Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Cloth Diapers and Why I Love Them


I am expecting a baby within the month and am planning on using cloth diapers. Does this mean diaper pins and baggy plastic pants and rinsing out poop in the toilet? Actually, no. I have found that the world of cloth diapering has jumped lightyears ahead of what it used to be and they have diapers out there that are so fancy it's as easy as using a disposable. Once, I started browsing online to see what my options are, I was amazed and yes, I admit it, even excited. Not only that, but after asking around a bit, I have found that there are quite a few moms here in Auburn who have joined the cloth diaper bandwagon, and love it.

Why? Might you ask, would anyone use cloth when disposables can just be thrown in the trash and forgotten? Well, for me, I can't stand the thought of all those disposables going to a landfill. My child alone could ruin the environment with the number of diapers that we go through. But on top of that, and more to the point of this website, IT'S CHEAPER! Now don't get me wrong, there is an initial investment that is kinda hefty, especially if you get some of the fancier all-in-ones, but over the course of two years (minimum) diapering a child you quickly get your money's worth. Also, if you let people know that is what you are interested in, you can get quite a few from those blessed baby showers & if you get gift cards for the baby Target in Opelika now carries BumGenius and you can order Kushies from www.Walmart.com.

To get a more detailed comparison of cost click here, but typically your cloth diapers will pay for themselves in about 6 months, and after that you are just saving money.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Build and Grow Workshop - Ant House

My daughters and I attended the Lowe's Build and Grow Workshop this past weekend, and had a great time. All of our experiences with Lowe's projects haven't always gone smoothly, but this one was well done. All of the pieces fit together nicely, the project wasn't too complicated, and the final result was a fun ant house. Of course, the next morning that meant going out with a shovel and tearing up some poor ant's bed to get dirt and ants to put in it...but that was just part of the adventure. So far, our ants are still alive and moving around...we'll see how it goes.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Aaron/Kawasaki/Park Trio

Last Friday night, it was my pleasure to attend the musical performance by a violin, cello, and piano trio at the Jule Collins Smith Museum. I called ahead on Wednesday and reserved a seat for myself and friend somewhat on a whim, without very high expectations of the evening. Boy was I in for a surprise. These were top-notch musicians who played a flawless and well put together performance. Not only did they play the notes perfectly, but they added their spirit to the music, you could almost feel it flowing through them.

All combinations of instruments were played, with solos, duets between the different instruments, and as a finale, the trio together. The entire audience was so taken with them that the applause continued even after they exited the stage, so they returned for an encore...after which they received a standing ovation.

I for one, did not want the music to end, and enjoyed every moment of the performance. I think it was a credit to the museum to have such a delightful group come to play. Afterwards, there was complimentary wine and snacks. All in all a very classy and enjoyable evening.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Mom's and Tot's Consignment Store

If you are a parent with a young child in Auburn or Opelika, chances are you have met Karla, a mother who, as far as I can tell, greatly surpasses my abilities of keeping things together. She has organized a wonderful playgroup/mother's community known as Auburn Mom's and Tot's.

After being the organizer extraordinare of this group, she is working to provide another service for us parents here in the Auburn area. Mom's and Tot's Consignment Store will be opening up May 2008 in Downtown Opelika. This store will take in a variety of items including children and maternity clothes, books, toys, certain furniture, decor, baby swings, etc.

For parents, using a consignment shop is not only a good way to save money when trying to purchase all those things that we need along the way, but can also be financially beneficial when we no longer need those all-to-quickly outgrown children's items. When you no longer need the baby monitor or the infant swing, might as well drop it off at the consignment shop, pass it on to someone else, and make a little money in the process.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Estate Planning Seminar

I attended the Free Estate Planning Seminar given by Mark Tippins this weekend. The information given was very eye-opening. What I found out was this:
  • If I die without a will the state of AL gets to decide what happens to all of my assets including who takes care of my minor children (if my husband died as well).
  • If I die with a will things will probably be divided up correctly, but my will still has to be probated which is very expensive and time consuming...I'm talking a minimum of 6 months in AL and could be much longer.
  • If, however, I create what is called a living trust (and still have a will for some other reasons) then my assets can be distributed as I chose immediately upon my death with little or no cost to my relatives.
There of course was much more information given, including what a living trust is all about. How to protect your assets from frivolous lawsuits, and a lot of other things that seem really nifty if you have a little more money to worry about than I do :-)

All in all, I though it was time well spent. And in case you are interested Mark Tippins has an office located near Auburn Bank, and offers a free 2-hour consultation to anyone interested in discussing their estate planning needs.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Birthday Clubs

I recently celebrated my 25th birthday and got to enjoy the birthday coupons which came my way via email through the birthday clubs I had joined.
My first stop that day was Coldstone Creamery, which I must say is my absolute favorite Ice Cream shop in town. And although Coldstone is too expensive for me to enjoy regularly, on my birthday it is different. I printed off the coupon they sent into my email, took it up to the counter and they said, pick whatever you like in a love it size. They do not scrimp, do not try to trick me into spending anything else, they do not limit my choices. I can pick any flavor of ice cream, and add in any mix-ins I want (reeses, brownie's, strawberries, oreos, etc, etc, etc) Needless to say, I was in heaven.
That evening I went to Niffer's to enjoy my free birthday meal there. Again, I printed out my coupon which they had sent to my email for joining their birthday club. I had a delicious crabby penne pasta dish, served with a side salad and garlic bread, and sweet tea, all of which was free of charge upon presentation of my coupon. This time there were a few limitations in my selection (couldn't choose a dinner off the back of the menu), and I still ended up spending money because of course my family came with me and had their own meals. But considering that Niffer's is one of my all time favorite places to eat in Auburn I was thrilled.
If you have not yet signed up for these birthday clubs let me highly recommend it. You can find more information on Frugal Auburn's Restaurant Page.

Frugal Auburn

This blog serves a purpose to tell about experiences around Auburn & Opelika. Most of them will probably be frugal, telling about a free event I've attended or some great deal or place I've found in town, but please forgive me if sometimes I fall into a rant or a rave. Sometimes I just feel the need to share. Hope you enjoy, and feel free to add your own comments.