Ok, let's read pages 21 through 50. It seems like we will jump around within those pages and read the articles that we can use. So you don't have to read every page. For example I won't read about the formula as I don't have a baby and am not planning on one. (and if i was it would be breastmilk anyway!!)

So, read what you will within those pages and let's chat about it.

Ok, who's read this week?

I've only read a bit but there were somethings that have helped me.

I especially like the section on pg 31 about getting a bargain every time. I think this is an important mentality. My mantra is never, ever pay full price for anything. Getting a sale at the thrift store is even better. Getting it free is best!!!

So what types of items can you anticipate needing? Off the top of my head I can think of: Next years' school clothes, Christmas presents, halloween costumes, bday presents, etc.

I think being mindful, and even writing them down on a 3X5 card than can fit in your wallet as a reminder of the things we need in the future, will help us prevent last minute overspending.

Many blessings to each of you this year. May we all grow by leaps and bounds in our frugal journey!

Birthday/christmas gifts are one that I can totally antisipate and often do. I started working on their Christmas doll house in Oct, and the train table I started FEB of last year. lol! For their birthday last year I made them the play kitchen and traded for all of the wooden food, and other items and then asked others to bring things that would work with the kitchen. That worked out great.

Birthday cards are one I am starting to antisipate too. I have all my friends written down in a book by month, and then get cards or make cards once a month with the kids, and then give them out. I don't send Christmas cards, because I think birthday cards are more personal... so I like sending those, and then one update per year to everyone.... most of the time in July with the kids b-days.

My trouble is now finding things that I want people to bring into my home. I feel like I have come so far with the clutter thing, and I don't like the fact that twice a year I feel as though I go backwards due to birthdays and christmas gifts. I have sort of decided that I will pick a "set" of something for each of them that people can buy things for, or say that GC would be great... or donations to cherities, anything that does not put unwanted clutter into my house.

Love Val