Practical Post: A Mop

So, a couple weeks ago, my best girlfriend (Mom) told me she ran out of Swiffer refills and pads.  I used the Swiffer for years and loved it...but, let's face it, all those refills add up to a lot of money.  Even when you buy at Sam's.  That's why I switched.

A couple of years ago, another lovely lady in my life (Lorene G.) gave me one of her mops that she purchased from QVC.  I used it, and decided I needed one. When I ordered mine, it came with two mops...so, I recently gave one to my Mom to replace her Swiffer.  I think she's hooked, too.  :)

On this mop, the microfiber pad comes off, just like the Swiffer...but instead of throwing it away, you throw it in the washer and use it over and over.  And...you also don't have to buy a high-priced bottle of cleaner...I use Pine Sol just because I love the smell.  Use whatever suits your needs best.

Best of all, the mop with 3 pads is $14.96 + $5.97 shipping.  This is one item I will never replace.

Try it here, and let me know what you think.

Old School Frugalista

2003 – 2009…Seth and I are thankful that have been blessed to have three wonderful children to raise.  We made the decision in early 2003 that I would stay home and take care of our children, and the Lord has blessed that decision.  It’s never been easy to buy groceries, clothing, and everything else that comes with our growing family, but we’ve somehow done it.  And with no credit card debt to this point in our life.  I am now entering into my 7th year of being a stay at home Mom, and I have become a pro at finding good deals and taking advantage when I find them.  (Read about some of the ways our family saves here.)  I clip coupons, look for sales, buy in bulk, and stay connected to many money-saving blogs on my RSS feed.  (Including ClippingMakesCents, MoneySavingMom, and The Simple Dollar.)  

…(I should stop here and say…Not that I don't occasionally splurge...believe me, I do…and I am really trying hard not to do that as often as I used to.  But sometimes…those kids clothes are just too cute to pass up!  :)…

In a way, I find it rewarding to know that even though I am not bringing money into the budget, I try to be frugal in a way that makes our life a little less stressful.  It’s kind of my job, and I try to do it well.

At the present…Our nation is technically coming out of a recession, but our bank accounts have yet to show this as true.  But saving money and cutting costs seems to be a growing trend across the board in American homes.  And guess what I saw on a commercial yesterday…Target’s “frugalista” girls showing how to be fashionable on a budget.  Whaaaa??  Did they really say “frugalista”??

  

So…what?  It’s now cool to be on a budget?  Awesome!  Finally, a trend I can be a part of!

And skirts are “in,” so I may just be the coolest Mommy on the block…the verdict is still out on that one.  :)

Boys...Gotta Love 'Em!

This past weekend was one of the most fun weekends I've ever had.  Really.

I have to say that I spend a good part of last week dreading it.  But, nevertheless, it turned out to be quite fun.  Max turned 5, and had three of his best buddies spend the night with him.  Yes...4 boys under one roof.  And it was fun!

Let me tell you, these boys were great!  They played, ate cake, jumped on the trampoline, fought with light sabers, and not a tear was shed.  They played until they couldn't play anymore, then they went to bed.  (10:30 people...not 1 a.m. like the girls!)  And they got up the next morning to play some more...at 7:30.  Are you kidding me?  How did I get off so easily?

I expected injuries, tattle-telling, throwing things...but that's not even close to what happened.  These boys really surprised me!

And I'm thankful I lived to tell you about it.  :)