Brooke Blogs This

I know, I know. Easter is still 2 months away. That makes this the PERFECT time to stock up on summer clothes (because they will go OFF clearance in a just a few short weeks) and to buy items from online companies that ship from China. Bonus: Crazy 8 and Gymboree have announced they are going out of business. This means some excellent deals on what is left of their inventory. Here is what I'm buying this week: (Disclaimer: These were the prices and items in stock on the dates I wrote/researched for this post 2/5-2/7/19. Prices and availability are subject to change.) For the Baby: If you are already placing an Amazon order, add  this teether  on to your order for $3.54. With Gymboree and Crazy 8 going out of business, I would also shop for headbands, bows, hats and socks. You may even find some deeply discounted outfits. For the Toddler: I am digging  these faux wood sunglasses  sunglasses for boys and  these sparkle sunglasses ...

Yes, it is February and I am already talking about Easter basket stuffers.  The truth is, I started stock piling for Easter the week after Christmas. Why? Last years summer stuff is still on clearance AND there were lots of after Christmas deals on gadgets. Starting about the first week of March, all of these items will start to increase in price again. What is my Easter budget? This year, I have budgeted $75 dollars for each of my two kids.  There have been years when money was super tight that I spent about $20 per basket.  I usually splurge on 1-2 "bigger" items and then the rest is smaller items and things I caught amazing deals on. I also use this time to buy them some items I know they will need in the upcoming months. This also saves me money because I was going to have to buy the item anyway. (Clothes, swim items, camping essentials, toothbrushes, etc) This week, I will give you some ideas for every age group by gender and I will follow up every week with ...

I hope everyone had an awesome Easter. We sure did! The Easter Bunny came and the dogs didn't chase him away or eat him or anything (at least as far as I can tell.) The kids were very excited about thier baskets. Other than the traditional baskets, we for went any other traditions on Easter. There were no egg hunts, there were no huge dinners. We ate candy (ok, so maybe that IS traditional), cinnamon rolls, fish sticks and fries and Mexican food. MMMMMMMMMMMMMM...Mexican. I am eating the left overs now. Overall it was a pretty fantastic (and the fantasticness was much needed) weekend. Now I just hope I haven't set my sights too high for the upcoming week and weekend!

The night the Easter Bunny was to visit our house, Zachary asked me: “Don’t you think the Easter Bunny is with Santa Clause and has Santa give him a ride on Easter?” Well you know, I don’t know. I remember asking Santa how he made it to all those houses in one night. I don’t think I’ve ever asked the Easter Bunny….anything! Now that Easter has come and gone, the Easter Bunny agreed to answer some essential questions. Me: “Do you live at the North Pole with Santa? EB: “No No, it is much too cold there for a bunny. I live in a hole in the ground.” Me: “Is this hole in the ground on Easter Island?” EB: “The location of my home is classified. Santa can give out his location since it is hard to travel to the North Pole, and the weather is frightful. My home is actually much more accessible and the weather is pretty nice.” Me: “Are you and Santa friends?” EB: “Oh yes! I am friends with the Tooth Fairy too!” Me: “How do you get all the candy for Easter?” EB: “Well, I started out making all t...