Tuesday, June 15, 2010
So, I’ve told you several times before that retail stores are just itchin’ to have a sale. Any reason they can think of, and they’re going to bust out with a sale. Going through the Sunday paper reminded me of just that. Father’s Day is a perfect reason to have a sale on gifts for Dad, even if it is a stretch to see Dad in a floral apron or some designer perfume – it’s still all on sale.
I did notice, however, that a lot of apparel is on sale for men right now. Because my husband has a new job where he needs to be dressed a bit more formally than before, I am looking for ways to build his wardrobe without collapsing the bank account. JC Penney, Kohl’s and Target are all running specials on their polo shirts, dress shirts and neck ties. I purchased two polo-style shirts for my husband at Target for $6 each. Yes! The shirts I purchased were “athletic cut” shirts (designed for our broad shouldered/chested beaus) and they fit him very nicely. Their patterned, striped, and solid polos are on sale for $6, $8, and $10 each. Kohl’s and JC Penney each boasted $9.99 for their entire stock of polo-style shirts.
Although I purchased my husband’s Father’s Day gift several months ago, I was able to capitalize on specials for Father’s Day to meet other needs. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for things that you may want to tuck away for Christmas, Hanukah, or a birthday. You will save some serious cash, and all you’ll have to do is remember to wrap it when the time comes. LOVE IT!
Secondly, it is such a strange adjustment when you have been paying for only two meals at restaurants for a number of years. Our 17 month-old daughter is old enough to eat a complete child’s meal at a restaurant, and she’s never met a food she didn’t like. No…really. We are used to spending between $20 and $30 on dinner for the two of us at a medium-caliber restaurant. We are now pushing $40 each time, and we are usually a little bit blown away at the unexpected expense.
What to do about this? Patronize restaurants where kids eat free! Many restaurants, including Dickey’s Barbeque, feature KIDS EAT FREE with the purchase of an adult entrée. Occasionally they will run the special for an entire month, but this special is currently for Sundays only. Applebee’s is offering a free child’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée on Mondays. Luby’s is currently offering the same promotion. Super Salad frequently sends significant savings through coupons, and they boast a “kids eat free” promotion as well. Having listed these, the majority of these restaurants are not places that I would readily choose if given the option of where to eat. However, if it is the difference between planning, cooking, and cleaning up after a big meal, I could be easily swayed.
Frequenting places where your children eat free could potentially save you enough money to eat out additional times in any given month. A bit of light research for promotions at your favorite dining destination is worth the work!
Now, don’t spill free food on your new polo…
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
MOM
Monday, April 26, 2010
Usually, when people make strange comments to me, I blow them off. However, lately people have been coming to me time and again with statements like, “I don’t know HOW you stay home with your baby. I can’t imagine doing it. I would be SO BORED!”
I find myself highly offend by statements like this because I NEVER, EVER find myself bored or without something to do.
When my husband and I made the decision that I would resign from my teaching job and stay home with our daughter, then six months old, it was not a decision that was made lightly. We made this decision with many things in mind, because we would be cutting our income in half.
1. We do not want to be three strangers living under one roof.
2. We want to raise our children ourselves.
3. We need someone to be in charge of the grocery shopping, meal planning, bill paying, and every other little thing that gets taken care of on the weekends.
4. We want to show our child(ren) that it isn’t about how much money you have.
5. We want to be a Godly example of a marriage and family for our child(ren).
6. We don’t want to be 18 years down the road and realize once our children move out that we are strangers.
Among other things, the above were discussions that we had before making the decision that I would stay home with our children.
I have been a stay-at-home Mom for nearly one year now, and it is truly the best decision we ever made. In this transitional year, I have come to realize that I work MUCH harder as a stay-at-home Mom than I ever did as a teacher. I get more done in one day than I EVER did as a teacher! I also feel as though I am happier and more impactful in my child’s life now.
All in all, I’m not JUST the resident bill-payer, laundry-doer, cleaning lady, chef, boo-boo-kisser, band-aid applicator, and mess-picker-upper. I’m the Mom, and I wouldn’t trade my job for all the money in the world. We are better parents, better spouses, and a better family for it.
If you are a stay-at-home-Mom who questions your position in the world, someone considering staying home with your children, someone who wants to stay home someday, or someone who “can’t IMAGINE staying home because you’d be so bored,” think about the impact you can make on your family. If it isn’t for you, I totally understand, but some of us are living our dream as Moms who stay home.
Usually, when people make strange comments to me, I blow them off. However, lately people have been coming to me time and again with statements like, “I don’t know HOW you stay home with your baby. I can’t imagine doing it. I would be SO BORED!”
I find myself highly offend by statements like this because I NEVER, EVER find myself bored or without something to do.
When my husband and I made the decision that I would resign from my teaching job and stay home with our daughter, then six months old, it was not a decision that was made lightly. We made this decision with many things in mind, because we would be cutting our income in half.
1. We do not want to be three strangers living under one roof.
2. We want to raise our children ourselves.
3. We need someone to be in charge of the grocery shopping, meal planning, bill paying, and every other little thing that gets taken care of on the weekends.
4. We want to show our child(ren) that it isn’t about how much money you have.
5. We want to be a Godly example of a marriage and family for our child(ren).
6. We don’t want to be 18 years down the road and realize once our children move out that we are strangers.
Among other things, the above were discussions that we had before making the decision that I would stay home with our children.
I have been a stay-at-home Mom for nearly one year now, and it is truly the best decision we ever made. In this transitional year, I have come to realize that I work MUCH harder as a stay-at-home Mom than I ever did as a teacher. I get more done in one day than I EVER did as a teacher! I also feel as though I am happier and more impactful in my child’s life now.
All in all, I’m not JUST the resident bill-payer, laundry-doer, cleaning lady, chef, boo-boo-kisser, band-aid applicator, and mess-picker-upper. I’m the Mom, and I wouldn’t trade my job for all the money in the world. We are better parents, better spouses, and a better family for it.
If you are a stay-at-home-Mom who questions your position in the world, someone considering staying home with your children, someone who wants to stay home someday, or someone who “can’t IMAGINE staying home because you’d be so bored,” think about the impact you can make on your family. If it isn’t for you, I totally understand, but some of us are living our dream as Moms who stay home.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
New clothes for everyone!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
I absolutely love to shop – I could do it every day! I am always looking for great prices on clothing for my toddler, Emily, and the rest of the family. I have found a few tricks as to how to shop smart, and keep the family from going naked or sporting those high-water pants we all know and love. I’m here to let you in on the secret!
Truth be told, it’s more common sense, but while you are busy thinking of every last detail of EVERYTHING else, you may have overlooked it.
Let’s talk about the little ones first: When you run in to Target for some milk and diapers, take a quick swing past the clearance clothing. Target is AWESOME about putting children’s clothing on clearance from 30% to 75% off. The clothes that are going on clearance, however, are usually the season that just ended. So how can you possibly buy this stuff? BUY NEXT YEAR’S! For example, Emily is a December baby. So she will be 1, 2,3 years old in the Winter. When Fall/Winter clothing goes on clearance, I purchase next year’s (don’t tell my husband!) clothing for prices that are UNREAL! When Spring/Summer clothing goes on clearance, I will buy clothing for next year as well. This saves you money, but also keeps you from the panic that you feel when you dress them in those jeans that fit last week, and are now cropped. Oops!
Before doing this, try to “look into your crystal ball” and determine if your child is true-to-size or if they are deliciously chubby or more petite. This will help you buy clothing that will actually fit them when the time comes.
Now for the big kids: The good news is…the same concept applies for you and your husband (or wife.) The bad news is…I am a little bit more hesitant to purchase things and then find that they are too small (or too big) by the time I’m ready to wear them. This isn’t a savings OR a self-esteem booster! If you remain constant in your sizing, you have no worries.
This is also something that you can apply to your life if you are planning to have a baby, as well. Kohl’s and Target are wonderful about putting their maternity clothing on clearance for prices that are too good to pass up. I was VERY pregnant in the winter, so I have mostly warm maternity clothing. If I were to have a summer or fall baby next time, I will need some things that coordinate with the season.
Keep these things in mind as you do your shopping. Keep your eyes out for things that are staples, or stuff that is just too cute to pass up. You are sure to save money and pick up some amazing deals at the same time!
Please visit Lindsay Walker's Piano and Voice Studio!
I absolutely love to shop – I could do it every day! I am always looking for great prices on clothing for my toddler, Emily, and the rest of the family. I have found a few tricks as to how to shop smart, and keep the family from going naked or sporting those high-water pants we all know and love. I’m here to let you in on the secret!
Truth be told, it’s more common sense, but while you are busy thinking of every last detail of EVERYTHING else, you may have overlooked it.
Let’s talk about the little ones first: When you run in to Target for some milk and diapers, take a quick swing past the clearance clothing. Target is AWESOME about putting children’s clothing on clearance from 30% to 75% off. The clothes that are going on clearance, however, are usually the season that just ended. So how can you possibly buy this stuff? BUY NEXT YEAR’S! For example, Emily is a December baby. So she will be 1, 2,3 years old in the Winter. When Fall/Winter clothing goes on clearance, I purchase next year’s (don’t tell my husband!) clothing for prices that are UNREAL! When Spring/Summer clothing goes on clearance, I will buy clothing for next year as well. This saves you money, but also keeps you from the panic that you feel when you dress them in those jeans that fit last week, and are now cropped. Oops!
Before doing this, try to “look into your crystal ball” and determine if your child is true-to-size or if they are deliciously chubby or more petite. This will help you buy clothing that will actually fit them when the time comes.
Now for the big kids: The good news is…the same concept applies for you and your husband (or wife.) The bad news is…I am a little bit more hesitant to purchase things and then find that they are too small (or too big) by the time I’m ready to wear them. This isn’t a savings OR a self-esteem booster! If you remain constant in your sizing, you have no worries.
This is also something that you can apply to your life if you are planning to have a baby, as well. Kohl’s and Target are wonderful about putting their maternity clothing on clearance for prices that are too good to pass up. I was VERY pregnant in the winter, so I have mostly warm maternity clothing. If I were to have a summer or fall baby next time, I will need some things that coordinate with the season.
Keep these things in mind as you do your shopping. Keep your eyes out for things that are staples, or stuff that is just too cute to pass up. You are sure to save money and pick up some amazing deals at the same time!
Please visit Lindsay Walker's Piano and Voice Studio!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Babycenter.com
Sunday, March 21, 2010
The first thing my OB/GYN said to me when I became pregnant was, "Stay off of the Internet! It will drive you crazy!" Well, of course, I couldn’t listen...totally. So, to follow his advice as best I could, I was very selective about the websites that I patronized. I found one website to be knowledgeable, user-friendly, and welcoming. Baby Center!
BabyCenter is such a wonderful website for women trying to conceive, women struggling to conceive, expectant mothers, mothers who have miscarried, and mothers of children of all ages. If you are interested in signing up, you input your due date and BabyCenter will send you a weekly email about your child's development. My favorite, by far, was the earliest weeks of pregnancy when so much of your baby's development is occurring. I knew when she got her fingerprints, when she was the size of a peach pit and when she had color to her eyes. It was so comforting, and exciting to know every step as it occurred.
Now that I am the Mom of an older, growing child, I am often asking myself questions like, "Why is she refusing to let me hold her spoon?" "Why is she having difficulty napping?" "Is this normal?" "Is that normal?" And before I know it, my weekly email from BabyCenter pops up and they are SPOT ON with her development. It is so comforting to know that your baby is developing much like other babies their age.
Another favorite facet of BabyCenter is the "birth month club." You can read funny threads, or serious ones, written by mothers who are due to deliver in the same month as you. My all-time favorite threads were the "confessions" that people wrote about their daily occurrences. "I drank a mountain dew and my baby is bouncing around in there like crazy." "I wanted to attack the cashier at Taco Bell because he was slow to give me my gorditas." DOESN'T IT JUST MAKE YOU WANT TO GO READ SOME?! They are so funny!
I also had the opportunity to sign up for many email coupons and values through BabyCenter's advertisements. They offer so many fabulous deals for parents, and they just pop up before your eyes!
Check out BabyCenter and you are sure to find great deals, find a "home" on the Internet, and find a good belly laugh when you visit!
Visit Lindsay Walker's Piano and Voice Studio. You KNOW you want to!
The first thing my OB/GYN said to me when I became pregnant was, "Stay off of the Internet! It will drive you crazy!" Well, of course, I couldn’t listen...totally. So, to follow his advice as best I could, I was very selective about the websites that I patronized. I found one website to be knowledgeable, user-friendly, and welcoming. Baby Center!
BabyCenter is such a wonderful website for women trying to conceive, women struggling to conceive, expectant mothers, mothers who have miscarried, and mothers of children of all ages. If you are interested in signing up, you input your due date and BabyCenter will send you a weekly email about your child's development. My favorite, by far, was the earliest weeks of pregnancy when so much of your baby's development is occurring. I knew when she got her fingerprints, when she was the size of a peach pit and when she had color to her eyes. It was so comforting, and exciting to know every step as it occurred.
Now that I am the Mom of an older, growing child, I am often asking myself questions like, "Why is she refusing to let me hold her spoon?" "Why is she having difficulty napping?" "Is this normal?" "Is that normal?" And before I know it, my weekly email from BabyCenter pops up and they are SPOT ON with her development. It is so comforting to know that your baby is developing much like other babies their age.
Another favorite facet of BabyCenter is the "birth month club." You can read funny threads, or serious ones, written by mothers who are due to deliver in the same month as you. My all-time favorite threads were the "confessions" that people wrote about their daily occurrences. "I drank a mountain dew and my baby is bouncing around in there like crazy." "I wanted to attack the cashier at Taco Bell because he was slow to give me my gorditas." DOESN'T IT JUST MAKE YOU WANT TO GO READ SOME?! They are so funny!
I also had the opportunity to sign up for many email coupons and values through BabyCenter's advertisements. They offer so many fabulous deals for parents, and they just pop up before your eyes!
Check out BabyCenter and you are sure to find great deals, find a "home" on the Internet, and find a good belly laugh when you visit!
Visit Lindsay Walker's Piano and Voice Studio. You KNOW you want to!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Consignment Shopping
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Consignment sales are at the top of my list for saving money as you raise a family, second only to clearance and garage sales! There are many consignment stores for a variety of different types of purchases. Specifically, I frequent children’s and maternity consignment stores for gently used children’s clothing, shoes, toys, accessories, and furniture. My VERY favorite consignment store is Kid to Kid. There are many different locations across the DFW metroplex and they are very committed to only accepting gently used items that are in excellent condition. Once Upon A Child is another favorite, but their stores are slightly larger and can be a bit overwhelming if you are new to consignment shopping. Divine Consign is a twice-yearly consignment store that stocks up on consignment items and then displays them all at once in a grandiose sale in Plano and Grapevine, Texas. Today was the Divine Consign sale in Plano located inside Plano Centre. If you are just reading this and FREAKING OUT, no worries! They are continuing to sell tomorrow and Tuesday. Check out their website at www.divineconsign.net. Also visit Kid to Kid and Once Upon A Child for locations and store hours. As we all know or will soon come to realize, our children grow faster than we can believe sometimes! One day their shoes fit perfectly, and the next they are too small! What about that sweet potato stain that will just NOT COME OUT?! Well, I haven’t found a way to stunt my daughter’s growth or a miracle cure for formula and baby food stains, but I have found a way to keep it from breaking me! Shop consignment stores!! People consign gently used and often brand new clothing, toys, and shoes that I am too thrifty to buy new! As I have said in previous blogs, I find that I can truly justify that pair of to-die-for sandals for my toddler because I purchase all of her other belongings at pennies on the dollar. Today was not a total booty-haul because I wasn’t in the market for very many things. My husband and I purchased a See-and-Say, a toy piano, a small wooden toy, 6 or 7 pieces of summer clothing, a puzzle, and a portable high chair for a total of $51! The most expensive item was the portable high chair at $10!! What a steal! The neatest thing about Divine Consign is that they carry EVERYTHING under the sun for babies, but you have to arrive early and hunt – and as the sale winds to a close on Tuesday afternoon, everything marked with an “X” on the tag is 75% off!
As always, you must be an educated consumer and know what you would typically pay, or what you are willing to pay for certain items so that you will know what is a good deal and what is not. If you have missed the Divine Consign sale this time, join their mailing list and catch them next time. Fortunately, Kid to Kid and Once Upon a Child are open 5-7 days per week.
Conversely, if you are overwhelmed with clothing , toys, furniture, shoes, and accessories that your child(ren) have outgrown, why not make some cash?! Check the website for details, as there are guidelines about how to present your items for consignment.
Visit Lindsay Walker's Piano and Voice Studio. You KNOW you want to!
Consignment sales are at the top of my list for saving money as you raise a family, second only to clearance and garage sales! There are many consignment stores for a variety of different types of purchases. Specifically, I frequent children’s and maternity consignment stores for gently used children’s clothing, shoes, toys, accessories, and furniture. My VERY favorite consignment store is Kid to Kid. There are many different locations across the DFW metroplex and they are very committed to only accepting gently used items that are in excellent condition. Once Upon A Child is another favorite, but their stores are slightly larger and can be a bit overwhelming if you are new to consignment shopping. Divine Consign is a twice-yearly consignment store that stocks up on consignment items and then displays them all at once in a grandiose sale in Plano and Grapevine, Texas. Today was the Divine Consign sale in Plano located inside Plano Centre. If you are just reading this and FREAKING OUT, no worries! They are continuing to sell tomorrow and Tuesday. Check out their website at www.divineconsign.net. Also visit Kid to Kid and Once Upon A Child for locations and store hours. As we all know or will soon come to realize, our children grow faster than we can believe sometimes! One day their shoes fit perfectly, and the next they are too small! What about that sweet potato stain that will just NOT COME OUT?! Well, I haven’t found a way to stunt my daughter’s growth or a miracle cure for formula and baby food stains, but I have found a way to keep it from breaking me! Shop consignment stores!! People consign gently used and often brand new clothing, toys, and shoes that I am too thrifty to buy new! As I have said in previous blogs, I find that I can truly justify that pair of to-die-for sandals for my toddler because I purchase all of her other belongings at pennies on the dollar. Today was not a total booty-haul because I wasn’t in the market for very many things. My husband and I purchased a See-and-Say, a toy piano, a small wooden toy, 6 or 7 pieces of summer clothing, a puzzle, and a portable high chair for a total of $51! The most expensive item was the portable high chair at $10!! What a steal! The neatest thing about Divine Consign is that they carry EVERYTHING under the sun for babies, but you have to arrive early and hunt – and as the sale winds to a close on Tuesday afternoon, everything marked with an “X” on the tag is 75% off!
As always, you must be an educated consumer and know what you would typically pay, or what you are willing to pay for certain items so that you will know what is a good deal and what is not. If you have missed the Divine Consign sale this time, join their mailing list and catch them next time. Fortunately, Kid to Kid and Once Upon a Child are open 5-7 days per week.
Conversely, if you are overwhelmed with clothing , toys, furniture, shoes, and accessories that your child(ren) have outgrown, why not make some cash?! Check the website for details, as there are guidelines about how to present your items for consignment.
Visit Lindsay Walker's Piano and Voice Studio. You KNOW you want to!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
