When you live in northern Minnesota, you know that winter is inevitable. With winter comes extra expenses. Heating bills, new winter clothing and the holiday season all battle for our hard-earned cash. You'll save money and start the season more relaxed when you follow these frugal ways to get ready for winter. … [Read more...]
I enjoy this time of year. The main thrust of the holiday chaos is done and now I can bask in a sense of accomplishment and sleep off my sugar coma. I also enjoy it because with the extra time to relax, I'm able to regroup for the new year. Today I want to share with you posts from post-holidays past. I hope they offer you some inspiration and act as your guide to after the holidays. … [Read more...]
When you live in northern Minnesota, staying warm in the winter is a top priority. A good pair of winter boots is a necessity. I've learned a few tricks to making shopping for kids winter boots easier over the last decade with my three boys. If you follow this system for shopping for kids winter boots, you'll find great quality boots, save time in the store, and save money, too. … [Read more...]
We might still be in the heart of winter, but that doesn't mean you have to pay full price for winter clothing! Many stores are starting their winter clothing clearance sales, which means now is a great time to replace a worn-out pair of gloves or to buy the kids new winter coats for next year. At my local Target and Walmart stores, I've seen anywhere from 50 to 75 percent off retail prices on items like sweaters, winter coats, snow pants, hats, gloves, scarves, and slippers. Similar … [Read more...]
I had the best of intentions when I wrote "ice projects" on my calendar this month. I had planned to find a couple of great ideas on Pinterest, try them myself and share the results in a post. Well, life is what happens when you're busy making other plans. Things got busy, I realized that I still hadn't done the projects, and so I set out to try a couple of ice creations on Tuesday. My goal was to create some ice globes and some ice luminaries. Just one little problem: It hasn't been … [Read more...]
The winter months are the biggest budget busters around. It's cold out. You're bored. It's dark most of the time. There is temptation to shop everywhere. Everyone wants to get together - and spend money. It's enough to crush the budget of even the most savvy saver. Today I've got a few big ways you can save money this winter. And the best part? They don't cost much at all! Set a realistic budget for the holidays. It is easy to overspend with all of the deals out there during the … [Read more...]
Each year we get a light dusting of snow in the fall that reminds us that winter is just around the corner. That first dusting of snow is a sign it's time to do a winter clothing inventory. When you live in rural northern Minnesota, you really can't hesitate to flesh out your winter wardrobe. If you wait, not only will you pay full price, but you'll have a very limited selection to choose from. And since kids play outside at recess as long as the temp is above 0º F, you need to be ready … [Read more...]