Frugality tips - babies

Babies bring happiness to our lives. But they need not necessarily bring expenses as well. Tips to cut down expenses when you bring home your bundle of joy.
1.Make a list of what you will need when baby comes home, well in advance.
2. Discuss the list with friends who have already had babies and see if you can cut down anything from the list.
3. Accept hand down offers from well meaning friends.
4. Shop online in ebay to see if you can get bargain prices.
5. Sign up in all baby store's websites. Most websites offer brochures, discounts and free gifts.
6. Shop few items in advance because you will not be in a hurry and hence can look for good prices.
7. Think over the option of cloth diapers, they are easy on the pocket.
8. Instead of branded items, try supermarket brands. Most of the times, they are cheaper and equally good.
9. Whenever possible buy things in unicolour, dont stick to pink or blue, particularly prams- thereby you can maximise their use for a long time either by the next child or by selling.
10. Buy in bulk- If you have decided on formula feeding, but bottles, steriliser and other accessories in bulk from same brand for which you often get discount.
11. Dont buy expensive push button toys, babies tend to like simple, basic toys(rattle, balls)
12. Weaning the baby on simple home made foods are often easy, cheap and healthy.

Cookery tips: frozen diced veggies

When are you back from your weekend grocery and vegetable shopping, take take a portion of the carrots and beans, dice them finely and cook/pressure cook them with potatoes and peas. Once they are cooked, store them in a freezer compartment.
This vegetable mix can be used for many quick dishes.

Tips to survive recession: Job

Recession hits everyone, particularly the poor, weak ...and the unprepared. Learn to recession proof yourself.
If you are employed
1. Know that nobody is immune to layoff.
2. Try to improve your chances of remaining employed by improving your skills, working harder and maintaining an amiable relationship with employer and colleagues.
3. Do not change jobs unless necessary.
4. As people get laid off, the rest get overworked. Be prepared for that.
5. Look for other jobs or pursue hobbies that will bring money in weekends.
6. Know your limits. Avoid burnout.
7. Communicate wih others. Listen to other people's ideas.
8. Use public transortation to commute.
9. Use car pool with your colleagues.
10. Try to move closer/ farther from your office depending on the situation (cost of commuting, cost of living, if the time saved can be used for another job)
If you are unemployed
1. Look for jobs in industries that are least affected by recession- health care, food and stale goods companies, defense, tobacco and alcohol industry.
2. Look for ways to improve your skill that does not need hefty investment.
3. Dont hesitate to take up a job for which you are overqualified , it will give you breathing space to look for appropriate jobs.
4. Seek unemployment benefit , if available.
5. Be optimistic.

Birthday theme ideas.

Colors
One easy, simple and good idea for birthday party theme is "Colors".
1. You can select few bright primary colors and decorate the party hall with those colors.
2. Make a big rainbow on the wall.
3. Rainbow looks good on the cake too.
4. Make the cake colorful.
5. The party hats can be of different colors with the color name writen on them.
6. Suggest that the kids come dressed up in solid colors.
7. A lucky draw of colors can be done. The kids can be made to select a color each. The birthday kid then selects the winning color.
8. Age appropriate scrabble game can be played with the names of colors.
9. This can be used as an opportunity for little kids to learn colors.
10. You can also select a single color as theme. (example: blue for boys, pink for girls)

Have a colorful birthday party!!