Atlantas Frugal Mom

Discount Tickets around Atlanta

03/16/2017 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

You may have figured out there’s a ton to do around the Atlanta area. Not only are there plenty of free things to do in Atlanta, there’s also tons to do around town with discounted tickets. Just as when you’re traveling, you should always check for discounted tickets for upcoming events.

Finding Discount Tickets Around Atlanta

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Keep on saving! :o)
--Barbara
**Remember, y'all, this post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Filed Under: around town, Atlanta

UpCycling Creativity that Lets Parents Sleep

03/02/2017 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

As a member of the Chick-fil-a Moms Panel, I was challenged (again) recently to upcycle the chicken tortilla soup containers. Since I recently upcycled the salad containers, I thought this would be a piece of cake. Or waffle fry. 😉

The challenge came at a perfect time, as it helped solve a problem we were facing on weekend mornings. You see, my husband and I like to sleep in a little on the weekends – and by “sleep in” I mean not get up at 6 am like the kids do! At five and seven, the kids are more than old enough to entertain themselves safely in the toy room, but recently my daughter took on the responsibility of also wanting to feed herself and her brother during the weekend mornings. Not a big deal, in theory, because she can prepare cereal and open bananas for herself and her brother. Boom – breakfast.

However, the issue arised when she admitted to helping herself to seconds, then thirds, then fourths, fifths, sixths, and SEVENTHS of cereal one morning. Bless her heart. Granted, she showed me that her second through fifth bowls were less than a quarter full, but still that was entirely too much cereal.

SO, I utilized clean and empty soup containers from Chick-fil-a. I simply poured an appropriate amount of cereal in each container, and put the lid on. The cereal waited for them on their placemats in the morning, and I had a cup of milk in the fridge for them to pour on to their cereal in the morning. The containers were big enough that I could tell my daughter she only ate what was in the bowl. Along with a banana, this was PLENTY for a meal.

As a bonus, the containers also serve as a great on-the-go breakfast. About once a week, we indulge in sleeping in a little later during the school week. We wake up, brush teeth, get dressed, and head out the door. The kids enjoy a Chick-fil-a soup container of their favorite cereal, along with another container filled with fruit, and they’ve got an easy, delicious and not-that-bad-for-you breakfast.

In summary, upcycling the Chick-fil-a soup containers has allowed my husband and I to sleep more. As parents, that is amazing. 😉

But I’m not the only one who came up with an awesome way to upcycle Chick-fil-a soup containers. Check out these other creative ideas:

Tsum Tsum storage box and a first aid box (and here’s another first aid box)
an adorable pedestal organizer
store your Playdough in it!
Use it to hold your dice for games while traveling
Turn them in to sparkly jewelry boxes
a hanging terrarium (seriously, this is amazing!!)
Starry Night Luminaries
Faux Pewter Box
a bird feeder
a lacing card craft
a hat. an absolutely adorable hat, y’all!
a fairy garden

Given all these creative options, how would YOU upcycle a Chick-fil-a soup container?

Filed Under: Chick-fil-a, Frugal Parenting, parenting

How to Save More Online

02/28/2017 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Groupon Coupons. However, all opinions, experiences, and bad puns are completely my own.

Let’s face it, online shopping is becoming a firm reality for day-to-day living as more and more brick and mortar establishments close up. There’s plenty to gain from shopping online these days, and it’s becoming quite easy to find ways to save.

I think y’all know by now of my deep love for Groupon, right? I mean, I frequently score cheap movie tickets, and even get a good deal on an annual parking pass for Stone Mountain! As if their deals on local attractions, goods, and getaways weren’t enough, now Groupon has gotten in to the coupon game, too!

So here are three sure-fire ways to save more online with Groupon Coupons:

Promo Codes – Groupon Coupons has become a hub for online promo codes. You know how when you’re checking out online, there’s usually that little box that says “promo code”, and gives you the opportunity to add a discount – but only if you know the code! The easiest way to see if there’s any good promo codes floating around out there is to head over to Groupon Coupons and search for your store.

Here’s an example I did with an American Eagle order recently. First, I searched for promo codes:

Then, I applied the codes at checkout for further savings:

Free Shipping – Utilize the Groupon Coupons to see if your store is offering a deal on free shipping, just like I did on the order above. Sometimes stores will have free shipping specials, lowering their total amount spent before it kicks in. Sometimes a promo code is required, so make sure you search and snag when you can! Paying for shipping? Pfft! That’s SO 2016!

Price Compare with Promos – Ok, this is going to get a bit complicated, but if you’re searching for an item, and you don’t need to be brand dependent, then this is a good option. Say, for example, you’re looking for a 3/4 sleeve top for a special occasion. Compare not only what it would cost from store to store, but factor in promo codes and any shipping fees.

Filed Under: frugal living

Dr. Seuss Books

02/26/2017 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Dr. Seuss books are an integral part of childhood, pre-reading, early readers, and -well, really readers of all ages. Not only are his books perfect for reading with your kids, but they’re also great read aloud books, for kids to try and for adults, too.

Also, the life of Dr. Seuss is a good read. My kids and I enjoyed this kid-friendly Dr. Seuss biography recently. March 2 is Dr. Seuss’s birthday, also known as “Read Across America” Day. So in honor of one of America’s most beloved authors, I give you an extensive list of his work. How many Dr. Seuss books have YOU read?

Thanks to More with Less Today for sharing this list!

Dr. Seuss Books

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Filed Under: books

10+ Valentine’s Date Night Ideas

01/03/2017 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be another occasion for which to go in debt. On the contrary, there’s plenty of free, cheap, and frugal date night ideas around Atlanta -and anywhere – just put the leg work in to it ahead of time. Here are a few great Atlanta date night ideas, but most can be date night ideas for just about anywhere. And keep in mind, these date night ideas are great, not just for Valentine’s Day, but all year long!

Frugal Date Night Ideas around Atlanta (and Beyond!)

Coffee Date. No, don’t run through your local coffee kiosk for this one. Actually scope out your semi-local coffee shops or coffee bars and take your special someone there. Find a quiet table and enjoy the coffee and conversation. I’m willing to bet that most of the time you share coffee, it’s when you are in a rush in the mornings. This will be a nice change and therefore a great date. Check Scoutmob for a local coffee shop near you!
Dive Bar. Going out for drinks doesn’t have to be expensive. You can look for dive bar that offers cheap drinks and a unique atmosphere. These bars are often provide just about the best people watching opportunities that exist. Again, Scoutmob it, folks! (I swear, this isn’t an ad for Scoutmob. I just really like promoting free apps!)
Hit the Trail. Take your special someone on a romantic hike and a bring a picnic along with you. Do an internet search for trails near year and their difficulty scale – or check out my list of free or cheap hikes around Atlanta. Be sure to choose one that makes sense for your fitness level (they range from super easy, park like strolls to more strenuous ones). Just be sure choose wisely so that you both have fun!
Attend a Paint Night. Are you and/or your sweetheart artistic? Paint nights are very popular right now and many restaurants and local event centers are offering paint nights for a very reasonable rate. I’ve personally been to All Fired Up and would recommend them, and have heard great things about Painting with a Twist, too.
Dinner and movie (at home). Dinner and movie at home can be very romantic! Just make sure to mix it up a bit so it’s not the same thing as every other night. Maybe the two of you can cook a meal together and enjoy each other’s company with a candlelit meal. Follow that up by snuggling on the sofa watching a movie. Or, if you’re near Studio Movie Grill, snag this great deal while it’s available!
Take a YouTube lesson together. Learning is sexy. Lucky for those of us on a budget, there are lots of free classes available at our fingertips. From cooking to musical instruments to singing and drawing, you can learn just about anything on YouTube. Grab your honey, open up the laptop and learn a new skill together.
Hit up happy hour. Many restaurants now offer happy hour discounts where you can order select food and drink items for half price! This is a great way to save and still go out!
Play a game of miniature golf. When was the last time you played mini golf? I didn’t realize how cheap it was! And oh so fun too! Check Groupon for a potential mini-golf deal near you.
Group game night. Valentine’s Day doesn’t always have to be just for two. Why not invite a group of friends over for a group game night and enjoy everyone’s company? It is free and fun, plus it will give you a chance to invite those friends that don’t h 73 answered questions ave a partner to spend the day with. You can never go wrong with a classic game like Pictionary, Phase 10, or try something new like Watch Ya Mouth or even Pie Face.
Find a local musical act playing or check out an open mic night and pay a small cover fee for live music and entertainment.
Explore Your City! There are tons of free and cheap things to do in Atlanta. You can also peruse sites like Groupon for restaurants and activities inspiration on the cheap, as well as Venue Kings and Goldstar for concerts, shows, and sporting events.

Got other cheap date night ideas not listed here? I’d love to hear them! Also, make sure you check out these great inexpensive Valentine’s gift ideas for her (also not limited to just Valentine’s!).

Filed Under: around town, Atlanta, holidays Tagged With: date night, Valentines

Creative Ways to Recycle Christmas Cards

12/27/2016 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

It’s inevitable for many families this time of year, the Christmas Cards will start arriving once we flip our calendars to December. We keep ours in a basket available for all to see each year during the month of December. However, once the holidays are over, I’m perpetually perplexed as to what to do with all those cards. We get cards from family all across the country, and from friends equally spread out. Each year, I look at these cards as a sweet, simple way to stay in touch with loved ones; but I honestly always felt a sense of dread and apprehension once the holidays passed and it was time to take down the Christmas decor. I never knew quite what to do with all the cards.

Thanks Jannessa from Bliss Mama Wellness for sharing your Christmas Card door!

So I reached out to my blogger friends AND posed the question on Privet, and got some awesome ideas and inspiration for upcycling and recycling Christmas cards. Here are some ways to get more out of the Christmas cards you receive. If you’ve got more ideas or inspirations, please let me know!

Creative Ideas for Recycling Christmas Cards

One family tapes them to their kitchen pantry cabinet, for the toddlers to look at year long of friends and family near and far.
Hang them in kitchen door frame as you receive them. My friend Jennessa of Bliss Mama Wellness did so this year. (see pic above)
Punch a hole in each one, and bind together with a binder ring.
Using your smartphone, take a photo of each card. Then assign that picture to the sender in your phone. Then when they call or text, you have a seasonal reminder of them all-year long!
If you only receive them from close friends and family, save them. Dedicate a special spot to them and watch how the kids grow.
Cut out the names from the cards and start a bowl full of them. Once or twice a week throughout the year, pull a name and pray for them – even the companies and businesses that send cards.
Lindsey from Redhead Baby Mama informed me that “if you cut off the fronts of basic or old-fashioned cards (no family photos) and give them to the VA, the vets do rehab crafts with them!”
Winona of Southern Family Fun has a great DIY craft turning Christmas cards into decorative coasters.

Got any more great ways to recycle Christmas Cards? Please comment below with your ideas or contact me. I’d love to hear your ideas!

Filed Under: holidays Tagged With: Christmas, DIY, recycling, upcycling

Frugal Teacher Gift Ideas

12/12/2016 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

As a teacher, I recieved gifts over the years -some obviously very thoughtful and others that left me scratching my head in wonder. Regardless, the simple act of giving a gift meant the world to me, especially since I wasn’t always the “main” teacher. (I taught special education, and even if I saw a child for most of the day, I wasn’t their “homeroom” teacher, and ….I digress…) So, let me repeat, any gift you give a teacher will be much appreciated. Period. Truly, it IS the thought that counts.

If you’re looking for something simple, without breaking the bank, then take heed of these frugal teacher gift ideas.

Honestly, the gifts that meant the most to me were the personalized notes, you could have your child help create a picture for each teacher, and include a note of thanks -offering anything specific you can, even if it’s simply “you make my child smile”. Pull out the paint brush, water colors or tempera paint, and let your child express himself – regardless of his age. Sometimes a picture of your child is helpful, too, because it will allow her teachers to continue to put a name to a face (because we’re all a little forgetful in our old age.) I’ve helped my daughter create various cards over the years, using card stock, colorful tissue paper bits, and contact paper. Or peruse Pinterest for a simple craft you think you and your child could create for all his teachers.

When I was in the classroom, the gift that (still) meant the most to me was from one of my 5th graders, whose learning disability made the simple task of writing very difficult. That year, she hand wrote me a letter of thanks – specifying things I’d done for her/with her that year. I know the time, effort, and thought that went in to that was great – and I thus still treasure it dearly. She got me a few other small things along with that note, but the note is what I most recall.

If you want to include a little **something** along with the pictures and notes, the gesture of a $5 gift card, or even a little baggie of assorted chocolates can go a long way. The dollar stores usually have those little mesh baggies in multiples; I snagged a bag of chocolates last year for free with some deal -likely at Publix- and allocated a few of them to each of my daughter’s teacher, using those baggies. Also, you could create various baked goods with your child, and include with a personalized note.

Along those same lines, clip and root a piece of your favorite house plant, like a Christmas cactus; root it, then put it in a colorful pot. Or, grab a ready-to-paint pot from a craft store or home improvement store, and let your child create a design on the pot. House plants can certainly be a lasting way of saying “thank you”.

Another idea, depending on your child’s class and teachers, is to pool together with other parents, and go in together for one big class gift. With a larger budget, the class could get the teachers personalized stationary from Vistaprint, or even a larger gift card or gift certificate to her favorite restaurant. Or just cold hard cash.

This year, for the end of year gift, my daughter’s pre-K class is making a photo book for each teacher. Since they’ve been taking pictures all year round, and uploading to Shutterfly, we have plenty of pictures of the kids and both teachers. Each child will also create one picture for each teacher, and write a sentence or two about what they like the most about each teachers – scan them in: boom. Sentimental, meaningful gift.

The bottom line is this: no matter what the gift is, simply let your child’s teachers know you appreciate them. That act alone goes a long way, and stands out for years to come.

**Also, check out Tiffany (of RealMomTalk.com) for her take on the Top 5 Gift Ideas for Teachers:

Don’t forget to “pin” this post about Frugal Teacher Gift Ideas, so you can find it (and share it!) later!

Filed Under: Frugal Parenting, gift guide, holidays Tagged With: gift ideas, teachers

Studio Movie Grill Groupon – $5 movie ticket

11/29/2016 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

The Studio Movie Grill Groupon is BACK! You can also check out other Atlanta Groupon deals and Goldstar.

The Studio Movie Grill Groupon is BACK! This is a great one, y’all — you get movie admission for $5!! Studio Movie Grill has two Atlanta locations, and thus this Groupon has two options:

$5 for one movie ticket to Holcomb Bridge Studio Movie Grill at 2880 Holcomb Bridge Drive (up to $11 value)
$5 for one movie ticket to Duluth Studio Movie Grill at 3850 Venture Drive (up to $11 value)

Each offers a dinner and movie experience. This is the lowest I’ve seen this Groupon offer, and it’s even better because they just recently revamped their menu, and it is full of ahh-mazing food and drink options!

Hurry and grab this GREAT deal before it’s gone!

Are you not yet signed up with Groupon? No problem — sign up here, then go snag this great deal!

Legal-Mumbo-Jumbo: Promotional value expires Jan 5, 2017. Amount paid never expires. Limit 10 per person. Must use promotional value in 1 visit. Not valid for Star Wars Rogue One. Not valid for movies at 5pm or later on Friday-Sunday. Not valid toward special event movies, or alternate programming. Extra fee for 3D movies. Must redeem and use movie tickets by expiration date. $1.50 convenience fee/seat applies to online redemption. Never valid for alcohol, beverage, or food. Limit 1 per person per visit. Not valid towards buyouts. Not valid in combination with promo codes. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for Groupon promo codes or other discounts.

You may also wish to check out these other great deals around town:

Legoland 1/2 off admission

Georgia Renaissance Festival (1/2 off!)

College Football Hall of Fame & Chick-fil-a Experience

Filed Under: around town, Atlanta Tagged With: Studio Movie Grill

Why I Gift Photo Books – And Why You Should, Too!

11/28/2016 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Let’s face it, in this digital age, we scarcely take the time to print pictures these days. My kids get printed school pictures, and any photos grandparents print some out. Otherwise, I consistently FAIL to print pictures. So, this, honestly, is why I gift photo books. I have found great satisfaction in compiling photo books for my kids from various occasions, like vacations or special events. Two years ago, I even did utilized Shutterfly’s photo book option to “publish” the book my then 5 year old daughter and I wrote.

Now is a great time to put together photo books, they make a great class gift idea for teachers, but also for a wide variety of other people in your life. We created a photo book as part of our keepsake for my daughter’s first trip to Disney World when she was younger. My sister-in-law created a photo book a few years ago for my in-laws to remember the family cruise we went on – we all still enjoy thumbing through it to remember how much we enjoyed the cruise!

Gift Ideas for Photo Books:

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Filed Under: gift guide

Toy List for Kids – Newborn to 24 Months

11/16/2016 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Amazon has a nice list of top toys for kids this year based on age. The following toys are on the Amazon Holiday Toy List for Kids – Newborn to 24 Months. Prices shown were accurate at the time of posting. Be sure to check the price before you order.