Dawn's comments

Dollar Store Finds

12 Jan 2007 08:53 PM

I love the dollar store though I admit to getting carried away there. It totally saves me money though, even when I buy extra stuff I didn't plan for. And when I buy those things it is because I am so happy to find such great stuff for one one buck!!! It is such a great place to buy soooo many things: men's shaving cream and other certain soap products, kitchen-cute things like towels, sponges, etc., birthday stuff (for decor, gifts, or goodie bags), and they have wonderfully cute holiday stuff. I have bought scrapbook stuff from there and I always get my wrapping paper from the dollar store. I actually think I should go by there more often to prevent myself from accidentally getting items at another store for reg. price.

Top 10 Ways to Say No to a Tupperware Party

12 Jan 2007 08:40 PM

I loved this article. It was hilarious! I might use a few of those ideas next time I get an invite. Sometimes they can get overwhelming and if you go you always feel pressured to buy "something" or you end up wanting to buy a ton of things (more often my problem), lol.

Decluttering: The Cheapest Way to Redecorate

12 Jan 2007 08:30 PM

I have to agree with the idea of letting things go. It isn't that easy though so when I am trying to decide what to declutter I often drag my husband in to help me. He seems to get less attached to things than I do so I try to trust his judgement on whether items should be kept around or gotten rid of. It is a necessary thing to do once in a while and will surely help you keep your sanity. You have to be willing to go through and get rid of anything... even beloved baby toys, baby clothes, books, CD's, etc. Sometimes it is hard to let go of such sentimental items or things you feel that you've spent good money on so you shouldn't let it go but everything should be on the table because things get old, go out of style, are no longer your taste, etc. I really need to declutter my home soon. The more things I have around the less I am likely to keep it clean since it becomes overwhelming to me and when I try to clean I can't find spaces to put everything and that is the worst! When you can't clean or put away since you don't have room for all the great junk!

My Problem with Saving on Groceries

12 Jan 2007 08:11 PM

Another tip that works for me is "planning" lazy nights. You know they will invariably come so always have on hand things that save but are easy to cook for times when you have a meal planned but don't feel like making it or for times when you don't have anything to fix. Things like boxes of mac & cheese, frozen lasagnas or other family TV-type dinners that are quick to cook, etc. Find things that fit this idea but work for your family. If you want to do this more frugally then you could make a few lasagnas/casseroles ahead of time (in disposable bake-ware from the dollar store) and freeze them. Or, if you are making one for dinner or for a friend make an extra one every time and freeze it and you'll thank yourself later. Then you'll have them on hand for nights when you are tired and then you can just throw away the mess afterwards. It is great not to have to wash out a baked-in pan!!!

My Problem with Saving on Groceries

12 Jan 2007 07:59 PM

I forgot to mention that these baggies of mixed goodies can be a life-saver in certain situations with a toddler. They can help prevent a melt-down in a really long line at the store, when at church, etc. If you have a "snack bag" in your purse/diaper bag handy to pull out at such times they can really be awesome!

My Problem with Saving on Groceries

12 Jan 2007 07:29 PM

We (my kids & I) are total snackers so I used to splurge on the snack bags that they sell at the grocery stores, like tiny bags of cookies, crackers, etc. I finally realized I could make them myself for waaaay cheaper and also make them healthier. Now when I go to the grocery store I buy inexpensive bags/boxes of various things and mix them into a baggie for each or my kids. I buy the Walmart brand of baggies and you can get 100 in a box for around 2 dollars. Some things I put in are: cereal (healthy or just fun), raisins, nuts, other dried fruit, fruit snacks, cookies, crackers, tiny marshmallows, and if I am feeling kind to my kids and if the weather outside isn't too hot (they melt), I give them m&m's (I don't give them candy too often). There are so many options for snack varieties! If you wanted to go even cheaper you could use reusable plastic containers and just wash them out. They might be more apt to spill though in a toddler's hands. And, don't beat yourself up if you have to buy a burger now and then! Sometimes you just gotta eat!!! When you go to the store try to find whatever is on sale and snatch it up!

Homemade Gifts

01 Sep 2006 09:15 PM

A great gift that my husband & I have received are "his & hers towels" for our wedding. It was simply 2 towels with our names embroidered on them. I love them! My children have also received hooded and regular towels with their first initial embroidered on them and sometimes a cute applique stitched on also. My aunt makes the hooded towels out of a regular towel and a washcloth. The towel is folded in half with a washcloth made into the hood (folded in half & sewn across the top and then onto the folded towel along the bottom). They are wonderful and each of my children that have received them love to have "their" own towel. I think they are great and economical gifts!

Homemade Gifts

01 Sep 2006 09:07 PM

I love to make gifts for people. I have made baby blankets, quilts, dolly blankets and dolly clothes, board games (out of wood & marbles), edible things (candies, cakes, etc.), jewelry, wreaths, silk flower arrangements, picture collections in a scrapbook album or just a plain photo album or just a framed family photo, photo calendars, and so much more. It is hard to remember all of the things I have made! All of these things can be made cost-effectively.

I want to try to build a doll house for my daughters' Barbies and also a cradle for their dolls, both out of wood. I think they'd be really cute painted up and personalized with their names on the cradles. Maybe for this upcoming Christmas...

The homemade baby blankets and quilts I have received for my children are beloved gifts to me and to my kids.

Free Hobbies

01 Sep 2006 08:52 PM

I love your ideas! I never have thought of exercise as a hobby but now that you mention it, I think it could be a great one... and a beneficial one too. I used to enjoy running in the evenings and I should get back into that. It made me feel great! If I considered it a hobby then maybe that would help me to get back into the flow.

Also, I think writing is a wonderful hobby and one I'd love to take more time for. You never know... you could be the next Pulitzer Prize winner for your novel or poetry. And, writing poetry is a fun way to express yourself creatively and my husband loves the ones I make for him.

Dress a Table for Less

01 Sep 2006 08:32 PM

Great ideas! I am going to keep them in mind next time I browse through the clearance items. I don't often think to pick up such things there and then when I have company over I feel at a loss for table decor. I think it would be great to just collect things here and there and if you stick to neutrals or one color scheme they should all work together. Thanks!