How to Throw a Frugal and Fun Baby Shower

!±8± How to Throw a Frugal and Fun Baby Shower

I work with predominantly males, and one of my male coworkers was going to have his second child soon. My boss realizes that I love throwing fun creative parties for a frugal price (I had a baby shower for him too), so he asked me to throw my coworker and his wife a baby shower party. The couple knew they were having a girl, and with a household of all boys, I jumped at the chance! What fun buying little pink girlie things!

We all pitched in with what we could afford but we're a small group. With about that I collected, I had to buy plates, napkins, a card, ribbon, gift bag, food, and a respectable gift. I want to share how you can throw a frugal, thrifty, and fun baby shower.

The couple already has a 2-year-old son, so luckily they had a lot of the big items. I began with a pretty basket that was donated to me by a Longaberger basket consultant who worked in my group; that was a great addition to the overall gift since the couple can use the basket long after the child grows up. You can also use any large pretty basket.

We have a new large dollar store, the Dollar Tree, near our house. I knew I could find some great items to add to the basket. After lining the basket with pale green tissue paper, I arranged all the items in the basket, placed it down into the cellophane bag, made the bow, and tied it all up. I tied the rattle to the bow, and tucked the rose into the middle of the bow. I actually forgot to include the mesh bags, but it turned out for the better. I placed the extra diapers that I couldn't fit into the basket into one of the mesh bags, and tying the balloons to it, used it as my balloon anchor. The mesh bags are wonderful to hang wet tub toys, or to use for a number of handy uses.

It turned out so cute! The plates, ribbon, picture frame, and rattle all had the same pink and lime green color. Even the mesh bags were lime green! I was really proud how everything color coordinated. The Longaberger consultant loved the way I had decorated her donated basket and took lots of pictures of it to show at her parties.

Here's what I found at the Dollar Tree to put in the basket, plus some other frugal finds from other sources:

Square Paper Plates with Pink and Lime Green Flowers: Large Square White Napkins: Wired Ribbon with Pink and Lime Green Butterflies: Breck Lavender Baby Wash: Breck Lavender Baby Lotion: Breck Flushable Baby Wipes; Fisher-Price Newborn Socks with yellow trim - 3 Pack: Baby Spoons with Soft Pink Handles - 2 Pack: Bottle Brush with Pink Handle: Pink Snack Holders - 3 Pack: Lime Green Mesh Bags with Drawstring - 4 Pack: Small picture frame with Pink Flower: Greeting Card: Body.50 (cards are 2/ at Dollar Tree) 2 Mylar Helium Balloons; 1 Pink Heart, 1 Welcome Baby: ( each) Clear Cellophane gift bag - 2 Pack: Pampers Newborn Diapers: .72/pack from WalMart Store Brand Desitin: .76 from WalMart Grandma's Photo Album (Wrapped & New): Body.75 from garage sale Rubber Duckies; Mommy and Baby - New: Donated by Geri Rattle with Pink and Lime Green Rings: from WalMart Artificial pink rose: FREE from around my house

Dollar Tree Total: .50 WalMart Total: .62 Misc. Total: Body.75 Gift TOTAL: .87 (excludes tax)

With the money left over, I bought the following food. Look for specials on in-season fruit and use your coupons if possible! I've always wanted to make one of those cute baby carriages carved out of a watermelon. It was relatively easy, and this was a big hit with both the women and men attending the shower.

Whole watermelon Pineapple Strawberries Blueberries one Orange 4 grapes Individual sponge cakes: 2 packs of 6 each Cheese tray with 4 different varieties Whipped cream: FREE from my house

TOTAL: almost

Watermelon Baby Carriage

If your melon is wobbly, cut a small piece off the bottom to flatten the underside. Carve out the watermelon, and chop the reserved melon into chunks for the fruit salad. (You'll have more than you need!) You can add a decorative edge to the top if you like. Save the extra rind for the carriage handle. Cut the rest of the fruit into bite-sized pieces. Mix with the watermelon chunks. Fashion a stroller handle out of the leftover rind using my picture as a guide. Attach the handle to the body with toothpicks. Slice the orange into 4 pieces, and using the grapes too, attach with large toothpicks to the melon for the carriage wheels.

I brought the carved melon unassembled to work in a large white plastic trash bag, and the fruit salad separately in a large covered bowl that I kept refrigerated. Right before serving, place the carriage on a platter, assemble the handle and wheels, and spoon the salad into the melon. Serve the fruit salad with the sponge cakes, whipped cream and cheese tray.

This simple yet elegant party served about 18 guests, and everyone had a wonderful time. The gift basket and food were a big hit, and the 2-year-old loved playing with the balloons.

How to Throw a Frugal and Fun Baby Shower

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Fun Baby Shower Games - Baby Shower Purse Game

!±8± Fun Baby Shower Games - Baby Shower Purse Game

There are many fun baby shower games around. But in choosing party games for your baby shower you will have to bear in mind a number of factors such as types of guests, the personality of the expectant mother, budget and so on. The baby shower purse game or whats in mommy's purse game is a fun game that will be thoroughly enjoyed by guests.

The purse game is played at not only baby showers but bridal showers and other parties. Women these days have huge purses, jammed packed with everything they think they might need, much to the chagrin of their spouses. This funny baby shower game is very easy to play and everyone will be surprised to see some of the things they actually carry around in their purses.

To play this game simply tell guests to have their purses ready. You will then explain that you will be reading off a list of items from a list and guests are expected to fish out all the items they have in their purse that they hear on the list. When you finish reading off all the items, the guest that has the most items from the list is the winner of the game.

The list should be made up of all the items that you think a mother will have in her purse such as picture of a baby, q-tips, safety pins, toy, something blue or pink, nail clipper, wipes, kleenex, comb, brush, snack, gum, hand sanitizer, pencil, crayon, coupons, cell phone, shopping list, tide stick, receipt, spoon, bottle water, condom, camera, keys, etc Be sure to add some difficult things to the list such as slippers.

Another version of this game is whats in mommy's purse game. This is maybe the most popular version of the purse game at shower parties. It is played by taking the expectant mothers purse and removing each item for guests to see, if guests have that item then they should take it out. The player that has the most items matching those in mommy's purse is the lucky winner. A small manicure set or hand lotion is a nice prize idea that she can just stick into her purse to use later on.

This game has been tried, tested and proven a hit with women at baby showers. It is a cute game that all guests will get a laugh out of playing. If you are looking for other funny games like the purse game just visit fun shower games to choose from a variety of free baby shower games.

Fun Baby Shower Games - Baby Shower Purse Game

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Target Haul!

!±8± Target Haul!

Baby Products from Target! -Pampers Wipes. Original Price: .12, had off coupon, total price was VideoDescription.12. -Gerber 2 Pack Apple Strawberry Banana baby food. (Ava is too little for any solid, but it was in the clearance isle, and expires in 2013) Original price, .00, I got it for VideoDescription.27. -Playtex Drop ins Bottle, Pink. Original Price: .99, Had 1/2 off coupon, came to around .00 -Avent Bottle, Original Price: .99, had a free coupon from prenatal vitamins, had to pay tax though, total price came to VideoDescription.64 -Munchkin Spoons, 6 pack. (Got these for when Ava starts solids, won't be for a few months, but it was a great deal!) Original Price: .99, I got them for .00. Enjoy and subscribe!

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Get a Break With Diapers Samples

!±8± Get a Break With Diapers Samples

When you have a baby, you quickly learn just how expensive things can become. After clothes, feeding and equipment, you suddenly realize that you've spent a small fortune of this bundle of joy. And, diapers! The money you spend on diapers is outrageous and you can expect to be shelling it out for quite some time. You may actually be tempted to try another brand, but don't want to waste money on something that doesn't work. Luckily, you can get diapers samples from several different sources. This is the perfect way to try out a different product without spending any more money.

First, it's always a good idea to stick with known retailers and affiliates. There may be other places that offer diapers samples and they may actually even send you the product. However, you need to be really careful about how they will be using your personal information that you send. You may not only find yourself with a few diapers, but with your mail box and email inundated with spam. Read the fine print that comes with any offer and avoid those that seem a bit shady.

Of course, you may actually get lucky and stumble into a promotion right in the store that you shop at most. Many stores periodically hand out diapers samples right to the customer. This often is promoting their own store brands. You can also check the website of the big box stores in your area. Many have a section devoted entirely to free offers and samples. You won't always find diapers listed there, but they do rotate through the cycle regularly and they almost always have some sort of product that a busy parent can use. Next, you will want to go to the websites of the diaper manufacturer. These will almost always have really good coupons at worst. You may also be able to get a sample there or even sign up to win free diapers. Also, don't forget to send a personal piece of mail to the company. For a short note giving feedback, most companies will reward you with coupons or free product.

As a busy parent, there is never enough time or money. You are always looking for ways to cut costs and be more efficient. By doing a bit of footwork, you can find diapers samples available in many places. Try to stick with trusted websites to avoid excessive spam. Once you get a good idea of where these promotions tend to be, you'll be surprised how often you find free or discounted products!

Get a Break With Diapers Samples

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Travel Light - Trip Tips and Smart Ideas

!±8± Travel Light - Trip Tips and Smart Ideas

A year ago I saw an ad from the cotton fabric manufacturers, with a young woman trying to get her suitcase closed by sitting on it. Looks like many of us on any trip - a classical case of over packing.

While ad promises your clothes look perfect even after such brutal treatment, I am not so much concerned about wrinkles, as much as about fitting all my stuff into Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and airline luggage guidelines.

Hang On, Carry-On...

TSA website offers to make my trip better by adhering to 3-1-1 rule for your carry-on:

- 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume);

- 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag;

- 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin.
In order to make the security check smooth and easy, I would not advise to deviate from that rule, unless you need your medication or baby food on board with you. TSA is very good with providing clear information, so follow the link at the end of this article to read through that.

Trip Tip: San Francisco Airport had quart-sized bags at the ready right at the security line. But I would not rely on it, if you travel later in the day, or from the different location. Bring your own.

Smart Idea: If you are frugal, it is wise to bring your own empty plastic water bottle with you, so you could fill it after the security checkpoint/ on board of the plane. Bottled water at the airport costs 3 times its retail price.

I prefer to have two carry-on items:

- Smaller over the shoulder bag for an easy access to necessities;

- Backpack for larger things.

My shoulder bag usually contains:
- Documents;
- Wallet;
- Tickets or a print-out with e-tickets numbers;
- Cell phone;
- Pen and a notebook;
- My itinerary, both ways;
- Dry and wet wipes
- Plastic bag with TSA allowed amount of toiletries;
- Moisturizing lip balm;
- Water (drink it before you reach a security check point);
- Mints.

Trip Tip: If you need any medication, make sure it is within reach, as well as in the amounts allowed by TSA.

Smart Idea: It is wise to have a note from your doctor or information on state of your health and /or special medical care needed in your wallet, so if your condition worsens during your trip, people could easily locate and use it. Carry it next to your insurance card, with your treating specialist name and number clearly marked.

In the backpack:
- Magazine of a paperback book (aim at the lightest ones);
- Laptop;
- Photo/video camera;
- Change of clothes (very important as my luggage gets lost frequently on international flights);
- Snack (nothing crumbly or perishable),

Trip Tip: Make sure you do not bring any food from abroad in your carry-on/ luggage. There are regulations, and if you have time to read through and memorize them- good for you. Otherwise, enjoy foreign delicacies abroad.

Trip Tip: Include a set of underwear, a pair of socks, a long-sleeved tee, and lightweight pants in your change. I opt for dark colors, but if you are on vacation, and planning on spending your time in a hot climate, you may think of something lighter, but still neutral (grey works best).

Smart Idea: Wear easy to slide in and out shoes with clean socks, so you could walk through security fast and with no shame.

Smart Idea: Some women spend a great deal of their vacation preparation on finding the Perfect Swim Suit. If your luggage gets lost or delayed, you are doomed to the first thing from the gift shop. Not only it will be overpriced, but also the wrong color, style and size. So, unless you plan on vacationing in Europe or other places where partial nudity is accepted, make sure you pack that precious item in your carry-on luggage.

Smart Idea: I always print out layouts of the airports I travel through. They are easily located online, and come in handy, when you are in a rush. Mark your gates, lavatory locations, currency exchange booths, and information stands. You may also read on airport food offerings, shopping, interesting sites, and WiFi hotspots, so you could use or visit them as well, if you have time.

Luggage: the Curious Case of a Suit Case

And here comes the hard part: how to fit it all?

First of all, make sure you check luggage size regulations for every air carrier you are traveling with. You will be surprised how luggage size and weight may vary based on your destination and airline.

If you have anything oversized, make sure your airline let you bring it; check what documents you may need, as well as the way it should be packaged.

When it comes to clothes and shoes, there are several Smart Ideas that can help you minimize your travel wardrobe:

- Pack only the most favorite and flattering things - you will tend to wear them often, and like your pictures later.
- Stay within on color scheme. Try black and white with some color accents thrown into. Or go with neutrals, like beige, tan, and olive colors. You may also choose cold or warm tones, and keep it at that, but make sure pieces can be combined to create number of outfits for different occasions.
- Limit number of shoes you take with you. It is possible to survive on three pairs of shoes, no matter how fashionable you are. As for a shoe addict, chances are, you will end up shopping at your destination anyway, so save some space for your new purchases.
- Jewelry, scarves and accessories should be carefully selected, but you may pack more of those, as they tend to change your outfit dramatically, and do not take that much space anyway.
- Pack with destination and your activities in mind. Make sure you have an evening number for dining out or a special occasion, comfortable weather appropriate pieces for active vacation, or proper conservative attire for business meetings. Try to keep yourself from urgent, "last chance", and pre-trip clothes shopping: thus usually translates into things in your suitcase you will never wear. Just because you have more, does not mean you will have something to wear. Just look in your closet, and compare with things going in your laundry/ dry cleaning every week. You will see 80 to 20 ratios, with 80% of your things sadly hanging there, and 20% of favorites in constant rotation.
- Do not forget underwear/ shape wear/ socks/ stockings, with the same rules in mind: follow your color scheme and your clothing needs.

Trip Tip: Things you usually store on the shelves, like tees, sweaters, workout clothes and such can be rolled for packing, leaving them less prone to wrinkles, and taking less space.

Pack socks inside your shoes - always an overlooked space. This will also help keeping your shoes in shape.

Pack delicate underwear or clothes with embellishments wrapped in one of your tees or in a special bag. Luggage gets thrown around a lot, which may damage your precious possessions.

Smart Idea:If you put any liquids or gels in tubs, make sure you squeezed extra air out of them. I also like to pack anything fluid into separate thick plastic freezer bags. Changes in aircraft pressure or rough handling may have some dramatic undesirable effect on your wardrobe. Do not risk it.

And the last tip: do not be afraid to leave with less. I always hear about over packing, but yet to come across a single under packing case. Unless you are traveling into Amazon jungles, an extra pair of socks or a tee can be easily purchased without even leaving your lodging.

Have a nice and light trip!

Travel Light - Trip Tips and Smart Ideas

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