Save Money and Fun For the Kids!!

My husband really enjoys giving "Hallmark" cards to special occasions. He spends time going through different card ensuring to pick just the right one. I on the other hand have always preferred the cards that blank on the inside...aka box of 12 for $5.99. Not only is the price more favorable, but I have always enjoyed a more personal way to express my note.

Fast forward to having children, I always have tons of "beautiful" art work hanging around. My oldest daughter loves to paint and draw and play with stickers. I often feel bad about throwing her creations away. Why not share them with someone else. So I have started using her art work as personal handmade cards to share with our friends and family. I typically have her "sign" her name and I write the special note.

Another great tip is to take cards, (the "Hallmark" kind) and cut off the picture on the front or inside pages. We get a lot of great cards with pictures of say Disney characters or flowers, hearts, etc. I cut them out and save them to be used for other fun projects! My eldest daughter loves to glue them on to other pieces of paper for more art creations!!

Discounted Movie Tickets?? Oh My!

I am amazed how much my friends save!! Little things here and there...it goes a long way.

A great friend of mine clued us in to a great way to get discounted movie tickets! At the Bow Tie Cinema's in West Hartford, an Adult ticket cost $10.50. Big Y offers discounted tickets at $7.98 if you use either a silver coin or a silver savings card!! Of course I had to see what else Big Y was offering and the list goes on and on.
http://www.bigy.com/Coins#.UKvTp4ao9z9

Within the past year I have been buying more things in bulk. I do not do a ton of shopping at the large bulk stores like BJ's or Costco, (I sometimes go with my girlfriend and she buys me some items), because I do not need 4 gallons of mayo. But I like to buy things like Israeli Couscous or Powdered Garlic, or Naan Bread in bulk I either store them in glass jars, or freeze them. I have found that some of the Ethnic stores have great deals if you are willing to do a bit of digging around.
I am a huge fan of Cosmos International located on Farmington Ave. They sell some items in bulk for great prices, (dates, rice, bulgar wheat).

If you like Asian food, stop over at A Dong on Shield St in West Hartford. They have tons of great items that you may find less expensive than your local grocery store.

Please share any more tips that you may know of!