Simple Birthday Party

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As I was planning my sons birthday party recently it got me thinking about how much parties have changed. What did everyone do before we had party venues such as 'jumping places', 'amusement parks' or parties like 'paint your own ceramics' or 'cooking camp parties'? When did everything get so complicated and pricey? Growing up I remember my parties and ones I attended...they were always a blast despite the fact that they were at someone's house. Sure there was an occasional skating party, but for the most part it consisted of games, cake, gifts and maybe a goodie bag. I never felt I was missing anything as a kid. I only had fun! I just wonder if maybe we feel the need to 'entertain' the kids at a party because the pace of life has changed, and what used to entertain doesn't anymore, everyone wants bigger and better everything. I still think children can have a good time at a simple party if you put some thought into it. Plan a couple of games, add a fun theme, throw in a cake and you will have some happy kids.

Any ideas on how you simplify?

Personal Art

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Need art to hang on your wall? Some friends of ours just moved into their new home and had lots of bare walls to cover. So to solve her problem yet add some very personal style, she recruited some very talented artists...her nieces and nephews all school age kiddos. She bought several canvases plus paint and they went at it. The end result was authentic works of art! Some had flowers, abstract shapes, splatters and even handprints. This clever and cost effective idea added a very personal touch to their home.

No More Store Bought Cards

Its often said people like handmade gifts and greetings. Well after paying $4 or more for a card that someone looks at once then pitches, I tend to agree, why not save money and make the card special just by adding a little extra thought.

There are so many options to add flare to your card, here are just a few ideas I have tried.

Laundry Savings

About a year ago we started researching cost saving options for various items we use at home. I had heard you could make your own laundry detergent, but it seemed like too much of a pain, so I never bothered. That all changed whenever I heard how you could save quite a bit of money and use less harsh chemicals by going this homemade route. So how do you make it? It only takes 3 ingredients, and you can find them at the grocery store.

Big Grocery Savings!!

For the past couple of weeks we have been shopping at JoV's Smart Shop which is on 290 near 43rd in NW Houston. We had heard that it was less expensive than other stores we shop at, but to be honest, I never wanted to drive that far. Well, after several weeks...we are hooked! The really cool thing is that all the products are Hill Country Fare Brand (HEB) so its stuff we normally buy anyway.  Don't get me wrong the HEB that we frequent is more pleasure than chore but like everyone else we are trying to save money. So how much have we saved...we average $80-$100 instead of $140 a week and I don't have to cut coupons!!! You should try it sometime you won't be disappointed. source

Shout out to Honda!

I just had to take the time to give a shout out to Honda! This weekend we drove all over the Texas hill country and got awesome gas milage.  My husband suspected we had gotten decent gas mileage but didn't know for sure till we filled up.  After he hopped back in the car we added it up and were THRILLED to see 38.456 miles to the gallon! We must say that having our little Civic is one the best parts of our weekend getaways, and the gas savings actually make our trips more possible! GO HONDA GO HONDA! source