The holidays can be a really stressful time, specially for us. We are a young couple and my husband is persuing his PHD, so we are on a tight budget. I budget our bills every month and make sure every thing is paid on time and we don’t insure any late fees.

Staying on budget can be very tricky there are so many pleasures I would love to indulge in, but making sure we have enough to live is more important.
My budget consist of:

Getting all bills together and adding them into budget. *Paying your bills is the most important factor in your budget. If they are late or not payed in full, ou run the risk of late fees or added expenses.

Factoring your rent *depending on how often you get paid, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly. You need to factor how much to put aside to pay your rent.

After you have gotten the bills paid and out of the way. the rest of your budgeting should be easy.

Factor how much you/family eat on a monthly basis. For example I set aside $700 a month for my family of 5. Sometimes we may go a little over but then that money would come out of the misc. budget.
You’ve got all your necessities covered now, comes the Misc. budgeting. This can contain money for gas, toiletries etc.
Anything extra is spending money. You can take your family out for a fun day, or a nice dinner.

The last year we have started a emergency fund, with Capital One 360. We want to make sure if there is ever a emergency we have it covered. Car problems, medical bills, or just prices being raised.

Capital One 360 products are designed to save consumers time and money. From online to our mobile app, Capital One 360 is with customers 24/7.
Capital One 360 Checking and 360 Savings are fee-free and earn interest.
Capital One 360 offers remote deposit capture with Capital One 360’s CheckMate tool and make savings a snap with the Automatic Savings Plan.

Capital One 360 wants to help you get ready for Black friday and the holidays. This holiday, to encourage consumers to stay on track with their finances, Capital One 360 is decking the halls with deals you can bank on, including new account bonuses, referral bonuses and closing cost credits. When your done shopping head on over to Capital One 360 and sign up for the their incredible deals on banking and mortgages. Some deals include:

Will you be adding Capital One 360 to your Black Friday list?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Disclosure: I was invited to attend KidzVuz with my family, and received a gift bag in exchange.

We attended the KidzVuz Holiday party yesterday and it was so much fun. This was out 3rd KidzVuz event.

There wasn’t as many toy brands as in the past but that didn’t mean my kids didn’t take full advantage of everything else they were showcasing.

16 Handles Fro-yo. My kids loved them, and all the topping they were able to add.

HP Stream computers and Tablets. These Computers and tablets are perfect for little hands. It’s already on my daughters wish list.

Hot Chocolate with Keurig

We got to spin a Wheel with Stop and shop and win prizes. Plus lots of Coupons. (I love Stop and Shop, only place I shop for groceries)

We didn’t get to see all the brands, and of course my camera died before I could get all the pictures I wanted. But I can’t wait to hear more from the brands, and new products.

Have your kids signed up for KidzVuz and shared their opinions yet?

Disclosure: A gift card will be received for sharing this information.

Famous Footwear is opening two new locations in the NYC area just in time for the holiday season. The two locations will mark the 61st and 62nd locations in the New York City market and will both be opening on November 19, 2014.

The first location will be at The mall at Bay Plaza: 200 Baychester Ave. in the Bronx.

The second location is Rockaway TownSquare: 301 Mount Hope Ave. In NJ.

Both locations will celebrate the grand opening on December 6, 2014. The celebration will feature a

• live DJ,
• Shoe giveaways,
• one day special promotions and a
• shoe artist customizing shoes for customers from 12pm-6pm.

  The celebration will take place from 10AM to 6 PM with giveaways and promotions every 2 hours.

  Famous Footwear recently launched their new mobile app which gives Rewards members 15 bonus points just for downloading, makes redeeming Rewards points even easier and gives shoppers access to exclusive mobile offers. The Famous Footwear app is available for download today on Google Play and iTunes or simply by texting APP to FAMOUS (326687) to get a mobile link.

  Visit Famous Footwear for More information

Fall and winter can be two of the most beautiful seasons but those plummeting temperatures mean extra effort is required in order to keep warm indoors. There are plenty of effective ways to stay cozy during the chillier months and they shouldn’t put too much of a strain on your household energy bills.

Take a look around your home to see if you can prevent unnecessary heat loss and don’t forget to invest in some low cost heating products such as that essential electric blanket.

Block out those draughts

If you’re feeling a chill around your home it could mean that you need additional insulation for your doors and window frames. Thick curtains are one of the simplest ways to keep these draughty areas well-insulated but covering gaps by using insulation tape will work just as well. Consider adding a thermal lining to your curtains to provide extra protection. You can reduce heat loss in the home by as much as 20% by draught proofing your home in this manner.

Warm your home the natural way

Letting in the sunshine is the most inexpensive way to heat your rooms. Keep your blinds and curtains open during the daylight hours and close them as soon as it becomes dark. Don’t forget to shut doors in rooms that are not being used as this will help to further insulate your home. A fair amount of heat can be lost through an open chimney area and an inexpensive chimney balloon is an excellent way to block up that vent when not in use.

Snuggle up at night

There’s nothing better than getting into a pre-heated bed and electric blankets have long been a favorite during the colder months. Electric over or under blankets can be bought to fit your specific bed size and come with features such as a timer if you require heat for a set period. A major bonus when using this product is that you can forgo those costly bedroom heaters and this will help to save money on fuel bills. You can now also purchase heated throws to keep you warm and cozy during the evenings.

Insulate your loft

Your roof area can be one of the major contributing factors to heat loss in the home. Loft insulation is an inexpensive product that’s easy to lay and will keep your house warm in the winter but cool during the summer. Consider the latest aluminium bubble foil, which is versatile enough to insulate lofts, floorboards and wall cavities.

These easy to implement winter home warmers will ensure you stay toasty indoors and can bring significant savings on your fuel bills.

I am only 30, but I have problems with bladder leakage at times. It’s to be expected though I have had 3 kids, and all my kids have been big babies.
When I sneeze or cough it’s the worst. I always have to make sure I have some kind of pantyliner on, or I will be running to change every few hours.
It can be embarrassing specially if I am out in public. I hate feeling like I am wearing a diaper though. So I always look for the thinnest liner I can find, Always Discreet is perfect.

Always is now being discreet. They want to help women who have bladder leakage problems, but don’t want to carry around bulky pads.
Always Discreet products are:

 

• Discreet liners- absorbs 2x more than you need

*based on average US consumer usage

• Discreet Pads- Up to 40% thinner and absorb 2x more than you need.

*than the leading brand
**based on average US consumer usage

• Discreet underwear- Dual leakguard barriers help prevent leaks where they happen most.

  

  You can save when you buy Always Discreet products.
  In-Store Savings:
  Text DISCREET to TARGET (827438) for instant coupons on Always Discreet. (Expires 12/31/14)
  Now through October 25, when you buy $20 of Always Discreet products, you get a FREE carrying case ($6 value). Look for the Always Discreet display at your local Target!
  Online Savings:
  Enter promo code DISCREET at checkout to save $1. Visit http://clvr.li/X9q8uS for details. (Expirse 12/31/14)
  Visit http://clvr.li/X9q8uS to request a FREE sample while supplies last!
  Subscribe and Save! Discreet delivery to your door at a great value – 5% off + free shipping + an extra 5% when you use your red card. http://clvr.li/X9q8uS for details.

  Protect yourself from bladder leaks so you can dance with freedom, laugh with confidence, and be yourself without worry.

  

  Always Discreet is available at Target Stores

  I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.