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Nicole

Baby Clothes Buying Hints (For People Who Haven’t Got A Clue)

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Learning to be a parent is pretty much trial by fire, you learn by doing! But with some of the essentials in your baby’s life, especially in the early days, it’s beneficial for you to have a decent idea of some of the fundamentals. Clothing is one of those things that can be confusing because you might not have the budget to play with.

Or if you’re planning on buying clothes in preparation for the arrival of your newborn, you have no idea what to go for, because you might pick clothes that don’t fit. But here are some of the rules to follow.

Comfort Is Key

Picking clothes that are comfortable is ideal for your baby. Essentially, just go for breathable fabrics, as this will avoid irritation. The goal is to make the clothes as soft as possible, so, once you’ve picked them up, give them a wash to soften the material again.

Get More Than You Think You Need

If you are expecting your first child, you won’t get a true appreciation of how much mess they make until you see it for yourself! This is why it’s always important to get much more than you think you need. 

For the first couple of months of your baby’s life, you won’t be going out much, because you’ll be learning how to be a parent, but if there are some instances where you need to take the baby out, don’t be concerned too much about dressing them up, or making them look cute, it’s far better to get baby grows and outfits that are practical.

When they’re older, you can go for baby boy or baby girl outfits that have a bit of style at the outset, but their practicality is the most important thing.

Plan For Every Season

Babies cannot regulate their body temperature for some time after they’re born, and the first 8 weeks are vital. And while it’s important to be practical, you need to be aware of the external temperatures.

Giving birth in the summer means that they are more at risk of overheating, so picking fabrics and materials that are breathable is even more essential at the very outset. Get a good idea of the types of clothing that you want them to wear, but also to ensure that they are not too hot or not too cold. Sun hats for their head in the summer are essential, and snowsuits or bodysuits are vital in the winter.

And finally, when it comes to picking the essentials as far as baby clothes are concerned, muslin cloths and scratch mitts need to be in abundance. You are going to go through so much laundry, that you need enough supplies.

This is the most important thing to remember, at the very outset of your child’s life, you are going to be sleep deprived, so you aren’t going to have much of an opportunity to take care of the home essentials, but this is why you need to purchase more clothes. The first two months of your baby’s life is where everything becomes challenging, as long as you have enough as far as supplies are concerned, you’ll be fine.

Reasons to Read Reviews Before Buying Anything

With so many different ways to leave product reviews, it is easier than ever to find out what people think about every item under the sun. As well as reading what members of the public think, you can also find out what the professionals have to say as well. It is always worth taking the time to read reviews before you buy anything, and here are just a few of the reasons why.

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To See If It Has What You Need

Many people are buying products for a specific reason, and reading the reviews is one of the best ways of finding out whether or not it does it has what you need it to do. And while the product description may say that it fulfills a particular purpose, you can find out from people who are impartial about whether or not it lives up to all its promises.

To Get the View of the Experts

There are many review websites out there from people who are experienced in that particular product area. Whether you are looking for a new mountain bike or CBD vape cartridges, there are bound to be websites which are dedicated to that field. Often, the reviews that you get from the experts are more in-depth and you will pick up on features that might get missed by your average member of the public.

To Help You Identify Rogue Sellers

There is always an element of risk involved when you are buying online, but reading the product reviews is one of the best ways of picking up on the sellers which are more untrustworthy. People who have been victims in the past are likely to leave reviews warning future buyers away from the rogue sellers. If you see a number of reviews which are all saying the same thing, you have a better idea of the authenticity of the seller.

To Determine How Good a Brand is

Everyone has a pretty good idea what to expect when it comes to the big brands, but there may be some smaller or medium-sized ones which you have never heard about before. Rather than potentially buying an inferior product, you can find out the experiences of other buyers to find out about the pros and cons of that brand.

To Get an Idea of How the Product Can Be Utilised

When many people are leaving reviews, they like to describe their own experiences with the product. You may even find some alternative uses for the item which you had never considered in the past. The more you read, the more information that you will get about the product and the better informed you will be when it comes to making your decision.

The savvy buyer should always take the time to know everything they can about what they are about to buy. These are just a few of the reasons why you should always read reviews if you don’t already.

4 Unique Things That Your Savings Can Cover

Having an emergency savings account is a must if you hope to keep yourself afloat when things go wrong. No one plans for life to go a little askew, but it does happen with job loss, injury and unexpected breakdowns with the car, the boiler and any number of appliances.

As you well know, breakdowns and life issues always seem to happen in three’s, which means that you need to have a savings account that is prepared for you to use it – just in case.

When life does go off kilter, you need to be prepared. It’s hard, though, to prepare yourself for something that hasn’t yet happened. You can’t exactly predict that the established business that you work for is going to fold. You also can’t tell whether you’re going to be a victim of an injury this year. The good news is that you can do something, just in case.

You can figure out how much you earn in six months and make this your emergency savings figure. This is the amount that you can hold in your savings account ready to cover you when life goes sideways. There are many things that your savings can cover, and here are four ways to get started with your emergency fund below:

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1. Medical Costs. You may have comprehensive medical insurance and coverage, but that doesn’t always cover everything. Sometimes, you have to pay out for things like glasses or a Starkey hearing aid. You may even have to cover the cost of crutches or a wheelchair.

Your emergency savings account can really get some use out of it if you are strapped for cash and your medical equipment breaks down; it means you can be rescued!

2. Home Appliances. Being a homeowner is a wonderful privilege, but it does mean that the buck stops with you. When the boiler decides to die in the dead of winter, it’s you that has to cover the costs of a new one, plus installation and the cost of an engineer. It’s not cheap, but it’s a great way to use the emergency stockpile that you’ve got to cushion you from a fall.

3. Pet Sickness. You have a dog, one that costs you enough in food, medical insurance and toys every month. Now that dog has a broken leg, and you’ve got to fork over the money to get him sorted out. You’d usually not dip into your emergency savings for this, but it’s an emergency procedure or the dog loses a leg. It’s a perfectly legitimate reason to use the account – so go for it!

4. Repairs. The one thing about living in your town is the climate – it’s unpredictable and you can’t tell when the weather is going to turn on you. The wind is strong enough without the roof being ripped off and costing you thousands in repairs. Emergency funds are there for things like this, especially if your card won’t cover the cost!

An emergency fund is for emergencies; it’s the literal definition. Always try to replenish it as fast as you can when you have to use it!

Safeway: Savings on Zico & Odwalla Drinks!

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FreshCutSavings #CollectiveBias

 

Summer is right around the corner and I couldn’t be more excited for warmer weather and all the flavors that accompany the season, especially all the fresh fruit!
Summer doesn’t exactly mean things are winding down, which is why Odwalla and ZICO products are the perfect staple to fit into your busy lifestyle.
Whether they are part of a breakfast, or a pre/post workout snack, these products are a perfect on-the-go solution to those that are trying to make a “better-for-you” choice.

For a limited time at Albertsons and Safeway you can Save $1 when you buy any (2) Odwalla 15.2 fl. oz. or ZICO 13.5 fl. oz. and (1) Fresh Cut Fruit. Offer valid with digital coupon.
Click here to load your card to offer

Enjoy all the flavors of Fresh Cut Fruit without the hassle – ready for snacking or to add to your own fruit smoothie or smoothie bowl!
Don’t pass up these #FreshCutSavings – available for a limited time!

*Participating products:
Odwalla 15.2 oz bottles
ZICO 400mL

Offer valid 5/16 – 6/12 and while supplies last. Purchase must be made in a single transaction. Digital coupons are not valid unless downloaded to your Loyalty Account.
Retailers include: Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Tom Thumb, Randalls, Shaws, Star Market, ACME, Pavillions, Carrs, and Jewel-Osco retailers.

Manage Your Money When Times Get Hard

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One of the biggest stresses in life is money. It’s the one thing everyone always worries about not having enough of, and we spend our whole life trying to do all we can to make as much of it, as quickly as possible.

But the thing is, we rely so much on money that we begin to lose ourselves, and yet we don’t have much choice because everything has a price, and everyone wants to have financial freedom.

Because part of the difficulty is the stress that it gives us, because there are so many different things to think about once you hit the adult world, and that can be really overwhelming and can put a lot of pressure on you. You may then find yourself in a downward spiral as things build up until you explode – and that’s never a good thing.

Your mind can be so strong, and yet so sensitive, and you need to find a balance that works for you. Everyone is different, but there are basic ways to manage your money when times get hard. Here are a few examples to get you on the right track.

Home expenses

Homes get pricey, not only do you have to buy one and pay the mortgage off, but there are tons of bills that follow, like the water, the electric, and the insurance. While this is just part of life, this doesn’t mean that you can’t find a cheaper option. So have a sit-down and look through all of your current payments, you may find that there is something you are paying for that is unnecessary, or you are able to find a cheaper company that offers you the same thing.

Medical expenses

Let’s face it, medical bills can get so expensive, especially if you don’t have the latest insurance to cover you. So if something happens that you were least expecting and you find yourself in an accident with burn injuries that weren’t your fault, then it is important you go and seek out the legal help that can build you a case so that you get the compensation you need and deserve.

Personal expenses

We all want to have the finances to be able to buy that dress we’ve had our eye on, or the holiday next year to go away with the family or the upgraded car that runs way better than what you have now.

Life is about experiences and enjoyment, not just surviving, so it’s important to still go after the things you want so that you have a life that you’re happy with. The simple answer for this is budgeting. Break it up, understand it, and then use it where you see fit.

Now you know what to look out for, you may find that the edge is taken off a little. But if you’re still struggling, make yourself an appointment with a financial adviser who can give you all the beneficial advice to better yourself and your circumstances.

I’m a Chewy.com Influencer!

Disclaimer: As part of the Chewy Blogger Program, I was provided the treats for free for an honest review. My opinions are my own. #ChewyInfluencer

I'm a Chewy.com Influencer!

When you’re the pet guardian to 10 amazing fuzzy friends, your always in need of pet supplies, treats, litter, and pet food staples at home! Which is why I am over-the-coom to be a Chewy.com influencer this year. Products that are both greatly needed and wanted at our pet-friendly home!

I'm a Chewy.com Influencer!

Chewy.com is the largest pet retailer in the world of quality, online pet products. As a company they pride themselves on the happiness of the people and pets they serve, not simply by the number of pet supplies delivered. A company that prides themselves on delivery the best to those that matter most to you, your fuzzy friends at home!

For my first Chewy shipment I received a 42-pound bag of Scoop Away Complete Performance Scented Scoopable Cat Litter and a 36-count variety box of Greenies Variety Pack Regular Dental Dog Treats.

I'm a Chewy.com Influencer!

The Scoop Away Complete Performance Scented Scoopable Cat Litter was just perfect in that it is formulated with plant extracts for maximum odor control. It also contains no harsh chemicals or additives and contains special minerals that actually trap and eliminate odors on contact. Perfect for our trio of cats at home!

I'm a Chewy.com Influencer!

Scoop Away litter also inhibits the growth of bacterial odors through Ammonia Shield technology, which prevents ammonia odors from taking over your liter box stations. As this product is made with maximum clump strength clay, its super easy to keep my cat’s litter boxes clean, safe, and easy to maintain at home this season! After all, what’s not to love about cat litter that is low-tracking and is 99% dust free?

I'm a Chewy.com Influencer!

We also received a 36-count variety box of Greenies Variety Pack Regular Dental Dog Treats. All of our pups, Roxxie, Sassy, and Harley Lee all enjoyed the treats. I loved that they are recommended by vets to your pups keep teeth cleaner with fresher breath too!

What’s even better is that Greenies unique texture fights plaque and tartar with every bite to keep gums healthy. Each variety pack includes three flavors your pup will love and is formulated with natural ingredients that are highly digestible, including real, organic blueberries.

Keeping in mind that these treats are made for dogs 25-50 pounds in size. As our pups are smaller we halve our treats!

I'm a Chewy.com Influencer!

All of our fizzy friends loved our first Chewy order and are looking forward to many more shipments to come. To find out more about this awesome pet site, click here.

Friends, I encourage you to check out Chewy at home for your own fuzzy friends this season. Now I want to ask, are you a pet guardian that buys from Chewy.com? Let me know what your typical Chewy order looks like!

3 Ways You’re Wasting Money On Clothes

Buying clothes is one of the biggest expenses for some people. If you want to look good, you’ll have to buy a load of new outfits every few months to keep things fresh, right?

Actually, you probably didn’t realize it but most people spend way more money on clothes than they need to. It’s a common misconception that cutting down on the amount you spend means sacrificing style but it doesn’t have to. If your monthly clothes bill is getting out of control, you’re probably making one of these mistakes.

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Not Getting The Most Out Of Outfits

This is a big one and most of us are guilty of it. If you buy a dress, for example, and only wear it in certain situations, you’re wasting money. Finding clothes that are more versatile that can be worn on a lot of different occasions is one of the best ways to cut down the amount of money that you’re spending on clothes.

The key to getting the most out of your outfits is to accessorize them well. If you do that, you’ll be able to create multiple outfits from the same couple of pieces, meaning you’re paying for one outfit instead of three. When you’re choosing accessories, always invest a little more money in good quality stuff that will last. Michael Kors accessories, in particular, are great. They’re stylish and good quality so it’s worth spending a little bit more money on.

Buying Cheap Clothes

It stands to reason that buying cheaper clothes will help you spend less money every month, but it’s not quite that simple. If you’re buying cheap clothes, they won’t last you that long and you’ll constantly be replacing them. But if you spend a little bit more money upfront, those clothes will last you a lot longer.

If you added up the cost of buying lots of cheap stuff and compared it with the cost of occasionally buying something a bit more expensive, you’d realize just how much money you’re wasting.

Buying Stuff You Won’t Wear

We’re all guilty of making impulse buys from time to time but if you’re just grabbing something off the shelf because it looks good, you might be wasting money. If it’s not something that you’ll ever actually wear, you might as well be flushing that money down the drain.

Before you spend money on anything, you should think about what occasions you would actually wear it on, if you can’t think of anything, it’s probably not a sensible purchase. The best thing to do if you’re unsure is left it and think about it for a while.

If you still want it next time you go shopping, pick it up then. Cutting down on those impulse buys is the best way to stop you from wasting money on your clothes. It also encourages you to make the most out of the stuff that you already have in your wardrobe.

Stop making these 3 mistakes and you’ll cut your clothes bill in half in no time.