50 Thrifty Father's Day Gifts Under $10

Father's Day usually finds me with more men to buy for than money in my purse. I love giving gifts to husband, dad, father-in-law, grandfather, step-dad, uncles, brothers, our parish priest and all the special dads in my life. But I also need to feed the kiddies. So my Father's Day shopping focuses on budget. Here are 50 Father's Day Gifts Under $10

Candy Alternative Easter Baskets, Healthy Holiday Treat Recipes

I know, Cadbury Creme Eggs are to die for. Peeps are an Easter staple. But really, why must Easter baskets overflow with candy? Holidays seems to involve increasingly more sweets and junk food. With one in three kids overweight or obese, says KidsHealth, it's time to rethink our sweets craze. I've been dieting and lost 96 pounds by substituting sweets with healthy alternatives. Here are good-for-you Easter treat and snack recipes. Healthy Easter Snack and Treat Recipes

Cheap, Homemade Valentine Craft Projects

After 25 years as a public school teacher, homeschool parent, VBS-Sunday school-CCD teacher, project organizer, parent, club leader and do-it-yourselfer, I've cut out more crafts pieces than I care to remember! I've assembled countless crafts for units, themes and holidays over my career. And though it was enjoyable, it took a lot of energy and organization. Here are tips to simplify those crafts, cheap and easy. Note: as you read the linked articles, you'll notice numerous spelling errors. My spellcheck/edit tool wasn't functioning at the time and I've not been able to fix it. I apologize for those mistakes. Read more

Cheap, Educational Stocking Stuffers for Kids

I have to laugh when I see what stores tout as "cheap" stocking stuffers. I don't consider anything over $5 "cheap" especially not for stocking presents which are typically filler gifts. If my child is getting three or four bigger, pricier gifts under the tree, I can't afford to spend big on the stocking, too. Having four kids to shop for, Christmas is crazy-expensive enough without the stockings.  Read more

Free School Supplies, Big Savings on Back to School Shopping

I can't resist free stuff and dollar stretching opportunities. I not only want the most for my shopping buck, I want it to sit up and bark! That's why I love these back to school promotions from OfficeMax (click for details).  First, spend $150 and get a free $58 value 3-piece bag set. Enter promo code "FREEBAG" at checkout. Also, buy certain ful backpacks, daypacks and laptop backpacks--Tremor, Sweet Melissa, Heartbreaker-- on sale for $18.74-$29.99, and they come stuffed with free school supplies. Links below say $24.98, but backpacks have been price-reduced even farther, saving you 53%! Oh, and orders over $50 get free shipping. Already bought your kid's backpack? Buy another for next year. Or buy one to donate. Operation Christmas Child is gearing up for their annual shoe box giveaway event. You could donate to Toys for Tots or church giving trees. For more back to school cost cutter tips, read How a Mom of Four Saves 80 Percent on Back to School Shopping 

Cyber Week Shopping and "Upgrade Your Parents Browser" Day Tips

Cyber Week Shopping and "Upgrade Your Parents Browser" Day Tips Cyber Monday , the biggest online shopping event, kicks off on the Monday after Thanksgiving. Cyber Week is like Black Friday, except that it happens at your computer and not in a store. Many people like cyber shopping: no standing in line, no dodging pushy shoppers, no tired feet, no need to get up early or deal with the chaos. Cyber shopping requires some finesse and lots of caution, though. Here are tips to make your Cyber Week merry. Read on...

Easy to Make, Inexpensive Children's Baking Set

Inexpensive holidays gifts for children. Diy baker's kit. Easy, inexpensive holiday gifts. Here's how to make a Christmas baking kit for children. Read on...

Chuck E. Cheese's Recalls Light-Up Rings and Star Glasses

Chuck E. Cheese Recalls Light-Up Rings and Star Glasses from Birthday Party Prizes and PTA Promos
Chuck E. Cheese's is recalling 1.1 million light up rings and 120,000 clear red-tinted star glasses, due to potential for injury. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission said the recall came after two incidents with batteries from light up rings.
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Best Books for Infants and Toddlers

Best ABC Books to Teach Letters of the Alphabet to Children
There are literally hundreds of ABC books to teach letters of the alphabet to children. Authors and illustrators across the genre spectrum have written ABC books for children. Here are my recommendations for best ABC books, based on words and pictures. Read More

Annie's Homegrown Bunny Pasta Mixes Product Review

Annie's Homegrown Totally Natural Organic Bunny Pasta Mixes
Annie's Homegrown Totally Natural Bunny Pasta mixes are organic, preservative and additive free, contain no trans-fats and lots of protein. Annie's Homegrown Pasta in quick, easy and come in green, recycled packaging. Annie's taste good, too.
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Best Clothing for Babies and Infants

Best Clothing Styles for Babies and Toddlers
I've raised four children, cared for five younger siblings, tended to scores of foster care children and worked as a day care supervisor. Over the years I've compiled a list of safest, most comfortable and healthiest clothing for babies and toddlers.
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Back-to-School Shopping: Bargains at Old Navy

Back to School Shopping at Old Navy: Good Sales, Cute Styles and Quality Clothing
When I buy clothing, I rate the quality factor high priority. Here's the brand that I've found has the best ratio of cost to quality. Old Navy gives the most 'bang' for the buck. Great sales. Durable clothing. Cute styles.
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Back-to-School Shopping: Avoid Second Hand Stores

Back-to-School Shopping: Why You Should Avoid Second-Hand Stores
When you shop for back-to-school clothing for children, my advice is to avoid second-hand stores. I'm a penny pincher, but second-hand clothing isn't always a bargain. Sometimes it's not even sanitary or healthy.
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