I think most moms would agree that outside play is important. Not just for the moms who get a little break when the kids are outside ( ;) ) but also for the kids. However, a quick look online or a walk through the outdoor toy section at the store shows that an affordable outdoor play space can be difficult to attain if you don't stay focused. There are so many great ideas and items to make outdoor play fun...but also expensive. With a few simple tips and ideas, it doesn't have to be. Here are … [Read more...]
Frugal Pregnancy – Second and Third Trimesters
Congrats! You have made it through the sickness, bloating, exhaustion, acne, and mood swings of the first trimester. Or maybe that was just me. Second and third trimesters come with their own challenges (putting on socks, anyone?) but you are definitely in the home stretch. Unfortunately, this is also the time when all the worries about money seem to kick in. I mean, you are going to have to spend how much on diapers?!?! If you read my first frugal pregnancy post, First Frugal Things to Do After … [Read more...]
First Frugal Things to Do After You Get Pregnant
It's so exciting! That moment you look down see that plus sign or the two pink lines or even the word, "pregnant." It's like no other moment in the world. Shortly after the excitement comes the worry. There are so many things expectant mothers worry about. What to eat, how to exercise, what labor is going to feel like, what to do after the baby is born, and how to afford the baby. It's that last one that we are going to talk about today. If you live on a tight budget, there are some frugal … [Read more...]
Frugal Toys for Preschoolers
We have officially entered "preschooler" territory here. So much has changed in going from toddler to preschooler. Some of that has come in the form of play. Some of the toys that she previously loved, she has out grown. They are no longer fun or challenging to her. But when the money's tight, how are you supposed to replace a bunch of toys? There's the obvious answer of shopping consignment and thrift stores as well as yard sales. As great of an option those, I want to get the most bang for the … [Read more...]
Thrifty DIY $20 Sandbox
Last summer I decided Abby needed a sandbox. Unfortunately, the standard plastic sandbox with lid is $50-100, more if you get a bigger one. I refused to pay that much. I kept my eye out at yard sales, Facebook, etc. but always seemed to be about 30 minutes too late. I asked Matt to make her one but he just didn't have the time. I finally took matters into my own hands and decided on a sort of DIY sandbox. We've still using it this summer! Materials needed: -plastic wading pool … [Read more...]
Frugality with Toy Rotation
I'm sure most of you have heard of toy rotation. Basically, it is keeping some toys stored away and every so often, rotating what toys your children have out available for them to use. It was something we did often at daycare. It was great to help keep the kids engaged. But did you also know that it can help save you money? Kids get bored with toys after a while. It is tempting to just buy some new toys or activities. But why do that when you can just rotate your kids' toys instead? There are … [Read more...]