Making some Money from my Blog

Today I have managed to make a bit of money from my blog by making some of the words in the blog link out to other blogs. It is a bit annoying as some aren't really relevant at all to what the blog is about, but with school starting to soon and having to buy my daughter new trousers, shoes and skirts I need the money.

Walk in the Forest

We took a walk in a mini (and I mean tiny) forest today. It is just down the road from my house so I thought it would be a nice cheap adventure. The trees were nice but we didn't have a chance to really look at them as the place had been used as a dogs toilet. We had to spend the whole time looking at where we were walking. It was really horrible. So much for a nice cheap morning out.

Free day out with the kids today

Today is the cheapest day out for me that the kids have had lately as their dad is taking them out!! lol. However he isn't going to stpend much money, he is taking them to the center of Shrewsbury to watch some free music and dancing promoting their folk festival. He will get the park and ride bus in that only costs £1 and the kids will be entertained for an hour or so.

It is always worth looking in the local paper or listening to local radio for events like this as the kids think its a real treat, and it doesn't cost you a thing!!

New pay to post forum

I have found this great forum where you get paid for posting a responding to messages. Its very basic and has only just started. It is running a couple of contests too and there is a good chance of winning as there are so few members on the site. Go to MoraChat to find out more.

Win $100 in the Ashwin Khanna Revenge Contest

I previously linked to a competition that said you could win $2500 by linking to a blog. This was just a ploy by the blog owner to increase its links and potentially sell more advertising on that blog. There is now a counter competition launched to reduce his ratintg back down where it belongs and also give you a chance to win $100. Now of course this could be a scam as well but check it out and decide if you think it is worth entering :

http://www.contestblogger.com/win-100-in-the-ashwin-khanna-revenge-contest/#more-288

online interview

I did an online interview for this blog. It was easy and anyone can try to enter to get some promotion for their blog. Take a look at it here http://bloginterviewer.com/money/mums-money-matters-michelle-darcy

Visiting Cafes

I have had family visiting me for a long weekend and I have noticed that everywhere we go they want to stop for a coffee. This costs a huge amount of money and I now realise why I stopped goin it when I go out. I always make sure I pack a drink for the kids or if I forget I just buy a bottle of water or juice from a shop rather than paying huge prices for a cafe. If I am tired we sit on a bench to drink it to get our strength back rather than in a cafe.

Recalled Mattel Toys

I have one of the Polly Pocket Playsets that have been recalled my Mattel. I wonder if anyone knows how I can get my money back, or an alternative replacement toy, as my daughter is gutted that she can't play with it any more.

Save Money on your shopping bill

Have you ever looked through your cupboards and had to throw out all the out of date items and the same with your fridge?

It is a good policy to clear out your fridge every week and make sure that all the items that are close to the use by date are moved to the front.

With your larder or pantry look through every month and make sure you are using up all those things you buy just in case. I often buy tins of chopped tomatoes and butter beans in case I run out of vegetables and can't afford to buy more, but these just seem to pile up in the cupboard. It is a good idea to make sure you run down your food low every now and again to make sure you aren't wasting money on it.

Play a game and win money

Ok so like most online games the chances of winning are very slim, but I found it a lot of fun to play and very easy. If you like RPG games and want a bit of fun in your relaxation time take a look at exodus 3000. If anyone already plays and has any tips for me, please let me know!

Free workshop today

Today I am taking the girls to a free circus skills workshop. It is provided by the local families project, but it could be something you could easily set up at home for the kids. All you need are some items to juggle like bean bags or soft balls and some string to practice balancing on (stretch on the floor not tied up at first for safety). AFter they have finished practicing they can have a clowns fight with buckets of cut up paper to throw over each other.

Back Home

We have just returned from a holiday visiting family. I found that it was qite expensive. I should have thought about taking more things with me for the kids to do as I had to buy some books and some other things to do. I also had to buy a t-shirt for my one daughter as it was hotter than I anticipated and she didn't have enough cool clothes. I guess todays hint is to be organised and plan well as that can save you money too!