Just Julie: I'm trying to have a thrifty Christmas! (with pics of my finds!)

You may remember me saying that we're getting a puppy for Christmas. She will be our MAIN present and despite the long list of items my daughter has asked Santa for, he will only be giving the kids a few small gifts and some stocking stuffers.

Trying to be thrifty during the holidays is a real challenge and it's super easy to just buy-buy-buy! However with all my online adventures I am usually able to come up with some super thrifty gifts, great deals, or creative ways of getting what I want. My husband doesn't really keep tabs on what I'm up to but when I show him my stash of goods and explain how I came by it all he is usually really shocked!

Just the other night he was shopping on Amazon. He had a few things in his cart and was just getting ready to checkout. I asked what he was up to and he explained he had a gift in the cart for me and a few small things for the kids. I asked if he'd price shopped and he said no. We looked around on the web at ToysRUs and a few other sites and Amazon did turn out to be the best value.

Just as he went to click SUBMIT ORDER I yelled "Wait!" In just a nick of time I remembered that I had (2) $5.00 Amazon Gift Cards that I had earned through SwagBucks! We were able to save $10.00 off that order and it qualified for free shipping.

Another cool thing was that I had $25.00 in CafeCash from CafePress.com that I had earned. I used that to purchase 2 T-Shirts for my niece & nephew and didn't have to spend a dime!

I used a Coupon Code for a Free PhotoBook and made one for my Mother-In-Law as a gift. (code has since expired)

I also used a Coupon Code for Free PhotoCards and got 50 Free Christmas photo cards & envelopes. All I paid was $3.19 put of pocket! (code has since expired)
Plus, I try to trade with as many wahms as possible when I have an opportunity to (for my graphic design services), for anything and everthing and have quite a little stash of wahm goodies to use as gifts as well. Currently I have finger puppets, wool dryer balls, knit shorties, cloth wipes, crochet play food, mama pads, chalk board mats, jewelry and more!
Aside from the above things I have mentioned I have picked up some things at yard sales and have also been given some used toys that I plan to use as gifts for my kiddos. Everything else I need I want to try and sew or make.

So what are you up to for the holidays? Are you trying to save big and score super awesome thrifty deals? Do you strictly make your own gifts? Do you only buy handmade? Let me know what you're up to and if you have any thrifty tips or cool finds, please do share!

*ETA: Please read the comments to see some new deals and promos that may or may not work. Please also share new ones and ones you know of via the comments! Thanks!*

Why Econobum?

Econobum was created to give you the option of a high quality, less expensive diapering system. The one-size diaper cover is simple, easily adjustable and will fit most babies from birth through potty training. The one-size prefold is six layers of high quality, super absorbent Indian cotton - unlike any other prefold available. Fold lines are sewn into the prefold so you know exactly where to fold it to get the best fit for your baby. We've kept it easy so you don't have to worry about the details.



Best of all, Econobum starts at only $9.95. What a a great way to save on cloth diapers! Looking for more than one? You can buy an Econobum Full Kit (3 one-size diaper covers, 12 diapers) on sale for an unbelievable $39.96 today.

Are you looking for a great Christmas gift for a family who needs a little extra help during difficult economic times? The Econobum Full Kit will help cut down on diapering expenses while they focus on stabilizing their family.

Fluff in the Spotlight: Hi Mamma Changing Pad Covers

This week's Fluff in the Spotlight isn't fluff at all but a much needed accessory and often necessity for all mamas. Hi Mamma custom made changing pad covers are super cute and practical. They make messy diaper changes and accidents easy to clean up. Simply remove and toss in the washer with your regular laundry. Hi Mamma covers can also be dried in the drier as well.

Made from soft flannel and available in a variety of prints and solids, they fit standard size changing pads which are generally 32"x16"x4". Each cover features elastic all the way around giving it a secure yet adjustable fit.

Hi Mamma changing pad covers can also be custom made in any print or fabric you choose, simply contact me for more details!

Don't forget Hi Mamma covers make perfect baby shower gifts for those new or expecting moms in your life!

Hi Mamma changing pad covers were also recently featured at Healthy Moms where the author of the post had great things to say about how much her little one enjoyed having a bright fun print changing pad cover!
She comments,

He is so happy laying on his cars. Seriously, whenever I change his diaper he has been delighted about it since the car fabric began providing entertainment. He makes car noises and typically smiles at the cars and says, "Hi!"

So drop by Earth Angels Diaper Co. today and check out our new addition, Hi Mamma Custom Changing Pad Covers! Woot!

Pimp Your Stash #17- CLOSED

Pimp Your Stash with a TweedleBugs Minky Moo Onesize Diaper! They are a super soft minky velour print AND they're waterproof! Sure to make a cute addition to your existing stash!

This weeks mandatory question for your first entry is "What do you like most about using cloth diapers?"

Guidelines for Entry
-In order to participate in our weekly contest and validate all extra entries you must first answer the weekly question.

-Please, be sure to be logged into your email account when you post your comment for us to be able to contact you if you win (that is with the option called OpenID). If you have a blog, be sure to be logged into the account linked to your blog for an easier way to contact you....

-Each contest runs from Sunday 12am to Friday 9pm.

-Winners are chosen using random.org, notified on Saturdays and winners name also posted on Blog.

-Winners have 7 days from contest end to claim their prize.

-Participation is open to mamas and papas worldwide! Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in the fun, however we are not responsible for lost packages and prizes that do not reach their destination will not be replaced.

-How to earn extra entries:
* (1 entry) Tell us if you have any Minky diapers and if so, what are they?
* (2 entries) NEW Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter (no longer a Yahoo Group, please subscribe to our New Newsletter Mailing List! Thanks Mamas!
* (1 entry) Join DD on Flickr & add photos! 1 entry for each photo, up to 5 per week.
* (1 entry) Follow Us on Twitter
* (1 entry) Follow Diaper Discussions Blog
* (1 entry) Place the Diaper Discussions Animated Banner on your site or Blog
* (1 entry) Tweet About the Giveaway (use #clothdiapers in the tweet and link to the GiveAway) comment with a url to the tweet.
* (3 entries) Advertise our Giveaway and link to it on your Blog, Facebook, Forums or Website (post with your comment the direct link where you posted about it).
* (10 entries for approved contributions) Contribute an Article, Cloth Diaper Review or relevant story regarding Cloth Diapering. 10 extra entries are given for contributions submitted during the week of the contest. (Please do not contribute articles that were already published elsewhere.)
* (1 entry) Comment to any post on the Diaper Discussions Blog (one entry per each comment)
* (1 entry) Register (or being already registered) in our Affiliate Program (please specify where you placed your affiliate banner).

--- Please post a separate comment for each extra entry and let us know which you've chosen to do in that comment ---

Good Luck!!

Pimp Your Stash Winner #16 Congratulations Heather!

Congratulations Heather, comment #68, you're the winner of Pimp Your Stash #16! Your baby girl will soon be sporting her brand new Happy Heiny's Onesize Diaper! Please contact me asap to claim your prize!

Want to visit Heather's Blog? You can check her out at Life in God's Country. Stop by and congratulate her on her win!