Tagged sponsors
You’re the Best.
The thing we love the most about Half-Pint Resale isn’t the cute cheap kids clothing and toys and everything else we need (although, don’t get us wrong, it’s high on the list), but the Community that Half-Pint Resale creates.
It’s full – to the brim! – with people who care about each other and want to support each other, and want the best for each other. We see it at the sale, we see it in line when people are chatting and meeting new friends. We see it in consignors who are parting with their favorite stripey sleeper because while it’s hard to pass it on, they can’t wait to see someone else find their treasure and love it and make memories in it just like they did. We see it in volunteers who sign up for the same shift every year or with the same people, because even though they didn’t know each other prior to the sale, they are now Half-Pint friends.
And we see it in the Supporters who keep Half-Pint free for ALL shoppers, and for the services that they provide for the community.
We hope that you’ll take a gander at all they have to offer; and if you use their services, tell them Half-Pint Resale sent you.
Forward Fertility- Working closely with surrogates and egg donors to help form loving families for those who need help on their journey to becoming parents. Forward Fertility is an innovative progressive business run by Christie Olsen, a women’s health nurse practitioner and Madison-loving resident since 2002. Primarily, Forward Fertilityprovides professional guidance and support to women who want to be egg donors or surrogates along with the same exceptional service for the parents-to-be seeking surrogates and/or egg donors. Forward Fertility is also committed to the community at large to improve “Fertility Literacy” – increasing awareness about fertility testing, treatments, options, and education. This has been done through newspaper articles, radio interview, free information sessions across the state.
Swim West – Half-Pint’s oldest supporter, and the place that both Lisa and Ellen’s kids learned to swim!! The only sport that saves a life. Swim Safer, Swim Smarter.
SwimWest has two location, Fitchburg and West Madison. Warm water to keep your babies warm while learning to be safer in and around the water. We have on going registration and welcome you to come in and try us out for free at either of our locations. We have small classes, certified teachers with friendly staff ready to assist you where ever needed. Come and visit us today.
Huckleberry & Persimmon is a place for families to grow. Huckleberry & Persimmon is a new small business on the west side of Madison. We offer children’s enrichment classes including science, art, movement, music, and language for Littles (1-3 years) and Bigs (2-5 years). We offer a parent/infant social group, Itty Bitties, and an open play group, Mayhem Hour, for kids to burn off that extra energy before bed! Parent/caregiver workshops will also be offered on a variety of topics.
Half Pint Resale shoppers will receive a coupon for discounted class registration and a free pass to Mayhem Hour! There will also be drawings at the sale for a $50 gift certificate, tee shirts, and other fun prizes! And don’t miss their Grand Opening on September 19, 3:30-6pm!
Meriter – UnityPoint Health – Coordinating your care from the doctor’s office to the hospital and back home. Meriter – UnityPoint Health makes it easy to get your family in to see a doctor through same-day appointments and extended hours, as well as a pediatric after-hours clinic open nights and weekends. Our health care professionals and physicians all work toward the same goal: individualized, coordinated care for the patients we treat so every patient can be healthy every day. The point of everything we do is you.
Hulafrog Madison – Subscribe to Hulafrog to find the best local events, activites, and businesses that cater to kids and families! Hulafrog Madison curates the best local events, activities, and businesses that cater to kids and families in our area. Visit the site daily to find tons of awesome events and recommendations from area parents. Subscribe to their free newsletter and be ‘in the know’ about fun events going on around town that you and your kids won’t want to miss!
Half-Pint Resale is proud to be the 2014 and 2015 Most-Loved Hula-frog Children’s Consignment Sale!
Unity Health Insurance, a local leader in health and wellness, provides top-rated health plans to more than 175,000 members throughout southwestern and south central Wisconsin. When looking for a health plan, choose the one that offers you great doctors and guaranteed access to all UW Health physicians. When you choose Unity, you receive Quality care, Consistent service and Convenient access to a large network of doctors and innovative health and wellness programs. As your health plan, our goal is to exceed your expectations in everything we do.
Nicki’s Diapers – The Next Generation of Cloth Diapers!
Cooperative Playgroup of Madison – a place for families/nannies to build community, support each other, and spend time together while participating in their young children’s play and socialization in a safe and stimulating environment.
Madison Area Midwives – Madison and its surrounding areas are rich in maternity care options for childbearing families. Resources include doulas, childbirth education choices, lactation services and midwives for home and hospital settings. These midwives are currently practicing in the Madison area, attending women at home, and in the Meriter hospital birthing center.
Mothers’ Milk Alliance – Mothers’ Milk Alliance was born in 2007 from the meeting of two mothers: one with extra breastmilk and one with low milk supply. Both dilemmas are common and have occurred throughout time. One timeless solution has been milk sharing. Shared breastmilk can optimize infant health and nutrition, while profoundly strengthening social bonds and community resilience. But many mothers either do not know another breastfeeding woman or do not feel comfortable asking for such intimate help. Moreover, mothers want basic assurance that milk from another woman is safe. Their healthcare practitioners want this too. Mothers’ Milk Alliance is an informed choice model of human milk sharing that facilitates donor lab testing, safety education and health screening, and free and local accessibility for infants up to 6 months of age.
Middleton Preschool – Offering both half day preschool and 4K, Middleton Preschool takes pride in helping prepare preschool aged children for success in kindergarten and beyond. Welcome to Middleton Preschool! We take pride in helping prepare preschool aged children for success in kindergarten and beyond. Our curriculum encourages social, mental, emotional and physical growth in a safe and healthy environment for all of our children. Please, come and take a closer look at Middleton Preschool’s teaching philosophy, enrollment guidelines, curriculum and objectives that we strive to offer our children each and every school year.
Babywearing International of Madison – Babywearing International of Madison is a Wisconsin chapter of Babywearing International, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to promote babywearing as a universally accepted practice, with benefits for both child and caregiver, through education and support. In addition to mainstream education sessions, workshops, and events, BWI-Madison strives to promote babywearing in all communities, with a targeted focus on underserved populations. Through partnerships with community organizations and resources, we reach out to a diverse population of caregivers and empower them to keep their children close, and experience the many benefits of babywearing. They have monthly meetings, online support, a lending library, and provide outreach to the community.
Speaking of outreach, find the awesome members of BWI Madison at Half-Pint near the baby carriers, helping you make informed choices! We’re sooo very excited ot have them back!
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream – making and selling over 110 flavors of Wisconsin’s finest super-premium ice cream. You want nutrition? Eat carrots.
Kindred Kids – Kindred Kids is a community resource providing affordable, quality children’s items to all children, with an environmental conscience which believes in reducing waste by reusing children’s items. Our proceeds from our resale store benefit our social mission of providing a free lending library of toys, specialized equipment and resources to children with special needs
Madison Mom’s Blog – We are passionate about encouraging other Madison Moms to get out in our great community and try new things!
They make Half-Pint Resale free and fun!
Each one of the following organizations and businesses not only makes our community better, but they make Half-Pint a reality. You’ll want to check out their postcards in your bags and their tables at the sale – there will be drawings, awesome coupons, and even activities for your kids!!! And when you are out in the community supporting these fine folks, be sure to say THANK YOU for all they do to make this great community resource available.
BIG WHEEL SUPPORTERS
Attorney Heather E. Hazelwood Heather specializes in personal and business services, focusing on estate planning, family law, and small business and non-profit organization and management. She is passionate about working with clients to help them plan for the future and manage life’s transitions. Hurley, Burish & Stanton, S.C. is dedicated to proving clients with the comprehensive and thorough work usually expected of large firms while maintaining the personal working relationships and cost-effectiveness associated with smaller firms. The firm handles all types of estate planning. The firm represents a wide variety of individual and business clientele, including those with substantial wealth as well as those with modest means. Stop by hertable at the sale for information on the special Half-Pint Resale estate planning discount and enter our give away for a chance to win one of two $50 giftcards for Madison Originals! You can also find her posting about family-related legal matters on facebook.
SwimWest has made the water a safer place for over 23 years! We have sung the praises of Swim West Swim School for years (and years and years), and are continuing to do so. Only a few years into swimming, the eldest of our kids can be found doing backstroke the length of the pool and our youngests are on their way. We’ve seen the magic first hand that turns a child that hates the water to one that is laughing and giggling all throughout class. With so many places to swim in and around Madison, having a child who is safe around water is a must. Their philosophy is to “provide all children, regardless of age, race, or special needs, the best aquatic experience, to teach the necessary skills to be safe in the water, to nurture a love of swimming, and to educate parents about water safety and the aquatic learning process.”
Forward Fertility is an innovative progressive business run by Christie Olsen, a women’s health nurse practitioner and Madison-loving resident since 2002. Primarily, Forward Fertility provides professional guidance and support to women who want to be egg donors or surrogates along with the same exceptional service for the parents-to-be seeking surrogates and/or egg donors. In 2013-2014, approximately half of the Forward Fertility clients were men in search of surrogates or egg donors to become fathers!
Forward Fertility is also committed to the community at large to improve “Fertility Literacy” – increasing awareness about fertility testing, treatments, options, and education. This has been done through newspaper articles, radio interview, free information sessions across the state. She also hosts A Conversation About Fertility: each FIRST Thursday of the month, from 8-9pm. Join Christie Olsen to discuss what is on your mind!
Do you ever wonder how your baby is learning language? Would you like to learn more about how babies learn? Are you interested in participating in studies with your child? If so, the Infant Learning Lab would love to have you join them! The Infant Learning Lab is located at the UW-Madison Waisman Center, and has studies for children from 6 months to 4 years of age. A study only takes one 30-45 minute visit, and they provide childcare for siblings, as well as free on-site parking and taxi rides. Your child will receive a book, a t-shirt, or $10 as a thank you! If you’re interested in signing up or learning more, call them at (608) 263-5876 or email to babies@waisman.wisc.edu. You can also sign up online!
UW Health is happy to offer CenteringPregnancy. It’s a great way to learn more about pregnancy, participate in your health care and meet other women who are pregnant and due at the same time as you. You will see your health care provider at the beginning of each group for an individual check-up, including blood pressure, weight, belly measurements and heartbeat checks. Then you will meet with your group to talk about many things like: nutrition, preparing for labor and delivery, breastfeeding, newborn care and parenting. CenteringPregnancy groups start monthly and are offered at our 1102 S Park St Clinic location with providers from both Arboretum ObGyn Clinic and ACHC/Wingra Family Medical Center.
TRICYCLE AND SCOOTER SUPPORTERS
At Meriter-UnityPoint Health, they’re focused around a single purpose: you. They are dedicated to providing comprehensive, coordinated care through our clinics, hospital and home care servicesfor patients located in South Central Wisconsin. Meriter offers adults and children primary and specialty care, including heart and vascular, orthopedics, women’s health and emergency services. The point of everything they do is you.
Sell your home for only 1% commission, with support from real estate attorneys through Open Homes! Their mission is simple – Connect buyers and sellers directly. They put your home on the MLS and other websites, so you get the widest possible exposure. They give you a yard sign and a lockbox for your house key to facilitate showings. And they provide real estate attorneys to help you anytime you need it, so you’re never on your own. Open Homes empowers you to sell your home on your own terms and is the modern way to sell your home – without the high cost of a traditional agent, but with professional backup and help that flat fee/FSBO services can’t match!
The Waisman Center Children’s Theatre features a variety of performers–magicians, singers, dancers, musical groups, educators, and professional theatrical companies. Many of the performances showcase children as the sole performers or “stars” of the production. Download a copy of the season’s schedule! Admission: $2.00, adults; $1.00, children. Advance tickets for any show in the series can be purchased beginning at NOON on performance days . All shows are sign interpreted!
Celebrating six years in Fitchburg and ten years in Middleton, The Little Gym is focused on Serious Fun whether it’s in a gymnastics class, at a Birthday bash or our amazing Parent Survivla Nights or Camps! We are excited about their newest programs: Tumblers – a grade school class focusing on tumbling skills that would be a great complement to other activities a child is in or an additional class each week AND Wonder Kids Club – a PreK enrichment program for ages 3-5 years old where the children come for 3 hours and work out in the gym while also having 2 hours of enrichment through reading, imagination, and organized, theme-based activities. An Open House to celebrate their anniversaries will be Sunday September 21 from noon-2pm at the Fitchburg location and 3-5pm at the Middleton location! Stop in to learn why their birthday parties have ranked number one in Parents magazine for a second time!
The Surrogacy Center has been providing safe, legal, and professional gestational surrogacy arrangements since 2002. They have had 109 babies born through our program and they just keep growing through referrals. They make it a priority to support our surrogates throughout the entire journey and guarantee independent legal representation for every surrogate. They are happy to arrange for a prospective surrogate to speak with an experiencedsurrogate to answer questions objectively.
Madison Area Midwives – This group of independent midwives provides prenatal, birth, and postpartum maternity care for women desiring to birth in their private homes. Madison and its surrounding areas are rich in maternity care options for childbearing families. Visit their website to see the home birth and hospital midwives currently practicing in Madison and the surrounding community.
Mother’s Milk Alliance – MMA is run by volunteer licensed midwives and community advocates dedicated to providing donor human milk to families in Dane County. MMA is an informed choice model of human milk sharing that facilitates donor lab testing, safety education, and health screening. This is free and local accessibility for infants up to 6 months of age.
Don’t miss it! Microbirth Film Screening – September 20, 2014 – 5 pm film begins with refreshments, free admission, Promega – 5445 E Cheryl Parkway, a film revealing the microscopic events at birth that shape our future.
Flutterby Beginnings is a growing service offering private HypnoBirthing® Childbirth Education classes, doula services, and doTERRA Essential Oils. HypnoBirthing® is a complete childbirth method that focuses on preparing you and your birthing companion for a gentle and satisfying birth experience. Having a doula benefits not only the laboring mother but also her birthing companion by being constantly near to offer support and guidance. Learn how you can provide safe benefits without side effects using doTERRA Essential Oils.
Hula-Frog – Fun things for Kids to Do. Have you checked out Hulafrog yet? Subscribe to their newsletter for FREE and get their Our Pick emails & The Weekend Guide to find out about can’t miss activities, deals and events for families. We love that they send us emails to remind us of fun happening around town. Your kids will thank you for it! WHILE YOU ARE THERE, don’t forget to show Half-Pint a little love by clicking on that heart next to our name! (Thanks!)
Many thanks to the following businesses and organizations for their ongoing support!
They Make Half-Pint Happen!
Each one of the following organizations and businesses not only makes our community better, but they make Half-Pint a reality. You’ll want to check out their postcards in your bags and their tables at the sale – there will be drawings, awesome coupons, and even activities for your kids!!! And when you are out in the community supporting these fine folks, be sure to say THANK YOU for all they do to make this great community resource available.
BIG WHEEL SUPPORTERS
Attorney Heather E. Hazelwood is passionate about working with clients to help them plan for the future and manage life’s transitions. Many of her estate planning clients are families with young children and couples just before and after marriage. She also focuses on helping same-sex couples and non-traditional families ensure they enjoy the full extent of their rights! She is offering a special deal for friends of Half-Pint so don’t delay! You can also find her posting about family-related legal matters on facebook.
Swim East and West are making the water a safer place for over 23 years! We have sung the praises of Swim East and Swim West for years (and years and years), and are continuing to do so. Only a few years into swimming, the eldest of our kids can be found doing backstroke the length of the pool and our youngests are on their way. We’ve seen the magic first hand that turns a child that hates the water to one that is laughing and giggling all throughout class. With so many places to swim in and around Madison, having a child who is safe around water is a must. Their philosophy is to “provide all children, regardless of age, race, or special needs, the best aquatic experience, to teach the necessary skills to be safe in the water, to nurture a love of swimming, and to educate parents about water safety and the aquatic learning process.”
Forward Fertility is a forward thinking, nurse practitioner-owned business based in Madison, Wisconsin. The mission of Forward Fertility is simple: Help people who are building their families via egg donation, gestational surrogacy, embryo donation, or donor sperm and educate our community about these options. Help can look different to each person, so Forward Fertility customizes services, based on needs.
Happy Bambino, LLC – Madison’s premier place to get quality pregnancy and parenting resources, safe, green, locally-made products and caring, hands-on support – from pre-conception through birth and beyond. If you are pregnant or a new parent, HB is the place to go. Their parenting resources and groups are out of this world. They personally helped me through some major breastfeeding struggles, introduced me to several of my bestest friends, and saved my wallet issues (which are great, mind you) with their JuJeBe line. AND on top of this, they’ve been HUGE Half-Pint supporters and such good friends us and care so much about their community.
OFFICIAL HALF-PINT PHOTOGRAPHER
First Moments Photography – the official photographer of the Fall 2013 Half-Pint Resale, and specializes in capturing life’s intimate moments! Our family had Danielle take our first family photos, and she even survived past my child screaming “NO PICTURES”, and gave us great results.
TRICYCLE AND SCOOTER SUPPORTERS
Hula-Frog – Fun things for Kids to Do. Have you checked out Hulafrog yet? Visit madison.hulafrog.com, subscribe to their newsletter for FREE and get their Our Pick emails & The Weekend Guide to find out about can’t miss activities, deals and events for families. We love that they send us emails to remind us of fun happening around town. Your kids will thank you for it!
Attorney Juscha E. M. Robinson is your go-to local attorney (not to mention, our neighbor and friend, fellow Half-Pinter and mom!) for everything related to real estate. It’s hard to know who to trust with such big (and often larger-than-life) decisions, but you can count on Juscha to help you with buying, selling (providing flat fee work for people working without agents), property agreements, options to purchase, land contracts, deeds, private financing documents, and foreclosures. She prides herself on responsiveness, her quick turn around-time and flexibleness.
The Little Gym is building Self-Confidence in Children, One Humongous Grin at a Time! Want to give your child the best start in life? That extra edge that will help them become well-rounded, well-adjusted adults? Research suggests that creative physical activity may be the key to fostering confident, successful kids. In other words, Serious Fun provides some serious benefits.
Midwest Clay Project provides a dynamic and inspirational place for people of all ages and abilities to learn about making things with clay! We wrote this post about Midwest Clay Project years ago, because we -and our kids- loved them then – and we still love them now! Also, don’t miss out on the handmade MCP Half-Pint mugs!
Blackbird Family Yoga was built with the whole family in mind. We offer a wide range of adult yoga classes (with quality, interactive childcare provided), prenatal yoga classes, postnatal/ yoga with baby, parent & child yoga, yoga classes for preschool, school age children and teens, and a family class for everyone at the same time!
Badgerland Jiu-Jitsu offers a wide variety of self-defense and physical fitness programs for adults and for kids! Every class is a great cardiovascular workout. Everyone can learn the beautiful martial art style of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Vejvoda Photographics – Specializing in a variety of photography styles! Her style ranges from traditional to modern, and she offers a variety of packages to suit your needs.
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream – making and selling over 110 flavors of Wisconsin’s finest super-premium ice cream. You want nutrition? Eat carrots. Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream has been a long time supporter of Half-Pint Resale. We think you should eat their icecream because they are such huge community supporters (but we know that you will eat it because it’s so unbelievably irresistible and delicious.
Look who Supports Half-Pint
Each one of the following organizations and businesses not only makes our community better, but they make Half-Pint a reality. You’ll want to check out their postcards in your bags and their tables at the sale – there will be drawings, awesome coupons, and even activities for your kids!!! And when you are out in the community supporting these fine folks, be sure to say THANK YOU for all they do to make this great community resource available.
BIG WHEEL SUPPORTERS
Attorney Heather E. Hazelwood is passionate about working with clients to help them plan for the future and manage life’s transitions. Many of her estate planning clients are families with young children and couples just before and after marriage. She also focuses on helping same-sex couples and non-traditional families ensure they enjoy the full extent of their rights! She is offering a special deal for friends of Half-Pint so don’t delay! You can also find her posting about family-related legal matters on facebook.
Swim East and West are making the water a safer place for over 23 years! We have sung the praises of Swim East and Swim West for years (and years and years), and are continuing to do so. Only a few years into swimming, the eldest of our kids can be found doing backstroke the length of the pool and our youngests are on their way. We’ve seen the magic first hand that turns a child that hates the water to one that is laughing and giggling all throughout class. With so many places to swim in and around Madison, having a child who is safe around water is a must. Their philosophy is to “provide all children, regardless of age, race, or special needs, the best aquatic experience, to teach the necessary skills to be safe in the water, to nurture a love of swimming, and to educate parents about water safety and the aquatic learning process.”
Molly Bears is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit that exists to create a positive and comforting impact to families enduring any form of infant loss. They have over 3,500 bears on their waiting list and operate solely on donations. Every $45 they receive puts a bear in another family’s arms. Dannah Kilborn is a local bear creator for Molly Bears. She has made several hundred bears to comfort grieving families, several of them in the Madison area. Donate today!
Happy Bambino, LLC – Madison’s premier place to get quality pregnancy and parenting resources, safe, green, locally-made products and caring, hands-on support – from pre-conception through birth and beyond. If you are pregnant or a new parent, HB is the place to go. Their parenting resources and groups are out of this world. They personally helped me through some major breastfeeding struggles, introduced me to several of my bestest friends, and saved my wallet issues (which are great, mind you) with their JuJeBe line. AND on top of this, they’ve been HUGE Half-Pint supporters and such good friends us and care so much about their community.
OFFICIAL HALF-PINT PHOTOGRAPHER
First Moments Photography – the official photographer of the Spring 2013 Half-Pint Resale, specializing in capturing life’s intimate moments! Our family had Danielle take our first family photos, and she even survived past my child screaming “NO PICTURES”, and gave us great results. See all of the fun from the Fall 2012 sale, and don’t forget to join us for the PHOTO BOOTH at this year’s sale!
TRICYCLE AND SCOOTER SUPPORTERS
Hula-Frog – Fun things for Kids to Do. Have you checked out Hulafrog yet? Visit madison.hulafrog.com, subscribe to their newsletter for FREE and get their Our Pick emails & The Weekend Guide to find out about can’t miss activities, deals and events for families. We love that they send us emails to remind us of fun happening around town. Your kids will thank you for it!
Attorney Juscha E. M. Robinson is your go-to local attorney (not to mention, our neighbor and friend, fellow Half-Pinter and mom!) for everything related to real estate. It’s hard to know who to trust with such big (and often larger-than-life) decisions, but you can count on Juscha to help you with buying, selling (providing flat fee work for people working without agents), property agreements, options to purchase, land contracts, deeds, private financing documents, and foreclosures. She prides herself on responsiveness, her quick turn around-time and flexibleness.
Thanks to locally owned Peace of Mind Nannies, finding someone to care for your children can actually be an enjoyable process. Founded in 2010, Peace of Mind Nannies prides itself on building strong families within our community. They carefully match nannies and families; based on the needs of that specific family. Whether you’re a family with young children who need a full time nanny (even if it’s just for those summer months), or a busy mom who could use a mother’s helper, Peace of Mind Nannies is here to help!
Big Oak / Orton Park Camp is a full-day, outdoor based camp on Madison’s eastside, especially suited for children ages 5 to 10. They utilize the many cultural, educational and recreational opportunities afforded us throughout the city, and incorporate the rich flavor of our community into the program through songs, art, music, recreational sports and games, and field trips. Informal, recreational swimming is offered daily. And the camp employs highly skilled counselors who specialize in the education of early elementary age children! They are state licensed and city accredited.
Spring is here and so are RainReserve rain barrels! What’s better than rain water for your garden? Saving money! Check out www.rainreserve.com/wisconsin to learn more about their rain barrel sale on April 27th in Madison with three new colors, forest green, brown and gray.
Busy Barns Adventure Farm – Growing Memories, Harvesting Fun! Busy Barns Adventure Farm happily invites you and your family to join them for their Spring Barnyard Adventures and fall Autumn Adventures. Make plans to spend the day on the farm Make plans to spend the day on the farm as you interact with the animals, play in the corn and straw, sit on the antique tractors, take in a puppet show, scurry down the rabbit hole slide, sway on the pony swings, complete the scavenger hunt & enjoy yummy food and drinks!
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream – making and selling over 110 flavors of Wisconsin’s finest super-premium ice cream. You want nutrition? Eat carrots. Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream has been a long time supporter of Half-Pint Resale. We think you should eat their icecream because they are such huge community supporters (but we know that you will eat it because it’s so unbelievably irresistible and delicious.
the Amazing Half-Pint Community
We are so thankful for so many people in this community – our volunteers, consignors and shoppers – and we are grateful that there so many top-notch businesses and organizations in this community who make it such a great place to live for families. Many of these businesses and orgs support Half-Pint Resale, and we wouldn’t be around if it wasn’t for them. Take a second to learn about all of these amazing places who want to make Half-Pint Resale and buying thrifty possible for you and your family. They all will have some sort of presence at the sale (a table, a floor sponsorship, a flyer at checkout) so you can learn more about all of them.
The next time you see them or shop at these local businesses, think about how much they care about you and the community. Say Thanks!
Fitzgerald Photography– Mallory, of Fitzgerald Photography, has been the official Half-Pint photographer for several sales. We love her work, and we love that she takes such amazing pictures of Half-Pint. Post sale, check out our blog and maybe you’ll even see your pretty face!
Midwest Clay Project – Oh, how we love Midwest Clay Project. You can see our blog post about a visit not that long ago and read about it’s wonders. An awesome Half-Pint friend and volunteer just started up this project/studio on Willy Street on Madison’s east side (918 to be exact, and it’s nestled in between Madison Sourdough and Plan B). The studio will be designed to be inspirational and dynamic for people of all abilities and all ages (novice to professional). The place is DESIGNED for kids to explore, and even to buy (a whole shelf of child-friendly little clay sculptures that they can buy for mere cents!). I’m in love (do you think they’ll let me move in?).
Swim East – Both Lisa and I have sent our kids to Swim East. My son, who a year ago January was Afraid (despite the fact that he had been in the water since birth) of going to the deep end, even with me holding him, was an absolute fish by three weeks into Swim East and now can swim at the age of five across the pool. My son, who is naturally adverse to many things in life BEGS to go to Swim Lessons. Yes, the glory of Swim East.
Tenney Nursery and Parent Center – An enriching, play-based preschool for children 2-6 years of age. While our kids didn’t attend, we have a gazillion friends whose children did attend, and from all accounts, it’s a beautiful place to be as a child. Could you want more for your little than to send them to a Preschool where they are taught to grow emotionally and respect their friends? Plus they have a SUPER (read: awesomely fun) drop-in play time for babes and toddlers! Good stuff!
Happy Bambino – Madison’s premier place to get quality pregnancy and parenting resources, safe, green, locally-made products and caring, hands-on support – from pre-conception through birth and beyond. If you are pregnant or a new parent, HB is the place to go. Their parenting resources and groups are out of this world. They personally helped me through some major breastfeeding struggles, introduced me to several of my bestest friends, and saved my wallet issues (which are great, mind you) with their JuJeBe line. AND on top of this, they’ve been HUGE Half-Pint supporters and such good friends to Lisa and I (uh oh, I’m getting teary), and they care so much about our community. And their new location in Monona is Amazing, with a Capitol A.
Holistic Mom’s Network – When you become a parent, I think one of the first things you realize is the importance of community and having a network of people who have the same parenting philosophy. Which is one of the reasons that groups like the HMN is so important. If you are interested in holistic health and living green (which we know so many of you Half-Pinters are!) then you can’t find a better place to be the first Thursday of every month! They meet right here at the Goodman Community Center in Boltz B (one of their beautiful rooms inside the building), 6:45pm.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church Preschool – We love when we find preschools right in our neighborhood. And with so many types of preschools out there, there is one that fits the beliefs of every parent in town. They have a robust 3K and 4K curriculum that contains a religious and well-rounded focus. Check them out!
Madison Area Community Land Trust – Their url – affordablehome.org – explains it all. How does this affordable housing non-profit make homes affordable? Very simply, you buy the house (at a price below market-rate) but don’t buy the land. You rent the land from MACLT under a “lease”, which makes the home less expensive to purchase because you don’t have to pay for/finance the cost of the land. This amazing organization is available for income-qualified individuals and families. They currently have houses for sale, and are willing to talk to folks who are interested in exploring home ownership through the Land Trust more. Check out their website or give them a call! (This might be thrifty at it’s Prime.)
Madison Children’s Museum – A new, and proud!, sponsor of Half-Pint Resale, the Madison Children’s Museum is one of the most amazing destinations for kids in town. My kids adore the museum, and were (a little too) excited when I told them about the possibility of having a birthday party there. Check out our birthday party post here, where we also talk the virtues of MCM membership. For a low-cost, you can use the MCM as your new drop-in play space. We like to go in between errands or while we are downtown getting dinner or participating in “political activities”. I’m excited for this summer because we don’t have air conditioning in our house and it might be what gets us through another (hot) summer. (Oh, and watch for their birthday party coupons at their table!)
Madison Birth Center is Wisconsin’s first free-standing Nationally Accredited Birth Center. All care is provided by certified nurse-midwives and professional-midwives, using traditional midwifery principles. Midwives are experts in caring for healthy women experiencing normal pregnancies! They attend births at home and in their unbelievably beautiful birth center. The care is safe, cost- effective, and empowering. Sign up and take a tour at Madison Birth Center, mention Half-Pint and your name will be put into a drawing for a Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breastpump!
Isthmus Parents – Have you checked out their new site?! I love this site – the blog is funny (I found myself nodding one too many times) and their listings for what is going on around town is easy to read, informative and complete!
UW-Madison Infant Learning Lab conducts research on language development in babies and toddlers. Volunteer 15 minutes of your baby’s time, and receive a children’s book, t-shirt, or $10! We’ve done these studies ourselves and our kids fine them fun, and we feel like we are doing something important to promote the understanding of our little tykes – Sign up now!
CranioSacral Therapy is a “manual therapy that encourages your own natural health mechanisms to dissipate the negative effects of stress on your central nervous system.” The therapy helps the body correct restrictions that it has been unable to overcome on its own, with a goal of improving overall health and resistance to disease. For mommas and babies alike, this therapy can really help folks after birth. We hear that the benefits of this therapy on babes/toddlers with colic is staggering! Check out the flyer at the Half-Pint check-out to learn more about a local provider Patricia Smith who also practices with GHC (for those of you who can use their complimentary health benefit!)
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream is giving away a YEARS SUPPLY OF ICE CREAM to one lucky person who donates to our baby food drive at the sale. Not that you wouldn’t be generous without it, but it’s sure a nice incentive to remember to bring your donation! Yum.
Kindred Kids – Our official Half-Pint charity – they are the recipients of all of those items that aren’t sold and are donated by our consignors. Meeting the needs of family’s who have children with special needs, they are a caring life-line to so many, which is why we are so very proud to be associated with them. And they have this super cool lending library, which we talk about in this blog post. Check it out!
-Ellen and Lisa
Birthday Party WonderLand (on sale?!)
I don’t know about you, but birthday parties bring me a fair amount of anxiety. My family loves to celebrate, and we love parties. But kid’s birthday parties, to me, bring an extra dose of exhaustion. We live in a small house, so the question always begs – do we have it here? How many kids do we invite? Will their parents fit, and if they don’t, how many kids can I actually watch at once? Do I make the cake? And then there is the trip to the party store for the decorations, the craft store for the activity materials that I don’t plan until the days before, and the food, and the party bags, and don’t forget to grab balloons the day of the party… Before you know it, the cheap, easy little party you were planning has consumed your week and budget, and the kids haven’t even arrived yet.
Certainly we all LOVE to celebrate our little’s birthdays, and we want them have fun, memorable celebrations. How do it and still stay sane?
We think we may have found the answer.
Did you know that our top ranked Madison Children’s Museum now offers birthday party packages? BINGO!
Yep, there are a lot of different fun places around town that offer birthday party packages. But I think that this one offers one of the best deals in town, hands down. For a comparable price to other packages in town, you get:
- Museum admission for up to 12 children and their adults. This might be enough right here – 12 kids playing at the Children’s Museum (arguably the most fun place in town and certainly the one that my kids ask for the most) AND their adults. No more worry about whether or not you will be able to track down 12 squirrely kids, cause the adults can come for free. Pick a time slot earlier in the day and those 12 kids and their adults can stay the rest of he day to explore the museum. It’s like a giant free gift for your birthday party attendees.
- Birthday cupcakes and Beverages. And guess what? The cupcakes are made by Bean Sprouts Cafe, which means that it’s more than just yummy, it’s good for you, and YOU didn’t have to try and figure out how to hide the carrots or beets in the cake.
- A free Children’s Museum Tee for your kiddo. (Happy Birthday from the Museum!)
- Tableware, Decorations, Set-up, Clean-up, Take down. All of those details that aren’t exactly fun. You didn’t have to bring a thing, and you don’t need to make a trip to the party store. And you don’t need to clean up the green frosting your son smashed all over the floor.
- A “Funstigator” . Which means you don’t necessarily have to be the life of the party and you can keep your clown nose at home.
- Lots of additional add-on options, including party bags, healthy snacks or lunch items, and party themes (complete with a cool activity – see the “Activity Party” heading, or voila, the “Cooking Party” heading!!)
A Half-Pint mom recently shared with us why they held their 7 year old daughter’s last party there. “The new museum is her favorite place and we wanted to do something extra special for her this year and we knew she and her friends would have a very fun and memorable experience.” What was her favorite part of the party? “The whole thing was awesome, but I’d have to say that the scavenger hunt activity was really great. Emmie and her guests were detectives solving the mystery of the missing cupcakes by gathering clues scattered throughout the museum. The kids even made mustaches and detective badges for the hunt! They really ate it all up!”
(Aside – I don’t know about you, but I can’t imagine how long it would take me to come up with a full scavenger hunt, and honestly, would I want my child and 11 of his friends running around my house unearthing Gosh only knows what finding things? No thank you)
So on top of it already being a good deal…
When you come to Half-Pint Resale next week, you’ll be able to SCORE a $15 off-a-party coupon, thanks to the awesome generosity of the museum, a Half-Pint Resale Sponsor. Already a member at the museum – which I would personally recommend- Get $25 off!
And for those of you who have been *thinking* about purchasing a membership, I personally can’t recommend it highly enough. With so much to do for our entire family (even us) it’s become a favorite destination. My almost-6 year old likes it as much – if not more – than our 2 year old, and I adore going because I feel artistically inspired every time I’m there. I also personally love sitting at the bottom of the Hodgepodge Mahal.) Between the classes, the discounts around town (which I didn’t even know about until today!) check out their prices online – and did you know that they offer reduced-fee memberships to people who qualify?)
So don’t forget to pick up your coupon when you are at the sale next week. It will add an extra dose of thriftyness you can’t get anywhere else-
-EC
Love them!
We know you love Half-Pint. and we have to tell you, Half-Pint wouldn’t be around if it wasn’t for these following businesses. We’re not big in the advertising department, but Seriously folks, Half-Pint wouldn’t be possible for us to continue without the amazing local businesses who come forward to say HEY! WE LOVE HALF-PINT, TOO! They all will have some sort of presence at the sale (a table, a floor sponsorship, a flyer at checkout) so you can learn more about all of them.
The next time you see them or shop at these local businesses, think about how much they care about you and the community. Say Thanks!
Connor Health and Family Wellness – We met these folks at the Atwood Summerfest and they handed us this green seaweed drink that filled us with health and energy for hours! They focus on alot of the things that new parents need help with – chronic pain, nutritional deficiencies and more. Dr. Laura Connor is a Chiropractor by trade, and also a momma!
Fitzgerald Photography– Mallory, of Fitzgerald Photography, has been the official Half-Pint photographer for several sales. When she first came to us, she was just starting out her business, but now, she has even announced that she is moving beyond just (as if this is a just) photographing babies and family’s in their natural settings – but now she is also doing event photography! Think capturing the perfect moments at your child’s first or fifth or tenth birthday, or how about your trip to the Pumpkin Patch this fall? (Just think, you, too, the family photography could be IN the pictures for once. Seems like you should make up an occasion just so you can finally take your place in your family’s photographic history!)
Stroller Strides – I have several friends who are workout fiends. We all know, post-baby – it’s hard to get back into the swing of things. So when when they all said “HOLY COW! Those Stroller Stride workouts are kicking my Butt…” I knew it was the real thing. Want to get back in shape but have baby in tow? Perfect! Pack em up in their stroller and go! You’ll both love it.
Midwest Clay Project – An awesome Half-Pint friend and volunteer just started up this project/studio on Willy Street on Madison’s east side (918 to be exact, and it’s nestled in between Madison Sourdough and Plan B). Their goal is to more than just hook people up to some clay and a wheel (ceramics, to be specific!). The studio will be designed to be inspirational and dynamic for people of all abilities (novice to professional). On top of all of this (and here are all of my favorite parts) – they are set up to accommodate children and adults with a wide range of physical abilities and special needs and will have a wheelchair accessible wheel! AND they are going to have a sales gallery with a shelf of objects for children to buy that are under a dollar. I’m in love (do you think they’ll let me move in?). Their website will be up in just a week or two, so check back!
Swim East – Both Lisa and I have sent our kids to Swim East. My son, who last January was Afraid (despite the fact that he had been in the water since birth) of going to the deep end, even with me holding him, was an absolute fish by three weeks into Swim East. And just yesterday he said to me -“Hey, Mom, when am I going to swimming lessons again? I loved swimming lessons. They taught me cool tricks about swimming and I need to learn more.” Yes, the glory of Swim East.
Mother Nature’s Diapers – Cloth Diapering isn’t easy. Mother Nature’s Diapers, who is back sponsoring us for a second year, makes cloth diapering almost a snap. Not only are they saving the world by offering a non-disposable alternative for busy families, but using a commercial service actually saves water and energy.
Tenney Nursery and Parent Center – An enriching, play-based preschool for children 2-6 years of age. While our kids didn’t attend, we have a gazillion friends whose children did attend, and from all accounts, it’s a beautiful place to be as a child. Could you want more for your little than to send them to a Preschool where they are taught to grow emotionally and respect their friends? Good stuff!
Happy Bambino – Madison’s premier place to get quality pregnancy and parenting resources, safe, green, locally-made products and caring, hands-on support – from pre-conception through birth and beyond. If you are pregnant or a new parent, HB is the place to go. Their parenting resources and groups are out of this world. They personally helped me through some major breastfeeding struggles, introduced me to several of my bestest friends, and saved my wallet issues (which are great, mind you) with their JuJeBe line. AND on top of this, they’ve been HUGE Half-Pint supporters and such good friends to Lisa and I (uh oh, I’m getting teary). OH! And they are going to have a huge giveaway AND chocolate at their table.
Natale Photography – Pregnant Momma bellies are gorgeous. Both times I was pregnant, I wore bikinis All summer. It was the first and second time I’ve ever worn a bikini. Oh, bellies!!!!! Natale Photography takes GORGEOUS shots of bellies. It’s one of those times that you’ll look back on some day and realize that, even though it felt like a long 9 months, it is gone so fast. I wish I had taken the time to Love my belly more and capture it in all it’s glory and beauty. Do it.
Bloom Bakeshop -My fulltime daytime gig is in Middleton, just a block away from Bloom Bakeshop. It’s one of those things that you might think is a curse of sorts (such temptation), but when you find out what they make their bakery from, well, you realize you’ve just hit the jackpot as far as work locations. Everything they make is from REAL ingredients. You might remember, that before ingredients that only sounded like food existed, people actually baked with real honest-to-goodness food. And it’s DELICIOUS. They even have a whole line of yummy goodness that is dairy and/or gluten free so if you are a nursing momma or have a kiddo with allergies, this is your Bakery. Did I mention that they are a pickup point for a local Egg CSA?
Willowpads – We love things that are reusable (oh, you could tell?) The folks over at the Willow Store and Willowpads are LOCAL, they are USA made, and they are pure awesome quality. From diapers to feminine hygiene products, to reusable wipes. Made with organic cotton and hemp you’ll be treating yourself and your baby well.
EnAct – EnAct is a program to help you live a greener, more sustainable life and to build community. Using their book as a guide, you can work on your own or create a team of friends, coworkers, or neighbors. Together, you will discover more than 1,000 actions to conserve energy, waste less, save water, drive less, eat well, and save money! All things we all care about.
Madison Waldorf School – Waldorf education is such a beautiful thing. It addresses children’s intellectual capacities with lessons that reach their heart, head and hands, but also encourages their sense of wonder and joy in being alive in the world today. Joy of being alive!!!!!!!! What a nurturing way to raise your child. The cool thing about the Madison Waldorf school is that they are growing in size each year as their first class ages. And on top of that, they have toddler playgroups where children play with playsilks, make crowns from nature objects, and bake together in a communal baking project.
Madison Smile Solutions – Children and babies need dental visits, too! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that babies have their first visit by their first birthday – and Madison Smile Solutions offers these visits for FREE! They are parents themselves (and even have a new baby) and care greatly about families and children – so much so that they even have a section on their website dedicated to the issues that you and your children should care about.
Kindred Kids – Our official Half-Pint charity – they are the recipients of all of those items that aren’t sold and are donated by our consignors. Meeting the needs of family’s who have children with special needs, they are a caring life-line to so many, which is why we are so very proud to be associated with them. And they have this super cool lending library which we visited last year. Check it out!
-Ellen