Cat-Mom-of-3's commentsComments On: Everything Articles Blogs Journals Photos created by: EveryoneCat-Mom-of-3 Save on Clothes for Teens and Tweens26 Jan 2011 05:44 PM This has been an issue for me as my kids are many years apart and handing down clothes after 6 years does have issues, styles and storage for example. Luckly living in SoCal we pretty much just wear surf tees and shorts most of the year and lucky for us the surf wear industry is right here in Orange County so many outlets! The one item all kids have worn/passed down, is wetsuits for surfing, after 2 boys my daughter, (#3), dreams of a pink wetsuit but I told her once she has girly curves she can get a girly wetsuit, but for now she has to wear the hand me down blue and black ones!! How to Save on Uniforms and Sports Gear26 Jan 2011 05:34 PM My little one also ice skates and we have always had good luck buying gently used skates on ebay or craigslist. Saved hundreds! I really like the idea of a sports swap! Grandparents Not Giving As Much This Christmas16 Dec 2009 10:21 AM In our family grandma only gives clothes at Christmas. It has always been that way and my kids think that is just fine, they don't know any different. Mom and dad appreciate grandma also gives money toward a trust for college each month, a little bit each month adds up to a lot at the end of the year, (year after year)! No cutting back this year for the kids, only the adults. Thanks grandma, we think you're even better than santa! Keeping Teens Out of their Friends Cars09 Dec 2009 10:51 AM I'm not sure about your state but in California we don't allow our teen drivers to have other teens in the car until they have had their license for one year or unless there is an adult in the car. We also don't allow teens to drive after 11 pm or before 5 am until after the first year as well. These new laws came into effect in CA in 2006. Makes sense to me! However I do think it is critical to allow teens to learn to drive when they are of age (15 1/2 in CA), as they can learn under our house rules and with our guidance. Stocking Stuffer No-Nos08 Dec 2009 11:45 PM I agree that lottery tickets are not appropriate for kids of any age. My teens love, love, love to receive gift cards in their stockings! These can be $10-$25 or more, from bookstores to i-tunes or a coffee shop, (we don't eat fast food but many people say they also give those). Of course good old cash is king! I also have clip on booklights to put in this year for my group of readers! And it just wouldn't be Christmas without a candy cane! Happy Holidays! Creating a Meaningful Christmas on a Budget17 Nov 2009 01:33 PM I agree!! The Samaritans Purse is a wonderful charity, my children in past years have each contributed a box, they have fun with it! And there are so many things to get us in the holiday spirit that don't cost a thing. We always pack up our crew including our dog and head to Balboa Island and walk the island to view the incredible light/music shows, decorations and lit up boats! It's such fun! We even bring our own hot chocolate to enjoy! Cost zero! When I was a child we drove to view area lights! Now I am organizing a neighborhood holiday sing-a-long and asking each family to bring a plate of goodies, I will provide the hot chocolate! Also our church is throwing some Christmas parties at the comminity centers that we support, that is a great way to get into the spirit of the holidays! Joy, joy, joy! Is it Strange to be Frugal?27 Oct 2009 08:47 AM I enjoyed your post! So true that one doesn't need a credit card to get by. I use my VISA brand debit card for anything one might need to use a credit card for. Big bonus that people forget about, paying in cold hard cash can often get a discount! Reconnecting with Reading26 Oct 2009 09:42 AM I also so love the Dr. Seuss books! I enjoyed them as a child and now as a parent enjoy sharing them with my children. And yes it is very improtant to read to children throughout their childhood not just in early childhood! As an educator and mother of three I know this to be true, parents don't stop reading to your kids once they can read themselves. I also highly recommend reading books with high school students, (I often read ahead of my sons), and discuss with them, not only does this help in their comprehension but shows them you value their education. Reading well is the best indicator for doing well in school for their entire education! How a Closet Clean Out Can Save You Money25 Oct 2009 11:22 AM Cleaning out my closet last week was such a great opportunity! I found gifts that were hidden, (great for the upcomming holidays), and a few scarfs that are great for the season, not to mention a great bag I had been given some time ago that will be great this fall! A friend and I decided to have a clothes swap with some friends and that motivated me to get it done! Can't wait to swap with the girls and get "new" clothes and accessories for free! When we are done trading we decided everything left over will go to charity, one trip for everyone's things! Halloween Candy Your Kid Gets and You Throw Out21 Oct 2009 02:15 PM I'm with you I can't stand Laffy Taffy. I also forbid carmel apples any time of year, but don't mind sliced apples with a honey/peanut butter dip. The last two years our school has encouraged the kids to send in some of their candy for the troops overseas to share with local children. My kids were excited to share and gave more than half of their loot. Poor kids from Afganistan, hope they don't end up with too much Laffy Taffy! |
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