Find out what the Bible says about money.  I especially like the ones about contentment and debt.

Pick of the Crop – Your Guide to Choosing Flavorful Fruit

Last year, I wrote an article about souvenirs just being over priced crap.  My mind has not changed on that one, but I thought we could use a refresher since it’s vacation season.

Some people have a natural gift for organization.  Check out these 9 top secrets of naturally born organizers.  Maybe there’s hope for the rest of us.

Marye, one of b5 Media’s own, has started a new blog.  Stop by Simply Home Remedies as she discusses keeping home remedies simple and affordable.

In case you were wondering how to eat a pomegranate, here’s a tutorial.

H2ouse.org will help you find ways in your home to conserve water.  Take the house tour that shows tips and advice, find the best ways to save, find drought tips, use their water budget calculator, and so much more.

Did you write a thrifty article?  Leave a link in the comments!   

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

My friend and I were having a discussion the other day and I disagreed with her.  When she takes her kids places she always buys them a souvenir. 

Last year she took the family to Disney on Ice.  The tickets alone cost her more than $100.  Then she bought each child a souvenir and I think she also bought them a drink that came in a special Disney cup or something like that.

When it was all said and done, with tickets, souvenirs, drinks, food, gas, etc., she had probably spent $200 on the outing.  To me, that’s money that could be put towards a pretty nice vacation.

Last week, I took my children to the N.C. Aquarium, then to lunch at McDonald’s, and then afterwards I took them to the beach at Emerald Isle.  I never mentioned a word about buying them anything.  We took some extra snacks and drinks with us.  Including my parent’s lunch and entry fee, our day trip cost less than $50. 

I’m not some kind of Scrooge that never buys my kids anything and I’m not saying I’ve never or never will buy my kids a souvenir.  My kids would be just as happy with a $2 pack of stickers from the aquarium as they would with a $20 stuffed animal.

I just don’t see the need in giving into the bait of buying my kids some over priced crap that they will never play with.  I think their treat should be getting the chance to go places and the learning experiences from that.  Plus, I don’t want to teach my kids to expect something.  That would be the worst part to me.

What do you think?  Do you buy your kids something every time you go somewhere?  Is it an occasional purchase?  Do you spend a lot?  I’d love to read your comments and please vote in the poll.  Thanks!

Post from: Thrifty Mommy