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Saving money on food while traveling in the US
When we go on vacation to the beach, the grocery store options are limited or not in close proximity. We would rather spend money on a fun excursion than on paying twice the amount on our groceries for the week. Plan Plan most of your meals: what will you eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Which items are pricier and which items do you already have in your pantry http://passionatepennypincher.com/2017/03/free-editable-menu-plan-grocery-list/ Bring Bring your staples and more expensive items from home: I usually do a quick run at Aldi for items I know will be cheaper there and I also buy items so as steaks or what we plan to grill…
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Kids size shoes!
Today’s post is a short one but is a little nugget of gold. If you wear a women’s size shoe 7 or smaller, did you know you can shop in the kid’s department? I have found that useful and budget friendly when wanting a pair of brand name shoes such as Keen or Hunter boots. For a while I wanted to purchase some Keen water shoes but did not want to spend the $80 to $120 price tag so I shopped in the kids’ section and found a pair for $50! I ended up with 2 pairs and use them on hikes, water rafting trips and walk! The same with…
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Brownie and fruit triffle
Oh Yum! A few years ago, my friend Matushka Joana made a dessert for a special occasion. And it was delicious! It involved cream, chocolate and fruit which is a recipe for success! Now with 4 boys running around in my house, for me to like a recipe, it has to be easy. It is very distracting to try to cook or bake while you have an 18 month old try to be held, boys wrestling or quesioning you in the background. Thankfully this dessert is oh so simple ! Of course, I had to ask her for the recipe. And now I am sharing it with you: Brownie fruit…
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Save money on food while traveling abroad
When we travel abroad, we often spend time with friends which really helps our food budget. We do try to help with groceries since we have a large family. Some thinking ahead does help with not blowing your vacation budget on food. breakfast Choose a hotel or a B & B that includes free breakfast. If renting a house or apartment or if your hotel does not include breakfast, go to a local bakery or grocery store and purchase some bread, jam fruit and pastries. Most hotels even abroad will have a small fridge lunch Limit restaurant visits. Instead buy local “fast food” or have a picnic lunch Dinner If…
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Cost per wear
Have you heard fashion bloggers talk about cost per wear? While I enjoy shopping the clearance racks and thrift shopping, I do occasionally buy a piece a clothing that I consider expensive or more high end. Two examples that come to mind are my Zella Out & About 2 joggers which are $65 at Nordstrom and my Ugg Australia Women’s Fierce Deco Quilt Fashion Sneaker that you can now find from $69.95 to $100 depending on your shoe size on amazon. The way I justify these items on my limited object is the cost per wear. Cost per wear is taking into account how many times you will wear an…
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Winter outfits
I decided to start this blog to share my ideas and insight about traveling and also how a stay at home mom can look cute with looking like she is trying to hard. Here are some of my winter outfits! As you can see, I typically take the time to put together a cute look including earrings and a cute shoe/boot. While I do end up added a few items to my wardrobe each season, I also try to shop my closet as often as possible and I do have clothes spending freezes when I need to get back on track! tip # 1 Go through your clothes and…
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Saving for a trip
Whether you are planning a trip to Disney, New York, France or a road trip, you need to prepare yourself financially. Here are some things to take into consideration: Gas, car rental, highway tolls (if traveling to France for e.g.) Food (restaurants, grocery store) Plane tickets (if flying) Lodging (hotel, bed and breakfast, rentals like vrbo or Airbnb) Here are the steps that I follow. Estimate the cost/amount for each category. Depending on the overall cost of your trip, you may want to start saving 6 months, a year or even two years before your trip. For our family of 6, I typically start saving for a trip abroad 12…
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All about me
Chez Mireille I have been playing around with the notion of starting a blog for a couple of years now but have been wondering about my niche. A few weeks ago, I started thinking about who I am and that is how Chez Mireille: fashion, travel, mom started. I am happily married to my husband of 16 years and we have four boys ages 12, 8, 5 and 18 months. Having spent my childhood in the south of France and my last 2 years of high school in Mexico City, I have developed a love of traveling. Since our wedding, my husband and I have traveled to Mexico (honeymoon),…