She's Cute!!!!

I know she is cute but I really wanted you to look at the outfit. It cost me a $1. I got it last winter when I was on Va-Ca in Eagle Crest, OR. I was out going to thrift stores and I found a store that had a huge pile of kids clothes on this large table. The sign said. .50cent each. I thought to myself I might rummage through this pile. Well, I found some great stuff for my daughter. Someone had donated stuff that was just her size. I had just told my husband that morning that I needed to get Linden some new pjs. Hers were too small. I found like four pairs in there. I also found 2 bathing suites, a couple of pairs of pants, a couple tops, and a few other odds and ends including this cute little outfit. The top is "The Children's Place "and the skirt is "Carters" all for a dollar. I got about 20 pieces of clothing all for $10.

When I was looking for jeans for my daughter in the store they are about $10 a pair. I can't afford that. Thats why I try to shop form myself and kids at consgnment stores, thrift stores ( Goodwill, Savers, ect) yard sales, & clearace racks. I was able to get 20 pieces of clothes in great condtion for $10. Great Deal!

I just thought I would share this little story with everyone since yard sale season has sprung and everyone is out & about. Stop by a few sales you might be surprised what you find and save. =)

Garden Update!

I thought I would share a few pics with everyone as to what my garden looks like so far. One of the blogs I follow Together We Save made a comment on my last post that is very true. It is not just about saving money from your garden but about family time as well. This is very true. We had such a great time yesterday planting everything and it truly was a family ordeal. My son loves to plant corn so I think I will have corn popping us everywhere. =) This will make me think of him when we are out weeding.

It is a truly great feeling to be able to reap what you sow. When veggies start popping up everywhere. I love bringing a big basket full of veggies into the kitchen and then creating something tasty out of them. Or knowing that when you open a can of green beans in the middle of winter that you actually grew them. That makes you look forward to summer.

The money saved is a great thing along with healthy veggies but these memories my kids will have forever and will hopefully pass them down to their kids.

Its not too Late!!!

This is the weekend if you are going to start a garden do it now! I have made the mistake of getting mine in late and it really does make a difference to get it in as early as possible.
My husband just tilled a large spot for ours. We are planting this year corn, green beans, tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, letus, spinach, green onions, peppers, jalapenos, and herbs. I know it sounds like a lot but we are going to use all of it! I will can green beans, tomatoes, pickles, salsa, and a few other things. I will freeze corn, squash, & peppers. I will have about $100 into my garden when it is all said (with renting the tiller, seeds and plant starts) and done but I am going to produce way more than that. I am going to keep track pound for pound this year and see how much I really save.
If you don't have a large space for a garden consider a few potted tomatoes or plant it in your landscape. I have been doing that for years.
This year we asked the builder that owned the empty lot behind us if we could plant the garden back there and he was more than willing to let us use the space. He was happy that it could be of some use to someone. It never hurts to ask in this case it paid off. Happy Gardening! What are you planting?

Start Saving!

Ok. I know this is hard to think about right now but if you plan far enough ahead you could really save alot of money. CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!! I know it is a ways away but if you start saving now you will be grateful you did. Especially in these tough times. So, if you save $50 a month starting in May you will have $350 by the end of November.
Start planning now! That is how you are going to get the best deals and really make your money stretch. Come mid July when all the summer sales are in full swing you will have $100+ to spend on Christmas gifts. Planning ahead really does pay off. Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Unimportant Favoite Things!

I was recently tagged by Together We Save to list six unimportant things that make me happy. But before I start, here are the rules:

1. Mention the person who nominated you. Be sure to check out blog.

2. List six unimportant things that make you happy !

My List:

1. My day has not started unless I have had my Diet Coke this by far is my favorite
moment of the day.

2. Blogging is my new favorite thing! I now have two different blogs! Savvy Squirrel &
Grape Vine.
3. I love every holiday! I think I get more excited than my kids. =)
4. My next favorite moment of the day is when my husband calls to say Goodmorning!
5. Is my favorite number. This is the day I was born on!
6. Getting great deal! This makes me very happy. The best one: a brand new Lazy Boy
for only $30.
3. Tag six blogs. State the rules, and let them know with a small comment on their blog.

This is who I tagged:



Cheaper by the Dozen and Get One Free

Thrifty Northwest Mom

Frugal Mommy

Saving Your Cents

Coupom Mommie

Super Coupon Mom

Check out these great Blogs!!!!!

Thanks,

Together We Save

Summer Days!

I know everyone is itching to get out of the house. There are so many things that I want to do this summer. How bout you? Well, it seems like when we get to those "Dog days of Summer" we are at our wits end with board'em and ready for it to be over but reality is winter is very long. So what I started doing this winter when I was dreaming of those hot summer days is I started making a list and talking to my kids about what we were going to do this summer & what makes summer fun!
You will find that this really helps. When you don't know what to do when it is scorching outside just go to your list ( I put mine on the fridge). You will find things on there that you have forgotten. This has worked great for me & my family. Just try it. I also do this for Summer, Fall, Winter, & Holiday meals. You know when all your making is the same 5 things all week but you are caving the baked beans & potato salad that summer brings on.

Mothers Day!

Wow! I cant believe that Mothers Day is this weekend. It seems like the year so far has just flown by. I have some money saving tips for presents. Here goes, I recently got a pedi & mani at one of the schools in Boise for only $22 for both. I thought that was a great deal. It would make a great present for Moms, sisters, sister-in-laws, grandmas, & just that special gal in your life. I really like going to the schools because you don't feel like you are being herded through like cattle. The schools also have gift cards. You can get massages, hair, nails, waxing, facials, and a few other treatments at most of the schools. This is a great way to get the much needed pampering for alot less.
I also like to give planted flowers for Mothers Day. I do love those gifts that keep on giving! That way whoever is receiving can enjoy them all season. Another great gift idea that keeps on giving is a magazine subscription! I love, love, love magazines but they are expensive at the store they are about a fourth of the price if you just buy a subscription. I like to buy a copy of the magazine that I am subscribing that person too and tie a pretty ribbon around it and give that as a gift and attach a cute little not for them to keep a watch in thier mail box for thier new subsription. I have done this for many of my friends and family and they all love it. It is something for them to look forward to every month and they think of me when they get it.
If you already subscribe to a magazine and that is what you want to give as a gift call your company and they will often offer you a great deal for purchasing an additions subscription.
What are your Mothers Day gift ideas? Happy Mothers Day to all you great moms out there!