A few small changes you can make at home that can add up to big results:
* Save energy. Keeping your fridge too cold wastes energy. Keep your fridge between 37 - 40 degrees and freezers at 5 degrees.
* Save water. If your bathroom fixtures were installed before 1992, replacing your toilet with a more efficient one could save you thousands of gallons of water every year.
* Reduce waste. More than 80% of recyclable bottles end up in landfills each year, so reduce bottle waste and filter your tap water.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Frugal Friday
Recession Busters!!
If you see a sale advertised you automatically assume you're going to save money, right? Think again! Alot of retailers use promotions to sneakily get you to spend more than you have to! Here's how to steer clear of them...
1.) Avoid BOGO: Yes that's buy one get one! The trouble with a lot of these is that stores often inflate their base prices on these items. Plus, the items that go on sale are often more expensive than other options to begin with. For instance, a familiar brand of an item may be on sale but another brand or an off brand might be the better deal. So before you BOGO an item do a quick price comparison to make sure you're getting the best deal.
2.) Decline a door buster! Door-buster sales, like what you see on Black Friday, are becoming more regular. This is because retailers reel in customers that are on a "buy now" mission to a big purchase such as a new tv and usually supplies are very limited. Make sure you do some online price comparing using the door buster's model # before you rush to the store.
3.) Avoid liquidations! A retailer that is shutting its doors will often run a liquidation sale to clear its store completely. But many liquidations are handled by outside companies who reprice many of the items and may possibly increase the prices till the close date approaches. To outsmart them, go right before the start of a liquidation sale. That way the retailer is still in control and has likely drastically dropped prices to recoup as much money as possible!
If you see a sale advertised you automatically assume you're going to save money, right? Think again! Alot of retailers use promotions to sneakily get you to spend more than you have to! Here's how to steer clear of them...
1.) Avoid BOGO: Yes that's buy one get one! The trouble with a lot of these is that stores often inflate their base prices on these items. Plus, the items that go on sale are often more expensive than other options to begin with. For instance, a familiar brand of an item may be on sale but another brand or an off brand might be the better deal. So before you BOGO an item do a quick price comparison to make sure you're getting the best deal.
2.) Decline a door buster! Door-buster sales, like what you see on Black Friday, are becoming more regular. This is because retailers reel in customers that are on a "buy now" mission to a big purchase such as a new tv and usually supplies are very limited. Make sure you do some online price comparing using the door buster's model # before you rush to the store.
3.) Avoid liquidations! A retailer that is shutting its doors will often run a liquidation sale to clear its store completely. But many liquidations are handled by outside companies who reprice many of the items and may possibly increase the prices till the close date approaches. To outsmart them, go right before the start of a liquidation sale. That way the retailer is still in control and has likely drastically dropped prices to recoup as much money as possible!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Catching Up #1
I figured I'd start labeling my Catching Up posts by #'s! School is back in session and things are going full swing over here so I have a feeling you're going to be seeing a lot more of these!
Here's a recap of what's been goin on...
We went to Superior Grill to see Livewire (the band that played at our wedding) play for New Years. Here are a few pics from the night...
Maci Rose has been wearing panties since January 3rd. We've had some great days and some terrible days but one thing is for sure..SHE'S DONE WITH DIAPERS! When I mention putting a diaper back on her after an accident she pitches a fit so I'm just going to have to live out this "in between" stage the best way I can.
The worst is when we're out in public and she has to go. She's gone at a Burger King, Walmart, and in a port-a-potty (my church is under construction). Yuck!! I know this phase will pass, but this in between potty training stuff can be very exhausting!
She's also been best friends with Carter. She wakes him up as soon as she gets up in the morning to play with her, but as soon as he grabs something she doesn't want him to have, she gets mad and asks me "to get the slime off of it." I guess we are going to have to work on the sharing thing.
Here's a recap of what's been goin on...
We went to Superior Grill to see Livewire (the band that played at our wedding) play for New Years. Here are a few pics from the night...
I have been painting our foyer and living room and I'm very pleased with the outcome. We still have light fixtures to put up and couch pillows to cover but here is a sneak peak at what it looks like so far...
Maci Rose has been wearing panties since January 3rd. We've had some great days and some terrible days but one thing is for sure..SHE'S DONE WITH DIAPERS! When I mention putting a diaper back on her after an accident she pitches a fit so I'm just going to have to live out this "in between" stage the best way I can.
The worst is when we're out in public and she has to go. She's gone at a Burger King, Walmart, and in a port-a-potty (my church is under construction). Yuck!! I know this phase will pass, but this in between potty training stuff can be very exhausting!
Carter is crawling, but only backwards, it's funny! He has 2 new additions in the bottom of his mouth. He has been up every 2 hours most nights. It's made for a very tired and cranky mommy and baby. I'm hoping the rest of his teeth don't bother him this much.
And here are a few pictures from the ice storm last week. My mom and sister stayed with us Sunday - Tuesday and we had a blast!! I think we all gained 50 pounds because all we did was play in the snow and then eat and over and over again, but what else can you do when you're snowed in? It almost became a laughing matter every time someone was hungry again. (Guess you had to be there!)
This was our backyard on Friday! We got tons of snow and it didn't fully melt until after the rain last night!
New Years Resolutions
I better get these on here soon or I'm likely to forget about them before I even start them. This is a way for me to check back and cross off as I go. And hopefully **fingers crossed** I will accomplish everything this year!
Fitness/Personal Goals:
* No eating after 8pm.
* Walk on treadmill 3 days a week for 45mins - 1 hour.
* Do ab rollers 4 days a week.
* Have a frugal friday post every.single.friday! (or at least every other)
* Find the perfect dress and go to my 10 year reunion!!
* Try not to care about the cleanliness of my house so much and to put other things in front of having a spotless house all the time. This may sound easier than it actually is, but I'm OCD when it comes to having dishes in the sink or seeing stuff on the floor that needs to be swept, mopped, or vacumed. I tend to put more important things aside just to vacum or wash dishes. I'm learning that it's ok to let dishes pile up to spend more time with my husband or children or even just to get more sleep.
*To start slowly printing pictures off my digital camera and get them into photo albums.
*Join a prayer group with other women my age.
Financial:
* Come up with a reasonable budget for groceries and go grocery shopping all at once and only 1 day a week. (I swear the little trips for 1 or 2 items every other day add up fast).
* Spend only $100 on eating out per month (this is going to be tough)
* Have only 1 child in diapers. Check!! Accomplished!! Maci Rose has been out of diapers, even at night, since Jan. 3rd. (This is another post in itself).
Around the House:
* Paint foyer and living room and get new light fixtures. (in the process now....I can't wait to post pics)
* Build a bar and bookshelves, get barstools, and new recessed lighting to go in the living room.
* Re-do the playroom/loft area to better meet all of our needs. Play area for kids, small office for me, playstation/game area for Jeremy. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!!
* To have all repairs done to house that were included in our warranty.
* To clean out garage completely and give excess stuff to Hannah Home.
*To lay more ply wood in attic for storage.
Fitness/Personal Goals:
* No eating after 8pm.
* Walk on treadmill 3 days a week for 45mins - 1 hour.
* Do ab rollers 4 days a week.
* Have a frugal friday post every.single.friday! (or at least every other)
* Find the perfect dress and go to my 10 year reunion!!
* Try not to care about the cleanliness of my house so much and to put other things in front of having a spotless house all the time. This may sound easier than it actually is, but I'm OCD when it comes to having dishes in the sink or seeing stuff on the floor that needs to be swept, mopped, or vacumed. I tend to put more important things aside just to vacum or wash dishes. I'm learning that it's ok to let dishes pile up to spend more time with my husband or children or even just to get more sleep.
*To start slowly printing pictures off my digital camera and get them into photo albums.
*Join a prayer group with other women my age.
Financial:
* Come up with a reasonable budget for groceries and go grocery shopping all at once and only 1 day a week. (I swear the little trips for 1 or 2 items every other day add up fast).
* Spend only $100 on eating out per month (this is going to be tough)
* Have only 1 child in diapers. Check!! Accomplished!! Maci Rose has been out of diapers, even at night, since Jan. 3rd. (This is another post in itself).
Around the House:
* Paint foyer and living room and get new light fixtures. (in the process now....I can't wait to post pics)
* Build a bar and bookshelves, get barstools, and new recessed lighting to go in the living room.
* Re-do the playroom/loft area to better meet all of our needs. Play area for kids, small office for me, playstation/game area for Jeremy. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!!
* To have all repairs done to house that were included in our warranty.
* To clean out garage completely and give excess stuff to Hannah Home.
*To lay more ply wood in attic for storage.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Frugal Friday
There is no theme for today's frugal friday...but here are just a few smart ideas for you to try.
1.) Easier shopping! A way to make grocery shopping a little easier on those of you who have your hands full is to bring a closepin with you and clip your list on the top of the cart. This way you can keep your hands free and still see your list (and you would be shocked at how many people stop you and compliment your great idea!!!).
Another way is to get your kids involved. Hand them the list and have them call it out to you and let another one mark off the item as you get it. This will keep them from being bored and noticing the toys on the shelves and constantly asking for each item.
2.) Save your produce!! Place paper towels in vegetable bins to soak up the extra moisture it accumlates while sitting in the fridge. It will give you an extra 3-4days to eat your produce before it spoils. (I've also heard of placing a small sponge in there and it works too, but I've never tried it).
3.) Stop your pets from messing up your house! If you have pets who sling their bowls of food and water every.time.they.eat, try cutting a piece off of your rug liner or the rubberized shelf liner you can buy in stores and place it underneath the bowls. It will keep the bowls in place and prevent spills.
4.) Stop mildew buildup on shower curtains! Water usually builds up in the hem of a shower curtain but if you cut the bottom seam of your plastic liner with pinking shears, the water will easily drip off keeping it dry and mold-free.
5.) Remove black smudges from tile and linoleum floors! This one I have also not tried before. Dab a non-gel toothpaste onto a soft cloth and rub the area in a circular motion, then use a damp cloth to remove the residue. The grit in the toothpaste will gently scrub off the mark without leaving any scratches.
1.) Easier shopping! A way to make grocery shopping a little easier on those of you who have your hands full is to bring a closepin with you and clip your list on the top of the cart. This way you can keep your hands free and still see your list (and you would be shocked at how many people stop you and compliment your great idea!!!).
Another way is to get your kids involved. Hand them the list and have them call it out to you and let another one mark off the item as you get it. This will keep them from being bored and noticing the toys on the shelves and constantly asking for each item.
2.) Save your produce!! Place paper towels in vegetable bins to soak up the extra moisture it accumlates while sitting in the fridge. It will give you an extra 3-4days to eat your produce before it spoils. (I've also heard of placing a small sponge in there and it works too, but I've never tried it).
3.) Stop your pets from messing up your house! If you have pets who sling their bowls of food and water every.time.they.eat, try cutting a piece off of your rug liner or the rubberized shelf liner you can buy in stores and place it underneath the bowls. It will keep the bowls in place and prevent spills.
4.) Stop mildew buildup on shower curtains! Water usually builds up in the hem of a shower curtain but if you cut the bottom seam of your plastic liner with pinking shears, the water will easily drip off keeping it dry and mold-free.
5.) Remove black smudges from tile and linoleum floors! This one I have also not tried before. Dab a non-gel toothpaste onto a soft cloth and rub the area in a circular motion, then use a damp cloth to remove the residue. The grit in the toothpaste will gently scrub off the mark without leaving any scratches.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Frugal Friday
Ok so I was supposed to do a New Years Resolutions post before this one, but between a 7 month old cutting 2 teeth and a 2.5 year old only in undies this week I have been super busy and sleep deprived so that post will obviously come after this one.
BUT.....that being said, one of my new years resolutions is to really start buckling down on my frugal friday posts. I've been saving clips out of magazines and ideas I've heard from people for a couple of months now so I'm going to really try to have one up every.single.friday! Yes you heard me right!! So hold me accountable!!
Here is today's:
Most of you have probably been noticing the gas prices climbing. They are almost $3/gallon at some places right now!! Here are 4 ways you can cut back on your gas expenses in the new year.
1.) Plan the cheapest route!! Driving on the highway, rather than local roads can save you tons of gas! Cars are on average 30% more fuel-efficient on highways compared to stop-and-go city streets.
2.) Planning a road trip? Where you stop to get gas can make a difference. Gas prices can vary 40 cents a gallon from state to state! To plot out the most frugal fuel stops, log onto http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/, which gives free updates on gas costs across the country.
3.) Toting around more stuff than you need in your car? While it's easy to use your car as a mini suitcase in case of emergencies, kids stuff, etc. storing them elsewhere can save you on fuel costs. For each additional 100 pounds your car carries, its fuel efficiency drops 2% or more. That's like paying 3 cents more per gallon at the pump.
4.) Take a second look at your errands route and plan stops so that you are only making right hand turns. Avoid left hand turns. It's an insider tip from the pro's: Delivery companies such as UPS have found that routes with fewer left-hand turns result in less idling time, saving millions of gallons of gas per year!
So take a few more minutes every day to plan out your errands and take items out of your car that you don't plan on using and you could see a change in your budget in just a few months!!
BUT.....that being said, one of my new years resolutions is to really start buckling down on my frugal friday posts. I've been saving clips out of magazines and ideas I've heard from people for a couple of months now so I'm going to really try to have one up every.single.friday! Yes you heard me right!! So hold me accountable!!
Here is today's:
Most of you have probably been noticing the gas prices climbing. They are almost $3/gallon at some places right now!! Here are 4 ways you can cut back on your gas expenses in the new year.
1.) Plan the cheapest route!! Driving on the highway, rather than local roads can save you tons of gas! Cars are on average 30% more fuel-efficient on highways compared to stop-and-go city streets.
2.) Planning a road trip? Where you stop to get gas can make a difference. Gas prices can vary 40 cents a gallon from state to state! To plot out the most frugal fuel stops, log onto http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/, which gives free updates on gas costs across the country.
3.) Toting around more stuff than you need in your car? While it's easy to use your car as a mini suitcase in case of emergencies, kids stuff, etc. storing them elsewhere can save you on fuel costs. For each additional 100 pounds your car carries, its fuel efficiency drops 2% or more. That's like paying 3 cents more per gallon at the pump.
4.) Take a second look at your errands route and plan stops so that you are only making right hand turns. Avoid left hand turns. It's an insider tip from the pro's: Delivery companies such as UPS have found that routes with fewer left-hand turns result in less idling time, saving millions of gallons of gas per year!
So take a few more minutes every day to plan out your errands and take items out of your car that you don't plan on using and you could see a change in your budget in just a few months!!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
7 months!
Happy New Year and Happy 7 months to my Carter boy!!
Carter is 7 months old today! He is 19 pounds and 27.5 inches long.
He loves standing up on toys, tables and couches now, but he's not pulling himself up yet.
He also loves his new riding toy that Santa Claus brought him.
And sometimes he does both at one time...rides while playing with a stand up toy.
He is holding his bottle very well now and hardly needs it propped anymore.
I know this may be funny to some, but he actually has hair that is long enough to stick up now!(every little bit counts to us)
And here are some photos from his mini photo shoot this morning. Enjoy!
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