Apple Tree

In an effort to save money, I have decided to try to plant fruit trees in my front yard. We don't have a whole lot of space, so I wanted to be smart about the fruit trees that I pick. My first attempt has been with the purchase of a Honeycrisp Apple tree. These are absolutely delicious....and about $5/pound in the grocery store. There is no way that I can afford to purchase those whenever I have the craving. So for a $50 investment I purchased and planted a tree. I figure I only have to grow and pick 10 pounds of apples before I'm even. The down side of having fruit trees is that you have to wait a few years for the tree to develop and produce excellent apples. To me- it's worth it to have years of fresh Honeycrisp Apples right in my front yard.

For more information on Honeycrisp Apples, visit: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/components/5877_01.html

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= 

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/

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/

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