So, I don't know about the rest of you parental units of two or more out there, {or even with one child} but Easter can get pretty flippin expensive at our house. It's been a rude awakening for us. Around this time of year, my children usually need new shoes, {+40-50 ea.} an outfit for easter morning, {+60-100 ea. because let's be realistic here...even a new pair of slacks, shirt, and tie for a little boy can leave you in the 50 to 60's range...ridic} top that off with a more than generous visit from the wonderful Easter Bunny {Yes, we celebrate the bunny} and you're done. For the next three months of your budget. I don't usually discuss money on here, but just for the sake of averages, I do believe this is what one family can easily spend. Don't get me wrong, we're not blowing money out the wazoo (we can't) but I think its a southern thing. Kind of silly. Yet oh so necessary... So this year, I decided to do things a bit differently...

I'm holding off on the shoes even though Aiden's toes are touching the ends of his Sperrys. I prefer sandals in the spring. I went to a consignment sale and found a super cute blazer for him {3 smacks!-it looks brand new!-Kenneth Cole, hello!} to don with a super cute dress shirt/slacks combo he already owns. Our neice (GOD BLESS HER) gave us a zillion frilly outfits she wore, some of which Emerson hasn't even modeled yet. We're set. We lucked out {this year.} It's nice to save a little money in that department. In fact, I'm kind of proud of myself. Especially with all the little adjustments that have been going on around the Mills hizzy. I can't imagine what it will be like with THREE next year. And my children will look just as froofroo as any other kid on Easter Sunday. {Which, if you ask me, I do believe the southern traditions of yore tend to negate the entire point of it all, but alas, not going there...} I guess I was just wondering if any other families out there find themselves in the same predicament.

Which brings me to my point, if you've stayed with me this long. I started having contractions again (I do that EVERY pregnancy) and I was thinking of things to put in their baskets-a project I could do to stay off my feet for a while. Started looking on Etsy. Found some fabulous finds {here.} But multiply that by two. And then I kind of wanted three so baby no. 3 could have something in his/her nursery. And I decided to sit down and make my own. Yeah. It took me forever, but I can easily say its one of my favorite projects ever. No pattern. Just kind of made it up. (And I am no seamstress, so please don't judge!)

I paid nada for these giant fluffy rabbit pillow thingies. And I'm so proud. Some leftover minky + designer fabrics...viola! I have promptly dubbed them (from left to right) Henry, Lulu, and Ruby. Just wanted to share, as these were totally made from scraps I had around my house! I feel like I have something special to give the kids on Easter Sunday. And I probably saved around 90 bucks. SWEET! If you have a little time on your hands, or absolutely none between potty training and teething monsters (me!) its a great project to conquer at night! I did all mine in a day. Cut in the morning. Sewed and stuffed that night. You can even get patterns online if you're a patterns gal. I thought it was kind of fun designing my own. I'm rambling now, so without further ado...

Just wanted to share-and encourage other budget frazzled mommies out there to have a little fun with their creative side this easter...

In other news, speaking of church, I was wearing this purple shirt with a slit down the middle this morning and after wrestling with Emmy for a few happned to look down. {side note: I'm big on modesty, just, well, because.} So I should have known to wear a shirt underneath for baby proofing. My entire BOOB was hanging out of my shirt. I think the communion guy totally saw it. At least I noticed him dry heaving into the collection plate, so I'm not too sure...

Other posts here, here, and here. Have a great early week!