Beach Ball Themed Birthday Party Thanks to Dollar Tree and Pinterest

My son turned 8 at the beginning of June.  I always have a birthday party for my children and invite friends and family.   For some reason, birthday parties totally stress me out.    I always tend to spend way too much money on supplies, I worry that no one is going to show up, and I worry that my child isn't going to like their party.  I know some parents do small family gatherings for birthdays which is a great idea.  I started out having parties with friends and family usually at a kid friendly place and have had a few at my house.  I have often wished that I just kept it small family gathering and just served cake.   I have learned that it is less stressful for me to have them somewhere plus if it is at my home they are usually planned outside and I have to worry about the weather.  

This year I feel like I saved so much money.  After my son decided that he wanted to have an indoor pool party at our local civic center, we picked a theme.  To me, every birthday party has to have a theme.   The theme this year was beach balls.   I spotted these cute plates and napkins at Dollar Tree a few days before we decided on a theme so I had to go back purchase them.  

While I was at the Dollar Tree I spotted these cute beach ball cups.  I purchased 8 of these to be used as party gifts for guests. 

I also found this beach ball theme strings that are made to be hung but I used them to decorate the tables.  The tablecloths were also at Dollar Tree.  They match the plates and napkins.   The birthday hat in the center of the table I already had.

The cake and cupcakes were purchased at Walmart.  I found a picture of a beach ball online and they used that to make the cake.  They already had the cupcake toppers.  I think they both turned out great. 

Then of course my Pinterest addiction came in handy.  I found these great ideas for punch and food. I loved using the sand buckets.  The buckets matched the colors in the beach ball.  I found the small sand toy for the pickles.  Each sand bucket with shovel and sand toy was only $1 at Dollar Tree.   The cute plastic tongs shown in the picture with the pickles were $1 for a pack of 4.   Pickles were seaweed, chips were waves, cheese balls were beach balls, bugles were seashells and the punch was pool water.   I made the labels using card stock and a blue ink pad.  I cut the card stock and then randomly slid the ink pad across it.  I then just wrote the themed food items with a blue ink pen.  I thought they turned out cute.   All these ideas were from Pinterest. 

Then I had a table set up for the kids take one or two items for their gifts.  The tables consisted of beach ball cups, pineapple cups, palm tree cups, water guns, jello pool cups, and beach themed candy.

Of course, these ideas came from Pinterest too.  I found all the cups at Dollar Tree.   I already had the water guns.  (These were used during the party and then each child was able to take one home.  They were a huge hit.)   I made the jello pool cups and they turned out so cute.  The themed candy was found at the Dollar Tree too and so were the small sand buckets.   Life savers were floats, licorice was pool noodles,  gum balls were beach balls and    were life savers.   I also had candy bags for each child to make their own bag to take home with them.  

I also purchased 6 beach balls at the Dollar Tree and threw them into the pool for the kids to play with. 

The party was a huge success!  I loved how everything turned out.  The theme was one of my favorites so far.  I had so many compliments.  The best compliment was from my son.  He told me that I gave the best parties ever.  He was very thankful for everything.  

You can find my Beach Ball Birthday Party page on Pinterest.  If you follow me, I will return the follow.

Thrifty Tips to Stay Organized and Prepare for Your Taxes

At the beginning of every year, I always do 2 things to help me stay organized for the year.  The 1st thing is make me a folder for my taxes.  I pull everything out that I have saved throughout the year for my taxes and place it in the folder.  Then, I put this folder in a convenient spot so when something comes in the mail I can drop it in the folder until I am ready to do our taxes.

The second thing I do is update my bill paying binder.  I make a payment sheet for each month showing every bill and when the bill comes in the mail I can enter in the amount and when its due so that I can stay on budget and also make sure every bill is paid on time.  I DO NOT want to pay late fees.  I also clear out all the things that I no longer needed from the previous year.  This is where I store all bills, payment books, address labels, letter opener, and stamps.  When it is time to pay bills I can pull out my binder and I have everything I need.  I have used this method for 5 years now and it helps me stay organized and I always know where everything is.  Also, if my husband ever wants to see a bill he knows where to find it. 

Thrifty Tips to Stay Organized and Prepare for Your Taxes

At the beginning of every year, I always do 2 things to help me stay organized for the year.  The 1st thing is make me a folder for my taxes.  I pull everything out that I have saved throughout the year for my taxes and place it in the folder.  Then, I put this folder in a convenient spot so when something comes in the mail I can drop it in the folder until I am ready to do our taxes.

The second thing I do is update my bill paying binder.  I make a payment sheet for each month showing every bill and when the bill comes in the mail I can enter in the amount and when its due so that I can stay on budget and also make sure every bill is paid on time.  I DO NOT want to pay late fees.  I also clear out all the things that I no longer needed from the previous year.  This is where I store all bills, payment books, address labels, letter opener, and stamps.  When it is time to pay bills I can pull out my binder and I have everything I need.  I have used this method for 4 years now and it helps me stay organized and I always know where everything is.  Also, if dh ever wants to see a bill he knows where to find it. 

Thrifty Tip for Flower Gardens

Every spring and summer I enjoy the beautiful flowers that come back every year around my house. I dislike spending money every spring for flowers to plant outside in my flower gardens. My thrifty tip is buy perennials when planting a flower garden. They come back every spring. They continue to grow and become larger then you are able to separate and move to other areas of yard, share with friends, or give as gifts. You do have to initially spend more on perennials but of course always look for a sale or a coupon to use with your purchase. In the end, the extra money is so well worth it.

Just this year, I separated 1 hosta plant into 5 and transplanted flowers that I grew last year from seeds (that were FREE) to 3 other areas of my yard.

There are thousands of perennials to choose from. Here is a few of my perennials.

3 of my Favorite Thrifty Pins This Week

Three of my favorite thrifty pins this week.  I am still trying to control my Pinterest addiction but its hard. LOL  There is so many wonderful things that I can't wait to do.

Door Mat to Cover Air Vent - Love this!  Definitely on my to do list!

Favorite Things Party Idea - I think this would be so fun to do.  I love this idea.

25 Handmade Gifts Under $5 - Great list of gift ideas for birthdays or Christmas for all ages.




Be sure to follow me on Pinterest!

Thrifty Tips to Stay Organzied and Save Money

At the beginning of every year, I always do 2 things to help me stay organized for 2 very important things.  The 1st thing is make me a folder for my taxes.  I pull everything out that I have saved throughout the year for my taxes and place it in the folder.  Then, I put this folder in a convenient spot so when something comes in the mail I can drop it in the folder until I am ready to do our taxes.  I first shared this tip with you here.

The second thing I do is update my bill paying binder.  I make a payment sheet for each month showing every bill and when the bill comes in the mail I can enter in the amount and when its due so that I can stay on budget and also make sure every bill is paid on time.  I DO NOT want to pay late fees.  I also clear out all the things that I no longer needed from the previous year.  This is where I store all bills, payment books, address labels, letter opener, and stamps.  When it is time to pay bills I can pull out my binder and I have everything I need.  I have used this binder for 2 years now and it helps me stay organized and I always know where everything is.  Also, if dh ever wants to see a bill he knows where to find it.  Yes, I keep up with everything.  I shared this tip last year here.  You can see pictures of my binder there.

My Thrifty Custom Birthday Invitations for Only .04 Each

My little man turned 2 years old on Monday and I am having a Spongebob party for him Saturday.  As with anything I do, I try to always find ways to save money when planning birthday parties. This year instead of buying party invitations I decided to be creative and design my own.  I was able to make a custom birthday invitation for only .04 each. 

Last year, I took advantage of the great deal at Walmart on the Avery Greeting Card Pack for $1.88 that I shared with you here.  There is 25 cards per pack, each card being .08 each after coupon.  I cut each card in half and designed a postcard invitation so that brought my cost down to .04 each.

I am not the most creative person but I was impressed with my invitation. 

Thrifty Fun for Your Kids

One of Payton's favorite things to do outside is draw on the sidewalk.  She loves to draw pictures, write her name, and even practice writing her letters and numbers.  I have also added a bucket of water with a paint brush to her sidewalk fun.  The water and paintbrush is used as an eraser.  This kept her entertained for almost 2 hours today.

All items were purchased at the Dollar Store.  So for $3, I was able to get alot of things accomplished while she was playing.

Tuesday Organizing Series - Thrifty Items That Keep Me Organized (A Day Late)

Decorative boxes - I have several of these throughout my home.  I use them organzied hair accessories for Payton, Barbie doll clothes and accessories, small toys and art supplies.  I have received all of them as gift boxes.  I have seen them at Dollar General at reasonable prices depending on the size you need.

Disclaimer: This post was based on what keeps me organized. I did not receive any compensation for any companies mentioned. All opinions are my own.

NEW Tuesday Series - Thrifty Items That Keep Me Organized

Starting today and continuing every Tuesday, I will share a thrifty item that helps keep me organized.  By no way, am I as organized as I would like to be, but I do try.

A Chalk Board

I have this chalkboard hung in my pantry.  I use it for my grocery list.  I add items as I run out of something.  I use to use a notepad but every time I would start a list my daughter or husband would need the notepad, move it to another location or write on my list. This seems to work best for me and I always know if there are any items I need when planning my grocery shopping.

The chalkboard was actually a gift from a friend but I am sure you could find one very cheap or possible make one for yourself with chalkboard paint.

Thrifty Craft - Cotton Ball Snowman

Payton has been wishing for snow for weeks now.  We have seen a few flakes but no accumulation.  She has been wanting to make a snowman, so we did.  Not exactly what she had been wishing for but she enjoyed our craft time.

Materials Needed:

Cotton Balls
2 Circles made from White construction/scrapbook paper - 1 Medium, 1 Large
2 Arms made from Brown construction/scrapbook paper
Eyes made from Black construction/scrapbook paper
Nose made from Orange construction/scrapbook paper
Mouth made from Black construction/scrapbook paper
Hat made from Black and Red construction/scrapbook paper
Glue
Hole Punches - Used to make eyes, mouth, and buttons
Scissors

Here is our finished product:

It was a no cost craft since I had all the materials we needed.  Hopefully, she will get to make a real snowman soon.

Thrifty Craft - Thrifty Gift to Include in a Birthday Card

I often send birthday cards to family and friends on their special day.  I really wanted to include a little something special in my friends card this year but I didn't want to spend a lot of money.  I finally decided to make her a bookmark.  I had all the items needed to make this bookmark = NO money spent. 

Items Needed:

Cardstock - Solid Colors and Patterened
Buttons
Ribbon
Glue
Scissors
White Writing Pen
Decorative Punch

So, what do you think?  Do you think she will like it?

My No Cost Fall Table Centerpiece

I took a walk through the woods yesterday and broke off some branches of beautiful fall leaves.  I arranged them in a metal pot.  I replaced the candles on the wooden candle sticks with pumpkins and pumpkin candle votices.  I already had everything in this picture and the beautiful

 fall leaves were FREE!  

I'm Bored/Rainy Day Bag of Thrifty Things for Payton

It finally happened......I heard I'm bored from Payton for the 1st time yesterday.  I can remember saying this to my mom when I was growing up.  She would always try to help me find something to do.

While Payton was eating breakfast this morning, I put together a I'm Bored/Rainy Day bag.  I always pulled items from birthday party goody bags, Easter baskets, and stocking stuffers to put back as little prizes.  I always pick up items at the Dollar Tree or clearance racks to save for surprises.  This morning I went through my box of goodies and pulled items together and placed them in a bag.  The bag consists of items that can be done inside and some for outside.

 - play dough
- bubble gun
- activity book (she loves to do these)
- craft items
- sidewalk chalk
- kids veggie pots
- a sprinkler

The next rainy day or the next time I hear I'm bored, I will be prepared.  She will have to close her eyes and pull out a prize.

Hopefully, she will enjoy it and I know it will in handy!

Our Thrifty Day Trip to the Lake

Yesterday was Payton's 1st trip to the lake.  If you were to know her father, you would be shocked that she had never been before.  He currently has 2 boats but he has had as many as 4.  He is an avid fisherman and use to go every weekend at least once if not twice.  Since having kids, he does not go that often. We had planned to take her last summer but with a newborn, it never worked out.  Thanks to my dear mom for keeping Bryson, Payton had a day with all the attention on her. 

It was a beautiful sunny day!  It was very hot but we had the water to keep us cool.  We spent the day fishing, swimming, and boat riding. 

Payton caught the 1st fish of the day!

Of course, I planned ahead and tried to think of every possible way to save money. Here is a list of how I saved money and any money that I did have to spend.

- Breakfast was at home.
- I took a cooler full of water, juice, and drinks for the day.
- I had a bag full of snacks and chips.
- I took toys for backup in case Payton got bored with fishing.  Happy to say I never had to pull them out.
- Took her spray bottle with fan to help keep us cool and that was a lot of entertainment for her to be able to spray us.
- We had all the fishing supplies needed but we did buy 3 dozen minnows for $3
- The only other thing we spent was gas money.  We had gas in the boat but we did have to fill up the Tahoe.

So overall we had a wonderful fun-filled thrifty day of fun.  We hope to go many more times this summer.

My Thrifty Flowers

With summer comes flowers.  Every summer I always buy hanging baskets for the front porch.  I also fix several flower pots for the back patio.  I almost bought some a couple of weeks ago but I am so glad that I waited.  I took advantage of the great deal Lowes Foods had last weekend on their hanging baskets.  I bought 10 hanging baskets at $5 each = $50.  This is what I ended up with.

4 hanging baskets for my front porch

2 hanging baskets for flower hook at bench

1 flower pot at back door

3 small flower pots on steps and 2 medium flower pots on back patio

1 hanging basket for my new hanging basket holder

I usually spend at least $100 if not more each summer on flowers.  With the great sale Lowes Foods had, I saved $50+.  I was very pleased with my savings and I love the flowers that I purchased.