Frugal Money Saving Gift - Monkey Diaper Cake

I love diaper cakes. I received 3 when I was expecting Princess Peanut and each one was amazing in their own unique way. I've always been a master of a glue gun and have been crafting since I was a wee child. I like to put those skills to use as often as I can. I've made wonderful fleece blankets for Christmas, designed and crafted centerpieces for our wedding, and many other things to save a buck or two. Two of our dearest friends are expecting and I recently put together an amazing gift to serve as the centerpiece for their shower I am hosting. I bought a majority of the items I used at Ross Dress for Less.  I also used coupons that I had laying around for the diapers. The ribbon was purchase from the craft section at Walmart, I usually purchase all of my crafting items there.

This particular diaper cake used about 150 diapers in both size 1 and 2. I used storebrand diapers for the center of the cake and premium diapers for the outside ring. All the items combined cost about $70.00 and you may not consider that frugal. If you were to purchase a diaper cake of this caliber from online or at a boutique you would be paying well over $100.00.

I used the following items in the cake seen here:

2 packs of Gerber burp cloths- $1.99

1 12 pack baby wash cloths- $3.99

1 3 pack bibs $4.99

1 3 pack socks - $2.99

1 pack of travel size baby lotions, shampoo, etc. - $2.77

1 pack size 2 store brand (generic) - 50 pack, $5.77

1 pack size 1 premium diapers - 42 pack, $11.00 with coupon

1 pack size 2 premium diapers - 38 pack $11.00 with coupon

1 spool brown satin ribbon - $1.99

1 4 pack receiving blankets - $14.99 (only item purchased from registry)

1 onsie - $1.99

1 stuffed monkey - 4.99

1 pack of two pacifiers - $1.00

The cardboard "cake" plate I cut out of a cardboard box so that was free, the ribbons I used to tie the diapers and secure the ribbon was curling ribbon, and was purchased from Dollar Tree (Obviously for 1 dollar).  I had the basic ideas for the cake and watched a few instuctional videos on youtube. I found the cake to be prettier when you put the items on the inside of the cake rather than hanging from the outside.

I also made this pink and green diaper cake for friends of ours that are having twin girls! It wasn't quite as big and I didn't use premium diapers on this one, but I think it is just as beautiful!

My Fantastic Thrift Store Finds

Ahhhh.... how I love the times that I go into one of my favorite thrift stores and walk out with a bag full of wonderful items for a incredible bargain!

I ventured over to such a place today. It is on the opposite side of town so I rarely get to go, so I am always hoping that the thrift store gods are with me when I do. Let me tell you they were in full force today! Princess Peanut and I scored! Of course everything we got was in near new condition, and in current style! Of course I would never accept anything less!

For a mere $80.00 I got a Winter sweater wardrobe and Princess Peanut got several sleepers and outfits!

Mommy got these 8 Items:

1 black cardigan sweater - Banana Republic

1 white cardigan sweater - Banana Republic

1 black & white striped cardigan - Ann Taylor Loft

1 grey and white striped sweater - Banana Republic

1 white casual sweater coat - Simply Vera Wang

1 black boat neck sweater - Ann Taylor

1 cream cable sweater - Old Navy

1 blue long sleeved hoodie - Old Navy

Princess Peanut got 9 items:

1 red corduroy jumper - Gymboree

1 pink polka dot sleeper - Old Navy

1 purple striped sleeper - Carters

1 pink corduroy dress - Mini Boden

1 white sweater shrug - Cherokee

1 black and white star shirt - Circo

1 pink animal sleeper - Baby Gap

1 green bee sleeper - Gymboree

1 pink flower sleeper - R.E.I.

All in all we got 17 items for $80.00, that is $4.70 a item! Wow! You couldn't even buy a t-shirt at Walmart for that. I know some people are "ooky" about used items. I ask those folks to state a legitimate reason why. Ever heard of soap? How do you think hospital and hotel linens are cleaned? If they still steer away from thrifty finds then I say "More for Me"!

Easy and Fast Tomato Bisque

We've got about 2 feet of snow where I live since last night and it's freezing outside, definitely making for a perfect soup day! There has always been something about tomato soup and snow days that really makes me happy. These days I like to take your standard condensed tomato soup and turn it up a notch. By adding a few additional ingredients you can have a soup that is a little more sophisticated and grownup but still satisfies the way it did when you were a kid! For around $4.00 you will get about 4 servings. Note: Prices are based on my local supermarket's offerings.

2 cans condensed tomato soup - $1.78

1 1/2 cans milk – appox. $.50

1/2 can water

1 can diced tomatoes $1.29

1 teaspoon dried basil to taste

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – approx. $.50

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and stir well. Bring to boil on medium- high. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. I told you it was fast!

I serve my tomato bisque with toasted ciabatta croutons. To make croutons slice 1 ciabatta roll into slices about 1" thick and top with fresh grated parmesan. Toast in toaster oven until golden brown and parmesan begins to bubble. Cool and cut into cubes. Add croutons to soup before serving. Top soup with additional grated parmesan cheese. Note: My local grocery stores sells 6 ciabatta rolls for $2.79 or about $.47 each.

Frugalista Confession #1

I don't always stick to my guns and buy frugally. Sometimes I buy items that are considered a splurge. In doing so I try to ensure that such items are well worth the money! Items that you use daily like shoes, purses, and coats should be well made and versatile. This allows you to have more wiggle room in the the other areas of your wardrobe. By mixing items that are well made with thrifty finds you save money but don't look like you did!

My daily commute includes several walks to and from my office. I splurge on good shoes that don't pinch. I also like to buy well made coats that can withstand the elements and allow me to still look professional. Most people would never know that my pants were purchased at Target if I have a nice pair of (discounted) nice Nine West shoes (purchased at an outlet store).

I work in a very competitive environment/industry and a professional wardrobe is a necessity. A lot of worthy finds have come from thrift stores and clearance racks. Again, I purchase quality items that will last a long time rather than trendy cheap items that will be out by next season. Black shoes, black pants, and white dress shirts can be worn at anytime with a few accessories if you know how to buy those items to last.

Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup

My sister lives in Northern Colorado in the center of the agricultural region. She went to a working farm and collected red potatoes (for an incredible bargain!) and was sweet enough to share with us. It started to snow today and I always seem to want to use the Crockpot when the weather begins to cool! This wonderful recipe yields 12 hearty servings at approximately $12.00. You can enjoy on a cold day and have leftovers for a few lunches, it also freezes really well!

5 medium red potatoes, cubed

5 medium carrots, peeled and sliced – approx. $1.20

1 medium onion, sliced – approx. $1.00

2 pounds stew meat - $5.99

3 beef bullion cubes

6 cups of water

1 12oz canned diced tomatoes - $1.49

1 small head of cabbage, chopped $1.00

1 12oz bag frozen corn - $1.00 , on sale

Brown meat in skillet, remove and place in Crockpot. Add 2 cups of water and bullion cubes to the pan drippings and bring to a boil Reduce heat and stir. Simmer until bullion cubes are dissolved. Layer onions, potatoes, and carrots on top of meat. I use the layering technique when I use my Crockpot to ensure the vegetables that take longer cook (like potatoes and carrots) cook thoroughly. It also ensures that you don’t end up with soggy cabbage. Add can of tomatoes, bullion mixture, and additional 4 cups of water. Finish with cabbage and cook undisturbed for 5 hours on high. Stir and add corn in final 1 hour of cooking. I love to serve with toasted slices of fresh French bread and butter.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

I’m famous in my circle of friends for my spinach artichoke dip. I am always asked to take it to gatherings and I am always happy to oblige. Why? Mainly because we buy the artichoke hearts in a 65 oz jar at Costco and it’s a cinch to make! The artichoke hearts are fantastic in a variety of recipes and last for a very long time; the entire jar costs about $12.00!

I took this to pumpkin carving party today and it only cost me about $5.00. I also picked up the bag of baguettes for about $2.00, but I still managed to stay around $7.00 for a fantastic dip that is always a hit!

1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach -$1.00

1 cup canned artichoke hearts, roughly chopped - approx $1.50

½ medium yellow onion, chopped – approx. $.50

1/2 cup mayonnaise - approx. $.50

1/2 cup sour cream – approx. $.50

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan – approx. $1.00

1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar

2 teaspoons chopped garlic (2 cloves)

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon olive oil

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Sauté onions and chopped garlic in olive oil until onions begin to soften. Add balsamic vinegar and continue cooking until onions begin to caramelize. Heat the spinach in a microwave oven on high for 5 minutes and squeeze dry. Drain the artichoke hearts and coarsely chop in a food processor.

Add artichokes, spinach, and red pepper flakes to onions and garlic and stir until fully incorporated. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Combine all the ingredients. Stir well. Scrape into the prepared casserole dish and add additional grated Parmesan. Bake for 30 minutes.  Serve with toasted baguettes or corn chips.

Take the Time At the Register... and Get the Club Card!!

I'm pretty sure I have signed up for just about every store club card there is, (well at least at the stores that I shop at)!  Of course, as a result I'm on just about on every junk mail list there is! Why am I happy about this you ask? Coupons! I get coupons for almost every business that I frequent. What do I do with the rest of the junk? I recycle them of course! Ulta sends me coupons every few weeks or so, usually for $3.50 off a purchase of $10.00. I regularly get emails from Borders with a 30% off 1 item offer. Do I carry cards? No way! I have way too many things to carry around with me. I just give my phone number at the cashier.

I know there are people out there who do not want companies to be privy to their shopping habits and private information. Yet, the more companies that know about their customers (especially their buying habits) the better they can tailor their business to the consumer.

I know that some buyer cards accumulate points and expire after a certain time period.. completely lame! Even if I am not sure if I will frequent a store I usually sign up for the card just in case they send out one of those "members only" offers. So next time you are asked at the register to sign up do take the couple of minutes and sign up, it could save you more than you think!