The Momccupation
All things mommy, baby, kids and more. Reviews, articles, recipes.
About Laureen Botticelli & her Blog
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Laureen's Answers
What's a great present under $30 for a toddler (between 18 and 36 months)?
Laureen Botticelli
Mega blocks are a fave in my house right now. I have a 20 month old and twin 3 1/2 year olds.How do you make shopping for your family's clothes affordable?
Laureen Botticelli
I am a firm believer in shopping in advance. I mean a season ahead people. I also love freecycle.com and craigslist for stuff. I have an awesome friend who passes down many clothes from her son to my twins. Thank you very much. With 3 year old twins and a 20 month old we will take what ever we can get. Don't be ashamed your kid doesn't have the most in style thing or the newest fahion. Most will just grow out of it ASAP. Other tips: I love shopping clearance and with coupons as well. Target has awesome clearance and my kids super cute Cargo jackets were $4 last year. Yes, it takes a little planning but why not. All those stores with great clearance sales like Carters, Macy's, Osh Kosh( got sandals for $5 each in August) Old Navy, and Kohls, are great places to help out a hand me down wardrobe or spruce up the closet, I love to check with the mommy groups, many have trading parties and you can get some great stuff for free and have a fun night out. Also the great used sales that are popping up now are so great. or even Threadup.com Shop the big sales: Did you get the important stuff on black friday or when Old Navy had %75 off all coats last week?? Also use those coupons in the adds. I got jammies for all the boys when I realized they are almot a 4t now and my one twin could not fit his feet into his footie pj's. JCPenny, $10 off coupon adn early bird special and I was out of there for $10 for 3 pairs of jammies. Lastly: Shop the deal sites, I got a $10 for $20 old Navy coupon and then went on Black friday and got fleece for everyone including daddy for $10. Yeay!! You have to just have fun, keep a sharp eye and go for it!! Same goes for me and the hubbs too!What are your tips for planning an affordable birthday party?
Laureen Botticelli
I am working on a party right now for my twins and littlest one...our last double party...they are only 2 weeks apart. So my tips 1. Start early- check those clearance bins...target clearance for valentines in coming up for me so...red would be a good color for plates or just be creative with what you find. We r making monster eyes with marshmallows and making their cake. I shop groupon. Or any daily deal site for catering deals...just check the expiration. Have a party at the park or your house, no one cares as long as the kids have fun. 2.Balloons are cheap and easy as well as making your own fun serving platters and spray painting them to match your theme. Pinterest is a great site for ideas. I love blog posts on their parties as well.What tips can you offer for closet organization?
Laureen Botticelli
I love to organize. Closets are hard in a old house like mine, they are not walk in or large by any means. So here is what I do: 1. Get a closet rod extender(you hang it on your single closet rod and it makes a 2 levels. 2. Use a shoe organizer on the back of the door for Hats, Gloves, bows, socks, or anything you need. get a cheap clear one so you can see what is in there.(I use it in the hall closet for dog leashes, flashlights, gloves and much more.) 3. Use skinny hangers, they are great. 4. Use door knob hangers as size hangers on the rod. Just jazz them up with your own style. Great for Baby's rooms. 5. Hooks are a awesome!! I use hooks inside the closet for Belts and ties. 6. If you love to up cycle, use a old towel rack with S Hooks for necklaces inside the closet.What item should moms splurge on?
Laureen Botticelli
Splurging is hard for me when you are on a tight budget. A few essentials I love to splurge on for new moms are: A great baby carrier like a Ergo or Katan are so nice and don't kill your back. A nice stroller- a Bob, City Jogger, Britax, bumbleride, etc. You want one to last and not change strollers 10 times. Do your research and register or save those gift cards for the one you want. Cloth diapers- I know it is a splurge to get cloth diapers when you start but it is a money saver 10 times over in the long run!! Look at all the new cloth diapers out there and they are just are easy to put on as disposables.What are your best tips for easy DIY nursery decor? (If there's an image or post on your blog, please link to it.)
Laureen Botticelli
I love using craigslist for finding furniture, you can get some great steals for less than half the cost of retail. Check out online facebook groups for your area. There are a few in my area and they post everything, you can also post wghat you are looking for!! Plus let people know wht you are looking for your friends may have something, and you will never even know it. I linked a post on a DIY nursery on a budget as well with lots of ideas. http://momccupation.com/2011/04/re-posted-frugal-friday-on-a-budget-your-babys-nursery.htmlDo you have a go-to hostess gift? Please share a link if you can.
Laureen Botticelli
I love bringing a mix that I make in a mason jar. Here is one of my favorites: http://momccupation.com/2011/12/cute-jar-gift-cookie-pie-in-a-jar.html Super cute, easy and inexpensive. I also love bringing a bottle of wine with a cute holder :)|
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