It takes a stalker to find great thrifty deals.  I've been hitting up Savers, Goodwill and Once Upon a Child every day for the past week, waiting for them to put out the kids winter gear!

Seriously, have you priced kids winter coats?  A Columbia can run you upwards of $150, other brands coming in at slightly less.  Honestly, for the few times these jackets receive rough and tumble snow action, it is hardly worth parting with a pay check for a one-season-wonder.  Kids grow so rapidly you simply cannot count on a coat that fits for multiple seasons.

I hit it big at Once Upon a Child today as I saw this NEW Woolrich coat hanging in the "size 7" section.  I knew it looked to be just the right size and TA-DA...it was a 5!  I love when things are hung in the wrong spot!

It's seriously adorable.  Chocolate corduroy on the outside and completely waterproofed on the inside.  The hood has a HUGE closure with cinching mechanisms on the sides, it features lots of pockets for Lightening McQueen and friends, a bottom waistband with rubber/ adjustable snaps to keep it pulled over his hinder, and best of all are the Ninja Sleeves!  As Axel put his arms in, his little hands threaded into thumb and finger compartments.  What a lovely invention to keep the sleeves in place and prevent snow from biting that precious skin around his wrists.

"It's like a ninja mom!"  He came up with that on his own...I'm going with it.

The Ninja was less than thrilled about his modeling gig, but I had to brag a bit about my $16 find.  Bring it on Minnesota.