The View from our Nest: Quality, Simpilcity, and Savings

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Quality, Simpilcity, and Savings

As you know I like to save money! I get a thrill out of great deals. I am pretty loyal to products that are a blend of quality and value. I even am willing to pay more on products that really impress me. For example, I drive an hour round trip a few times a year for DELICIOUS Amish doughnuts (and I am not a huge doughnut fan, but there are that good and worth the drive).

Recently I tried to skimp and save money on our garage bags. NOT a good idea. I think I have tried this before and it has never worked in my favor. The bags (pictured above) were advertised as earth-friendly and were not expensive- too things that drew me to purchase them. But, they are NOT sturdy and rip easily (probably why they are earth friendly because they decompose quickly). Hubby and I agreed not to buy these again. I am going to bite the bullet and buy the sturdy ones, with the built-in drawstrings, and maybe even the vanilla scent- no more (stinky) trash spilling on us!

I am sure many of you already do this, but I love Target's dollar bins. The kids and I found fun party invites, thank you cards, favors, and goody bags there a few weeks ago. The kids were excited to pick them out and I was excited about the price. We also look in the bins this time of year because they usually have classic paperback books (for $1 each) that we get for school. This year we found Wizard of Oz, and Alice In Wonderland. A great way to add to your home library without having to worry about losing library books or having to read and return them within a few weeks. Don't get me wrong, I like going to the library (and especially enjoy summer reading programs) but sometimes spending a few dollars on books is worth avoiding the hassle and gas of going to the library. I also like shopping for books at garage sales and Goodwill too.

Michael's also has $1 and low-priced bins that we often find treasures in too.

I have done extravagant birthday parties before, and while everyone should do at least one (and then you most likely will realize you don't want to do it again), I have learned (I think) that simple is better. This year for youngest's 4th birthday we had some friends over (a reasonable amount) and ate a homemade cake (you can save a bundle by decorating with things you have on hand already- toy cars, stickers on toothpicks, Oreo's (okay we almost never have these on hand, but I have bought them a few times to use for cake decorating), coconut (easy to dye and turn into things like grass, fur, etc.) I bought the cake mix (had coupons and it saves on hassle) and frosting (we dyed it the color we wanted). We opened presents and the kids played on the slip 'n slide and sprinkler. Less than two hours and the party was done. It was so nice, simple and fun. Usually I am stressed out ahead of time (oh yeah Sister L was there to help- enlist a helper- this lowers stress for sure)!

I am sure you are all familiar with Goodwill and Salvation Army stores and the great deals that are waiting to be discovered there. We went to our local store yesterday and were thrilled when Hubby found these brand new looking Teva sandals for $6! A few tips when thrift shopping...take your time and donate. If you have a few hours then you can dig through and find the treasures. Also, if you donate at our Goodwill (prior to your shopping trip) you get a 20% off coupon for most merchandise. We also found a new crockpot there and a grill set that we needed; so fun to treasure hunt. We aren't always so successful, but when you are it sure pays off.

Lastly, I have mentioned Paper Coterie before (thank you Mom Creative on the introduction) and I am pleased as punch with this Father's Day book from them. They often offer great deals on their products (which can be pricey), but the quality is great! Hubby said this is his favorite gift ever from the kiddos. The book was already done, we just had to drop pictures in and then they kids answered questions about Dad. The book has many more pages, here are just a few of the highlights.