Dear Tahli: May 2014

Staying at home with a baby can be a little hard on the old purse, and suddenly you feel like all the things that you never thought twice about buying are now too much of a luxury... WAAAA! I've found a few ways to cut down on my spending that still allow me those little treats..:)

Skin and hair products can really add up. Many a time I've gone to Myer or David Jones to pick up a few 'essentials' and walked out $200 later! Do some research and see if you can find a lower priced skincare range that suits your skin. Sukin has become a favourite of mine as the average cleanser or moisturiser is approx. $10 and they use all natural ingredients and don't test on animals. I use a few drops of their rose hip oil mixed into the moisturiser at night for a heavier night cream consistency. I've also started buying my shampoo and conditioner from my local salon supplier. I can purchase the 1 litre pump pack for much better value and it lasts for ages!

Exercise is so important to me post baby, not only for my physical well being, but my mental state as well. Gym memberships are expensive though so getting out and going for a long walk whenever the weather permits is a great way to get some fresh air, and often keeps Tahli happy as well! I try and time it to go after she has woken from her morning nap. She loves looking out at the world! Another option is the morning yoga and Pilates classes they show on free to air T.V. If it's raining or cold out, it can be a better choice for you and bub. Tahli lays on her baby gym next to my mat and has a play while I'm exercising!

Fresh Produce is another thing that can really add up. Find out where your local markets are, or if there is a food co-op in your area that you can join. If you're really keen, Paddys Fruit and Veg Markets are open to the public on Friday mornings so if you get there first thing you can stock up for the following week. I've found that the fruit and veggies I buy from Paddys last at least 10 days as they're so fresh!

While you're at Paddys, duck over to the flower markets that are on the same site if you have to buy a gift for anyone. You can make a beautiful, personally selected bunch of flowers for next to nothing! My sister and I made bouquets for our mum and mother-in-laws for Mother's Day (above) and it was a lot of fun choosing all the different types of flowers to put in the bunch.

Rearrange your wardrobe! I recently went right through my wardrobe and got rid of all the items I haven't worn in the last year.. There was about 6 garbage bags worth.. I sold the better items on eBay and made a little cash, and donated the rest to vinnies. It's amazing how much more I wear now that I can see what I have!

Get on eBay.. One man's trash is another man's treasure! I have my eBay set up so that I have saved searches for my favourite clothing and jewellery brands. I scan through daily to see what's been newly listed under those brands, and anything I see that I like I bid $10. Most of the time I'm outbid, but every now and then I'll win the item at a bargain price! All of the Tigerlily dresses above I purchased for $10 each!

Join your local library.. I love to read and find that now I have a lot of time to do so, while feeding Tahli, or when she's having a nap, etc. Joining the library gives me a reason to duck out of the house and go for a walk, and I love going through the shelves and choosing something. As Tahli gets older she'll be able to choose some books for herself too, and there is a toy library that we can use so we aren't cluttering up the apartment with toys she'll grow out of within a few months.

Go to the movies! One of the gorgeous mums in my mother's group introduced me to the wonder of mums n bubs movie sessions! They are usually on in the mornings and children under 5 go for free. Tickets are only $10 and there are different options at different cinemas.. You can either go into the standard movie and the cinema stays dimly lit, or some other cinemas offer crying rooms that are soundproof and your baby can play on the floor while you watch the movie through a big glass window.