Atlanta's Frugal Mom

Today was the first day back at school for my daughter, so she naturally felt compelled to show off her new pink threads. Little guy had his one-year check-up this morning, too. Both are doing quite well, but only ONE is sleeping off the ensuing traumas from their morning. ;) Playing with teething beads, all 22 lbs of him. Pretty in (all) pink --yep, those are cowgirl boots. Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara  

It's been a long, sloppy mess-of-a story, not to mention a longtime coming, but after Google temporarily disabled my blog -flagging it as spam- I have decided to hop on the 2009 train, and make the switch to Wordpress. I am frightened, and elated all at once. It's growing pains, and all the responsibility and gripe that come along with it. My hopes, however, are that this move will greatly open up new opportunities for me, and for the site. In the meantime, I thank you for your patience in my absence, and while I get this whole thing set in motion. Reaching for the sky is scary, but always rewarding, no matter where you end up.

I have three AWESOME apps I need to remind you about: iBotta , Endorse , Plink,  and Shopkick .  All reward you for doing the shopping you already do!  And they're pretty darn easy to use, and therefore to make money!  And the best part is ALL of these are free apps, available in the app store! Endorse   is a simple, free way to get cash back for buying your favorite products in stores. Earn anything from 10% up to 100% cash back on your everyday purchases from stores like Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Kroger, Safeway, CVS, Whole Foods, Costco and Trader Joe's. Further, Endorse helps fund local school projects via DonorsChoose.org. Here's a sample of what my Endorse account looks like. iBotta works much like an electronic coupon app, but with a fun twist!  Take quick surveys, read recipes, and view videos related to particular items-- all to earn higher value coupons for select products.  Then after you've purchased these items, scan your receipt to redeem thes

My daughter is fond of waving her finger like a magic wand, and exclaiming " bippity-boppity-boo " to make the bad guys go away, to heal a hurt, to rid her room of monsters, or, essentially, to right any wrongs she perceives in her life. I wish today I had a magic wand to wave over the nation.   To erase the senseless tragedy that took away so many innocent loved ones, that took away the everyday moments in these families' lives, that took away the fleeting sense of security we collectively felt in dropping our kids off at school.  Alas, that is mere fantasy.  What happened today was very real.  All too real for parents around the nation, as we are lucky enough to administer extra doses of hugs and kisses to our precious children, while dozens of parents tonight simply grieve. This image is circulating on Facebook. I don't know who to credit, as I don't know where/from whom they originated. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make a clear, simple sol

We successfully tackled potty training about a year and a half ago, so when my daughter started preschool last year, her teacher taught the class a song to help with proper hand washing .  To the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat: Wash, wash, wash your hands, Wash them very clean. Wash the fronts and wash the backs, and even in-between.  Yeah!* *My daughter and I added the enthusiastic "yeah!" We would repeat a few times while she washed, and it served as a good way for her to remember to do a complete, proper hand wash.   So, along the same note, we adapted the song to  brushing teeth :  Brush, brush, brush your teeth, Brush them very clean. Brush the tops and brush the bottoms, and even brush your tongue! Do you have any clever songs you use with your kids? What ways do you help your kids learn and maintain good hygiene habits?   Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara

Does your family enjoy it's fair share of Kellogg's products ?  Now you can be rewarded for doing so, in addition to great everyday savings!  Sign up for Kellogg's Family Rewards and receive the latest news, special offers and exclusive savings from Kellogg's. Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara