It’s used all the way for me.

My name is Carmen, and I’m delighted to be the newest addition to the Zwaggle team! I have six children, ranging in ages from 3 to 15. We are a soccer playing, cross country running, boy scout, art club and mess making group of people. As a mom with a larger family, I am constantly reusing and recycling. I’m always on the lookout for soccer cleats with remaining life, jeans that haven’t had the hems walked out of them, and sneakers that won’t kill you with the fumes.

Having a large family has changed my opinion on what is necessary for raising a family and the reality of how to obtain those items. When my first son was born, I was determined to purchase everything NEW and UNUSED and the thought of using a hand me down was horrifying. I bought it all new - strollers, car seats, clothing and toys. My second child was a daughter, and she needed all girl stuff - so I thought - and again bought it all new. By the time the third child came along, I had completely changed my mindset, and now I see what a gift a network of friends with children just a bit older than yours can be. There isn’t a week that goes by that I am not handed a bag of clothes, books, toys or games for my kids. I don’t know that I’ve bought new clothes for one of my daughters in a year. How awesome is that, to know that you are helping others and being helped at the same time?

I’m really impressed with the concept of Zwaggle, and keep thinking of more and more things that I can list. Not only that, but there are many items I’m interested in for my own kids, and the recycling concept appeals to the thriftier side of me.

Now, if I could just hook up with someone who had a Wii…