I Heart Frugal

Easy, Frugal Holiday Learning Art Projects for Kids

Easy & Frugal Holiday Learning Art Projects for Kids

Looking for some frugal Holiday art projects to keep your kids busy? Unfortunately, snowy, cold weather is coming and during these winter months, most kids (especially mine) love to run wild all over the house.

We live in Michigan so we are no strangers to snow and below freezing weather. There are times, we are cooped up inside and are literally going stir crazy. Therefore, it is nice to have a project or two up your sleeve to keep your babies occupied and give you a break from the constant energy a bubbling toddler can fill your life and house with. Nonetheless, art projects will give you a break from chasing them from room to room for a while!

Easy Holiday Kid's Crafts — Easy Holiday Kid’s Crafts

Fortunately, there are many ways to entertain your kids that don’t involve a screen. Moreover, here are a few learning art projects I’ve tried with my two-year-old and four-year-old this year! (Update: they are now three and five but we will do them again this year!)

The supply list is short…All you need is construction paper, markers, and glue. (I love Target’s Up and Up brand for these products). Target’s store brand is usually cheaper than the name brand art supplies and works just as well.

Nonetheless, my favorite kid’s art projects incorporate learning. (I was a teacher for 13 years.) So the three projects below help teach letters, shapes, and name recognition. Not to mention, your kids will have fun, fun, fun!!

Just follow these instructions below and you are good to go!! After completing, hang them up as Holiday decorations and enjoy a cup of cocoa while they sit still!

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December 4, 2016 by Sarah | Comments Off

Family/Life, Save Money

20 Frugal or Free Family Christmas Activities

Are you searching for frugal or free family Holiday activities? Check out the list of 20 below:

20 Frugal or Free Family Holiday Activities #christmas #christmasonabudget #holidayactivities — 20 Frugal or Free Family Holiday Activities

Frugal or Free Holiday Activities for Families

Are you looking for free things to do this Christmas Season? What can you do for Christmas at home or around town that doesn’t cost much?

The Holidays are such a wonderful time to show family you care but let’s face it, the Holiday Season is expensive too. And if you are trying to budget for Christmas shopping, finding money for family Christmas activities is difficult.

Nonetheless, there are many fun activities for families that are low-cost or free. So even if you are on a budget, you can get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy your time together as a family.

Think about it this way…Spending time with your kiddos is way better than any fleeting toy of the moment that your kid won’t even care about by next Christmas. Yet, the memories you make doing fun Christmas activities will last a lifetime, even after the toys are sold or donated next Holiday season. Nonetheless, one thing you will always remember are those fun family Christmas traditions you are starting now. (Even if they are frugal Christmas traditions.)

If you like this post, you will love…

Christmas activities will hold a spot in your hearts for years to come…And the great news is these activities do not have to cut into your budget!

So I’ve done all the work for you and compiled a list of amazing family-friendly activities that are very low-cost or free. Please use my list and enjoy!! Give your kids a toy or two, but give them the gift of time as well! Merry Christmas everyone!

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November 30, 2016 by Sarah | 2 Comments

Save Money

Target Savings Secrets & Target Circle

TARGET SAVINGS SECRETS & Target Circle (formerly Cartwheel)

How often do you shop at Target? It is one of my favorite stores because of the prices and quality. Of course, we all know it is hard shopping at Target because their items are so alluring, many end up spending more money than anticipated.

Yes, you run in for one thing and come out with ten, right? However, it is possible to save money at Target.

In fact, I do most of my grocery shopping at Target. I prefer their store brand products to other stores.

You can’t beat the prices and quality….and with coupon stacking and gift card deals, savings are a cinch!

And let’s not forget about my favorite app, Target Circle.

There are so many ways to save at Target. Yet, the average Target shopper doesn’t pay much attention to these deals. Hence the jokes about Target runs being a HUGE waste of money.

Yet, it is possible to save money shopping at Target with some willpower and coupons!

Target Circle – Formerly Cartwheel

The Target app. includes Target Circle which can save you tons of money! Most Target brands are always included in the app.

So if you check before you shop, you can score awesome deals on Target brands and many other name brands products as well! And by pairing this with manufacturer’s coupons and Target’s coupons, you can score three discounts on one item! Yes, you read that correctly, three discounts!! (Plus four if you use Ibotta – more on that later)

The best news is you can scan your own phone with the Target Circle app at the self-checkout! Just use the hand-held scanner! I love that!!

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November 29, 2016 by Sarah | Comments Off

Meal Planning, Save Money

What is a Split-Meat Meal? Eating on a Budget – Spaghetti & Tacos

SPLIT MEAT MEALS – Eating on a Budget

Split Meat meals – Spaghetti & Tacos

What is a split meal? Do you often cook dinners on a budget? If so, my split-meat meal idea is perfect for you! Make your spaghetti and tacos this week, using only one package of meat!

Split meat meals are great for families trying to save money on food and stay healthy. You are using half the meat for both meals and filling yourself up with other items such as vegetables or bread.

I started my split meals when my husband was buying our ground turkey from Costco. The packages of meat were bigger, so I would make two meals out of one meat pack! My two go-to meals for splitting are spaghetti and tacos! (Although you could do Chili and add extra veggies)

So my split meal is just that! I split the meat and drum up two meals with one meat package and meal prep.

This works best for a family of four with younger kids. My kids are ages six and four and do not mind if their spaghetti sauce or tacos don’t have as much meat. Plus if you start this when they are young, then they are used to eating their meals with less meat as they grow.

November 26, 2016 by Sarah | Comments Off

Save Money

Why I’m shopping at Target.com this Black Friday!

Black Friday! Oh how exciting! Oh how fun!

Shop Target — Black Friday & Weekend Shopping

*** Sale Alert*** 11/27-11/28 15% off store-wide In-store and Target.com

We love deals at iheartfrugal and Black Friday means you can score many, many great deals; however, many people do not realize, most of these deals, with the exception of door busters, can be purchased online.

One of my favorite sites for this is Target.com! Why? Because I have a REDcard and I get 5% off all of my purchases, even sales! I also get free shipping on everything on the site, although, Target has free standard shipping and free returns until December 21st (some exclusions) right now as one of its promotions!

My Black Friday Scores!

I got a Graco booster seat for $29.20 and a nice pair of Boy’s Cat & Jack boots for $18!! I also scored two cute flannel shirts to use for our Christmas cards for $6.99 each! I’m hoping you find many great deals on Black Friday and all weekend long!!

Here are some other great Target Promotions: ( sale running 11/27-12/3)

This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link, I will be compensated; however, I never recommend anything I would not use and love myself. Thanks!!

November 26, 2016 by Sarah | Comments Off