CALLING ALL GIRLFRIENDS!!!

Not sure how many of you, if any or all of you, are feeling the affects of our economy. If anything, maybe the recent happenings have struck a cord to make some changes in our lifestyles. I have been pondering on what I can do to make a difference in my family's life, especially when it comes to the budget. After all, bringing home an income is NOT the only way to help support a family financially. After watching several of Oprah's financial episodes lately, I have some ideas of things that I can do and they include any and all of you!! At least for me, I spend the most money on food and clothing. Ideally I would like to cut down on both those expenses...so I was thinking we could have some cool money saving parties. Tell me what you think and if you are interested.

1. Clothing Swap Party- Instead of buying new clothes, we can get together and bring clothes that we no longer wear or need and swap items with other girlfriends, who have also brought their own bag of clothes to swap. This can include shoes, jewelry, accessories and more! This can also include baby clothes. It's kind of like the whole Plato's Closet idea but without any real money. Then we feel like we have a new shirt that we're excited to wear, that didn't cost a penny. If we wanted to expand this we could to household decorations, movies, I don't know, the sky is the limit. I'm sure we all also have some great talents we could swap. For example..hair cuts/color for photography.

2. Coupon Cutting/Recipe Swap Party- I plan on learning more about the local grocery stores and their coupon systems (i.e. doubling coupons, etc..) and I have learned some great tips on couponmom.com. But who likes to do coupon cutting/grocery shopping alone? It's always more fun with a friend, and four eyes are better than two. If we all keep our eyes out for deals/savings and get together to share and clip and also design or share recipes based on grocery items that are on sale each week, I think we could all help each other save money.

3. Weekly Potluck- Get our families together once a week where we each bring a portion of the meal (main dish, veggie, side dish, drinks, dessert) and we can have a rotating calender for who brings what and where it is held. This feels like a night out without having to go to an expensive restaurant or having to tip.

Who doesn't like the idea of saving money? Yes it may take some effort and time, but we can all prioritize our lives more efficiently to have that time. And I have learned that if something is really important to us, we MAKE the time for it. It is important to me to make a contribution to my family's budget by saving us money in whatever ways I can imagine. These are my first few ideas. Can you think of any? Let's brainstorm and start a little club (I know it sounds a little cheesy but what the heck?) Who's with me?

Pigtails and More

This last week I started doing more with Brooklynn's crazy hair... Pony and Pigtails. She looked so cute. I forgot to mention in my last post about one of my favorite things she does. For those of you who know Paul really well, and his "coldie" you'll understand Brooklynn's habit a little better. Anyways, whenever she is falling asleep, she has to, and I mean has to be holding onto something. Usually it is my hair but she suffices with my shirt too. Anyways, the other night she was cutting a tooth- yes she has her first tooth now...her bottom front one- and was in a little pain so she was NOT sleeping well. I decided to put her in bed with us. She snuggled right next to me and of course was holding onto my hair. I was a little annoyed I have to admit with her wrestling around holding onto my hair so I put it behind me where she couldn't reach. Because she had to be holding onto something (preferably hair) and she couldn't reach mine, she rolled over and grabbed Paul's! It was so funny and so cute! Paul and I both started laughing and attacking Brooklynn with kisses. Even though it was a rough night for sleeping- it was a memorable night having Paul and I snuggle with her and laugh together as a family. So glad I get to be with them FOREVER!




This last picture is of Brooklynn NOT taking her nap like she was supposed to but sneaking a peak at Uncle Joshie and Aunt Cassie playing miniature golf the other day at the office incentive. I have to admit it was quite cleaver and adorable. Cassie is the one who caught her. I was intensely distracted by the book "Twilight", which I have finally picked up and completed in 2 days- could not put it down!