Saving Money

10+ Weekend Frugal Finds for Busy Moms

I love free stuff. That’s actually how this blog started out… When I found out that I was pregnant, I started looking for tips on stretching my budget farther, which led me to the world of super smart blogs written by super clever moms. I learned that there were tons of ways to earn money from home, shop online for free, and get free stuff. Between requesting samples of cool new products and winning a lot of fun giveaways, checking my mailbox started to feel like Christmas every day!

When I lost my job right after having Abby, I decided that I’d share some of the cool tips that I’d learned – in addition to the freebies, I’d also become a master at the whole, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without” type of lifestyle. We grow our own fruits and veggies, do a lot of canning and freezing, clip coupons, and love DIY. So I started Sunshine and Sippy Cups as a way to share all of that fun stuff! So I’ve decided that on the weekends, as I go through my emails and find cool free stuff and frugal ideas, I’ll share my favorites in a list with you ladies too. Welcome to the first edition of Frugal Finds for Busy Moms :)

Frugal Finds for Busy Moms

Free LeapPad apps: When you log in to your online LeapFrog account, look for a button on the left side that says “redeem codes” – then enter these two codes, and you’ll get the apps, totally free! Abby adores the Alphabet one. Alphabet Stew – Regular Price $7.50 – FREE with Code 5813-0790-4610-4973, and The Book of Super Awesome Stuff – Regular Price $7.50 with Code 5813-1140-1518-1413. [Read more…]

Posted by Meagan Paullin on September 21, 2013 Filed Under: Frugal Living | No Comments

How to Save Up to $1 a Gallon on Gas

Did you know… Not only does Safeway give you a ton of simple ways to earn discounts on gas with their fuel rewards program – but they’re now making it even easier to use them. Since not all stores have a fuel station, you can now use the gas discounts that you use at participating Chevron and Texaco stations too! {And if you’re not familiar with the Safeway fuel rewards program yet – keep reading, and I’ll explain it all to ya – it’s easy peasy!}

[Read more…]

Posted by Meagan Paullin on August 9, 2013 Filed Under: Busy Mom Solution | 21 Comments

Stop Wasting Money on Smartphone Service Right Now

Want to stop wasting money on cell phone service?… We all love our smartphones. I couldn’t LIVE without my new Windows phone – I use it to make lists, build my calendar, give the kids games to play while waiting in line at the grocery store, keep up with friends, check email – almost every part of my day is connected to that phone. And, one of my favorite things about my Windows phone is the way that I can personalize and customize it EXACTLY the way I want it. So it makes sense that I would want a cell phone service that lets me do the same thing, right? I don’t want to pay for extra services that I don’t need – what a waste!

[Read more…]

Fashionista on a Budget – 10 Ways to Save Big on Clothing and Accessories for Moms and Kids

“What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.” – Miuccia Prada… Sure, fashion can seem silly to some people. But we all know that what you wear can really change your mood. In a cute dress and strappy heels I carry myself differently, and have a fun boost of confidence. When I’m in yoga pants and a loose tee, I feel comfy and cozy. So I’ve always loved fashion, and the way it can totally transform my day. But, as a mom on a tight budget, I’m all about AFFORDABLE fashion for families! So, today I want to share a few awesome sites that I use to get designer clothing and accessories, for my whole family, at super discounted prices. And when you partner them with sites and cards that give you cash back on your online purchases too – well, there’s not much better than that! I’ll start with kiddo stuff, and move towards grown up gear – check it out, yo:

Great deals on kids outfits – FabKids.com – I love, love, LOVE this site. It helps take the guesswork out of shopping for little girls – To get started, just sign up for a free account, and then answer a few questions about your little one, and what types of styles you’re looking for. Then you get personalized recommendations like the ones above {no surprise that they suggest the adorable U R My Sunshine collection for us, right?} – and the option to buy the full outfit at a discount, and often a freebie piece or two. Extra bonus? Get $20 in FREE credit to use on their site, every time you refer a friend who joins you there! Sign up today, and get 50% off of your first outfit, or Buy One Outfit Get One Free, your choice :) – {not sure how long that will last?}

[Read more…]

Posted by Meagan Paullin on March 4, 2013 Filed Under: Shopping, Deals and Coupon Codes, Fashion | 17 Comments

Why Women Aren’t Good With Money…

Wooo boy! Did you click through to this post, just because you read that headline, and wanted to prove me wrong? Well – I hope you can. Because I consider myself to be very good with money – I’m a frugal mom, grew up in poverty, and learned a lot of creative ways to stretch a dollar from my own mom. But still – studies have been showing lately that while many women are great at making those dollars in the family budget go farther by doing things like clipping coupons, searching for deals, and doing DIY projects – women are seldom as skilled at handling their financial life when it comes to “big picture” stuff like retirement, investments, or college savings. Which means – I definitely don’t think that all women are bad with money, that women can’t be good with money, or that we’re somehow not smart enough to handle it all. But I do think it’s an area where most women can use some new info, some extra help, and some tips to make them more independent. So ladies – let’s chat.

[Read more…]

Posted by Meagan Paullin on February 19, 2013 Filed Under: Busy Mom Solution | 2 Comments

Shrink Your Grocery Bill Today with this Smart Idea

“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” – Tony Robbins… This is such a great quote, and while it is relevant to every area of life, it’s especially right-on when it comes to your finances. I know so many women who say they just “don’t get” finances, that following a budget is too restrictive, or that they don’t know how to save more. Well ladies, I’ve got some tips to share today that will help you save a ton of money, with very little time or effort. Sound too good to be true? Well, it’s not. Pinky promise.

[Read more…]

Posted by Meagan Paullin on February 7, 2013 Filed Under: Busy Mom Solution | 1 Comment

How to Blend Functionality and Fabulousness for Fantastic Savings

Fab exists for one simple reason: To make you smile…. Sounds good already, right? Well, it’s going to get even better, so hold on to your handbags, fashionista mommas….

[Read more…]