Category Archives: Saving Money

May 18 2012

5 Ways to Host a Picnic on a Budget….

by admin

Source: younghouselove.com via Jen on Pinterest

Picnic Season is here! Memorial Day will be here in a little over a week and that officially is the start of the summer picnic season. Hosting a picnic is a lot of fun but it can be a huge expense, too. Here are some tips for saving while still throwing a great party!

1. Hit the dollar store for things like Plastic Wear, Plastic Table Cloths, Party Decorating Supplies. I have seen plastic table cloths as much as $6 at a party store, but only $1 at the dollar store. It’s also a great place to pick up things like kids prizes, bubbles, pool toys, citronella candles, and more! Hit the dollar store first for the party items that you would regularly buy at the party supply store

2. Have the picnic be covered dish – Most guests always ask if they can bring something anyways. Have your list of what you need by the phone and when someone calls to RSVP and asks what they can bring, you can check it off the list. You can provide the grilling items and party supplies, but if everyone else brings all the little things, it will ease the cost of your contribution.

3. Switch it up and have a “You Bring It We Grill It”. Have your guests bring their favorite item to grill. Just make sure that if you aren’t making it right away, you label it or else problems could arise:) Meat is usually the most expensive part of putting on a picnic. If you provide all the sides like Macaroni Salad, Potato Salad, Chips and Dips, it will cut down on the costs and that way your guests have a variety of what they get, where you may have only had a choice of Hot Dogs or Frozen Burger Patties. If they want Lobster or Clams – so be it! They can bring whatever they want.

4. Plan ahead and Be Organized! Make your list ahead of time and look for sales and coupon matchups each week. Is there a amazing deal on hamburger meat this week? Buy it now and make it up into patties and freeze for the picnic later. Can you get mustard for free with coupons and a sale? Get it now. Don’t run out the day before and do your trip in one shot. You will spend double what you would have. In the winter and spring, if I see picnic items like relish, mustard, ketchup free or seriously cheap with coupons and sales, I grab them. This year, I won’t need to be buying any condiments or salad dressing for picnics this year and all of what I have I got for pennies.

5. Don’t spend money to send out invitations. Personally call your friends and family to invite them and if you want, follow up with an email to remind them, too. Invitations can be expensive and postage can add up!

I started a Summer Picnic Board on Pinterest to share some cool picnic ideas that I have been seeing around, like the picture above:)

Img Source: Young House Love as found on Pinterest. What a cool idea for kids at the picnic!

Categories: Holiday Recipes, Party, Save Money, Saving Money | Leave a Comment »

Mar 16 2012

Budget Spa Treatments??? They do exist!

by admin

Source: attackedastorianails.blogspot.com via Lori on Pinterest

I used to love going to the spa on a regular basis, however, that was a luxury from my past life and the new budgeting momma that I am can’t afford weekly treatments anymore. It doesn’t mean that I never go to the spa. I just wait for a special occasion or take advantage of deals when I see them. I think of budgeting and saving money like a diet. If you deprive yourself of everything that you love, long term the chances of sticking with it are slim. You want what you can’t have and eventually, in a moment of weakness, you eat an entire cannoli cake from Easton bakery (been there done that) or go on a shopping spree. Trust me I know. So I do treat myself from time to time to my spa treatments except now I look for deals and coupons to save money on them.

Here are a few ways to save on Spa appointments:

Daily Deal Sites

If you are willing to try new spa, Groupon and Living Social are the way to go. I see a lot of deals pop up for local salons and day spas for up to 75% off. Make sure to sign up for their daily email and you will get the deals right in your inbox.

Spa Week $50 Deals

April 16-22 is spa week. A number of spas are offering discounted special $50 prices for specific services. In the Lehigh Valley, The Spa at Bear Creek is one of the participating spas. You can choose from a 50 minute Swedish Massage, 50 minute rejuvinating facial, or 50 minute hydrating facial. There are also many spas in Philadelphia and NYC participating as well. You can check out more information HERE.

Beauty Schools

Metro Beauty Academy is a great source for inexpensive facials, manicures, pedicures, and hair cuts. They supply local salons and day spas with their employees. They are trained and supervised. I have gotten my hair cut there many times and even had facials there during their specials. On occasion they will post deals on their Facebook page for extremely low price haircuts for charity and discount facials. Even paying full price at Metro is still a great deal. Just remember to allow extra time as they often will take their time, have their supervisors answer questions, and other procedures so don’t go there on your lunch break and expect to be in and out.

Massage Therapy Schools

This works the same as the beauty school. Often they have a clinic where you can get massages from students for just a fraction of the cost.

Coupon Clippers, ValPak and Local Deal Magazines

Did you ever get those local coupon magazines and mailers and chuck them in the garbage? Next time, don’t! Look through them. Not only are there discounts on local restaurants and services, sometimes they have nail salons and day spas in them as well! Enter your zip code at Valpak online and check under the MORE tab for salon/spa deals

Have any great tips to share that weren’t featured above? Leave them below in the comments…

Categories: Save Money, Saving Money | Leave a Comment »

Feb 29 2012

Busy Mom: 5 Quick and Simple Ways To Save Money on Retail

by admin

Source: google.com via Kelly on Pinterest

The biggest challenge I hear from moms when I go and teach my money saving class is they don’t have time. I understand that completely as there are some days I forget to do basic things like eat because we have so much going on. The one thing I have learned is if you take a few minutes when you are making a purchase to see if there are any coupons available or any discounts, you will save money. Over time those savings will add up. Here are some quick ways for busy families to save money when they are shopping retail:

1. When you are at the counter at a store – ASK if there are any discounts

Some stores like Kohl’s or Christmas Tree Shop (among others) give coupons for signing up for email alerts. You may not get a discount right there, but you could get a coupon in your email for your next purchase. Also, there may be special sales that you didn’t have a coupon for and they can give you the discount at the register. Department stores like Macy’s, JC Penney, and Kohls will have a coupon at the register that they can scan. I was recently in Macy’s to purchase a pair of rain boots and asked the cashier if there were any specials going on. I got an extra 20% off because I was wearing red. Not all cashiers will be proactive and tell you about these sales. It takes just a second or two to ask.

2. Jump On the Internet Before You Buy

There are so many tools out there where you can check for coupons, promotional codes, and sales. By taking 5 minutes before you make a purchase or head out to the mall to see if there are any available can help you save money. Remember it adds up. If you can save $10 a week by using coupons that’s $520 in your pocket each year. I have a rule, if I am spending more than $20 on any one item, I will check at least 3 other stores for prices. I did this for our refridgerator and ended up getting a $1300 fridge for under $600 (with rebates). It was full price at the store I was going to buy it at, I jumped on the computer at home and in less than 10 minutes found a store that had the EXACT same fridge on clearance for $700 less. That’s serious savings. You won’t always have that luck, but if you save $10 or $20 on the same item, why not take a few minutes to search?

Some great sites to shop around or get coupon codes:

www.bizrate.com (checks similar items and compares prices and also has coupon codes)

www.couponcabin.com (coupon codes)

www.yourretailhelper.blogspot.com (for the retail roundup coupons)

3. Take Your Smart Phone

Most of us have them, now use them in your crusade to save money instead of shooting evil pigs with strange looking birds. There are many apps out there, if you find one that has a scan feature, you can scan the barcode of the item to see where it may be cheaper. Use that knowledge and combine it with a coupon – save even more. I recommend Shop Savvy (available in Android and Iphone)

4. Sign Up for Rewards Cards

If you shop at a store that has a rewards program make sure you sign up. If you are responsible with credit cards and they have one that offers a discount with purchase (like Lowes or Target) then make sure you use it (and please pay it off in full each month or else it’s not worth it, you’ll pay more in interest!). I signed up for the Target debit card which gives me 5% off of pretty much everything. Since I find that on average Target has great prices on groceries and other items, I do most of my shopping there. I can still use coupons, but I now get an extra 5% off and free shipping if I order items online. I also have a Kohl’s card. I get free gift cards a few times a year and have never walked in there without getting some kind of discount on my purchase just for having the card. Even if the store doesn’t offer discounts with purchase, they may tally your purchases and send you valuable coupons and offers for being a member. One example is Victorias Secret. I signed up for their PINK club and I get offers for a pair of free panties a couple times a year and coupons for other items.

5. Negotiate

This won’t work at Target or Walmart, but if you are buying a larger item, like a car or appliance, see if they can do better. You may not get anywhere with a big box store, but a family owned business may be willing to work with you or at least throw in free shipping or other perks to sweeten the deal.

So there you have it. All of those ways are quick, easy and require little effort on your part but will save you big when shopping for retail items. You don’t have to do this for every little purchase if you feel it’s too overwhelming. Set a threshold like I did. Come up with a figure that you would research an item. If you want to buy something over that amount, that’s when you take a few minutes (don’t go crazy) and shop around.

Have you had any big shopping scores lately? I would love to hear about it! Have a tip that I missed? Leave me a comment below!

My last big retail score was the rainboots at Macy’s. I had a gift card left over from Christmas and needed rainboots. I got the Coach Blue/Tan rainboots for under $45 (free for me because of the gift card). I saved 20% off an already reduced sale price just by asking if there were any discounts! I think the original price was $129!

Source: ebay.com via Jen on Pinterest

Make sure you check out all my other money saving tips HERE… there is everything from saving money on groceries to saving money on local shops and everything in between! There is also fun and cheap ideas to do with the kiddos, too!

Categories: Buy Local, Kids Stores, Kohls, Retail Coupons, Save Money, Saving Money | Leave a Comment »

Jan 20 2012

Stuck Inside???? Cheap and Fun things to do with the kiddos:)

by admin

It’s that time of year again. Although this year is unseasonably warm, the cold and snow and wind is coming. So what do you do with your kiddos to keep them entertained on a snowy day?

Here is some inspiration for some cold weather activities via Pinterest… P.S. If you need an invite to Pinterest, leave me a comment and I will send you one:) Just Click on the picture and follow through to the original blog’s post for more info.

Source: ohdeedoh.com via Rowena on Pinterest

Source: modernparentsmessykids.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Kaitlyn on Pinterest

And you can also check out ideas from Frugal Family Fun Blog who is super creative and does the coolest crafts for free or cheap!

She has an amazing array of things to keep the kiddos (and you) from going stir crazy!

Categories: Crafts, Saving Money | 6 Comments »

Jan 17 2012

Having a Kids Party on a Budget

by admin

Part of the bunting flag banner I am making for little mans b-day... Clip Art fire truck was purchased from Canstock Photo

Little Man’s big 3rd birthday is coming up. It’s so easy to go crazy at birthday time. I have been to parties with bouncy huts, ponies, at expensive kids activity centers. But what if you are a family like us and on a strict budget?

Well, I started planning the party last month. I made a meal plan so I could coupon and buy things on sale. I came up with a theme so I could start making all the banners and corresponding favors with the same and I started gathering supplies for games.

1. Hand Deliver or Call in person and invite

Postage and printed invitations are expensive. Even if you print them on your computer yourself, you are still paying for the ink, paper and then postage. Plus, when you send them out, you are always running the risk of people just throwing them on the counter and you will have to call them to remind them or find out if they are coming anyways. If you want to give a paper invitation, hand deliver it. Usually the person will look at it right away and let you know if something is going on that day. Worried if you don’t give a paper invitation, someone may forget? Then follow up with an email or facebook invite.

Cost Savings: For a party with 40 invitations, you will save about $17 in postage and probably about $10 for paper/printing costs if you print your own.

2. Make Your Own Party Supplies & Favors

You can make a really cool bunting, banner, or signs with just some paper and imagination. If you have a program like Photoshop Elements or GIMP (free software) that works with layers, you can download FREE background paper from places like Pugly Pixels, The Coffeeshop Blog, or any free digital scrapbooking site and add lettering. If you don’t have access to a program like that, just get scrapbook paper and cut into shapes. Punch holes in the top and string it. You can also make the signs, centerpieces, and party favor bags using the same patterns. Don’t pay $30 for a pinata – did you know you can make your own with old newspapers??? Google it. If you start early, you can do all of these things little by little. It’s not like their birthday is a surprise. It comes the same time every year!

Cost Savings: If you make all of the party supplies instead of buying you can save anywhere from $20 – hundreds depending on how elaborate you get

3. Use your imagination for Kids games

Kids don’t need all the expensive bells and whistles. They love doing art projects and science experiments. I just saw a pin on Pinterest on how to make Ice Cream from putting a small Ziploc Bag with milk (or cream), sugar and vanilla inside a larger ziploc bag with ice and salt. How cool would that be for the kiddos? Look at most of the party supplies – pin the tail on the donkey? Pinatas? They can be handmade pretty easily. Plus then you get to use your creativity! Having a fire truck party like us – Why not pin the ladder on the fire truck?

4. Plan your meal ahead & Make it from Scratch

It seems like a pain especially since there are a lot of other things going on, however, did you ever look at the markup on catered food? A tray of Stuffed Shells/pasta/mac and cheese can cost up to $20 (or more) from a caterer.. You can make it yourself for half of that price or less if you coupon and get ingredients when on sale. Make things the day before and just cook the day of. It will take the pressure off.

Cakes have a huge markup, too. Try and make your own or even better - why not try cupcakes instead? Cupcakes are the latest craze now! You can make really cute cupcake toppers to spice them up a bit.

5. Have the party at your house (or a relatives) if possible

Your house is free:) If it’s not possible, instead of going the activity center route, see if you can rent a social hall – like a fire company or church. It will probably be way less expensive than hosting it at an activity center.

6. Don’t forget to coupon!

If you do need to go to the party supply store, make sure you check on their website to see if they have any coupons. Most do. Also, before you head to the craft store to pick up your supplies, print off coupons, too. Michaels, AC Moore and Hobby Lobby are all that usually have coupons in the paper or available on their websites. Anything that you need to buy, see if there is a coupon for. The quick/easy way to look for grocery store coupons (for the food, paper products, etc) is to check a coupon database like the one at www.weusecoupons.com. You can type in a generic term like paper plates or plastic cups to see where you can print/get the coupon from.

The best parties I had as a kid were in our garage with all my family there and running around in our backyard. I always had a homemade cake and not a lot of decorations and I still remember those memories fondly. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to have fun… Just plan ahead and scour the internet for ideas… I find a wealth of information on Pinterest and a lot of the DIY blogs.

P.S. Stay tuned. I am going to be sharing the printable buntings, cake toppers and cupcake wrappers that I am using for little mans fire truck party. I am still waiting on permission to share from some of the sources I used for backgrounds/templates, then I’ll post on the blog! you can see a sneak peak above

Categories: DIY, Make Your Own, Save Money, Saving Money | Leave a Comment »

Dec 23 2011

Busy Mom Video Series: Save Money Using Google Reader

by admin

When talking to people about saving money, I started to realize that one of the main resources I use to follow my favorite money saving (and local) blogs, not a lot of people are using or know how to use. I love Google Reader! I can page through hundreds of posts in minutes and only have to read the ones that catch my eye. I look for titles that grab my attention, quickly star them and then go back to them later when I have a chance to fully read them. It’s a quick way to keep track of deals on the web. You probably don’t have time each day to visit 50 blogs, however, you can quickly see all of their posts in one place. Below you can watch my new You Tube Video in the Couponing/Saving Money series – How to save money by using Google Reader.

Here are some of my favorite blogs that you can visit:

Couponing/Deal Blogs

www.livingrichwithcoupons.com
www.forthemommas.com
www.couponingtodisney.com
www.totallytarget.com

http://queenbeecoupons.com/

www.mojosavings.com

http://thekrazycouponlady.com/

and me:) www.lehighvalleymomma.com

For Organics

www.healthylifedeals.com/
www.organicdeals.com/

Check out some of my other Money Saving Tip Posts HERE

Categories: Busy Mom, Save Money, Saving Money, Video Tutorials | 1 Comment »

Dec 23 2011

Ready for the Target Holiday Clearance??? Come up with Your Game Plan Now!

by admin

I admit. I am usually one of those people that are at Target, first in the door, the day after Christmas. Usually everything is at 50% off. I will pick up lights and some other things – like the novelty gifts that I feel won’t make the 75% off cut. Usually there are always boxed cards, candy and wrapping paper left for the next cut a week or so later. Do I sound crazy? No, just a woman on a mission with a plan. In the past few years, I have never paid full price for holiday cards, wrapping paper, ornaments, etc.

What do I stock up on?

Candy (that doesn’t scream holiday)

Baby’s First Ornaments and Our First Christmas Ornaments (We always have someone getting married or procreating – so these are always great gifts)

Wrapping Paper

Lights (or obnoxious lawn decorations)

Boxes, Bows, Ribbon

Scotch Tape *** Here’s a tip – they usually have holiday tape and they clearance it because of the packaging – same stuff I use all year round

Office Supplies – Last year I got Sharpie markers for pennies because they were packaged in holiday containers

Toters/Storage Containers - Usually the Red/Green toters go on clearance really cheap. Who cares what color they are when they are in storage anyways.

Toys – I have a toy closet. It’s where I think ahead and buy cool toys when they are cheap or on clearance. If I have any toys left over at the end of the year, I use them to give to a needy family. This year we adopted a child through the church and was able to give them a bunch of toys. Planning ahead will save you $ in the long run.

Tips: Take coupons with you to save even more $$$.

PRINT these coupons today to get ready for your after holiday clearance shopping (because you may not be able to get them after the holidays). I can’t guarantee that there will be any of these items left or they will be clearanced, but it’s a good shot they may be. Throw them in an envelope and take them with you:

$1.50 off 2 Lifesavers Storybooks

$1/2 Pillsbury Cookie Dough (**they have the holiday cookie dough – may go on clearance)

$1 off Starburst or Skittles Banks (available at Walmart)

$3 off Barbie a Perfect Christmas DVD

$1 off one Ferrero Rocher product

$1/2 Wonka Holiday Sugar Candies

*** Also, Head over to www.target.com and print out these coupons:

All the Toy coupons

$1/2 Dove Candy

$1/2 Nestle Morsels

$1/3 Greeting Cards

1/$3 Coffeemate Creamers (they have holiday Flavors)

$1.50/2 Archer Farms Snacks (they have holiday packaging)

$.50 off Archer Farms Cookies

$1/3 Snack Sized Mars Brand Candy

$1/2 Ghiradelli Chocolate Products

$1.50/3 Glade Holiday Items

Happy Holiday Shopping!!! Make sure you take pictures of your after Holiday Haul as we are having a contest next week! Details to follow:)

** P.S. Coupons.com and Red Plum links are affiliate links. All affiliate income goes back into the blog or little man’s college fund. Thanks for your support:)

Categories: Holiday Gifts, Printable Coupons, Save Money, Saving Money | 3 Comments »

Dec 20 2011

Give Membership/Season Passes for 2012 – Museums, Parks and More!

by admin

Little Man at the Davinci Science Center

Wondering what to do with your Christmas Cash, what to get for the person who has everything or starting to make your Frugal Bucket List for 2012? Here are some great memberships/season passes that you can purchase. Some even give you admission to parks and museums all around the country!

In our family we are always looking for low cost ways to visit cool places on a budget. Many of these season passes pay for themselves within one or two visits. Plus with reciprocal benefits all over the country, we can also save when we take a vaction (IF we get to go on vacation:)

DaVinci Science Center – We love the Davinci Center! They have hands on puzzles, games, activities that will keep the kiddos busy for hours. It’s a great winter time or rainy day destination. They have really affordable yearly membership that start at $40 for individual and go up to $90 for family. That includes admission to Davinci Center along with a huge list of other benefits which include basic admission to 250 other ASTC Travel Passport Participant locations across the country. You can see the full list HERE. Some of the centers include: The Brooklyn Childrens Museum, The Academy of Natural Sciences (Philadelphia), Franklin Institute (Philadelphia), Maryland Science Center (Baltimore).

Lehigh Valley Zoo - How would you like to visit the Zoo whenever you want for free? The zoo also has membership plans that entitle you to membership benefits. The benefits include:

Daytime admission for one year
Free admission to Guest Enrichment Activity Days at the Zoo listed on the back.
Zoo Member Mornings – July and August Monday to Friday the Zoo opens at 9:00 a.m.
Discounts for Zoo camp, family programs, birthday parties, and facility rentals.
10% discount at the Nature Store and the Outdoor Café
Free or discounted admission at over 100 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums

The membership plans start at $50 for individual and go up from there. The family package is $90 per year. Some of the other zoo’s that you can get free or discounted admission to are: Smithsonian National Zoological park (DC), Cape May County Park and Zoo (NJ), Philadelphia Zoo, Zoo America North American Wildlife Park (Hershey, PA), Pittsburgh Zoo (PA) and so many more.

Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom Season Pass - If you plan on going to Dorney Park more than twice this year, it may be worth it to purchase the season passes. Season Passes include parking, special offers, and Bring a Friend Discount Days. You can purchase the passes starting at $67.99 (for 3+ and under 48 inches or 62 and older). The adult pass is $99.99 for the year. If you want to access all of the parks in Cedar Fair (Knotts Berry Farms, Kings Dominion, Carowinds) it is $164.99 for an adult for all access.

Dutch Springs Water Park - I have never been to Dutch Springs but have hear great things about it. I can’t swim, so the idea of a waterpark is not my cup of tea. If it’s yours you can get unlimited access with their season passes starting at $110 for the year (for weekday access) and going up from there.

Arts Quest Membership - Not only will you be supporting Arts in the Lehigh Valley, but you will also get discounts and member only benefits. You can read more about the benefits HERE. Memberships start at $100.

US Park Land of the Beautiful Annual Pass - This pass is $80 and allows you access to federal parks – like Steamtown (NE PA), National Flight 93 site, Assateague Island. Pretty much any national park in the United States.

Do you know of another great membership or benefit for the folks in the Lehigh Valley, please leave it in the comments below.

Categories: Best of Valley, Davinci Science Center, Lehigh Valley Zoo, Life in the Valley, Save Money, Saving Money, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Dec 13 2011

A Handmade Christmas – Make your Own Gifts

by admin

The best presents aren’t always the ones bought in stores. Some of my favorite gifts over the years have been thoughtfully hand made by the people that I love. If you are having a tough time figuring out the perfect gift or you want to do something really special on a limited budget, a handmade gift would be a great way to do so.

So What Do I Make?

Do you have any special talents – like cooking or knitting. Do you have a passion for photography or love to scrapbook? Pick something that you know how to do so that your not learning to knit a week before Christmas!

What if I need to be inspired?

I turn to sites like Pinterest and Tip Junkie for inspiration. I can get ideas from others and make them my own. I also like the tutorials on Martha Stewarts craft site as well. Most of these resources have step by step tutorials as well.

How do I make it personal?

Look at them. Are they obsessed with their pet? Do they love to talk about their travels? Do they love a certain food? What are their hobbies and interests? Then go from there. If they love their pets and you love photography. Maybe sneak over when they aren’t around and take some snapshots of their pets and have them framed. Do they always talk about their trip to France? Make them a basket filled with homemade French foods, like Macarons. I made my grandfather a scrapbook one year, using all his old WWII pictures. Since WWII was always a topic of discussion for him and his friends (and all of us who would listen) I thought it would be something that would be meaningful for him. Now that he is gone, we have that book to look back at and remember his stories.

Some Great Homemade Gift Ideas

DIY Photo Canvases - These are extremely expensive to buy. I know as a photographer:) This one, you can take snapshots (or have one enlargement made) and Modge Podge them to regular canvas. If you use coupons at Michaels and A.C. Moore to get the supplies. You can recreate the expensive look for less. This is a great gift for grandparents!

Source: montydob.blogspot.com via Anna on Pinterest

Beer Bread Mix - Buy an inexpensive loaf pan (or better yet, score a really cool vintage one at the thrift store or vintage shop) and fill it with a bag of the dry ingredients (flour, salt, sugar) and a bottle of beer. Include a recipe card on how to bake it. Check out my recipe HERE. Package the dry ingredients only.

Caramel Sauce – This is ridiculous. I could eat it with a spoon. Seriously. I have. All it is is sugar, water, butter and a little cream. If you make a couple batches at once it is really inexpensive. I like to put mine in Mason Jars, tie a little twine to it with a gift tag, and put a small square of fabric over the lid (and then screw on the rim). Just make sure that the recipient keeps it refridgerated. Food Poisoning is not the gift you want to give for Xmas.

Source: flickr.com via julidavi on Pinterest

Homemade Sugar Scrubs (below) – Who wouldn’t love the gift of pampering? Give this to the mom or work-a-holic in your life.

Source: maybematilda.com via Jen on Pinterest

Brownie Cookie Cutters - This is a great neighbor or teacher gift. You bake browines right in the cookie cutter, so they can eat them and then use the cookie cutter again… Would also work for fudge, too:)

Source: christmas.tipjunkie.com via Jen on Pinterest

Don’t have the time or talent to make it yourself?

Not all of us are gifted in the crafting department. If you still want to give a gift that was handmade (just not from your hands:) you can visit a local church or school craft sale or go on ETSY. I love ETSY because they have everything in one place. There are a lot of stay at home moms (and dads) who make extra money (and sometimes a living) from selling their crafts. Each crafter has a profile and I think that it’s neat to see who is making these items and what their story is. If you want to support a local crafter, you can search by your zipcode to find one in your area.

Do you have a handmade holiday item?? Link it below!

Categories: Crafts, Make Your Own, Make Your Own Christmas, Save Money, Saving Money | Leave a Comment »

Dec 9 2011

Busy Moms Guide: Saving Money on Twitter

by admin

Here is a quick video on ways to search for deals on Twitter:)

I have had a love/hate relationship with Twitter. At first I hated it. It seemed like more work as a blogger. Not only do I post on my blog and return a hundred emails a day and update my facebook status, now I had to add one more step? I soon came to embrace Twitter and even love it. I have been able to connect with other moms and people living in the Lehigh Valley, made professional connections and learned about some great deals as well. Because of the character limits (140 character max), I don’t have to weed through wordy updates or posts. It also gives me the ability to search by a keyword or hashtag (group of tweets that share the a common denominator – the hashtag)

The Busy Moms Guide to Saving Money on Twitter

1. Sign Up – Head over to http://twitter.com and sign up. Pick your user name and fill in your profile information. You can spend time later tweaking your template. To save time, you may just want to pick one of the standard templates/backgrounds

2. Add your friends or other blogs/businesses that you want to follow… You can go crazy with this step. I advise that you pick a few Twitterers in something your interested in, whether it’s saving money, crafting, cooking, etc. In this case, it’s saving money.. Here are a couple of people that you want to follow that have great deals…

@moneysavingmom

@couponingtodisney

@livingrichwithcoupons

@forthemommas

@lvalleymomma (sorry shameless self plug)

3. Search by Hashtag to find deals or giveaways. Here are some of my favorite Hashtags to search by:

#giveaways

#free

#freebies

#coupon

4. Find Great Deals and Save Money:)

Leave me a comment below if you have any questions!