Along with all my mompreneur responsibilities I am also a stay at home mom of one, and wife. With this job, like many of you, I am also responsible for the family finances. When I quit working for the USPS six years ago, our family’s income was greatly reduced. I had to learn a lot about being frugal and saving money. I actually started my business to support my yarn and craft habit!

Now, I am in no way an expert on this subject, but through the years I have met many people and found many sites that are! With their help, I am happy to say that not only is my business growing, but my family has been debt free (with the exception of our home) for almost 2 years now! I’d like to share some of my secrets with you!

Every morning, with my cup of coffee, I have a series of websites that I visit. My hands down favorite is One Pretty Thing. She has compiled a list of some of the BEST do-it-yourself projects on the web! From Christmas and Hanukkah décor, easy to make handmade gifts, and even tips for your business, you can find tons of useful and inexpensive ideas on her site. And the best part is that she does the internet searching for you! Not crafty or too busy? I bet you know another mom who is and could use a little extra money this holiday season.

Now, for the savvy shopper in you, I always check out Slick Deals. Every day you can find some great deals on items, especially now for your Christmas shopping!! The other day I scored an awesome deal at Victoria’s Secret, three sweaters and a free scarf for only $31! Guess what will be under my Christmas tree this year? I’m currently on the lookout here for some other great gift ideas!

And if your dream this holiday season is to be debt free, you must check out Dave Ramsey! My family listens to his radio show a lot and we got tons of tips and great ideas that helped us. When refinancing our house this summer, we contacted one of his preferred mortgage providers and they actually told us that the deal we were offered from our current mortgage company was better than anything they could do for us! I was shocked…they were turning down our business! We managed to combine our original 30-year mortgage along with our Home Equity Loan and drop down to a 15 year mortgage. We paid cash for the closing costs and our monthly payments dropped $30!! Our new goal is to have the house paid off before our first grader graduates from High School.

Well, I hope you enjoyed a sneak peek at some of my secrets. I look forward to sharing more with you through Mompreneur Corner.

Jennifer Cirka
www.jaybird-designs.com
www.jaybirddesigns.etsy.com

Our wildly popular 2009 Holiday Gift Guide is brimming with sweet festive savings. Enjoy this little commercial we’ve produced featuring the current discounts, promo codes and deals you can snag on amazing products & services (discount codes valid till Jan. 1st 2010).

To view the entire savings guide Click Here>> More promos are continually being added throughout the Christmas shopping season so keep checking back. Thank you for supporting these businesses, many of whom are mompreneur owned & operated small businesses. Doesn’t that make you feel all warm and jolly?!

Happy Holidays from Boutique Cafe!

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** Click button below to view video coverage, or view it on our YouTube channel right here>>

At Boutique Cafe, we’re excited to offer our popular 2009 version of our Holiday Gift Guide for your online shops, websites and stores to take part in! The savings guide will go live on Oct. 31th – Jan. 1st 2010!! We’re excited to showcase those sellers who will offer special deals to our readership, afterall saving some $$$ is a gift to us all this year.

To reserve your ad space simply send us an email to daria@boutiquecafe.com and in the subject line please put “Holiday Guide Reservation”. We’ll send you further details on how you can take part and create a holiday selling season to remember!!

For all our current specials visit our Gift Guide for promos and discounts, to spoil the kiddos and save too!
Take me to the Promo Codes »

Boutique Cafe Last Minute Holiday Gifts

It’s Time to Shop and Save It’s not too late to get some fantastic deals. *A little BLING!! Cinnamon Sticks Jewels These sterling, handstamped bangles are a great gift idea for the lady on your list. Stamped with “Faith, Hope and Love” they make a sweet statement and are so hot right now!! (**TIP: use our promo code “fship” for free shipping this holiday season). *Apron-rrrific! Pamper the Chef! Aprons have made a gigantic comeback the past few years, and with designs like these from D-Lux 57 it’s easy to see why! (**use our promo code “BCDD101130” for an additional 10% off + free shipping). Bake up some holiday memories, and enjoy your apron all year long! *Artwork is IN! Watch her light up with beautiful canvas creations from Two Little Witches. Charming, dreamy and ideal to update a bedroom for your little miss. Don’t miss our promo code for Free Shipping by using “BCXMAS” at checkout.

Make Shopping with Kids a Breeze! *Snacks in a Snap! On Tray is changing the way smart mommy’s shop. Tote along some snacks while you have your kids in the cart, decrease the tantrums and increase the fun! ($7 and comes in cool colors, it’s a great stocking stuffer) *Dress your Pretty Baby! For your growing Fashionista, find bliss with the Baby Bella Maya ruffled onesie gift sets This irresistable set includes baby booties, a matching headband and a onesie with a print ruffle on the tush in an adorable keepsake heart box! **grab our promo code for 10% off your order using “CAFE01”. *Boy Clothing that is TRULY Cute! We often hear that it’s hard to find cute boys clothing, look no further than Hippos Toes Boutique for fashions that will please. Whimsical clothing for boys and girls With our handy promo code you can also score 15% off your order “BC15”!!

If your company is interested in joining our popular Gift Guide, simply email daria@boutiquecafe.com and we’ll send you all the information you need.

**please feel welcome to grab this logo and link to our gift guide on your site. We love you for sharing!

On Boutique Cafe we’re excited to offer our popular 2008 version of our Holiday Gift Guide for your online shops to take part in! The savings guide will run from Sept. 1 – Dec. 31st. To reserve your ad space simply send us an email to daria@boutiquecafe.com and in the subject line please put “Holiday Guide Reservation”. We’ll send you further details on how you can take part and create a holiday selling season to remember!!