Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Rejoice.

So I recently decided it was time to clean out my closet. It wasn't that I needed room for new things (my husband would kill me); I just decided it was time for the old things to find a new home. I was finally willing to accept that I no longer fit into those Gap chinos from 1996 -- and willing to give up the notion (thank goodness) that they'd still be in style if I ever do fit into them! So off to charity they went. But then I got stuck: what do I do with the things that are "too nice" to donate? Is there such a thing? You know, the shirt you bought just because it was on sale but then never wore? Or the dress you bought for a wedding and wore once?

I found the perfect solution in our local resale shop -- great for those of us who feel like the VALUE of something - whether monetary or sentimental - is still too great to let it go. Like all that gently-used baby gear crowding out our basement! We've got mountains of it: clothing and shoes and toys and books and videos and plush toys and rattles and blankets... items that are barely used or still in such nice shape, it seems a shame to give it away (call it a personal problem!). And so I was delighted when I found Auntie Em's Children's Resale Boutique.

Located at 6771 University Avenue in Middleton, Auntie Em's specializes in gently-used boutique and brand name children's items, plus maternity wear. The store has a welcoming atmosphere and has a play area to occupy the little ones while you shop or sell. They work quickly to prepare an offer for the items they'd like to purchase and pay you cash on the spot.

I'm happy to report I've reduced my mountain to a very large hill and have my first batch ready to go this weekend. I'm hoping to be rejoicing in a more spacious basement very soon with a few extra dollars in my pocket...if I don't spend them on more gently-used books and videos.

Visit Auntie Em's Monday - Friday, 10-6 and Saturday, 10-5 or contact by phone at 608-203-5804. They accept items the first week of every month (the 1st through the 7th) during regular business hours.