Pages

Baby on a Budget: 10 Tricks to Save Money with a Newborn


Having a baby doesn’t have to be expensive – whilst there are certain costs that are necessary, it’s possible to still give your baby everything it needs on a modest budget. Here are a few tricks for saving money on a newborn baby.



Know the things you need – and the things you don’t need

There are a lot of baby products that are essential, and a lot of baby products that are a waste of time and money. For example, you don’t really need a changing mat and you certainly don’t need a changing station. You can bath your infant without a baby bath, and you can keep bottles clean without a steriliser. And whilst most parents will endeavour with baby shoes since they look cute, your baby isn’t really going to need them until they start walking. Other useless items include wipe warmers, baby cologne, baby hairbrushes and pacifier wipes.

Save your money for the things that matter such as diapers, bottles, wipes, clothes, a cot and car seat. It’s worth noting that there are some bits of baby kit that are useful, but never get bought. A travel cot for example is useful for staying round other people’s homes, whilst a baby sling can be useful for tackling pram-unfriendly terrain or simply doing housework whilst keeping your baby close.

Shop second-hand

Buying second hand is always a lot cheaper than buying brand new. A lot of mothers will be selling prams and cots and other baby items online for cheap. You’re best off buying locally using platforms such as Facebook and Gumtree – this allows you to pick up the item in person and get a good idea of its condition before buying it. Sites like eBay can have great deals, but you’ll have to put your trust in a picture because there’s no way of seeing the product in person first.

Some baby items being sold second-hand may even be unused. This is often the case with baby clothes – new parents often end up getting lots of newborn clothes, but some babies can grow out of this size in the first week (others are born so large that they never get to wear any of these clothes). This can be a great way of saving money on clothes.


Accept hand-me-downs

Parents or older siblings may have hung onto items that could be of use. They may even be willing to give you these items for free. Don’t reject these hand-me-downs if you think they could come in use. Of course, you do need to be careful with really old products – an old car seat may not even be legal under today’s health and safety laws. Don’t forget to also turn to friends who may have had babies as they too many have items that they can give you.



Throw a baby shower
Baby showers are excellent opportunities to receive baby-related gifts. You’re certain to get a few impractical gifts, however there’ll be a few useful gifts such as blankets, bibs and diapers. If your friends are unsure as to what to buy you for your baby shower, don’t be afraid to request certain gifts that you need. Your friends would much rather buy something that you need than splash out on something unnecessary. You could even get people to all give you money or you could get them all to chip in and buy something big that you need such as a pram or a car seat.


Consider convertible products

Some items are convertible allowing them to be used for different ages and helping you to get more use out of them. For instance, there are cot beds with different height settings, some of which can eventually be converted into a small bed – this could allow these cots to grow with your baby rather than having to buy separate sized cots as they get older. You can also buy convertible prams that start off as regular prams and can later be converted into strollers. Try to look for products that come with all the extras so that you’re not having to buy these accessories separately. For example, many prams comes with a waterproof cover to protect your baby in the rain, whilst some even come with a cupholder. You’ll pay more for the well-known brands – if you’re willing to be less brand conscious, you could find yourself a convertible pram or cot that’s just as good quality at a much cheaper price.

Breastfeed

Whilst breastfeeding may not be for everybody, there’s no denying that it’s the cheaper option. Those that go down the formula-fed route will soon realise how much it adds up, even if you are opting for the powder over the premade formula – you could be spending up to $20 a week. Of course, there are pieces of extra kit that you may want to buy when breastfeeding such as breast pumps and nursing pillows, but even with these purchases you’re still likely to save money compared to feeding your baby on formula. You’re best off attending breastfeeding classes before your due date to give you a good idea of whether breastfeeding is for you.


Make your own baby food

When your infant eventually moves onto solid food, you could save money by making your own baby food. If you’ve got a blender, it’s possible to make your own purees using vegetables such as carrots, peas and butternut squash. You can also easily mash up bananas and serve these as a sweet treat. You’ll find many recipes online for DIY baby foods using basic ingredients at your local shop. These foods are likely to be just as healthy and a lot cheaper to make than buying baby food brands.

Buy stuff in bulk

You can also save money on many baby supplies by buying them in bulk. This includes formula milk, wipes and diapers. Your local supermarket may only offer small packs of these items, so you may have to go online or visit a wholesaler to find the larger bulk packs. Be wary of buying too much of certain products – you don’t want to buy too many of one size diaper only for your infant to grow out of that size the next week.

Make use of coupons


You can get also get huge discounts on baby stuff by using coupons. There are many coupon sites where you can find free voucher codes. Alternatively, you could try signing up to baby brand mailing lists – these companies may send you discounts via email. Coupons often have an expiry date, so make sure you use them before it’s too late.

Convince a friend/family member to babysit

There will be times when you need someone to look after your little one. Rather than forking out money on a babysitter, consider asking a friend or family member. In most cases, friends or family members will be willing to look after your baby for free. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for someone to babysit on a regular basis whilst you are at work, you could consider using a mix of friends and family and occasionally hiring a babysitter to fill when this isn’t possible. Even if a friend or family member wants payment for this service, you shouldn’t have to charge as much as you would for a full-time babysitter.

Color Trends for Bedrooms


Whether you are looking for the paint color or just want to pick a color to make your bedroom seem a little bit bigger, professional paint companies and designers have been well consulted and they have put forward a few colors in trend this year to certainly make your home stand out.


Swirling Smoke
This is considered a great color, light colored with the tint of gray that feels very relaxing as well as calm. Swirling Smoke is definitely recommended by a colorist, Lee Crowder in Darling Homes, situated in Dallas. The renowned colorist also has quoted that she feels a challenge not using this color all the time for different customers just because she herself likes it too much.

Hale Navy
Hale Navy is a very fresh clean shade of blue. It is one of the popular bedroom colors that tops the list to make the room feel brighter. It is quite surely a combination of both brightness and freshness; and together, they certainly do attain a spot on Benjamin Moore’s bestselling shades of blue. The color works in any lighting situation, is a mix of both warm and cool tones and always looks stunning whether used on walls or even furniture.

Colonial Aqua
This color is one of the shades of green, tilting more towards the sea-green side. The color can make a dull room with little light look well bright. Along with that, the color brings a sweet and soft touch to the resting master or visitors in the guest bedroom.
Colonial Aqua must be considered in a spa-like bathroom or an elegantly constructed kitchen. It can also be paired with off-white to result in a harmonious look.

Orange Blossom
Though different shades are a personal and subjective choice, using orange color is always a bolding and an uplifting move. The color radiates warmth as it generates happiness be it tender, romantic or energetic.
The Orange Blossom is an elegant shade that allows the room appear lighter and brighter and sends off a relaxed energy throughout the room. The color can also be seen as soft peach and may look extremely elegant in a dining area. Contrast this color with shades of the blue or green and you get yourself a beautiful room to welcome your guests.

Alabaster
This color is most similar to an off-white one. The color particularly looks good on a room with plenty of windows outlined by a white color. Alabaster is the perfect creamy white, not too dull like yellow but not  white at all either. This may be well suited in a dining room, increasing the elegance of the room and dining in with your guests with confidence.

Though 2018 has been the year where most colors found their way to the top, these 5 have topped the list. Whether you paint all four walls of a room or just a single side, these colors will surely get the best out of the room.

Burnt On Mess: Meet Your Match!

I have never met a baked on mess that I can't handle. That doesn't mean I enjoy scrubbing dishes or anything, but I have a really easy trick to getting the worst mess to come off with no effort.

As you can see in this photo I baked a rack of ribs last night. It got messy. The BBQ sauce burnt quite badly. My husband asked me, with a smile, if I intended to throw the pan away when he saw how bad the mess was. 


Can you see how the edges of this burnt on mess have lifted off of the pan?  With one super simple trick you can eliminate 98% of the effort of getting this mess clean.

First, do not soak the pan or get it wet. Let it cool. When it is cool enough to touch without a pot holder or oven mitt grab your dish soap. Apply dish soap generously to the mess. Walk away from it. Forget it until the morning!

In the morning you can grab a kitchen knife, just in case you need it to help lift the edges of the baked/burnt mess.




As you can see in this video, I literally just grabbed the burnt on BBQ sauce and lifted it off.


If there is any remaining baked on mess, fill the pan with hot water. Add a used dryer sheet and allow it to soak. The remaining mess will slide right off of the pan when you are ready to wash!

Do you have a tip to help make things easier in the kitchen? I would love to hear it!



ABC Jar Find It Style

Being the mother of a 4 year old is a lot like being a boy scout... We have the same motto anyhow. Always Be Prepared. For me, that means always have a change of clothes, baby wipes, a snack and toys on hand.

In my purse you will always find a few small toys. While I like for Roo to play with cars, action figures and puzzles- I want to keep him entertained and I want him to learn or to brush up on what he knows via playtime whenever it is possible.

I created the perfect size toy for carrying in a handbag or diaper bag. This is ideal for pulling out on a long car trip or at a restaurant.



To make an ABC Jar : Find It Style  you will need:



a small baby food jar ( I used Beechnut Stage 2 size)
beads
foam abc beads
glue


Make sure your baby food jar is clean and dry.


Pour your beads into the jar, filling it 3/4 of the way full



Add 10-15 ABC Foam Beads

Line the lid with glue
Seal the jar
Shake

There you have a DIY toy that will help kids with letter recognition and keep them busy shaking the jars to find more letters.

My idea behind this was that Roo knows his ABC's really well, practicing letter recognition out of the sequence he recognizes the alphabet in would be good practice.

Whenever I pull the ABC Jar out of my purse I get an average of 6 minutes of entertainment while Roo is shaking and spotting letters.







Rice Krispie Treats: 5 Ways

My family holds the opinion that there should always be treats in the cookie jar... I am not much of a baker but I can meet them in the middle and hook up Rice Krispie style treats on a moments notice. Thanks to all of the awesome bloggers that link up with us at Tell Me About It Tuesday I have an array of yummy recipes to try out on my family and I couldn't resist sharing a collection of Rice Krispie Treat recipes.




Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats combine 3 of my favorite things. Check out the recipe on the 3 Boys and a Dog site.

My Coconut Rice Krispie Treats were a hit with the 6 and under crowd.


Bitz N Giggles shared the cutest dessert ever! Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Cones are on my list to make asap.


Crystal and Comp shared Not Your Mama's Rice Krispie Treats- don't miss this colorful and delicious recipe.


Cocoa Pebble Treats are always a hit with my family.



A Checklist for Mountain Biking in Punta Cana


A trip to Punta Cana is a dream for many travelers. The location is stunning and the atmosphere makes even the weariest traveler feel at home. The lush landscapes and ample opportunities to relax or embark on an adventure make this unlike any other place on Earth. A trip to Punta Cana is not complete without a mountain bike tour of the area.


A mountain bike tour is the perfect way to see the real Punta Cana. You will glimpse the daily life of locals, pass through villages and learn so much about the country simply by passing by on your bike!


To help you prepare for an excellent trip through the modern foothill trails that can take you off the beaten path or the ancient coastal path, or wherever your legs may pedal you I have a checklist to help you make the most of your Punta Cana mountain bike excursion.





1. Get fitted for equipment. A helmet and a good bike are essential and you don't want to find your bike is not the correct size, or your helmet is too small after you start pedaling!


2. Pack gloves, glasses, sunscreen, and water! These are essential items for any ride!


3.Create a repair kit. Get a spare tube for your bike, or a patch kit. Should an issue arise, you will want to continue the ride! A compact pump is also a good choice for an adventure!
4. Pack a few small personal items for comfort. A change of socks, lip balm and an energy bar make good options for staying fueled and comfy on any ride.


5.View maps of the areas you wish to explore to gauge distance, terrain, difficulty of the ride and more. Be sure to let someone know where you are headed before you pedal off into the sunrise!

6. Remember that eyewear should also always be on the list. While biking, dust and other particles can quickly get into your eye and cause irritation. Therefore, it’s essential to always remember eyeglasses or sunglasses to offer protection and comfort. Luckily, there are many options available to ensure you get exactly what you need while also looking great! The last thing you want while trekking up a mountain is to get something in your eye while trying to maintain your balance, so rather be safe than sorry and invest in a pair of glasses.

After you return, get ready to rest your sore muscles at a great home away from home, like one of these Punta Cana Hotels. You might take in a massage to rejuvenate your body and spirit after your mountain bike tour, or grab a bite to eat at one of the exquisite restaurants.


Of course, after seeing the sights of Punta Cana by bike, there is no shame in heading to the beach, where a serene surf awaits you. Punta Cana is known for its gorgeous stretches of beach with clear blue seas. Snorkeling, wind sailing, kayaking and more await for you for a seaside adventure unlike any other! If you feel like relaxing with the soundtrack of the ocean to soothe you, that is a completely possible goal too!

Punta Cana is the perfect place to mix adventure with relaxation. The offerings of this popular vacation spot for luxury travel are vast and varied, making it possible to explore the area on a mountain bike, pamper yourself at the spa, indulge your preference for local fare and gourmet flavors and to soak up the sun poolside or seaside on any given day.


Black & Blue Pancakes With Krusteaz

My family loves breakfast! Every other weekend we go to breakfast together. My husband likes scrambled eggs, my daughter likes biscuits. My son, he is a sausage guy. Me? I like runny eggs and toast. But there is one food we can all agree on. And it is not uncommon for me to make a huge batch of pancakes on a whim and feed them to my family as breakfast, lunch or dinner, or sometimes a combination of the three.

This week has been a very busy one. So busy in fact that I have not made it to the grocery store yet. After looking in an empty refrigerator and an empty freezer I considered my options... We could order out. But we do pizza way too often...

I had a few boxes of Krusteaz Pancake and Waffle Mixes in my cabinet. On a whim I came up with a delicious pancake that was as easy to make as 1,2,3.




Black & Blue Pancakes

2 cups of Krusteaz Blueberry Pancake Mix
1/2 cup of crushed black walnuts
1 cup of water
1/3 cup of milk


Mix ingredients well. Let the batter rest for about 10 minutes. 
Heat your griddle to 325 degrees. Spray with cooking spray.

Pour 1/4 cup portions of batter onto the griddle.
Flip when the bubbling of the batter slows.
Cook for an additional minute.
Serve warm, with butter and your choice of syrup.





My family really liked these fluffy, nutty, fruity pancakes! This recipe is a keeper. My husband liked the strong nutty flavor that black walnuts offer, but if you do not like the intense flavor of black walnut, feel free to use regular walnuts, finely chopped. With the walnuts falling from trees right now this is a great time to pin this recipe for a great future breakfast.

If you feel lucky enter to win a great breakfast pack from Krusteaz! One lucky reader will win:
Buttermilk Pancake Mix (1), Blueberry Pancake Mix (1), Belgian Waffle Mix (1) and Wild Blueberry Muffin Mix (1) as well as Krusteaz coupons for free product.


a Rafflecopter giveaway