MMSM #73
Oh my...I had no idea this site existed! Heading to Target, or planning a shopping trip on Target.com? Check out their digital/printable coupons exclusively for their store! This week, they have $365 worth of savings! Nice! Enjoy exploring this site. I know I will :-) Target Coupons
MMSM #72
Thriving Family is a fantastic magazine that Focus on the Family sends out for FREE! I have browsed through it at my friend's home, but I just ordered a subscription for my family. You will have to put in "billing information," but you will not be charged for anything. I highly recommend any resource from this inspirational organization! The magazine can be ordered at Thriving Family.
MMSM #71
One more tip pregnancy, then I'm taking a break for awhile :-) Did you know that the Dollar Store sells pregnancy tests?! Forget those $15 ones from Walmart. Check your dollar store's toiletry isle. Yes, they are $1, and yes, they work! Well, not from personal experience, unfortunately, but several friends have used them and received accurate results! This is just for those of you who don't want to use the mega pack listed below :-)
MMSM #70
Any mommy TTC (Trying To Conceive) will inevitably go to extreme lengths to "assist" our God in the miracle of life :-) I don't think there is anything wrong with this as long as we remember that He is the ultimate giver of children, and we must be patient with His timing. That being said, He has allowed us to discover a whole lot about the female reproductive cycle. Several friends have suggested that I try an ovulation kit. So, I went to the store to purchase one. Holy moly! Do you know how expensive those crazy things are?! No thank you! I ventured over to Amazon, per the advice of a dear friend, and found a fantastic deal...50 ovulation tests and 20 pregnancy tests for $18.99! The exact product is called "Combo 50 (LH) Ovulation & 20 (HCG) Pregnancy Test Strips." The picture is listed above. Add another few dollars to get to a $25 sub-total, and you qualify for free shipping (I ordered a Choo Choo Soul CD/DVD, a toddler favorite, for our little man's Easter basket). Happy baby planning!
MMSM #69
Okay, mommies, it's time to reassess your car situation. We just did, and it's going to save us some money! We traded in our 2008 Subaru Tribeca for a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid. The Subaru, while great in the snow, averaged 18-20 mpg on a good day. The Civic is already averaging 40 mpg with stop-and-go city driving. Yes, it is quite a bit smaller than the Subaru, but we also have an older Subaru Outback that will do just fine when we have extra items to tote around. Remember, I always recommend paying cash for cars and haggling for the best deal possible. Sit down with your honey and look at your car situation. Maybe you can squeeze out some extra monthly money for a regular date night if you made a change!
MMSM #68
This MMSM goes hand-in-hand with Pinteresting Project #7, so be sure to take a peek! I love rearranging things in our home, much to my hubby's dismay. You know what I mean...the antsy feeling that takes hold after too many cold days in the house looking at your same old decor in the same old spots. Try mixing things up a bit. Swap out your picture frames. Change the arrangement in your master bedroom. Switch the furniture in your family room with the furniture in your living room. Get really funky and try to put a night stand as an accent piece in a bathroom. Swap a family room lamp for a kitchen lamp and see if it brightens up the space (pun intended!). I just switched the decorative pillows on our bed with the ones on the couch. Totally new look! Hey, it's not much, but it may be just what you need for a breath of fresh air :-)
MMSM #67
We discovered a fabulous new activity...an afternoon at the movies! Now, before you think I'm nuts, planning an outing with your kiddos and friends at the cheap $1 theater (or $1.75, thanks to inflation!), is actually a pretty good idea. Sneak in a lunch, leave your toddler in the stroller and sit at the end of the row, then sit back and watch them be mesmerized by the huge screen and ridiculous characters. Our 18-month-old lasted through the entire movie with just a few bouts of bored whining. It was well worth the time and (little) money! Check out your city to see if you have a cheap theater. For Colorado Springs mommies, you can go to
Picture Show at Citadel Crossing.
MMSM #66
No one really needs a box of cookie cutters, but if you have a toddler, they sure are handy! For instance, they are a great tool to use when playing with playdough (check my Pinteresting Projects page), you can use them for a fun way to practice the alphabet and numbers, and if your son is obsessed with trains...you can use a train cutter to make his sandwich appeal to him. Just a thought! Check out this awesome deal on 100+ cookie cutters (link below)! They are priced at $9.99. Use a 20% BBB coupon, and you only pay $8 plus tax. Score!
MMSM #65
Check out Hot Coupon World
for ways to save money on just about everything. I found the site by
way of a Facebook group post offering free Kindle books. Rarely are
things actually free, so I was intrigued. What do you know...I just
downloaded (for free!) a book on organic gardening and one on making
money as a SAHM! You don't even need a Kindle! You can download the
Kindle app directly to your smart phone or iPad. Pretty fancy! I hope you enjoy exploring this site as much as I will :-)
MMSM #64
Kroger has introduced a new line of organic products that receive my MMSM seal of approval! The products are tasty, there are lots of different options (dairy, spaghetti sauce, noodles, meats, etc.), and the prices are excellent compared to other brands offering organic options. Here is a picture of the logo. Happy healthy eating for you and your family!
MMSM #63
In an earlier post, I gave the idea of a meal exchange...make 8-10 batches of your favorite dinner, and swap them with 8-10 friends. You automatically have ready-made freezer meals to pull out on those extra busy days. At Christmas, do the same thing! Only with cookies :-) Set a night for your girlfriends to come over, and everyone bakes 3-4 dozen of their yummiest Christmas cookie. Enjoy some much needed girl time while you each make a plate containing a few bites of every kind. If each person brings enough recipes to share (or have the hostess collect them through email to save ink!), then you have all new ideas for next year. I have to be honest, it's one of my hubby's favorite things that I do :-)
MMSM #62
I can't use this offer, yet, but if you have a little one in elementary school, plan to get them a FREE haircut at a JCPenney salon on a Sunday! The store ran this promotion in August, and it was so popular, they decided to make it permanent. Call your local store to make sure they are participating, and don't forget to tip! See the story at JCPenney FREE Kid Cuts.
MMSM #61
I should have posted this before Thanksgiving, but it got away from me :-( Don't waste your money on buying pre-made chicken broth/stock anymore, ladies! I discovered an awesome new product...Das Dutchman Essenhaus Chicken Base is an economical way to make tons of chicken broth. Mix just 3/4 tsp. with 1 cup of boiling water (multiply the recipe as needed), and you can get way more out of one jar of that product then can after can of the Swanson's stuff. And, it tastes pretty good, too! Use it for turkey basting, soups, and to cook your rice (did you know that trick?!).
MMSM #60
It's that time of year when many of us are printing pictures, designing calendars with our sweet baby's faces, putting together electronic scrapbooks, or just shopping online. Well, before you check out, don't miss a coupon deal! Simply Google "coupon code for ___________," (i.e. Walgreens, Snapfish, Walmart, Personalization Mall, Kohl's, Amazon, etc.) and see what pops up. Most of the time, a valuable and valid coupon code is lurking around on the internet for whatever site you are ordering from. I can't remember the last time I ordered something online without a code. Good luck!
MMSM #59
I get really annoyed when we have to spend money on haircuts for the boys (my hubby and son), even if I have a coupon! For my long hair, I will pay good money any day :-) I did a little research and stumbled across this website...Boy Haircut. Well, I tried it last night. It actually looks pretty good! We put "Thomas the Train" on Netflix and set him up in the high chair. My hubby kept Caleb's hair wet as I cut. Yes, I took a tad too much off above the ears, but luckily kids are cute enough even when their hair isn't perfect! Maybe this is a money-saving trick you can start at your house! And remember, if it looks really awful, a buzz cut is always appropriate for a little boy :-)
MMSM #58
Oh, the joys of spray paint! We are in a bit of a remodeling mode with our home, but true to form, we're trying to spend the least amount of money possible! While my husband was traveling (he always loves my painting projects when he is gone...haha!), I got some spray paint and went to town! Brass fixtures just make me sad. Instead of buying new ones, why not paint them! I found a cute new reading light for our bedroom for $8, but it was brass. No worries! Break out the spray paint! We wanted new hardware for our kitchen cabinets, but at $6 a pop at Home Depot, it wasn't very feasible. We found some really neat vintage hardware at Re-Store. It was brass, rusted, dirty, and just plain yucky. I soaked them in the sink for a few hours, washed them off, and painted them all to match. Love it! All with a $5 can of spray paint...and that was the nice stuff! Pick the type and color that works best for your projects, and have fun updating your home!
MMSM #57
We are Costco members, because I have found certain things to be a great deal at that store. I have also found several things that are a terrible deal at that store, and most things are middle-of-the-road pricing (like Walmart) packaged in bulk. I have to be careful to stick to my list, and just enjoy the samples :-) Here is a list of things that I regularly buy due to their great price, and I get really excited when I can pair them up with the monthly coupons that arrive in our mail:
- Huggies baby wipes (the price is comparable to Amazon)
- Children's vitamins
- Children's snacks (Gogo Squeeze fruit, Goldfish, granola bars, Annie O's)
- Quaker Oatmeal
- Frozen PB&J
- Fruit/Veggie juice boxes
- Eggs
- Milk
- 1/2 and 1/2
- Tortilla chips
- Take-n-bake pizza
- K-cups for Keurig coffee makers (great deal with a Costco coupon!)
- Reynolds Wrap foil
- Glass cleaner (the aerosol brand, NOT Windex)
- Toothpaste (only when paired with a Costco coupon)
- Tampax (gotta love being a girl!)
- Toilet paper (only when paired with a Costco coupon)
- Dog food
- Car tires (no joke...nearly $100 cheaper than a tire store)
I will occasionally buy other items if I have a coupon, and if I will use it. Remember my rule of couponing...don't buy things just because they are a good deal! This is my go-to list of items that I rarely buy anywhere else. Be careful of the pre-packaged dinners and meat. I find it to be way overpriced. Also, be wary of their produce. It doesn't stay fresh for long, at least from our Costco. Clothes are cheap, but you can get them cheaper at consignment sales, and don't fall for the sampled items! They usually aren't that great of a deal. Pay close attention to the price per item/ounce on the price tag. It gives you a good idea of what might be a better deal at your typical grocery store with a coupon. I hope this helps! Remember to stick to your list, and feed your kids the samples for a free lunch!
MMSM #56
If there is ever a time to become a regular couponer, or just a seasonal couponer, it is now! Food companies and stores know that we are going to shop, and shop a lot, during the holiday season. Every brand wants you to try their product, so many companies put out fabulous high-value coops during November and December. Click over to my "Couponing" page for tips and tricks on getting coupons, and see if you can't do a little money-saving over these next two months. Let me know how much stuff you get for free!
MMSM #55
I found this great idea on Pinterest, did it, and now have to share! Get an inexpensive white plate from anywhere, find a few Sharpies, and have a blast! After you have made your design, bake the plate for 30 min. at 350 degrees, and then keep it in there while the oven cools down. Always hand wash (never put it in the dishwasher), and enjoy bringing it out to use on special occasions, send the plates away as gifts, or make it an inexpensive art project for kids!
MMSM #54
It's that time again, ladies...craft fairs! No matter where you live, you should have a plethora of shows to choose from between now and Christmas (look for flyers, newspaper ads, etc.). These events are great ways to browse with girlfriends, while your kids hang out in the stroller. Even better? You can get some stinkin' good deals. If you see something you really like, give bargaining a try! Go towards the end of the show/weekend, and see if you can score a deal on items that the vendors don't want to pack up and take home. Finally, browse through the lovely items and make mental notes of things you could create at home. I know...so wrong, but I've done it! The budget is always happier that way. Happy shopping!
MMSM #53
As you know, I absolutely love holiday decorations. I was in the market for a new Fall wreath for our front door, and I was shocked to find them for sale anywhere between $70 and $100! What?!? So, I took inspiration from some wreaths that I liked and decided to make my own. I found the base wreath at Hobby Lobby (HL) for 5.99. Then, I went around and dug for sprigs and Fallish flower bunches that I could pull apart, on sale of course. Find some pretty ribbon (great deals after a holiday has passed) that you like, and splurge a little for some glitter sprigs to add some sparkle (found in the floral section). Grab a glue gun and start creating! It took me a couple of hours to do this one, but I chatted with friends and had fun trying different things. My method is to get your bow done first, then start adding your broken apart sprigs and bunches until the desired look is achieved. Douse the wreath in hot glue so that your creation stays in place. For more specific tips, comment below. Happy decorating! BTW, always check the Coupon App for HL coupons to make this purchase even cheaper! This whole wreath cost around $30.
MMSM #52
Unless you toddle around with your sweet babies on a bike, we all have to buy gas. We also all have to buy groceries. Luckily, many grocery stores will help you out in this area. Kroger stores and Safeway stores (and I'm sure many others) will offer you money off on gas when you buy groceries. Recently when I filled up, I got 40 cents off a gallon simply by buying food and then using their gas station. Not a bad deal in today's world of disastrously high fuel prices. Many of you are probably already doing this, but if not, check and see if your favorite store gives a gas discount. If not, find a new store! Happy grocery shopping and fueling!
MMSM #51
Love, love, LOVE this idea! My friend, Kristen, and her husband are so smart. They recognized the need for a weekly date night, but small children and a limited budget didn't allow for it. Until, they realized they could simply do date night at home! Put the kids down early, and designate a night just for the two of you. Then make a list of ideas to choose from and alternate between one another with planning a date each week. Ideas on the list? Bubble bath, air mattress in living room while watching a romantic movie, "quizzes" about each other while lounging on the patio, bake something together, create something together (art project!), discuss your goals, etc. All ideas must cost $0 and be something to edify your marriage...i.e. no passing out in front of the TV at 8pm. Enjoy creating a list with your hubby, and watch how both of you will look forward to "date night" each week. Thank you, Kristen!
MMSM #50
Don't be so quick to throw your grocery store receipts away! Check the back of your King Soopers, Safeway, etc. receipt after you check out and find a bunch of local coupons ranging in great restaurant deals, to cheap oil changes, to half-off haircuts. Love it when you get coupons for free!
MMSM #49
Have you canceled cable (like I previously suggested), and now you're dying to catch up with your favorite shows? Check out Netflix or Hulu. We're trying to decide between the two for the winter! They give you tons of movie choices and TV series for way less than cable. And if you have the right equipment (an Xbox, Playstation, etc.), you can stream them right to your TV. Not a bad deal for less than $10 per month!
MMSM #48
Who doesn't love a pretty Fall-smelling house? No offense to a fantastic store, but Yankee candles are really pricey. Check your local grocery store! King Soopers was running a clearance special on many of their jar-filled candles! I scored this one for $3.19! Happy Fall!!!
MMSM #47
Here is another great idea I picked up at bible study yesterday. I can't claim this as my own thought, but I did get permission to share! To instill the discipline of prayer in yourself and your family, make a prayer jar to keep on the dining room table (or kitchen island, or coffee table, wherever!). Use an old mason jar, an aluminum can, or anything you can find around the house. Tie a ribbon around the top to make it cute (I thought of even changing out the ribbon with the seasons!). Write family member's names or certain events that are important right now on wooden tongue depressors. Each person draws a stick and prays for whoever/whatever is written on the stick. It's almost no cost, a great family bonding activity, and it will be incredible to watch God answer those prayers!
MMSM #46
In our kitchen pantry, I only like to keep things we are currently using or will use soon. Everything else (especially those awesome deals found with coupons) goes to the stock pile. I found some extra shelving in the garage, and it is now my mini store for grocery items. We keep ours in the basement, and this stock pile system has been working well for us for over a year!
MMSM #45
Need an easy, inexpensive, and cute way to decorate a playroom or a child's room? I found this fantastic idea from Pinterest. Check out this etsy site...ABC Scriptures for Kids. I went my own route with it and actually used a pile of flash cards that I had sitting around. I Google searched verses that started with the letter (whatever), and then taped the flash card to a 1/2 piece of scrap-booking paper. You could get really fancy and frame each one, but I'm going for the rustic look with push pins :-) When your child is older, you could use the verses you choose for scripture memory practice! Happy playroom decorating!
MMSM #44
I'm always looking for a great deal on milk. Our son goes through it like it's going out of style, and I've heard that it only gets worse as they get older! My friend, Cara, told me that she gets her milk at Costco, and that it was definitely the best deal. I scoped it out, and it absolutely is! You have to buy two gallons at once, but they equal out to $1.98 per gallon. Not too shabby! I'm not sure of the Sam's Club price on milk, but it's worth checking out. Oh yes...and did you know you can freeze milk? I'll buy several gallons at once, stick them in the freezer, then let one thaw on a towel on the kitchen counter overnight when you're ready for a new gallon. Tastes perfectly normal, and no one has gotten sick at our house!
MMSM #43
This may be an odd money-saving tip, but I love a healthy snack that won't go to waste. Too often, I have brought fresh fruits or veggies with us, only to have to keep them in a cooler, and then thrown out the mushy leftovers that he won't eat. Then, thanks to my friend Kristen, I found a great snack idea that is easily transportable, all-natural, easily re-sealable (is that a word?), and my son loves them. They are called Fruities, and you can get them at any grocery store. While they typically sell for 99 cents a piece, they frequently go on sale. I have yet to see a coupon, but a girl can hope!
MMSM #42
While I am getting better at enjoying yard work, it still feels like a chore. Often times, I kill whatever I plant, and I fill with rage when our water bill comes. Really? You have to pay big bucks for something that God drops from the sky? Anyway, we have to landscape...for our enjoyment, and our HOA :-) Check this out! Hit up your local home improvement store for clearance, end-of-summer plant deals. Make sure to get perennials that easily grow in your climate (perennials come back every year, whereas annuals must be purchased new each year). I found mum plants for 88 cents a piece, and I found three pretty purple plants (not sure of their name!) for $3.33 each. But the least expensive mulch, and put in some work while your little one(s) naps. Voila! You have a lovely flower bed that should multiply in beauty each year, for cheap! Happy planting!
MMSM #41
Need a great, and super inexpensive, idea for a girl's night out? Find a willing hostess to provide coffee and drinks, and have each lady brings an appetizer/dessert to share. Here comes the fun part...bring necklaces, earrings, scarves, purses, hats, shoes, any accessory that you no longer wear, but is still in good shape. Set everything up like a really cute boutique, draw numbers to see who picks first, then you get to shop (for FREE!) for the number of items that you brought. For instance, I brought 13 items to our event, and I got to pick 13 new-to-me accessories to bring home! Anything that doesn't get chosen, donate to a local charity store. Happy (FREE!) shopping!
MMSM #40
We all want to feed our children healthy, well-balanced, and perfectly nourishing snacks. Let's be honest...rarely does this happen on a consistent daily basis, despite our best efforts! To give all moms a little help in this area, try Annie's products. No, it isn't perfectly fresh and straight from the garden, but their organic snacks and meals are easy for on-the-go, and you can typically find coupons and good deals on their products. I'm a fan, and I give them my mommy seal of approval.
MMSM #39
When traveling by car (nearly impossible to do this by plane), make room for all the baby food, diapers, and wipes that you will need. You probably worked hard to get those items for a good price back home, so don't blow your budget on full-priced items while vacationing. Simply, pack a bag with more than enough diapers, wipes, and non-perishable baby food and snacks. Since we've put this into practice, we've only had to buy milk and a few other things at the store while away from home. Happy traveling!
MMSM #38
Just say NO! After completing a cross-country trip with my husband and son, I've learned that fast food kids meals are a complete waste of money. The portions are ridiculously small, typically unhealthy, and the "meal" is full of mostly packaging and a toy that will break in two hours. I've found that ordering a la carte is a much better option. For example, you can get a yogurt parfait and a grilled chicken breast at McD's for around $2. You can get four nuggets and a side salad for about $2 at Wendy's. You have to ask, as some extra items aren't listed. The worst they can say is no! Be creative when you have to do fast food, and see if you can't design a healthier, and cheaper, meal for your kiddo!
MMSM #37
When we are craving some take-out pizza, we typically will hit up Domino's. They have awesome coupon deals that will come in your weekly mail circulars, and if you simply ask what their specials are when you call, sometimes you can get an even better deal. We'll always do take-out to avoid a delivery cost, and it makes great leftovers for my hubby to take to work. For those watching your mommy figure, their thin-crust and gluten-free crusts are super yummy! Happy pizza eating!
MMSM #36
Want to know a product we love and use? All Free & Clear laundry detergent. I started buying Dreft when Caleb was first born, but that stuff is expensive! Then, I switched to the generic, but it was still too expensive. All detergent has has a fragrance-free (and mostly natural) formula that is way cheaper, and you can often find it on sale. Pair it with a coupon, which are very popular for this item, and you just scored a sweet deal for your little one's laundry!
MMSM #35
Going on a road trip? My husband and I love to listen to mystery/thriller novels while we travel. It really makes the time pass quickly, and it's fun to do something together. You can check-out books on CD from the library, but if you're taking an extended trip, you could miss the due date and be charged a fortune. Cracker Barrel has a great option! Each store has a variety of books on CD on all types of subjects available to rent for $3-$4 per week. When you're finished, return them to any Cracker Barrel. You don't have to take them back to the one where it was originally rented. Cool, huh?! Happy traveling!
MMSM #34
We all love to get pictures taken of our little ones. Unless you have a fancy camera (we don't!), it usually makes the most sense to save up and have your pictures done professionally. I've found that, using coupons, Target gives you the best bang for your buck. We did pictures at 3, 6, and 9 months, and we'll do his 1-year this week. They will try and sell you a lot of products that I think are unnecessary, but you can still get a few great poses and copies for the grandparents for a great deal. Use this website, Target Portrait Studio coupons, and find the deal that works for you! Once you have had pictures done and purchased once, they will mail you even better coupons!
MMSM #33
Throwing a party? Why not make your own banner(s)? Party store accessories are often horrendously expensive and cheaply made. If you have scrapbook paper, string, a marker, and some extra time, they can turn out really cute! My friend and I made this one for my son's 1st birthday party. Add a balloon on either side, and you have instant cuteness! His theme was "bouncy balls" so we cut the paper in the shape of a circle. We used the lid to two different Tupperware containers to get them round. (Just have to mention that the picture on the slideshow is the very first picture my husband took of our son and I together after he was born. Love it!)
MMSM #32
Today's tip is quite odd, but I feel compelled to share. We've made quite a bit of money off of it! For some reason, strangers like to hit our vehicles while they are parked. Truly, this has happened four times over the course of our 8-year relationship. Thankfully, no one has ever been hurt, but there has been some serious damage to our vehicles. I was always under the assumption that the liable party's insurance would simply pay for car repairs after an accident. We then found out that you may opt to simply collect a check from the insurance and forego fixing the vehicle at that time. Seriously, ladies, we have collected upwards of $5000 over the years by not fixing our cars. Again, I know this sounds odd, but if your husband (or a friend) is handy with body work, spend a bit of money to get the car in good functional condition, swallow the embarrassment of driving a less than perfect car, and put that money towards debt payoff! Now, can you make this a daily financial practice? Of course not. But in the future, if your car is damaged, consider looking at it as an extra pay day instead of immediately running to the mechanic :-)
MMSM #31
Women's conferences are a wonderful way to be spiritually encouraged, get some time away from everyday life, and reconnect with the important women in your life while making new friends. Many churches will host conferences, or if you have a favorite women's author or speaker, visit her website to see if she will be speaking somewhere near you in the future. Unfortunately, they can be rather expensive. While the long-term benefit will almost always outweigh the up-front cost, we have to be realistic with our budgets. To bring down costs, why not see if you can volunteer? Do a little digging to find the coordinator in charge and simply explain your tight financial position. Ask if service is needed with cleaning, ticket sales, food preparation, etc. The worse she can say is "no." I know several friends that have done this. They received the benefits of an amazing conference, for free, and they had the opportunity to serve other women. Not a bad deal!
MMSM #30
Ordering checks is one of those annoying, but necessary, parts of being a grown-up. I found an awesome online deal! Go to www.4checks.com, browse to find what you like (we always order single checks because they are the cheapest), and then enter code "DE5595" at check out. I just got a whole box of checks and shipping for less than $10. Not a bad deal!
MMSM #29
If your family or your husband is on a bi-weekly pay schedule, you will get two "extra" paychecks per year. June happens to be one of those months. It is so easy for the extra money to be combined with whatever else is in your account, and you feel like you have a more comfortable cushion. I challenge each of you to deliberately set that money aside, either into savings, debt payoff, or in a plan for something fun. You have to be diligent about this, otherwise it gets lost in the shuffle!
MMSM #28
Don't have the extra funds to support a gym membership? Remember to ask if you can swap childcare for a free/discounted membership! If that's not an option, start a stroller brigade! Plan one day per week (or a few days), a time, and a place for you and other mommies to get together and walk or jog with your little ones in tow. Make it a standing appointment, and invite lots of others mommies to join. It turns into great social time for you, good exercise to look forward to, and it's a free way to get your kiddos out to the great outdoors! Happy strollering :-)...yes, I made up that word.
MMSM #27
Have a birthday party or event coming up? These days, invitations can be expensive and you usually only get eight per package. Why not make your own? Hit up Hobby Lobby when their scrapbook supplies are 40% off. I recommend solid colored paper, designed paper of your choice, an inexpensive paper cutter, sticky mounting squares, and a little creativity! We are throwing a "bouncy ball" party for my son, so I chose primary colored paper and polka dot designed paper. It took a few minutes per invitation, but it's well worth the saved money! Not particularly the crafty type? Offer to watch your scrapbooking-savvy friend's kids while she makes invitations for you!
MMSM #26
Have you noticed how expensive fast food has become lately? We have started to take full advantage of the dollar menu! I used a picture from Arby's, but all of the chain fast food restaurants have one. Unless you have a coupon for a meal (and do make sure it's a better deal than purchasing a la carte), we use the value menu. You typically can get a sandwich of some sort, a side, and drink for $3. Yes, it's a smaller portion, but who needs all of those extra calories. Also, think about splitting with your husband. Again, calories saved and you can act out Lady and the Tramp together :-) Second tip for today...check your local sit-down restaurants for kids nights! Many chain restaurants have a night where kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. If you have a large brood, this can save some serious moolah! Happy eating!
MMSM #25
Today's tip is actually a coupon tip that I forgot to include in my couponing page...it will be added shortly. Once your chosen store sees that you are in the habit of couponing, Catalina coupons will start printing out at the register when you get your receipt. My understanding is that they electronically track your most common purchases and award coupons (for free!) based on your history. Often times, you'll get $5 off your next grocery purchase based on how many cereals you bought, etc. Be sure to watch the expiration dates! They expire sooner than others.
MMSM #24
Check into the option of season passes for favorite places to take the kids. If you know you will go somewhere at least three times, typically it would be a better deal to buy a pass up front rather than paying admission each time you go. The zoo is a great place to start. While I'm not a huge zoo fan (I really can't handle the smells!), I think it's important that my son is at least aware that animals exist! While it was $85 up front, that includes unlimited access for our whole family for a year. On days when we both need to get out of the house, this is a great option for an outing, especially when he starts to walk. Check your local "kid places" to see if any yearly passes are offered. You just may end up saving a bunch of change while planning fun days in the process!
MMSM #23
I already know this post won't be very popular among some. My tip for today? Stay away from home-based businesses. I speak from personal experience as a former Mary Kay consultant. While many of these businesses have excellent products, I literally know as many people as I can count on one hand that have made a substantial amount of money, that they could then use as a blessing to their families. I know many more than that who have attempted to run their own at-home business, and it has caused them to go deeper in debt, they constantly feel guilty for not working their business as much as they should, and it eventually takes a toll on their marriage, their time with their children, and their self-confidence. No matter what spin is placed on the business model, you must have the right personality for sales. It's all sales. I do not have the "sales" gift. It would have saved us a LOT of money, time, and arguing if I had realized this five years ago when I began my cosmetic business. Be wary that while it sounds all good up front, there are many hidden quotas, massively frustrating paperwork and tax issues, and you will receive a lot of pressure from your "up-line" to make her business successful. If you want to dabble in one of these businesses, go for it. But, if you are looking for a way out of debt, I wholeheartedly do not suggest going this route. Want to get the products at a discount? By all means, host a party with someone you know in a business. Hostess discounts are awesome! If you are already in a downward spiral with one of these businesses, my suggestion is to get out and cut your losses. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but most of the time these won't make you a millionaire :-(
MMSM #22
There is no denying it...I am an avid Starbucks fan. Totally not a necessity, but totally delicious. Here's a tip! When you buy bagged Starbucks coffee at the grocery store (often you can find coupons AND it goes on sale), save the bag and you can turn it in for a free regular coffee at any Starbucks. No, it's not a double caramel macchiato with tons of whipped cream, but it's still their delightful coffee with a lot less calories, and it's free!
MMSM #21
Along the same lines as yesterday, a big money-saving appliance in our home is our second freezer. While up front it cost $75 on Craig's List, it has paid for itself time and time again. When you find a great deal at the store on meat, milk, butter, bread, necessities for an upcoming BBQ, it's frustrating to pass it by simply because you don't have the room in your regular fridge/freezer. My suggestion is to keep your eyes open for a deep freezer that you can keep in a garage or basement. Keep it organized so things don't get lost in the abyss, and enjoy stocking up when you get a killer coupon-sale match! Happy freezing!
MMSM #20
Need some new dinner ideas? Plan an evening with girlfriends and do a meal swap! Depending on the number of women attending (let's say 8), make eight meals of your favorite freezer meal. Mine is taco soup. Cook there or come with it prepared, separate your dish into eight freezable containers, and swap! You'll take home one of yours and seven other different meals, with recipes. This adds some variety to a waning menu, and it is cheaper in the long run. Buying in bulk for one meal always costs less than buying all different ingredients for eight different meals. Happy cooking!
MMSM #19
Today's tip goes along with couponing, so I will add it to that page after I post it here. My good friend discovered the Safeway app on her iPhone this week. Using the app features, she saved 40% on her grocery shopping trip! Since I'm a King Soopers girl, I looked it up on my phone and the app is actually a Kroger app (their parent store). These apps are awesome! They allow you to view all of their weekly sales, pair them with digital coupons, and create a shopping list on your phone or iPad. While I am an old-school girl when it comes to my shopping method, this would be great to get used to when I have some extra time to play with it. Happy shopping!
MMSM #18
Consignment sales!!! One of my newest loves. I used to shop consignment stores in high school, but now I do it with a passion for my son. Typically, you will get better deals at the sales than at stores. Do a little research for events...JBF Sale, Munchkin Market, Mini Mania Sale, and Wee-Cycle. Some sites I listed are for local areas, but I wanted to give some examples of places to start searching. I have found about our local sales through word of mouth, ads in mom's groups newsletters, and ads in circulars or magazines that you find at kid stores. Often times, churches will put on consignment sales, and all of their proceeds will benefit a charitable cause. Trust me, ladies, these are awesome sales with awesome deals. The clothes must be in good repair without stains. I can easily find whole outfits for $3 or less. You can also find any kid toy, nursery item, or decorative thing that you can think up! On the flip side, sign up to be a consignor and you can get rid of baby stuff cluttering up the house while making some money at the same time. Happy bargain shopping!
MMSM #17
This is by no means a new activity, but it's newly discovered by me! Anyone heard of the library?! I remember countless trips to our library growing up, but I now learned that my mom was on to something. A completely free outing, AND you get to bring stuff home! Many libraries offer story times and kids activities, you can find books on anything (obviously), and you can check out DVDs and Blu-Rays! Even new releases! Libraries may be going to the wayside these days, but we sure like to use ours. I very rarely purchase books anymore. Think about it, how many times do you read a book again and again? When I find one I want, I go to our library website, type it in to see if they have it, and go pick it up shortly after. Go for an afternoon of fun, and see if your kids enjoy this new outing. Hint...it's also a great time to teach your kids about using a quiet voice :-)
MMSM #16
It's true. I used to be a total snob when it came to hair products. I worked as a salon receptionist through my college years, and I got very use to professional salon products that made my hair luscious and gorgeous. When I left my job, I lost my product discount :-( Buying these products on your own is horrendously expensive, so I started to test the various grocery store products. Imagine my surprise when the very best products were one of the cheapest. That's right...Suave Professionals line is awesome! My hair feels great, it looks great, and (with a coupon) it's around $1.25 per bottle...what?!? Try it, you won't be disappointed!
MMSM #15
For those of us who have iPhones or Androids, I found a fantastic app. It's called "The Coupons App," and after entering your zip code, it gives daily local coupon deals in your area. Click on the deal and simply show your phone to the corresponding business. So easy! It has another cool feature where you can type in the name of a business or product (i.e. Walgreens or Redbox), and it will show any coupon deals that are lingering out in the magical world of cyber space. You can typically find free Redbox rental codes, deals for Kohl's, Old Navy, etc. Hopefully, this piques your interest for coupon week! Happy digital couponing!
MMSM #14
Redbox is the cheap new way to rent movies for a night. A DVD is $1 plus tax (Blu-Rays are a bit more). While I'm typically not a mailing list kind of gal, I did sign up for the Redbox email and texting list. The emails are okay...they send the new releases out on Tuesdays, but the texts are awesome! They will text you free rental codes each month, and sometimes they'll send more than one. You enter it right before you pay when you touch the "Promotional Code" circle at the Redbox. Another cool feature is that you can go to their website, enter your zip code, and find all of the kiosks in your area. Reserve a movie from your computer, then pick it up later! Do remember, you must use your same credit card to pick it up that you entered online. See MMSM #15 above to learn how to get more free rental codes. Happy date night!
MMSM #13
We are all good at different things. Some ladies are licensed cosmetologists that can color your hair in 30 min. Some can put together a full photo album in a day. Some can bake a mean batch of cupcakes during nap time (with homemade icing). Some can write a dinner plan for a month, with shopping list included, in under an hour. Here's the point! Don't be afraid to trade "services" with your friends. For those on a budget, the highest form of payment these days is child care. Ask if your stylist friend can color your hair, and you'll watch her children for a day. Maybe your cupcake queen friend wouldn't mind doing your child's birthday cupcakes if you took her kids to the pool with you for an afternoon. Good friends help each other out, so why not put all of your talents to great use, while throwing in some complimentary child care. Happy trading!
MMSM #12
This tip is for fellow Denver metro mommies! Check IKEA to see if there is a store near you. Ikea is a fantastic (and cheap!) furniture mall in Denver off of I-25 and Dry Creek. It's a ginormous blue and yellow building...you can't miss it. Here's the tip. If you join their Ikea family program, which is free, you get free coffee or tea anytime you visit their store, AND free breakfast on Mondays and Tuesdays! They have childcare available, for free, while you shop, or you can use the outing as a teaching opportunity for furniture, prices, listening, staying within the designated lined path, etc. for your young tots. If you don't purchase anything (which is hard to do...did I mention their stuff is super inexpensive?!), you only pay for gas to get there. Happy shopping!
MMSM #11
If I've said it once, I will say it a thousand times...there is no shame in buying used! Has this always been my motto? No. I used to think buying strangers' things to have in my home was gross! Who knows where that item has been, what spills it has seen, or what child has spit up on it. What's my motto now? If you can get a beautiful couch in great shape for a hundred bucks, I'll wet wipe and Febreze that thing to death! Saving money is more important to me. As always, be sure to thoroughly check out an item before purchasing (sniff for smoke and pet stains on furniture...even wet wipes can't get those delightful fragrances out), and never go alone to look at an item. Safety first, ladies! Craig's List (www.craigslist.com) has become a favorite for buying and selling in our home. Need to make some extra cash? Post items (for free!) and watch the calls and emails pour in. Again, be sure to have another adult home if someone is going to come and purchase your item. Happy (gently used) shopping!
MMSM #10
Today's tip is one of my newly found money-saving methods! Ever heard of a little website called Pinterest?! This fantastic (semi) social-networking site is full of money-saving methods for any momma. Type in whatever you're looking for in the search bar, and thousands (no joke!) of ideas will come up for that particular phrase. Need a low-cost method of cleaning tile grout so you don't have to buy all of those ridiculously expensive cleansing products? Type in "grout cleaning" in the search bar, and you will find various methods using household products that you probably have lying around. Just an example of a myriad of money-saving ideas. When you find a great money-saving method online, "pin" it to your board, and you help share the tip with everyone else! It says you have to receive an invite to join...don't be tricked, anyone can join, they just try and make it sound exclusive :-) Feel free to follow me at kindramcnamee. Happy searching and pinning!
MMSM #9
Household items like lawn mowers, weed eaters, power tools, grills, appliances, etc. can be extremely expensive to purchase and maintain. In trying to save money, we like to look for refurbished, returned, or cosmetically damaged products available at many stores like Home Depot and Lowe's. You usually have to ask someone in that section, but sometimes they have them sitting right out front. The prices are sometimes half of the brand new items, and they usually work just as well, or can with a little tweaking. Make sure you find out exactly what's "wrong" with the item before purchasing, and find out the details on a return policy. If your man's handy, that's a plus! Realistically, these items have a higher percentage of break down, but rarely is it something that's not fixable. Just remember, if you can stand looking at a dent on the side of your fridge, you'll likely grab a huge discount. Happy shopping!
MMSM #8
Want a super cheap date with your hubby? Check out Village Inn on Wednesdays! You get a slice of pie free with any purchase. Leave the kids with a friend (and offer to take her kids next Wednesday, so that you are trading instead of paying for babysitting), and go after dinner for two coffees and two pieces of pie. That's a fabulous date for under $5.00! And what girl doesn't love pie?! Check out Village Inn for locations. Happy pie-eating with your love!
MMSM #7
The Sunflower Farmers Market is a southwestern grocery chain that offers ridiculously inexpensive produce. A friend of mine (notice how many of my posts include information from my friends...if you have a friend who seems to be doing a good job at living a frugal lifestyle, ask her for some tips!) recommended this store to me a couple of months ago. Their sale prices start on Wednesday, so that day has become our shopping trip time for the week. I stock up on fresh fruits and veggies to last a week (plus a few days!), and I cook with them every day. I also buy enough to make homemade baby food for our son. I typically make it out of the store for $15-$20. Compare that to big name grocery stores, and there really is no comparison. Visit their site at Sunflower Farmers Market to find a store near you. Take reusable shopping bags, and they give you 10 cents back per bag. Every penny counts! If you are not located near a store, check your area for traditional Farmer's Markets. You typically can find great deals on super fresh produce grown locally. Healthy eating makes for happy hubbies and kids!
MMSM #6
Okay, this was a huge sacrifice, but our bank account is celebrating! Like many of you, I always acted like cable and internet was like any other utility...necessary and expensive. When we began to explore the idea of having me stay at home, we did a major dissection of our budget during our Dave Ramsey FPU class. We were spending $118 per month for cable and internet! Yes it's fun, but no it isn't a necessity. It took a lot of convincing (how can you be a stay-at-home mom and not have the Food Network or TLC???), but my husband was right. We didn't need it. He wanted to cancel everything all together (remember that I lovingly refer to my husband as the money-hoarder), but I assured him I would call Comcast and do some detective work. After talking to several representatives who said we already had the most basic package, I finally found someone who said we could do some cost-cutting (if all else fails, threaten to cancel everything). We could get twenty channels, basic internet, and no DVR (so sad!) for $48 per month. $70 in savings??? I'll take it! So basically, we have the major networks, several Spanish channels, HSN, and a few random channels that I always forget about. We also have XFINITY On Demand, which allows you to watch some shows that air on the fancy channels 24 hours later. Trust me, this is bare bones, but honestly we have enjoyed spending time together as a family rather than wasting hours in front of meaningless shows. If you have Comcast, ask for Blast Internet Service and Limited Basic with Digital Converter. With taxes, our bill is exactly $48.24 per month. If you don't have Comcast, just ask them to drop you to the lowest package possible (like, almost to bunny ears out the back of the TV)! Enjoy!
MMSM #5
Let's face it. We all need time alone with our husbands, or time alone with ourselves! Unfortunately, not everyone has access to a free babysitter in a family member who lives near by. We don't! Babysitting these days is getting pricey. If it's in your budget to hire a sitter, then make it a priority. But if it's not, consider starting a babysitting co-op among trusted friends. The basic idea is simple...you watch your friend's children this Friday while the couple goes on a date (free of charge), then they watch your children next Friday night so that you may go on a date. If a group of women wants to participate, have one mom compile a list of addresses, kids' names and ages, pets in the home (allergy reasons), and normal availability. A friend of mine did this for a church group that I attend, and it looks like it will turn out to be a big success! Remember to keep track of babysitting time owed and honor those commitments. This can be a blessing to all involved! Happy dating!
MMSM #4
Okay ladies, this isn't the most glamorous of subjects to discuss, but for most of us, it is a necessity. I'm talking about those pesky eyebrow, upper lip, and chin areas that seemingly grow overnight while pregnant! And let's face it, waxing doesn't come cheap! I was spending $18 plus tip per trip to the salon for waxing services. At every other month, that's at least $108 plus tip per year. A friend of mine told me to buy an at-home waxing kit from Sally Beauty Supply. I was imagining a sticky, boiling vat of hot wax spilling all over my counters. Quite the contrary! I purchased Gigi Microwave Sensitive Tweezeless Wax and Suddenly Smooth Contour Applicators (pack of 50) for less than $10! The sales associate assured me it would last six months, and I'm now on track to go an entire year on one kit. It is super easy to use, I haven't removed my entire eyebrows, and my husband is delighted with the personal care section in the budget. Happy waxing!
MMSM #3
If you are a mom, diapers will be a significant part of your life at some point. I am a crazy couponer (more on that during coupon week!), but I've found that the diaper coupons offered, even when you pair them with sales, aren't really all that great. A friend of ours recommended Amazon's diaper program. You can pick the brand and size you want, and then sign up for their Subscribe and Save program. For example, type in "Luvs Size 4" to the search bar. Click on the product that comes up. Then, on the right hand size, click the Subscribe and Save circle. This will save you an extra 5% off the already rock-bottom price that Amazon offers. Here is the cool part! They will put you on a schedule of once a month delivery to your door! You don't go through that many diapers, you say? You can delay a shipment, skip a shipment, change the brand/size, or cancel a shipment at any time without a fee. Sweet!
Here is a bonus tip. I save the boxes that the diapers come in and use them to pack away the clothes my son has grown out of. Put a heavy-duty trash bag inside of the box (to prevent ruining of the clothes since the box isn't water proof), and leave one box open all of the time in your child's room. As he/she outgrows an item, wash it, fold it, and put it right in the box. When the box is full, write on a piece of paper what the box holds (ex: boy 3-6 months), and tape the paper to the outside of the box when after it is sealed. Drag it down to storage the next time you head that direction (which is super easy and not too heavy given the size of these diaper boxes). This way, you aren't buying pricey storage containers, you fill a box as the child slowly outgrows things which eliminates annoying piles around the house of clothes to eventually sort through, and everything is neat, tidy, and ready to use for the next baby.
MMSM #2
I firmly believe that there are few things more coveted by a new mom than her pre-baby body! Oh, how I wish we all had celebrity trainers that give us that dream a mere month after delivery. My guess is, if you're reading this blog, you don't :-) Fear not! If you are on a budget, but desperately want a gym membership to help you get back into shape, I've found a secret! Many gyms will offer a discounted membership or a FREE membership if you volunteer some of your time in the childcare area. Take your little one(s) with you for social interaction (which you must deliberately make available when they are not in a regular daycare setting), while you are using your time to pay for getting that cute pre-baby figure! Keep in mind that this isn't available at all facilities, but do check with yours and those gyms in your area. It never hurts to ask! Also, we found out that if you do pay for a gym membership, sometimes your health insurance company will reimburse you for some, if not all, of your membership fees. The research behind this shows that if they encourage a healthy lifestyle, less money will have to be paid to combat health issues. Be sure to check with your provider, and make sure you know exactly what documentation they will need for the reimbursement.
MMSM #1
Do you use formula? If so, you know how ridiculously expensive it is to buy that magical powder these days. While breast feeding is free, some women may not be able to do it for as long as they would like, if at all. We found that the pediatrician's office gets TONS of formula as samples for patients. If you have a nice nurse that you like, ask if she has some samples of whatever kind you use. We received over $100 in formula at our son's last appointment! Secondly, Target has some excellent store-brand formulas that say the brand name of their equivalent on the label. Our son can't tell the difference, and it is half the price!
Oh my...I had no idea this site existed! Heading to Target, or planning a shopping trip on Target.com? Check out their digital/printable coupons exclusively for their store! This week, they have $365 worth of savings! Nice! Enjoy exploring this site. I know I will :-) Target Coupons
One more tip pregnancy, then I'm taking a break for awhile :-) Did you know that the Dollar Store sells pregnancy tests?! Forget those $15 ones from Walmart. Check your dollar store's toiletry isle. Yes, they are $1, and yes, they work! Well, not from personal experience, unfortunately, but several friends have used them and received accurate results! This is just for those of you who don't want to use the mega pack listed below :-)
Any mommy TTC (Trying To Conceive) will inevitably go to extreme lengths to "assist" our God in the miracle of life :-) I don't think there is anything wrong with this as long as we remember that He is the ultimate giver of children, and we must be patient with His timing. That being said, He has allowed us to discover a whole lot about the female reproductive cycle. Several friends have suggested that I try an ovulation kit. So, I went to the store to purchase one. Holy moly! Do you know how expensive those crazy things are?! No thank you! I ventured over to Amazon, per the advice of a dear friend, and found a fantastic deal...50 ovulation tests and 20 pregnancy tests for $18.99! The exact product is called "Combo 50 (LH) Ovulation & 20 (HCG) Pregnancy Test Strips." The picture is listed above. Add another few dollars to get to a $25 sub-total, and you qualify for free shipping (I ordered a Choo Choo Soul CD/DVD, a toddler favorite, for our little man's Easter basket). Happy baby planning!
We discovered a fabulous new activity...an afternoon at the movies! Now, before you think I'm nuts, planning an outing with your kiddos and friends at the cheap $1 theater (or $1.75, thanks to inflation!), is actually a pretty good idea. Sneak in a lunch, leave your toddler in the stroller and sit at the end of the row, then sit back and watch them be mesmerized by the huge screen and ridiculous characters. Our 18-month-old lasted through the entire movie with just a few bouts of bored whining. It was well worth the time and (little) money! Check out your city to see if you have a cheap theater. For Colorado Springs mommies, you can go to Picture Show at Citadel Crossing.
No one really needs a box of cookie cutters, but if you have a toddler, they sure are handy! For instance, they are a great tool to use when playing with playdough (check my Pinteresting Projects page), you can use them for a fun way to practice the alphabet and numbers, and if your son is obsessed with trains...you can use a train cutter to make his sandwich appeal to him. Just a thought! Check out this awesome deal on 100+ cookie cutters (link below)! They are priced at $9.99. Use a 20% BBB coupon, and you only pay $8 plus tax. Score!
Check out Hot Coupon World
for ways to save money on just about everything. I found the site by
way of a Facebook group post offering free Kindle books. Rarely are
things actually free, so I was intrigued. What do you know...I just
downloaded (for free!) a book on organic gardening and one on making
money as a SAHM! You don't even need a Kindle! You can download the
Kindle app directly to your smart phone or iPad. Pretty fancy! I hope you enjoy exploring this site as much as I will :-)
Kroger has introduced a new line of organic products that receive my MMSM seal of approval! The products are tasty, there are lots of different options (dairy, spaghetti sauce, noodles, meats, etc.), and the prices are excellent compared to other brands offering organic options. Here is a picture of the logo. Happy healthy eating for you and your family!
I can't use this offer, yet, but if you have a little one in elementary school, plan to get them a FREE haircut at a JCPenney salon on a Sunday! The store ran this promotion in August, and it was so popular, they decided to make it permanent. Call your local store to make sure they are participating, and don't forget to tip! See the story at JCPenney FREE Kid Cuts.
I should have posted this before Thanksgiving, but it got away from me :-( Don't waste your money on buying pre-made chicken broth/stock anymore, ladies! I discovered an awesome new product...Das Dutchman Essenhaus Chicken Base is an economical way to make tons of chicken broth. Mix just 3/4 tsp. with 1 cup of boiling water (multiply the recipe as needed), and you can get way more out of one jar of that product then can after can of the Swanson's stuff. And, it tastes pretty good, too! Use it for turkey basting, soups, and to cook your rice (did you know that trick?!).
It's that time of year when many of us are printing pictures, designing calendars with our sweet baby's faces, putting together electronic scrapbooks, or just shopping online. Well, before you check out, don't miss a coupon deal! Simply Google "coupon code for ___________," (i.e. Walgreens, Snapfish, Walmart, Personalization Mall, Kohl's, Amazon, etc.) and see what pops up. Most of the time, a valuable and valid coupon code is lurking around on the internet for whatever site you are ordering from. I can't remember the last time I ordered something online without a code. Good luck!
We are Costco members, because I have found certain things to be a great deal at that store. I have also found several things that are a terrible deal at that store, and most things are middle-of-the-road pricing (like Walmart) packaged in bulk. I have to be careful to stick to my list, and just enjoy the samples :-) Here is a list of things that I regularly buy due to their great price, and I get really excited when I can pair them up with the monthly coupons that arrive in our mail:
I get really annoyed when we have to spend money on haircuts for the boys (my hubby and son), even if I have a coupon! For my long hair, I will pay good money any day :-) I did a little research and stumbled across this website...Boy Haircut. Well, I tried it last night. It actually looks pretty good! We put "Thomas the Train" on Netflix and set him up in the high chair. My hubby kept Caleb's hair wet as I cut. Yes, I took a tad too much off above the ears, but luckily kids are cute enough even when their hair isn't perfect! Maybe this is a money-saving trick you can start at your house! And remember, if it looks really awful, a buzz cut is always appropriate for a little boy :-) 
Oh, the joys of spray paint! We are in a bit of a remodeling mode with our home, but true to form, we're trying to spend the least amount of money possible! While my husband was traveling (he always loves my painting projects when he is gone...haha!), I got some spray paint and went to town! Brass fixtures just make me sad. Instead of buying new ones, why not paint them! I found a cute new reading light for our bedroom for $8, but it was brass. No worries! Break out the spray paint! We wanted new hardware for our kitchen cabinets, but at $6 a pop at Home Depot, it wasn't very feasible. We found some really neat vintage hardware at Re-Store. It was brass, rusted, dirty, and just plain yucky. I soaked them in the sink for a few hours, washed them off, and painted them all to match. Love it! All with a $5 can of spray paint...and that was the nice stuff! Pick the type and color that works best for your projects, and have fun updating your home!
As you know, I absolutely love holiday decorations. I was in the market for a new Fall wreath for our front door, and I was shocked to find them for sale anywhere between $70 and $100! What?!? So, I took inspiration from some wreaths that I liked and decided to make my own. I found the base wreath at Hobby Lobby (HL) for 5.99. Then, I went around and dug for sprigs and Fallish flower bunches that I could pull apart, on sale of course. Find some pretty ribbon (great deals after a holiday has passed) that you like, and splurge a little for some glitter sprigs to add some sparkle (found in the floral section). Grab a glue gun and start creating! It took me a couple of hours to do this one, but I chatted with friends and had fun trying different things. My method is to get your bow done first, then start adding your broken apart sprigs and bunches until the desired look is achieved. Douse the wreath in hot glue so that your creation stays in place. For more specific tips, comment below. Happy decorating! BTW, always check the Coupon App for HL coupons to make this purchase even cheaper! This whole wreath cost around $30.
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