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Share some advice and you could win big!

Started by Julie , author of Leelou Blogs 8/26/2011 3:30:11 PM

Hey everyone! I'm still taking some time off to be with the family and the new kiddo, but I am getting into crazy Leelou school/schedule mode and have come to the blogosphere for advice. This time of year always gets me excited to get things back to a schedule as school starts and summer dreadfully comes to an end. 

A few days ago we had a really fun discussion over here about back to school. (By the way, the live chat was a hoot and I think I'm going to try it soon in the Leelou forum!) But I got to thinking of all the things I need to get done before school starts in a few weeks. This year I want to pack better lunches for my 1st grader. I'm still pretty new to having a child in school and she usually just gets sandwiches daily. I'd love to spice it up but don't want to spend a fortune. Have any ideas for me? How else do you save money on school supplies?

Share your back to school money saving advice below for a chance to win a $500 Back to School Shopping Spree from BlogFrog! 

Want to exchange more tips and ideas with other moms about back to school topics such as healthy snacks, school supplies and saving money?  Visit the Horizon® Healthily Families Back to School Community!  

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Horizon.  The opinions expressed by me do not necessarily reflect the view of the Horizon Organic brand. 

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Reply by Pam

author of pljimison 8/27/2011 4:44:20 PM
My back to school money saving advice is use recyclable water bottles for drinks. Don't purchase the small individual containers - it's a waste of money because most of it is for the packaging. Instead, purchase an aluminum bottle that can be placed in the dishwasher, and refill nightly with water, juice, etc. It not only is cheaper, it helps our environment!
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Reply by jairo

author of A Frustrated American 8/27/2011 5:16:34 PM

Well first off I work for a snack food company that can explain it all with lunch ideas

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Reply by Nicole

8/27/2011 8:42:02 PM
I always stock up a year ahead of everything. When doing this though, it helps to be organized with a list of things you ALREADY have. I buy end of season- school supplies, holiday decorations/wrap, clothing. And I store them for the following year in a numbered tote- and keep a clipboard containing what's in each tote on the storage room door.
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Reply by Mae

8/27/2011 9:11:14 PM
We rarely buy new clothing. In fact, I usually sell stuff the girls have grown out of at a consignment sale and buy 'new to us' clothing there. I usually come out a head or even!
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Reply by Heidi

author of Made by Heidi 8/27/2011 9:32:28 PM
I love sewing, so my way of saving for back-to-school is sewing my girls backpacks from old jeans! Funny, I know. They love them though!
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Reply by Angela

8/27/2011 10:55:17 PM
we buy clothes on great sales, or second hand when possible (garage sales are great!) Also we buy food in bulk then put it in little sealable baggies for snacks & lunches, and use reusable water bottles. Stock up on the great back to school sale items (like spiral notebooks for 15 cents, crayola crayons for 20 cents, etc) and put them away to last through the year and also to use as impromptu birthday party gifts paired with a coloring book, etc.
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Reply by Michaela

8/28/2011 12:42:24 AM
omagosh! So thermoses saved my bacon! Last nights stew, or Tuesday's chicken noodle soup becomes the kiddos lunch the next day at school! Also I keep a bunch of lunch kid ideas on hand from pinterest. It is a life saver! Such a fun way for mom to make lunch and a kid to eat it! There are some pretty cute ideas. Enjoy! http://pinterest.com/michaeladimond/kids-lunch-ideas/
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Reply by Courtney

8/28/2011 7:43:57 PM
Gear up ahead of time by shopping garage sales or doing a clothing swap. You can find great backpacks and kids clothes that are still in great condition...especially for younger kids when they grow out of things so fast. For older kids, whenever I shop at name brand stores I always go when there is a sale or an online promo going on. Even if I'm not aware of one, I always do an internet search for a promo code before I check out just be sure! Also, you can't beat the office supply sales at the beginning of the school year. Stock up on paper, pencils, notebooks for the whole year! I bought 25 spirals for a penny each at Staples!
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Reply by Lauren

author of PENLAND~PALOOZA 8/28/2011 9:07:08 PM
I think the best way to save $ for back to school is to shop at garage sales! I don't like to skimp on my daughter's health, so I try to buy healthy foods, and we all know how expensive that can get, but it is worth it to me. I do, however, try to avoid waste by only packing what she will eat. Buy for supplies, clothing, etc... I hit my local garage sales. It saves us a ton of cash, and is a great recycling technique.
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Reply by Lauren

author of PENLAND~PALOOZA 8/28/2011 9:07:46 PM
I think the best way to save $ for back to school is to shop at garage sales! I don't like to skimp on my daughter's health, so I try to buy healthy foods, and we all know how expensive that can get, but it is worth it to me. I do, however, try to avoid waste by only packing what she will eat. But for supplies, clothing, etc... I hit my local garage sales. It saves us a ton of cash, and is a great recycling technique.

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