Moon Orchid Motifs: Envelope Budget System

I have an exciting post today! Some of you have been following my budget series. One of the things I talked about in my post about our very tight budget, is using an envelope system. Well, Amanda from Moon Orchid Motifs has generously offered me one of her awesome fabric envelope systems for review, AND she is offereing another one for me to giveaway to one of my readers!!!

8 Pockets for Credit Cards, or library cards, since of course we don’t have credit cards 2 large pockets, plus a zippered pocket

6 Fabric “Money Envelopes” with white space for labelling categories, and secure snaps.

Sturdy snap closure to keep your wallet closed securely.

I have been using this wallet for a couple months now and I love how convenient it is! Before, I was using my regular wallent, plus regular envelopes in a plastic zip-up make up type bag that I got at the dollar store. Yes, it worked just fine, but this is oh-so-much-cuter. And, I can put everything in one wallet instead of having 2 separate things in my purse. It is kind of bulky, but it holds a lot, so it kind of has to be.

The wallet is made out of this cute gray and lime green Ty Pennington fabric. They usually sell for $65.00 in Amanda’s etsy shop, but she is giving one away to a lucky reader!

To enter, simply leave a comment below with your best frugal/thrifty tip!

You can also earn multiple entries by following the instructions below. I don’t “bribe” people to follow me, but you’re always welcome to subscribe to my blog, and share this post and giveaway with any friends you think may be interested.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

God Gave us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren (Waterbrook Press)

I recently got the opportunity to sign up as a reviewer for Waterbrook Press. I was very excited to see that one of the books available for review was perfect for my boys. Yay!

So, last week, we got a little surprise in the mail: God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren; illustrated by Laura J. Bryant.

The good points: One thing I particularly loved about this book is the author’s use of repetition throughout to drive the point home. I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old and repetition is an important part of learning for them. Nearly every part of the conversation ends with some form of “God gave us you.” Since this is such an important message, I appreciated the repetition.

The illustrations in this book are darling! And, overall, my boys and our family enjoyed the book.

Other Notes: The book deals quite a bit with pregnancy. Although it is done in a way that little ones can understand, parents might want to make sure it’s not more explicit than you’re prepared to be (the book discusses baby growing in mommy’s tummy, going to the doctor to hear a heartbeat, mommy feeling special signals when baby wants out, etc.). This being said, I think the book could easily serve as a teaching tool for your child if you’re expecting another little one—it will reinforce that your child was a gift from God, while also explaining what’s to come with a new little one.

Also, while the book is supposed to be for ages 0-3, and it is a board book, I found some of the wording to be a bit awkward, especially for younger children like my 2 year old.

(Full Disclosure: I received this book for free as a review copy from Waterbook Press. However, all opinions stated in this review are distinctly my own.)