Parenting on a Penny: How to Furnish a House on Craigslist {at Green...Your Way}

It's been QUITE a while since my last Parenting on a Penny frugal-living post! I hope you enjoy this post on how to furnish a house on a shoestring Craigslist budget! 

Image by starathena

I'm so excited and very honored to be guest posting over at Decorating...Your Way, a division of Life...Your Way today!


Here's an excerpt on today's post on how to furnish a house by using Craigslist:

Nearly three years ago, my family made a cross-continent move from a short ministry stint in Vancouver, BC, Canada to North Carolina. We arrived to our new home with six suitcases, a jogging stroller, a pack ‘n play and a diaper bag. Our new townhouse fit our family perfectly--but we didn’t have much to fit inside it. 

Since we were transitioning from a tight missionary budget to an even tighter one-income teacher salary, we knew our choices on furniture would be limited. It was either Walmart (if we could even swing that) or second-hand. 

Hop on over to Decorating...Your Way to read the rest of this post!

Parenting on a Penny: Financial Mistakes We Made in our Newlywed Days {at Modern Alternative Mama}

Image by epsos.de

It's been a while since I've had a Parenting on a Penny post! Yesterday, I posted about financial mistakes we made during our newlywed days over at Modern Alternative Mama. 


Here's an excerpt:
With a new year always comes new talk goals, whether it be for your spiritual life, your health, or, for many people, your finances. Thankfully, besides our house, our family doesn’t have debt.

But while we haven’t used credit cards since we were married nearly 7 years ago, there are still plenty of mistakes we made in our newlywed days. I hope you can learn from our mistakes!

Read the rest of this post here.

Did you make any financial mistakes in your newlywed days? What did you learn from them?


I'm linking up with: The Prairie Homestead, Growing Home, Far Above Rubies, Time-Warp Wife and Raising Homemakers,  Works for Me Wednesday, Frugally Sustainable,  Deep Roots at Home, Homemakers Challenge, The Better Mom, Raising Mighty Arrows,  Live Renewed,  Simple Lives Thursday, Frugal Friday, Women Living Well

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Increase Your Wardrobe--Without Spending Any Money {at Keeper of the Home}

Image by JNNFRMARIE

On Friday, I posted about one way to increase your wardrobe--without spending any money--over at Keeper of the Home. Here's an excerpt:

My family operates on a tight budget. And since having children, there hasn't been much--if any--room in that budget for adding to mine or my husband's wardrobe.

But just over a year ago I discovered a way to increase my wardrobe--without spending any money: a women's clothing exchange. 

Read the rest of this post here. 

It's not too late to join me in the Healthy Homemaking: One Step at a Time 2012 challenge. I am leading a Facebook group through Stephanie of Keeper of the Home's book. You can purchase the book here and join the Facebook group here. 

*If you purchase the book through the link above, I will receive a small percentage of it. I thank you, as these funds truly go to feeding my family.*


I'm linking up with: The Prairie Homestead, Growing Home, Far Above Rubies, Time-Warp Wife and Raising Homemakers,  Works for Me Wednesday, Frugally Sustainable,  Deep Roots at Home, Homemakers Challenge, The Better Mom, Raising Mighty Arrows,  Live Renewed,  Simple Lives Thursday, Frugal Friday,

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8 Ways to Reuse Leftover Produce (at Stacy Makes Cents)

Today, I'm excited to be posting about ways to use your leftovers over at Stacy Makes Cents!

Here's an excerpt:  

Do you ever have leftover fruits and veggies that you just don’t know what to do with?

When I first got married, I was TERRIBLE about letting leftover produce go bad.

Ahem, let me be transparent. I can be bad about letting leftover produce—or even excess produce from our lovely summer garden go bad. And I always feel so guilty. Sure, there may have not been enough leftover green beans or carrots for a side dish for an entire meal, but there must have been something I could have done with that food I let go to waste. Right?

And I’ve discovered there is! Whether it be a spoonful of leftover peas or 5 lbs. or extra carrots from your garden (I wish we had that problem!), there are lots of ways to use up all those veggies without letting them get all moldy in the bottom of the produce drawer of your refrigerator!

Read the rest of this post here.

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Healing Ear Infections Holistically (at Keeper of the Home)

Image by Official U.S. Navy Imagery

Welcome to this month's Parenting on a Penny! Today, I'm giving some ways to save on antibiotics by treating your child's ear infections holistically.

You can find my post over at Keeper of the Home.

Here is an excerpt:

Last year this time, I prided myself on the fact that my 2 year old had never had a full-blown ear infection.

A strong proponent of breastfeeding and having nursed her until she was almost 2, I just knew my milk had protected her from ever really getting sick.

And I just knew it would protect my newborn as well.

I never imagined how sick my new baby would be most of the winter and into the spring.

And ear infections? She had several.

Read the read of this post here.  

Did you hear about the sale on The Everything Beans book?! Get it for $3 off, using code: FALL4BEANS! I will get a small percentage if you use my affiliate code, here. And THANK YOU if you do! I love this book!

Did you hear about the great sale over at Keeper of the Home for the remainder of the Plan It, Don't Panic challenge? Stephanie's selling her Real Food on a Real Budget AND Healthy Homemaking ebooks for 50% off! I own and LOVE these books! Use code MEALPLAN50! Get the books here. (This is my affiliate link.)


I'm linking up with: Homestead Barn Hop, Monday Mania, Traditional Tuesday, Frugal Tuesday Tip

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Parenting on a Penny: Affordable (or Free!) Preschool Resources

Image by cienpies

Welcome to this month's edition of Parenting on a Penny!

For today's feature, I've decided to list a round-up of affordable (or FREE!) preschool resources!


As I wrote about last week, I'm not so sure formal preschool is necessary (not bad--just not necessary).

But I do think it is my job as a mother to begin educating my children--whether in a laid-back "live as we learn" approach or more formal training down the road. 

Without further ado (I say that a lot don't I?), here are some great resources to get your started--that won't break the bank:

• Jasmine @ Far Above Rubies offers this great list of ideas and resources for homeschooling preschoolers. (Also check out Jasmine's Rod and Staff preschool curriculum review. She has me intrigued!)
• ABC Jesus Loves Me: A FREE online curriculum for 2-4 year olds
• Our Preschool Homeschool Blog: A 26-week preschool plan, week by week
• Brightly Beaming Resources: Another FREE curriculum that focuses on steps to reading
• Starfall's Learn to Read with Phonics: FREE printouts, resources and games
• TLS Books: FREE printables for preschool through 6th grade
• Richele @Under the Golden Apple Tree offers many homeschooling tips. I especially loved this post on making a bedtime lessons book for your preschooler. I'm adding this to our homeschooling projects!
• Modern Alternative Mama's Project-Based Homeschooling (at Keeper of the Home): I love Kate's laid-back, project-focused approach to preschool at home.
• Tifaine @Through My Lense recently listed 3 FREE Simply Charlotte Mason ebooks!
• Mary @The Encouraging Home lists a great line-up of her homeschool curriculum and daily schedule.
• Here's a link to a cool alphabet project.
• Here's some neat ideas for teaching your preschooler about chores. 

Other Resources

• Several experienced homeschooling moms recommended the Five in a Row series to me for preschool.
• I've gotten so-so reviews on Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. I picked it up cheaply at a homeschool resources thrift store.
• Learn Your Letters Learn To Serve is a downloadable curriculum by Heavenly Homemakers. It is not free, but I have heard it is way worth the money!

Other Ideas for Preschool on the Cheap

• Share/Trade resources with friends
• Check out resources from the library or a homeschool co-op
• Scour consignment sales and thrift stores for used materials

And while we're talking homeschool...

I found this article extremely encouraging and convicting this week! I think all Christian families--homeschool or not--should read it!

I'm a newbie to all of this! I'm so eager to learn from wiser, more experienced moms! 

What can YOU teach me about homeschooling--especially during the preschool years? What are some free and affordable homeschool materials you use? 

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I'm linking up with: Raising Homemakers, Time-Warp Wife, Don't Waste Your Homemaking,

Parenting on a Penny: Taking a "Stuff" Inventory

Image by 13dede

 Welcome to this month's edition of Parenting on a Penny. Each month we take a look at a different way we homemakers (whether parents or not) can spend less money!

Cooler weather is just around the corner, and that means it's time to pull out the fall/winter clothes! 

Image by linder6580

My husband and I have 3 main ways of providing clothes for our girls:

• through gifts/hand-me-downs from family/friends
• by shopping the end-of-season clearance racks (mostly at Kohls and Target), and
• seasonal consignment sales! 

Image by Thorsie

I am not a shopper, but I love getting a good deal when I do shop.


But, sometimes, I later realize I over-buy.

It doesn't matter how cheap something is: If you shell out money for it and you don't need it, you are NOT saving money. 

Honestly? This year I've been overwhelmed with laundry. And I've realized: My girls have far, far too many clothes. 

Image by djeyewater

So, a few weeks ago, I decided that at the beginning of every season (and before the consignment sales!), I will do an inventory of my kids' stuff--especially their clothes, but also their toys. 

The other day, I pulled out all the clothes we already have for the girls for the fall. 


I've decided not to buy Baby Girl anything unless it happens to be an extremely good deal on matching outfits for her and her sister. 

My two girls and my niece--all matching!

When she is older, I may try to buy her some new outfits, but, really, she has more than enough clothes from her big sister.


I'm going shopping with a very specific list of things we actually need  for Little Girl (who is 3). At this point, it looks like we will need some pairs of shoes and socks, a couple pairs of pajamas and maybe a few play clothes.


I'm hoping having an inventory of what I already have will help me make wiser decisions on what else to purchase. 

A few days ago, Stephanie at Keeper of the Home wrote about the concept of really limiting her childrens' wardrobes. She laid out a plan for how many outfits each child would have, and she's currently doing a test run. She packed away outfits she didn't think her children would need.


I think it's a great idea, and, armed with my inventory list of what I already have--and the few things we still need--I hope to get my daughters' "stuff" in better order.


I'm also hoping that having less clothes will help me better manage the laundry pile. I really, really struggle with keeping up with the laundry (I know, I know--I only have 2 kids and 1 husband...but still!). 


My thoughts are: If I have less to manage, I will be forced to keep on top of the laundry, and clothes will be less likely to pile up. At least that's my theory. 

My husband has mentioned lately: You are always on top of the diaper laundry, but our clothes pile up.

Ouch! But he's right. And I think it's because I truly need the diapers to be clean every day. I cannot afford for them to not be clean! 

And I want to start looking at clothes the same way.


Do you ever do a "stuff" inventory at your house? Do you try to limit the amount of clothes and toys your family owns? Why or why not?

Have you entered the My Buttered Life e-book contest yet? Just leave me a comment on the post to be entered. This amazing book includes FIVE do-it-yourself skincare recipes! 

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I'm linking up with: Simple Lives Thursdays

Life as Mom
Homemaker by Choice
 
 

Parenting on a Penny: Inexpensive Birthday Party Ideas

Our little family back in 2009. We celebrated our daughter's 1st birthday at a park.

Welcome to the launch of a new monthly series: Parenting on a Penny. Each month, check out The Humbled Homemaker for tips on parenting and homemaking on the cheap.

Today’s post is on children’s birthday parties.

When I was expecting our first daughter, thinking about throwing her birthday parties was probably the last thing on my mind.

As my daughter’s 1st birthday drew closer, I realized just how much I wanted to make her feel special.

But my family operates on a tight budget. How would we pay for a party? 

We try to keep activities low-key. My hubby made this pinata himself!

It’s only been 3 years, but here are some things we’ve learned:

• Use a FREE venue, like a park or your own home. We used parks her first two years, and we threw a princess tea party in our home this year.
•  Make your own cake—or cupcakes. I spent hours crafting an elaborate princess cake (yes, we've already done a princess theme twice in 3 years!) for my daughter's 1st birthday. I solicited the help of a couple of friends, and made it into a really fun moms' day!

I spent hours days making this elaborate cake for my daughter's 1st birthday!

•  Keep the food simple. Schedule your party for mid-morning or late afternoon, so your guests won’t expect a meal. You can simply serve cake, ice cream and a beverage (juice, lemonaide, sweet tea or even just water). 
• Allow your guests to save money, too. Tell your guests that gifts aren’t necessary (our kids, for one, DON’T need more toys!). A friend of mine actually requested that guests bring food for our local soup kitchen in lieu of presents for her child. 
•  Shop at bargain stores for paper products and decorations. The Dollar Tree is my personal favorite!  
• Combine parties with a friend. Split the costs and enjoy celebrating together! 
• Keep activities low-key. This year, our daughter's guests colored pictures of tea sets and princess crowns, ate cupcakes and drank juice and spent the rest of the time playing with her toys.

Our favors this year were tea cups from a thrift store.

• Be creative with the favors—or forgo them altogether. Cheap toys and candy? Most parents don’t like bringing that stuff home. If you still want to give something, try:

• balloons 
• bubbles 
• homemade reusable snack or sandwich bags 
• a box of raisins 
• a favor with a lesson: This year, we gave out tea cups (that we bought at a thrift store) that we used as flower pots. They cost next to nothing and went perfect with our "Princess Tea Party" theme! 

How does your family save money on birthday parties?

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