5 Ways You Can Save Money on Kids Clothes

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If you have kids or even grand kids, then you know how pricey clothes can get. If you have multiple children then the price just gets higher and higher. Now that my kids are getting older I’ve learned some valuable lessons on clothing. Please note, we are all different in what we like for styles and brand, but no matter what you wear, there is always a way to get it for cheaper. Here are 5 ways to help you save money on kids clothes.

  1. Shop the sales and buy ahead of time. Stores have sales for a reason.  A lot of times they are trying to get rid of clothes to make room for the new styles and season. Buy sizes ahead of time so you’re not stuck buying full priced items when you need clothing now. I love grabbing clearance items at super cheap prices.
  2. Shop Consignment. This is a big way to save money. You can also shop at places like The Just Between Friend Consignment events. I go to our local ones every year and stock up on those items you don’t want to pay full price for. I’ve even seen high end name brand clothes at a fraction of the price. Find a consignment near you and save.
  3. Shop at garage/yard sales. I’ve heard so many people score some awesome clothes at garage sales. I totally did this for my babies and toddlers. Those clothes don’t wear out as fast and little kids could care less about brands. I remember getting onesies for the babes for only $0.25 or less. Such a steal!
  4. Use clothing from family and friends. I have a sweet neighbor that has girls. When I had my first girl, she gave me all of her girls clothing. It was SO nice. That saves so much money and waste.
  5. Shop Marketplace or your local classifieds. I know a lot of people who grab some awesome deals on Facebook Marketplace. I’ve actually grabbed some boys name brand snow pants for this years skiing. It could be a great place for teen shopping.

5 Yummy Soups You Must Try this Winter

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Are you done with winter yet? I sure am! I’m trying really hard to enjoy the crisp air and snowy mountains. However, when February comes around, I tend to get antsy for spring. The one thing I do love during winter is soup…and lots of it! I make a soup nearly every week during the winter season. I’ve found quite a few that I like, but I’ll narrow it down to 5 to share with you.

  1. Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup by House of Yumm  (my kids love this one!)
  2. Panera Bread Copycat of Broccoli Cheese Soup by The Recipe Critic
  3. Taco Soup by Mel’s Kitchen Cafe (if you don’t follow her, you totally should)
  4. Chicken Wild Rice Soup by Little Spice Jar
  5. Loaded Baked Potato Soup by Deliciously Cooking

Non-Candy Classroom Valentine’s Ideas

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The other day my sister was a little irritated that her local schools don’t allow candy with their Valentine’s. However, the more we thought about it, the more it made us happy. There are SO many cute Valentine’s that don’t require sugar and they are just as fun, if not more so. Here are a few different ideas that you can use this Valentine’s Day.

You can find all of your materials on Amazon. Get them ordered and printed out now and start assembling them this weekend. That way you’re all set for the big day.

5 Yummy Finger Food Recipes For Your Super Bowl Party

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Guys, I really don’t care too much about football, but I do care about yummy food. This Sunday while all of you are watching football, I will be chowing down on delicious food. Here are 5 recipes that would be perfect to make this Sunday, they are relatively easy and the best part…no utensils required. Score!

What is your favorite things to make for the big day?

The BEST Blueberry Muffin Recipe

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Have you noticed blueberries on sale lately? I sure have. My kids like to eat a few fresh blueberries, but then I’m left with most of the carton uneaten. With that carton I decided to try and find a good blueberry muffin recipe ….I found it! This recipe and picture above were featured in the New York Times cooking. It’s truly amazing. My kids eat them so fast that I tend to double the recipe. They are great for lunches too.

Jordan Marsh’s Blueberry Muffins Recipe by MARIAN BURROS

INGREDIENTS

  • ½ cup softened butter
  • 1 ¼ cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 cups blueberries, washed, drained and picked over
  • 3 teaspoons sugar

PREPARATION

  1. Preheat the oven to 375.
  2. Cream the butter and 1 1/4 cups sugar until light.
  3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla.
  4. Sift together the flour, salt and baking powder, and add to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk.
  5. Crush 1/2 cup blueberries with a fork, and mix into the batter. Fold in the remaining whole berries.
  6. Line a 12 cup standard muffin tin with cupcake liners, and fill with batter. Sprinkle the 3 teaspoons sugar over the tops of the muffins, and bake at 375 degrees for about 30-35 minutes.
  7. Remove muffins from tin and cool at least 30 minutes.

10 Inexpensive & Fun Family Winter Activities

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How many of you guys love the snow?? I’m still trying to get to that point. It’s winter time which means most of us are covered in snow and cold weather. If you are in that situation, then you’ll want to check out these fun 10 inexpensive activities that you can do with your family.

  1. Sledding- try a new location this winter
  2. Build a snow fort
  3. Ice Skating
  4. Snowshoeing- many ski places will rent these for super cheap
  5. Play fox & geese – check out the rules here
  6. Build a snowman- even make a family
  7. Make a snow angel
  8. Skiing- check out this post to save some money on skiing
  9. Snowball fight- use your snow forts as bases
  10. Lay down in the snow and watch it fall on your face. Enjoy a still moment.

Exercise on a Budget with these Tips

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It’s January which means a lot of us will be starting out fresh with our goals of exercise. There are so many ways we can get our bodies toned and fit and you don’t need to break the bank. Maybe it’s time to try something new to keep you motivated. Here are a few ways you can exercise on a budget:

  1. Check into your local city gymnasium before you enroll into a different gym. Most cities have their own gymnasium and offer passes at a fraction of the cost of other gyms. For example, my town has a gym and offers punch passes and yearly memberships for much cheaper than my closest gym. They also offer fitness classes which is a bonus.
  2. Create your own fitness group. This can be free! I know so many people who get together with friends or family at houses or studios where they don’t have to pay much at all. If you have a neighbor with a workout system in their home, consider asking them if you could use it and create a group to make it more fun. Exercise peer pressure is the best.
  3. Shop around for gym memberships. If you want a gym membership then be sure to shop around first. January is a great time to get a membership and a lot of gyms will have special promotions. I know some do a BOGO type offer which is awesome. So don’t settle, before you check around. It will save you money in the end.

5 Easy Ways to Organize Your Life in the New Year

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Welcome to 2020! I love starting out fresh with a new year. I am a list girl. I love having my day/week/year organized and ready for me. I love having meals organized and planned for the week. I love having a central location for all of our important papers, calendars and news. I love having tasks written down in my phone so I don’t forget important activities I have for the day. I love having a spot for every item in my home so clean up is quick. All of these simple thing help me stay organized. If you’re ready for a new year and to be a little more organized, here are 5 tips that will help you out.

  1. Get a planner or use your phone calendar and enter important dates now. Important dates could include your kids’ no school days, extra curricular activities and birthdays. This is a great time to look at your year and see when you want to go on vacations. Which days would work best with school breaks and work breaks? Brainstorm about summer and get ideas of where reunions and other vacations will go. Organizing your calendar now will help your brain work less later on.
  2. Use your smartphone’s task and reminder apps. I use these regularly and they are so helpful. Even late at night when I’m about to go to bed I’m thinking of tomorrow and the tasks that need to be done. Instead of holding those in your brain all night, write them into your task app! That will free some head space as well as organize your next day. The more you get in the habit of using these apps the more organized and less forgetful you can be. You can even set alarms for specific times you need to be somewhere.  Try it out.
  3. Create a meal plan. We all have different family styles right now. You may be single or newly married. You may have 5 kids at home, or all of your kids are grown and gone. Whatever situation you are in, we all need to eat and we all need to organize our meals. Check out this post we wrote a while back, it’s packed with great information to help you organize your meal planning.
  4. Get rid of excess stuff in your house. To start the year out right, now is a great time to go through each of your rooms and get rid of unnecessary toys, furniture, clothing and “stuff” that you have in your home. Get down to what you use and need. Just clearing out your home with help you get organized. It’s so much faster to clean when every item has a specific spot. I love following A Bowl Full of Lemons. Join her by doing the 2020 Home Organization Challenge. She has free printables for you. I’m doing it, you can too!
  5. If you have children in the home, I would highly recommend making a Family Command Center.  Check out this post we did earlier with tips on how to make your very own. We have one in our home and it’s SO nice. All of the important papers are in view for me to see. It’s amazing. If you don’t have young kids at home, then I could still recommend having a spot where you keep all of your important papers, planner, and keys.

Birthday Party Ideas on a Budget

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It’s almost the new year which means we start over on Birthdays! That might bring a little stress to your life if you’re not ready or prepared. But never fear, you can throw that awesome birthday party and stay in budget with just a few of these tips. Be preparing now and you won’t regret it!

The At-Home Party: It seems like now days, birthday parties are so extreme. My kids are going to expensive places to play video games or become ninjas. A good party doesn’t always need to leave the home. Try staying home and getting out the classic games. Some of those might include: A pinata, water games outside, scavenger hunts to find toys or treats, crafts or decorate cookies. Bring back the classic favorites and the kids will have a blast. Many of these games won’t even cost you a penny.This is a great way to stay on budget.

The Dollar Store Party: This is seriously a great way to stay on budget. Pick a theme and then head to your local dollar store. Grab those items that would go with your theme. You might even change your theme when you get to the store! There are so many fun plates, decor, toys and more that you can score for $1.00. The kids will think it’s so cool no matter where you get the items, you might as well buy them cheap.

DIY Party: There are SO many great ideas on Pinterest for birthday parties. Try making your own cakes or cupcakes instead of having a professional make it. Look around your home for items you already have that you can use for your party. I’ve found ribbon and paper that I never new I had and have used them for parties. Check what you have first before you keep buying more. Ask neighbors or friends if you need to borrow items instead of buying them.

Free Venue Party: One of my kids most favorite places to have a party is at our local park. We bring all sorts of balls and items for relay races, scavenger hunts, sports and more. It’s a free area that they can run around outside. It’s the best. We order pizza and then after the few games we have, they can go play. If you need to schedule your park, then be thinking about that now at the new year. Get your name on the list for those days you need and you’re already on your way to a great party.

How to Make Cake Mix Cookies- Perfect for Santa’s Christmas Eve Cookies

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I love making cookies, especially at this time of year. I turn on a little Christmas music and get baking. I had to share with you one of my most favorite cookie recipes. These cake mix cookies are AWESOME. What makes them awesome? They are fool proof. Seriously. It requires little ingredients, not a lot of time, and they turn out great! You can also make them with a variety of cake mixes and add in different candies, chips and sprinkles. YUM! Kids can even help with this recipe. I like to have them help me with these cookies for Christmas Eve. Then we leave a few out for Santa. I hope you enjoy these as much as our family does.

Ingredients:
1 Package Dry Cake Mix of your choice
1/3 Cup Oil
2 Eggs

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together well with a fork or spoon. Roll balls into 1-1 1/2 inch balls. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Don’t over bake. Once they start to crack on top they are done!

**You can mix and match cake mixes and add ins. Try making a devils food cake mix with mint chocolate chips. You can also get a vanilla or lemon cake mix and add in sprinkles. Try a chocolate cake mix and add in crushed peanut butter cups. There are so many different ways to make these and they are always yummy!

Reduce Your Mom Stress With These 5 Tips

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I love being a mom. My kids and I have so much fun together. However, being a mom is also super stressful and exhausting.  There are a lot of different things you can do to help relieve that stress. I’ve narrowed it down to 5. If I do these things regularly I can simply enjoy being a mom.

  1. Find an outlet for your energy. Exercise like swimming, walking, aerobic classes, or strength training. Just being outside for small moments can help too. Sometimes we put all of our frustration and worries into our bodies and minds and we don’t release it. Exercising in a variety of forms will help release that pent up  negative energy. I can feel I have more patience when I have exercised that morning. Try it.
  2. Plan regular girls night out activities. This is an absolute must.  Most women don’t think about this or plan them as often as they should. Women need to talk with women. Whenever I get with my girl friends I feel so much better after. Talk about your worries, your triumphs, laugh and smile. This can be as easy as a play date with your kids at the park, or plan a night without kids and find a new place to eat. Having solo time with out kids is so beneficial.  Even short girls trips are so much fun. I’m a better mom when I have those little nights out and away from the kids.
  3. Relax your body. Take a good time out for yourself. I’ve recently joined a massage club and I absolutely love it. I can feel my body and mind relax and tension disappears. If that’s not in your budget, then find time to meditate when it’s quiet. Take a nice warm bath with scented candles, go on a walk outside or just find a place to sit with the sun shining on your face. This relaxation time will help relieve some stress.
  4. Get organized. If I’m not organized, then my stress level is definitely higher. Each week find a day that works for you to plan out the rest of the week. Plan your activities, meals, sporting events, carpools, laundry days, even play dates or girls night out. Get your week planned and prepared. That way your mind has a lot less questions to think about during the week. If you don’t carpool, then definitely think about it and find a way to do it. We need each other and that is a great way to help relieve some stress. Lately, we have been doing a 10 minute clean up before bed. Turn on your timer and some music and have each person responsible for one area of the house. Get that area cleaned and organized. It’s amazing what can be done in 10 minutes. Then in the morning, you can start your day out right with a clean house.
  5. Do something fun. How often do you smile? laugh? As moms we tend to put our time and energy into our kids. It’s that time of life. However, we do need to have fun as well. Having fun vacations planned  with the family or going to a fun sporting event helps me step out of my normal routine, which is so needed. I love going on date nights with my husband. Try inviting new couples to join you. Sometimes we forget that we need friends too.

25 Family Holiday Activities on a Budget

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This a great time of year to spend time with family and friends. There are so many fun events and traditions to do during the month of December and you really don’t need to spend a lot of money on them. We love doing something every day in the month of December to get us in the Christmas spirit. Here are 25 activities that won’t cost you lot of money and will help you get ready for Christmas.

  1. Find a new sledding hill
  2. Host a “Favorite Things” party
  3. Decorate your home inside and outside with lights and decor
  4. Read a Christmas story and snuggle
  5. Find a family in need and drop off a Christmas goodie
  6. Go caroling around your neighborhood or to a care center
  7. Write Christmas cards to family members who live far away
  8. Make homemade ornaments for the tree
  9. Buy a favorite cereal, wrap it up, place it under the tree. In the morning have the kids open the boxes and eat their favorite cereal
  10. Make a gingerbread house. Make it extra special by inviting a neighbor over to help
  11. Family drive in search of Christmas lights
  12. Shovel driveways for your neighbors
  13. Make snowflakes out of paper and put them around the house
  14. Make sugar cookies and deliver to neighbors
  15. Host a “Polar Express” night where friends come in pjs, you watch the movie and have hot chocolate and popcorn
  16. Shop for presents for siblings or cousins
  17. Go visit Santa at a new location
  18. Watch a new holiday movie
  19. Attend a local Christmas party, tree lighting, or holiday parade
  20. Donate a toy(s) to a local shelter or family that may be in need
  21. Build a snowman and make a snow angel
  22. Attend a Christmas church service
  23. Make and wear an ugly sweater
  24. Have a snowball fight
  25. Read Luke 2 in the Bible and act out the Christmas story

The 2019 Ultimate Stocking Stuffer List for the Whole Family!

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Christmas is just a few weeks away. If you’re getting done with your presents, you may still have your stockings to finish. I like to have some fun, unique ideas to put in stockings. Here is a fun list for dad, mom, teenagers, kids, babies, and pets. A good place to find most of these items is your local dollar store. If you want to shop from home for these items you can always use Amazon, Target and Walmart. These stores have competitive prices and you can get them shipped right to your home!

Stocking Stuffers for Dad

  1. Deck of Cards
  2. Canned Nuts
  3. Golf Balls
  4. DVD’s
  5. Hand Warmers/Feet Warmers
  6. Gum/Tic Tacs
  7. Deodorant/Body Spray
  8. Cologne
  9. Magazines
  10. Sunglasses
  11. Drill Bits
  12. Mini Flash Lights
  13. Gift Cards- Home Depot, Movie Theaters
  14. Socks
  15. Tie/Bow Tie
  16. Tie Clip
  17. Texting gloves
  18. Hair Gel
  19. Razor & Shaving Cream
  20. Pocket Knife
  21. Beef Jerky
  22. Trail mix

Stocking Stuffers for Mom

  1. Hand Lotion
  2. Lip Balm/Lipstick
  3. Face Mask
  4. Hair Elastics
  5. Note Book
  6. Gift Cards- Spa, Restaurants
  7. Nail Polish
  8. Favorite Candy/Chocolate
  9. Nylons/Tights
  10. Jewelry- Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet or Rings
  11. Tide Stain Sticks
  12. Makeup
  13. Texting Gloves
  14. Flower Seeds
  15. Beanie
  16. Perfume
  17. Dry Shampoo or Hair spray (Trial Size to fit)
  18. Scarf
  19. Makeup Remover Wipes
  20. Candles
  21. Long Phone cord
  22. Portable Phone Charger (Power bank)

Stocking Stuffers for Teen Boys

  1. Mini Cereal Box
  2. iTunes Gift Card
  3. Body Spray/Deodorant
  4. Hair Gel
  5. Key Chain
  6. $1.00 bills
  7. Tie/Bow Tie
  8. Pencils/Pens
  9. Texting Gloves
  10. Beanie/Hat
  11. Favorite Soda
  12. Card Games
  13. Favorite Candy
  14. Gum
  15. Flash Drive
  16. Comic Book
  17. Ear Buds
  18. Hacky Sack
  19. Car Air Freshener
  20. Phone Case
  21. Wireless Speaker

Stocking Stuffers for Teen Girls

  1. Chapstick
  2. Nail Polish
  3. Gum
  4. Journal
  5. Ear Buds
  6. Magazines
  7. Texting Gloves
  8. Hair Spray/ Hair Gel
  9. Jewelry- Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets or Rings
  10. Cute Socks
  11. iTunes Gift Card
  12. Mini Cereal Box
  13. Perfume
  14. Magnets for lockers
  15. Glitter Pens
  16. Beanies/Hats
  17. $1.00 Bills
  18. Key Chains
  19. Favorite Candy
  20. Favorite Soda
  21. Manicure Set
  22. Teeth Whitening Kit
  23. Cell Phone case

Stocking Stuffers for Boys

  1. LED Glow Sticks
  2. Books
  3. Book Light
  4. Favorite Candy
  5. Hot wheels Cars
  6. Slinky
  7. Life Saver Story Books
  8. Tie/Bow Tie
  9. Watch
  10. Piggy Bank
  11. Slime
  12. Electric Toothbrush
  13. Tsum Tsum
  14. Homemade Gift Cards- (“Stay up Late”, “No Chore Day”, “Out to Lunch”)
  15. Bath Color drops
  16. Bubbles
  17. Crayons
  18. Favorite Soda
  19. Character Gloves
  20. Mini Cereal Box

Stocking Stuffers for Girls

  1. Life Saver Story Books
  2. Electric Toothbrush
  3. Jump Rope
  4. Watch
  5. Silly Puddy
  6. Backpack Keychain
  7. Glow Sticks
  8. Tsum Tsum
  9. Homemade Gift Cards- (“Stay up Late”, “No Chore Day”, “Out to Lunch”)
  10. Character Gloves
  11. Favorite Soda
  12. Glitter Pens
  13. Chapstick
  14. Stickers
  15. Small purse
  16. Favorite Candy
  17. Hair Bows/Headbands
  18. Tights/Leggings
  19. Crayons
  20. Bubbles
  21. Press on nail set
  22. Washi Tape
  23. Glitter

Stocking Stuffers for Babies/Toddlers

  1. Tsum Tsum
  2. Bubbles
  3. Teething Toys
  4. Gerber Puffs
  5. Baby Food
  6. Mini Books
  7. Hair bows
  8. Soft mini blanket
  9. Bibs or Burp clothes
  10. Rattles/Small toys
  11. Hats & Gloves
  12. Shoes
  13. Fun Socks
  14. Plush Toys
  15. Finger Puppets
  16. Board Books
  17. Fruit Snacks
  18. Finger Paint
  19. Sunglasses
  20. Play-Doh

Stocking Stuffers for Dogs or Cats

  1. Chew Toys
  2. Leash
  3. Collar
  4. Teasers for cats
  5. Treats
  6. Holiday bows
  7. Tennis Balls
  8. Sweaters
  9. Stuffed Animals
  10. Dog shoes
  11. Grooming Supplies
  12. Clothing/Outfits

 

 I hope this list will help you out and give you a few ideas of what you can add to your stockings. Do you have any other favorites? Comment and let us know!

Make Your Home Smell Like the Holidays with this Easy Stovetop Recipe

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It’s that time of year when I love my home smelling of cinnamon and Christmas trees. There is a super easy way to get your home smelling like that all season long. Check out this recipe and you’re guests and family will truly love it.

Recipe and picture by The Homespun Hydrangea:

Ingredients:

  • 1 small lemon
  • 1 small orange
  • 1 cup of whole cranberries
  • 3-4 cinnamon sticks
  •  pinch of dried cloves
  •  pinch of nutmeg
  •  2-3 small pine branches
  • 4 cups of water

Directions:

Fill your pot with 4 cups of water. Slice the oranges, lemons into thin slices. You can use the seeds and ends in this recipe. No just drop the fruit, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg and pine into the water and bring this to low.

7 Costco Shopping Tips That Will Help You Save Money

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Costco is a wonderful store full of yummy food and excellent prices. I love the variety of products available throughout the year. During the holidays I love shopping for toys, food, decor and even Christmas trees! With all of the fun and unique items Costco offers, I tent to spend WAY too much every time I go. However, there are some easy ways to save some big money while you shop. Check these out!

  1. Before you head into the store, check online for Costco Warehouse Savings  and Holiday Savings where they have a lot of items with Instant Savings. Be sure to check the dates they are available. They rotate often.
  2. Buy store brand- Kirkland options where available. You’ll notice a good savings on that brand and for most items they are rated well against other brands.
  3. Did you know that Costco offers discounted gift cards? Even better, they offer special items that are for your location. For example, we have an amusement in Utah called Lagoon. You can get discounted passes from Costco for Lagoon. Check your local Costco for which ones they offer. This could be a great Christmas gift or date night!
  4. Travel Services. You can buy travel packages, hotels, cruises and even car rentals. We’ve used Costco many times for car rentals because they beat all of the competitor prices. The next time you travel, do a quick price comparison with Costco, you won’t be disappointed.
  5. Free Samples. Now how can this be a money saver? Quite simple. Go around and get your samples first so you aren’t starving, that way as you’re shopping you won’t buy from a hunger impulse! Plus, these samples are super yummy and fun ideas to try something new.
  6. Costco Return Policy is simply amazing. This is definitely helps with money savings since you can return an item at any time for money back. Some items including electronics have a 90 day return policy. Be sure to keep your receipts.
  7. Costco Price Protection Policy. If any item you bought at Costco goes down in price within 30 days of your purchase you can get the money difference back. Just head to the Customer Service and show your receipt and the new price. On more expensive items, this is definitely worth the time and effort.

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