Month: January 2020

Featured

How to calm a crying baby

I am a mom of 4 kids so I’m somewhat an expert at this topic. I put this post together for the moms who may need to know other ways to calm their baby if the current methods being used aren’t working as well. Keep reading to find out my opinions and advice on how to calm a crying baby.

First things’ first, calm yourself.

Let’s say baby has been crying on and off for days and you are mentally exhausted. Take 5. As long as baby is fed changed and in a safe place like a crib or buckled into a bouncy chair you can take 5 minutes. If baby is crying don’t let it bother you. If you want to be able to take care of your children you have to be whole, that 5 minutes will help a lot.

Babies can feel your emotions, they are tuned into mommies. If you are stressed they know it and it causes them to be upset more than normal. Now if you have tried the first option I told you and you still feel like it is not enough, do it again and take big deep breaths’. Count to 10, close your eyes and just breathe deep. When anxiety rolls in it makes us breath shallow slow breaths’, this causes more anxiety and makes you feel more overwhelmed. So breath slow deep breaths’ mama, it is going to be alright. Put your mommy face on and let’s go calm a crying baby!

To get on to my main point. How to calm a crying or upset baby.

These are just opinions and things I have tried myself. Somethings may work for your little ones, some won’t so just try something different until it feels like a good fit for your sweet family. I just hope you can read this post and take something away from it that can help you because it took me a while to learn what I know and if I can save someone the stress of going at it without guidance I will do what I can.

So let me tell you about 6 or 7 things that got me through the last 10 or so years with my kids-

Swaddling: the BEST IDEA EVER!!!! I’m serious, I don’t think I would have gotten any sleep in the first couple of months without my swaddle. Basically wrap the baby up like a semi loose burrito, Just tight enough so the babies feel like they are being snuggled. They have a thing called startle reflex, basically when they hear a slight noise or movement they jerk themselves awake and so begins the crying. Without a swaddle the startle reflex can be triggered all night long, with a snore, a cough, or even just someone gets up to the bathroom. Then you have to put them to sleep again( after you’ve just spent hours fighting them to sleep.

So basically my point is, babies cry a lot sometimes when they are not swaddled, or if the swaddle comes loose. So wrap up your baby burrito and try to get some z’s because like they say when babies sleep mommy sleeps( or at least that’s what they want you to believe ????                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Baby snuggles or baby wearing: my favorite!

Babies learn how to express their emotions by their feelings. Snuggles and the closeness to mom dad or any family member molds them for life. Sometimes when babies cry for what seems like no reason at all they are just saying they miss you and want a nice big snuggle and for you to stop stressing because it makes them sad too. So snuggle that baby up for some peace and quiet, take in the intoxicating smell of eau d’ bebe before they grow up and your lucky if you get a smile (preteen years fun to look forward to)

Take them back to the good old’ days

You have to remember, especially for newborns, everything is new to them. Lights and loud sounds are really scary. They get overwhelmed and scared and curious and all their emotions at once and that’s pretty scary even to me. I would most certainly be in a curled up fetal position screaming my head off too if I had to deal with all of that. My best recommendation would be to find a nice comfy rocking chair (or rock yourself) put on some soothing noises like shushing the baby gently in a rhythm or a white noise machine. It works wonders. The motions and sounds imitate their first 9 months of life in the uterus, so it is something that they feel like they know and it is very calming.

Most importantly never forget your babies love you, even if it seems like they are against you. It will pass. Newborns fussiness peak at around 6 weeks old and start to even out around 4 months. They also tend to become more fussy in the middle of the night right when you get into a good REM sleep(go figure!).

Now about those pesky toddlers

You know, the slightly over dramatic ones that scream and cry for no reason (literally nothing at all!). It takes a special touch to get them feeling better, because they are learning new actions and how to react to them. First of all, there is no deescalating a toddler who got the wrong color cup for lunch. Find the cup. No cup=no peace. Once you have found said cup, or whatever the meltdown was about playfully steal those tears off their cheeks and give them a great big hug.

I know this is like super simple and whatnot but like I said, my opinions and real life experiences here. Dont let anyone fool you.

Also another way to get them out of a bad whiney crying fit is this: Play pat-a cake, you don’t have to clap their hands together. Just clap around look funny and make it sing songy so they start laughing. Luckily toddlers can be pretty easily distracted with something funny. So you get to teach a positive thing and get a great memory out of it. Sweet deal I think.

Not much to say about toddlers, they own you so just do what they say. Wipe the tears and keep on going. You have now become the royal jester for a 2 foot tall mini-you. (super exciting!)

Older babies and toddlers will start to be fussy usually in afternoons and early evening, especially if they missed a nap (I suggest not missing a nap, or a snack for that matter).


After you have tried one or all or a mixture of these things’ something should work! For any reason thesse things’ don’t and you have tried absolutely everything and you just cant figure it out get a hold of your Pediatrician. It could be something as simple as Colic* or GERD*. Doctors can give you medications and ways to relieve the babys crying.

*I have made links available for information on Colic and GERD in infants from webMD*

If you ever feel super exhausted or start feeling too overwhelmed, sad, depressed, or feel like you aren’t doing a good enough job with baby, PLEASE talk to your Doctor. THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!! Baby blues is real and can be dangerous.

That’s all for now my beauties,

Panny Saving Mom

Amanda

p.s. I found you a video on HOW TO SWADDLE A BABY BURRITO  here

4 signs YOU moms need a break!

White rose

I’ve been a mom for several years now (almost 10 to be exact). I think that makes me somewhat of an expert on burnouts, and bad days. I went over lists and lists of signs when moms need a break. I fit almost every single one, by the way. So I put together this little post to give you some ideas, so you know when you maybe need to take a fiver in the bathroom or go grab a coffee without any distractions or stresses.

So tell me my beauties, do you ever feel like you are no longer interested in things that you used to love?

Maybe, some things you used to do you either have no time to do or you just have no interest in them anymore?

Just a girl and her horse

It might be time to take a look at your schedule, go get your nails done, have a lunch date with a friend you need to catch up with. Whatever you wish you could do, just do it! Getting out of the house without a 4 foot mini-you every now and then is okay. Tell dad you forgot something at the store go grab you a snack and just chill in peace and quiet in the car for a few. Decompress, destress, reset.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Either at work or at home?

I know this one well, I am a stay at home mom and I have been known to blow a fuse every now and then. I always apologize to those who have been affected by my “mom bomb”, but along the way I learned a few things to cool off before I blow.

First off, breathe. Maybe take a bathroom break and just cry it out for a minute. The moment you get the chance to take a hot bath with some low lighting and lavender bath salts, Do it! Kick your shoes off wherever they land (even though you know you have to pick them up later), draw the water, light the candles and get in. 15 minutes soaking with some smell goods almost always calms my mom bomb. Try it and let me know how it goes.

Are financial struggles getting you down?

Same here! That is a daily issue around here. No matter how hard I try having some kind of savings, by the time I have it where I want it something comes up. I talk about budgeting a lot because lately we’ve been having some financial struggles of our own.

Money tied

Honestly, I’m still stressed about it but after going through the finances, and seeing what ridiculous amounts of money we spend on nonsense is amazing. Being a little cheaper to make life a little easier and still be able to have fun are key. Set a specific amount of money to do or buy something special once a month or every two weeks. Make a night out or a new outfit top of your list for whatever your personal spending part of the budget will allow.

Don’t get to stressed at this subject, adulting is hard but we’re moms so we have to keep it together. I have a couple of posts about how to start a budget and get things in order. I do have to say though the money you will be saving won’t be seen overnight, it may take a month or two to see a difference. If you find something that works for you and your family do it and update me about it.

Feeling a little sick a lot of the time?

Are you feeling sluggish when its time to get out of bed, dreading the alarm, wishing for a magical genie to come do the dishes because your body feels sore? It;s called stress. Stress can make you sick. Physically, it’s just that sometimes we just get so stressed out and so busy taking care of everyone else that we forget to take time to stop and smell the roses (have you smelled any roses lately?).

If your going to check the mail or take out the trash take a couple extra minutes and walk to the corner and back, feel the sun, see the trees, breathe the fresh air. Sun and air are good and necessary to survive, take an extra minute of that home made medicine. It works for me, may not work for you but try to find something outdoors to do. It will help you feel so much better.

So after reading all this, I’m going to need you to chill.

Ice Heart

These things may make us feel horrible. In the end we all have control of our feelings, we just don’t know how to deal with them effectively. I made this for those mamas who just need to know. it’s normal to feel these things, If you don’t feel at least one of these things on a daily basis then you must not be a mom(insert shrug emoji here). Just joking. It happens to everybody.

I hope that this has made some kind of impact on you. Maybe it has helped you understand these things are normal for us moms, or maybe you can see what you have to look forward to if you are a new baby mom.

Please let me know if I missed something important, I always love feedback.

Heart
Love

Penny Saving Mom

Amanda

A bird and an Angel

A family member asked me to translate this beautiful reflection yesterday, the video is in spanish, I documented it in English. Enjoy:

The Bird

The bird: 

There was a bird who lived in the desert, he was very sick, had lost all his feathers, nothing to eat or drink, and without anywhere to live; hating his life, day and night.

One day, an Angel was crossing the desert and The Bird stopped The Angel and asked him:

-where are you going?

The Angel responded:

-I am going to stand with GOD

It was then, The Bird asked The Angel for a favor. To ask GOD when will his suffering end.

The Angel told him:

-Of course I will!

And The Angel said goodbye to the bird.

When The Angel found himself with GOD, The Angel shared his story of The Bird.

The Angel told of his sad, pathetic condition and asked him when he would stop The Birds suffering.

GOD responded:

-For the life that he has left in him, he will never see happiness….

The Angel replied:

 -When The Bird hears this, he will give up on everything. So I ask you, is there any solution to his suffering.

GOD responded:

-Tell him to pray and say these words: “Thank you GOD for everything”.

The Angel returned to The Bird and gave him the message from GOD.

One week later, The Angel was passing through the same route as before and saw The Bird. The bird was …..happy.

His wings had grown back,

A small plant had grown in the desert!

A small puddle of water was there too!

The Bird was singing and dancing happily.

The Angel was astounded. Shocked and wondering how this came to be, because he remembered GOD telling him that for the rest of The Birds life, he would never feel happiness.

With this question that bothered him so much, he went to visit GOD again.

The Angel asked and GOD answered:

-Yes, The bird would have been unhappy, but that all changed when he started praying everyday “Thank you GOD for everything” before dealing with a hard decision.

When The Bird fell to the hot sand, he said “Thank you GOD for everything”.

When The Bird could not fly he repeated “Thank you GOD for everything”, 

No matter the situation, The Bird just kept repeating “Thank you GOD for everything”

And because of that, what was left of his sad life changed to something better.

When I heard this story, I felt a great change in the way I feel, think, accept, and see life.   When you have a hard situation in front of you start to repeat the simple prayer

“THANK YOU GOD FOR EVERYTHING”.

This has helped change my point of view from what I had, and will have in my life.

So I do the same, I started to share this story with all my family and friends, and it has brought a great change to the way we feel about things.

It is a simple prayer that has a big impact: I realized how blessed I am, how happy I am, and how good life is!

This message wants to make us aware of how powerful it is to “Be thankful

A simple word, a simple thought, can help show us to be thankful for all we have in our life, have the power to resolve any “problem” that we carry around all our lives.

-Be thankful and you will see the change in your life.

– Be humble and never regret anything.

-Thank GOD for everything.

Beautiful reflection~ share to everyone you like

I stepped into the world of freelance work, hoping for the best, preparing for the worst.

I am very fluent in Spanish and am a native English speaker. Since I am not a big social person I am trying to keep it down to document translation because people tend to be too “peopley”, if you get what I mean. 

I mean email is simple, when they don’t like the product you can just apologize and try to work it out. When you have to be face to face with a person and your accent sounds weird or you accidentally mispronounce a word (that you knew perfectly before) it makes you feel like maybe its not the right job for you. 

So I have decided to become a Document translator/blogger I guess, and also translate for some pages on social media if people really need it (for a small fee of course). I really just want to make my mark on this world more than anything because sitting at home and not contributing is possibly the most boring underpaid (with money, abundant in love) job in the history of EVER.

So basically, if you find yourself swiping through your news feed and you see a cute meme but….its in another language. Do you ever wish that you knew Spanish so you could enjoy it as much as the other 5k people who have liked it? That’s where I hope to come in. write up a translation and deliver it straight to your inbox, I could even include the original meme or whatever it is so people know where it came from. That’s great right! Then you would be able to share it with your friends who will hopefully enjoy it as much as you.

Or if you own a business and  you have noticed a lot of clientele speak Spanish but you haven’t gotten around to making those Spanish menus or brochures. I can do that! (also for a small fee) 

I can do almost anything if I only had the people ask for it. 

Time to put Networking down on my long list of “things-to-do”

Anyways, this is just a rambling of my late night thoughts on how to start another endeavor likely to fail like all the others before ( did I ever tell you I was a medical assistant and a CDL driver!? another post needed then *sigh*)

Thank you my beauties for listening to my nonsense~ can any of you relate

Amanda

Planning my monthly grocery budget, how I do it

First of all, it’s too quiet around here. Watching the news in peace. But not all is quiet. I still have a little one that talks to me all day. Almost 6 months old, eats like a horse, and rolls for days. So my planning takes me a little more time than I would like.

Now that the older kids are back in school, I can get this house back to normal (maybe, whatever that is). To me organization is key. Since the holidays were spread over 2 months everything that once had a place no longer does. My pantry is all unorganized and I have no idea what I even have anymore. Making my budget out for the month is going to be difficult. So get up and go get organized if you have the chance before you read the next part. Or just keep reading and do it all at the end. 

After you have everything organized and able to tell what you need

Start planning out your meals. Find a few recipes that you make often. Search for some new ones, because eating the same things get boring. Usually around here when we get bored of the same things we get fast food or go to a restaurant just for a change.

(on a budget that’s what we are trying to avoid)

Once you have your meals planned out go through your pantry and make a list of the things you will need. Remember, when buying on a budget name brands are not always a good way to go. Store brands are usually the same thing as name brands, in quality AND flavor. You are paying for the brand not the product.

 (i’ve mentioned this before)

Now get your local ads for whatever stores are nearest to you, whether that be online or paper ads. See what stores price match and have best deals. Make a list of each store and the product they have that you need with prices. You can either shop online, or go in-store (I don’t recommend this because I always end up buying more stuff than I planned on in my budget), most stores offer grocery pick-up on the same day. (perfect for busy moms) It is okay if you go over a couple dollars because in the long run you will eventually start to see a change in how much you are saving by putting a limit on things.

What to do now that you have your meals planned for the week or month(it’s up to you)

Make a calendar. Use an old dry-erase board, or a regular wall calendar works great. (also subscribe for a printable grocery list)

Write out the meals you planned on each day. Include your meat, veggies, and any other side dishes or breads you plan on using. Stick to the meal plan. Make sure your meat is defrosted by dropping it to the fridge the night before or taking it out a day or two ahead of time. You can pre-prep side dishes and veggies if you want, and if you have some extra time to do so. 

I suggest using this method for budgeting groceries and meal planning. Use it, if it doesn’t work out for you don’t worry! Just change some things that fit your schedule better. You should hopefully start seeing some results in your grocery bills over a couple months. 

Comment below if this has helped you, or leave me some suggestions to how I may be able to improve the way I do it.

Penny Saving Mom,

Amanda

P.s. share on FB with friends
p.s.s. Subscribe for a free simple printable grocery list


How to start budgeting with a bigger family PART 2

This is a continuation from a previous post. Really good ideas! Take a look and leave a comment below and let me know what you think.

#6 Let your kids entertain themselves: Now this idea has it’s pros and cons. Pro- kids will be happy and learn how to be creative and independent. Con- Your house may suffer the consequences. Happy independent kids are all good and fun, but when it comes to cleaning up afterward, that my friends is the battle. So, try to set limits without taking the fun out of it.

#7 Don’t be afraid to share with other families: Shout it from the mountain tops- not really but let your friends and family know that you are on a budget, so when you show up to a birthday with a handmade card or some homemade treat they dont get discouraged. Some family and friends may even ask you for some tips and tricks or advice on how to save some money (send them here please! j/k), and people who budget together find great deals to share with each other. In my opinion.

#8 Be okay with saying “no”: Do i really need to explain this one? We all have kids who ask for everything when we go to the store for one thing. So, pretty simple. Just say no.

#9 Grocery shop using the sale ads: Some stores do price match, and put out competitive ads. Great way to save a penny or two. Also, a lot of stores use “undercover” shoppers so they can beat prices. Not sure how it helps knowing that but I thought it was interesting.

And finally, # 10

Find ways to earn extra cash: Download the apps you can find for selling your stuff, there are a few. Load up some stuff that is sitting around collecting dust, take a pic, and upload. You can also start a blog <<<<this is my favorite, but not an overnight money maker. If you have the energy see how you can go about delivery platforms. Most of them let you make your own schedule so you can work as often (or not), as you like.

That is all I have for now my beauties. Comment down below what you thought of my ideas. Like and share if you think these tips were interesting or may help someone else.

Penny Saving Mom

Amanda

The summer Australia burned — A Glass Half Full

It will be remembered as the summer Australia burned. The year that – for many Australians – Christmas was cancelled. As I write this, bushfires have been burning out of control across this vast continent for months. Where there are no fires, cities are choked with acrid smoke. Hundreds of homes have been razed and […]

The summer Australia burned — A Glass Half Full

Sharing this post because it caught my attention: This honestly is one of the saddest things I have seen. It hits me hard for some reason, I think that watching my kids faces as we scroll through the pictures of the animals run for their life to them is scary. The raw emotion. Trying to explain that sometimes things happen and we do our best to overcome the sadness and loss, may be one of the hardest things to explain to a child.

I am sad, and praying for all the poor souls that have been lost in the fires in Austrailia.

Featured

Valentines day is coming fast! Here are 7 ideas for gifts for almost everyone

Valentines Day Shopping Simplified

If you are like me you never know where to start shopping for that big day. I have made a simple list with clickable links to try to make things a little easier for you. Go through the list, maybe you’ll find something for yourself in the meantime.

7 things to look at when looking for V-day gifts

#1 For the more traditional gift givers. I have found a great page on Amazon just for you, easy and simple. No worrying about going through and seeing all the new age ridiculousness that people ask for. Keep it simple and get them something that is cute but will mean something to both of you.

#2 Gift sets for the kids. It’s not all about your significant other. Kids love you too! Show them you love them back, check out these cool gift ideas I found here! Reasonably priced, yet fun for mostly all ages. 

#3 Gifts for that special guy you like. We never know what he really wants do we, maybe you can find something here he likes. Cute stuff, I recommend browsing a few of the pages maybe something you think he would like but really its just for you (you know that’s how you sometimes shop). 

#4 Handmade gifts. We all know that someone special who likes things that are unique in its own way, not mass-produced. This is where you can find those. High quality, reasonable prices for someone you love. 

#5 Personalized! Make them think you’ve had it planned for months! Various items here that you can personalize for that special person or people in your life. 

#6 Gift bundles… These are perfect for gifting family and friends. Take a look tons of stuff for people of all ages. In my opinion the cookie and snack bundles would be great for anyone. 

And FINALLY…. 

#7 CHOCOLATE!!!!!!! You can never go wrong with chocolate for anyone on V-day so get yours HERE 

Make this Valentines day the best ever! And be sure to let me know how it goes. 

Looking forward to hearing how your valentines day went. Like comment and share!

Amanda

pennysavingmom20@gmail.com

p.s. pics and comments are always welcome on FB

Stay at home moms should be making how much?!?

Just going to put this out there

Stay at home moms are the most underpaid, over worked people out there. I have been doing some simple research and I just found out I should be making at least 140k a year! WHAT!  I’m okay with not getting paid to raise my kids, but i just want to know how they came up with that. 

Since i’m not getting paid in money lets see how to run the house efficiently so it seems like it.

Even though I don’t get paid to stay at home, I still have to manage the finances that are coming in. With 4 kids that is a big struggle so I am constantly figuring ways to save some pennies here and there. My goal is to be able to buy a house hopefully this year and get out of the dreaded rent race. 

Saving money for the future—not so easy

To do this we have to cut back on a few things, one of them is cutting back on eating out. Fast food seems to be my kryptonite, usually after picking up the kids from school ill head over to a drive-thru and pick something up for the kids to snack before dinner, because god knows hungry kids are grumpy kids.

  Instead of doing that i have started buying bulk fruits and peanut butter, packed with protien and healthy. Although it can get messy it is fun for them and they learn how to do some things on their own (with my supervision, of course). Basically Peanut butter on a plate and some fresh cut apples or bananas. pretty easy, right?

Having bottled water on hand is also key, especially when you are trying to limit sugars. Keep it cold because “it tastes better that way” or so im told by my 8 year old. And if you want to do it extra special make some homemade lemonade, it will be much cheaper than buying the concentrates or powders in the long run.

So in the long run

These things have helped me save at least 50-75 dollars a week. since happy meals run about $5 each, and i can buy apples, bananas, and peanut butter for 3 of my kids for around $5 all together. And the bulk water bottles, you can usually get a big pack of 32-40 bottles for like $3. Or, just buy a water filter for your faucet. It pays for itself pretty quick. 

  • Cut back on Fast foods.
  • Buy Fresh fruits and veggies for snack instead.
  • Bottled or filtered water instead of sugary, or concentrated drinks.

Hope this helps someone,

Amanda

How to start budgeting with a bigger family PART 1

#1 Create your budget: There are many ways to create your budget. Do some research and find what best suits your needs and go for it. Change if you need it. Nothing is set in stone, its basically just a guideline. If you know how much you spend monthly you will be able to see where to cut back.

#2 Plan things out: Try to make all bills you can auto-pay (make sure you have money to cover the funds before hand so you dont overdraft if its allowed on your account). Set a limit to cash on hand, and available spending for family dinner nights out, etc…

#3 Be frugal: Buy in bulk if you research prices and it seems to be better than buying single items in the long run. Store brands usually almost are better priced than name brands, and taste or quality is almost identical (you’re paying for the name not the product)

#4 Always go for secondhand stuff: Now buyers beware, you dont want to just buy from a random person you found on an app because it looked like a good deal. If possible test it out and know what you’re looking at. Thrift stores always have pretty decent clothing and even their electronics and housewares are pretty good! ( bought a waffle maker for $2 and it works great)

#5 Always shop around: Most places sell their things in store and online so just look it up. Price compare add it to your cart and checkout.

I hope these helped….come back in a couple days and I will let you guys get the part 2 to my list. Feel free to contact me with any questions or other great ideas you have.