Showing posts with label money saving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label money saving. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

How to Live Simply

Yesterday, I talked about my new, simpler way of living that I'm calling the Little House Lifestyle from the mind-set perspective. Today, I'm sharing some of the things I've been incorporating to get into this new lifestyle. Each fits in great with these easy ways to de-stress and builds on my goals for the year.

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How to Live the Little House Lifestyle


Time Outside
Nature is constant. We go outside to soak in sunshine, a soft breeze, admire the beauty in the grass, trees, sky and flowers -- the same people have for thousands of years. Being outdoors grounds us and connects us to those simple times. It's time with ourselves and those we're with rather than embroiled in society. Step back, step out and step into nature. Nothing says Little House Lifestyle more than going with your family on a hike, walk in the woods, play time at the park, time in the backyard playing, sitting on the porch with your favorite drink, just being. We're working on redoing our yard so it looks pretty -- and so I finally have a porch swing -- so we'll have that beautiful outdoor haven I crave to enjoy being outside more.

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Free activities
Take advantage of events and activities in your area that encourage family time rather than spending.

Family Time
Make time to put down electronic devises, turn off the TV and spend time together. Dinners, games, reading, time outside -- whatever you enjoy. Family is the heart of your life so keep it healthy by building memories and relationships.

Bake Fresh
Bake a yummy treat. Fresh, homemade cookies and bread can be calming to make. When the littles pitch in, it creates a memory. Plus, the house smells amazing and you have something yummy to eat.

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Quality vs. Quantity
A closet stuffed with clothes, shoes and purses doesn't equal happiness. It's much better to have a few things that you love and take care of rather than tons of items you never wear that put stress on your finances. Before buying something new, I ask yourself if I really need it. If I don't, I skip it. I've shopping in my own closet for items I forgot about. Get a hole in a shirt? Sew it rather than buying a new one. Lately I've spent time going through closets, dressers and chests to clean out anything worn out beyond repair or that we just don't wear. Not having things you don't use helps keep your life simpler because you're not having to deal with it. Less clothes means less laundry to put away, too! If you do need new clothes, check out thrift stores or ask family and friends if there's anything they're tossing that you might like. Here are some great ways to save on kids' clothes.

Keep Food Simple
Rather than buying a ton of processed foods, going broke on fancy items you don't really need or eating out all the time, focus on cooking from scratch (the slow cooker is your friend), trimming the budget in favor of foods that are healthy and filling, and being frugal with your spending. This is great for your waist line and health, too.

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Exercise
Get moving! Our ancestors didn't sit around all day, they were moving around, walking, farming, getting the blood flowing. A walk, lifting weights at home, doing a work out video, hiking, using home equipment, trying out yoga --whatever you like, find it and do it.

Garden
I can't think about a Little House Lifestyle without thinking of gardening. What is more basic than growing your own food? Flowers count, too. Planting a veggie garden helps you keep food at it's simplest, gets you outside and gets you exercising. You get more time to enjoy nature, too, getting out and getting dirty. Flowers lift your mood and give you a boost of nature, too. If you don't have room for a garden, pots work great, too. I'm working on turning part of our front  garden beds into a potted garden this spring.

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Clean Up and Clean Out
We all have those areas of the house where we cram things to deal with later. Out of sight, out of mind...until we open a door and some errant, crammed in bag/bottle/knicknack/doodad/book/whatever practically knocks us out as it careen toward our head. Then there's all the stuff we liked when we got it, but isn't really something we like anymore, taking up space around the house. I've been going through everything cleaning up and cleaning out lately. Rather than having a ton of decorations around the house, I'm simplifying. There's less for the kids to dump, less to break and less to clean. All the trouble spots are getting emptied out. Keep, donate or trash piles abound. Why let junk weigh us down? If you don't love it, toss it!

Plan Your Day and Schedule
In order to keep life on track way back when, women planned their days out. They figured out what needed to be done and did it. I do the same. I figure out what needs to be done for the month, week and day, then plan it all out. Of course, since life is crazy and never goes according to plan, I'm always readjusting. Ma Ingalls did too, I'm sure. (Who plans for tons of rain to wipe out the crops so you spend a week salvaging what you can rather than cleaning?) I've also got laundry, cleaning, errand and cooking schedules that keep life on track and going smoothly. So simple, yet so helpful to keep me from feeling overwhelmed and out of control.

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Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Quick, Healthy & Cheap Snack Ideas

Snacking is an every-day thing in our house. If M2 had her way, she'd probably eat nothing else but the snacks all day. With my weight loss mission, snacking comes in handy for me to keep my metabolism up and stop myself from getting so hungry I binge. Baby B isn't one to turn down a snack, either, especially when he sees someone else nibbling on something yummy. To keep us all eating healthy, without spending so much the grocery budget is blown or having to spend hours making it, these are the snacks I make sure to stuff the fridge and pantry with.

As an added bonus, some of these you can make yourself beforehand when doing meal prep, or when you want an activity to do with the kids. That ups the health  factor and cuts down on cost even more. All the foods on the list are ones that are staples in our house. With plenty of delicious snacks to choose from on this list, there are sure to be a few that you'll want to incorporate into your own household.


1. Hand fruit

Peaches, nectarines, apples, pears, bananas, grapes, plums -- anything you can grab, wash and eat on the go without any fuss qualifies as a hand fruit. They're great to keep around for when you want something sweet. While oranges aren't a hand fruit, I like to keep a bunch of them in the house as well. Bananas are probably the cheapest fruit you can find, which is why we've always got a pile in our fruit bowl.

2. Peppers, celery, cucumbers and carrots

Chop them up and keep them handy for when you're craving something yummy. I keep a container of carrot sticks drenched in water to keep them fresh in the fridge. A few cucumbers are always floating around the fridge to peel and slice.

Make-it-yourself bonus: You can grow your own garden and buy veggies that aren't pre-cut to save even more.

3. Peanut butter and bread

A serving of natural peanut butter without fillers along with whole grain bread makes for a healthy, protein-packed snack to keep you full.

Make-it-yourself bonus: Honey wheat or buttermilk wheat bread goes great with peanut butter. Both are easy to make, too.

4. Protein bars

Pick up a big box of store-brand protein bars rather than going for the small boxes or singles of the fancy brands to save money. All protein bars aren't created equal, so check to see how much protein, sugar, calories and fat each really has. You don't want your snack to end up a meal!

5. Granola bars

This is another treat you can buy a big, store-brand box of to keep cost down. Like with the protein bars, check the nutritional label to be sure it's not just empty calories you're noshing on.

Make-it-yourself bonus: To know exactly what goes into your bars, throw together some of your own in the kitchen.

6. Cheese sticks or slices

At any given time, we have about three different kinds of cheeses in the fridge drawer. American cheese slices, Swiss, Munster, mozzarella sticks -- you name it, the kids love it (so do I). When they're hungry, we often reach for low-fat cheese as a healthy, filling protein boost to last until the next meal.

7. Humus

Humus comes in so many flavors! My favorites are traditional and ranch. Grab your favorite along with some pita chips, tortilla chips, crackers or pretzels to scoop up a yummy serving.

Make-it-yourself bonus:  If you're adventurous, you can make your own humus easily and even whip up pita and tortilla chips.

8. Air-popped popcorn

Pop up some kernels (you can get a big bag or container for a few dollars) for a fun snack. Leave off the salt and butter to keep it healthy.

9. Greek or regular yogurt

Like the protein and granola bars, check the labels on yogurt for calorie, fat, protein and sugar content. You want something that's balanced so you have a satisfying snack. M2 loves the yogurt tubes and I often reach for a cup of Greek yogurt for myself. I get big packages rather than singles so it does't cost as much. Sales and the local discount grocery store also help me keep from breaking the bank on yogurt.

Make-it-yourself bonus: If you're up for the challenge, try making your own yogurt.

10. Nuts

Pistachios, peanuts, almonds, cashews -- oh, my! So many choices that you can get in large containers so that otherwise pricey nuts aren't so shocking to your wallet. A small handful at a time is all you need for an afternoon (or evening) pick-me-up.

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Sunday, February 7, 2016

5 Romantic (and Frugal) Valentine's Day Dates for Parents

Valentine's Day is almost here! The day that brightens up the cold winter with some heart-warming romance and affection.

As parents, going out to celebrate becomes even more complicated with the need for a babysitter. For us, that isn't even an option since there are only a very few people we can trust to watch M2, let alone M2 AND B. Not to mention the cost, which is hard to cover when finances are tight.

I've come up with 5 romantic, easy-to-do dates that let you spend some special Valentine's Day time with your other half, without breaking the bank or going nutty looking for a sitter. These ideas are crazy simple, perfect for after the kids are in bed, and can even be mixed and matched to suit your preferences. We're doing #1 ourselves this year. Happy Valentine's Day!

Pizza and a Movie

If you've got the budget for it, splurge on a pizza, rent a movie from the Redbox and hit the couch to enjoy a few slices and cuddle time. For those who really feel adventurous (or don't have the funds), head to the kitchen with your honey to make a pizza together. Homemade crusts are easy to whip up, especially when you have a partner helping you out. Borrowing a movie from the library, picking one from Hulu/Amazon/Netflix or watching one you already have in your collection is another option. 


Chinese and Games

Pick a few yummy dishes from your favorite Chinese. Remember the egg rolls and some soup! Set up the boxes on the table so you can share. Add some candles and some chopsticks to feed each other for added romance. Once you're done, pick out a a few board games for a game-night marathon. If you're feeling frisky, strip poker can be entertaining. Or, if you're more of the video game type, hook up the system. Winner doesn't have to make dinner the next night.



Homemade Dinner and Music

Head to the kitchen to whip up your Valentine's favorite dinner. Have some chocolates on hand for dessert, along with a bottle of wine. Put on some love songs while you dine, along with dimming the lights and lighting a few tapers. After the food is gone, enjoy the chocolates and another glass of wine while snuggling on the couch. Talk and enjoy the music while you watch candlelight flicker on the walls.

Dessert and Coloring

Pick up your and your love's favorite desserts, or bake them yourself. Arrange the goodies on a pretty plate or tray with some paper heart cut outs to get the Valentine's vibe going. Get out your favorite coloring book, hand hubby a page, spread out the colored pencils so you can share, then color while you nosh on the yummy treats. (This 72-color box of pencils is my favorite to use along with this artist-quality 48 pack. My favorite books are The Secret Garden and The Enchanted Forrest. They are so neat!) Diffusing some oils can add to the relaxing, calming atmosphere you're building together.


Wine and Reading

Stick a couple bottles of white wine in the fridge the night before or set out some red. On Valentine's Day, pop the cork, get out your fanciest wine glasses and sip the night away with your sweetie and a good book on the couch. If you're in a Nicholas Sparks-inspired mood, read passages to each other or take turns reading some poems aloud. If you need some poetry inspiration, Shakespeare's Sonnet 29 and Sonnet 19, Byron's She Walks in Beauty, and Michael Arnold's Longing are some of my favorites. The level of romantic is totally adjustable depending on your tastes.




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Tuesday, December 1, 2015

How to Keep Your Home Toasty and Utility Bills Low

One of my least favorite things about winter is getting freezing cold feet. The floors are always so cold! I pile on socks and slippers when really, I'd prefer to be barefoot. Another of my least favorite things about winter is the heating bill. Our bill more than doubles trying to keep the house warm enough, even though we all wear heavier clothes. I dream of a cozy house without the chill and of toasty warm feet while I watch the snow gently fall outside. It's the ideal winter dream, truly! Now, my dream can become reality.



I found out how to make my dream a reality when I saw this video about Warmboard by "The Cousins" of HGTV and am now enamored. (With Warmboard, though I love the cousins, too! Total HGTV fan here.)



With this radiant heat system, (instead of forced-air heat typical in homes) you get no registers, no noise or dust from mechanical systems, no air blowing on you (and drying out your skin, which I so hate with my already dry skin) and no cold feet! What you do get is comfort, toasty toes and lower energy bills. I'll admit it, I missed the whole part about lower bills at first because I was too caught up with idea of toasty toes. Warmboard is designed to keep the temperature of your home at that perfect dream level of cozy. The heat is even and adjusts throughout the day automatically so you don't end up with hot or cold spots or needing a hoodie at 10 a.m. but then roasting at 2 p.m.



The heat system comes in especially handy in homes with high ceilings since no air is lost. Warmboard adjusts throughout the day to keep the heat just right so you're not cold or roasting at various times of the day. For those with asthma, the lack of blowing air can help with dust mite and other allergen reduction. I'm really liking the stable temperature aspect since my skin is so dry. We end up with humidifiers around the house, which gets loud, all winter to try to rescue my skin from cracks, bleeding and pain. Let's not forget the awesome design benefits of Warmboard! Since you don't have to worry about vents, ducts and all that other mechanical stuff, there's no having to adjust furniture to avoid it.


How it all works is pretty simple -- the heat from hot water is transferred from tubing beneath the boards to your house. There's a thick aluminum panel over the entire radiant panel to conduct the heat. The design allows lower water temperatures than any other radiant heat systems. You can have it installed in a new home using a combination sub floor and radiant panel. For existing homes, there's another version that installs over existing subfloor or slab. It can even be installed in ceilings or the walls so existing flooring isn't affected. It's all made from recycled metals and wood from sustainable North American forests. The zoning feature lets you heat each room as you need it, quickly and efficiently. It's also made right here in the United States!


Warmboard radiant heat system is now on my "want" list. I keep going back to the vision in my head of the cozy house that's the perfect temperature, warm bathroom floors after a shower, lower electric bills, and no air blowing around gunk or drying out my skin. All while I sit in a comfy chair, curled up with a cup of hot chocolate listening to Christmas music while watching snow fall outside, icicles dangle from the roof, and the snowmen gleam -- nestled in my Warmboard heated house. Care to join me?

Find out more about Warmboard and how to get your home set up.

This post is sponsored by Warmboard. All information is provided by their website. Photos courtesy of Warmboard, except for title image.



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Thursday, November 19, 2015

17 Tips to Avoid Holiday Overspending Regret

Holiday shopping is here again. The wondrous time of year when your wallet takes a big hit and your budget is be blown if you're not careful with holiday spending. For us this year, finances are tighter than ever before so I have to be even more aware of what is being spent. Being a savvy shopper can mean the difference between paying the mortgage and putting food on the table come January or sitting there on New Year's Day saying, "What have I done??" while looking at a mound of credit card bills. Here are 17 easy tips to help you avoid Holiday Overspending Regret Syndrome come the new year. In case you haven't seen it already, check out my Holiday Gift Guide for Kids that is all items $20 and under. It'll help you stay on budget this year, too.


1. Check your budget and savings. 
Take a look at the budget you set earlier this year. (If you didn't set one, here are 7 simple steps so you can next year.) What did you set aside for the holidays, for gifts, food (for any parties, baking and the actual day) decorations, activities, etc.? That's the amount you'll have to start from. If you didn't set a budget, what do you have in savings that you can afford to put toward the holidays?

2. Set a limit for holiday spending, including gifts, stocking stuffers, food, decorations, activities, donations and anything else you usually spend.
Did you save the amount you'd budgeted? Did you already spend some of your budget by buying ahead to save (see farther down in the list for more on this tip)? Did unexpected costs pop up so that maybe you shouldn't spend as much as you'd planned? If you didn't save as much as you thought you would, or if you have bills coming up in the new year you'll need money from, reevaluate how much you have to spend and set a limit for yourself.

If you didn't set a budget, how much have you set aside for the holidays? Factor in any upcoming expenses as well so you can figure out what amount you can really afford.


3. Set a spending limit for each person.
Make a list of all the people you and your family would like to give gifts to this year. Looking at the total spending limit you've set, how much of that do you want to put toward gifts? It's a balance between all the holiday spending categories so if you spend more on gifts, that's less for the celebration category. Once you figure out your total gift amount, figure out what you can afford to spend on each person on your list. You may want to break out a special category for stocking stuffers. Your final numbers should add up to, or come in below, the total you want to spend on gifts.


4. Set a spending limit for celebration spending (i.e. food, decorations, wrapping paper, activities, etc.).
After you figure out gifts, how much of your holiday budget is left? That's your limit for celebration spending. Break it out into all the subcategories you spend on, such as food, decorations, a tree, wrapping paper, any holiday activities, donations you make, etc. Your list is personal to you. If you don't have enough for all your categories, you'll either have to trim some back or take it out of the gift spending.


5. If you can't pay for it right now, don't buy it.
Remember, only buy things you have the money to pay for right now. Don't put it on a credit card and carry a balance, it'll just hurt you in the long run. Lay away is a great option if you need to use it.

6. Shop sales for gifts and food.
Here are some great tips for saving money on food. More are here. As for gifts, it's always best to check out all the sales and get things as cheap as you can, especially as sales are the best around the holidays!



7. Buy ahead.
Speaking of sales -- Don't forget to take advantage of the after-holidays sales to start buying for next year. Decorations, wrapping paper, even gifts can be stored away for next season and you'll pay a fraction of the price. Keep your eyes open throughout the year to grab deals on gifts when you see them. I keep bins in our storage area that I fill with gifts as I pick them up for cheap. When you buy ahead, be sure to subtract it from your holiday budget for next year as you go so you don't end up spending more than you'd planned. Remember number five!


8. Scout flyers. Check online. Comparison shop.
Even if the sale looks good at one store, it may be even better at another. Scout the flyers and online deals to find the best price. Compare, compare, compare!


9. Shop thrifty.
Thrift stores can be a great place to find deals. You'll save money and be doing a favor for the environment by reusing. Many thrift stores benefit a cause as well. Scope out the ones that do so you also end up helping out someone who is in need this season.

10. Make gifts and decorations.
Yes, making gifts can save you money. But, the biggest benefit is that homemade gifts require thought, effort and time store bought ones don't. That means you're give an extra special gift with a whole lot of meaning and love with it. This is also a great option for those loved ones who already seem to have everything. A special homemade goodie basket with a selection of teas and hot chocolates, gifts made by the kids or a knitted blanket are some suggestions. There are plenty of fun home decoration crafts you can make, too! I'll be sharing a wreath tutorial or two in the coming weeks.



11. Want, need, read, wear.
So many of our kids have more than they really need or can use. Sticking to the "want, need, read, wear" rule means each kid gets one gift they want, one they really need, one they can read and one of clothes to wear. Less "stuff" to clutter the house and added savings for you.


12. Take inventory.
What do your kids and spouse already have? What do they really need? What wrapping paper, baking supplies, food and decor is hanging around? If you already have 5 dolls lying around never played with, should you really be getting little Susie another? It's also a great time to dig through toys that aren't played with, kitchen gadgets you don't use and clothes that are no longer being worn so that you can donate them to those in need.


13. Avoid cute, yet pointless, gifts.
That little trinket may look fun or be amusing, but is the person you're going to give it to really going to do anything with it the next day? If you suspect it'll just end up pitched in a drawer or collecting dust somewhere, skip it. You're saving yourself money and the giftee space.

14. Check in with your budget after each purchase and keep lists.
Keep the budget you outlined somewhere you can easily see it so you're less likely to stray. Each time you make a purchase, subtract the amount from the corresponding category. This keeps you accountable and on track so you're not saying, "Wait a minute...I don't remember spending that! Now there's nothing left and I still need to get XYZ!"



15. Take advantage of free activities.
There are so many fun, free activities around the community to do this time of year. You can get creative and have fun at home, too. Check out my list of free activities that'll be up on the blog in the next few weeks to get ideas.


16. Don't be afraid to return. 
If you buy something and it's cheaper a few days or a week later, either at the same store or another, take it back and get the lower price. Factor in the cost of gas to make the return to be sure it's still going to be a savings. Even if a gift has already been wrapped, it can still be exchanged if you unwrap it. Do it carefully so you can reuse the wrapping as the gift will be the same!

17. Remember the meaning of the season.
It isn't the amount of money you spend. It's the time you spend thinking of those you love. It's the memories you build with your loved ones. Those are things you'll remember year to year, not who gave you what gift. Years from now, your kids are going to remember how you sang Christmas carols, baked together, watched holidays movies each night leading up to Christmas, drank hot chocolate while watching the town parade, ate dinner together and enjoyed just being a family. They'll have no clue how many gifts were under the tree, how fancy the dinner was or even what was in those packages.

Happy holidays!

 

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Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Top 15 Items for New Parents

Having two kids in two years, a boy and a girl, I've learned what items are
important to have during the first year. These are items that I use, LOVE, and simply couldn't do without as a mom.

1. KinderGlo portable nightlight
These are awesome. You can get different animals and shapes (elephant, dragon, bear, moon, owl, hippo, T-rex, brontosaurus, and angel) that change colors. It's not too bright or too dim, either. The light-up part comes off the charger base so you can move it around the room at night when changing diapers or doing checks. Or, your child can sleep with it closer to the bed when needed. 

2. American Baby mattress cover
The best mattress cover I've found, and I've tried a bunch. It's plush and soft without being too thick, keeps the bed a bit warmer in winter without being hot in summer, is organic, and holds up well. It actually fits over the mattress to cover the whole thing without having that annoying edge where it's the sides rather than the top covering. I recommend line drying, if you can.

3. Davinci Kalani crib
We've had one of these for each kid, plus my sister has one for her two. It's sturdy, look nice, and don't break the bank. Even better, it converts to a toddler bed, day bed, then full-size bed. M2 has jumped up and down on hers endlessly and it still stands without issue.

4. Emily mattress by Davinci
The mattress works perfectly with the Davinci cribs. Without being too pricey, it's good quality with an infant and toddler side.

5. Graco changing table
I know some people say to skip the changing table, but I love it. It's so much easier than bending over a bed or crib, plus it offers extra storage. When B is older, we're going to turn his into a bookcase. The Graco ones are stylish, sturdy, and affordable.

6. Playtex ventaire bottles-- 6 oz. and 9 oz.
I'm not a fan of the glass bottles that are heavy, hard to transport, expensive, and could break. We've used these for both kids, as have a number of family members. The new design has made them even better. Just be sure to hand wash (as you should with all baby items anyway). B has reflux and these bottles work great for him. You can even get a starter gift set.

7. Graco swing and bouncer
The three-in-one swings are AMAZING. Since it plugs in, you don't have to worry about going through tons of batteries. It can be used as a swing, swing and vibrating seat, vibrating/bouncy seat, or just bouncy seat. Really, a four-in-one. M2 and B both have loved it. We've had the same one for both.

8. Graco travel system
I love, love, love our travel system. We got it for M2 and are now using it for B. For me, it's easiest to be able to take the car seat in and out, rather than baby when they're so little. Being able to snap it right into the stroller comes in handy, too. You can also get just the car seat or just a stroller. Graco strollers I found to be the sturdiest, easiest to put up and collapse, easiest to maneuver, and best bang for your buck. Even at 8 months pregnant, I could still easily fold and pick it up. We're using M2's for B now and it still looks brand new.

9. Britax Boulevard convertible car seat
This seat is consistently rated as one of the safest out there. It fits easily in our sedans. M2 finds it really comfy. You can use it for infant all the way up to front facing. If you don't want to have to get an infant seat then convertible, you can just get this one from the start.

10. ERGO baby carrier
I love, love, love our ERGO. It's easy to put on, doesn't hurt by back or shoulders at all, feels supported, and supports baby ergonomically.

11. Medela Lanolin
Lanolin is a must for breast feeding. It's also great for diaper rashes since it's gentle and natural. The Medela brand is my favorite as it's not overly thick and hard to use like many other kinds. It's nice and smooth, ready to use.

12. Huggies Little Snugglers, Pampers Swaddlers, Pampers Baby Dry or Luvs diapers
These are the best diapers for babies. I like the Huggies and Pampers ones equally for wee babies and go by which is cheaper. When baby is crawling, I go for Luvs or Pampers Baby Dry over the others. The Baby Dry ones can take you from newborn to walking. They're equally soft, absorbent, and even have cute characters on them. The wetness indicator lines come in handy with small babies. Start out with some size newborn and some size 1. Amazon subscribe and save combined with Amazon Mom saves you even more on these brands. Check for coupons on the listings as well, there's often the option to clip and save. I have yet to find cheaper in store, even with coupons.

13. Huggies Wipes
So many wipes rip, aren't big enough, wet enough, or thick enough. Huggies are great and you can get them for even cheaper than some store brands when you use Amazon Mom.

14. Baby Oil
Baby oil is perfect for getting the icky cradle cap off of baby. Put some on during bath time, comb over it repeatedly and gently until it comes off, then wash baby's hair twice to get the oil out.

15. Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
We have two of these, one for each kid. Whenever the kids get a cold or cough, the humidifier gets pulled out and put to use. The Crane ones are adorable and fun. They hold enough to run all night, even on high, doesn't leak, has a good out put, isn't huge, and is easy to clean. There are lots of cute ones to pick from -- elephant, tiger, penguin, owl, frog, cow, pig, monkey, duck, panda, Hello Kitty, dragon, hippo, and dog.

Don't forget
Amazon offers a baby registry where you can add items from any store online. It helps keep everything together on one list rather than having to have so many different ones to keep track of (and your gift givers to get confused by). Amazon even offers a completion discount of 10 percent, 15 percent if you have Prime.

Sign up for Amazon Mom for lots of monthly savings on diapers and wipes. Get a free 30 day trial.



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