Canadian Moms to Receive Finland Baby Boxes

Mothers in Canada are about to start receiving the popular maternity package that mothers in Finland have been receiving for 75 years. It is a maternity package from the government that is designed to be a starter kit of baby supplies. In Finland, an expectant mother will be given a box full of baby supplies by the state. This tradition dates back to the 1930’s, and is given to all infants in Finland, from all social backgrounds. The Finland Baby Boxes includes the following items: * Mattress, mattress cover, under sheet, duvet cover, blanket, sleeping bag/quilt * Snowsuit, hat, insulated … Continue reading

Part 2 : Take It Back, Use It Up, or Pass It On

Don’t let the excess in your life prevent you from living. Gather it from around your home and make it work for you. I am talking about all of the things that you purchased or were gifted but are not actually using. Clothing with tags still on them, cabinets full of health and beauty products, etc. These unused items are a waste of money and space, but they don’t have to be. Yesterday, I talked about ways that you can recover some of the money spent on these items. Today, I’l cover how you can put them to good use. … Continue reading

Supplies for Seasonal Cleaning

I kicked off 2013 with a determination to conquer what I call a lost art in society, housekeeping.  My way of defining housekeeping is cleaning, repairs, decorating and organizing. January’s focus is on cleaning, which I blogged about the three main types of cleaning:  seasonal, deep and maintenance.  Last week I introduced you to a seasonal cleaning plan and today we are going to talk about the supplies you need. As a reminder, seasonal cleaning targets those areas inside and outside the home that you are likely to get to once-a-year.  Examples include washing windows and cleaning out the garage. … Continue reading

The “After Christmas” Sales have Started!

It’s not even Christmas yet, but stores are already putting their holiday items on sale. Last year, the “After Christmas” sales started about a week before Christmas. This year, you can take advantage of those sales right now. Target has a small batch of coupons that will help you save on some of the holiday items that you can find at Target. The coupons are: Get $1.00 off when you spend $7.00 or more on Holiday boxed card sets. Get $1.00 off when you purchase three greeting cards. Get $0.50 off when you buy 1 Holiday card set. Get $1.00 … Continue reading

Deals for Earth Day 2012

April 22, 2012, will be the Forty-Second Anniversary of Earth Day. It started in 1970, and may be considered by some to be the birth of the environmental movement. Earth Day is designed to bring attention to ways that we can save the planet. Here are some Earth Day deals that can help. Kellogg’s has four reusable canvas bags for you. Each one is decorated with full color images of the characters from their popular cereals as they looked years ago. To get one of these bags, you must purchase any 2 Kellogg’s cereals or Kellogg’s pop-tarts (10 ounce size … Continue reading

Be a Smart Scrapbook Shopper

I refuse to pay more than $1.99 on a package of scrapbook stickers. When I first started creating memory albums I would often pay upwards of $3.99 for a single sheet of 3D stickers. I rationalized that the whimsical adhesives supported my theme and made my layouts pop. Then, I learned how to get my hands on cheap scrapbook supplies and I’ve been a dedicated frugalista ever since. If you are a smart shopper you can save big on scrapbooking materials. Start by selecting a few favorite online scrapbook retailers and signing up for their email newsletters. Most include money-saving … Continue reading

How to Organize Your Gift Wrap Supplies

My kids brought home yet another fundraiser on Friday. This time it was gift wrap. Which reminded me how it is time to start thinking about the holidays and getting ready for purchasing and wrapping gifts. While some people have the luxury of having a dedicated room for gift wrapping (!), that just is not going to be the case in my house. Still, a rack over door or a small corner of a room can serve very well, as long as all of your items are well organized. Gift tags should be stored in a clear container, so you … Continue reading

Planning a Princess Tea on a Pauper’s Budget, Part 1

Little girls and tea parties conjure up sweet images of gloved hands, tea hats, and plush table settings. A tea party is not complete without fancy tea cakes and sandwiches served alongside raspberry tea in delicate teacups. A tea party without elegance is like a princess without a crown. Is it possible to throw a princess tea that does not send your wallet to the dungeon? It will take creativity and planning but with these tips you can please your princess and stay on budget. The solutions provided use items available at the dollar store or discount store. Do not … Continue reading

Creating a Craft Box

When I was about six, our local church was cleaning out its closets and brought us over a huge box of craft odds and ends. It was filled to overflowing with wooden clothespins, sequins, tulle netting, pipe cleaners, squares of felt, fabric scraps—it was like a crafting wonderland. My mom immediately saw the possibilities and showed us all a way to take the tulle and sew it into little ballerina skirts to put on the clothespins. We hung those on our Christmas tree that year. I remember spending hours and hours making things out of the stuff in that box—some … Continue reading

Save On Craft Supplies For Valentines At Michaels

Valentine’s Day is coming up in just a few weeks. Soon, parents will be presented with a list of the names of all the children who share a classroom with their child, and expected to provide valentines for each and every one of them. Instead of buying those pre-made valentines that have cartoon characters on them, wouldn’t it be more fun to make handmade valentines this year? You can save on craft supplies that are perfect for Valentine’s Day at Michaels. While I don’t know exactly how much money I have spent at Michaels over the years, I am certain … Continue reading