Tag: frugal

Six Year Old Christmas List

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I know it is super EARLY to think about Christmas, but I like to get started on my shopping and so many others in my family. I usually put together a list for Antonio. He personally picks them out and lets me know what he wants from Santa. 

I thought this was a great list so I am sharing it with you in case you need some gift ideas, too. Antonio is six years old and enjoys a variety of toys as you can see. Enjoy and Happy Shopping!

Fisher-Price Imaginext Spongebob Krusty Krab Kastle
Underwater Wheels Spongebob Character Squarepants 6-Pack Car Bundle 
Franco Kids Bath and Beach Soft Cotton Terry Hooded Towel Wrap, 24″ x 50″, Spongebob
Lydaz Number Robots Transforming Toys
ABERLLS Math Cubes Manipulatives with Activity Cards
Sight Words Flash Cards with Pictures,Motions&Sentences
Just Play Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Funny The Funhouse 
Dolanus Remote Control Car – Transform Robot RC
BEZGAR Remote Control Car Licensed RC Series
Everyday Educate Matchematics – STEM Mathematics Addition and Subtraction Game
Educational Insights Blends & Digraphs Phonics Dominoes
Just Play Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Funhouse Light The Way Train
Melissa &-Doug PAW Patrol Rescue Mission Wooden Dashboard

Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses’ visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase.

Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience.

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Top 8 Ways to Save on Your Electric Bill

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The winter months can be tough to pinch pennies; I get it. But, know that there are some great tips for you to save money by merely reducing some simple electricity draining activities.

Here are great ways to save money this winter:

  1. Replace Incandescent Light Bulbs With LEDs LEDs are much more energy efficient. These bulbs will not only save more power, but they’ll also last longer. Check out these LED bulbs.
  2. Unplug Electronics After Use. You might not be charging your phone, etc., but the chargers could still be drawing energy at home. Try using a smart power strip that shuts off the current when the electronics are not in use.
  3. Use Cold Water For Laundry. Using hot water will consume more electricity simply because the water heater will need to run. You can merely try not to use super hot water, but something that isn’t too cold either.
  4. Take Shorter Showers. By taking shorter showers, it will reduce how much water you use, which will limit the amount of time that your electric water heater needs. Sounds simple enough, right? Just use a timer and take a shorter shower.
  5. Energy Efficient Showerhead. You can save 2,000+ gallons of water every year by using a more efficient showerhead. This measure will save you tons of money on your electric bill, for sure.
  6. Adjust Your Thermostat. We keep our thermostat at a certain temperature and keep it there all winter long. We do not touch it unless absolutely necessary.
  7. Use Solar Lights Outside. We love having these lights outside. They’re relatively cheap and don’t need energy due to being solar powered, so it’s a win-win!
  8. Motion Sensors. All of our outside lights have these detectors, etc. Motion sensors can significantly help you when someone might forget to turn off the lights.

These suggestions are just some simple tricks that we have done to reduce our electric bill in the winter time. They have really and truly helped us. What have you done that has cut your electric bill?

savemoney

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New Ways to Save Money This Year

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A New Year calls for new ways to save money and set goals. Am I right? I feel like it happens more often than not. I try not to make a ton of changes, but I know I need to make some. I put together a list for you to enjoy. Pick one or two of them and kick some butt this year!

  1. Cashback Rewards Cards

I love these perks!! You can make easy money by having a credit card and using it on your daily purchases. With the right rewards card, you can save money on anything from your regular bills to your household expenses; you name it, you can earn back from it.

  1. Switch Bank Accounts

I am in the process of doing this now. Some banks have started charging if it dips below a certain amount, etc. Look into this, and make changes. Those little fees can add up over a year.

  1. Use Coupon Apps

You can find some of my favorite choices here. I get money back just by shopping… at a ton of places. Here’s a quick recap: Ibotta, Checkout 51, and Ebates.

  1. Prepare Meal Plans

All you need to do is plan. This step will also make sure that you don’t have the same food every other night. Allow for quick meals, too, because there will be times when you need something fast after a long day… because mom life.

5. Make a Grocery List and Stick to It

I actually started doing all of my grocery shopping online. It is a lifesaver; it is the best way. I can reorder and stay focused. And, seriously, time saver y’all.

   6. Buy in Bulk, but Be Careful

We don’t buy items in bulk that we don’t think we will use swiftly enough. We buy pantry products in bulk because those don’t expire, but if you are going to purchase perishable items, ensure you can use them in a timely manner.

7. Brown Bag Your Lunch

We try to pack our lunches more often than not. I love being able to bring my meal and have limited take-out foods. It makes us more appreciative when eating out.

8. Learn to Use Up Leftovers

I am a huge fan of this action even though my husband might not be. I like to use the remaining food and cook something else from it. Whenever we have ham leftover, we create a ham and cheese noodle casserole. MMM soo yummy.

We will add more options in as time goes on, these are just some super simple ways for you to take charge of your savings now. What are some ways you save money?

savingmoney

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Gluten-Free Traveling Problems

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Since becoming gluten-free we have noticed many changes. First up, we all see a difference in my son’s behavior and learning. We also experienced some weight loss and the feeling that we do not need caffeine all day. I remember I used to have so many cravings like chocolate and snacks; this is not the case anymore.

It is hard to find gluten-free products, though. You have to make sure that you identify what’s truly gluten-free. We have put together a list of favorite items that we buy weekly now. Sticking to real goods (meat, fruits, and vegetables) helps when shopping. We still enjoy snacks, so we have to be careful with what we purchase.

More importantly, it is hard to be gluten-free when you are traveling. We try to take trips as often as we can. Throw that diet away when you go places. Let’s see… people aren’t considerate at parties. You also have to find specific restaurants that cater to gluten-free eating and hope that they have good food.

When we came home from a recent visit, we noticed a significant difference. We had stomach aches and were bloated. You know, all the pains. We felt down and super tired. It took me about three full days before I got my food back on track.

What do you do when you go on trips? Do you take a lot of snacks with you and look at restaurants before you travel? We are starting to research more ahead of time since we haven’t had the best of luck. We do not use fast food when traveling and try to pack our own food. We also make sure we have our own kitchen area in the hotel so we can shop/bring gluten free items with us. There is so much more than going gluten free (bread).. so much more than it. 

glutenfree

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Easy Ways to Live a Healthy Life

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I don’t know about you, but lately, we have been on a health kick. Meaning, we are trying to live a natural and healthy lifestyle. We have gone gluten-free (read why here). I have always loved the spa, massages, and super girly things. They REALLY do help. I have changed so much over the years since becoming an adult. We evolve and learn what is important.

Here are three easy ways to live a healthy life right now:

-Facial. I use Aveda Cream Cleanser. I do a facial once a month in their location, and then purchase the items that I need to take care of my skin at home. Skincare is just crucial for many different reasons.

–Rock Salt Lamp. I got into a rock salt lamp kick last year (insert link), and they have been amazing. I recently went to an in-person rock salt cave. It was the most amazing experience I have ever had. I felt better both the day of and the day immediately following. You feel so relaxed and improved. It was better than a massage, and I LOVE massages.

-Diet. Your diet is vital; it goes along with the facial. You are what you eat, and if you do not eat healthily, your skin can be affected. I have cut out many foods., read more about our gluten free journey.

Don’t forget to add in some exercise as well. I like to switch it up whenever possible. Sometimes I choose Zumba, sometimes yoga. Changing workouts keeps my interest.

There are so many great ways to live a healthy life, and each person is going to be different. You have to find what you like and want to do.

healthylife

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How We Saved Over $1000 a Year!

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We got rid of cable.. Heres the thing, we had direct tv for many many years. They were great to us but over in time they changed their pricing and packages… To the point that the prices weren’t going to do any good for me.. I want willing to spend over $100 on cable… It would of been $122… After 6-7 years of being with them Id hope we could at least get a better deal than that? We were only spending $80 a month on JUST cable. It wasn’t worth it to me anymore. Thats over $1000/year… for what?

So we cancelled it. Then my anxiety kicked in, I go OH crap how is Antonio going to watch mickey? How can I watch ncis? So we of course improvised. But the thing about it was that we kept hearing about sling, it was seriously the first thing we got AFTER we cancelled cable. We already have Netflix, iTunes, Hulu, etc. So we had many options but none of them had Disney of course.. Spoiled kid, right?

So we jumped on the wagon to get sling. It was AMAZING.. The interface was amazing, so much easier to manage and even cheaper than cable. We literally are paying 1/3 of what we paid for cable!! We have the shows we want and we managed to be happy. It is internet and cloud based, but that doesn’t bother me because direct tv wouldn’t work when storms kicked in, so this wasn’t any different.

I know so many people willl benefit from sling, so go jump on the wagon. Once we got our sling set up we invested in getting a Roku (enter link). We also got (enter link).

I encourage you to get it – you can get 7 FREE days.. Aren’t friends awesome? Your friend just referred you to get $5 off your first 3 months of Sling TV – the only live TV service that gives you the choice and control of a customized TV Experience.
save1000

 

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The Top Essential Oil Diffusers For Under $50

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Happy New Year!! With a New Year comes a new me, right?? LOL!! Each year I set un realistic goals, you know.. I’ll be skinny, I’ll make millions.. HA! But seriously the one thing that I am going to do more of is diffuse my goals. I want my house to sound amazing all while having it be safe!

Here’s The Top Essential Oil Diffusers For Under $50

diffusers

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Holiday Dinner, Without the Fuss

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By: Marla Bautista 

As families grow, seemingly, so does our holiday budget. It’s not enough to cook a regular meal during the holidays. We need an entire Holiday spread, to include (but not limited to), pre meal snacks (for the cook), appetizers, dinner, desserts, and specialty beverages. There are levels to the Holiday meal madness that we often inflict upon ourselves.  The effort that goes into making holiday meals shouldn’t cause you anxiety and exhaust your bank account. Want to prepare a Holiday meal that is not only amazing, but also stress free? In this article, you will learn how to do just that! 

Make a Plan 

Start your holiday meal planning with lists, Yes, Lists with an S. You will need a list of guests. This will help you know exactly how many people you’re expecting for the holiday. Make a list of proposed food items for your menu.  This may be tricky if you are planning on sharing dish obligations with other guests.  Have you heard of Sign Up Genius? This is a great place to create sign ups for any event.   You can also create a sign-up for Holiday Dishes and share it with your guests, so they too can sign up to make a dish! Best part about it, it’s free! 

Find Deals  

There are a lot of grocery stores offering coupons and other discounts on your holiday meal ingredients. If you have a grocery rewards card, you could score some awesome deals! Some stores honor the use of manufacture coupons and store coupons simultaneously. Check out your stores coupon policy to find out the best way to acquire a great deal. During the Holiday Season some stores offer discounts on side dish items when you purchase a turkey or vice versa.  If you don’t eat meat. Check out the local farmers markets and family farms.  Because it’s late in the season, many farms are trying to get rid of produce that may not survive during the winter months. There, you are sure to find deeply discounted veggies. 

Think Outside the Box

You don’t always have to make traditional dishes for the holiday.  Try making a few non traditional, items that will compliment the dishes you already make. Instead of mashed potatoes and gravy, try making a loaded mashed potato casserole or baked potatoes. Instead of making a Traditional Macaroni and Cheese, try another pasta dish filled with cranberries and other sweet and savory holiday flavors. Kid friendly dishes are always a hit when you have picky eaters. Check out www.recipes.com for a few simple, kid friendly holiday dishes.

Don’t Stress

Holiday meal planning is all fun and full of grandeur ideas until you have to shop, prep, and cook 10 dishes with one oven.  Give yourself some time. If there are items you can prep days ahead, do it! Chop your onions, celery, sweet potatoes, and anything else that can be refrigerated, a few days prior to the holiday. Relax, if you’re a planner, make a plan of action for your Holiday cooking times.  If you’re cooking a turkey, that’ll probably take the longest. Prep and cook it early on so that you can have oven space for your other items later in the day.  If you fry your turkey, even better! Less cook time and more oven space. Take breaks. If you have an item that requires a lengthy cooking time, use that time to catch up on your favorite TV show or book. If time allows, take a power nap.

No matter what your holiday plans, you can do it with ease by incorporating few of these tips. Make a plan for your holiday meal, find the best deals and discounts, and don’t sweat the small stuff. The season should be spent making positive memories with your loved ones. Don’t stress, everything will turn out fine, even if it doesn’t go exactly as planned. Be flexible and have fun! Best Wishes!

holidaydinner

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Ladies Fashion Under $40

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Winter fashion calls for me being broke. Okay, all fashion does. I love fashion and being able to show off my personality for the different seasons. The really best part is that you can look good and still not be completely broke. I have found some of my favorite fashion items at amazing prices. Go get your shopping on!

Here’s Ladies Fashion Under $40

Fall Checked Ruana Poncho All over plaid checkered pattern, on a darling ruana poncho! This oversized, one-sized, cardigan is a perfect way to top off your winter styles. Complete with a tassel trim to add a bit of texture!

FALL_RUANA_CHECKED_PONCHO___69458.1540245639

Cherry Cordial Striped Sweater Color blocked, striped knit sweater with a statement sleeve and fitted cuffs!

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Peppered Coal Cowl Sweater Grab your favorite cup of coffee and head out for your weekend errands in cozy style this fall! This cowl keeps you classy, while the relaxed fit keeps you ultra comfortable! Who says you can’t have it all?

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Wheat Fields Textured High Low Sweater  Deep V-neck, and an oversized fit make this high-low sweater a favorite! The heavy texture, and cuffed sleeves add a texture and detail that set you apart!

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Round Neck Chenille Sweater | Ash Grey  Velvety soft, thick weave sweater with a high round neck and oversized fit, perfect for a cozy cold day!

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Thermal Stripe Drop Shoulder Top | Wine  Get into the fall spirit with this perfect transition piece! Show off your summer tan with the drop shoulder detail, but stay warm with the thermal soft fabric and long sleeves!

ladiesfrugalfashion

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Holiday Gifts For Kids Under $30

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I like to get practical and fun gifts for kids. I have always been a fan of just practical gifts where kids can learn and explore. I put together practical gifts for you at frugal prices. I hope you can enjoy these great gift ideas.

Here are holiday gifts for kids under $30.

Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Sweet Manners Tea Set 
Pinkies up! Tea time is extra sweet with the Laugh & Learn Sweet Manners Tea Set and its magical, light-up teapot. As toddlers “pour” out their tea, the spout lights up and plays fun songs, sounds, and more! Press the tea bag button for even more fun songs and lights! And with two tea cups, a sugar bowl, and a tray full of puzzle-play “treats”, this adorable tea set is perfect for sharing a spot of play with a friend—introducing your tiny diner to manners. Plus, the tea set includes three Smart Stages levels with different songs, sounds and phrases, so the learning fun can keep going as your child keeps growing!

PJ Masks Deluxe Figure Set  This PJ Masks action figure will provide children aged 3 years and up with endless entertainment.

LEGO DUPLO Disney Minnie Mouse’s Birthday Party 10873 Little Disney fans will love to help Minnie Mouse celebrate in style with LEGO DUPLO 10873 Minnie’s Birthday Party! Play with them as they drive Minnie in her cute pink car to the party venue, where Figaro the cat is waiting to get the party started. This LEGO DUPLO set is perfect for endless role-play with a birthday celebration theme, and comes with a giant buildable birthday cake plus 2 bricks decorated as presents. Includes a LEGO DUPLO figure: Minnie Mouse, plus a cat figure.
VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Press and Race Monster Truck Rally Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! It’s time for the monster truck rally show with the Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Press & Race™ Monster Truck Rally™ by VTech®. Race and jump with Mark, the Press & Race™ monster truck, around the rally tracks and off the launch pads while listening to him play fun phrases, sounds and melodies. Then, have a jump competition by launching off the stunt ramp to encourage creative play and discover cause and effect.

Kinetic Sand – Beach Sand Kingdom Playset with 3lbs of Beach Sand, Build amazing sandcastles anywhere with the Kinetic Sand Beach Sand Kingdom! The Beach Sand Kingdom playset includes 3lbs of Kinetic Beach Sand and everything you need to build real sandcastles! Different from the smooth feel of classic Kinetic Sand, Kinetic Beach Sand is made with larger grains of natural sand and feels just like wet beach sand!

My Little Pony Styling Head –  Pinkie Sea Caution is recommended when purchasing this styling head because it includes small parts
Clean this styling head with a damp cloth when dirty
Great for ages 3 years and up
Practice makes perfect and with this styling head from My Little Pony, hairdressers aged 3 years and up can master new techniques.
VTech KidiBeats Drum Set  Your child can rock out and learn with the VTech KidiBeats Drum Set! This drum set for kids comes with a pair of drumsticks that can be used to tap the four different electronic learning drums. Your child can drum freestyle or play along to nine pre-set melodies in a variety of musical styles. Or for more structured play, they can follow the lights on the drums as they learn about letters and numbers. With four ways to play and a variety of fun sounds, your child will love learning to the music with this educational toy!

LeapFrog Tad’s Fridge Phonics Help your baby learn the alphabet and develop word skills with the LeapFrog Tad’s Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set. Plug letters into the base to read out letters or change levels to teach phonics and word skills. These colorful magnets will catch your little one’s attention and as they play and learn, developing their fine motor skills as they learn to fit the letters into the slot in the base.

Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Light-up Learning Vacuum  Clean up time has never been more fun! When your toddler pushes the vacuum along, bright lights and learning songs and phrases will introduce colors, counting, and more. Flip the “power” switch up and actual vacuum sounds let your tiny helper really get into the role play fun!

Melissa & Doug® Match and Roll Shape Sorter – Classic Wooden Toy  This brightly colored wooden shape sorter is an exciting update on a classic toy! Toddlers can drop the dozen-plus vibrant wooden shapes–including a triangle, octagon, star, rectangle, square, trapezoid, hexagon–through the color-matched holes, then roll the drum along, open the lid, and start all over again. An early-learning powerhouse that encourages color and shape recognition, manual dexterity, and more!

Disney Princess Cinderella 14″ Doll For every girl who dreams big, there’s a Princess to show her it’s possible.
In a spectacular story inspired gown and tiara from her Fairy Godmother, Disney Princess Cinderella wishes to go to the ball. Join the story as she dashes home before midnight!

B. toys Beautifloor Alphabet Foam Tiles – 26pc  Brighten up any room in your home and make it more comfortable for wobbly little ones with the Beautifloor Alphabet Floor Mat from B. toys. Interlocking tiles are nice and thick, making even hardwood floors more comfortable if your little one happens to fall as they’re learning to walk. For even more fun, each letter pops out for plenty of learning adventures. A comfy place for all your pals, including A, B and C.

frugalgifts

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