You don’t need to have considered adoption to know that international adoptions are incredibly expensive. What most people don’t know is how those tens of thousands of dollars are distributed. Something I have learned on our adoption journey is that the cost of adoption is not typically due to money hungry villains who are taking advantage of men and women who desperately long to be called “Mommy” and “Daddy.” Since all of you have learned I am not private about anything, I thought I would outline the costs of our adoption for the curious. Long before adoption was ever on my mind as a real possibility, I was curious about why adoptions are so expensive.
(more…)
Last Friday I shared my grocery shopping philosophy and I wanted to know how you shopped and budgeted for groceries. We had a great discussion in the comments.
Amelia asked if everyone includes household items like cleaning supplies and diapers in your grocery budget. Most everyone that commented does include all household items in the grocery budget. There was also a discussion on whether or not gas should be included. I like to keep our gas separate, so I can track my spending better.
Heidi asked if anyone had any experience using a Food Saver (a vacuum sealing kit). Trina thinks that as long as you put the effort behind it and remember what you have in the freezer then they really do save you money.
How much should you spend on groceries?
(more…)
Now that I am a stay-at-home-mom and I don’t generate a paycheck anymore, I feel like the way I contribute financially to my family is by managing the budget. The biggest budget items that I have control over is our Grocery and Dining spending.
Before I go to the grocery store I create a list, because I will completely forget it all while I am constantly trying to keep my toddler entertained and seated in the cart. To make my grocery list I first check the sale ads online. Then from there I think up 4 to 5 meals based on what is on sale, what we already have on hand, and what we feel like eating. Then I make sure that any ingredients I need are on the list.
(more…)
Okay, I know times are tough (are you tired of hearing that?) and we are all looking for ways to be frugal and save money. I have come across a few things that I love so I thought I’d share–from one mom to another 
.
(more…)
Due to some serious writer’s block, I have decided to share with you some of my favorite blogs that I read. If you’re looking for a new blog to add to your google reader, you can check some of these out.
Adventures of Homeschooling Noah
- Beverly is a great mom who blogs all about homeschooling her son, Noah, who has Down syndrome. She shares the coolest ideas on how to teach your child. The resources she finds are great for any parent who is looking for a fun craft or activity to do with their child! Noah is also exceptionally cute and I just love any excuse to see his cute face! (more…)
