Guide to Online Shopping for Kids

It's holiday season and I would like to share with you my top five picks for unique and trendy items for your kids.  Here are my top five websites:

#5 -Bargainchildrensclothing.com


Bargain Children's Clothing is a perfect place for the mom on the budget.  You can find cute clothes for your little ones without breaking the bank.  They offer clothes and accessories in all sizes for both boys and girls.  The clothing options are definitely unique and you can even find items for under $10.  If you are looking for a new cost effective and adorable option for your child, then head over to Bargain Children's Clothing!


#4 - Zulily.com

 Zulily offers a variety of products from a variety of well known brands.  They have daily sales events so you always have to check to see what they have.  The savings are great and you can save up to 90% off of retail prices.  The clothes, accessories, toys, and decor are super stylish and cute. It is a great place to check for deals on holiday items. Head over to Zulily to check out what they have today!

#3 -Skechers

Skechers is the go to place for unique and adorable shoes. They offer shoes for kids and adults and they come in a variety of styles. If you are looking to stand out from the crowd while remaining stylish, head over to Skechers.

#2 -  Wittlebee

Wittlebee is a unique kids clothing club. They offer adorable clothes for a fraction of what you would pay at your local mall. So how does it work? First, you sign up on Wittlebee.com. Give a few details about your child and how you dress them and then place your order. You will then receive a box of clothes for your child with a retail value of over $100, every month. You don't have to do anything else! It's that simple! Just place your order and wait for your box! Wittle Bee carries sizes 0-6 for both boys and girls. Make your life easier and put your kids clothes on autopilot! Order today at Wittlebee.com and receive $10 off of your first order! It's like having a personal stylist!

#1 - Tea Collection

Tea Collection clothes are unique and authentically inspired with artistic inspiration of global destination. The newest holiday collection is inspired by Nordic design. On this site you can find adorable and durable clothes for your precious little ones. They offer clothes from newborn to 12 years. (Mommy's, you can even pick up a little something for yourself while you are their!) These clothes are stylish, trendy and easy to mix and match. If you are looking for clothes that are fun and modern, then Tea Collection is your place. Now through 12/31/2012 you can Buy 1 Newborn Layette Collection Outfit (Boys or Girls) and get the 2nd free (Offer only valid with the Newborn Layette Collection). Click here for that offer Tea Collection and use code: BABYBOGO
Tea's Facebook page -->
For some of my special picks from these sites, follow me on pinterest! Happy Shopping!

Steps to Setting up a Household Budget

Budgeting is an essential part of running a successful household. Many times we don't realize that our house is a business. Would you spend a company's funds without allocating them? Don't do that in your household either! Here are some tips to help you get your household finances on track. I will put links to free tools that you can use at the bottom!

Step #1: Track your spending!
One of the first things that you need to do is track the money that you are spending. You need to find out where your money is going so that you know how much you need to allocate to each category. You can either do this through a spreadsheet or use a website or app to help you. One popular website is Mint. Mint allows you to enter all of your financial data, budget it, and track spending habits. This is a very useful tool for anyone.

Step #2: Gather Data!
Setting up a budget requires a bit of discipline. A budget is not set in place to limit your spending, but to allow you to have all the things you desire. Tools you need to set up your budget are a spreadsheet, a mobile app, a website, or a piece of paper, to log your budget. You will also need your income information and monthly expenses. Once you have all of your information, you are ready to begin.

Step #3: Log all data!
Now that you have gathered all of your data, you are ready to begin your budget. List all of the expenses that are standard from month to month (Mortgage, utilities, food etc.). Allocate a certain amount of funds for each section. Start with necessities and work your way down to extras.

Step #4: Implement!
Now that you have your budget down on paper (or computer), it is time to implement it. In order for budgeting to be successful, you have to follow it!

Step #5: Watch it work!
You are now following your budget and guess what? You may find that you actually have extra money. Now you are not living pay check to pay check and you always have money in your bank account! You are even building a savings! Way to go!





Free Budgeting Tools
Spreadsheets






Websites
Mint
Pocket Smith
Pear Budget
Budget Pulse
Money Manager

Apps
Mint
Pageonce
EEBA
Cashculator (Mac)

Please comment if these tools help you or you have other ideas to add!