Frugal Friday 242

Happy Frugal Friday!

Here is how we saved money/spent money wisely/earned extra money this week:

- The kids and I had fun using some items from around the house for "fun school" in the mornings.

One morning we did a fun experiment with jelly beans and water. 

It was really simple and the kids loved watching their water

turn into rainbow colors.

(And yes, some days we do school dressed like Elsa or Wonder Woman or Pioneers

or...) 

Owen mostly enjoyed counting his jelly beans and then eating them

 We also did the classic preschool/early elementary activity of

playing in shaving creme. Annabeth did her spelling and Owen 

worked on shapes and letters while they played.

- Mark worked two nights at his part-time job. I did my ususal work on my Usborne Books & More book business. 

- Saturday the kids and I headed down to the Louisville area for my Godson's 5th birthday! Rose did an awesome Carnival theme and we all had so much fun! Mark took the day to hike with scout friends in Morgan/Monroe Forest.

- Sunday we went out to Mark's parents' house after church. We enjoyed a homemade waffle and egg casserole brunch. Part way through the afternoon, some of us met at Southeastway Park and took the kids and one of the dogs out on a hike. Our kids would live outdoors if they could and so could we! :)

- Annabeth was sick Monday night into Tuesday. We missed her ususal solo lesson and our weekly eat out lunch. Not happy she felt poorly but we saved: $20

- Annabeth and I each did some cleaning in our rooms. Wednesday we took a big box of items to be donated.

- Wednesday afternoon we shopped the Here We Grow Again - Indy South Sale. I have been consigning and shopping with this sale for five years and love it! We've made back around $1500 and saved probably that much on gently used items for our own home. We came in under 50% of my total shopping budget by sticking to my list and not looking at things we didn't need. I also always do a walk through and then double check all items for holes, strains, and "do we really need this?" I put back $15 in items after that check.
Here is what we bought and it's approx retail price/what we paid:

Four Step 4 Readers (Retail Value: $13/We paid: $5)

Big Disney Princess Storybook (Retail Value $16.99/We paid: $5)

Usborne Wind-Up Train Book (Retail Value: $29.99/We paid: $4)

Baby GAP Church Shirt for Owen: (Retail Value: $15/We paid: $3)

Gymboree Church Outfit for Owen: (Retail Value: $30/We paid: $3)

Black Leggings (new with tag) for Annabeth: (Retail Value: $3.99/We paid $2)

Matilda Jane Dress (Retail Value: $70/We paid: $10)

Total Retail Value: $178.97 .... We paid just $34.92 with tax ... Saved: $144.05!!!

- I bought Owen's church shoes for summer. I shopped around until I found the lowest price online. It was at a place that offered free shipping AND 3.5 % through eBates!

- Yesterday, we took the beautiful, sunny spring day to drive to Cunot, Indiana. It's about 90 minutes from us and it's where my Momaw was born and lived during her childhood. I found my Mama's Grandmother's home and we made a picture for the family. We stopped at the beautiful Cataract Falls on the way home. Owen LOVES waterfalls and has been asking to see one. Cataract are the largest falls in Indiana and they did not disappoint. Owen just loved them! We also enjoyed some time out in the woods and on a little playground nearby.

We had a wonderful week and are so excited that spring seems to have sprung here in Indiana!
We are looking forward a fun weekend filled with music, birthdays, and tons of time outside!

Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 241

Happy Frugal Friday!

Here is how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Last Friday, the kids and I went to Nasvhille/Brown County for the day. We took in a little magic show and mini-class as part of a field trip with some school friends. We also had lunch (for under $10 at Brozzinis) and played at the new little natural playground in Nashville. We had a great day with the Evans family. On the way home, we stopped at the Bean Blossom Overlook and the kids loved looking out over the "mountains" and being on top of the world.

In front of a fun store in Nasvhille. Both of the kids 

loved all the windchimes at this one!

 Holding hands at the overlook. They loved how little towns looked from

way up high and tried to see who could see the farthest.

I pray they always take time to stop and enjoy the journey. 

- Saturday morning, Mark took the kids out for a rain walk. They walked over a mile and apparently had fun looking at worms. I took that 90 minutes to tag for the consignment sale next week.

- Saturday we had an indoor family campout. Owen and Mark camped out in his room (Owen basically only sleeps in his own bed but wanted a buddy) and Annabeth and I camped out in the living room.

- We had three trees die over the fall and winter. Mark cut them all down over the weekend. I am so thankful that he has skills like that - they save us so much money! I am also so thankful that he allows both kids to "help" so they can learn those skills as well.

- Sunday we had lunch at dinner at Mark's parents' house after church. Thank you all! They also sent home a bit of leftovers which was much appreciated.

- Monday morning I did our big school order from our homeschool publications company (Alpha Omega Publications) since everything is 20% off in April. We saved $62.63 by shopping this month. It was hard to believe I was ordering the Pre-School books again and 2nd grade! Where is the time going?!

- I found an item to give as a gift. It's original company offered free shipping but no discount or eBates. I did some searching and found it on another site - also free shipping plus 3.5% back through eBates!

- I continued with my spring cleaning and took down a room's worth of wallpaper border and did a HUGE kitchen cleaning. I did all of the cabinets, counters, etc. It's been a bit easier to stay focused on spring cleaning this year as it's still cold enough to snow outside! I hope to get it all done before it actually gets warm again!

We are looking forward to a fun weekend ahead an hope that you are as well!

Happy Savings to All!

Frugal Friday 240

Happy Frugal Friday!

Here is how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Encouraged by a couple of friends' posts about sensory play I decided to get back out our rice and beans to play with. Both kids had hours of fun with them!

Lots of fun pouring, dumping, and digging! 

- Saturday and Sunday Annabeth competed at the Beyond the Stars Talent Competition. We packed our own lunches and snacks both days and did not spend any money at concessions or the t-shirt shop.

Sunday morning, ready for her solo "Lollipop"

- Saturday night, after dance, we went out to Mark's parents house to visit. Mark's mom ended up treating us to a pizza dinner and sent home the leftovers. Thank you! :)

- Monday morning I was in a deep cleaning mood and Owen and I spent about 90 minutes working in the school room. We ended up with half a trash can and a whole recycling tote full of items. I was glad to get rid of many half-finished or completely colored coloring and activity books. I also got rid of lots of little scraps of things.

- I enjoyed Starbucks twice thanks to a giftcard from my birthday. Thank you Luke and Cassidy!

- Last week we made quick trip to the mall to return things and, of course, had to stop by Old Navy. We spent just enough to earn Super Cash with the purchase of four items the kids needed for summer. I didn't really have a need to go back so I put the Super Cash up for grabs on Facebook and was able to share it with a friend who was planning to shop there this week. I was glad to save her some money and to resist the temptation for myself to spend more.

- Our friend Susie (of a GALi on a Mission) makes beautiful handmade items to raise money for missions. We purchased a Little Red Riding Hood and Big Bag Wolf at Christmas to give to Annabeth along with her Little Red book and bow. This week Susie had a contest on her Facebook page and I won! She let me choose any of her handmade items and I chose a little unicorn which I will save back for Annabeth's birthday in the fall. Thank you so much Susie! Please visit and join her Facebook page to find beautiful items made and sold for a great cause.

- Our sweet neighbors are back from their winter in Florida. Miss Gloria said that she does quite a bit of crafting while there and crochets items for each of her daughters. This year she added me to her list and brought us beautiful yellow potholders and dishcloths to match our red/yellow kitchen. We have been so richly blessed to have such wonderful neighbors and friends!

- Last night, Mark and I had our first date since December. We enjoyed the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce's "Meet the Candidates" as we supported our friend Kirby Cochran for Sheriff. We also ran to the grocery to shop for the week. That doesn't sound too exciting but we only go on about 3-4 dates a year and I love any time I get him to myself.

We had a good week and I had a lot of "cleaning energy" so I went through lots of things and kept things moving out of the house. Even though I feel like we do that quite often we still have way too much stuff!

Happy Savings to All!

Frugal Friday 239

Happy Frugal Friday!

Here is how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Last weekend we made a quick trip to Evansville to celebrate Easter with my family. My mama treated us to a trip to the Children's Museum of Evansville. After buying tickets, we realized if we all went one more time we would spend as much as buying an annual pass. She generously upgraded the trip to a Family Memebership. We look forward to visiting lots in the next year! Thank you!

- Friday we went to Owensboro to visit my Momaw. My dad and Mark took the kids down to Smothers Park on the river and they were so excited to be outside playing (the parks in our town are currently under water due to flooding) My dad also bought a new kite and took Annabeth over to Kentucky Wesleyan to fly it. She loved that special date with him.

My Monkey-Monk and her new monkey kite
Photo Credit: David Kuhn

- We had two wonderful Easter celebrations and egg hunts with each side of the family. We were thankful to be at our own church on Easter morning and then spent the afternoon celebrating at Matt and Jenn's. We had a nice pitch-in lunch and we took squash casserole, asparagus, and butter kuchen.

Riley Four - Easter 2018

- Mark worked two nights at his part-time job. He worked his usual shift and covered for a friend. I put together a book basket for a silent auction for the Scrap Pink Ball. I am so thankful be able to use my Usborne Books & More business to bless others.

- Last weekend my sister and I traded big bags of clothes. We each chose about five "new" items from the others. I love shopping her closet and it forces me to clean out mine so I can trade with her. We had a HUGE bag to donate at the end of it as well!

- Monday morning we woke up to snow. The kids loved getting out and playing in it before it melted.

- Monday into Tuesday we had TONS of rain. By Tuesday evening we finally caught a break between thunderstorms, so I grabbed the rainboots, raincoats, and the kids' new Easter umbrellas from Mark's parents and we took a long rain walk. The kids have so much energy and it's hard for them to be stuck inside all day.

- Wednesday morning we ran up to Greenwood to go to the mall. We went early and I gave the kids 90 minutes to play on the mall playground. It's not really that big or awesome but they were happy to be out of the house and to have it to themselves. We also returned two items - one was a shirt of mine so I now have store credit at Macy's and the other was Owen's Easter shirt that I had ordered online that came after Easter Sunday. He doesn't really need another dress shirt so we returned it and put the money back in our bank account. We also walked quite a few laps around the mall to get out energy. We resisted the urge to eat out and ate our packed snacks and then drove home for lunch.

We are looking forward to a fun weekend filled with dance and birthdays!

Happy Savings to All!

Frugal Friday 238

Happy Frugal Friday and even more so Happy Good Friday!

Here is how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Last Saturday we enjoyed a bridal shower for Mark's cousin Shelby. We enjoyed seeing his family and celebrating her upcoming marriage. Annabeth gifted her an item from her registry and I had my friend Katelyn make a beautiful sign. Katelyn has the cutest signs in her shop and does plenty of custom orders as well. Please visit at No Strings Attached Signs if you are interested in ordering.

The sign I had made for the bride's new home

Photo Credit: Katelyn Schwander of No Strings Attached. 

- Saturday we also got 10 inches of snow! It was beautiful and unexpected for the third day of spring!

- Sunday morning just Annabeth and I ventured out to church for Palm Sunday Service. She enjoyed carrying the palms in and I enjoyed many of my favorite hymns.

- I have been using a website that helps me organize and post items for my online Usborne parties. Now that I am more settled in my business, I am opting to cancel this service. I will save $9.95/month.

- I met up with two friends and sold them books for their children's Easter baskets. I know there are many places to buy books and I am so thankful when people do their shopping with me!

- I cut Owen's hair at home. I also trimmed Annabeth's. This saved the cost of two haircuts at a salon.

- Wednesday evening I set aside 30 minutes and tagged half of my items for the spring consignment sale. I have just 60ish items to tag and I am all ready!

We are looking forward to a weekend spent with family and celebrating our Risen Savior. I am so thankful to be loved, and saved, by the One who made us all. To Him be ALL the glory!

Happy Savings to all!

Frugal Friday 237

Happy Frugal Friday!

Here is how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Mark worked a couple of shifts at his part time job and I finished up my Flash Sale for my Usborne Books & More Facebook page.

- Last week, we hurried to use the kids' ToysRUs giftcards before all of the stores closed. Annabeth had chosen a big toy, one science thing for school, and thenn we rounded out with a coloring book for Owen's birthday. The toy was a Baby Alive "Mommy Kit" that Annabeth has been wanting forever. A few days after we placed our order, I got an e-mail saying that the science kit and coloring book had shipped but that the thing she really wanetd was out of stock :( Mark ended up finding it at Meijer and used a $6 coupon to buy it. ToysRUs sent us a refund and I used it to buy two little items (so they would ship free) for Owen's birthday.

- Saturday we split up and I had a Mama-Owen date and Mark had a Daddy-Annabeth date. Mark and Annabeth headed to the Brickworld Lego Show in Indianapolis. I had given them tickets as Mark's birthday gift. They had hours of fun checking out Lego displays. Owen and I went to a Teddy Bear Concert from the Indianapolis Symphony at our local library. Owen loved the music and most of all he loved getting to try to play a violin.

 Owen and I really enjoyed our music date. 

We also had lunch out and I realized it was the first time that just he and I

had eaten out together. 

Annabeth loved the Lego Expo. 

She and Mark also love the Despicable Me movies so she needed

her picture with the Minions made from Legos. 

- I colored my hair at home (after seeing how white my roots were in the picture above) for FREE thanks to a coupon from PinchME.com. We also received this month's box of freebies to review: shampoo/conditioner, Slim Fast craving control gummies, and a RXBar Kids. I love getting fun freebies in the mail each month!!

- Someone brought us a bunch of belts as part of a hand-me-down bag. Annabeth doesn't wear them so we took them to my nieces.

- My SIL was given a case of yogurt, due to expire soon. She split it amongst our family and then we took the extra to two families in our neighborhood. No reason to throw food away! We can always find a place for it!

- When we dropped off yogurt with one set of friends they traded up a huge bag of clothes for Annabeth. Some worked and some were similar to items we already had in that size. We passed all the ones we couldn't use along to another family.

- Wednesday night I cleaned out the car and found lots of junk AND $10! woohoo!! Clean(ish) car and a happy Mama!

We had such a weird weather week this week. Wednesday morning we drove to storytime in downtown Franklin and it was a beautiful, winter wonderland with all of the old trees and houses covered in snow. That night we drove to dance with all of the snow melted and the sun shining!

We are looking forward to a fun weekend (if the 8-12 inches of snow that we have forecasted doesn't ruin it) with a bridal shower and Palm Sunday celebrations at church.

Happy Savings to All!

Frugal Friday 236

Happy Frugal Friday!

Here is how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money:

- Mark worked one night at his part-time job and I hosted my Spring Open House with my Usborne Books & More business.

- Last Friday, we finally made it to the library. I have been staying away from playing there this winter since we've been sick and so many other have too. Now that we're past the worst of flu season we returned to play. The kids spent 90 minutes playing with all of the games and toys there. Then, Owen even agreed to go to the Hop and Bop class. He didn't love it but he did stay most of the time which is a first for Owen and library class. He also turned in his first 400 books from the "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" I just started tracking late last fall  so we missed his first 2.5 years of books but I know we've easily read 1000+ books to him already and will read at least 1000 more before Kindergarten. He LOVES to read!

Owen was SO happy with his prizes! He earned stickers,

finger puppets, and PlayDoh! He LOVES the PlayDoh!

- Friday night Mark and Annabeth camped out in the living room. They love camping in our backyard but it was just too cold. I think Annabeth enjoyed the movie night and snacks with just Daddy.

- Saturday we spent the day at home working on projects. It was our first free Saturday in over a month and I got a ton of work done inside and Mark got a ton of work done in the garage.

- We ordered our favorite pizza (Greek's) for Sunday lunch with my parents. The kids and I enjoyed the leftovers for lunch on Monday. Yum!

- A few weeks ago I ordered through an online Thirty-One party and since I was the first order the consultant gave me a free tote. I was thinking it was a little tote but it came this week and it's actually a really good size, adorable bunny tote for spring! By far one of the best prizes I have won before!

How cute is this little bunny?

- I sold quite a bit of my Usborne and Kane Miller books through my open house and an online sale but I still had many left. While I enjoy having these on hand, I enjoy getting them out to little readers even more! Thursday the kids and I went out to the store and found some add on items to put with the books and I created two baskets for our church's Easter Basket Auction. The baskets will go through a silent auction Palm Sunday-Easter Sunday and all proceeds raise money for our church youth to go to summer camp.

Annabeth worked on the pink bunny basket to go with Are You There Little Bunny

and I made a dino themed basket to go with some dino books. 

I hope these are enjoyed by the families that win them at the auction!

- I do quite a bit of paying online through PayPal. In my e-mail this week, they sent me $2 to donate to a cause through PayPal. I selected my cause and was able to add their $2 to my donation. Thank you PayPal!

- I finally ordered our pictures from Halloween-Mark's Birthday. I took advantage of a free print offer from Shutterfly. Saved: $16.65

We had a great week! Annabeth had her three month check up following her eardrum-rupture from December and got the back to 100% notice from our doctor. We are so thankful that she is fully healed and not in need of future appointments! God is so good!

Happy Savings to All!