Can you believe it’s that time of year again?  This weekend, it will be time to move our clocks ahead one hour. 

Before you grumble and complain, remember that this is good news.  Spring is on the way!  I don’t know about you, but I am ready for some nicer weather. 

Click here for more information about Daylight Savings Time.

image from discovery education

I was shocked when I got an email today about “springing ahead”.  It really is that time already.  So, don’t forget to set your clocks ahead an hour on Saturday night before you go to bed.

Here’s a little information about daylight savings time.

This week at preschool we learned about the weather.  To go along with the weather theme, I had my darling students make these adorable handprint crafts.  (Get it . . . March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb?) 

Parents love handprint crafts.  They are great keepsakes.  I love a thrifty craft.

For the lion, I made a mixture of yellow and brown (just a little) paint to make that sort of mustard color.  I painted the children’s palms with the paint and made a handprint on paper.  For the lion’s mane, I cut up small strips of brown construction paper and rolled them around a pen to get them to curl.  Actually, I had one of my student’s help me with this task because she loves to help.  We glued the strips for the mane, made a tail of yarn, and then I added the face.  Definitely cute and simple.

For the lamb, I traced the children’s hand onto a black piece of construction paper.  If they had good cutting skills, I let them cut out their own handprint.  Then we added torn pieces of cotton for a fluffy look, wiggle eyes, and a drawn on mouth.  I’m not too thrilled with the face on this lamb, but you live and learn.  I’m sure there’s something cuter that could be done.  Maybe next year.

So, what do you think?  Do you like them?  Do you have any arts & crafts ideas for us?  I’m always looking for thrifty craft ideas.

I was in T.J. Maxx today looking for a bedset for my daughter.  (No luck, by the way.)  While I was there I spotted some beautiful Easter/Spring dresses.  I saw some dresses priced as low as $9.99.  There was a particular dress that I found to be very nice and it was only $24.99. 

Another place to shop is consignment stores.  The store where I consign and shop has some really nice dresses priced under $15.

The dress in the picture is from Target.com.  It is available for only $17.99.

You don’t have to spend $75 on your daughter’s Easter dress. Shop around for a frugal buy.

Ok, I love the Children’s Place. We all know that. But the prices don’t love my pocketbook. Now they have a Fabulous Sale on spring clothes for all ages. 30% off with sleep tops as cheap as $2. There also is an adorable little boy’s top for $3. Check it out and let me know if you find anything you like.

I just got notification that Stride Rite is running a sale in their stores. Buy one pair of shoes and get the second pair @ 50% off. Talk about a good deal. I love Stride Rite’s shoes. I just don’t love the price tag. Guess I really am frugal/ thrifty/cheap. Pick whichever one your heart desires . I wish I could get all Stride Rite shoes for both my 11 month old daughter, K and myself. I know they are expensive but they last forever. The pictures I have placed are my favorites for K and myself. Don’t forget. I wear a children’s size 2.5. Good luck.

Let’s talk about Easter. It happens to be one of my favorite holidays because of what it stands for. I also love going to church and out to eat on Easter Sunday just to see what everyone is wearing. I can almost promise you that you will find the brightest, most colorful outfits worn on this day. Come on, you know I’m right.

I can’t tell you the last time I bought a new Easter dress. I just always thought I had better things to buy with my money in the spring like a new pair of jeans or something. But I have fallen into the trap. I admit it. I wanted K to have a bright, new dress for Easter. But I don’t think you should break the bank to do it. Here are some ideas to save some money on Easter outfits.

If you want a totally new outfit, go to your local outlet or consignment store to get that one-of-a-kind outfit that would brighten anyone’s day.

Find a great staple piece in your child’s wardrobe and just get new accessories or flowered/pastel/striped piece to add to it.

If you can stand it, do the simple thing and WAIT. The weekend before Easter, all the beautiful outfits for kids will go on sale. You know you have kicked yourself more than once for seeing something you just bought go on sale the week after you get it.

I chose the first option and have gotten K’s Easter frock for less than $10 fro the Children’s Place. Did I just say “frock”? I can handle that.

JCPenny is running a good sale on kids’ clothes as well. There are some really cute clothes for spring and summer for your kids. I just love a sale that will let you clothe your kids and still keep your wallet and pre teen happy. Along with being a thrifty mommy who is frugal with her wallet, I also have extremely small feet. Why does this affect my blog you ask? Because any time I can find a good sale on children’s shoes, my ears perk up. I wear a children’s size 2 ½. So when I can get shoes on sale, I am all over it. Now you know my little secret, no pun intended