Published on: 06 February 2018
Last Updated on: 19 August 2019
Your wedding invitations aren’t going to be the most expensive part of your wedding planning, but they will certainly take up some of your budget that could be saved and better spent elsewhere. Regardless of where you’re holding the big day and on what date you’re getting married, you will need to invite your wedding guests in advance so that they can save the date and make sure they are available to attend and witness your marriage.
1. Invite people by talking to them
You don’t have to give people a paper or card invitation, and if you’re struggling financially or having a low-key wedding, you may want to save money wherever and whenever possible. You can call your friends and family to let them know about the wedding, or when you see them at the next gathering, let them know the venue and date of your wedding.
Wedding invitations online are becoming increasingly more popular, and this doesn’t mean just sending out a mass email or an invitation on Facebook. While you can create a secret Facebook event and only invite the people you want to, you can also send invitation e-cards and other types of online messages that will invite people to your wedding.
3. Make your own
While it’s much easier to buy invitations and use another company to do it for you, saving money can be done quite easily by making your own. If you have the time to spare in order to do this, and you feel creative enough to pull it off, you can buy some crafts items and have a go at creating some yourself. The problem with this is that if they don’t work out, you will have wasted the money on your craft items and then you’ll still have to spend extra money getting the final invitations.
4. Don’t be too fancy
Although it’s your wedding, if you’re trying to save money then it’s not always possible to have everything as fancy as you’d like it to be. Rather than splashing out the cash on embossed envelopes, thicker cards and extra postage, keep everything simple – send out a simple card in a simple envelope and pay the standard postage for a regular letter or card. It’s fine if you have the budget to spend more money on your invites, but if you’re trying to save, you probably can’t afford to do anything too
5. Shop around
There are hundreds of options for wedding invitations when you start shopping around, and if you spend long enough looking, you’ll probably be able to get a great deal. Buying earlier will often secure you a good deal since you can purchase your invitations just after the peak wedding season of the summer when many shops and companies are reducing their prices in a bid to get more sales. Shopping around for many different aspects of your wedding will save you money in the long run.
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If you have kids, you know how expensive it can be to buy them new clothes, toys, books, and other items. Kids grow fast, and their tastes and preferences change often. Buying everything new can put a strain on your budget and create a lot of waste.
That's why many parents opt for hand-me-downs and second-hand finds for their kids. Hand-me-downs are items that are passed down from older siblings, relatives, or friends. Second-hand finds are items that are bought or acquired from thrift stores, garage sales, online platforms, or other sources.
Keep on reading to learn more…
How to Make the Most Out of Hand-Me-Downs?
In the era of fast fashion and quickly outgrown children's clothes, buying everything new can get very expensive. Luckily, there are plenty of ways for savvy parents to cut costs by making use of hand-me-downs and second-hand items. Read on for tips on how to source, care for, and refresh these gems for your little ones.
Here are some of the tips that you can use to make the most of the hand-me-downs:
Sort and Store
One of the first things you must do is sort and store your hand-me-downs and second-hand finds properly. This will help you keep track of what you have, what you need, and what you can pass on to others.
Sort your items by size, season, and category. For example, you can have separate bins or boxes for winter clothes, summer clothes, shoes, accessories, toys, books, etc. Label them clearly and keep them in a dry and clean place.
Store your items in a way that preserves their quality and prevents damage. For example, you can use vacuum-sealed bags, plastic containers, or cedar chests to protect your items from dust, moisture, insects, and mold. You can also use hangers, dividers, or organizers to keep your items neat and tidy.
Check your items regularly and get rid of anything that is stained, torn, worn out, or outdated. You can donate, sell, or recycle your unwanted items or use them for crafts or other purposes.
Mix and Match
Another thing you need to do is to mix and match your hand-me-downs and second-hand finds with your kids' existing wardrobe and preferences. This will help you create some fun and stylish outfits for your kids and make them feel comfortable and confident in their clothes. You should try to mix and match:
Colors, patterns, and textures. For instance, you can pair a solid-colored shirt with a floral dress or a plaid skirt with a denim jacket. You can also mix and match different fabrics, such as cotton, wool, silk, or leather. This will add some variety and interest to your kids' outfits.
Styles and trends. For example, you can combine a vintage sweater with a modern pair of jeans, or a classic dress with a trendy pair of sneakers. You can also mix and match different genres, such as casual, formal, sporty, or bohemian. This will give your kids some personality and flair in their outfits.
Accessories and details. For example, you can add a belt, a scarf, a hat, or a necklace to your kids' outfits. You can also add some buttons, patches, stickers, or pins to your kids' clothes. This will give your kids some fun and creative touches in their outfits.
Customize and Personalize
The last thing you must do is customize and personalize your hand-me-downs and second-hand finds for your kids. This will help you make your items fit better, look better, and feel better for your kids. It will also help you express your kids' individuality and uniqueness.
Customize your items to fit your kids' size and shape. For example, you can hem, alter, or resize your items to make them fit your kids better. You can also add some elastic, buttons, or snaps to your items to make them more adjustable and comfortable.
Customize your items to suit your kids' style and taste. For example, you can dye, bleach, or paint your items to change their color or pattern. You can also cut, rip, or distress your items to give them some edge or character.
Personalize your items to reflect your kids' interests and hobbies. For example, you can embroider, applique, or print your items with your kids' names, initials, or monograms. You can also decorate your items with your kids' favorite characters, animals, or symbols.
Sourcing Quality Second-hand Pieces
You can uncover great used pieces from friends and family, charity shops, and online marketplaces. When accepting offers of hand-me-downs, don't feel you need to take everything you're given. Politely decline items that are overly worn or stained, and only keep pieces that are still in good condition.
For second-hand shopping, hit up charity shops in more affluent neighbourhoods where higher quality kit is often donated. Check items thoroughly for flaws and be selective in your purchases. Online, sites like eBay, Depop and Vinted offer everything from babygrows to bikes being sold on by other parents, helping you make the most of your budget or fostering allowance.
Caring for Hand-Me-Downs
To maximise the longevity of hand-me-downs and second-hand items, properly launder and care for them before passing them on to your little one. Check clothing labels and wash items according to fabric type. Mend any small holes, broken zippers or loose buttons.
For items like bikes or baby gear, inspect them thoroughly and replace any worn parts. Give everything a thorough cleaning to remove grime and make sure pieces are fresh for their new owner.
Refreshing & Repurposing Finds
Sometimes second-hand stuff just looks, well, second-hand. Luckily there are inexpensive ways to give things new life. For clothes, accessories and soft toys, a spot clean followed by a wash in Oxiclean or similar can freshen up fabrics.
Embellish with ribbons, embroidered patches or appliqués to add decorative flair. Turn that dull vest into a one-of-a-kind piece your child will love. Repurpose old pieces too - vintage babygrows make adorable doll clothes, and adult t-shirts can be made into dresses.
Making Second-hand Finds Feel Special
Hand-me-downs and pre-loved items often come with a history. Share what you know about an item’s origins with your little one - they’ll love having their own “special story” attached to their clothes and toys.
Help them personalize pieces by adding custom touches like initials or fun fabric paint designs. And display their second-hand treasures proudly by letting them select special books or toys for their rooms. Soon these pre-used gems will hold pride of place in your child’s heart.
Additional Tips
Check items’ safety before passing to little ones - no small broken parts, frayed edges etc.
Store off-season clothing rotated with your child’s growth
Mix second-hand pieces with new ones in your child’s wardrobe
Pass pieces along to younger friends/family members when outgrown
Sourcing and caring for pre-loved items takes a bit more effort than just popping out for new gear. But with some time and creative vision, you can kit out your kids in great finds without breaking the bank. And by giving their clothes and toys a history, you’ll add an extra layer of love.
Bottom Line
Hand-me-downs and second-hand finds can be a great way to save money, reduce waste, and give your kids some unique and quality items. However, they can also pose some challenges, such as finding the right size, style, and condition for your kids. By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most of hand-me-downs and second-hand finds for your kids.
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The number of children who are sent to foster care is alarming. It is a sad reality that needs to be handled with sensitivity and caution. After all, these are the future generations of the same community where we live. Fostering networks have been doing a commendable job for generations, helping children find a home amidst many uncertainties. Becoming a foster parent can be your calling too.
Reasons why you should foster:
One of the main reasons you should foster a child is the social responsibility that comes with it. As part of the community, it is in your power to have a good influence through your actions. If you have space and time to take in another young person into your family, then it must be something that should be considered seriously.
Fostering a child also comes with its own rewards. Depending on your geographic location and a few other factors related to the child, you get a certain amount of funding from the state to cover costs and take in extra income. There are also tax breaks available for income earned through fostering so this really helps in your long-term financial planning.
The emotional rewards of fostering a child are immeasurable but immense. You will be welcoming a stranger who will slowly gain the confidence and trust to accept you as an extended family.
Know the legal rights of the child:
When you want to become a foster parent it is important that you know the important legal details of the process and the rights of the child. To foster a child is an important responsibility and the state has certain parameters and provisions that ensure a humane and nurturing environment.
The right to be treated with respect, the right to live in a secure and safe place, the right to necessary nutrition and clothing, and the right to adequate healthcare are just some of the many legal rights of a child in foster care. Right to education and contact with social care networks and relatives are also part of this suite of rights framed to protect the children.
The impact of a foster parent:
If you are ready to learn about fostering, take some time to think about the positive impact you can have on the child. Children who are taken into care have missed out on some of the things we take for granted. Some of these children have been living in abusive households with parents who are suffering from addiction or who are never present. Many have faced physical and emotional abuse. They have not experienced the stability that is required to make a child feel safe and comfortable. By providing that stability, you will be giving the child a precious gateway to a normal life.
Children who go into care have many emotional issues, especially related to their confidence. This will be a big problem as they grow older because they will not be equipped with the tools to deal with life’s challenges. As a foster parent, you can intervene and give them the right environment to shed their inhibitions, trust people, and gain confidence in themselves.
These children need a pillar in their lives to give them an anchor as they discover new things and experiences. The foster parent’s role is to provide this support and also be a guiding light to help the children find their path.
In many cases, the foster parents can also be the bridge of reconciliation with the families of the children. There are times when parents are unable to take care of their children because of illness. In this case, the foster parent can provide a reassuring presence while helping the child stay in touch with his or her blood relations.
An uphill battle you can win:
Thousands of children grow into adulthood without ever leaving the foster system. They do not have the same relationships and skills because of the constant moving and shuffling. Many never get to complete a college education and thousands fail to find meaningful employment even when they have reached their mid-twenties. These are the challenges that you must foresee when you are a foster parent. And by knowing these things upfront, you can, to the best of your abilities, try to combat the scenarios.
By ensuring that the foster children get the basic education and a warm and loving space to live in, you will be giving them a glimmer of hope to grow into responsible and independent adults. Consider becoming a foster parent – make that impact.
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Mother's Day is approaching, and it provides us with an opportunity to shower our dear moms with love to the brim. This year, let's do something different. You could go beyond the periphery of traditional gifts and treat Mom to something special. Why not melt her heart with delicious homemade baked goods? Give her a Mother’s Day treat.
This mouthwatering journey will help you take a look at the most delightful recipes. These baking ideas help create a highly memorable Mother's Day celebration.
1. Breakfast Bakery Creations
Start Mom's special day in a happy way by offering them a grand breakfast right at the beginning of the day. It spread straight from your home bakery. Just think for once how happy she would be rising to the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked goodies wafting through the house. Treat her taste buds to buttery scones or some warm homemade cinnamon rolls. Even the most fluffy blueberry muffins would do wonders right at the start of the day,
These breakfast bakery creations display great culinary skills. Moreover, they help you convey your thoughtfulness and unending love. Pair these treats with a steaming cup of coffee or a fragrant pot of tea to complete the cozy morning experience.
With every bite, Mom will feel the efforts that you have put in and the devotion to the delectable morsel. Breakfast time will indeed be a moment to remember. However, nothing fits your appetite better than the warmth of home-baked goodness. It would be a grand Mother’s Day treat.
2. Decadent Dutch Oven Desserts
Indulge the sweet tooth of your dear Momc with the traditional desserts of the bygone days and relive her salad and fairytale moments. You will be happy to see how it will make her taste buds dance with joy.
You only need your trusty Dutch oven to whip up the perfect treat to show her how much you care. Does she love rich chocolate brownies or elegant fruit cobblers? Wherever of the two, there you have a Dutch oven dessert that suits her sweetest preferences.
It would be a grand mother’s day treat. Impress your Mom with the baking skills that you honed and present her with her favorite dessert that looks exquisite and, at the same time, tastes divine.
Add a personal touch with decorative elements. Things like fresh berries, edible flowers, or a drizzle of caramel would be indeed sweet. These decadent desserts are more than just sweets. These treats are a labor of love, symbolizing your appreciation and admiration for Mom. Roll up your sleeves±. It’s time to create desserts that will leave a lasting smile on Mom's face.
3. Tea Party Treats
Transform Mother's Day into something more than just the ordinary. However, with the delicate shortbread cookies and tangy lemon bars, you will win her kisses and hugs. Let us ensure this for you.
Yes, you got it right: inviting Mom and loved ones to create the memory kissed by the sweetness of elegance will create a sweet and inviting memory. The beauty of tea party treats lies not just in their taste buds but also in the art of presentation.
Arrange these dainty delights on vintage platters. Moreover, accentuated by floral arrangements and delicate teacups invite her to the tea table. Whether it's a small gathering or a larger affair, the allure of tea parties is trat to watch. It is in their ability to turn an ordinary afternoon into a sophisticated and memorable occasion
4. Gift-Worthy Baked Goods
When it comes to Mother's Day, a homemade gift always outranks a store-bought one. Show Mom your love and appreciation by presenting her with a gift of delectable baked goods made with care and affection.
Consider assembling a cookie jar filled with Mom's favorite treats, crafting a personalized cake adorned with her name, or baking a loaf of gourmet bread infused with savory herbs. Gift-worthy baked goods are beautiful because they convey a message of warmth and thoughtfulness.
Wrap these treats in pretty packaging or present them on a decorative tray to enhance the gifting experience. With each bite, Mom will feel the love and effort you poured into creating a gift that is as unique and special as she is. The mother’s day treat would be grand without any doubt.
Why Is Celebrating Mom's Day Important?
Mother's Day must be one such occasion when every child must ensure that their Mom’s efforts are appreciated. Mother’s Day is indeed the occasion where the child develops a happy relationship with that of the mother. Moreover, the day reminds us of the thousands of petty sacrifices that she has made unconditionally to make your life beautiful.
In fact, this is a great occasion where you try to express indebtedness and shower your stream of love and emotions towards the struggling hands and minds.
They are the ones who sail all their happy moments, their future prospects, their time, and all for their child without giving a second thought. Moreover, they are the ones who gloom their own prospects to shine yours. Yes, the grandeur and dedication are beyond expression.
There are numerous ways through which you could shower your unconditional love towards your Mom. However, it is a special day, and you must make extra efforts to celebrate their love for you. Hence, you must plan beforehand for the different ways you can make them happy.
It is a truth that we love to express to her: Every day and every moment is Mother's Day! But the harsh reality is that we all, in the periphery of our other duties and everyday struggles, forget to celebrate until Mother's Day arrives. Moreover, with time and due to certain circumstances, we develop a bitter relationship with them.
However, here are some of the things that you could do to make your moments more than the Mother's Day Treats. You must live upto her expectations and control your behavior. Also, you must develop your own identity and think of them, as well as the mistakes that you make in your daily life. Your Mom is special. Every Mom is special.
Sweet Sentiments
As we wrap up our journey through the world of Mother's Day baked goods, let's reflect on the power of homemade treats in celebrating the women who mean so much to us. From sharing baking adventures with Mom to surprising her with breakfast delicacies and decadent desserts, each sweet treat carries a message of love and gratitude.
Remember, it's not just about the ingredients or techniques. It's about the joy and connection that baking brings. So, this Mother's Day, go beyond the ordinary and create a day filled with sweetness and heartfelt gestures.
Here's to all the mothers out there — may your day be as sweet and fulfilling as the treats you bake!
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