Inexpensive Birthday Cards - Great Last Minute Idea [Sponsored]

My brother's birthday was fast approaching, and I wanted to do something different for his card this time. I started looking at the various designs offered on Paperless Post's website, and I knew I found my answer. (how adorable is that cat!?)  Paperless Post is a website that lets you send all kinds of cards and invitations digitally. My brother has an interesting sense of humor, and when I found the wok-themed birthday card pictured below I couldn't deny that it was the perfect card for him.

I love the option to schedule the card. This is especially useful for a busy mom like me that often gets things done during the fringe hours or break time at work.

You can even send birthday invitations! This is something I'd use if my son was a bit older so I wouldn't have to worry about some kids losing the physical invitations, and I could track who actually opened it.

Features:

• No ads! No one you send a digital card or invitation to will see any advertisements.
• You can import your address book.
• You can send birthday cards, thank you cards, invitations for various functions, and more.
• There are many options for businesses including fundraisers, save-the-dates, and more.
• Digital and paper options are available at different price points.
• There are many ways to customize your card to add a personal touch like a back drop and fonts.
• You can track the invitations and cards to see who has opened them.
• You can personalize the subject line of the email as well as the sender name (you.)
• The entire process from selecting a card to sending it is very fluid and easy. Plus there is a "help" button every step of the way.
• You can schedule the card to be sent at a future date, and you also have the option to preview or cancel sending the card.
  

Cons:

• You have to purchase coins, and you have to spend a bit more up front to get the best value. (of course this could be a great money saver depending on your needs.)
• Coins cannot be used on paper versions of the cards.
• The free options are very limited. (totally understandable though!)

Overall I was very satisfied with my experience. At first I was a bit skeptical because I love making and sending paper cards in the mail, and I disliked the spammy look of e-cards I have seen in the past. The cards from Paperless Post are adorable and will coax a smile out of even the most stubborn friend or family member. (hey if the above wok card can make my brother smile the sky's the limit!) I am excited to send more personalized birthday cards to other family members and friends, and I'm also excited to send thank you notes. The world can use more gratitude, and I cannot think of a better way to get the ball rolling than to send someone who is having a bad day an awesome thank you card like one of these:

Which card is your favorite?

This post was created in partnership with Paperless Post. Please see my disclosure statement here.

To find out more visit Paperless Post's website: https://www.paperlesspost.com

Recent frugal efforts.

I redeemed a $25 Swagbucks gift card. I'm going to buy this silicone mini loaf pan to make banana bread and snicker doodle bread for Christmas gifts. I usually use these paper loaf pans, but I wanted to try something new this year.

I entered some giveaways.

I took my reusable K-cups to work to make coffee after I ran out of the regular K-cups that I got on sale. I had to grind more coffee beans too.

I picked up more books from the library, and my son got a bunch too.

I'm not sure if I mentioned it on here yet, but I picked up a part time job that I can do on my own time when I'm not at my full time job.

We made foaming hand soap.

I put out a few little glass bowls with apple cider vinegar and a couple drops if dish soap to control the fruit fly population in my kitchen.

I saved some little boxes and a glass bottle to store beads and craft supplies.

What did you do to save money last week?


This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure statement here.

Menu Plan for the week of September 18th + Food Goal

 

Breakfasts this week will be scones from the Washington State Fair and yogurt parfaits.

Lunches for me will be leftovers and oatmeal.

Food Goals:

1. I've been a bit stressed out so I'm keeping things simple this week.

This is the meal plan white board I use. 

What's on your menu this week?


This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure statement here.

Recent Frugal Efforts

• My son and I picked blackberries off the bushes in the yard for my mother in law.
• We made foaming hand soap.
• I picked up a huge stack of books from the library for myself and my son.
• We have limited the use of the air conditioner.
• I hung several loads of laundry outside to dry.

• I made my sister's birthday cake. I attempted a purple and white zebra pattern, but it didn't work as nicely as I thought. (my son wanted the middle piece.)
• I also made her birthday card.
• I took my stainless steel water bottle to work.
• I brought food to work. One day I had a work meeting, which turned into a free meal plus leftovers for another meal.
• I followed up on my Ebates shopping trips that didn't credit, and I "earned" $5.xx
• I received a free full-sized shampoo and conditioner to review.
• My mom brought over a potty chair that she got from the local buy nothing group. I'm really hoping it will encourage my son to be interested in potty training.
• I donated my Ebates rebate to a local food backpacks for kids program. 
• I spontaneously made a double batch of banana bread.

What did you do to save money or be frugal last week?


This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure statement here.

Weekly Meal Plan for September 11th + Food Goals

Breakfasts tend to be something quick like organic cereal, homemade waffles, homemade muffins, or a protein bar for my son or those Belvita breakfast cookies (big box from Costco) or a strawberry fig whole wheat bar for me. Sometimes I'll make a yogurt parfait or a protein drink. Plus coffee. Always coffee.

Lunches tend to be leftovers, pizza, Annie's mac n cheese, salad, oatmeal, or sandwiches.

Food Goals

1. I want to use up things in the pantry, fridge, and freezer so I can clean them out and reorganize the contents.
2. I want to keep dinners simple so my son can go to bed early since school starts this week.

One of my frustrations is that I didn't learn how to cook or eat healthy growing up so I'm trying to learn that and provide decent food with the limited time I have. I really do believe that when I eventually stay home I can take extra time to prepare healthier food. In the meantime I have to do the best I can.

This is the meal plan white board I use. 

What's on your menu this week?


This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure statement here.

Thankful Thursday.

Oh, how I love books. I grabbed this inspiring stack of books for free from the library yesterday after a meeting. I am so grateful to be able to take all of these books home without paying for them (as long as I give them back on time.) If I had to purchase every book I had the good intention to read I'd be beyond broke.

The two bottom books are about makeup. Early yesterday afternoon I was thinking to myself that even though I don't wear much makeup, I want to wear less and be comfortable going in public that way. One book will teach me what kind of makeup to use for my skin type, and the other will teach me how to eat better in order to achieve healthy skin.

The other books are about slowing down, Hygge, and how to be happier through simplicity.

I love learning new things.


What are you thankful for this week?