How to Get Started on Refinancing Your Current VA Home Loan

Although this recession has been difficult on everyone, the plus side is that reduced interest rates have allowed many to refinance higher end interest or adjustable rate mortgages.

Mortgage rates are at an all time low; as low as 2.99%! Chances are those rates are going nowhere but up.

For active duty and prior service veterans, there is currently a program that provides a fast easy way to modify your existing VA loan at the record-setting lower VA refinance rates.

If you current VA mortgage is current, has been current for the last 12 months, and you can supply your DD-214, then you've qualified in the first steps to refinancing your current VA loan!

Sounds great, doesn't it? So head on over to VAHomeLoans.net to request your free quote and take the first step to financial freedom!

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Let's Go Krogering at the Cart Buster Savings NOW!

Since I haven't been able to leave the house in two days (Princess A seems to be going through a second cycle of these bugs going around), I was starting to worry I would miss the Kroger Cart Buster Savings going on this week at Kroger.

As someone who was an extreme couponer before that was even a term, I do NOT like missing these sales where I can walk away paying next to nothing!

This morning I got 14 Banquet single serve frozen meals at 58 cents each, less 7/50 cents off/2 coupons that were doubled to $1.  Total paid:  $1.12.
. 
Pillsbury Grands Biscuits 8 count are on sale for 99 cents.  I had a 50 cent coupon off 3, doubled to $1.  Total paid:  $1.97.

Chef Boyardee on sale for 70 cents.  I had 3 coupons for 50 cents off 3 cans, doubled to a $1.  Total paid for 9 cans:  $3.30.

I absolutely love Kroger's weekly specials.  With double coupons and money off next purchase printed with receipts, their prices more than beat the big Superstore prices.

Not only do I stretch our grocery budget, but I can stock up on items - saving an untold number of trips to the store!

So you ready to go Krogering?  Before you go, be sure to check out Kroger's Daily Deal for even MORE savings!

GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  Save even more with a generous offering from Kroger through My Blog Spark!  One lucky reader of The Mom Trap will win a $25 Kroger Gift Card!

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER: Mandatory entry: What's the best deal using coupons you've ever gotten? (Be sure to include an email address or have one available on your profile in case you win!)

Want to increase your chances of winning with extra entries? (Leave a comment for each additional entry; i.e. 2 extra entries = 2 comments)

• Like Kroger on Facebook (1 extra entry.  Current Fans also receive extra entry)
• Become a Facebook Fan of The Mom Trap at www.facebook.com/themomtrap  (1 extra entry. Current followers also receive extra entry.)
• Follow The Mom Trap with Google Friend Connect. (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Follow The Mom Trap on Twitter (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Tweet this giveaway for 2 extra entries, including @kdcantrell in your tweet. (Include the Tweet status URL in your comment.)
• Blog about this giveaway for 5 extra entries. (Be sure to include the URL of your post in your comment)
• Add The Mom Trap button (lower right column) to your blog for 5 extra entries.

The Fine Print: Contest ends at 11:59:59 PM Central Time on Thursday,March 10, 2011. Winner will be chosen by random number generator. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Open to U.S. and territories residents only; void where prohibited. Winner will be notified via email no later than Friday, March 11, 2011, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize or an alternate winner will be chosen.

Thank you to My Blog Spark and Kroger for providing me with a $25 Gift Card. 
However, receipt of same did not in any way influence my opinion for the purposes of this review.

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Couponers Unveiled: Its Not Who You Think

I recently read some interesting statistics about coupon users. Having been an avid couponer for years now, the report that stated the majority of coupon users are in a higher income bracket and college educated caught my attention.

I learned a long time ago to be wealthy you've got to think like the wealthy (and I don't mean lottery-winner-new-money wealth or the credit-wealthy). Funny how I find out I'd been thinking and acting like the wealthy more than I thought. :)

Just the other day I snagged a great deal at the local Rite Aid with Electrasol dishwasher tabs. They were buy one get one free at a price of $6.99. So I snatched two and used the two coupons I had for $2.25 each. Toss in a couple of the +UP Rewards I had and I walked away paying only $1.17!

I used coupons for everything.  From groceries to gas, dining out to entertainment, if we don't have a coupon, we generally don't buy it.

So where do I find these great coupons?  Lots of places; for example, the Sunday newspaper, Savings.com deals, coupon train clubs, and Facebook. Just look around, coupons are everywhere!

So do you fit the average demographic of a coupon user?  Whether you do or not, what's the best coupon deal you've got lately?

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Find GREAT Back To School Deals at Savings.com

Why does sending the kids back to school have to cost so much?

New clothes and shoes (because, of course, they've outgrown last year's), supplies, and backpacks can take a huge chunk of a family's budget.

Well, no one can keep the kiddies from growing and education is a must, so the best thing anyone can do is plan ahead and SAVE! SAVE! SAVE!

Let me introduce you to Savings.com - a one stop online resource for the best back to school deals.

Visitors to Savings.com will find awesome codes for discounts at Gap, Old Navy, The Limited, Foot Locker, and plenty other popular stores.

There's also a multitude of discounts for those expensive extras - such as laptops - from trusted retailers such as Office Max, Radio Shack, and Walmart.

Mom and Dad, you'll save enough that you can buy a little treat for yourself too with deals from Bath & Body Works, Sports Authority, and Victoria's Secret - just to name a few.

I couple spend HOURS at Savings.com, looking for great deals from my favorite stores.   Be sure to look for me at the "Get Advice" section where shoppers are swapping tips on how to maximize your savings!

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Win a $25 Dollar Kroger Gift Card Because I Had An AWESOME Savings Day!

I just have to brag about the day I have had.  When it comes to saving money (one of my top 3 hobbies), this day couldn't have gotten ANY better.

Savings number 1:  Promo code for a free movie at Walgreen's Redbox.

Savings number 2:  Free Route 44 drink from Sonic for taking a less-than-1-minute telephone survey about service.



But it's savings number 3 that you really want to hear about...

I was contacted by My Blog Spark™ about Kroger's week long Cart Buster Savings event along with a $25 gift card courtesy of Kroger and General Mills.

From now through March 14th, shop the Cart Buster Savings Event and find the hottest prices around on your favorite name-brand products in over 60 categories at the Kroger Family of Stores, which includes Kroger, Ralph’s, King Soopers, City Market, Dillons, Smith’s, Fry’s, QFC, Baker’s, Owen’s, Jay C Food Stores, Hilander, Gerbes, Food4Less, Pay Less Super Markets and Scott’s Food & Pharmacy.

Here are just a few of the great brands participating in the event: Honey Nut Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Hamburger Helper, Yoplait, Progresso, Totino’s, Green Giant, Cascadian Farm, Tide, Charmin, Bounty, Pampers, Pantene, Crest, Iams, Febreze, Old Spice and many more!
I downloaded my local weekly sales ad at Kroger.com, grabbed a calculator, and pulled out my coupon organizer.

For a grand total of $7.09, I was able to accumulate all the items seen in the photo to the right.

How?  Well, first there was the complimentary $25.00 gift card.  Add to that $7.34 in coupons plus $3.60 in bonus coupon savings (double coupons).

PLUS, I received 2 $1.00 off next Kroger purchase coupons.

So, technically, my GRAND total spent would be $5.09.

Oh yeah, that's sweet!

And the deal gets better.....FOR YOU!

Kroger and General Mills through My Blog Spark™ is offer ONE lucky reader of The Mom Trap to save money on their next Kroger shopping trip with a $25.00 Kroger gift card.

Here's how to enter:

• Leave a comment here and tell me your favorite grocery savings tip. Be sure to include your email address (or have on your profile). This portion of the contest is mandatory.

Want extra entries?

• Become a fan of The Mom Trap on Facebook (2 extra entries)
• Become a Facebook Fan of Kroger. (2 extra entries)
• Follow The Mom Trap on Twitter. (1 extra entry)
• Retweet this giveaway on Twitter; clude status URL here and be sure to include @kdcantrell in your Tweet. (3 extra entries)
• Follow The Mom Trap via Google Friend Connect (1 extra entry)
• Add The Mom Trap button to your site or blog. (3 extra entries)
• Blog about this giveaway and include your post URL in your comment. (5 extra entries) 

The Fine Print: Contest ends at 11:59:59 PM Central Time on Friday, March 19, 2010. Winner will be chosen by random number generator. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Open to U.S. and territories residents only. Void where prohibited. Winner will be announced here and notified via email on Saturday, March 20, 2010, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize or an alternate winner will be chosen.

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Coupon Codes and Printable Grocery Coupons from Trimback.com

There's nothing that I like more than saving money -especially at my favorite online stores!

And there's a new site designed to help me save more without spending hours searching for coupon codes.

Trimback.com is an eye-catching, easy-to-use code sharing site. Visitors will find it is the place to visit to get up-to-date Amazon coupon codes; as well as coupons for Walmart, Victoria's Secret, Kohl's, and many more popular stores.

Deal seekers can search by store name, popular category, or just check out the latest codes submitted.

Looking for printable grocery coupons? Trimback.com has those too!

Talk about one stop savings!

Found a great coupon code? Share it with others with Trimback.com's easy submission form!

Coming soon! Trimback.com's shopping forums are sure to make saving a sociable pastime!

Be sure to follow Trimback.com on Twitter, Fan them on Facebook, or subscribe by email to make sure you don't miss out on the latest savings.

Or, better yet, snag the Trimback.com toolbar that notifies you IMMEDIATELY of any new coupon code submissions.

Saving doesn't get any easier than with Trimback.com's coupon codes. Head on over, check 'em out - it'll be the last place you ever need to go to find the best coupons online!

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Make Saving Money A New Years Resolution

As difficult as it has been for so many this past year, I think everyone has realized that it's important to save for a rainy day.

One of the best ways to get on a fast track to savings is with budgeting - especially using an envelope system.

Neobudget is an online envelope budgeting software that helps you keep track of your spending. At only $2.50 month, you'll find it extremely affordable compared to similar programs.

Try it free for 7 days with no strings attached!

What have you got to lose? Absolutely nothing, but so much to gain!

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Try Yoplait YoPlus FREE

Send in one (1) Activia yogurt UPC and receive a coupon for a FREE Yoplait YoPlus yogurt.

PLUS.... print a $1.00 off coupon now!

Just visit www.yoplus.com for the $1 coupon and more details on receiving your free product coupon.

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Save Money with Free Coupons

I'm always looking for ways to save money. Who isn't, right?

So I frequently visit Free Coupons, the BEST resource for online coupons and printable grocery coupons.

Want to the update-to-date insider's scoop on savings? Be sure to visit Free Coupon's editor's blog and forums. And don't forget to download the FREE ebook to help you jump start the savings!

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Save on Groceries: Rebates Worth Mentioning

Within the past week, I've come across some great rebates that can really add to your grocery savings:

• Gerber Yogurt Blends: Try Me Free Offer. Form attached to specially marked packages. (I found at Walmart)
  
  


• Gerber Graduates Smart Sips: Try Me Free Offer. Form attached to specially marked packages. (I found at Walmart)
  
  


• No Yolks Noodles: Full rebate of purchase price. Rebate form found in Smartsource coupon insert. (Found a seller with forms available here)

If you enjoy collecting children's movies like we do here, you'll also want to check out the $4 rebate being offered by Hostess Cakes when purchase 2 Family size packages of Hostess products and Monster's vs. Aliens DVD . Download the form here (PDF).

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Save Money with Free Coupons Free eBook

Who isn't looking to save money as we suffer through this global recession?

One of the fastest, easiest ways to save is with coupons.

And to simplify the process even more, there's FreeCoupons!


Join today and receive the Free Coupons Free eBook!

While you're there, also check out the FreeCoupons Forums and Editor's Blog for even more savings tips!

This is a paid advertisement. Please scroll down to the lower portion of this page for full disclosure policy.

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Take A Stand Campaign from Luvs (and a $5 Coupon!)

The people at Luvs® are excited to invite you to join the Luvs "Take a Stand" campaign, which rallies moms to unite and take a stand on things that are important to them, such as not paying too much money for everyday items such as diapers!

Marissa Jaret Winokur, Tony-Award-winning actress, Dancing With the Stars contestant, and host of Oxygen Network's Dance Your Ass Off, is leading the charge for the Luvs "Take a Stand" campaign. Marissa absolutely believes in the idea of empowering moms to stand for things that are important to them, and you can watch a series of videos on Luvs.com where she talks about all sorts of things that she stands for—from charitable giving, to just trusting your gut when it comes to parenting. Marissa's very adorable baby avatar is the "celebrity" site host!

Go to Luvs.com and share your own inspiring "Take a Stand" story with other moms in the Luvs online community.

And have a little more fun while you're there with the adorable Baby Builder feature at Luvs.com that lets you build a baby avatar in your likeness. They're very cute, and you can use it for your Luvs.com profile or your Facebook headshot, or just to tag your emails to friends. The sky is the limit!

(Btw, how do you like my baby Kimmie to the right? lol)

Luvs loves moms, and understands that with all of your priorities in life, the last thing you want to do is overthink diapers. You just want to feel confident that they work, and you don't want to "pay up" for that feeling either. With Luvs, you get a great diaper that provides ultra leak protection, and there's even a money back guarantee.

Luvs is so excited to let you know that starting September 15, you can go to Luvs.com (or click the coupon below) and receive a $5-off coupon for any Luvs product!

There's a limited supply though, so be sure to get yours right away before they run out.

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13 Ways I Pinch My Pennies

Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a penchant for pinching my pennies until Lincoln screams - or so I've been told repeatedly by close family and friends.

Irregardless of what they believe, I do not have being cheap down to a science...yet!

But here are some ways that I am a real cheapskate (even though, personally, I don't see it that way):

1. I save all the condiments I get from fast food restaurants for use with meals I've cooked at home.
   
   
2. I save all the extra napkins and/or utensil packets from fast food dining.
   
   
3. I only use cold water to wash clothes. There has to be a special reason to use hot water.
   
   
4. It's been a while since we've purchased a piece of furniture for our house. My mother and her sisters have very nice things, and they like to change frequently. If I wait long enough, I'll get some nice furniture given to me.
   
   
5. I grocery shop only once a month to avoid temptations of being in the store too frequently. (Ok, this isn't so much based on cheap as it is that I hate grocery shopping...lol)
   
   
6. Although I don't practice this as much anymore as I should - especially when we're hearing so much about "going green": no use of artificial lights during the day, instead relying on natural light.
   
   
7. I try to avoid, at all costs, purchasing brand new clothing for my two youngest. At 4 years old and 7 months, they go so quickly that you never get your money's worth. Instead I shop consignment and yard sales as well as thrift stores such as Goodwill.
   
   
8. All year I use grocery promotions (ie, those found on cereal boxes) to accumulate small gifts (for free or a very small fee) that I use as stocking stuffers - for the age appropriate kids - at Christmas.
   
   
9. The children's movies that we want to purchase (and we only purchase children's movies because they can watch them over and over and over....), I only buy used: either a previous rental from the video store or on eBay. I've never purchased a brand new one.
   
   
10. When free samples are offered - of products I know we will use, or at least consider using - I take them. I have a nice stash going on of trial size shampoos, hair sprays, deodorants, laundry detergent, that are great for sending with children to summer camp, on vacation, and other times when the "big sizes" aren't necessary.
    
    
11. I always collect the shampoo, lotion, soap, etc. from hotels when we travel.
    
    
12. Speaking of travel, I always avoid using the middle man when planning a vacation. I call the hotel direct and negotiate a rate and purchase park/event/show tickets direct. (I refuse to fly, so I have no tips for airfare.)
    
    
13. Now that our local Walgreens has made it so easy to refill ink cartridges, I never buy new ones - well, at least until the crtridge has so much wear I have no choice, but that day hasn't arrived yet.

Find more interesting lists at Thursday 13!

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Regain Life's Balance With The Momnificent! Life (A Book Review)

I became a stay-at-home mom in 1996; and ever since the term - "stay" - has bothered me.

Webster's Dictionary defines the word as "to stop or halt," "remain behind, " and "continue in a place, position, or situation."

As far as I'm concerned, none of those definitions apply. Rarely do I have time to stop; nor do I feel left behind or as though I'm staying in the same place. (The latter could only be defined, in relation to my life, as wishful thinking!)

I am a work-at-home mom. Not to be confused with the work-from-home mother.

I am a Manager; a manager of my household consisting of four children and a husband. My physical place of employment is at home.

Therefore, I am a work-at-home mom.

To define myself in a manner that brings me a sense of satisfaction - of accomplishment - was the very first of many important life-changing steps I learned from The Momnificent! Life by Lori Radun.

And then I was hooked!

For three days, I delved into learning how to grow and prosper in my job and my personal life; which, for me, happens to be in one the same.

Don't misunderstand. The Momnificent! Life isn't just for the full time mother. This book is for any mother looking to gain a sense of balance in her life.

Readers are encouraged to evaluate several aspects of their life, including:

• Personal Development
• Spirituality
• Fun and Enjoyment
• Relationships
• Health and Aging
• Personal Finance
• Career and Profession
• Home and Family

At the end of each segment, readers are invited to engage in assignments that help to exercise the principals learned.

I personally found that practicing such assignments immediately following a "lesson" helped me to more greatly absorb it and set it in motion now versus later - which procrastinators, such as myself, tend to [never] do.

As an avid reader, I've read numerous self-help books on a wide variety of subjects. However, I found The Momnificent! Life to be the first to offer a complete manual on all the issues important to me - as a mother, wife, and a woman.

The Momnificent! Life is a book that I will keep nearby as a handy reference tool; as a means to finding a balance in an all too frequently unbalanced lifestyle.

Thank you to author Lori Radun for bringing such a wonderfully written blessing into my life!

The Momnificent! Life is available at for purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Walmart.

I also strongly encourage you to visit Lori's website at http://www.momnificent.com/ for additional resources such as coaching programs and products, a Mini eCourse, and monthly eZine; or find out how you can have this gifted author speak at your next retreat.

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13 Ways To Save Money During An Economic Downturn (Thursday 13)

You can't turn on the news these days without hearing about the recession; which I prefer to tone it down by calling it an economic downturn.

But there are ways to save even in these difficult times. And it's important to save whether there is financial trouble brewing or not.

Here are some great ways to save money now or anytime:

1. Budget
   


2. Create grocery list and stick to it.
   
   
3. Use coupons.
   


4. Shop online and compare prices. Many things are cheaper through Amazon than purchasing at Walmart or other big chain stores.
   


5. Use a water filteration system instead of buying bottled water.
   
   
6. Carpool.
   


7. Combine errands to reduce gasoline use.
   
   
8. Subscribe to newspapers and/or magazines online versus hardcopies.
   


9. Line dry clothing instead of using the dryer.
   


10. Brown bag it.
    


11. Refill ink cartridges instead of buying them new. Walgreens offers a fast, affordable ink refill service.
    


12. Pay with only cash and put coin change into a jar everyday. When the jar is full, have it counted by your bank and put directly into savings.
    


13. Increase deductibles on auto and homeowner's insurance policies.
    

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How To Create A Household Budget That You Can Live With

This post has been moved to The Babbling Brunette

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How To Save Money Even During a Recession

Saving money in these difficult economic times can seem as strenuous a task as paying for fuel and groceries; however, there are a couple of things anyone can do to help them build savings.

1. PAY YOURSELF FIRST:
   
   We have a rule in our household that we follow faithfully: pay yourself first. Each week, we deduct a percentage of that week's salary and place it into savings. Following that percentage outtake, in addition we place twenty-five dollars ($25) into a Christmas Club account.
   
   By doing this, we accumulate savings at a fairly rapid pace. And because we do it regularly, we have learned to live without a portion of our salaries. Also, by preparing for one of the most expensive times of the year (Christmas), we have eliminated the possibility of busting our budget when it rolls around.
   
   Essentially, we have trained ourselves to live on less than we make. This is a very important rule to follow if one is ever to build wealth.
   
   Many companies offer their employees the option of having a portion of their pay directly deposited into a savings or Christmas Club account. If your company is one that offers such a service, use it. Not only does this take care of business for you, but it also eliminates the possibility of not following through on your personal commitment.
   
   
2. TAKE CARE OF YOUR PENNIES AND YOUR DOLLARS WILL TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES
   
   This was a favorite saying of my great-grandfather, who stuck with this philosophy even through the Depression.
   
   What exactly does it mean? Simply put: drop your change in a bucket and before you know it, many dollars will have accumulated.
   
   So often, people are quick to just toss change aside. Change is nothing more than smaller portions of the dollar and, when combined, can add up to several dollars.
   
   Every evening, my husband and I place our change into a medium sized gold fish bowl. We never touch that change. Once it is filled to the brim, I cart it off to the bank to have it counted. On average, we are able to deposit $200 from this little fish bowl.
   
   I also follow another rule: I pay with paper money only. I never count out change to accompany my bills. Using this method, I'm guaranteed to get return change; thus making a contribution to our "fishbowl savings."
   
   
3. USING GOOD OL' FASHION COMMON SENSE
   
   The methods I mentioned above are the best two methods to get someone in the habit of saving versus spending. Yet there is so much more a person can do on a daily basis to build wealth. Most often, it just takes good old fashioned common sense; such as creating a monthly budget and assigning every dollar a task, using coupons on products that you use frequently, combining errands into one large trip versus several small trips, and more.
   

Saving money is not an impossible task. However, it is one that takes dedication, willingness and discipline; but the sense of pride one has when reaching their savings goal is a reward worth far more than the dollar!

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How Is Your Household Saving Money In This Economy? (Aloha Friday)

This week I decided to join in the Aloha Friday fun!

If you're new like me and wondering what Aloha Friday is, here is the information provided the meme's host, An Island Life:

"In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response. If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!"

Now for my question of the week:

How Is Your Household Saving Money In This Economy?

My Answer:

My family has been very blessed to not have been effected by this economy much despite that my husband works in a manufacturing facility that the majority of their business is automotive related. (I am a stay at home mom). However, realizing that at any time we could be greatly effected, we have been cutting costs as much as possible. One of our biggest cutbacks has been in the eating out department. We used to eat at least two meals out a week due to hectic schedules, but now we make an effort to cook each meal at home. We're also cutting our grocery budget to accompany our savings from the take out meals by using more coupons.

Thanks for stopping by! I can't wait to read your answers (I will be sure to visit!) and put some your tips to use!

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Bank Overdraft Charges Could Become A Thing of the Past

Have you had a slight miscalculation in your checking account that caused you to overdrawn by just a few cents? Then that mistake ended up costing you $25 to $50 extra?

If so, you're not alone. And consumers are tired of banks gouging them for such small overdrafts.
Ethel Dillon told Consumer Reports about an incident that occurred with her former bank where she was charged $8.00 a day in overdraft fees over a fifty-two cent mistake. Dillon stated, "I realize the shortage was not their fault, but it wouldn't have hurt them to call right away and offer me the chance to make a deposit since I had not over drawn my account before."

Such has been the public outcry about these excessive fees that the Federal Reserve Board (FTR) was seeking opinions from consumers.

One of the proposals made by the FTR was to allow consumers to opt-out of the overdraft protection plans that many banks automatically enroll their customers in when issuing ATM/debit cards.

"[This proposal] would prevent institutions from charging overdraft fees unless they first inform customers and allow them to opt out. The alternative would prohibit charging such fees for customers unless they consent – or opt in – to the program," says Consumer Reports in an article titled The Feds Want Your Opinion on Bank Overdraft Fees.

A second proposal would eliminate overdrafts in cases where funds have been put "on hold" or reserved in excess of the actual amount purchased. Some examples of these holds include hotels, car rentals, and gas purchases. "[These] holds can amount to several hundred dollars and take days to clear, causing customers to overdraw their accounts unknowingly," the article claims.

Consumers were asked to visit the Consumer's Union website and share their opinions by March 30, 2009, with the Feds in an effort to reach some resolution to these outrageous charges. You can read some of the stories by visiting the Consumer Union's website Defend Your Dollars.

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Baby Girl's Spring and Summer Wardrobe for Less Than $100

I love the consignment sales that appear locally twice a year (spring and fall). Hosted by a few individuals who bring moms together for great savings, these consignment sales are my answer to affordably buying brand name clothing for my kids without breaking the bank.

This year was even more fun since I finally got to shop the little girls' section! And let me just say this: I thought I was saving money when shopping for boys' clothing, but I never saved like I did until I shopped the girls!

It would appear that many moms are like me, eager to purchase their little girls all the adorable clothing they can find. Unfortunately little ones grow so fast, that half the stuff doesn't get worn but once or twice. That, however, creates awesome bargains for the next over-eager shopping mother.

One example of the great bargains I found this past week at a local consignment sale is this 3 piece Gap dress ensemble. This adorable little size 0-3 month outfit is in like new condition. As a matter of fact, the tag stated that it had only been worn once. The price paid? One dollar! No kidding! And that was on half price day - so it would have only been two dollars on any other sale day!

What a bargain!

I was able to purchase a total of 60 outfits - including dresses, 2 piece pant/shirt groups, jumpers, pajamas, onesies, shorts, and shirts (all of them like new or new with tags) - for a grand total of $66.50. And this will essentially cover everything needed for my baby girl through spring and summer since I made sure to purchase plenty of bigger sizes for her to grow into.

Don't think I forgot about shoe shopping either! (lol) I love shoes and purses - that's my thing - and I have to teach my daughter the same thing, right?

I found some great deals on shoes too (sorry, no purses...yet!); like a pair of new with tags and box Reebok Weeboks in lavender. Price paid? $4.00! Original retail would have been at least $29.99, a savings of $25.99!

I also purchased two pairs of sandals that have no wear to them at all for $1.00 each pair!

And last, but not least, I purchased a Jeep Wrangler stroller in excellent used condition for only $8.00! It was such a great deal, I didn't even wait until half price day! All it needed was to have the wheels cleaned (and did it really need that?!).

I guess that I should really mention my boys too. (Unfortunately for them, I've discovered such how boring and redundant boy clothing is) I purchased 2 pairs of Abercrombie jeans (teens) for my 12 year old at $7.00 each (retail minimum $49). And for the four year old, I was able to get an assortment of jean shorts and cute t-shirts for a total of $15.50. (This age and size is a bit hard to get good clothing in when it comes to boys, because of the wear.)

I could write for hours about consignment shopping. Like I said, I love them! For me, I brag not about how much I paid for an outfit, but how little I paid.

I encourage you, if you have never shopped on before, take the time to visit at least one sale. You may become a consignment junkie like me!

Visit http://www.kidsconsignmentsales.com/ to find a sale in your area!

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