Molly's Money-Saving Digest Nov. 2009 (Review)

I was given the chance to review another one of Molly's Money-Saving Digests, and I jumped on it! I love her frugal advice. The upcoming November issue is all about family photography, so get out your cameras!

I love to take pictures of my daughter. She has inspired me to learn more about photography and for a little while, I had dreams of doing that for a living. Of course, homeschooling has taken precedence for now, but I still enjoy learning new tricks of the trade! I need all the help I can get, especially when it comes to what to *do* with all these digital photos I have on my computer!! If you enjoy taking pictures of your family, but need some inspiration that won't break the bank, this issue is for you.

If you enjoy scrapbooking, you will appreciate the article on the subject that shows you how to save money while preserving precious memories. I have dabbled in making scrapbooks and have even made a few digital pages, but all too often, I leave all those great pictures on the computer without even developing them! This article will not only give you pointers on making scrapbooks, but it will also help you to get organized and start printing out all those great shots you got of your daughter's first soccer game (oops...sorry - I was talking to myself there, lol!).

Since I have not printed many of my digital pictures, I have not added any new framed pictures to our walls in quite a while. But, now that I have read the article by Aubrey Lively, entitled "A Room with a View", I have been officially motivated! She gives instructions for a very creative project that involves one of those room divider frames and a poster-sized print. You'll have to get Molly's Digest to find out what happened when she put those two things together! :)

There are some wonderful tips on how to take better pictures of your family in the article by Becky Emerick. She will help you figure out the "who, what, when, where, why, and how of taking pictures of your own kids". Above all, she advises you to get out there & practice! Make sure to take your camera with you wherever you go (I need to heed that advice!) and take pictures that truly show the personalities of your children (through what they're wearing and the activity in which they are participating). I am going to be referencing this article a lot during the upcoming holiday season.

As always, Molly leaves you with plenty of links to follow so you can continue learning about how to take better pictures, store them more efficiently, and print them out without spending a chunck of money. Included in this issue are articles on couponing, remembering to keep the joy in the joyful season ahead, and turning something old into something new. You will also find several recipes that will keep your slow-cooker running full-force this Fall! Please stop by The Old Schoolhouse Store to get your copy of Molly's Money-Saving Digest for just $4.95.

Pinching Your Pennies

Just a quick post to let you know about the website Pinching Your Pennies. There you can find out about discounts, freebies, and sales! Right now, they are hosting a contest to give away an iPod Touch. Find out how to enter at the PYP Forums. And, don't forget to visit the PYP website!

Molly's Money-Saving Digest July 2009 (Review)

Though I am no longer part of The Old Schoolhouse Crew, I am so thankful that my friends at The Old Schoolhouse magazine have decided to keep me on the list to review some of their e-books. I recently received an early copy of Molly's Money-Saving Digest for July so that I could look it over and let you know my thoughts! This resource can be used by everyone, not just homeschool moms, so read on if you're interested in ways to save yourself and your family some money!

The July issue of Molly's Money-Saving Digest is all about Frugal Fashion. Every article relates to ways that you can save money on clothing for your family. As you know, I have sewed a few dresses for Ella, but it has been difficult to make myself get back into the sewing room lately. The articles I read on sewing for your family have encouraged me to get back to it. These days, it is harder to save money by sewing because the cost of fabric (plus thread, buttons, etc.) is so high, but my favorite article ("A Mama Who Sews" by Aubrey Lively) in this issue reminded me to look at the savings in a different light. I need to see how I'm saving special memories for my daughter by creating items that are made specifically for her. I need to remember the look of pure delight on her face when I was finally finished with the dress I made her last summer. These are precious moments that cannot be bought with a cheap shirt from Wal-Mart. Here's the pic of Ella in that dress and a link to the post I wrote about it: Feelin' Crafty



Molly's Digest for July has a great article from Jennifer Schmidt, entitled "Looking Your Best - For Less!". She gives you wonderful tips for hitting the thrift stores to find fashionable clothing for yourself. I, for one, need to take these tips and run with them! My wardrobe could use some touching up since most of my clothes are comfy t-shirts and capri pants to be worn around the house and running errands. I would love to add a little pizazz, but don't really need to spend the money right now. I know a lot of you can relate! Jennifer actually shows you some of the complete outfits (with accessories) she has put together for only $10-$15, simply by shopping thrift, consignment and yard sales. Not only did I love her article, but I also love her blog (I got the link from Molly's Digest...you can, too!).

This issue of Molly's Money-Saving Digest also includes articles about how to save for the future, how to donate to charity and help friends when money is tight, how to show hospitality without blowing the budget, along with simple ways to help your children learn how to become more frugal themselves (hint, you have to show them by example!). I really enjoyed reading through my first Molly's Digest. You'll soon be able to find the July issue (and a new issue each month, plus archives) at The Old Schoolhouse store for only $4.95! You can also find some wonderful advice, freebies, coupons, and tips on Molly's blog, Econobusters.