Luv Saving Money – Life on a Budget

Self Care Gifts For Mother’s Day

Mom’s do a lot and often end up putting their kids and significant other first. All too often I hear moms saying they feel guilty for buying something for themselves, especially if it’s a want rather than a need. As a mom of 4 who also works outside of my home, I know that feeling all too well . It wasn’t until my kids got older and some started making their own money that I felt more willing to splurge on myself a little bit.

I learned later that self care actually made me a better mother and wife. If I could do something for myself that helps me relax, like maybe a long hot shower with some relaxing scented shower steamers, or splurging on a good pillow that gave me better sleep, then it actually helped me with energy, mental fatigue, and stress.

So here are some of my favorite self care gifts that would make a nice gift for any mom that just doesn’t want to splurge on herself. And as always, ideas for all budgets.

Shower Steamers

This one is budget friendly but really ups the relaxation of a regular shower. Shower steamers are similar to bath bombs but you can use them in the shower. You set the disk on the floor of the shower and the hot water dissolves the disk. While it dissolves the disk, it emits lovely scents like lavender, mint, tangerine etc. You can buy variety packs or packs specific for relaxation or energy. I particularly love using mint or eucalyptus when I’m congested. That scent mixed with the hot water of the shower will clear my congestion right up, at least temporarily.

This is also a budget friendly gift. You can get a pack of shower steamer for under $10 but can vary depending on how many is in a pack and name brand so they can go up as high as $30.

Shower steamers on Amazon

Shower steamers at Walmart

Shower steamers on Etsy

High Quality sheet set

Taking a nap or getting a good night’s sleep is definitely self care. I never really understood why a certain set of sheets might be better than another until my husband insisted on high quality sheets for our bed. I went from “good enough” sheets to, “I can’t believe the difference” sheets. Now I think most of us know some sheet sets can get pretty expensive depending on material, thread count, and name brand. Super high prices doesn’t always mean they’re better.

One brand I love that is more budget friendly is Mellanni. I’ve purchased Mellanni sheets for different beds in our house and they’ve worked out great. They come in so many different colors and patterns so you’re sure to find one to match the decor.

Mellanni sheet sets on Amazon

I’m also a fan of Tommy Bahama sheet sets. These however can get a bit pricier and don’t always include as much.

Perfume

This can be a tricky topic. Especially if you don’t know what fragrance to get. I wouldn’t splurge on a bottle of perfume for myself for the longest time. But one option I like is a fragrance subscription. Scentbird has a fragrance subscription that allows the recipient to choose which fragrances they want to try . It comes in a nice size vial and a free case with the first box.

Scentbird offers gift subscriptions as well. I actually just signed up for this myself. I got my first box and my 2nd one should be shipped within the next week. I got to line up which fragrances I want to try, I can always swap them before they’re shipped if I change my mind. The best part is. After the promos and everything are done, it’s only $17/mo. But you can get even better deals with gift subscriptions.

Scentbird fragrance subscription get 50% off first month + a free case

Scentbird gift subscriptions available in 12 month, 6 month, or 3 month.

You can find Scentbird exclusive scents, luxury fragrances, and small boutique fragrances on Scentbird. FYI they also have it for colognes for a great father’s day gift idea.

Save the Memories

Remember to take pics that include moms during the year. So often i hear mom is usually the one taking the pics at the park, at events, on vacation, etc. Make sure to snap some moment with mom. Mom on the beach, mom holding her grandbaby, mom in her new dress she’s been excited about. Honestly I’m that mom that never gets pics taken of her unless it’s a selfie or I have to specifically ask. I would have loved to have some random pics of me sitting on the couch holding my babies or on a ride with my kids.

So here are some ideas to share pics with mom:

Skylight digital picture frame – I got my dad one of these for father’s day several years ago. What i like about this one is you don’t have to have a subscription unless you want to include videos. The picture frame itself will be assigned an email address when you register your frame. Anyone that you give the email address to will able to send digital picture to the frame via the email address. This worked out great for us with siblings living in different states.

Ring light stands – these are great because many come with a little remote so the whole family, including mom can get in the pic. Just use the remote to snap the picture. Just don’t make mom be the one to initiate pictures all the time please.

Selfie Sticks – This is another way to get everyone in the pic while on the go. Amusement park, spur of the moment family photo opp, travel pics, these are great and generally inexpensive

Relaxation treat without alcohol

There are a number of products on the market now that can help with relaxation that don’t involve alcohol. One of my favorites is Apothekary products.

These supplements can be taken either dropped under the tongue or mixed into a drink like sparkling water, juice, or a mocktail. I’ve tried the “Wine Down”, “Take the Edge off” and “Rose Colored Glasses” They’re all great. If I had to pick a favorite though, it would probably be “Take the Edge off” I love mixing a dropper full into my juice and sometimes adding a little sparkling water for an elevated relaxation drink without the alcohol.

You can find Apothekary products at Ulta

OR directly from the Apothekary website and get $20 off your first purchase

Summary

In the end, whatever you choose with her in mind will be great. Think about her favorite flavors, the things she enjoys doing, or even just time together with a dinner is good.

This post does contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission from sales made through my links. Any opinions expressed are my own.

Ever Wonder What Plants Are Native to You?

It’s getting to be about that time. Time to start thinking about our yards and gardens.

I have a small annual garden, I have a ground cover hillside garden, and sometimes have a vegetable garden. I keep thinking about starting an herb garden but I have to wonder if I can keep up with it all.

I plant one tree each year. Last year it was a weeping cherry tree. The year before that it was a Japanese Maple. I have multiple fruit trees in my yard.

I keep thinking I also want to plant some flowering bushes on the one side of our garage. Maybe some butterfly bushes or rose bushes. I’m not sure yet.

One thing that can help is figuring out which plants are native to your area. Planting native plants can help the insects, birds, and other wildlife. It can also ensure you’re planting the right plants for your area. I know I can’t plant banana tree in my area for instance. They’d never make it. Well, unless I could grow them indoors somehow (which I’m not good at)

I also enjoy have a Citronella plant on my front porch and a few hanging baskets. What do you like to plant in the spring?

Need help figuring out what plants are native to your area? Check out this handy guide from Nature Hills Nursery.

View Native Plants by State

Have you ever wondered if your fruit tree need a friend? Check out this handy post from Nature Hills Nursery

Does your fruit tree need a friend?

I’ve bought a number of plants from Nature Hills Nursery. My blue Wisteria, my honeysuckle vine, and witch hazel. Their plants are always top notch and carefully packaged. They don’t send them to you until it’s time for planting in your area.

Tell me what you’re planning on planting this year. What kind of gardens do you keep?

This post does contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission from sales made through my links.

My Favorite Protein Powders

I have been on a health journey continuously now for over a year and still plugging away. I’ve lost 38 lbs so far. I’m only a few pounds away from my goal weight. Then the goal will change to maintain. I have done a lot of things to get to this point including focusing on my diet.

In the past I tried counting macros. Of course that works but it would stress me out. I’d beat myself up if I went over on carbs or fat and didn’t hit protein. It got to the point that I started to feel defeated even when I was making progress. Then a tip I heard from a influencer stuck. I thought, hmm I’ll try that. You know what, it worked for me. That tip was. “Concentrate on protein and fiber, and throw in some veggies here and there” So simple right?

That’s not to say that some days I dont’ struggle to hit my protein. But I don’t beat myself up when I used to. In fact, I’m happy when I get closer to my protein goal.

That being said, for a busy mom like me sometimes a protein shake is awesome on the go or when I’m just not that hungry. Having flavor varieties on hand so I have options is another winner for me. But protein powders can be expensive. I’ve definitely bought some that I just didn’t like in the past. But here are my favorite brands with my favorite flavors.

Oath Nutrition

These, are awesome. Oath Nutrition is clear whey protein. A lot of people that don’t like the regular protein powder find these more palatable. I like to blend mine with water and some ice. Every flavor I’ve tried has been awesome. It blends smooth and tastes like a smoothie or juice. I’ve tried the frosty lemonade, mango, strawberry kiwi, coconut colada so far. As I said they’re all great but the flavor I keep going back to again and again is the frosted lemonade. It literally tastes like a frosty lemonade.

Pros: awesome flavor and consistency. Easy to drink, doesn’t taste like a typical protein shake. Grass fed whey. Only 1 g of sugar

Cons: Only 18 servings per bag. Only 20 g of protein (there are protein powders with more)

Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate

If you have not heard of this brand, definitely check them out. I’ll admit at first glance it looks like every other protein powder out there but I had the opportunity to sample Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate and since then I’ve bought 4 more containers of it. There protein powder have 30 grams of protein, offers a nice selection of flavors (including unflavored) and every flavor I’ve tried so far has been great. My tip, as with most protein powders, I prefer to blend mine in a personal blender. I feel like you get a creamier consistency.

They have basic flavors like vanilla and chocolate or more unique flavors like strawberry acai and cake batter. I think the chocolate blended with unsweetened vanilla almond milk makes it tastes just like chocolate milk. My hubby’s favorite so far is the strawberry acai. A unique flavor for something different. I’ve used this just as a shake or I’ve used them in protein recipes like protein fluff, protein jello, and protein baked oats.

Pros: 30 g of protein. Nutricost offers frequent sales to be able to save some money. 24 servings in a 2 lb tub. They also offer 5 lb tubs. Good taste. Good flavor options.

Cons: Without a coupon can be just as expensive as the rest.

Save 10% off your order with my code: BEECHAN10

Quest Protein Powder

Quest Nutrition is a well known brand. A lot of people have tried the Quest protein powders or shakes. I think Quest has a lot of awesome products especially their line of protein treats. Their PB cups are awesome. Even my kids like them. I feel like their protein powders are hit or miss though. The Quest salted caramel protein powder is amazing. I like to blend mine with a little ice and either unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. I think it tastes just like a salted caramel milk shake. Their vanilla is pretty good. Not a fan of their chocolate. The cinnamon crunch I feel is awesome in protein recipes like protein baked oats but a little weird to drink because it has almost like cinnamon cereal chunks in it. This brand is generally more affordable than the others on my list too.

Pros: some flavors like salted caramel are amazing. And cinnamon crunch is recipes is great. Generally more affordable that most protein powders and found at more retail locations. 26 grams of protein per serving.

Cons: flavors are hit or miss for me.

Summary

In the end, these are my personal opinions. There are a few brands I’ve tried that I just didn’t like such as Muscle Milk. While other people seem to like it. In the end find what works for you and get that protein in however you like!

If there are any you think I should try, let me know. Maybe I’ll do a protein bar list next.

**This post does contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission from sales made through my links**

Spend $40 on Toys at Walmart get $40 CashBack! Here’s How…

Who couldn’t use a break on the holiday shopping expenses? I know I’d love it. Right now TopCashBack is offering new sign ups $40 cash back when you spend $40 or more at Walmart on toys!

So how does it work?

Follow the $40 cash back on toys at Walmart link. This will take you directly to the offer
Sign up for TopCashBack (it’s free to sign up)
Go through TopCashBack through the special Walmart link to start adding toys to your Walmart cart
Add $40 or more of toys in your cart ($40 must be before tax and shipping) and check out
Cashback will be added to our TopCashBack account within 14 days
Offer expires December 7, 2024 at 11:59 PM PST

What toys do you have on your holiday shopping list? Don’t forget, Walmart still has their Black Friday and Cyber week sales going on so you might be able to get more than you think!

I’ve been a TopCashBack member for years so unfortunately I can’t participate in this offer since it’s just for new sign ups. But I still get to take advantage of the cash back on the site. It is one of the few sites I still use for cashback. They consistently have some of the highest cash back from my favorite online stores.

Terms & Conditions:
Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with TopCashback. I may earn affiliate commission from any sales
Note: Transactions must contain at least $40 worth of purchases (before tax + shipping) to ensure the $40 Cash Back is credited to TopCashback accounts. Transactions may initially track lower, but within the 14 days after purchase it will be uplifted and turn payable at the amount of $40. Transactions may take up to seven days to appear in your TopCashback account. The deal is open until 11:59 p.m. PST on 12/7/2024 or until supplies run out; whichever happens first; applicable for purchases made directly after clicking through the TopCashback mobile or desktop website; not applicable for purchases made through the TopCashback app or merchant app. Only one TopCashback account is permitted per member. Only one freebie offer is permitted per new member. Cannot be combined with other TopCashback freebie offers. Do not close the window, open any new tabs, or use non-TopCashback approved coupons while checking out.

Money Saving Reasons To Join AARP

Look I’m only 45 and I’ve been a member of AARP for several years now. You might be thinking, “I thought AARP was only for people of retirement age”. Maybe you’re thinking “What do I get out of an AARP membership that would be worth my while” Well the biggest reason for me joining, saving money.

Consumer Cellular customers save 5% off your monthly bill

I’m going to be honest, this was the main reason I signed up for AARP. We had AT&T or years. A coworker told me about consumer cellular (which uses AT&T and T-mobile towers and I was able to keep my phone number). Saved us a bunch on our cell phone bill to start. But then when I found out I could save another 5% by being an AARP member, well, I was sold.

Savings on Walmart+

So, I’m too late for this one. This seems to be a newer offering. And it seems it only applies to new Walmart+ customers that sign up via the AARP site. But you save $20/year off the cost of a Walmart+ membership as an AARP member.

Attraction and Theme Park Savings

AARP members can go through the site to find savings on attractions, amusement parks, and more with your AARP membership.

AARP reward points

AARP gives you lots of opportunities to earn reward points. Earn points by completing challenges, watching videos, learning with their education materials, linking your smartwatch to keep track of steps, just visting the website, and lots more.

With the reward points you can cash them in for discounts on gift cards, enter sweepstakes, subscription services, and more.

AARP’s Black Friday Deal

Right now AARP is offering an awesome deal on membership sign ups. So not only do you save on your membership you get to take advantage of any or all of the savings I’ve listed and then some.

Right now you can get your AARP membership for $9/year when you sign up for a 5 year membership. You also get a FREE gift when you sign up!

Sign up for AARP Black Friday Deal with free gift now

This deal won’t last though, grab it while you can!

This post contains affiliate links. I will earn a commission from new sign ups