Confessions of a Running Mom: 5 Frugal Fitness Tips

When Kristen, from Pajama Mama, emailed me about doing a guest post on fitness, it came at a time when I had just fallen off the fitness "wagon," and my husband had just set the goal to train for and run a marathon within 4 months (note: he's not a runner).
Do you think the Lord was trying to tell me something?
I am no stranger to weight loss and exercise, as well as the lack there of...I know the pitfalls better than anyone. Therefore, I am thrilled that Kristen is here to share her journey of frugal fitness tips. And I promise - I will get around to writing about my weight loss journey (which is still a balancing act).
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Thanks Jen, for hosting me! I'm so excited to be here! And I'm really excited to share with you, Balancers of Beauty and Bedlam, how I balance fitness with a family-friendly budget. But first, let's get to know one another...I'll go first:

Can I tell you a secret? I hated running as a child. Okay, that's not much of a secret...in fact anyone who knew me then, could tell you that. But growing up I hated any form of exercising, and running most of all, so much that I actually lied to get out of it! Yes. I lied. Isn't that awful? I'm so embarrassed to say that. But God treated me with such gentle and hilarious grace. Let me explain:

In a college aerobics class, we were required to run a mile at the beginning and end of the semester to check our aerobic improvement. I signed up to take aerobics because it didn't involve running, then the instructor pulls that on me? Ugh-I was so frustrated and really did not want to run around the school coliseum. My fast and, more importantly, sympathetic roommate was also in the class. She actually agreed to run my lap for me, and turn in my name card when she finished. It wasn't that simple though. I had to start the lap, and my roommate would meet me around the corner, out of our instructor's view, to take over my run. Well, she took over, and I was left standing there without a way home...I couldn't go back-my instructor was waiting by the door. Hmmm, we hadn't thought this plan through. I had to find another way out of the coliseum. Well, the route I found back to my on-campus apartment ended up being a 3 mile hike! My roommate actually beat me home! I came home sweaty, tired and even more frustrated.

It wasn't until I married my husband a few years later that I gave running a fair shot. My husband found a really do-able beginning running plan, and on my birthday the year we were married, I tried it. After sticking with the plan for a few weeks, I was hooked. I've come to love all of exercise's benefits -the energy, weight loss and maintenance and a healthy attitude (it's great for warding off mild depression)! I've also learned how to keep it a priority in my life, without spending unnecessarily.

Whatever your sport, here are some ways to keep fitness a priority without knocking the budget out of balance:

1. Take a walk! One mom I know begins every day with taking her boys around the neighborhood. Isn't that a great way to start the day-and a great thing to do with you kids?

2. Don't have a gym membership? Me neither. Scour Craigslist, Kijiji, Freecycle, thrift stores and garage sales for used equipment and workout DVDs. A few years ago, we bought a commercial-grade treadmill off Craigslist for $200. It was only 2 years old, and the owners were moving and didn't want to take it with them. Don't forget to sell your unused equipment, too!

photo:just-treadmill-reviews.com

3. Oh, you do have a gym membership? Lucky you! Want to pay less? Talk to the gym manager about changing your plan. Gyms must be flexible to keep their members.

4. Find local clubs. Many communities have cycling, swimming, and running clubs, just to name a few. We love our local running club! It's similar to a Road Runners Club. Often, clubs like these offer free training group runs (at every level-even walkers!).

5. Take advantage of where your taxes go. Your local library and recreation centers. The library has a wealth of workout DVD's and books on new sports. Rec centers are also great places to try a new activity for a lower fee than gyms and health clubs. And don't forget public schools-many have outdoor tracks perfect for a summer evening stroll!

6. Your turn. How do you keep active on a budget? Do share!

Posted at: Life As Mom

Free Kraft Cheese, plus HT Super Doubles week

A super deal for cheese lovers!!

There’s a new catalina promotion (catalinas are coupons that spit out at the register) that started today at Harris Teeter, Jewel, Kroger, Food Lion, Lowes, Pick 'n'Save, Waldbaums, Price Chopper, Cub Foods, Meijer and other stores across the country. It runs from 6/19-7/12. The offer details are as follow:

Buy 3 packs of Kraft Cheese 6oz or larger and get $2 OYNO catalina
Buy 4 get $3 OYNO (on your next order)
Buy 5 get $4 OYNO

All items must be purchased in same trip. Includes cheese the following items: Kraft deli fresh slices, Kraft shreds, chunks, cubes, sticks, crumbles, cracker cuts, twists, Cracker barrel chunks, sticks, cracker cuts, slices, Polly-o - strings/twists, .

Kraft block and shredded cheese is on sale at Harris Teeter this week (6/17-6/23) for $1.47 each, so it's actually a money maker with the coupons.

Buy 4 mix or match Kraft block or shredded cheese
Use four $1/1 Kraft printable coupon (you will need two computers to get 4 coupons), or you may have printed them off earlier from my side bar.
=Pay $1.88 out of pocket and get a $3 coupon off your next order back.

Some stores have restrictions on how many like coupons they will accept. Print, but also look for tearpad coupon for $0.50/1 Kraft Cheese available in the dairy section of some stores.

*edited to add - I just got back from HT and this deal is not advertised anywhere. There is no little sign to remind you of what to buy. Just go with confidence knowing you will actually "make money" when you buy this cheese. :)

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It's been confirmed that Harris Teeter will replace triple coupons this month with SUPER DOUBLES next week (June 24-30).
HT is doubling coupons up to $1.98. So if you have a $1 coupon, there will be a $2 discount. If you have a $1.50 coupon, it becomes $3 etc.
Please note regular coupon rules apply.

Finding the perfect black dress - Frugal Fashionista

(Join me again next Friday, June 26th,

for another Frugal Fashionista Fashion show.
Come link up with your Frugal designer duds on a dime.)
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Ever since the iconic Audrey Hepburn dazzled us in her gorgeous dress during "Breakfast at Tiffany's," the black dress has equaled class, sophistication and all around versatility.
Every woman needs at least one perfect black dress, while some women (hmm...I wonder who?) "need" one of every length, style and for every occasion.

My name is Jen, and I admit, I am a black dress-aholic.
It is my "go to" choice whenever I can not decide what to wear, but still want to look and feel fabulous. In my opinion, every woman, no matter what size, can look great in a black dress. It may take some accessorizing, but going on the hunt is well worth it. This is definitely one of our core essential wardrobe pieces.
Finding the perfect dress for your body type may take some figuring out, but once you determine that, the sky is the limit with thrifting.

Because a black dress is a work horse item in so many closets, larger thrift stores are full of black dress choices. Yes, some are dated, but I find classic styles all the time.
You don't find one your first time around? Check again and I guarantee with a few "eagle eye" hunts, she's all yours.
My first dress is sleeveless. I completely understand that not everyone feels comfortable with sleeveless dresses, but remember that if you are going to be a Frugal Fashionista, you want to think outside the box.
Is is a classic? Is is a designer brand? Is the fabric high quality? Then snatch it up. A wrap, cardigan, shrug or sheer blazer/blouse gives you many options if you find something sleeveless for a steal.

My shrug - $2.99

Their Little Black Shrug
$59.0

Here is the Audrey look in a shorter length version. This fully lined Chaus dress that I bought for $5 at Good Will, is perfect for our hot NC summers. I can have a lot of versatility with accessories.
(So, here is what it looks like to be a Frugal Fashionista model on a 90 degree day with your son taking the pictures...)

Create a fun, fiesty new look just by changing out the pearls for a hot pink scarf and black earrings. Make sure you play it up a big bracelet as well.
I was thrilled to find this Jones of New York 3/4 quarter length dress marked WAY down due to the season at our local thrift store. My price $2.99. (Clapping gleefully in the dressing room of the store.) This is a style that works on every body type.
I wish I would have taken a close up of my necklace. Don't be afraid to add drama with black dresses. Often, one focal point completes an outfit. (I'll share more when I cover accessories).

I wanted to get an estimate of what this would cost new. This is a very similar dress that Jones New York offers, but for summer. "Think flawless fit, timeless elegance and simply chic. Think Cosmopolitan Dress! It's the dress that will make you feel like a million bucks with every wear!" $124 at the Jones New York site. Yes, it's a good thing.

The next few dresses I could sleep in, they are SO comfortable (and maybe I just have).
Since my closets need a complete over haul, I have been weeding through those clothes we all have that we would "never wear out in public," but they are so comfortable. My Frugal Fashionista philosophy is allowing me to throw those out and wear around the house clothes like this. Seriously, I am not a "Miss Priss" by any means, but this dress is more comfortable than any pair of shorts or sweats that I own.
I paid $1 at a yard sale for it.
Why treat it like it's for a "night on the town" only. My kids are finally ceasing the "where are you going" question, and I am finally feeling like a true Family Manager (well, almost...I have stuffed closet issues, but I'm working on them).

If I want to switch it in gear and dress this up, then this $1 wrap and $1 heels, add instant class.

But this GINORMOUS DOG is always an issue.
This is a perfect hit the grocery store kind of little, black dress. And if I was one of those ladies that play tennis at the club, I do believe this would work. $1 - yard sale.
I got really tired of running down stairs to go out and sweat outside. Yes, my bedroom. :)
Now, look at the difference a dress STYLE can make.
Same day, minutes apart. I look 20 lbs heavier below, so learn to accent your best features.
This is actually an Anne Taylor Loft dress that I love. I just picked this pic to show you how before and after's are done. Isn't this hideous?
With a really long necklace that comes down past my chest, and a great pair of heels that accent my legs and not the stomach, this dress can be very cute. Is it a dress that I wear if I want to "WOW" someone? No, but it's comfortable and snuggly warm in the winter. It stays!My old time readers will remember the movie premier that I attended.
While others fretted and pondered, I blessed Good Will for providing just the right attire.
Total cost of my outfit - dress, wrap, shoes and jewelry - $11.75!
I don't feel very comfortable in spaghetti straps, so this is a perfect example of how I didn't pass on a beautiful dress, but I added to it, making it even better. (I was just showing off my shoulders for you all. I tied it around for the night. :)

This is my third premier, with the others being Black Tie events, and all of them I have dressed thrift. Oh yes, I was dressed in my Good Will glory chit chatting with Jim Caviezel, Jesus from Passion of the Christ,
I am telling you, my friends, reconsider the Frugal Fashionista approach. :)


These are just a few of my black dresses, and I am actually sad to tell you that my two favorites never even saw the light of day. I ran out of time, and you are probably getting tired of seeing my dresses anyhow. Some of the other black dresses are "to the ankle" dresses, a black velvet one that I wear at Christmas and a elegant JCREW dress that I bought at their outlet store ten years ago.
It is still in perfect shape. The style is still completely in...it's a classic, and I have had years of wear out of it.
That is an example of how finding the perfect black dress which is both simple, yet elegant will be your "go to" item for years to come. Quality makes a huge difference.
So even if you are convinced to go thrift, I am all about making an investment in the perfect black dress.

So is having ten perfect black dresses a little overkill? Probably. But when this Frugal Fashionista paid $40 for TEN dresses, I'll take a little criticism. :) Now, if I didn't wear them, then that would be different. So off, to clean out the rest of my closet.

By the way...that perfect black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's auctioned off for ONE MILLION dollars. Whew!

Posted at: Southern Hospitality

Father's Day Tradition - Father's Day Cake

Father's Day Cake (with cupcakes) -

After you've made your Papa Pizza, you definitely need some dessert to finish the day. There are many recipes that you can find for a Father's Day cake, but few will create a memorable experience like this one. You will not want to miss this easy to make idea created with your choice of home made or store bought cupcakes. :)

*This is where I admit that I am still such a novice blogger and tried to figure out for over an hour how to get my photo from the PDF file to my blog post and couldn't do it. You must go here to see the picture....you won't want to miss it.

Here are the directions:

A few days before Father’s Day ask everyone in your family to select photos of Dad they like the best. Make sure to include in your selection photos of Dad at all ages (photos of him with his Father would be extra special on Father’s Day). You can easily crop, re-size or print out your
photos (in sepia tone for a real antique look) at your local Kinkos. Make each photo 2” x 3” and glue on a stick (the sticks could be Popsicle sticks or wooden BBQ skewers cut to the right length).
Now it’s time to prepare the cupcakes. It makes no difference if the cupcakes are made from a box or an old family recipe (it’s the pictures that count). Once the cupcakes are prepared, frost each cupcake with Dad’s favorite frosting. Place one photo-on-a-stick into each cupcake and display on a platter. Dad will love reliving the memories as he eats his “Father’s Day Cake”.

(Along with the picture of the Father's Day cake will be some wonderful ideas on instilling responsibility in our children. I will touch on this more next week, as I know it's a constant battle for most parents).

Father's Day Traditions

Balancing Beauty and Bedlam is the place this week for Father's Day tradition ideas. Check back again tomorrow to continue the quest for making meaningful memories. And remember, with a little tweaking, these are ideas that will work for grandpa as well.

So far we've shared how we can celebrate dad with his own Papa Pizza, and then finish up with an easy, yet memorable Father's Day cake or give him his own personalized coupon book by printing it here.

Still need ideas?

How about: The Price Is Right – Surprise Dad on Father’s Day with a new tradition that will keep him smiling through the year. Using 4 x 4 inch pieces of card stock, write a favorite activity on one side (napping, playing golf, going on a walk with Mom) and list the price each of these will cost him this year on the other side. Present the cards one at a time on Father’s Day and watch as Dad laughs at the cost of his activities: a hug before the nap or a kiss while on the walk with Mom or maybe he has to sing The Star Spangled Banner on the 6th hole at the Golf Course! What a fun tradition that helps children stay focused on the things that Dad loves to do.

You're the Best Dad Ever -
Every year, ask each of your children what they love most about their Dad. Write their answers on little cards cut in the shape of a man’s tie. They can be made with a variety of colored construction paper, and embellished with stripes or plaids. Your children will have fun hiding these cards in places where they are sure to be found in the morning…inside Dad’s favorite coffee mug, underneath his shaving cream, on the door on his way out to get the newspaper, etc. He will wonder why everyone is watching him so closely as he starts to pour himself a cup of coffee that next morning. After collecting all of his Father’s Day notes of appreciation, you can collage them into a Father’s Day album with your annual photo of “surprise!” as Dad discovers one in a place he didn’t expect. This is a tradition he will really look forward to each year

King for the Day – Give Dad the royal treatment he deserves for Father’s Day with a present he’ll never forget. Start with his favorite place to relax: the hammock, a lawn chair or the recliner in the TV room, and build his throne. Then equip it with everything he needs to feel like “King for the Day”. Set up a side table with all his favorite foods and drinks, including a bucket of ice to keep them cold. Use duct tape or clamps to attach an umbrella, a mini fan and a comfortable pillow. Create a royal crown out of golden yellow construction paper wrapped around his favorite hat and labeled #1 DAD. Make sure the essentials are within reach: remote control, newspaper, fly swatter and a back scratcher. But don’t forget the most important thing of all—a handy bell to ring for service. This will make a great photo for your Father’s Day book, and every year the rest of the family will have fun building a bigger and better throne.