photo by darinhercules

DEAR SARA: I read a tip that suggested strapping your purse’s handle into the shopping cart (the infant belt) when shopping. The idea is that women wouldn’t get their purses stolen. I thought this was a good idea. What do you think? — Sandi, Utah
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photo by Gaetan Lee

DEAR SARA: I heard that a plastic laundry basket could be used as a cheap bassinet/crib for a baby. What are your thoughts on this? — Lori, e-mail
DEAR LORI: I’m not a medical expert, but I wouldn’t use it. I realize many people used to let their babies sleep in dresser drawers, but just because you can do these things doesn’t mean you should. I’m fearful of …

DEAR SARA: Do you have your kids do chores for their allowance, or do they get it regardless? –Michelle, Massachusetts
DEAR MICHELLE: I don’t give my children an allowance for chores. Our children have chores and responsibilities that they have to do because they should. We give rewards if they go above and beyond their daily responsibilities. Sometimes it’s monetary, and other times it’s not. I don’t want to get into …

photo by crystl

DEAR SARA: My 10-year-old daughter wants a hotel birthday party. Last year, I had a great frugal birthday party for her. I used a coupon for free pizza, served soda I already had and purchased a cookie cake. I took my daughter and her cousins and friends to the city pool. It cost me only about $25 for her birthday.
This year, she was invited to two hotel parties …