Sweet Frugal Life

Being Frugal Doesn't Make Life Any Less Sweet

Easy Rock Painting Ideas For Kids

By: Sweet Frugal Life1 Comment

Check out the best idea for painting rocks for kids.

Are you looking for some easy rock painting ideas for kids?  I have you covered with this fun twist on painting rocks for kids.

If you have been reading for a while you know that I am all about simple and frugal activities for kids.  Mom life is HARD and BUSY and did I mention HARD.  So, if I can come up with fun activities for my kids that require very little prep, I am all for it!  Which is exactly why I love this easy rock craft.  It checks off all the boxes for a fun, cheap craft for the kids.

This activity of “painting” rocks is one of my favorites.  It gets the kids outside and lets them use their creativity at the same time.  Plus, it’s totally free!

How To Make Hot Rocks Craft

This easy rock painting idea for kids starts with an old fashioned rock hunt.  I encourage my kids to find a large and smooth rock, they usually just grab whichever one catches their eye first!  Either way totally works.  (See, simple right?!?!)

After finding the perfect rock, it’s time to bake it!  And yes, I totally mean you bake it!

Place the rock into a hot oven and let it “cook” until the rock gets hot.  I usually turn the oven on to about 400 degrees and bake them for about 15 minutes.  There really is no science here, you just want the rock hot.

Once the rock is hot, take it out of the oven using a hot pad and place it on a paper plate, paper towel, newspaper, etc. 

Now, let your kids color on the hot rock with crayons.  The crayons will melt as they are colored onto the rock.  It is so fun to watch the colors mix together, they make such pretty designs.

 

After you are done “painting” let the rock cool and dry.  You will be left with a fun colored rock, we have a collection of these outside.  My kids are always eager to add a new rock to their loved collection.

Another thing that we enjoy doing with our painted rocks is to hide them around the city for others to find.  It is a popular activity in our area.  My kids love hiding their rocks and checking to see if they have been found, and we love finding others rocks in local playgrounds and areas.

 

Happy Rock Painting!

That’s it!  See how easy this rock painting idea is!  No paints required!  Let me know if you try this easy rock painting idea for kids.  I would love to hear how it went!  Your kids will love this new take on painting rocks.

 

You might be interested in these other articles:

How to Make Your Very Own Pom-Pom Garland

Yarn Hearts: An Easy Valentine Craft for Kids

Peanut Butter Play Dough Recipe

 

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Honest Stitch Fix Review 2021

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

What came in my Stitch Fix Box!

Want to see what came in my most recent Stitch Fix box?  I’m going to show you today and share my honest stitch fix review!  

I started using Stitch Fix about a year ago.  Truthfully, I was a little hesitant at first, the prices seemed a little high, but I received some free clothing credit and decided that I had nothing to lose! 

The box I received was so fun to open, and I found a few items that I loved!  Ever since then I’ve been ordering a new box every few months, and I haven’t loved everything that I’ve been sent, but I’ve loved the entire process.  I decided to share with each of you what came in my newest Stitch Fix Box and my honest review of this clothing styling service.

stitch fix review - is stitch fix worth it

I am a member of online affiliate programs, I will be compensated for purchases made from links in this post.

What Is Stitch Fix?

Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that will send you a box of clothing items picked out specifically for you and your style.  You can try these items on in the comfort of your home and then decide what to keep and what to return.  There is no commitment to keep everything in your box.

How Does Stitch Fix Work?

Stitch Fix is actually really simple to use!

When you first sign up for a Stitch Fix account you will be asked to fill out a thorough style profile.  The style profile will ask you everything from your sizes, personal style, colors you wear and don’t wear, and your price preference.  Make sure you give as much details as possible when filling out your style profile.  This is one of the most important parts of helping your stylist understand your clothing needs and wants so that they can choose the items that will benefit you most.

Next, you will schedule your order.  Stitch Fix will give you a calendar of available times to choose from, you can choose to have a subscription with boxes sent on a regular schedule, or a one time “fix.”

The last part of scheduling your order will be leaving a note to your stylist.  Don’t skip this!!!  Let your stylist know exactly what type of clothing you are looking for or any other details about what you hope to get in your Stitch Fix.  I have found this note makes a huge difference in what you receive. Last week in my stylist note I requested a hoodie and they followed through with delivering it!  Yay!  I was so happy to know that my request was heard and met.

After completing your Stitch Fix order you will be charged a $20 styling fee.  But don’t worry!  This styling fee can be applied to any of the clothing in your box that you choose to keep.

Your personal stylist will now prepare your Stitch Fix box.  Using your style profile and notes they will select 10 pieces to send to your email for you to review.

This email gives you a little bit of control about what will be in your order.  Within this email you can select up to 5 pieces that you want sent to you in your fix.  If you don’t like any of your stylists picks, no worries!  Just don’t select any of them and you will be sent 5 completely new items.

After this email review, all that’s left to do is wait for your Stitch Fix box to shop up on your door step!  This is such a happy day!

Your box will come with 5 clothing items, a receipt, a prepaid envelope for returns, and a sheet of styling ideas for each of your clothing items.

Look through your Stitch Fix and try on each of the clothing items, this is the fun part!  You can now pick and choose which of the 5 items you want to keep and which ones you want to return, remember there is no commitment to keep anything sent to you.

Anything that you keep will have the $20 styling fee applied towards this item.

Plus!  If you decide to keep everything in your box you will get 25% off your entire order!

Once you decide what you want to keep it’s time to check out.  All you have to do is go to the Stitch Fix website and click on “Check Out.”  You will then be directed to a survey about your box contents.  On each item select “keep” if it’s something you want to keep or “return” if it’s an item you want to return.  That’s it!  Just confirm your order and then you’re done.

The last step is to pack the prepaid return envelope with the items you want to return and stick them in the mail box.  You will be charged for the items you decided to keep, but not for the items you send back.

It is such an easy and fun way to shop!

 

What I Got In My Stitch Fix Box

So, do you want to see what I got in my most recent Stitch Fix Box???  In this box I received a hoodie, jeans, jogger pants, sweater, and a necklace set.  This was my first time receiving jewelry in my box, and it was a fun surprise.

I liked the necklace set, but I didn’t love them enough to keep.  In the future I hope to receive a few more accessories.

Next up was this jean and sweater combo.  Again, I liked them both, but just didn’t love them.  I have a strict rule to only buy things that I truly love, it saves money and prevents impulse buys!

Here is the hoodie and jogger pants together.  I had asked for a hoodie, and I appreciated that they sent me one, but I didn’t love the big logo.  However, the joggers I loved!  I had been wanting to buy a pair of black joggers recently, so this was a very fun surprise.

The only item I chose to keep from this stitch fix box were the black joggers.  They were just what I needed.  

Is Stitch Fix A Good Deal?

I know many of you are wondering if Stitch Fix is a good deal or not.  Well,  as a frugal blogger I will give you my honest opinion……No.  I do not think that Stitch Fix is a good deal.

The clothes are higher priced then the ones I normally buy, and there is a risk of not liking anything in your box and having to pay a $20 styling fee for returning everything.

But!

Even though I don’t think this is the best clothing deal, I do still enjoy receiving a Stitch Fix box occasionally.  It’s fun, it makes shopping easy and the clothing is very high quality.

How Much Does Stitch Fix Cost?

Like I mentioned earlier, you will have to pay a $20 styling fee for each box, which can then be applied to any item that you keep.

When you fill out your style profile you will be prompted to select your price preference.  I personally select, “The Cheaper The Better”, but the price options go up to $200.

My “Cheaper The Better” boxes have always been between the price range of $40-$80.  The joggers that I decided to keep were $50, which is more money than I would normally spend on a pair of joggers.  But, the quality is much higher than I usually wear and I know they will last me much longer than my other clothes usually last.

Pros of Stitch Fix

Alright, so now that you have the run down of what Stitch Fix is all about, I want to share a few of the reasons why Stitch Fix might be for you.  Here are a few Stitch Fix pros:

  • Stitch Fix is easy.  If you don’t enjoy going into the store and spending hours shopping and trying on different clothing, then you will probably love Stitch Fix.  There really is no easier way to shop!
  • Stitch Fix is fun!  Opening up each Stitch Fix is such a fun surprise.  I love getting to see what was picked out for me.
  • You get to try new things.  One of the things I have loved most about Stitch Fix is getting to try new clothing options that I never would have picked for myself.  It has really pushed me out of my clothing comfort zone, in such a good way and I love that my style has broadened.
  • The stylists really listen.  When I first started using Stitch Fix, I was a little unsure just how helpful the personal stylists would be.  Now, after 5 boxes I can confidently say that the Stitch Fix stylists are amazing!  They have really listened to each of my requests and have worked hard to get me what I want.
  • Returns are easy.  I was really nervous to try Stitch Fix, because I worried the returns would be difficult and I would be stuck with clothes that I didn’t want.  It ended up being the complete opposite!  Making returns are so quick and painless!
  • You can try it risk free.  The reason I started trying Stitch Fix was because I was given some free clothing credit.  This credit covered the styling fee, which gave me the confidence that if I didn’t like anything in my box, I could return it all without any out of pocket costs.  I decided there was nothing to lose.   You can try Stitch Fix risk free too!  Just grab this free $25 Stitch Fix credit here!

Cons of Stitch Fix

Now, I do love Stitch Fix, but it’s not perfect.  Here are a few of the cons I have found:

  • It’s expensive.  The clothing is not the most frugal friendly option available.  It is an expense that you will need to budget and plan for so that the price tag isn’t a surprise.
  • You never know what you’re going to get.  I love the element of surprise with each Stitch Fix box, but it can also be a little scary to not know what is coming.  There have been a few items in each box that I have wondered why someone would ever choose that item for me.
  • The styling fee.  When ordering a Stitch Fix you do have a small risk that you won’t like anything in your box and will have to pay the $20 styling fee.  I have always enjoyed at least one thing in each box, but I have heard other negative experiences from others.

In Conclusion

Getting a Stitch Fix box can be a lot of fun.  I do think it’s worth trying if you are wanting to change up your wardrobe and don’t enjoy shopping.  Especially if you use some free credit so you can try it risk free!

Have you ever tried this before?  Did you think Stitch Fix was worth it?

 

Related Articles:

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My Honest Review of Kids on 45th

How To Save Money On Kids Clothes

 

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I hope you enjoyed my honest Stitch Fix box review!

What is an Emergency Fund, FAQ

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Today I am explaining exactly what is an emergency fund and why you need one.

One of my most asked questions is, “What is an emergency fund?”  This is such an important question that I wish everyone would understand more.  An emergency fund is something that every single person needs and I want to help you understand how to get one.

I know that it’s not fun to plan for financial emergencies, it’s much more fun to plan for the fun expenses (like a new car or big house).

However, the truth is that nobody ever regrets having an emergency fund….but I know many who regret NOT having one.

This article is answering all of the most asked questions about emergency funds, so you can start making one for yourself.

Everything you need to know about Emergency Funds and why you need one today

What is an Emergency Fund?

Not sure what an emergency fund is?  It’s simple really.  An emergency fund is money you have saved and set aside to be used in the case of an emergency.

This is money that you won’t touch unless you really have to.  It should never be used for fun things, weekend vacations, etc.

Who Needs One?

Everyone needs an emergency fund (yes, everyone)!  It doesn’t matter if you earn a million dollars a year, or are deep in debt, you should have money saved for emergencies.  Don’t ever fall into the belief that an emergency won’t happen to you.  Emergencies can (and will) happen to anyone at any time.

The amount in the fund will look different to everyone, based on circumstances and needs, but the fact that we all need, one stays the same.

Why Do I Need An Emergency Fund?

You need an emergency fund because it gives you a safety net for any financial burden that might arise.  This could be a job loss, large medical costs, or unexpected home repairs.

If you already have planned ahead and saved money for these hard moments, have this money saved and set aside the burden will be lessened.  We have used our emergency fund multiples times!  We used it when my husband suddenly lost his job, when I had a medical emergency, and during an unexpected move.

Every time we have used money from this fund I have felt so grateful we had one it saved, but also developed the desire to save even more.  There is no better feeling than having money in the bank.  That form of safety is vital to me and our family.

When Should I Use Money From This Fund?

Deciding an appropriate time to use your emergency fund is very important.  This is your hard earned money and should only be used carefully and wisely.

Never use your fund for anything other than what it is meant for, an emergency!  Christmas gifts, traveling, and taxes are not an emergency, you should set up a sinking fund for these types of expenses.

When deciding if you should use your emergency fund ask yourself these questions:

  • Is it an Emergency?
  • Is it Unexpected?
  • Is it Necessary?

If you can answer yes to all three of these questions, than it is an appropriate time to use your emergency money.  If you answered No, than do not use it.  Instead come up with a different way to fund your expense.

What If I Feel Guilty?

I’m going to be honest with you, I really struggle using my emergency fund.  For some reason it makes me feel guilty.

If you’ve ever felt this way before, know that you are not alone.  If you are feeling guilty for wanting to use this money for emergencies, remind yourself that it is OK, this is what the fund is for!  You have been responsible in saving money, and it is ok to use this money when the time is right.  It is there to USE, when you need it.

But, be sure to replenish the fund after your emergency has passed.

How Much Money Do I Need Saved?

The amount of money needed for emergencies will vary from person to person.  A good rule of thumb is to have at least 6 months-1 year of living expenses set aside for emergencies.  This is quite a bit more than others recommend, but I would rather you have to much than not enough.

When my husband unexpectedly lost his job, people kept telling us he would find a new one in a few weeks.  7 long months went by before we were finally receiving a paycheck again.  Having that emergency fund in place brought us a lot of peace and comfort.  If we had only of saved for 3 months, we would have been even more stressed and in a bad place.

What are Living Expenses?

Wondering what exactly you should calculate when deciding on your living expenses?  Living expenses are the expenses that you need in order to live and survive.  These will include housing costs, utilities, food, clothing, insurance, gas, and any other basic needs.

You do not need to add extras such as traveling, eating out, etc.  If an emergency arises you will not be traveling, so there is no need to save for it.

Where Should I Keep This Fund?

An emergency fund needs to be kept in a place easy to get it.  This fund is liquid, meaning you can access it in short notice.

I prefer to keep our emergency fund in a savings account or money market account.  Whatever you do make sure you do not put this money in the stock market.

In Conclusion

I hope this article helped you to understand everything you need to know about emergency funds!  Let me know if you have any questions!  I am always here to help!

 

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Mason Jar Gift Idea For Gardeners

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Gardening gifts for mom.

Looking for some gardening gifts for mom?  You might love this mason jar gift idea for gardeners!  It only cost me $4, and turned out so cute!  I love when that happens!

I truly believe that when it comes to giving to our loved ones, it’s not the price tag that matters….it’s the thought that counts.  If your mom loves to garden, check out your local Dollar Tree and put together a cute mason jar gift for her!  She will love that you remembered one of her hobbies and hand picked a gift just for her.

 

What To Put Inside

 The first thing you need to do when making this garden inspired mason jar gift is to stop by the Dollar Tree, AKA:  my favorite store ever!  I love shopping at the Dollar Tree because there are so many fun finds there!

If you are shopping for gardening items I suggest going in early March.  Dollar Tree will usually put out their spring items in March, making it the best time to shop for gardening items.  I went in early April and could still find a few fun items to buy, but the selection was sparse.

First, I stopped by the garden and summer section.  I was able to find some flower seeds, garden gloves and a fairy garden decoration.  It was so fun to find such a great selection of flower seeds.

Next up was a stop at the candy aisle.  Because, candy is always the perfect addition to every gift….amiright or amiright?!?!  I was hoping to find some spring candy to add to my mason jar gift and I was happy to find the perfect item!  I grabbed the Spring Lifesavers, they are the perfect colors!

The total amount spent at Dollar Tree was just $4!  And, since I already had a mason jar at home this gift was very budget friendlyeasy mason jar gift idea for mothers day -what to buy for mom this year!

 

Putting Together This Mason Jar Gift Idea For Gardeners

Now that you have bought the supplies it’s time to put it all together.  Don’t worry, this part is so easy!

First, place the fairy garden decoration in the bottom of the mason jar.

Now, roll up the garden gloves and stick them behind the garden fairy.

Place the garden seeds behind the gloves.  I placed a few around the back so that they can be seen easily.  Mix it up and put them in however works best for you and your jar.

You’re almost done!

Last, just toss in a few pieces of candy.  And that’s it!  Your mason jar gift for gardeners is done!

 

Fun Gardening Gift For Mom

This is a great gift to give for Mothers Day, birthdays, or any “just because” time.  Use your creativity when putting together this easy mason jar gift.  It doesn’t have to require a lot of money or expensive items to spoil the gardener in your life.

 

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What To Do With A Costco Rotisserie Chicken

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

How to get the most out of one Costco rotisserie chicken.

Have you been wondering what to do with a Costco rotisserie chicken???  You are not alone!  This is a common question, one I use to have, but I have since learned a few ways to get the most out of each chicken.  I am so excited to share how I use one of their delicious chickens in three different ways!

I started shopping at Costco almost a year ago.  I was a little hesitant at first….worried that I would spend to much money, but I am now obsessed with this glorious store!  It has saved our family money on groceries and we love so many of their products.  Basically a win-win!  One of my very favorite things to buy at Costco is their rotisserie chicken.  It only costs $5, but is HUGE and delicious!  A seriously good deal!

I am a member of online affiliate programs.  I will be compensated for purchases made from links in this post.

There are many different meals you can make with your Costco chicken, but we have a few favorites that I make every single month.  I am so excited to share those two dinner recipes with you!  (Plus a bonus broth recipe!)

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Costco Rotisserie Chicken Recipe #1:  Buffalo Taquitos

My husband and I are both huge buffalo chicken fans (my kids….not so much...).  But, we love to try ANYTHING that includes buffalo chicken, and these taquitos are so easy (especially when made using a rotisserie chicken) and delicious.  Two huge wins in my book!

Gather Ingredients For Buffalo Taquitos Recipe

To make these buffalo taquitos you will need:

  • Shredded Chicken (I use half of one Costco Rotisserie Chicken)
  • Buffalo Sauce (I love Franks buffalo wing sauce)
  • Shredded Cheese (I use cheddar, because I always have it at home)
  • Cream Cheese (softened)
  • Flour Tortillas

First thing you need to do is use a hand mixer to mix the softened cream cheese and buffalo sauce together.  This only takes a minute and is so easy.

Next, gently stir in the chicken and cheese.

Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture on the bottom of a flour tortilla.  Roll it up gently and tightly and then place on a greased baking sheet.

Bake taquitos in a 425 degree oven for 15 minutes, or until tortillas are golden and slightly crispy.

 

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

A quick dinner using a rotisserie chicken.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 3 oz. cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/4 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/2 rotisserie chicken shredded
  • flour tortillas

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • With hand mixer, beat together cream cheese and buffalo sauce until well mixed.
  • Stir in cheddar cheese and chicken.
  • Place 2 tablespoons of chicken mixture on bottom of tortilla.
  • Starting at bottom, slowly roll tortilla into a tight roll.
  • Place on a greased baking sheet.
  • Repeat until chicken mixture is gone.
  • Bake in oven for 15 minutes, or until tortillas are slightly crispy and golden brown.
  • Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.

 

Costco Rotisserie Chicken Recipe #2:  White Chicken Chili

My second recipe when deciding what to do with a Costco rotisserie chicken is to make our favorite white chicken chili.  This is another really easy recipe that can be thrown together in less than 30 minutes, but tastes delicious!

Ingredients Needed For White Chicken Chili:

  • Onion, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken Broth
  • Shredded Chicken (I use half of one Costco rotisserie chicken)
  • Cumin
  • Diced green chilis (canned)
  • Lime juice
  • White Beans (canned)

The first step to making this delicious white chicken chili is to sauté the onions and garlic in a small amount of oil in a large pot.  Let it cook until they are soft and translucent.

I like to use my frozen onions because it saves me from having to dice them!

Then add the rest of the ingredients into the pot.  Stir and let it simmer on stove for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve chili with tortilla chips, shredded cheese and sour cream.

White Chicken Chili

Easy chili recipe using rotisserie chicken.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 30 mins

Ingredients
  

  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 12 oz. cans chicken broth
  • 1/2 rotisserie chicken shredded
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 4 oz. can diced green chilis
  • 3 Tbsp lime juice
  • 2 15 oz. cans white beans

Instructions
 

  • Sauté onions and garlic in a small amount of oil in pot until soft and translucent.
  • Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Serve with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese and sour cream.

 

Costco Rotisserie Chicken Recipe #3:  Chicken Broth

And, here is your bonus rotisserie chicken recipe!  I am calling it a bonus recipe because it’s not a recipe for a meal…and it’s not technically a recipe (I just kindof randomly throw ingredients in), but it is a GREAT way to stretch your Costco rotisserie chicken even further….which is what we all want, right?  Right! 

I started making my own chicken broth a few months ago and am currently obsessed!  Someone suggested it to me as a way to get more use from my rotisserie chicken, rather than throwing it away, and it’s perfect!  So, once you are done using the meat from your chicken, turn the leftovers into broth.  It’s really so simple to make and tastes much better than store bought.  Plus, if you make it using kitchen scraps it’s basically FREE!  And, we all like free!

I freeze my homemade chicken broth using these freezer containers.  And then when I make a recipe calling for chicken broth, I just pull one out of the freezer and I’m ready to go!

Ingredients Needed For Homemade Chicken Broth:

  • Rotisserie Chicken Carcass
  • Veggie Scraps, Celery, Carrots, Onions, Garlic, etc.
  • Water

Like I mentioned earlier, I really don’t use a recipe to make this broth.  I just throw it all together! 

First, place your rotisserie chicken carcass in a large stock pot.  Make sure to include any leftover skin, meat, bones, etc.  And scrap out any of the goop on the bottom.  The more flavor you can get, the better.

Next, quickly cut up your veggies.  You can even just use your hand to rip them into smaller pieces.  They don’t need to be nice and even.  I know some people save the ends of their carrots and celery for their broth, you can use those too if you want!

Add your veggies to the pot with the chicken carcass.

Fill your stock pot up with water until chicken and vegetables are covered.  You can also add a bay leaf or two if you have some. Bring water to a boil over high heat.  Once boiling, turn heat down and allow to simmer for 3-4 hours.  Stir occasionally.

After a few hours of simmering, use a fine mesh strainer to strain broth into a bowl.

Ladle the broth into freezer containers to freeze.  Frozen broth will stay good for 3 months.

Or, you can store it in a container in your fridge.  Broth will stay good in your fridge for 1 week.

 

There Are So Many Ways To Use a Costco Rotisserie Chicken

Well, there are my three ways I use one Rotisserie Chicken from Costco.  I love the feeling of getting the most out of everything that I buy.  Remember to be creative with your foods and try to not let anything go to waste!  Your budget will thank you for it!

 

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Cheap Mothers Day Gift Ideas

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Mothers Day 2021 Gift Ideas.

Are you looking for some cheap mothers day gift ideas?  That perfect gift that will help mom feel special, but will also fit in your budget?  I’ve got you covered!  Mother’s Day is such a special holiday.  I love celebrating all of the many wonderful women in the world.

Whether you are shopping for a gift for your sweet mom or a special lady in your life, I hope this list of cheap gifts for women helps you find the perfect gift for that perfect someone.  Best of all??  Everything is under $30!

Cheap Gift Ideas For Mothers Day

1.  Bamboo Bathtub Caddy Tray

Moms deserve a little break every now and then!  This Bamboo Bathtub Caddy Tray is the perfect gift to give her a little relaxing time.  It’s expandable with multiple slots and sections for all of her favorite devices and bathtub needs!

2.  Women’s Pajama Set 

What woman doesn’t love lounging in a new PJ set?  I haven’t met one yet!  This set is very cute and looks so comfy.  It comes in 4 different colors and only costs $24.99!

 

3.  Indoor Herb Garden Starter Set

This Herb Garden Set is the perfect gift for someone who loves to cook or garden.  It comes with everything you need to grow cilantro, thyme, parsley and basil right in your window sill.  The reviews are great and it’s less than $30!

4.  Lip Sleep Mask

Using a lip sleep mask has been one of the best things I’ve done for my lips!  This makes a great gift for any lady.  It’s something that many won’t spend money on, but love to use!  This lip sleep mask is less than $15 and currently has a 10% off coupon to make it even cheaper!

 

5.  Spa Gift Set

This lavender spa gift set is adorable!  I love that it comes in a mini tub!  Another thing that I love is that it is packed full of an assortment of spa supplies, including bath bombs, body lotion, shower gel, and more! 

 

6.  Shower Steamers

Shopping for someone who doesn’t love taking baths?  They might love these shower steamers!  They come in a 6 pack with different scents.  You can use them similar to a bath bomb, but instead of placing them in the bath water, they go on the floor of your shower!

 

7.  Microfiber Hair Turban

Another cheap Mothers Day gift idea is this microfiber hair turban.  With over 25,000 positive reviews and less than $10 for a two pack, this is a great find!  The hair turban will cut down on drying time making less damage to your hair, which is what we all want!

 

8.  Tote Bag

I love these crossbody tote bags.  They are perfect for carrying around all of your necessities.  There are many colors to choose from, so you are sure to find something for everyone!  Plus they are on sale!

9.  Plush Throw Blanket

 You can never go wrong gifting a nice throw blanket to someone!  I found this pretty fleece blanket and love it!  There are many colors to choose from and only $17!

10.  Magnolia Table Cookbook

 Another great gift idea for moms is to gift them the Magnolia Table Cookbook.  This is the perfect present for anyone who loves to cook or Joanna Gaines fans.  I have this cookbook and love the recipes in it!  The pictures are beautiful, recipes are easy to put together, and some of our family favorite!

 

11.  Slippers

How about buying your mom some cozy slippers!  These slip on slippers are the perfect gift!  They have so many positive reviews and are a great deal!

 

12.  Scented Soy Candle

This scented soy candle not only has thousands of positive reviews, but is also so cute!  I want to try each of the many different scents.

 

13.  The Home Edit Book

I fell across The Home Edit while watching their series on Netflix, and am officially obsessed!  They share some of the best organizational tips to make home organizing so much easier.  This book would be the perfect gift for anyone!

 

14.  Fruit Infuser Water Bottle

How about gifting a fruit infuser water bottle?  These are so fun for making water a little tastier and more fun to drink.  This one is super cute and comes with recipes, oh how I love recipes!

 15.  Faux Plants

A touch of greenery adds some warmth and color to any home.  This cute faux plant is a perfect gift for someone who loves farmhouse decor.

 

16.  Mama Necklace

Jewelry is always a great gift idea for women.  This Mama necklace is extra special for a mom figure in your life.  There are three different colors to choose from, and a lot of great reviews!

 

17.  Pretty Dish Towels

I love these pretty Denim and Cotton dish towels.  They come as a set of four and are a very trendy design.  Dish towels are something I always love receiving as a gift, because mine get so dirty to quickly!

 

18.  What I Love About Mom Journal

If you are looking for a gift from a child to mom this What I Love About Mom journal is perfect!  The child can fill in the journal prompts all about mom and then gift it to her.  This makes a perfect keepsake for many many years.

 

19.  Best Mom Ever Mug

Sometimes traditional gifts make the best gifts!  I love this beautiful marbled Best Mom Ever Mug.  It comes with a matching coaster and stirring spoon.  

 

20.  Sheet Mask Set

Give mom some pampering this year with this set of 8 sheet masks.  They have no harsh chemicals and are the perfect way to brighten and hydrate your face.

 

21.  Himalayan Salt Body Scrub

This 10 oz. Himalayan salt body scrub looks so cute and fun to use.  It is a great way to exfoliate skin and help your body to relax.

22.  Makeup Organizer

If your mom enjoys makeup, she might like having a new organizer.  This rotating makeup organizer is adjustable and perfect for storing all things makeup, jewelry and skin care.

23.   Soft Bathrobe

Another cheap mothers day gift idea is to gift mom a soft bathrobe.  This Kimono Style Bathrobe is perfect!  It has a great length, many different colors to choose from, and looks so comfy!

24.   Ceramic Ring Dish

It’s always nice to be reminded that you are loved, which is why this ceramic ring dish is the perfect gift for mom on any occasion!  Plus, it’s function!  I love functional gifts!

 

25.  Felt Letter Board

Felt letter boards make such a fun decoration in the house.  They are perfect for displaying inspirational or seasonal messages.  I’ve always wanted one and would love to receive this gift (hint….husband…. ;))!

 

It’s The Thought That Counts

I love giving gifts to people I care about, and I love receiving gifts.  But, there is one thing I hope everyone would remember when shopping for someone.  The price tag of a gift does not matter, what matters is the thought and care you put into choosing a gift for someone.

There are so many wonderful, thoughtful gifts out there that won’t break the bank, but will be so fun to receive!

 

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How To Find Extra Money In Your Budget

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

What you can do to have more money each month.

How would you feel if I told you that it’s possible for you to have an extra $300 each month?  It will not require getting a new job, getting a raise, starting a side hustle, or selling anything.  Sounds pretty good, right???  However, it might require a little bit of time and sacrifice.  Would you want to know more details?  Well, I’m going to give them to you!  Today I am sharing exactly how to find extra money in your budget with these two strategies.

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1.  Analyze Your Fixed Expenses

The first strategy to having more money in the budget each month is to analyze your fixed expenses.  Your fixed expenses are the item in your budget that you have to spend money on each month and usually stay the same.  Common fixed expenses are rent, mortgage, utilities, etc.

I encourage you to look over your fixed expenses FIRST, because these are often the expenses most people think can’t change.  But, they can!

Make a list of each of the fixed expenses you pay each month.  Once you have made your list I want you to put a star next to the items you believe you can lower.

Here are a few examples of fixed expenses that you might be spending to much money on:

Insurance:  The great thing about insurance (and I’m talking ALL insurance, home insurance, car insurance, life insurance, etc.) is that you can shop around to many different providers and agents.  First, call your current insurance agent and explain to them that you are wanting to find a way to lower the cost.  Ask politely if there is anything they can do to decrease the amount you are currently paying. 

Next, call a few different insurance providers and ask them for a quote.  After you have a few different insurance quotes you can then make the decision of whether you would like to switch to a new provider, or stay where you are.  Either way, the amount you are paying should be decreasing.  If your current agent wasn’t willing to lower the rate, it might be a good time to switch to someone new.  In many cases you might find the best deals by having your car insurance with one company and life insurance with another.

 Cell Phone:  A monthly cell phone bill can get expensive fast, fortunately there are cheaper options out there.  Look into a few alternative cell phone companies, such as Tello Mobile or Red Pocket Mobile.  We have used both of these and were so impressed with the high quality service and super cheap rates.

Cable TV:  Still paying for cable?  That’s OK, you’re not alone.  But, this is one of the easiest fixed expense to cut.  Cancel your cable and replace it with one, maybe two, streaming services.  Look into Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, Disney+,  Paramount+, etc. until you find the right fit for you.

Internet:  If you haven’t negotiated the price of your internet yet, I suggest you do so now.   If you have been a loyal internet customer, they will usually work with you in lowering the price.  All you have to do is ask!

Utilities:  Try to come up with a few strategies to decrease your utilities costs.  This might include fixing seals on doors and windows, turn your thermostat up or down a few degrees (depending on the season), taking shorter showers, etc. 

If you are needing some more tips be sure to check out my two articles; How To Lower Utility Bills in Winter and How To Lower Utility Bills in Summer.

Monthly Subscriptions:  What are the subscriptions you are paying for each month?  Your subscriptions might include your TV streaming subscriptions, magazines, beauty boxes, gym membership, music subscriptions, phone apps, meal plans, etc.

Choose one, two, or maybe even all of those subscriptions to remove from your budget.

One thing that has helped me with subscriptions is to put them on a rotation.  For example, if I currently have a Netflix, Disney+, FabFitFun, and IPSY subscription, I will choose 2 of them to keep and cancel the rest. 

After a few months of using the subscriptions I kept I will then cancel those and renew 2 more.  I keep rotating my favorite subscriptions so that I can enjoy all of them throughout the year, but only paying for a few of them at a time.

Here is a quick example of what a rotation schedule might look like:

January-June:  Pay for FabFitFun and Netflix.

July-December:  Pay for IPSY and Disney+.

 

 

2.  Analyze Your Variable Expenses

The next step to finding extra money in your budget is to reduce your fun spending.  After you have examined your fixed expenses, it’s time to look at your variable expenses.

Variable expenses are the expenses in your budget that change month to month. 

Take out your list you made of your Fixed Expenses.  Now, I want you to add all of your Discretionary Spending categories to the list.  Look at each of the things that you spend your money on closely.  Put a star next to the items you think you can spend less on.

For example, your updated list might look like this:

Fixed Expenses

  • Rent
  • Insurance*
  • Car Payment
  • Cell Phone*
  • Cable TV*
  • Electricity*
  • Water*

Variable Expenses

  • Groceries*
  • Clothing*
  • Entertainment*
  • Gas
  • Eating Out*
  • Travel*

In many instances variable expenses are HARD to cut from the budget, because it is usually the spending that makes life a little more enjoyable.  I’m hoping to show you a few not so difficult tips for decreasing your fun spending.

Eating Out:  How often do you go out to eat for lunch or dinner.  Are you constantly stopping and buying a Starbucks or other treat on your way to work? 

I challenge you to cut the number of times you eat out a month in half.

So, if a normal week for you includes 5 Starbucks, 3 fast food lunches, and going out to dinner twice, cut that in half to:  2 Starbucks, 1 fast food lunch, and out to dinner once in a week.  You can do it!!!!

Groceries:  I know that we all have to eat, and groceries are a part of life.  But, are there some things you can do to lower the amount of money you spend on groceries each month?  I bet you can!

Take a look at my article, 10 Quick Ways To Lower Your Grocery Bill, to find a few tips for spending less.  Choose one (or all) of the tips in the article to start implementing into your grocery routine.

Clothing:  Another common variable expenses is clothing.  If you don’t need any clothes at this time, avoid going to any clothing stores or browsing online clothing stores. 

However, if you are needing some new clothing items, shop at discount stores, such as Ross or thrift stores, like ThredUp for the clothes that you need.  You can find good quality clothing, for a fraction of the price, if you are willing to change where you shop.

Entertainment:  If you are looking for how to find extra money in your budget, entertainment is usually a good place to look.  There are SO many cheap ways to entertain yourself and still have fun.

Rent a movie instead of going to one.  Check out books from the library instead of buying them.  Invite friends over for a pot luck dinner instead of going out to eat.

When choosing cheaper forms of entertainment, be willing to try new things and get creative.  You just might find a few new favorite hobbies!

Travel:  Do you love to travel?  I do too!  As a matter of fact I love it so much that we consistently contribute money each paycheck into our travel sinking fund.

If I was needing extra money though, travel is something that can be made cheaper.  For example, plan a staycation instead of going somewhere.  Look for fun (cheap) activities you can do around your hometown so that you don’t have to pay for flights or hotel accommodations.

We love contributing to our Travel Sinking Fund, but if something came up where we needed more money in our budget, this is one of the first things we would cut.

 

Finding Extra Money In Your Budget

Now that you have examined your budget closely, and made a list of a few expenses you can decrease, it’s time to put it into action.  Look at the items you have placed a star beside on your list.  Using the tips I shared above, choose a few of your starred expenses to spend less on this week.

Keep implementing your plan even on the weeks it feels hard.  It won’t always be easy to change your spending habits, you will get spending urges!  Fortunatly, spending urges pass if we wait, so be willing to wait out those urge and remember your big money goals.

Now that you are spending less in both your variable and fixed expenses, you should have some extra wiggle room in your budget.  Make sure to use that money we found wisely, hopefully to pay off debt, save for your future, or another important expense.

You got this!  I believe in you!

 

Related Articles:

How To Budget With An Inconsistent Income

Fix Your Budget After a Day of Impulse Shopping

How To Stop Impulse Buying For Good

 

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DIY Bathroom Cleaner

By: Sweet Frugal Life14 Comments

How to make Homemade Bathroom Cleaner at home!

Want to make your own DIY bathroom cleaner?  It’s easy, cheap and quick!  Plus, it only takes ingredients, ingredients you probably already have inside your home.  These is a very easy homemade bathroom cleaner recipe that will only cost you a few pennies and a couple of minutes to whip up.  No need to go to the store!

I have been busy Spring Cleaning my house.  This usually takes a few weeks to do.  But, I get it done eventually!!  My least favorite room to clean in the house is the bathroom.  I’m sure I am not alone in this!  I always put this job off for days!  However, if I am going to clean the bathroom, I might as well be doing it with a cleaner that I know was affordable and environmentally friendly, right???  Right!

Years ago I started making my homemade bathroom cleaner and have not looked back since.  Making your own DIY bathroom cleaner is so easy and is a great way to save money!  Store bought cleaners are expensive!

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How To Make DIY Bathroom Cleaner

The first thing you need to do to make this homemade bathroom cleaner recipe is to gather your supplies.  For this recipe you will need:

Put the plastic spray bottle in the sink (it can overflow).

Add the 2 tsp of baking soda and 1 cup vinegar to the spray bottle.  Allow the foam to settle and then add the rest of the ingredients.

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Pour 1/3 cup of lemon juice, 1/4 cup dish soap and 1 1/2 cups water into the spray bottle.

Put the lid back on and then shake well.

This solution should last for 6-12 months.  I use it to clean the toilet, sink, countertops, shower and bath.  It’s basically your one stop shop for bathroom cleaner!

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup dish soap
  • 1 1/2 cups water

Instructions
 

  • First, add the baking soda to the spray bottle and then add the vinegar.  I do this in the sink, and do it slowly because it will foam.
  • Squeeze the foam out and then add the rest of the ingredients.  After all of the ingredients are added put the lid back on the bottle and shake it up really good.  That's it!  You are ready to tackle the bathroom!  This lasts me about a year and I use it for every part of the bathroom; the toilet, sink, countertops, shower and bath.

 

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Enjoy This Cheap Bathroom Cleaner Recipe

Alright, well, now that I have taught you how to make my favorite DIY bathroom cleaner, I suppose it’s time to go actually clean the bathroom!  If I know I am saving money, I am much more happy about the job!

Do you make your own cleaners?  Have you noticed a savings when doing so?

 

 

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Related articles:

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How to Make Homemade Butter

 

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Free Printable Chore Chart

By: Sweet Frugal Life5 Comments

Best free chore chart for kids.

Are you looking for a free printable chore chart for kids?  Because I have one for you today!

Teaching my kids how to work is a huge priority for me.  In today’s world with busy schedules and so many kids focused on screens, it’s hard to find the right way to instill a hard work ethic.  I’ve tried so many different methods and kids chore charts to try to encourage my kids to be hard workers.  Many of those methods have failed, but the method we are using right now has been going strong for 7 years.  That’s definitely a record in my house!  Of course, I don’t know if it is teaching them the hard work ethic I desire, but I know it has been teaching them a lot about household chores and so I am happy with it!

Honestly, my chore system is nothing fancy, SO un-fancy in fact that it probably shouldn’t even be called a “system”! 😉

Kids Household Responsibilities:

Here are the three main household chores my kids are responsible for each week.

Bedrooms

First, the kids are responsible to keep their rooms clean and tidy, including making their bed each day and putting away any clutter.  This usually only takes 5 minutes each morning, sometimes more or less. 

Once a week they are required to vacuum and dust their rooms, we usually do this on Saturdays.  I always check on Saturdays to make sure they did what was asked of them and to verify that they haven’t stuffed anything under the bed or in their closets (because, that has been known to happen from time to time….).  

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Dishes

We have three “Dish Duties” that we rotate each week between our three kids.  These duties are:  Load the Dishwasher, Sweep the Floor, and Wipe the Counters. 

After our nightly dinner the family all cleans up the dishes together with the kids each helping with their specific assignment.

Household Chore

Each week my kids are assigned a Household Chore.  The Household Chore is usually centered around a room in the house; one that the entire family uses, so we all need to help keep it clean.  These chores are rotated each week, so that the kids all get even turns with each job.

Saturday is the day we complete household chores.  After breakfast the kids work on both their household chore and bedroom chores.  Once they have completed both of these, and I have inspected to make sure it was done correctly, they can then have free time.

Our current list of household chores are:

  • Family Room
  • Bathroom
  • Basement
  • Kitchen
  • Entry
  • Your Choice

I love to include a Your Choice option in the rotations so that the kids can have a little control over the area they clean.  They all look forward to when they get a Your Choice chore.

If a child is assigned “your choice” for the week they can then choose from these job options:

  • Wash Windows
  • Laundry
  • Clean Out Car
  • Refrigerator

I keep a chore list hanging in our kitchen so that my kids always know exactly what is expected of them each week.  These chores are changed every Saturday as we prepare for a new week.

 

Free Printable Chore Chart

After a lot of request I decided to turn these free chore chart for kids into a printable for you to use in your home!

You can download your free printable chore chart for kids at the bottom of this article.  

I recommend printing these printables out on white cardstock to keep them sturdy and durable.

After printing it, cut out each of the the household chores checklists and then laminate them using contact paper.

 

Next, laminate the the Family Weekly Chores, Chore Chart, and Bedroom Checklist.  I prefer sticking these larger printables in a page protector, because it’s easier.  But, you can do whatever works best for you!

 

Printable Bedroom Checlist chore Chart

Now that you have your chore chart all put together, it’s time to start using them with your kids!

Hang one bedroom checklist in your childs bedroom.  The closet door is a great place for this.  Now, whenever your child completes their daily and weekly bedroom chores they can use a dry erase marker to mark off each chore.  This helps you as the parent to quickly see what they have completed, and reminds the child of what should be done each day.

Family Weekly Chores Chart

Next, hang up the Family Weekly Chores chart somewhere that your family will see it often.  I like to put mine in the kitchen or entry area.  Write each of your kids names next to a chore.  That will be their assigned household chore for the week.  Once the week is over, rotate the names down to the next chore.  This gives everyone a fair chance at each chore.

Your child can use the chore checklists while working on their household chores.  This helps them stay focused on the chore and remember all of the details.  

 

Chore Chart Printable

I also included a basic chore chart printable.  This gives you the option to fill in the chores you want your child to do each week, just in case they are different from our families chore chart.

 

Grab Your Free Printables Below!

 

 

I truly believe one of the greatest gifts we can give a child is teaching them how to work.  They WILL look back one day and thank you for giving them this gift.  I whined and yelled and cried and complained and told my parents they were the meanest in the world…..but I grew up….and I realized just how GRATEFUL I am that they taught me how to work!

The saying says there is more than one way to train a horse!  That falls true with kids too!  This is what works for my kids, you might find something different that works for your family.  All that matters is that we are TRYING.  Keep trying mamas!  We got this!

 

 

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Deciding What To Plant In Your Garden

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Wondering what is the best things to plant in the garden?  I’m here to help you decide!

I am so excited that Spring is here! The snow has (finally!) all melted around my house and I’ve been anxiously checking my garden every day.  I can’t wait to start planting little seeds.  There is nothing more exciting to me than planting a tiny little seed into the ground and watching it grow into a beautiful plant producing a bountiful harvest. It’s so satisfying!  If you are trying to decide what to plant in your garden this year, here are a few steps to help you make the decision!

Trying to decide what to plant in my garden each year can be a lot of fun!  I love receiving my Burpee Seed Catalog each year and planning what to plant and when.  It usually involves a lot of big dreams of a huge garden bearing lots of produce….and zero weeds…..  To bad it never ends up exactly that way!  😉

While fun, this is also one of the most important steps to gardening.  If you are wanting a successful harvest, it’s crucial that you think hard about what to plant.  Not every seed is right for every gardener.

Questions To Ask Yourself When Planning Your Garden

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself when deciding what crops to plant.  They should help you make the best decision about what will be best for you personally to grow.  Let me know in the comments if you have any other gardening questions!

best things to plant in garden - planting a garden

What Produce Does Our Family Enjoy?

One of the first questions you should ask yourself when deciding what to plant in your garden is what fruits and vegetables does your family enjoy eating the most? 

It’s really easy to get carried away planting “this” vegetable and “that” vegetable, many people often forget to focus on the foods their family eats most often.  If you have a bountiful harvest, but nobody will eat it, then it’s not worth planting in the first place….right????  Right!

Spend a minute thinking about the produce you buy weekly at the grocery store, and then make a list of these grocery staples to help give you some gardening inspiration.

For example, my list would look like this:

  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Bananas
  • Oranges
  • Strawberries
  • Grapefruit
  • Watermelon
  • Broccoli
  • Spinach
  • Onions
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Peas
  • Corn
  • Green Beans

Now, this is a list of the produce I buy for my family most often, but not everything on this list will grow well in my garden.  This is where the following questions come in.

 

What Grows Well In My Climate?

The next question you need to ask yourself is what grows well in your specific location.  I would love to tell you exactly what to plant and when, but there’s a good chance your growing season/climate will be very different from mine.  

The first step to learning what will grow well in your location is to find out what zone you are in.  Your planting zone will tell you when to plant which crops.  You can easily find your planting zone here.

For example, I live in Zone 5.  This means that I have a shorter growing season than somewhere like Zone 9.  The crops that grow well in Zone 5 can differ from the ones in Zone 9.

Another great way to find out what grows well in your climate is to ask other gardeners in your area.  If you have neighbors or friends who enjoy gardening, ask them what they enjoy growing most and have had the most success with.

Once you have determined your zone, start researching the best crops for that zone.  This can easily be found using a google search.

 

How Much Garden Space Do I Have?

The size of your garden is a huge factor when deciding what to plant.  If you have a small garden, you might not want to plant crops that take up a large amount of space, like pumpkins, corn or watermelon.

If you have a smaller garden, I recommend planting crops that need a smaller space, such as spinach or carrots.

And, if you are planting in containers, you will want to only plant what grows best in containers.  I’ll share a few ideas below with you.

Plants That Grow Well In Containers:

  • Tomatoes
  • Potatoes
  • Beets
  • Herbs
  • Lettuce
  • Onions
  • Peppers
  • Strawberries

Plants That Need A Lot Of Space To Grow:

  • Corn
  • Pumpkins
  • Bush Beans
  • Peas
  • Raspberries

Plants That Grow Well In Small Gardens:

  • Lettuce
  • Onions
  • Potatoes
  • Beets
  • Peppers
  • Tomatoes
  • Radishes
  • Pole Beans

 

What Crops Are Most Expensive To Purchase At The Store?

If you are gardening as a way to save money, which I recommend, try to focus on growing the produce that is most expensive to buy at the store.  

A few of the crops I have found that are cheaper to grow than buy are:

  • Bell Peppers
  • Tomatoes
  • Herbs
  • Squash
  • Lettuce
  • Berries
  • Green Beans

One of the great parts of gardening is the ability to preserve what you grow, so that you can use it throughout the year.  This is especially important for the produce that is most expensive.

Bell peppers and berries can easily be frozen using the flash freeze method I talk about here.  Herbs can even be frozen using the ice cube method taught here.  This gives you even more bang for your buck all year long.

 

How Much Time Do I Want To Spend Gardening?

Gardening is time consuming, that is just a fact of life.  In order to get grow and harvest a garden, you will need to be able to donate some of your time to each crop.

If you enjoy gardening and want to spend more time on it, than you might consider growing more high maintenance crops, such as”

  • Green Beans
  • Peas
  • Fruit Trees
  • Corn

If you are looking for some easy to grow, least time consuming crops, I would consider:

  • Carrots
  • Potatoes
  • Beets
  • Onions

 

So, still wondering, “What should I plant in my garden?”

If this is your first year planting a garden, I always recommend starting small.  Choose a few of your favorite vegetables, that will grow well in your area to plant this year.  If it goes well then you can add a few more next year.

It truly takes trial and error before you find the right crops to plant in your garden, but you will figure it out.  I believe in you!

Want a little inspiration?  I’ll share what I am planting this year! 

This year I am planting:

  • Peas
  • Green Beans
  • Pumpkins
  • Corn
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Potatoes
  • Beets

I usually plant tomatoes and peppers, but have finally (and a little reluctantly) decided they are just to difficult for me to grow in my very windy garden spot.  And that’s ok!  

Happy planting!!!

 

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