Too Cute!

                                                For My Little Trend Setter

I'm all about finding cheap clothes for my toddler who outgrows her wardrobe every other season.  The thought of spending $30 on a shirt for her makes me a little nauseous...spending even $10 on a shirt for her makes me nauseous.  With that, we tend to stay away from "name brands" and stick to the basics.  Today while out thrift store shopping I came across this adorable little pink Ralph Lauren Polo shirt for $2.99.  It was A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.  The best part??  Today it was 1/2 off :)


Price I Paid: $1.50
Actual Price: $22.50


                                               I Saved: $21.00

Just What Every Girl Needs...

                                      ANOTHER Purse!
I know, I know...I need another purse like I need another hole in my head...but this was a REALLY good deal!  This morning I went to check out the highly recommended Clothes Mentor near my house.  Essentially they only accept gently used, high quality women's clothing and accessories.  Everything is current fashion and at deeply discounted prices.  I found two dresses that will be perfect to wear to work this summer but my most exciting find of the morning was the new Coach purse I picked up.  I.Love.It. 


     Price I Paid: $15   Actual Price: $293       
Price I Saved: $283 


For more information about Clothes Mentor, check out:
http://www.clothesmentormn.com/maplegrove

A New Me

Today I kept the promise that I made to myself yesterday-I lived with no regrets and kept my glass half full. Typically the thought of going to an all-day training offsite would have caused my anxiety to go into overdrive...will I know anyone, who will I sit by, will I get invited out for lunch and please tell me I don't have to speak in front of the group. Today I arrived early, sat down next to a perfect stranger and introduced myself first. Instead of pulling out my Nook (that I brought with so I didn't have to talk to anyone) I made small talk with the strangers at my desk. Woa! Throughout the morning session I was surprised to find myself sharing thoughts and ideas with the group...without worrying about if it was a dumb answer, what people would think and playing it over and over in my head before saying it, then over and over in my head afterwards worrying if I should have just kept quiet. Who is this person?? To top it off, instead of waiting to see if anyone would ask me to join them for lunch - I invited one of my table mates/former stranger to join me for lunch. We had a great time getting to know each other, share ideas, give suggestions, and did the all so important...networking. By this time I was feeling great. I stepped outside of my comfort zone, challenged myself to try something new, and didn't worry about it one bit - just did it :) Now I just had to keep it up! To round out the day I had one more challenge: tell someone exactly how I feel...without holding back and without regret. No more bottling things up. This turned out to be the most challenging part of my day, but I did it. Now I just have to keep it up. It sure felt good though, even if it only lasts for today.

                                                   Day 1 Of The New Me

One Day At A Time

                                               Live, Laugh, Love...

I see this written all the time and have liked it, but not until today would I say that I "got it".  I have learned that I need to Live each day to the limit...do those scary things, tell someone how I feel, challenge myself to try something new.  I also need to Laugh...find the upside to every challenge, work my way through it, and surround myself with amazing friends.  A glass half full will satisfy me more than a glass half empty.  I also need to Love...love myself, love my life, love my family and friends (and tell them I Love them more).  Remember that the sun will always come up tomorrow, but make the most of today - catch the sunrise, watch the clouds go by, and count the stars.   Here is my promise that as of today I will keep my glass half full.

            Cheers to today.

No One is Perfect

                                                         It Will Be Okay

                                                                   
You know what?  No one is perfect.  As hard as you try to avoid it, everyone makes mistakes.  The only thing you can do is try to learn from them.  A great friend told me that continually doing the same thing and expecting a different result is crazy.  Here is my toast to trying something different this time. Time to pick up the pieces and start fresh.  Tomorrow is a new day and things will only get better from here.  There is nothing wrong with taking a long bubble bath, drinking a glass (or bottle) of wine and taking a quiet nap.  Sometimes we all need to take a day to put ourselves first.  Dinner will still get made, the kids will still have fun, everyone will be okay.  Today was my day.                                 


Cheers to a better tomorrow.  

So Relaxing

It's warming up!
The weather around here has been wonderful!  Eighty degrees, sunny (some rain) and no more snow.  This also means that we have been spending lots of time outside.  We set up a Little Tykes 2-in-1 Snug 'n Secure tree swing last weekend and have had a hard time getting our peanut back in the house at night :)  She absolutely loves the swing!  There are adjustable safety straps and it converts into a bucket swing as she gets bigger so we will be able to use it for a couple summers!

For more information on Little Tykes: www.littletykes.com

**For the Thrifty Mom:  Check with friends who's kids may be outgrowing their swings or other yard toys.  I also found a swing at the thrift store for only $5.00 (regularly priced around $27.00).  Perfect price for having an extra swing at Grandma & Grandpa's house this summer!                           

For My Sporty Little One

                                           Just in Time for Summer!

While out thrift store shopping this morning I spotted this brand new, adorable pink fielding glove with matching ball!  While my little one will have to wait a few summers to use it...I couldn't just leave it at the store.  Let's just hope she's right-handed ;)  Now we just need to keep our eyes open for a bat and tee!  For more information about Franklin Sports products, check out www.franklinsports.com.

Actual Retail Price: $19.99

Price I Paid: $3.99 

Savings of: $16.99 

Very Entertaining

Perfect for Tummy Time!                           
We got SO much use out of the Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Kick and Crawl Gym!  Initially we used it as a soft area for tummy-time.  Once our peanut got a little bit bigger, she would lay on her back and look at the dangling fish, eventually she was able to reach for, and kick the dangling fish.  Once your kiddo is big enough, the mat transforms into a tunnel.  This kept my little peanut amused for months.  It was most definitely worth the price (around $30).

**For the Thrifty Mom: Check out your local thrift store or stores like Marshalls and TJMaxx. 


For more information on the Fisher-Price Kick and Crawl Gyms:
http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=30&e=findaproduct&N=0&Ntt= 

Almost Missed It!

What A Deal!

I went out to two nearby thrift stores tonight.  I was just about to head home empty handed when I spotted the cutest snow pants out of the corner of my eye.  Why am I looking at snow pants in March when it is 60 degrees outside?  Because soon enough there will be 3 feet of snow on the ground again and my little one will want to be a part of that!  I picked up some brand new, super cute snow pants that will be perfect for next winter.  I was more than happy to pay $5.99 for them as they were already out of stock at local retailers and replaced with flip flops and swim suits.  To my delighted surprise I found out at the register that they were 1/2 off today!  


Actual Retail Price: $14.99
Price I Paid: $2.99


Savings of: $12.99 :)

Life Saver!

Just What She Needed!                                           
I was super against paying almost $30 for a swaddle blanket. In fact, I refused to do it.  Didn't even register for it.  I thought it was a complete waste of money.  It turns out that at the hospital we delivered at, they provide two free Halo SleepSacks Swaddles.  I immediately fell in love with it! My daughter loved being snuggled up in the micro-fleece sack (winter baby).  It was so easy to use...just slip your baby in the Sack and wrap the "wings" around your baby.  There is more than enough velcro to allow for your baby to use for several weeks.  My daughter slept in it every  single night.  I absolutely recommend picking at least one up for you little bundle of joy.

**For the Thrifty Mom:  Check local second-hand stores for a good deal on slightly used Halo SleepSacks.  The babies really only use them for a few weeks, so they don't get worn out at all.  OR check with your hospital to see if they provide them to new mommies :)

Link to more information on the HALO SleepSack:

http://www.halosleep.com/

Earth Friendly Detergent

                               It's A Tie!

I have two favorite detergents right now.  I started just using Seventh Generation Free & Clear Natural 2X Concentrated Laundry Liquid with my daughter's clothes, blankets and sheets after she was born.  I didn't want her to have chemicals rubbing against her all day or have her inhale any chemicals.  There are a few different scents that you can choose from, but I preferred unscented for my daughter.  After about a year I decided that we should be washing EVERYTHING in all natural, earth-friendly detergent.  I came across Method Laundry Detergent...mostly because I had a   coupon :)  Anyways, I  decided to give it a try because it is plant based and in a much smaller container.  You just put a few squirts in your washer and you're ready to go!                                                                                                  

**For the Thrifty Mom: Check the Sunday Newspaper or websites like http://www.coupons.com/.  I have found coupons for both Seventh Generation & Method products.  If you join both e-clubs through their websites, you will also have access to coupons or promotions.

Link to more information on Seventh Generation:

http://www.seventhgeneration.com/

Link to more information on Method:

http://www.methodhome.com/

No Chemicals!

                               Free & Clear Natural Laundry Stain Remover

Ever since I had my daughter, I have been much more aware of the household products that we are using.  I came across this recently and decided to give it a try.  It works awesome at getting out grass stains, mud, spaghetti sauce, juice...you name it, it has worked.  The best way I have found is to spray it on the clothes right after they get dirty (so then I don't forget) and let them soak on the dryer.  As soon as I throw my  daughter's other clothes in I add the pre-soaked items as well.  They have come out super clean & best of all - chemical free!

**For the Thrifty Mom: Occasionally there are coupons in the Sunday paper or on websites such as http://www.coupons.com/.  If you join the e-club through the Seventh Generation website, you can "earn" coupons or free products.


Link to more information on Seventh Generation Products:
http://www.seventhgeneration.com/

So Easy

                           The GoGo Squeeze
These packets are so handy!  It is essentially a juice box of applesauce.  They come in variety of flavors that are super yummy for your little one.  Each packet is filled with 100% fruit and all natural ingredients.  I love to throw some GoGo Squeezes in my daughter's diaper bag or to tie her over while dinner is cooking.  It is a quick, clean, healthy snack for those moments when they want something NOW!  A box of 4 is less than $3.00.


**For the Thrifty Mom:  There are now a ton of varieties of these fruit snacks.  Check for the store brand to save some cash.


Link to more information on the GoGo Squeez:
www.gogosqueez.com

Looks Silly - But Works!

The Boppy - Simply Amazing                         
While it falls a little on the expensive side (around $30 for pillow and $10-30 for the cover)...I totally recommend this!  We have gotten so much use out of it and are actually still using it to this day.  Initially it provides that extra bit of support while nursing.  In addition, it also becomes a great way to prop your baby up so that they get a different view for a while.  My little peanut loved to take (supervised) naps in the Boppy as well.  It later became a support for when she started sitting up and now she likes using it to cuddle up in while watching cartoons. It comes with a variety of covers in different patterns and fabrics. 


**For the Thrifty Mom: I don't know that my peanut noticed the difference, so stick with the basic cover that is machine washable.


Link to more information on the Boppy:
http://www.boppy.com/

Great For On The Go

Super Delicious (And Healthy!)

                                              

Let's face it - mornings are crazy busy with a toddler and a dog to get ready, let alone get myself ready too.  I recently discovered this super delicious V8 V-Fusion drink.  While I've had it before in the 46 oz bottle...this is SO much better!  It comes in a handy 8 oz can packed with a full serving of fruits and vegetables. It's great for getting a healthy start to the day as you are running out the door.

Link to more information on V8:

http://www.v8juice.com/

A Must Read

                                                         Wonderfully Helpful Book!


This book, The Wonder Weeks, was given to me by my cousin while I was pregnant.  I suggest taking a look through it while pregnant to get used to the format.  After your baby is born - keep it VERY handy.  The book follows your baby week by week and explains the development that your little one is experiencing.  In addition to that it will tell you when to expect meltdowns, trouble sleeping, trouble eating and all around anything else that your baby may experience that first year.  We used it any time our little peanut had a change in behavior.  It was a huge relief to know that she was "normal" and that most babies go through these times when extra patience is needed.


Link to more information on "Wonder Weeks"
www.wonderweeks.com


**For the Thrifty Mom:  Take a peak at www.amazon.com for a used copy.  Your local library may have a copy, however I recommend having it on hand that first year as you'll never know when you'll need to reference it :)

An Unexpected Favorite

Introducing...The Sing-A-Ma-Jig

I have to admit, I was less than trilled about these little guys.  Then I found out there was one that sang "Happy Birthday".  So of course we had to get one for our little angel's 1st birthday.  She.Loved.It.  It is surprisingly cute with a catchy tune.  You control the pace of the song while your Sing-A-Ma-Jig moves his/her face in all sorts of bizarre positions.  They come in a variety of songs and are quite inexpensive (around $5.00 each).


**For the Thrifty Mom: Keep an eye open at your local Second-Hand Store.  We found one there for $1.00!


Link to the Official Sing-A-Ma-Jig website
http://www.thesingamajigs.com/landing.aspx

So Worth It

                                   A 'Must Have' for your Little One

This Eddie Bauer Complete Care Play Yard - Sinclair
is absolutely amazing!  We have used it from day one with our little girl.  She is almost 15 months and we are still getting use out of it.  It starts off as a bassinet (perfect for that first night home from the hospital).  There is an adorable mobile, music and soft vibrating option to keep your little one content.  While I never used the changing table option on this one, it's a handy extra feature.  Once our little girl got big enough (sitting up on her own) it transformed into a play pen.  This was great for when I need to get dishes or laundry done.  She could play with her toys in there while I got some stuff done.    We now take it with us on family vacations.  It serves as a great place for her to sleep (and not get into to much trouble!).  While it is a little on the expensive side (around $140)...I feel it has been worth every penny!

**For the Thrify Mom: Check out Goodwills in your neighborhood.  Retailers tend to donate any unsold (brand new) items there.

http://www.target.com/p/Eddie-Bauer-Complete-Care-Play-Yard-Sinclair/-/A-12418440?reco=Rec|pdp|12418440|ClickCP|item_page.adjacency&lnk=Rec|pdp|ClickCP|item_page.adjacency

When my toddler is hungry NOW!

Quick Healthy Meals for Toddlers

I don't always have a ton of time to make a healthy dinner for my toddler....especially when she has decided that she is hungry RIGHT NOW!  I recently came across these handy little meals from Gerber Graduates.  They are amazing!  Super healthy - full of meat and veggies.  The BEST part?? They are ready to eat in only 30 seconds.  The come in a variety of meal options and are quite reasonably priced (under $2.50 a meal). I highly recommend checking them out.  


**For the trifty mom: Target makes a very similar option in their Up & Up line.

Link to Gerber's Meal Options:
http://www.gerber.com/toddler/products/meal_options.aspx

Link to Target's Up & Up Options:
http://www.target.com/p/UP-CHK-RICE-6-6OZ-CHCK-RICE-MEAL-6-6/-/A-13971546