Sunshine and Sippy Cups

http://sunshineandsippycups.com

A fun resource for busy moms! It's a little bit random, just like me :) Sunshine and Sippy Cups offers lots of budget friendly tips and ideas, links to the best new freebies and giveaways, and fun crafts and activities.

Follow Me

0 Answer

What's a great budgeting tip for the new year?

Meagan Paullin

Spend more on chocolate, wine, new shoes, and sparkly things - and less on everything else. You're guaranteed to have a more fabulous year - You're welcome! :)
View All Answers
1 Answer

What is the biggest waste of money every family could avoid?

Meagan Paullin

A very common way that so many families waste money is - Buying individual servings of kids snacks. -Instead of buying juice boxes, get a set of small reusable bottles to fill with juice from frozen concentrate. -Use Ziploc baggies or Tupperware to make individual servings of chips, cookies, or crackers. -Get those cute Tupperware to fill with celery and PB, baby carrots and ranch, or apple slices and yogurt, and toss them into a bin in the fridge. This simple change only takes a few additional minutes at the beginning of the week - but will save you a TON on snack foods!
View All Answers
2 Answer

What is the youngest age you would let your child have a part-time job?

Meagan Paullin

In Washington, you have to be 16 to get a job - A few limited things are open to 15 1/2 year olds. I started working at McDonalds when I was 15 and a half, the youngest that you can work in this state - And I expect my child to look for a job as soon as she's old enough too. I really want to avoid that whole "entitlement" attitude that so many children get. I want her to value what she has, and learn how money works. A family is a team - and everyone should help out. A teen getting their own job and earning their own money to help buy their "wants" is a great way to contribute! I would also let her do other work to earn money even earlier - Like mow lawns or babysit, since those were all things that I did as a kid too.
View All Answers
0 Answer

What's an affordable and fun family activity?

Meagan Paullin

We do "Family Olympics" - Just like the real ones, we have Winter and Summer Games! We divide into teams, make silly names, and make cool medals for the winners. Then, over the course of a week, we have our championships. Each night, we add our scores to a big poster that we make, that hangs in the kitchen. We like to give lots of rewards - so we make a big bucket of little goodies bags with prizes. Some are slips of paper that say things like - "Your choice of TV show tonight," and others are dollar store toys, $1 bills, or candy. You can reward the nights winner, the team that's in the lead, etc. We're gearing up to start our Summer Games soon - here are a few of the challenges that we'll be competing in: Hula Hooping - how long can you go? How many baskets can you shoot in a row? Backyard mini golf - add your scores. Bicycle Obstacle course - who is fastest? Relay races - timed. Egg races - timed. You can use just about any outdoor activity your family enjoys as a challenge. What's awesome is that it gets kids SUPER excited to get outside and play each night. After a week of it, they'll usually stick with it pretty good though the rest of the summer too :)
View All Answers
0 Answer

What's a great source to buy formal clothing for children?

Meagan Paullin

I love Hartstings.com for really timeless and classic looks - the type of outfits that are such high quality that they can be handed down to the next little lady or handsome mister. Cookies Kids online can be a totally awesome resource for finding amazing deals on formal outfits and accessories - but can have a limited selection. I also just adore the new LoobaLee.com - It's an online consignment type shop, and it's filled with some really high quality. I find lots of the older style Gymboree fashions here - from when the quality and attention to detail on their pieces was totally top notch!
View All Answers
0 Answer

Please share a link to a photo of the most organized space in your house -- whether it's a closet, drawer, toy shelf, etc.

Meagan Paullin

It's surprising, but my most organized space right now is Abby's toy shelf! I love this new ClosetMaid Storage Cubby, and the fabric bins are so perfect for a toddler... She always wants to climb in everything, and used to break all of the baskets and boxes that I'd buy to store toys. But these flexible bins are the perfect little box for her to climb in and play with. Plus they help to keep the clutter out of site! http://sunshineandsippycups.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/DSCF1519-001.jpg.
View All Answers