does something to your body.  

Suddenly, I had a weight problem.  After having Little Miss my body kept the extra 10 lbs.  Despite the cottage cheese on my thighs and non-existent abs, I decided that 125 lbs was my new natural body weight.  I was okay with that.  I accepted the cottage cheese as my new normal.  I had two kids in two years.  My body had just changed.

Well, guess what?  I had another baby, and I was afraid I was going to bulk up another 10 lbs.  The baby weight was not coming off.  I began running.  That helped a bit, but it wasn't cutting it.  I decided to attend my friend's boot camp.  It was just what I needed.  

As of late, I have dropped ALL baby weight.  I weigh and look as I did the day I got married.  Was it easy? No way.  Will I have to work to maintain?  Yep, but I am finally happy with the way I look because I feel STRONG.  I do have issues with accepting 'skinny' compliments.  I often feel people are saying I look too frail, too thin, too gross.  However, I have to remind myself that the compliments are just that...COMPLIMENTS.  I am working hard to say thank you.

I write this to encourage you.  You do not have to accept your baby weight as the new you. It is not you.  You can change what you don't like.  It will be hard.  It will require you to get outside your comfort zone.  It will be worth it.  

If you live in my area, I would love for you to do a FREE trial of the boot camp I do.  There are now evening and morning classes to choose from.  If you are interested in a new you, let me know and I will help you!

Git Ya' Some Dealz

If you haven't shopped Rhea Lana of South Tulsa this season, you are really missing out.  I took my cash and deal seeking eyes on Saturday afternoon. Glad I grabbed those guys because I was able to purchase 5 dresses for Little Miss, 2 shorts for Little Man, and 3 shorts and 1 shirt for Chubby Cheekers all for the bargain price of $37.  That's 11 items around $3.36/item.

I know some of you are thinking, "But those are used clothes."  My answer to that is, "Yes some are used, but 3 items had new tags on them."

I don't really have any issues with my kids wearing used clothes.  After all, I accept hand me downs from friends, pass on my own kids' clothes, AND I have a thing called a washing machine. All the items (even the new ones) go through the wash before the kids wear them.

If you haven't made it to the sale yet, don't fret.  You still have time. In fact today is the one of the best days to shop.  It may be Valentine's Day, BUT make it part of your date night because today is 25% off day!!!

If consignor's chose to mark their items for the sale, then those items will be 25% the sale's price.  Friday is HALF OFF DAY!  Good deals, people.  Good deals.

Ready to shop???  Here's the store hours..

Open to the Public Store Hours:
Thursday 10:00am-4:00pm*
Friday      10:00am-7:00pm
Saturday   9:00am-12:00pm

*Here's a little secret for you and something special just for Torres Tidbit readers!  If you would like to get items HALF OFF on THURSDAY EVENING, then you are invited to a PRIVATE pre-sale from 8:00pm-10:00pm.  All you have to do is say you were invited through Torres Tidbits and you'll get in.  This is a HUGE opportunity to scavenge the deals before it opens up to the public on Friday.

Before I leave you to shop til you drop, I have one more goody for you.  Do you like prizes?  Prizes like these...

{Click on the pic for enlargement}

If you shop and make a purchase tomorrow, you will be entered to win prizes!!!  Now go buy stuff.   Lots of stuff ;)

Don't forget to tell the ladies Torres Tidbits sent you!

Enjoy the sale, enjoy the deals!

Rhea Lana of South Tulsa: GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Rhea Lana of South Tulsa

February 10th-16th

Hard to believe, but February is here!  The month of love, and I LOVE Rhea Lana.  I love consigning and checking out the good deals.  It's not to late for you either.  You still have time to gather your items, tag them, and enter them in the database before the February 8th and 9th Drop Off Dates.  I know I have already told you how my two hours of work paid out, but I have another reason for you to consign at Rhea Lana of South Tulsa.  If you tag your items in store, they are INSURED!!!  If an unsold item is not able to be found after the sale, you will be paid for the lost item.  Just read the experience of one consignor...

Last Fall, I consigned with Rhea Lana of South Tulsa.  I tagged my items in-store and therefore was guaranteed money if an item got lost or stolen.  When I went to pick up my items, my somewhat expensive item was unable to be located.  She took time to search all over, but couldn't find it.  She paid me cash for the item before I left.  She did not make me feel bad about it and apologized for not being able to locate the item.  Amazing customer service!  You don't get that guarantee with other sales in town.

~Dawn Chesser, Rhea Lana of South Tulsa Consignor

Here's the deal. Lost and/or stolen items are a rarity at Rhea Lana of South Tulsa.  The women work diligently to care for your items.  However, isn't it nice to know you are taken care of with a high level of customer service in the incident something slips away?  I just love that!

As for shopping, well, I shouldn't need to to convince you to go.  Just go.  You'll thank me!  Great items, great prices.  Need I say more?  

Don't forget you can get an early shopper pass for volunteering and in some instances you can have your consignor fee waived.  Check it out HERE.

BUT, I'm not here to really discuss consigning or volunteering.  Those are just simple reminders.  Today I'm here to GIVEAWAY some CASH courtesy of the Rhea Lana of South Tulsa owners!  A free TEN DOLLARS...$10.00...TEN DOLLARS to spend at Rhea Lana of South Tulsa's Spring Sale!  I love free.

So here's how you enter...

• Be sure to 'LIKE' Rhea Lana of South Tulsa on Facebook.
• Leave a comment on THIS blog post.  Tell me if you're consigning.  Tell me if you're shopping.  Tell me anything.  Just comment.*
• All entries will be accepted through Monday, February 5th @ 8:00pm.  Winner will be announced Tuesday, February 6th @ 6:30am.

*If you have difficulties leaving a comment please try typing your comment and your name in the comment box, then click the 'Anonymous' button.  Sometimes comments take a while to appear.  You may also leave your comment on the link that posted on the Rhea Lana of South Tulsa Facebook page.

Good LUCK!  

I sure wish I could win this prize.

F.I.T. Boot Camp: Evening Classes

I am not a morning person.

5am???  That's the butt crack of dawn!

I can't get ready for work in time.

My body doesn't do THAT that early in the morning.

Guess what???  If you used one of these excuses towards boot camp, you can't anymore.  F.I.T. (Fun Intense Training) Boot Camp now offers EVENING CLASSES!!!

Just as the poster says, classes are T/Th nights from 7:45-8:30.  These classes are for men and women, and are already filling up fast. Call Erica today to reserve your spot (918.361.5255).  This isn't just something you do once you are in shape.  This GETS you in shape.  It is hands down the best workout program I have been apart of, and I've done a lot...yoga, body pump, zumba, Turbo Kick, Cardio Blast, etc.  This workout regime pushes me to be my best, and who doesn't want that?  The added bonus...Erica.  A person who will motivate you in an encouraging way. 

Rhea Lana of South Tulsa~CONSIGN NOW

Rhea Lana of South Tulsa

Spring/Summer Sale

February 10th-16th

It's really hard to believe the RL sale is just around the corner.  It seems like I picked up my FAT check just a few months ago.  It's time for you to get ready to earn cash too!

Sometimes we get stuck on a narrow road of thought that our income only comes from steady paychecks.  Like Steven's job.  He brings in the bulk of our income, but I have to add to it to make this family stay afloat.  I do little things like teach gymnastics, keep my adorable nephews, and consign.  Yes, I said consign.  I sell off what we don't need to pay for things we do.  Does it take time?  Yes.  Is it money in my pocket? Yes.  Is it worth it? YES!  

Let's take the last sale for example.  I spent about 2 hours gathering, sorting, and prepping clothes.  I received over $225 for those two hours.  This was just on clothes alone.  No toys or baby gear.  JUST CLOTHES.  Think about that pay out.  I made about $112.50/hour.  I don't know about you, but that is time well spent.

Convinced that consigning is worth it?  Here's what you do...

1. GoHERE to sign up as a consignor.
2. Gather two bins.  One for donations and one for consigning.  (If you wouldn't buy it, don't consign it!  Rhea Lana has a reputation of selling nice items only.)
3. Prep and organize your items.  Go HERE for item prep.
4. Take your items in.  Go HERE for drop off times and procedure.
5. Sit down with a cup of coffee and watch your money grow through LIVE sales reports!
6. Pick up your check.

That's pretty simple, right?

Now, Rhea Lana automatically gives you 70% of your sales (that's more than any other sale in this area), but if that's not enough for you check out the ways to earn more HERE.

So there you have it.  All the information you need to get your unwanted/unused items working for you.  

Next week, I'm going to share how you can get in on finding the deals at the Rhea Lana of South Tulsa sale before anyone else!  You know, where you find the barely used Britax carseat for 60% off retail OR, that Ergo carrier dirt cheap and looking new.  How awesome is it to tell your friends...Yeah, I got this Ergo for $20.  

Stay tuned for more...

Until then, LIKE Rhea Lana of South Tulsa on Facebook.  I hear there are some giveaways in the works.  Yeah, I said it...GIVEAWAYS!  What are you waiting for???  Go like them!

  

Second Child Syndrome

When your first child is born you take pictures of everything they do.  At least we did.  We have album after album of Little Man.  Little Man laying on his baby blanket.  Little Man teething.  Little Man trying to roll over.  Little Man sitting up.  Little Man making poopies.  Yep, even poopies.

Then you have the second child and it snaps you into reality.  We tried to take pictures of Little Miss like we did for Little Man, but life was just so busy.  She has one album for every two of Little Man's.  So when the great Melinda Hunley contacted us about doing a photo shoot with Little Miss, we jumped right on it!

Melinda did our fall family pics, and we were so pleased with the result.  I knew we would love the pics of Little Miss, but to be honest we were overly impressed. See what I mean...

She did such a great job capturing Little Miss' personality.  Melinda is easy to work with and very competitive with prices.  Check her out today and be sure to tell her you heard about her on Torres Tidbits!

La Vida Loca

I'm really contemplating changing the name of this blog to La Vida Loca.  Much more fitting, right?  I mean, I have a life AND it IS crazy.  La Vida Loca.  Yes, that sounds nice.

I'm pretty sure our recent photo session with MelHun Photography embodied the essence of my la vida loca.  Three small kids, four adults, a papi with his motorcycle...it all adds up to craziness.  Let's just say our last two photographers stopped doing family sessions shortly after they worked with us.  I try not to take it personally.  However, if Melinda Hunley quits I won't be surprised.  We just have that effect on people.

Despite the craziness, Melinda did a fabulous job. We have a ton of amazing shots to capture this moment in our lives.  I'm thankful for the opportunity to have family photos.  I know in a short time Steven and I will be sitting on the couch reminiscing through these photos wondering how time flew by so fast. 

The Most Delicious Cupcakes

A while back, I had the opportunity to participate in a taste test for a new business, Goodness Bakery.  If you have even the slightest sweet tooth, then you'll love these creative, and oh so delicious cupcakes.  Right now you can become a fan on Facebook .  I'm pretty sure you'll want to place an order right away.  I highly recommend the Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting, the Chocolate Cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting, Cookies and Cream, Snickerdoodle, Peanut Butter Cup, Cappucino...well, I recommend them all!!!

If you are Facebook'less' you can check her out here...