Email
PrintCheap, reusable baby supplies
A dress and accessories at The Alley.
Tim Johnson
SPROUTING GREEN The Sprout Soup store in Clintonville promotes natural baby and children’s products that are environmentally sound. Most items are made in the U.S. According to owner Alissa DeRouchie, many parents are protecting the environment and saving money by using cloth diapers. People using disposables may spend around $20 a week. For $200, you can buy 36 pre-folded cloth diapers and eight covers that will last the first stage of your baby’s life. For $500 to $600, you can buy one-size, all-in-one diapers that will last for the usual two years of diapering and still be useable for the next child. All-in-ones are absorbent cotton with covers and a waterproof layer. Pins, by the way, are out—now there’s a clasp to secure the diaper safely.
The store also specializes in structured baby carriers designed to be safe and promote bonding. There’s a variety from which to choose.
Classes are available for parents, and there’s a playroom for children accompanying adults to the store. You’ll also find wood toys, adjustable highchairs, reusable lunch containers for school kids, unique gifts and organic bedding.
Sprout Soup, 4310 N. High St. (moving to 3292 N. High St. on Sept. 12), 267-7768; sproutsoup.com. Open Tue, Wed & Fri 10 am-6 pm, Thu till 8 pm, Sat till 5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm.
CUSTOMIZED KITCHENS Sembro Outlet offers the chance to buy custom kitchen cabinets, countertops and flooring at discount prices, featuring the Dreamline brand. The outlet offers 20 different styles of cabinets from which to choose, according to manager Alex Semchishin.
You can have your purchase installed, or save money by installing it yourself. Standard special features for cabinets include half-inch plywood construction, completely matched stain and European concealed hinges. Premium-quality laminate flooring is a half-inch thick in five- and six-and-a-half-inch-wide
pieces.
Sembro Outlet, 5270 Kreiger Ct. (off Georgesville Road, one mile from I-270), 853-4448; sembrooutlet.com. Open Mon-Sat 9 am-5 pm; closed Sun.
SEEING DOUBLE The Columbus Mothers of Twins Club is having a Kids Clothes and Toys Consignment Sale Sept. 24 from 9 am to noon at Veterans Memorial, 300 W. Broad St.
The 500-plus members of this nonprofit group—which includes mothers of twins, triplets, quads, quints and even a set of sextuplets—are selling new and gently used children’s clothing for infants up to child size 18. You’ll also find toys, games, movies, bedding, strollers, maternity clothes and more. You may spot a few double items at the sale, but each is sold individually. For a $2 charitable donation, you can enter at 8 am and get a head start. Only cash and checks are accepted; no credit cards. Organizers suggest you bring a large shopping bag. For more information, call 459-5004 or visit cmotc.org.
LET’S PRETEND If you’re in search of a unique look, you might find it at The Alley, a chic destination for vintage and classic clothing, costumes, accessories and jewelry for women and men. Styles range in era from 1890 to 1990 and sizes from 0 to plus. Owner Kit Matulich is a master costumer who worked in the field for 23 years before opening this shop.
Special costumes cover Renaissance, futuristic and historical looks. There also are men’s frock coats, tuxedos, cutaways and even a Saturday Night Fever outfit. Ladies’ formals are reminiscent of glamorous old movies. You have a choice of women’s daywear as well, including suits, pants, skirts and blouses.
When I was there, there was a wide array of men’s plaid trousers. I also saw handmade parasols for $40 that can be carried in the sun or used as a home accessory; they can be ordered in different colors. Other distinctive items include walking sticks, handmade leather corsets by a local artist and chain-mail bras, bikinis and a dress. You’ll also see some vintage clothing, such as a ’40s fringed bathing suit and a 100-year-old, hand-embroidered chemise. There’s a big assortment of jewelry, charms, earrings, necklaces and cameos.
The Alley, 3498 W. Dublin-Granville Rd. (half a mile east of Sawmill Road), 764-5555; thealleystore.com. Open Tue-Fri noon-7 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm; closed Sun-Mon.
Send sale and bargain suggestions two months before sale to: Bargain Bits, Columbus Monthly, P.O. Box 29913, Columbus, Ohio 43229-7513, or pressreleases@columbusmediaenterprises.com. No phone calls, please.
