Everyday Baby Steps

In my last post, I showed you examples of ways to find cute, quality clothing on the cheap at Coldwater Creek. I wanted to give you examples from more of my favorite clothing retailers, but I was having so much fun that I ran out of time! So I'd like to give you additional examples from another of my favorite stores, Christopher & Banks.

I like these stores because their clothing is comfy, casual, and cute - just my style! I have also learned that the clothes at these stores tend to fit my body shape. This is important. And, of course, the main reason I shop at these locations is for the bargains. I'm always able to find picks that fit my shopping rule.. In case you've forgotten it, my rule is simple. I usually don't pay more than $10 per item, $15 if I really like it. There you have it. These are examples of stores that work for me, but with just a little shopping spree with your girlfriends research, I'm confident you'll find stores with fabulous fashion finds that are just right for you!

Here's what I put together from the sales on the Christopher & Banks website. I will say, the selection in my size was not as extensive as what I was able to find at Coldwater Creek. Also, Christopher & Banks doesn't sell shoes, so I wasn't able to complete the outfits, but I was able to pick out a couple of cute outfits at great prices.

Tie Sleeve Belted Shirt $9.97

Plaid D-Ring Belt Pant $14.97

I think this is a really nice outfit for wearing out to dinner or to a conference, and it's less than $25.00 for the whole look. Of course, it's great if you work in an office. I, however, work in my living room. I chose these pieces because they were classic with a bit of a twist. I love white tops because they're so versatile. This one is fabulous with all of its details. I'm always happy if I can get a piece with great details or fabulous fabric for a bargain price like this. The pants are flattering with their flat front, and I just really love plaid.

Striped Boat Neck Tee $6.97

Brushed Twill Pant $14.97

Isn't this a cute outfit? Just what I need for a day of running errands around town with Brady in his stroller. I love boat neck tops because of the comfort factor, but I also think it's a flattering look for most women. Yes, this shirt has horizontal stripes, which are said to make us look wide, but I like it. I think the loose fit will counteract the widening effect, and the color is so cheerful. Perfect for spring. Khaki twill pants? You can't go wrong with this piece in your wardrobe. They go with everything, and are a nice way to complete this nautical look. Just about $22 is a fantastic price for this very wearable outfit.

Four separates for less than $50. Not bad. Though I'll tell you, I've done better. I once walked out of a Christopher & Banks store with 13 items of clothing for $72.00 and change, and it was all stuff I could still wear at the end of summer and into early fall. Tell me what stores fit your style and budget. Are you able to find affordable pieces at your favorite store? Let me know what you think about bargain shopping. I love to talk deals!

For today's tip, I'll be singing the praises of a website.  Some of you may already be familiar with the site, but those of you who aren't will thank me.  MyPoints is a website that allows you to earn points that, in turn, earn you FREE STUFF!  I mean it, totally free.  With very little effort on your part.

Sign up, and you can immediately begin earning points.  It's easy.  Have BonusMail sent to your inbox, and you can get points by taking part in the offer (buying the product, starting an account at the sponsor's website, etc.) or just earn 5 points for clicking a link to the sponsor's website.  I earn most of my points simply by clicking the links.  Another benefit of receiving the BonusMail is to learn about various services and companies out there that you may not know about.

Another easy way to earn mega points is to shop online with MyPoints sponsors, many of which you're already spending your money with!  For example, you'll earn 2 points for every dollar spent at eBay, 4 points per dollar at CircuitCity, and 10 points per dollar at Overstock.com. 

What can you do with your points, you ask?  Lots.  Depending on how many points you have and how good you are at saving them.  I, unfortunately, like to spend mine instead of saving up for something big.  I just sent for a $25 Walgreen's gift card, and it cost me 3600 points.  So I'll be getting my kids' back-to-school supplies for free!  It's been my experience that it usually only takes 2 - 3 weeks for cards to arrive in the mail.  There are lots of awesome things you can get with your points.  I've used past points to get gift cards to Toys R Us, Omaha Steaks, and Regal Cinemas!  Visit MyPoints.  It's worth checking out!

I need a little help.  Because I'm always indecisive and can never make up my mind, I need your help.  I need to buy a gift for Baby Emily.  I know I'm strapped for funds right now, but Emily's mommy has been a good friend since high school and has done a lot for me.  So I'd like to get something special.

Problem is, I can't decide.  I've been checking out this site, Personalized-Baby-Shoes.com, where they sell embossed baby shoes, among other cute baby gifts.  And they offer free shipping, which makes it worth shopping online for me.  Some of the most treasured gifts I received for my kids were personalized in some way.  I think a keepsake is a wonderful gift because it's something the parents can hold onto.  Babies grow out of clothing or sometimes never even get to wear it.  Other practical gifts like nursery items or baby gear are very helpful, but my friend has all of these things from her first child.

So here's what I'm considering.  I like the cute little pink and white shoes on the site's home page.  I can get her name embossed in gold foil on one shoe and her birthdate on the other.  The site offers gift wrapping or one of three personalized pails with your choice of an adorable stuffed cow, ducky, or frog.  They're all so precious, that would just be another tough decision for me, so I'll probably just wrap the gift myself.

But here's the other contender.  Personalized baby gifts are great because they make wonderful keepsakes.  Lots of choices here, too.  I really like the baby's first tooth and curl set, but I'm trying to be at least a wee bit practical, so I'm thinking about getting the personalized flap happy bonnet in pink gingham.  Isn't it just the sweetest thing?  I always loved putting my kids in hats, but I never got one of these cool hats with the flaps on the side to keep the sun off their little faces.  Practical and cute.  I'm lovin' that!

Please help me decide.  This is a special gift and, because money's tight right now, I feel like I want to make the best choice I can.  The personalized baby shoes cost a just a wee bit more, but I think it might be more likely that my friend would hold onto them as a keepsake.  But that hat - it even has a cute name, flap happy bonnet!  Help!  I just can't make up my mind.

Today's Monday Magazine Motivation comes from the August issue of Family Circle, where I found an article on home party businesses called "Money in the Bag".  As an Independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay, I fall under that category.  I haven't really been "working my business" lately, as I'm currently focusing on my writing, so this article helped to give me a jumpstart to get back into the swing of things.

There's a section on questions to ask and one on home party basics and whether direct sales is right for you.  I really liked the section on smart sales strategies, which gave me some good ideas to get things moving again.  The article contained some really good information, and I suggest reading it if you're interested in selling something like Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, PartyLite, etc. 

You can find another good article here from Brain, Child magazine.  This one warns of the hidden dangers of work-from-home companies and even includes Mary Kay as one to be wary of.  But I say read the articles, take the advice, ask your own questions, and use your intution to make the best decision.  I know that Mary Kay is a product I love and believe in and am realistic about the time and effort I want to put in to it.  Because I don't want to be away from home a few nights a week (leaving my poor husband with the wild children after a long day of work) and driving to lots of different places, I'm not willing to commit 100% right now.  Also, I didn't have a ton of money to put into inventory, so I chose to start small. 

The effort I'm putting into my business allows me to get out and about, meet other women, and have a drawerful of wonderful products I couldn't otherwise afford.  I'm also learning skills that will help me in my freelance business.  The best result is the confidence and pride in myself I've gained through taking the chance and getting started.  A home party business isn't for everyone, but it could be for you if you're realistic about your level of commitment and your desired results.

It's the middle of summer and with the rising price of everything, money’s tight for most of us right now. If you’re a stay-at-home mom, a work-at-home mom, or any parent at home with your school-aged kids this summer, you may be yanking your hair out by the fistful by now. If you are, stop, take a deep breath, and read on to find no-cost ways to keep your kids happy while you keep your sanity. Here’s a list of some things to do without even leaving the house. Okay, you might actually have to go out in the yard or walk around the block. Deep breath, you can do it!

1. Bubbles. The old stand-by. Kids love ‘em, and if you don’t have a bottle of bubbles around the house (but who doesn’t?), you can make your own by diluting dish soap.


2. Crafts. You can find great crafts on the internet or pick up a book or two at your local library.


3. Go for a walk. Put on the sneakers and head out for a stroll around the neighborhood. It’s good exercise, and your elderly neighbors will be thrilled to see the children.


4. Eat dinner outside for a change. Make it something simple like deli sandwiches or hot dogs. Easy and fun. Use paper plates to make it even easier.


5. Squirt gun battle! Who needs to pay $20 to go to the pool when you can run around in the yard, shooting each other with water for free? And catch some rays while you’re at it.


6. Movie night. Pick a night when no one has to get up early the next morning, find a movie on TV or a video you already own, and camp out in the living room. Stay up late. The kids will think they’re getting away with something, and you’ll get some laid back bonding time with them.


7. Play school. You can take notes, pay bills, or work on your laptop while they color or do worksheets. Find free printables at www.schoolexpress.com , www.abcteach.com, or www.freeprintablecoloringpages.net.


8. Exercise. Pull out your favorite exercise video and ask the kids to join in. You’ll be killing two birds with one stone. Get your workout in and ensure that your rugrats sleep well that night.


9. Art time. Let them go nuts with construction paper, scissors, and glue. Throw in paper plates, brown bags, and coffee filters, and you’ve really got a party!


10. TV. Come on, we all do it. Sometimes we just have to. Tell them to sit and watch a program or two while you do some work, and then you’ll go do one of the other fun things on this list with them!

Going out is fun, but let’s not forget that filling up the gas tank is the equivalent of a trip to the salon for a mani and pedi or some really great highlights. Let’s get our priorities straight here, folks! Use this list as a jumpstart to shaking up your routine a bit and helping you make it through the rest of summer without losing your mind.

By the way, this post will soon appear on a forum for moms, called Mommy Matter.  Check out this fun site at www.mommymatter.com!

Today's unofficial tip is don't take three kids on a two hour car ride to Grandma's.  It's exhausting.  And frustrating.  And headache inducing.  And. . .

Enough of that.  Today's tip is about saving money on groceries.  Here's how I do it, and I consider myself to be a pretty frugal shopper.  I don't have the patience or the attention span to deal with coupons, so I don't.  I do read the grocery store sale ads, but at $4.00 a gallon, who can afford to drive all over town picking up an item here and an item there?  So what I do is shop at discount stores like Aldi, Ollie's, and Big Lots.

I know many of you may say you don't like the bargain brands, and I can relate.  But I'd recommend giving it a try just to see the money you'll save.  I left Aldi a few weeks ago with my cart overflowing, and I only spent $140.  Not bad, I'd say.  My monthly food budget for a family of four (not counting the baby, of course) is approximately $300.

Stores like Ollie's and Big Lots do carry name brand items, and you can pick up a bunch of other stuff on the cheap like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and even home decor while you're there.  A box of name brand cereal, for instance, will cost between $1.25 and $2.00 at Big Lots.  These are just examples of stores in my area.  What stores do you have in your region of the country?  Are you lucky enough to have one of those places that sell "bent and dent" items, as my mom calls them?  I recommend checking it out.  Let me know what you think.

By the way, I just read on article in the August edition of Woman's Day called, "Secrets of Extreme Grocery Shoppers: How to Save Thousands", and it recommended many of these same things.  Check it out.

Though it's not an original category, I will be using the Thankful Thursday theme each week because I feel it's quite applicable to the tone of my blog and to the direction in which I am taking my life.  I started blogging as a way to live my life intentionally and to make lasting changes.  And we all know that the self-help experts (think The Secret) advocate being grateful for what you have as a way to become satisfied and to attain self-fulillment. 

Have I mentioned my love of non-fiction books?  It's almost as addictive strong as my love of magazines.  Almost.  Before the phenomenon of The Secret, there was Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach.  Does anyone remember that one?  I think Oprah featured it as well.  This book focused on being grateful for what you have and recommended keeping a gratitude journal each day.  My journal helped to get me through a time in my life when money was tight and my support network was far away.  I will definitely be reaching for my copy of Simple Abundance as I continue on my journey toward personal discovery, however, now that I have three kids, perhaps I'll use Thankful Thursday as a way to document my appreciation instead of a daily gratitude journal!  Feel free to join me!  Click the Mister Linky tab to link your Thankful Thursday post, and please leave a comment.  Thanks.

Starting today, I will post a tip or helpful hint every Tuesday.  And, believe me, I'm full of them!  I've got tips on bargain shopping (out of necessity), makeup (as a beauty consultant for Mary Kay), career exploration (as a former college advisor), and overall well-being (from my time as a mental health professional).  As I mentioned yesterday, I'm a magazine fiend, so I come across tons of fun stuff to share all the time.  So I'll share mine if you'll share yours.  Tips, that is!  I'd love to hear all of your fabulous tips and tidbits.

My first tip is to always shop around.  Check out our pictures from the pool yesterday!  Aren't my kids adorable?  My oldest two pointed out to me that I hadn't put any pics of them in my blog.  They were mad because they "wanted to be famous, too."  I was happy to oblige.  Anyway, back to my point.  We have a few local pools in our area.  I'm usually a bargain shopper, but I almost blindly accepted the rate of the first place I looked into.  Boy, would that have been a mistake.  I found out that two other pools in the area were about $100 cheaper for a family pass.  Lesson learned.  I will always look for the best price no matter how good a deal sounds.  I won't slip up again.  You'll see, I'm a fabulous thrifty shopper!

My older two kids left early to spend the weekend with their dad yesterday, so it was just me and the baby.  After running errands between his catnaps, I settled in to enjoy some mommy/baby bonding time.  It hit me what a rare quiet moment I was enjoying with my newest offspring.  In the first two early months of sleep deprivation and constant feedings, on top of taking care of his brother and sister and their school schedules, I really hadn't had much of a chance to just really sit and enjoy him.  Add to that the incredible stress of money worries.  (We won't even go there - this post is about positive thinking!)  I also realized that I hadn't taken many pictures of him recently.  When we first brought him home, it seemed I was snapping photos at every opportunity.  Oh look, the baby's sleeping.  Daddy's feeding the baby; how cute!  The baby's first bath, better get the camera.  But as of late, the camera hadn't gotten much use.  So I put him on his belly and went into the bedroom to grab the camera. 

And when I returned. . .

Little stinker decided to roll over, and I missed it.  Thank goodness this wasn't the first time or I'd have been ticked! One of the errands I ran today was at the Public Assistance office to finish my application for food stamps.  The secretary was a woman I had once helped in MY office when I was a college advisor.  She told me she didn't blame me for making the decision to leave work because they grow up so fast; her own children are now 18 and 21.  Thank you, Public Assistance secretary (whose name I will keep anonymous), for helping me to appreciate the time I have and to trust that I'm making the best decisions I can for my family.  Baby steps will get us through this summer, and I can focus on earning a more substantial income when the kids are back in school.  In the meantime, I will simply focus on enjoying these special moments, one moment at a time.