More money stuff

Now sometimes you need to spend money...sometimes quality trumps price! For example, I tend to spend more on safety items. The kids' carseats are Britax, which are pricey, but so worth it. (Spencer is still in a carseat now...and will be until he is 10...just kidding, but until he refuses to sit in it...he complains, but does sit in it for me...)

That being said, I've always scoured the internet for good deals on them, and have never paid full price. I've also never been a fan of the real cheap umbrella strollers. Pay a little more and get the umbrella stroller that has the 5 point harness. You don't need a full on travel system stroller when the baby is little. Skip that, buy the stroller frame that you snap the carseat in, and invest in a good umbrella stroller that the baby can sit in at about 6 months. I like the Chicco one, which has been stolen twice from me! I actually don't have one for Kendall right now, just using the bigger stroller I got when Spencer was born. And that's fine. Make do when you can and save money!

I also spend a little more on baby care products. Especially when you learn about all the toxins in our products...how could our government OK all the chemicals and toxins??? Spend a few minutes on the site "Skin Deep"....it's very informative!

I like the California Baby shampoo and body washes. (Target has a $2 off coupon out for them right now!) (Be careful...just because it says it's organic, doesn't mean it is!) I bought the sunscreen a few weeks ago, but someone who starts with a C, squeezed it out all over the backyard! ....ugh...I am going to buy the TruKid brand now...it's cheaper and got great ratings, too! And I'm going to keep it somewhere Cooper can't find it!

My favorite wipes are Seventh Generation. Did you know many wipes have parabens and other things that you don't want near your precious baby's sensitive skin?

So, anyway, just so you don't think I'm such a frugal mama...

Enjoying our sunny days....loving the weather and dressing my kiddos in shorts. Kendall has so many cute summer outfits! I'm excited to dress my little doll...er, I mean little girl! Hehehe! That's the fun of having a girl!

fav tips for saving money

OK, so I thought I might share because I like to share...

1. Best tip: don't go to Target! Seriously! How many of you have gone to get a pack of diapers...that's it...and walked out with $100 of stuff...because it's cute or on sale or I might need it...Target is bad for my wallet. Luckily, it's a 10 minute drive for me now, so I don't go that often. Or if I do, I take my mom and her wallet. Not kidding. LOVE you, Mom!!! :-)) ***Some of you might insert Costco for Target...luckily I just got a card, so that place is not one of my downfalls...yet!

2. Take any and all hand me downs...I love them! My kids have tons of hand me downs. Most are pretty cute, too. I got lucky...friends/relatives with good taste. But the best thing is, then if you spend money on your kids, it doesn't feel so bad because you're not having to buy as much. :-) Kendall has the cutest shoe collection...only 2 pairs were purchased for her specifically! I love passing along, too...see me if you need any 2T's boys or baby girl 9 months.

3. Ebay is your friend. I buy a lot of my kids clothing on ebay. I tend to get only gymboree, baby gap, janie and jack...the nicer brands that hold up well. Most of them look brand new, some still have the tags attached, at a fraction of the cost. I've gotten a few things for me, too, but let's face it, it's so much more fun shopping for my kids. (Though I'd love a mall gift cert for my birthday b/c I do need clothes! hint hint...and not the Merced mall, either...) And selling on ebay is super easy and a nice way to build up money in your paypal account so it feels like "free money"...

4. Whenever you need to buy something, do a search online for sales or coupons. sites I start with are bizrate.com and couponcabin.com. I get almost everything discounted or free shipping. It takes only a few minutes, too.

5. Make a meal plan for weekly dinners and stick to it! I'm not the best at this, but I am trying. This way food does not go to waste. Crock pot meals are usually cheap and easy!

6. Make no spend days. Just don't go out anywhere you need to spend money. I haven't spent money in a few days...

7. Visit the library. I save a ton on books that way! Learn how to search for books online at your library's online catalog. Put them on hold, and then go check them out when they are ready. This is the only way I get to the library with 3 kids. :-) Storytime sometimes... Your library might also have DVD's and CD's!

8. Redbox for movie rentals. Most grocery stores have a redbox now. $1 a movie/per night. AND sign up at redbox online and get FREE coupon codes...free movies!!!

9. Sign up at mypoints.com and get points for clicking on websites (that's all) and spend the points on gift certificates....I've redeemed 2 restaurant certificates!

10. Remember what's important to you...is it things or people? Does it really matter if you have the newest car out there? Will it make you happy? I'd say no. How many times have we bought something because we think it'll make us feel better? Maybe it does, for a few minutes...but not in the long run. We don't have a lot of things, and yes, sometimes, I wish for a new TV or a newer car, but I also appreciate not having to pay for it. Or be in debt for it. Just my two cents...

Anyway, just wanted to share....have any tips for me????

And can't post without pictures!!!! Aunt Jenny & Spencer playing!

Love having girl toys around...Kendall's first tea set, birthday gift from the Fergusons!My Kendall girl...getting so big....Playing a FUN game...Cranium Hullabaloo (I think it's called)....Picture of the day...