Cover up that Ugly Car Seat!

Machine-Washable Infant/Toddler Car Seat Covers

Every parent knows that car seats are not cheap.  And they aren't exactly the type of item you can grab off of Craigslist or a hand-me-down from a random cousin who had a baby 10 years ago.  But there is a way to turn those drab, boring, car seats into a darling ride for baby #2 to save money. Car seat covers!  When you are ready for baby #2 you don't have to worry that the car seat you currently own is decked out in hot pink if you're having a boy.  You can just cover it up with a car seat cover! Now that my daughter is finally ready to switch from the big toddler car seat to the booster seat (she's 36 lbs), my son who is now a little over 20 lbs can switch from his infant carrier to hers!  I've been researching cute boy car seat covers (given the fact hers really is hot pink right now), and most are at least half the price of getting a brand new car seat (anywhere from $30-100).  I've also found lots of other great accessories you get to match:  stroller blankets, stroller covers, seatbelt straps, Bobby covers... you name it! And one other priceless detail- they are machine-washable! I'm even going to customize mine for my little guy by monogramming his name on the top.  Can't wait!  

DIY Ballerina Wall!

After seeing this picture on the left, I decided I would HAVE to have this ballerina mirror & barre in my own daughter's room.  After all, her mama was a professional dancer!  Maybe if I expose her to dance, dance, dance, she'll want to follow in my footsteps! :)  I consider myself pretty handy when it comes to these kind of DIY crafts, but installing a large mirror I wasn't so sure about!  Luckily, it turned out to be fairly easy!  Instead of finding a company that actually installs oversized mirrors for exercise studios, etc., I found a 36"x 48" mirror at Lowes for around $50 and asked the clerk what kind of hardware (anchors, screws, hanging mirror clips) I would need to install it with.  I also bought a wood "barre" (a long piece of wood railing), and some rods that I will attach to the wall, and drill the wood to.  You have to make sure the barre is drilled into studs on both sides, so I will be attempting that phase of the construction when my dad can help me!  Here is the beginnings of my daughter, Reese's dance wall!  She is so excited and loves it already!  Mommy and Daughter will both be using this wall, as I needed a big mirror to choreograph routines for my dance classes I teach.   It's a great way to fill a wall that otherwise would've been bland, and encourage a creative, playful space for your child!  And the best part is-  it's not expensive, or hard to do.  LOVE IT!

Disney on a Budget!

In just a two weeks our whole family is making the trip out to Walt Disney World!!  We are making a whole vacation out of watching my dad coach his Toronto BlueJays baseball games, going to the beach, and giving my kids their first big trip to Disney!  Fortunately my sister works for a film produced by Disney now and will hopefully get us some family passes, but after doing some research I discovered Disney is NOT CHEAP people.  I know that is common knowledge, but it was worse than I thought!  I decided to look up some ways to do Disney on a budget. :)  I think overall there are some set ways you can save money on this once in a lifetime experience.

1)  PLAN AHEAD & PACK SMART.  I'm not great at this - but I think the better you plan what you want to accomplish each day- which park to visit, what restaurant you're dying to try, or exactly what time you want to arrive- you save money and more importantly TIME not having to figure it out on the spot!  Also - if you don't wear those adorable 5"wedges to the park, you won't need to buy $40 flip flops when you get there. Or how about buying a Disney sweatshirt you'll never wear again because you're freezing during the fireworks?  Pack smart!

2) SPLURGE ON THE BIG MEMORY-BUILDERS.  If you think your daughter will just die over having lunch in Cinderella's castle, than maybe eat breakfast in the hotel room or pack lunches or a cooler with you on your other outing days to save.   You can always have granola bars, oatmeal, and pb&j's in the room before or during the park.  Or a backpack cooler with drinks? Also (this is so important), buy your souvenirs before and after you visit the parks!  Most items can be found online or at a Disney outlet store that save you tons of cash. If your child is old enough, let them take their own wallet, and they won't be apt to beg for every item if they know they have to pitch in or pay!

3) GO OFF SEASON & BOOK EARLY.  Okay, oops.  We are going in peak Disney time- late May thru August.  And even worse - Memorial Day Weekend! Yikes! But hey, we couldn't figure it out any other time.  During the week (not a weekend) and off season usually there are great discount packages and prices for tickets/hotels, etc.

4) YOU HAVE TO SEEK OUT THE PERKS.  I'm finding lots of websites- for instance, "The Magic For Less" that give deals fit specifically for your needs (how many days you're staying, family members, etc.).  Disney keeps upgrading and changing, but learn as much as you can about Fast Passes, and Extra Magic Hours, etc.  I think it will make the experience so much easier, and more enjoyable.

Okay - wish us luck as we embark on our Disney trip!  I hope we collect many many memories to last a lifetime, and hopefully not many many stuffed animals or random souvenirs! :)  DISNEY HERE WE COME!