Gone are the days of Target fashions and generic clothing. The teen and tween want Justice, Aeropostale, and whatever hot fashion happens to appear in Seventeen magazine this month. And, I get it. I remember desperately trying to fit in during my own a…
{The New Home Ec} Mother’s Day Gifts for the Frugal Mom
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to find the perfect gift for the moms in your life. For some of us, though, it’s hard to accept gifts when we know what the family budget looks like. This year, skip buying her expen…
{The New Home Ec} Free Alternatives to Public School
Whether you are choosing a kindergarten for the first time or moving onto a new middle school or high school, there is no decision more difficult — and more important — than your child’s education. When my oldest was in kindergarten, I never …
{The New Home Ec} 9 Ways to Save Money at the Movies
I just love movies. I can have entire conversations in movie quotes. Our DVD collection spans 8 shelves on 2 walls. And, the theater? Oh, how I love it! I have been twice in the last week and would gladly go again if anyone else needs a date for The Hu…
{The New Home Ec} Planning Our Non-Vacation
A family vacation is just not in the budget this year. Sometimes, even a staycation just doesn’t cut it. That’s why we’ve found something in between. The day trip. [Continue
{The New Home Ec} The Gift Closet: Always Ready for Last-minute Gifts
Last week, the girls were invited to a spur-of-the-moment birthday party. It’s been so unseasonably warm that they decided to have a last-minute outdoor event. It’s our 5th birthday party so far this school year, and we found ourselves head…
{The New Home Ec} If I Win the Mega Millions, I’m Not Telling My Kids
With the Mega Millions lottery at an all-time world record — $540 million — even I got sucked in. As soon as I found out that you can, in fact, buy Mega Millions tickets in Indiana, I bought some for tonight’s drawing. But I didn̵…
{The New Home Ec} The Play Clothes Drawer
Now that spring is here, the grass is green, the flowers are blooming, and the weather has been completely perfect. My girls have been playing outside practically nonstop for weeks. That means grass stains, muddy hands, and dirty clothes. Every day. Wh…
{The New Home Ec} 8 Places to Buy & Sell Kids’ Sports Equipment
Softball season has officially begun. With two girls playing this season, we have practices 4 days per week and will have 2-3 games each week, starting in April. This is on top of their Scout meetings and activities, but two each is where I draw the li…
{The New Home Ec} Grocery Shopping with Kids Made Easy
Grocery shopping with kids can be a tricky — and expensive — outing. There are a lot of advantages to shopping with kids — teaching kids about money, colors, and food, for starters. I personally prefer to go it alone, but sometimes it…