Mom and Tots Stick it to the Paycheck!

I have seen so many blogs and articles lately about how to save money, especially on groceries. It seems as if everyone is jumping on the bandwagon. There are the coupon queens, the coupon divas, the coupon masters, and all manner of coupon professionals that are ready and willing to give their time and effort to show us how to use those little clippings and turn them into things that we would normally have to "pay" for. Pay for groceries and health and beauty stuff? What? I have seen so many people who literally pay pennies on the dollar for their necessities. It is really, really amazing.

I am not that good. I can't find the time to keep my coupons organized, I can't find the time to go through all the internet has to offer on good deals and fab bargains. But maybe that's not saying much because I really can't find the time to shower. Well, as the kids play outside this afternoon I decided to start this blog (as much as time permits :P) to give my tips and advice on something that I have become an expert on as of late: Baby and Kid stuff!! So here I jump on the bandwagon.

I had my two children one year apart. My oldest, age three, is just about to start preschool, which will cost $144 a month (actually a great deal!) for three days a week, two hours a day. I am a stay at home mom, and so my husband works, I spend all his money. My son, age two, is still in diapers and is basically the pickiest eater I have ever known. But I'm sure every Mom says that about one of her children!

Before having kids, my husband and I didn't pay too much attention to our grocery budget, and we bought whatever we wanted to eat. As I recall, between the two of us, we were spending about $75 a week, not including the times that we went out to eat. Now that we have the two kids, we still have the same amount of money coming in, so obviously we had to start paying attention. Since beginning my frugal mom quest, I have been able to work with our budget and pay for all us.

The number one area that I have found to be the most helpful in saving money is in the offspring department. My dear little ones are the most expensive thing I have ever had! But I have learned a few (or maybe a lot) of things that have substantially helped us. I hope to share some tips that can help others who have small children and are looking for ways to save cash. Let the mother bird squawking begin.