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About Cleverly Changing
Hi, I'm Elle Owner of CleverlyChanging. My blog seeks to encourage, empower, & inspire others to live cleverly, changing when necessary. Perfect parenting, doesn't exist, but informed and attentive parenting does. I desire to regularly share savings tips, wisdom, and experiences I gain from everyday life as a wife and mother of twins with others so we can empower each other to become better parents and better people in general.
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Live Archive
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Review and Giveaway: Yoplait Lactose Free Yogurt in Honor of Lactose Intolerance Month
Posted on February 14, 2012 | 8 CommentsDid you know that 1 out of every 10 Americans is Lactose intolerant? Lactose intolerant is not an allergy to milk; instead, it results from the body not being able to produce enough lactase (“an enzyme that breaks lactose down into simpler sugars called glucose and galactose” Source), which helps sustain your bodies energy. Because so many American’s suffer from Lactose intolerance, Yoplait has come up with a solution for people who are living with this disorder who want to eat yogurt. Yoplait’s newest brand is called “Yoplait Lactose Free.” It is just as creamy, fruity, and delicious as their... -
Review: Potty Time With Bear (DVD)
Posted on January 29, 2012 | No CommentsIf you are looking for a good DVD to introduce or reiterate to your child how to use the potty and go to the bathroom “Potty Time With Bear” is an excellent DVD. The DVD doesn’t just focus on going to the potty, the DVD is very descriptive in the words they used. I really like how the bear explains as he talks, which is similar to how I try to teach my children at home. The bear is very positive and has a soothing voice. The characters are likable and fun to watch. The bear calls children that go... -
Take a Sneak Peek of FINDING NEMO in 3D
Posted on January 25, 2012 | No CommentsIn 2003 Finding Nemo was a big hit. Families all over the world enjoyed watching the adventures of Nemo and his Dad. Both children and parents enjoyed the persistence and determination that both characters shared. This year, on September 14th Finding Nemo will charm us again with an AllStar cast, but this time it will be in 3D. Academy Award®-winning Best Animated Feature “Finding Nemo” returns to the big screen for the first time ever in thrilling Disney Digital 3D™. In this stunning underwater adventure, with memorable characters, humor and heartfelt emotion, “Finding Nemo” follows the comedic and momentous journey... -
Fun Free Educational iPAD Apps for Younger Kids
Posted on January 24, 2012 | 3 CommentsMotion Math: Hungry Fish One of my favorites for preschoolers is the Motion Math: Hungry Fish. This app helps young children learn math. Kids will learn addition by feeding the hungry fish. The game is very simple, little fish swim near the larger fish but are only edible when they contain the correct number on their bellies. The large hungry fish will only eat the number on his stomach and in some case you need to add smaller fish together to create the correct number. The game teaches and keeps their attention. Check out the Motion Math website for other educational... -
Finance Friday: Save your dollars – Enable yourself to live a debt free life
Posted on January 20, 2012 | No CommentsMoney is an essential need for the survival of human beings. But, it has been seen that most of the people spend money unnecessarily when they have it in their hands and, as such, fall into debt problems. You also swap your credit cards when you do not enough cash with you and get entangled into credit card debt problems. You may take the help of credit card consolidation to pay off your debts. Educate yourself in money management matters so that you can keep control on your money flow and understand where your money actually goes out. This, in... -
Yoplait and General Mills Cereal Coupons
Posted on January 19, 2012 | No Comments1. Yoplait has a new smoothie available: Chocolate Banana. SORRY the COUPON IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. to SAVE $1.00 when you buy ONE any flavor Yoplait® Frozen Smoothie. 2. General Mills has created more whole grain cereals for us who want to eat healthy cereal for breakfast. SORRY the COUPON IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. to SAVE $1.75 ON TWO when you buy any TWO BOXES General Mills cereals with a white check on the front of the box. Develop Healthy Eating Patterns Many people plan to start the New Year off right by eating healthier foods. Our diet is extremely important to... -
5 Ways To Take Your Blog to the Next Level this Year
Posted on January 9, 2012 | 4 CommentsThe popularity of blogging has skyrocketed in recent years and bloggers are always wondering how can we stay on top and get our blogs momentum going? If this is your desire, here are my recommendations. 1. Evaluate your goals. What purpose do you want your blog to serve? What are some milestones that you want to accomplish this year? Is there a new audience that you would like to reach? Sometimes when you start blogging or a start website in general, overtime your needs and focus changes. Therefore you need to access and hone in on what changes need to... -
Finance Friday: Pay back your debts by saving money and negotiating with creditors
Posted on January 6, 2012 | 1 CommentOne of the fastest and best ways to get out of your credit card debts is through debt negotiation. The process of debt negotiation includes bargaining with your creditors to reduce the interest rate on your outstanding debts or to reduce the total amount of your outstanding debts depending upon your debt situation. Whatever you do in order to make your debts more manageable and to pay them off quickly, you need to save money to make your debt payments. You can also find alternative ways to earn money to pay back your debts. Here are a few money saving... -
Save More in 2012 the Easy Way
Posted on December 30, 2011 | No CommentsThere is no reliable way to predict the future so when emergencies and other unexpected events occur having some money set aside is very important. Besides, being prepared for the unexpected savings are also helpful when making large purchases like a new car or house. For some people, saving money is second nature and they are not tempted to blow their savings on things they do not need. Not everyone is that disciplined so here are a few ways you can save more in the coming year. Pay Off your Debt This one is kind of obvious. If you don’t... -
Tips For College Bound Kids
Posted on December 29, 2011 | 4 CommentsOn occasions, I have felt that universities should offer a rebate, when your education does not live up to what you pay for. While some college and universities do an excellent job providing practical education and experience, all do not. I also realize that in many instances higher education is better if you seek more opportunities and take a proactive approach. I graduated from college many years ago, but every year I consider going back to school to obtain my Masters degree. I often struggle with knowing exactly which Masters program is right for me. As a result, I want... -
Finance Friday: Tips for working with Contractors
Posted on December 23, 2011 | No CommentsRecently, we decided to get some work done on our home by going a cheaper route. I usually go through major companies but because the work kept accumulating I tried to see how I could get it done in the most cost effective way. Unfortunately, after this experience I felt disappointed. So I want to share some tips that I have learned so that you can have a more pleasant experience than I had. Tips for working with Contractors on your home 1. Contract Binding. Always get everything that will be done in writing, even if the contractor is a... -
Manage Monday: Tips for a Budget Friendly Birthday Party
Posted on December 12, 2011 | No CommentsIntroduction In everyone’s life, a person’s birthday carries a lot of significance because this is the only day, which most people can claim as totally theirs. Everyone looks forward to being showered with good wishes and blessings from near and dear ones. Nowadays after the immense exposure to media and celebrity parties, there is intense pressure on parents and kids to spend huge amounts of money and have a lavish party. But, you will be surprised when I tell you of unique ways in which you can have whole day packed with fun and at the same time, you don’t... -
Finance Friday: (Tax Time p.1) Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits: Qualifications and How to Claim Them
Posted on December 9, 2011 | 1 CommentIt’s no secret that cost of dependent care can be very expensive. With a greater number of families requiring dual incomes to make ends meet, it has become increasingly necessary for many to rely on daycare for their children and – for some – their mentally or physically disabled adult dependents. Fortunately, there are tax credits available to alleviate the burden created by costly child and dependent care expenses. This tax credit can be worth between 20%-35% of dependent care expenses. The amount that you can claim as a credit is dependent upon your income level and your number of... -
Finance (Guest Post): 4 Ways to Cut Spending and Save More
Posted on December 6, 2011 | 1 CommentTimes are hard, jobs are scarce and incomes have dwindled; yet you still have to pay your debt, fend for your family and meet other financial obligations. It’s almost impossible to stay sane trying to sail through these troubled financial times. Fortunately, there are some helpful ways that you can adjust your lifestyle and live happily on limited income. There’s one catch though; sacrifice. If you’re going to take back charge of your life, you’re going to have to make huge sacrifices. You’ve got to be willing to change your lifestyle appropriately so as to remain successful even when the... -
Finance Friday: 6 Ways to Save Money Without Using Coupons
Posted on December 2, 2011 | 2 CommentsWe all know that money doesn’t grow on trees. So whether the time of plenty has changed or not, some people are really trying to decrease their spending and save money. Couponing is not for everyone so here are other ways to help you save big. Get your money’s worth When you buy a car, continue to use it until it is absolutely necessary to get another one. Don’t just change it because you are done paying for it or you want to impress your friends. Use your entire bottle of lotion and any other product before you give... -
Family Planning – Life Insurance
Posted on November 21, 2011 | No CommentsGrowing up in my community I can remember a few people whispering about life insurance after a relative passed away. Usually, the whispers were followed with, “No, he didn’t have life insurance, but his family will just have to put him away with dignity.” Family members would often be solicited to contribute their monetary funds to help bury loved ones which was common, but there was also a taboo and stigma related to obtaining life insurance. Some people viewed it like they were purchasing a death decree. When I landed my first “real” job out of college, I was given... -
Finance Friday – (Guest Post) Elegant Frugality: Make a budget with a goal
Posted on November 18, 2011 | No CommentsOur rapidly changing world economy, and growing concerns about the values that are passed on to future generations, have led many to sit up and take a good look at their lifestyle. The parsimony and simplicity are two important steps you can take to make a difference in the future of humanity. Two of the biggest contributors to global environmental problems that is causing the crisis we are witnessing today are uncontrolled consumption, and reckless development processes. As more and more people try to find meaning and happiness in their lives and teach children what they need to know to... -
Your Purse and Your Finances
Posted on November 6, 2011 | 2 CommentsRecently, I acknowledged that the relationship women have with their purses and their personal finances is heavily linked. One of my co-workers use to tell me, “Never put your purse on the floor because it will keep your money low.” The superstition itself makes little sense but taking pride and knowing what is going on in your purse does. When you open your purse, is your money neatly put away into a spot where you can find it? Do you grab any purse that you can find or do you find the best option to compliment what you are wearing?... -
FREE Activity for kids (6-14 y/o): Make a free Turkey at Lego Stores on 11/1
Posted on October 31, 2011 | No CommentsAlmost every child has enjoyed the fun of playing with Legos. If you there is a Lego store near you, check out this fun opportunity to make a FREE turkey that you can take home. “Quantities are limited to approximately 250 per store and offer is good while supplies last only. A new model will be available every month and will be specially themed to that month – ask a Store Associate for details! Models are not for sale and cannot be purchased. One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. See store for... -
A Lesson About Thanksgiving for toddlers
Posted on October 27, 2011 | No CommentsMy sister called and told my kids she was coming for Thanksgiving. “What’s Thanksgiving?” They asked, and then I knew that it was time for a lesson about Thanksgiving. I recently saw a craft on quirkymomma’s site that would be perfect for the lesson: “A TP Roll Turkey.” Although, we don’t eat Turkey at my house, the image of Thanksgiving usually includes the image of a turkey and they are fun to make. Next week we will make fruit and vegetable baskets. I also shared with them the Youtube video by the “Rethink Autism Community” Then I explained: Long, long,...
