Sumner Mom

2011-08-30T12:44:00.000-05:00

COUPONING!

I have recently joined the band wagaon of couponing! WOW! I never knew I could save so much money! Don't get me wrong, I have always clipped a few coupons and used one from time to time, but never on this level. I littarally cut my bill in half the other day! The FIRST KEY thing for me to understand was I was NOT buying for the week. I was buying for the lowest possible rock bottom price for the products we use in our household. You definately save more when you are willing to be flexible on your brands. To be honest I am not very flexible. I love my brands! I will be flexible on some things, but not everything.

I began my adventure by creating a notebook with baseball card collector sleaves labeled with various food/staple items. I collected coupons from my local papers, internet, and flyers. The SECOND KEY thing for me was to lay out my sale papers for the week and match my coupons to the sale items. I understand it takes about 6 months to get fully acclimated to couponing. I am not there yet, but I am on my way! I picked two stores to start out with. You may pick more than that if you feel ok, but I didn't want to overwhelm myself. I laid the sale papers out and began going through my collected coupons. The more coupons the more possible savings and quantity you may buy. Over time, you will learn what is the lowest sale price on each product and when to use the coupons on that item. When that item is on sale for the lowest possible price, you use your coupons and stock up for about a 3 month supply. The Third Key thing for me was to undersand that ALL items go on sale every 6-8 weeks.

The most wonderful thing is that there are several great websites that do all the guess work for you. My favorite is southernsavers.com. These sites will not only guide you every step of the way, they will give you every week the best deals possible. It does look a bit overwhelming at first, but trust me, give it a try! It is addicting when you can cut your grocery bill in half and get things so cheap, some things free, and believe it or not sometimes the store will pay you to buy some items! Its true!

Happy couponing! Below are a few helpful websites:

Southernsavers.com
Faithfulprovision.com
Moneysavingmom.com
Krazycouponlady.com
Couponmom.com
Coupons.com

More sites:

Target Mobile Coupons

2011-08-30T11:04:00.000-05:00

Money Saving Mom

Love this site! This mom is all about saving! This site has everything from great deals, coupons to living simply! This link will take you directly to the page of 'Household Mangagement' Forms! If you want to get organized you will love it!

2011-08-30T10:51:00.000-05:00

Family Life Book

Make your own Family Life Notebook!

Here is a wonderful FREE website with FREE downloadables to create your own Family Life Notebook to help you stay organized and run your household to the fullest potential!

2010-11-04T13:49:00.000-05:00

Fantastic new resources! If you like to save money but stay healthy by couponing then this is your site!
Ebrandaid

For Baby tips check out this site!

Healthy Eating for Babies

We can all use all the help we can get these days!

2010-10-14T11:15:00.000-05:00

New site my mommy friends! Check it out!

Twittermoms.com

You can connect and keep plugged in with other moms!

New Street In Town

2010-10-11T17:10:00.001-05:00

MomsLikeMe.com

There is a new street in town! Take a look at the new mom's networking site. They have it going on, sporting the latest buz on being a mom or mom interests. They have a "buy and sell" section for networking mom sales. A page with all the hot coupons available, not to mention Events, Groups, and Discussions. If your a mom, you need to check this resource out!

Gas Prices in the Hendersonville, Tennessee Area

2010-09-24T10:11:00.003-05:00

Click here to find Gas prices near you!

Lowest Regular Gas prices for 37075

2.49⁹

Exxon
100 N Anderson Ln
Hendersonville, TN

Fri
4:35 AM

2.49⁹

Mapco
1187 W Main St
Hendersonville, TN

Thu
6:30 AM

2.49⁹

Kroger
1010 Glenbrook Way
Hendersonville, TN

Thu
9:15 PM

2.56⁹

Mystik
1200 Centerpoint Rd
Hendersonville, TN

Thu
9:15 PM

2.57⁹

Shell
137 Walton Ferry Rd
Hendersonville, TN

Thu
4:50 AM

Search for gas prices near you

* Prices as of Friday, September 24, 2010 at 9:45 AM

Current Nashville Average
2.605

Current Tennessee Average
2.563

2010-09-21T22:52:00.000-05:00

5 Important Back To School Subjects To Discuss with Your Children
by Shelly Hill

Summer is over and it’s time to get back to school. This time can be stressful for many families as they all try to adjust to new routines. You can lessen this stress and set up some guidelines by sitting down with your children for a family discussion.

Here are some important things you should be discussing with your children, before they head back to school this fall.

1. School Bus Safety – It is important to speak to your child about what kind of behavior you expect from him or her while they are at the bus stop or riding on the school bus.

2. Classroom Behavior – Let your child know what kind of behavior you expect them to exhibit while at school. All teachers expect different things from each child, remind your child to be respectful of others at all times. I think this is a good time to bring up the topic of bullying with your child. Let them know how to report this to their school officials and to you, should they know of any children who are being bullied or those who are doing the bullying.

3. Homework and Grades – If you expect your children to follow a homework routine, now is the time to outline that routine with them. I found it helpful to let our daughter know up front what the consequences would be if she did not complete homework assignments on time, or if she got unacceptable grades.

4. Stranger Danger – Your child will come into contact with many people while involved with school activities or while attending classes. It is important to go over with him or her all of the safety precautions that they need to know to protect themselves from stranger danger.

5. Family Emergency – When our daughter was young, we gave her a new family password every few months. If a family emergency would occur and we would need to send someone to the school to pick her up, they would have to provide the secret family password to her before she would even leave the school office with that particular person. Even if your child knows the person who is picking them up, it is important for that person to provide the secret family password to your child.

Heading back to school doesn’t have to be a stressful time for you and your family. Take the time out of your busy schedule and communicate with your children about what you expect from them this school year. It is important to be flexible and to have an open door policy in regards to communication.

Shelly Hill has been working from home in Direct Sales since 1989 and is a Manager with Tupperware. Shelly is a mother and grandmother living in South Central Pennsylvania and found that she could reduce back to school stress for her family by being prepared ahead of time. You can visit Shelly online athttp://www.workathomebusinessoptions.com or her recipe blog athttp://wahmshelly.blogspot.com for free recipes.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

A Mom's Love

2010-07-05T10:01:00.000-05:00

How to can APPLES

2010-05-27T09:30:00.000-05:00

Bellevue Home School Enrichment

Our program has been around for 15 years and is a non-profit organization seeking to provide support and services to home school families for a reasonable price.

2010-05-27T09:22:00.002-05:00

How to get rid of Fruit Flies and Other neat tricks!

2009-12-07T18:06:00.000-06:00

Honey

It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month ... Which we know today as the honeymoon.

http://www.angelfire.com/az/sthurston/honeyandcinnamon.html

2009-12-06T23:38:00.001-06:00

Cinnamon and Honey

Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. It will do what some call turning to sugar. In reality honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will do what I rather call "crystallizing". When this happens I loosen the lid, boil some water, and sit the honey container in the hot water, turn off the heat and let it liquefy. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. To do so will kill the enzymes in the honey.

Cinnamon and Honey
Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon: It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures

Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients. Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada , in its issue dated 17 January,1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.

HEART DISEASES:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack.. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada , various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

ARTHRITIS:
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS:
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL:
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers

GAS:
According to the studies done in India and Japan , it is revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and from the root.viral diseases.

INDIGESTION:
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA:
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ' Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY:
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increase and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old..

PIMPLES:
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:
Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER:
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.

FATIGUE:
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

BAD BREATH:
People of South America , first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS:
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

Thanks for this tip Lee! It is worth a try!

2009-12-03T09:38:00.001-06:00

Baking Soda and Water Paste

Removes Coffee and Tea Stains with ease from counters, cups and fabric!

2009-12-01T09:18:00.000-06:00

Memories~!

Hendersonville HolidayFEST 2007
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metacafe.com%2Fwatch%2F1555709%2Fhe&h=ab69559aaa46971b1312a90a05781641...

2009-12-01T09:14:00.000-06:00

The Streets of Indian Lake:

The Old Tyme Carriage Company

Old-fashioned horse and carriage rides around The Streets every weekend beginning Monday, December 7th when Santa arrives at 2:00 p.m.

Weekend rides continue every weekend started December 12th:
Saturday rides are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday rides are 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Santa at The Streets

Come see Santa inside the old J.Jill store located next to Candylicious:
Monday, December 7th - Wednesday, December 23rd
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sundays 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
(Closed Tuesdays so Santa may feed his reindeer @ The North Pole.)

2009-12-01T09:13:00.001-06:00

Friday, December 4th
Christmas Tree Elegance – Designer Trees Displayed 3pm
3rd Annual Gingerbread House Competition at Bluegrass Yacht and Country Club

Tree Lighting at City Hall Hendersonville (5:30) Choir

Cindy Lou Who Essay Winners announced

Saturday, December 5th
“Twas the Night Before Christmas” Breakfast with Santa at Bluegrass Country Club TWO seatings 8:30am and 10am

Gingerbread Houses and Christmas Tree Elegance Displays

Hendersonville Women’s Club Bake Sales at Rock Castle

Saturday, December 5th
St. Nicholas Ball – Bluegrass Yacht and Country Club

Sunday December 6th
27th Year Annual Parade in Hendersonville at 2:30pm until 5:30pm w/SANTA
Posted by Polka Dot Sally at 10:47 PM 0 comments Links to this post

2009-12-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

All Things Christmas
It's Christmas time!Thank you for visiting our site. Here is an overview of what you will find on the site:
Social events

Decorations & fun
Miscellaneous
» Traditions
» Games
» Top ten lists
» Carols
» Trees
» Videos
» Recipes
» Decorations
» Charity
» Gifts
» Lights
» Forum
» Stories
» Downloads
» New year
» Christmas for kids
» Cards
» Contact
» Party
» Crafts
» Advertising
» Santa Claus
» Calendar
» Resources

2009-10-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

2009-10-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

HGTV
100 Features in Organization
1.
Quick Tips for Room Organization
Try these quick tips for organizing and maintaining a clutter-free home from basement to attic.... Read Feature
2.
Quick Tips for Everyday Organization
Only have 15-30 minutes to spare each day? Try one of our 14 simple fixes to get a more organized home, fast!... Read Feature
3.
Quick Tips for Home Office Organization
Do you need to combine a workspace in your family or living room? Professional organizer Vicki Norris shares her tips to... Read Feature
4.
Operation Kitchen Organization
A pro organizer helps a busy family get their kitchen in order, once and for all.... Read Feature
5.
Your Guide to Lifelong Organization
Stay organized -- one day at a time -- with our easy-to-follow checklist.... Read Feature
6.
Garage Organization Made Simple
Get your garage together with a few simple steps... Read Feature
7.
Garage Organization for Families
Make the garage a functioning addition to your home -- for the whole family.... Read Feature
8.
Get Planning and Organizing Solutions from Mission: Organization TV Show and HGTV
Read Feature
9.
Before and After: Kitchen Cleanup and Organization
A pro organizer is charged with getting a kitchen back in proper working order.... Read Feature
10.
Three Organization Projects: Kitchen, Closet and Bedroom
Three organization projects to provide added space in the kitchen, closet and under the bed.... Read Feature
11.
Garage Organization (04:29)
Mission Organization shows how to organize a functioning garage. Watch Video
12.
Kitchen Organization (04:48)
This kitchen goes from very cramped to well-organized. Watch Video
13.
Kitchen Organization (05:02)
An organizing expert shows how to get kitchen clutter in order. Watch Video
14.
Simple Bathroom Organization (04:06)
Find out how to simplify and store all your bath essentials. Watch Video
15.
Clever Countertop Organization (01:50)
An attractive way to keep your bread, fruit, and kitchen knives in order. Watch Video

2009-10-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Organized Home
Get Ready for Christmas with the Houseworks Holiday Plan
Posted August 21, 2009 by Cynthia Ewer
Labor Day weekend ahead! School bells are ringing, football fills the airwaves and September looms. Will the holidays be far behind?
Sure, you're dreaming of the perfect Christmas--then you open your eyes to reality. Looking around the house, it's hard to imagine how to cut the clutter, manage fall cleaning and prepare for Christmas all at once.
How will you bring the current state of domestic chaos into holiday readiness: clean, organized, prepared? You need a plan!
It's time to kick off the Houseworks Holiday Plan at sister site Organized Christmas!
Working week by week, we'll deep-clean, declutter, and prepare for the holiday season in small, sustainable bites.
Along the way, we'll create a personalized Christmas planner to simplify the holidays--and online HHP communities provide motivation, inspiration and fun.
The fun starts Sunday, August 30! Will you be ready?
Get The Houseworks Holiday Plan
Simplify Your Holidays With A Christmas Planner
Print Free Christmas Calendars, Checklists and Planner Pages
Get Inspired For Organized Holidays With ChristmasPlanner.com

2009-10-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Get Organized!

• 3 Recycle Bags

• Slim Slide Out Pantry

• Bordex Wine Rack

• Three Tier Can Rack

• Slap Chop

• Smart Mop

• Oak Jewelry Organizer

• Shoes Under

• Wonder Hangers

• Remote Control Organizers

• Closet Organizers

• Kitchen Organizers

• Strap Perfect

• Inflatable Salad Bar

• Shark Steam Mop

• As Seen on TV

• Shoe Organizers

• H2O Mop

• Shower Organizers

• Jewelry Organizers

• Laptop Desk

2009-09-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

Clutter Control
1 How to Find the Energy To Declutter
2. Secrets to cut down Junk Snail Mail
3. How to Overcome Project Paralysis
4. Preventing Clutter
5. Organize Home Theater Cables

My Checklists
1 Moving checklist
2. House Cleaning Supplies Checklist
3. Homeschool to College - February Checklist
4. Picnic Planning Checklist
5. Babysitter Checklist

2009-09-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

8 Ways to Get Organized in 5 Minutes
It seems to me that people are busier than ever these days. We’re constantly running from one activity to the next and seem to leave a trail of debris in our wake wherever we go. There’s so much to do, I can’t possibly be bothered with things like “doing laundry so I’m not dirty and disgusting.” Whatever that means.Here’s the problem, though: not being organized actually makes us slower, which is something we certainly don’t have time for. If we don’t know what we’ve got, where it is, and how to find it, we run into serious problems, lowered productivity and raised stress levels.I’ve frequently found that taking just a few minutes to get organized will actually save a ton of time; and these things really only take a few minutes. Here are eight ways to get organized in only five minutes. Some are only for your computer, others can be applied anywhere in your life.
DigitizeWe’ve all got lots of notes lying around – notes to yourself, things to remember, reasons why we’re fantastic (that one might just be me, come to think of it). Take a few minutes, and type them up. Phone numbers, addresses, tasks, personal notes and the like are all easier to find, edit and use when they’re digital.Try an application like Evernote, which is great for pulling together all the disparate and random notes and thoughts that come to your attention on any given day.
ConsolidateMaybe you’re not a computer person (they are evil, after all). Take all those disparate, loose notes, and consolidate them. Take a single, large piece of paper, and copy over everything you still want or need onto that one sheet. Having everything in one place makes it easier to find, and gets rid of some of the clutter that has inevitably entered your space. Even if you do use a computer, the same idea applies – pull all your loose text files, or sticky notes, into one easily accessible place.
Pick a SpaceThis is one of my favorites and definitely one of the most satisfying ways to spend a few minutes organizing. Pick a small space, like the top of the refrigerator, or underneath your bed; clean that like crazy - I mean it needs to be immaculate. When done, move on to another small spot and declutter that. Breaking this down into small manageable projects will make getting organized a ton less intimidating.
Mind DumpThis is one of the best things you can do, both for your sanity and your productivity. Periodically sit down with a pen and paper (or computer, or a napkin), and write down everything in your head. Things you need to do, things that are bothering you, things you want to know; whatever it is, get it all out of your head. It’ll free your brain to think about other things and give you an idea of what, exactly, is on your mind. You can mind dump anywhere, and you’ll always feel better having done it.
Mass-TrashGo through your stuff, ignore everything you want to keep, and simply have a throwing-away party. I do this with digital files all the time, but it works equally well in your home or office; just get rid of stuff. Usually, what takes the longest is figuring out what to do with the stuff we still want. So don’t do that. Just get rid of everything else, and marvel in how much less junk you’ve got to deal with now.
SystemizeFiling is the not-so-fun, but logical, next step from the mass-trash bonanza. It can be made a lot more fun, and simple, by having a system in place. So, before you start filing things willy-nilly, create a simple system for it. Think about the ten things you have the most of: where does each one go? What do you want to do with them? Once you’ve got an obvious, no-brainer system in place, knowing where everything goes and putting it there just becomes muscle-memory. And that’s much better than filing otherwise.
One Thing, One PlaceThis is all about avoiding the overwhelm that can come from trying to get organized. Instead of dealing with everything at once, just pick one thing – say, movies. If you’ve got 300 movies lying all around your house, and nowhere to put them, just work with those. Find a home for them, get them all in their right place, and organize them to your heart’s content. There’s no wondering where each new thing goes, because they all go in the same place. Just put everything in the same place, and leave the rest of your stuff for later. If nothing else, at least one thing’s easier to find now.
Make it SearchableThis one’s obviously only for your digital life (if you’ve got a way to search through all your real-world stuff, let me know! Blank check is yours). One of the great advantages of the speed and power of our computers, as well as the Internet, is how powerful the search functionality is – you can find almost anything with just a few clicks. Google does it for the Web, and there are a bunch of solutions for searching your computer stuff. If you’ve got a PC, Google Desktop is a great one, as is Copernic Desktop. Mac users: Spotlight is your best friend. Searching is faster than filing, not to mention more complete. Pick a folder on your computer, dump everything into it, and search away! Getting organized is a daunting task, but is made much easier by doing it in bursts – a few minutes, or one particular thing, at a time. Before you know it, you’ll have a perfect system, a clean space, and a huge boost in both your sanity and your productivity.

2009-09-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Packing List - Which Packing Supplies Do I Need?
By Diane Schmidt, About.com

When you move or relocate, to ensure your household goods arrive at your new destination without a scratch, start with a good packing list so you purchase the right packing and moving supplies. This is an area where you can cut down on moving costs if necessary, just keep in mind that doing so may increase labor time either when you are packing - having to double wrap items - or unpacking - newspaper results in dirty glassware. Your time is valuable and paying that little bit extra may also buy you peace of mind.
Assuming you have decided which household goods will be moved, identify the items that will require specialized packing, based on fragility, awkward shapes or larger pieces that will be difficult to move. Once these items have been identified, take some measurements and notes, make a list, then go shopping.
Packing supplies can be purchased at a local moving retailer, a mail service store, or an office supply outlet; however, for the best choice and most variety, go online. By taking the time to surf the Internet, you can compare prices and find specialty items that may be difficult to purchase at a local retail shop. Be aware that some packing suppliers deal with large companies, so you will need to make sure you are able to purchase smaller quantities.
To save money, boxes are available from grocery stores or liquor/ wine stores. Give the store manager a few weeks notice so he or she can put aside what you need. Also, find out when the store receives large shipments and ask what time they will finish unloading. Remember that it is more difficult to securely pack items in retail boxes as they tend to be larger and more cumbersome.
Another way to save money and time, and to ensure you have all the basic supplies required to pack up your household, check out complete Moving Kits and Packing Kits. Moving Kits and Packing Kits can be purchased for particular rooms or for entire households. Do a comparison on total cost if items were purchased separately and watch out for any seasonal sales. As an example of what would be included for a 5-6 room home (up to 2800 square feet):
20 Small Moving Box
11 Medium Moving Box
10 Large Moving Box
4 X-Large Moving Box
5 Heavy Duty Box
6 Wardrobe Box
1 Electronics Box
2 Unprinted Newswrap
1 Bubble Wrap - 150 ft. Roll
1 Permanent Box Marker
7 Box Sealing Tape - Clear
Specialty Boxes
For most people the above list will suffice. For specialty items such as large mirrors, framed artwork, computers and printers, you made need to purchase supplies outside of the kit.
Specialty boxes are available for purchase. Artwork and mirror boxes are stronger and shaped to fit, and most come with - or with an option to purchase - frame protectors. Frame protectors can be secured to the corners of the item to prevent damage during the move. Purchasing corrugated cardboard may help protect glass surfaces and keep items separated while in transit.
Lamp boxes, guitar boxes, mattress and crib boxes are some of the specialty packing supplies available online. For most people, these boxes are not necessary. Not so for file boxes. Arriving at a new destination with nothing but empty file folders and papers strewn on the bottom of a box, can take days to sort and organize. File boxes are a simple tool to keep your documents sorted and sealed even after moving houses. File boxes can be purchased at any office supply store.
Accessories
Most of the items listed below are "nice to have". Most people on the move are able to manage with a pair of household scissors instead of a box cutter, markers instead of pre-printed labels and newspaper instead of packing peanuts; however, the more organized you are, the faster and easier the move. If you purchase items for the sole purpose of moving, it is easier to set aside a packing materials' box so all your supplies are within reach. Scissors and markers can quickly disappear when a project is due at school.
One item highly recommended when it comes to packing is a tape dispenser. A tape dispenser will save you time, frustration and your teeth! Purchase one, and after the move, keep it in the kitchen drawer. You will find it indispensable.
Packing Wrap, Cushioning, Protection
Brown Paper or Plain Newsprint: To prevent having to wash items after you've moved, use plain newsprint or brown paper to wrap items. Never use newsprint to wrap items with sensitive surfaces, such as lamps shades.
Foam: provides extra protection
Stretch Wrap: protects surfaces and keeps awkward items, such as ski poles, together
Inflatable bags: inflate to fill empty spaces
Peanuts: foam pieces that fill empty spaces
Labels
Custom printed: printed to suit your needs, i.e., 'Fragile' or 'Kitchen' or 'This End Up'
Pre-printed: already printed to fulfill common requirements
Blank: various sizes prepared on a single sheet that can be printed right from your own computer; cheaper and versatile
Miscellaneous
Box cutter: sharp utility blade to slice open difficult materials
Mattress covers: soft foam covers to protect mattress from punctures and rips
Markers: range in abilities and price, including markers that write on difficult surfaces such as glass and plastic
Elsewhere on the Web
Moving and Packing Kits K-Mart Moving Kits Uline Moving Kits

2009-09-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

How To Get Organized—Finally!
WebMD Feature from "Psychology Today" Magazine
Hara Estroff Marano
Clutter buster Mia Lotringer gives tips on how to organize your closets and your life.

When it comes to getting organized, we're our own worst enemies. We keep things because we persuade ourselves we'll need them—even if we haven't used them in five years and don't quite know where we've put them. There seems to be a security factor in just knowing they're around... somewhere.
But that turns out to be misplaced; it's our inner-hoarder talking. What most of us really need is a personal push to get organized, an experienced personal organizer to separate us emotionally from the possessions we no longer need and that clutter our minds as well as our space.
To get some tips on overcoming our worst string-saving instincts, I turned to a top professional organizer, Mia Lotringer, who runs C'est Fini! in Los Angeles (www.cestfini.com). What follows are her suggestions.
Open your mail every day. Or make a weekly appointment with yourself—and don't break it!—to open all your mail and pay all your bills.
Set up a weekly appointment with yourself to do the food shopping—and create a meal plan for the week with all the necessary groceries—so that you won't need to go to the grocery store all the time.
When you pick up your mail, always throw the junk mail out immediately. That leaves a smaller pile to contend with.
Shred everything with your name, address, and any personal information, especially credit card offers and anything with your social security number.
Once you have looked at a paper, take whatever action is needed right away.
Always put the ball in other people's court. The overall goal is to have no papers on your desk at all. In order to do that, act on all your open files; do your part and you won't have to think about the project, task or question—until the others get back to you. Put the papers you have acted on in a Pending File with a note as to the action taken, when and with whom. Then input a date in your calendar with an alert so that you can follow-up if necessary.
Get virtual: anything that you can keep as a document on your computer, do! Do not print out anything—unless you will need it outside your home or office. Always back up important information from your computer onto discs or a backup drive!
Organize your computer. Try to get files off the desktop—they are visual clutter. Reserve your desktop for the files you access every day. Create folders in your Documents folder to encompass a range of files: Recipes, Events, etcetera. Create categories and subcategories that make sense to you.
The biggest obstacle between you and your organized self is your fear of throwing things out. If you are a business, throw out all tax papers older than 11 years; individuals can safely throw out all financial papers older than seven years. Do keep birth and marriage certificates, social security cards, driver's licenses and passports, along with the deed/title to your home, homeowner's insurance in a safety deposit box or in a fireproof lock box and/or with copies with the family lawyer/financial advisor.
Get over the emotional roadblock to getting organized. You must be willing to throw things out! As a veteran organizer, I can honestly say that there is no one's home where something can't be thrown out—including mine! If there's an item you haven't used in six months, chances are you won't ever use it; it's only taking up space.
Go through your items quickly and make snap judgments—that first inclination is generally a good one. Then repeat the process. Often, you will find more items that you can live without. If you are holding onto something in case you "might" need it in the far off future, get rid of it! You can always buy whatever it is when you actually need it.
If you really can't throw things out, I suggest staging those items out of your life. Put the items in a box with a destroy date written onto it—generally about six months from now. If you find yourself needing to go into it to find something—and you end up actually using that item, not just taking it out of the box—put it with the items to keep. Anything left in the box at the end of the time should be thrown out.
If you are a frequent traveler, have a travel bag all ready to go, with toothbrush and miniature toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body cream, liquid body soap, sunscreen; razor; brush/comb. Carry on extra socks for use on the plane, an extra layer, extra medication and prescription, hand cleaner, water mist and a bottle of water. Pack anything liquid, creamy or potentially messy in a Glad bag.
Create a To Do or task list, if possible on your PDA. Prioritize items and assign all a due date. If a task needs following up, set a date to take further action.
Get a PDA. If you back it up at least once week and back up your computer at least once a month, you will always have a copy of your address book, your calendar, your task list. It is a brain source—once you put it in there you don't have to think about it until it tells you to!
Do not get overwhelmed. Pick one thing that needs to get organized—the smaller the better—papers, computer files, clothes, linen closet, kitchen, mail, children's room, and work on that one thing until you are content that it is sufficiently organized. Then move onto the next item. Never attack the whole house at one time.

2009-09-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Home Inventory How-To
Or How to Make a Packing List
By Diane Schmidt, About.com
Moving Packing List Moving Inventory Car Moving Quote Travel Packing Packing Plant
My sister recently moved and found that a few items were missing. Of course, she only discovered this a few weeks after the move and after she had already signed-off on the waybill the moving company provided.
Don't let this happen to you. Before you move it's important to know exactly what is going to move with you; It's a kind of packing list. Items can be lost or damaged, but if you know exactly what should arrive at your new home, your insurance company should cover the loss/damage.
How To Conduct a Household Inventory and Packing List
Take copies of all important documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, wills, insurance policies, deeds, etc... Keep the originals and copies separate. Originals should move with you, while copies can move with the rest of your household items.
Next, you need to make a record of your belongings. This can be done quickly and easily using a video camera or digital still camera. If you choose either method, create an audio diary with it or add notes to the still photos to include information on when it was purchased and how much it's worth. It's probably best to record how much you paid for the item and let the insurance agency determine its value.
If using a video camera, have someone help you by holding items, opening doors and drawers to make sure you get a complete record.
If you don't have either a video or still camera, you can still create a written record by using an already existing list - obtained from your insurance company or on a simple notepad or computer program. Again, record when the item was purchased and how much you paid for it at the time.
In addition, record serial numbers or any distinctive features, just in case the item goes missing.
Depending on what you own, photograph or describe most items you own. Even items of clothing, kitchen pieces and garage tools should be recorded, especially if there's a value attached. This will also help the moving company should some of your items go missing. They can retrace their steps, check with other customers to see if your items can be located.
After you've finished your documentation, make copies of the list, video tape and or digital photos. Keep copies with a friend or relative, while you keep the original copy. This will ensure that a copy can be found even if you lose the original.
Finally, use your inventory list for the moving company to get a more accurate estimate of what your move will cost. In addition, this will also help you determine if you need additional moving insurance to what is offered through your movers or home insurance.
This inventory record can also be kept in case of emergencies, such as a fire or other natural disaster. It can also help should your home be broken into. Serial numbers and good descriptions can help recover your items.

Moving - Things You Forget to Pack or Do When You Move - Moving Tips
Moving and Packing - What Not to Pack When You Move

2009-09-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

12 Terrific Moving Tips When You're Moving Your Home
Great Moving Tips to Make Moving Your Home Easier
by Coral Nafiefor About.com

Who can't use some moving tips when they're packing up their whole life for a new home? If you're among thousands of people who have picked up and moved their family to a new home or a new community, you have fresh memories of some of the ups and downs or thrills or frustrations of moving.
Drawing from personal experience, I know there are lots of ways to help make your household move easier and more smooth. Read here for help to get your life, and your possessions, organized for a peaceful and exciting move.
Make a list.Write everything down! You'll thank yourself later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. You'll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on your list. Don't put the list down unless it's in a place you'll call Packing Central. This is where you'll find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies. When describing the box contents, be specific -- "A-D files" is better than "files", and "Tulip dishes" rather than "misc. kitchen".
Have plenty of supplies.Don't make me say this twice-- you'll need LOTS of boxes--probably more boxes than you think, and having enough boxes will make your life easier! (If you buy your boxes from a moving company, you can always return unused boxes for a refund. If you got them free from the grocery, just toss any leftovers.) Have about 10 boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies. You'll need strong plastic packing tape to close up the boxes securely. Use unprinted newsprint (newspaper can stain your items) or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household good. Again, you'll need lots more supplies than you think, so get extra so the packing can go smoothly. Return any unused supplies after the truck is packed.
Utilize wardrobe boxes.These tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging. Call your mover to ask the width of the wardrobe boxes they'll be bringing. Then measure the clothes in your closets (including coat closets) to see how many wardrobe boxes you'll need. You can also use them for closet storage boxes, shoe boxes, and other bulky items such as fabric bolts, large baskets, or gift wrap tubes.
Don't make the boxes too heavy to lift, however. One mover told the story of someone who put a bowling ball in a wardrobe box! When the box was lifted off the truck the bottom gave way, sending the bowling ball on a wild ride down the ramp, across the street to the gutter, then down a hill where it finally came to rest in a roadside ditch. (Is that a strike or a spare?)
Strategize wardrobe box use.Moving companies will be happy to deliver boxes ahead of your moving day. Or if you're doing the move yourself, get things organized as early as possible. A few days before your move, fill some sturdy handled shopping bags with bulky closet items such as shoes, sweaters, belts, and jeans. On moving day, fill the bottom of the wardrobe boxes with some of the shopping bags, then add your hanging clothing. Pack hanging items tightly so things won't move around and fall off of hangers. Finally, cover the shoulders of your clothes (a dry cleaning bag works well), then add a few purses or sweaters on top. You'll have fewer boxes, and closet items remain together. Also, the shopping bags will make it easier to retrieve your belongings from the bottoms of a tall wardrobe box.
Color coordinate.Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. In your new home. Put a matching sticker on the door to each room. The movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the destination. It's also helpful to post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want boxes stacked, ("Boxes here please") to keep them out of furniture and traffic areas.

Keep things together.Insist on keeping things together when you or the movers are packing boxes. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with tape or placed in small envelopes -- to keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf brackets with a bookcase, a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit. Keep larger corresponding items (such as a cable TV cord) in resealable bags, and tape these to the underside or back of the item. As a backup, have a "Parts Box" open on the kitchen counter and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets, or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. Keep this box with you, or mark it well with a rainbow of colored stickers so it can be easily located on move-in day.
Pack ahead.Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. If it's summer, get your winter clothes out of the way. You don't really need 5 radios or TV's around your house for the last few days there. Box up your shampoo and extra toothpaste and live out of a travel cosmetic case for the last week or two. Pare down cooking utensils and food supplies to bare essentials. Wastebaskets can also be packed (put things in them!) while you switch to using plastic grocery bags (hang them on a cabinet door or door handle to collect trash.)
Consolidate cleaning supplies.If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Clean anything possible ahead of time (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room as movers empty it.
Use your luggage.Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. Even for local moves you'll be able to quickly spot your navy suitcase holding your favorite sweaters, whereas "Box #189" might remain elusive for days.
Safeguard valued items.It's a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections, or antiques, with you. If you have a long move and no room in your car, bury the items in a box titled "Misc. from kitchen pantry". Either way, check your homeowner's insurance to see how you are covered during the move, and if you need additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of loss.
Keep important papers with you.Your list of "important" papers might include: birth certificates, school records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps, and more. Don't leave these with the mover. Keep them with you!
Personal boxes.Use brightly colored storage tote boxes, one for each person. Let each family member fill theirs with items they'll want 'right away' in the new home -- a set of sheets, a towel, a couple of extension cords, a phone, nightlights, address book, pens and paper, keys, kleenex, and travel cosmetic case, and so on.
Moving may not be the most fun you've ever had, but planning ahead will go a long way toward making the process bearable.

2009-09-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

DLTK's Holiday Activities for KidsAutumn Activities
Do you remember when I mentioned that summer is short but sweet where we live. Well, unfortunately autumn is even shorter. My sister lived in Ottawa for awhile and was stunned by the colours of fall. It was beautiful, I hear. The kids and I pretty much just get to see yellow poplar leaves. The reds, oranges and golds of the East are just a rumour here. Oh well, at least we can make whatever colours we like in our crafts!

Autumn Coloring Pages

Autumn Crafts

Autumn Games and Puzzles

Autumn Leaf Collectors Album

Autumn Poems and Songs

Autumn Printables

Autumn Recipes

Autumn Worksheets

2009-09-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Moving Guru.com

When Moving Day Arrives...
Finding Your New Home
Mortgage Tips

Rental Advice

Helping Your Kids Adjust
Moving Your Pets
The Art Of The Garage Sale
Moving Large Furniture
Transferring Utilities
Changing Your Address

Tips For Successful Storage
Tips For Packing Wisely
Unpacking Strategies

Moving Your Computer
Moving House Plants
Moving Your Boat
Automobile Moving
What To Do With That Piano?
Moving Your Office
International Relocation

Preparing For The Costs
Tax Implications
Insuring Your Move

Do It Yourself?
Free Moving Quotes

What Are My Cable And Satellite TV Options?
How Do I Transfer My Gas And Electric?
How Do I Choose A Home Security System?
What Are My Internet Options?
What Are My Phone Service Options?

How Do I Shop For Auto Insurance?
How Do I Choose My Health Insurance?
What Is Home Owner's Insurance?

How Do I Find A Good Contractor?

What Is A Credit Score?
What's Included In My Credit Score?
How Does My Credit Score Affect Me?
How Do I Improve My Credit Score?

2009-09-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Get Organized Now
NEW
September
Organizing
Checklist
Turn over a
new leaf this
fall and start
getting organized today with
our NEW September Monthly
Checklist.
Go!
One Month Back:
Last month's
checklist, in case
you're behind:
August, 2009
Checklist
NEW Weekly
Organizing
Challenge
Each week, you'll get a new
challenge that should take
you 30 minutes or less to
accomplish. What fun
knowing that lots of people
are working on the same
goal! Check out what this
week's challenge is. (Just
updated for the Week of
September 6th)
Go

2009-09-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Moving: What Everyone Ought to Know About Moving Companies...
ARA Content
(ARA) - So it's time to move and you're excited, but it's a lot of work getting all your stuff from one location to the next. Hiring a moving company can help reduce the stress of moving and professionals help make sure your items get to wherever you are going safely. So how do you know what you should look for when hiring a moving company? After all, you want to hire someone you trust with your possessions. There are some things every person should consider when hiring a company to move their items.

1) Research It's smart to check out several companies before choosing the right one for you. Web sites like MovingGuru.com are quick and easy ways to connect you with a variety of moving companies in your area. Instead of having to call various companies for quotes, simply fill out the form on the site and up to six companies will call or e-mail you. After receiving bids you can book the best deal.

2) License and Insurance Make sure the mover you use has a license and comprehensive insurance. You can opt for insurance coverage that will protect the worth of all your belongings should something happen. Ask about the details.

3) Extra Fees Depending on what you need, you might be required to pay extra fees. Most moving companies charge based on weight, but under special circumstances, they can add charges that can cost you a lot. Remember to ask about what you could be charged for extra services so you know what to expect.

4) Complaints Checking out complaint registries are a good place to find out if the company has any major issues. Search online for reviews or check the Better Business Bureau. You can also ask the company if they have anyone you can contact that would recommend them. A good moving company will have a presence in your area, will visit your home prior to your move, and will answer any questions you might have before signing or paying for anything. Don't get stuck with an unprofessional moving company and a high bill.

Visit www.MovingGuru.com to fill out a simple form that lets a variety high-quality moving professionals come to you.

Copyright © 2008, ARAnet, inc.

2009-09-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

Ten Things to Know Before Moving to a New City and New House
April 01, 2007 by Amy Brantley

Ten Things to Know Before Moving to a New City #1:
Crime RateBefore moving to a new city, it's important to take the time and look at the rate of crime that city has. Obviously, many large cities will have a high level of crime, but many small towns can be just as bad. Do some research and know what you might be getting yourself into.

Ten Things to Know Before Moving to a New City #2:
School SystemIf you have children, you must know if the city school system is up to par. Do you really want to send your child to a school system without doing any research? Find all the information you can about the school system. Many school systems may even have high crime rates.

Ten Things to Know Before Moving to a New City #3:
EconomyYou just found an amazing deal on a house that is three states away. In fact, all the houses in that area are very affordable. But, what is the economy like? Will you be able to make those affordable house payments, with the types of jobs that available in that area? Are there jobs even available?

Ten Things to Know Before Moving to a New City #4:
Medical CareMoving to a new city, and then discovering that the medical care in that area is poor, may not seem like a big deal until you need medial attention. It's best to know about a city's medical care before moving to a new city and finding out first hand.

Ten Things to Know Before Moving to a New City #5:
TaxesYou just found a job that pays several thousand more than what you currently make, but the job is a few states away. Before moving, you should take the time to do some research and see how much the taxes are. After state taxes, city taxes, road taxes, etc. you may not be any better off than you are now.

Ten Things to Know Before Moving to a New City #6:
PopulationBefore moving to a new city, you may want to see how many people live there. If you like big towns, a large population will not bother you. If you hate large cities, you may want to look for a town whose population in under 5,000. Large populations usually mean being very close to your neighbors and that's not always a good thing.

Ten Things to Know Before Moving to a New City #7:
Average Age Moving to a new city may be shocking when you discover that most of the people are twice your age or half your age. Take some time to do even more research to discover what the average age of these citizens is. This will help you avoid moving to a town filled with 20 year olds or 80 year olds.

Ten Things to Know Before Moving to a New City #8:
Cell Phone CoverageChanging cell phone companies is not only a hassle, but it can cost a fortune. You have to pay the initial fees, buy a new phone, not to mention find a company that fits your needs. Before moving to a new city, go online to your cell phone company's website and see if they cover that area.

Ten Things to Know Before Moving to a New City #9:
Internet ServicesHaving DSL or any other high speed internet connection is wonderful, moving to a new city that lacks those high speed connections is not. Before moving to a new city, look for an area that will have the perfect internet connection. One side of the city may have high speed access, while the other side does not.

Ten Things to Know Before Moving to a New City #10:
EntertainmentMoving to a new city and finding out that the most entertaining thing to do is go grocery shopping is a disappointment to say the least. If you like to go out to the movies or go shopping, look for a city that offers all of that and more. Don't move to a laid back city where people like to watch the grass grow, if that's not your idea of entertainment.

2009-09-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

A Modern Mom's Guide to Life
Many of us have seen the fabulous new show, A Modern Girl's Guide to Life, which has all the most essential information on entertaining, gift-giving, and smart shopping etiquette. But when you become a mother, you are confronted with a new set of etiquette questions that go beyond wine knowledge and sample sales (although of course that stuff remains important too). Thus, A Modern Mom's Guide to Life is born, a comprehensive manual to what matters most to mothers. We'll take modern trends and mom-ify them, to solve all your burning mom quandaries and come up with perfect solutions.
Modern Mom Tip Of the Week: The Goody Bag. A modern mom's life is a whirlwind of events. You often find yourself besieged with invites to baby showers, birthdays, and bar mitzvahs. It's no wonder you sometimes feel you're spending all your time and money on attending the milestones of your mommy-friends.
If you're the hostess, holding your, say, third birthday party that year, sweeten the deal by giving guests a goody bag when they leave. Goody bags are the latest trend in hosting and entertaining, and any modern mom should know how to create one. The good news about goody bags is that they are festive, gracious, and can be customized to fit any budget. And modern moms know, nothing makes an event feel more glamorous than getting a goody bag at the end. To leave an unforgettable impression on your guests, here's a guide to assembling one of these pretty little packages.
Include:
A useful gift, like a MomAgenda Desk Pad
Mini lotion or hand sanitizer
A perfume sample
A flower from your garden
A bookmark commemorating the day, time and event
Simply bind the whole thing together with a festive ribbon and pass out as your guests walk out the door. The total cost and effort of the gesture was minimal, but there's no doubt your friends will leave saying "Oh goody!"

2009-09-09T13:57:00.000-05:00

OrganizationTips n' Checklists
Chart the course- Printable checklists and organizing articles,
Clutter Control : pare down and put away
MOVING planner
Wedding Help Wedding Planners, wedding help articles
House Management : inside and outfor outside and inside your home
MOM and CHILD Guide CenterFREE Checklists,potty training help
Chore Time Child chores and Adults
Clean Time Quick and dirty cleaning tips
Office, Time and Money Management
Daily Planners, Etc
Daily Planners
Palm Pilot learn pda and more
Budget Time Money Management
Home Office Help
Top Organizing Items
FREE Book :Get more done in less time, set prorities, and organize your work.
Start Your Own Ebay Store & get paid to get rid of clutter. Build in minutes with our Quick Store Set-up Get instant credibility with customizable display settings, templates and more! Built-In Shortcuts - Automate repetitive tasks with bulk editing. Create and organize up to 300 Store Categories Get dedicated, toll-free phone support
Must Haves from the Container Store
The Smart Way to Organize SavingsHURRY�for a limited time� Each Couponizer comes with a FREE book! an $18.00 value!! Learn more about how to maximize your money
Try Angie's List. See what area homeowners say about local services for car repairs, home improvements or even wedding planning.
Budget Planner- Simple plan that takes just 5 minutes a day
Robo Password Manager fills forms in and remembers your passwords-Ad free

2009-09-09T13:11:00.000-05:00

What You Need to Know About Moving
We give you six tips to save money and find a reputable mover.
By Sean O'Neill
From Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, October 2006
1. Don't throw darts at the Yellow Pages. There are better ways to find a reputable mover. Start by visiting the Web site of the American Moving and Storage Association and click on "Why You Should Use a Certified Mover." Next, vet several outfits that serve your area by looking up their complaint records at the Better Business Bureau's Web site. Get bids from at least three companies.
RELATED LINKS
Write off Moving Expenses
Home Buyer's Survival Kit
Get the Most From Your Home Sale
Grad Guide to Finding Housing
2. Full-service will cost you full freight. Although hiring a professional interstate mover is still the easiest way to transport your family belongings, it is also usually the costliest. A typical household move over a distance of, say, 1,200 miles -- including the cost of loading, unloading and hauling goods that weigh about 8,000 pounds -- will run you about $3,000. The good news? By moving between October and May, you may save money because rates drop by about 10% during the off-season.
3. Movers may tip the scales in their favor. When you hire a full-service van line, insist on going with the driver to a weigh station twice: once to see the van's weight when it's empty and a second time to see its weight after it's been loaded. Otherwise, the company may fudge the weight measurements and charge you more than your fair share.
4. Pack Mom's china yourself. And while you're at it, pack all your own boxes, if you can. Interstate movers charge an additional $900, on average, to pack and unpack your belongings for you. One caveat: Prices for packing tape have tripled and prices for cardboard boxes have risen about 20% in the past two years. You can save on packing supplies by buying from OnlineMovingBoxes.com and BoxesDelivered.com, which usually charge 10% to 20% less than moving companies and office-supply stores.
5. Save money and leave the driving to them. You can save as much as 50% on an interstate move by renting from the do-it-yourselfers (U-Haul, Ryder and Penske). But who really wants to drive a 15-year-old rental truck? Now there's another option. Household-freight companies -- such as ABF U-Pack Moving, Broadway Express and Door to Door -- will do the driving for you. The company leaves a crate or trailer outside your house; you pack the boxes and load and unload them. Moving the contents of a three-bedroom home the 1,900 miles between Columbus, Ohio, and Scottsdale, Ariz., costs $2,984, including gas, if you rent a U-Haul. A comparable move would cost $3,057 with ABF U-Pack -- only about $75 more. By comparison, having Allied Van Lines do the driving for you, without its optional packing service, would run at least $6,090.
6. Unload some of the expense on the IRS. You may be eligible for an income-tax break for expenses you incur when you move to take a new job, such as the cost of shipping your belongings, if your new workplace is at least 50 miles farther from your old home than your old workplace was. And you may take the deduction even if you do not itemize.

2009-07-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Frugal Living 101
Browse Topic
Frugal Living 101
Money Management
Household Savings
Food Savings
Bargain Shopping
Clothing
Beauty & Health Care
Special Occasions
Frugal Fun
Do-It-Yourself
Affordable Transportation
Frugal Family
Frugal Seniors
Uses for Vinegar
38 Vinegar-based Recipes
Find out what vinegar can do for you.
Read more

Recycling Craft: Denim Pocket Purse
Wednesday June 25, 2008
Do the heat and gas prices have you stuck indoors? If so, now is a great time to get started on your Christmas gifts. Grab a pair of worn out jeans from your closet, and make a denim pocket purse. It's the perfect gift for a little girl.
More Uses for Old Jean:
Turn Old Jeans into a Skirt
Denim Pocket Quilt
Denim Booty Bag
More Recycling Crafts:
Make New Crayons from Old Crayons
Make Your Own Stickers
Homemade Rubber Stamps
Make Your Own Foam Stamps

2009-07-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Frugal Living
Here's just a small selection of our featured frugal living articles - stretching your dollars and resources for a better life!

7 Frugal Fun Summer Tips
8 Strategies Practiced by Creative Savers
10 Steps to Make Christmas Affordable and Fun
14 Tips to Help You Find Great Deals at Garage Sales
15 Ways to Create More Cash
20 Fun Ideas that Won't Break the Bank
25 Guilt Free Reasons For Eating Ice Cream
51 Money-Saving Uses for Ordinary Kitchen Items
63 Gift Ideas for Under $10
A Complete Money-Saving Guide to Traveling by Car
Air Drying Clothes Without A Clothesline
A Priceless Gift
Art Supplies: Save Money Making them at Home!
"Ask" and You Just Might Receive!!
Are 'Hand-Me-Downs' Out of Fashion?
Air Drying Clothes Without A Clothesline
Choosing a Safe Space Heater
Cloth Diapers and Homemade Diaper Wipes
Coupon Queen Savings
Crafting with Trash
Developing Your Personal Creativity - a Powerful Force!
Easy to Make Musical Instruments for Kids
Finding a Great Bargain
Getting the Most Light from Candles
Gifts From the Kitchen
Hit Those Yard Sales!
Homeschooling on the Cheap
If It's On Sale, Should I Stock Up?
Learning to Live on One Income
Living Lovely on Less
My Mother Gave Me More Than Just Her Name - Lemonade 101
Oh My GOD, They Called Me a CHEAPSKATE!
Saving Big on Baby Supplies - The Absolute Must Haves
Saving Money on Restaurants and Fast Food
Saving Money While on Vacation
Sometimes the Best Bargain Costs a Little More
Summer Family Fun
Thrift Shops - Love 'Em!
Tips for Cutting Costs at Breakfast
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2009-07-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Support Your Farmers by Eating Locally
Topics - Farmers' Markets
Did you know that you can help curtail global warming just by changing up the fruits and vegetables you buy everyday?Most of the food you eat travels hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles to get to your kitchen table. Food shipped and trucked from all corners of the world uses untold millions of gallons of gasoline for transport and threatens the existence of local farms. Not to mention all of the carbon dioxide it releases into the environment, just to get to your kitchen.

Green Living Ideas

2009-07-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Better Budgeting

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FEATURED FRUGAL RECIPES OF THE MONTH Michelle's Meals on a Budget

Deviled Eggs

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2009-07-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

Fourth of July is Independence Day
Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It's a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks, and a reason to fly the American flag.
Declaration of Independence – View the original at the National Archives
Facts – Fun facts about July 4th from the Census Bureau
Flag Facts – Learn more about the U.S. flag
Historical Documents
History – A look at Independence Day from the Library of Congress
Independence Day Celebrations in the National Parks
Kids' Quiz – See what you know about Independence Day
Patriotic Melodies
Recipes from and for Americans
Teachers' Resource: Celebrating America's Freedoms – Essays on national symbols and customs
Travel and Recreation in the U.S.

Fireworks
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Recalls – Product and Company Search
State Fireworks Control Laws – What's permitted and prohibited

Safety Tips
Barbecue Safety – from the Agriculture Department
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Summer Health Tips – from the Federal Citizen Information Center
Travel Safely

Virtual Visits
A Capitol Fourth – America's Independence Day Celebration in Washington, DC
History of the Liberty Bell
Independence National Historical Park – Philadelphia
Liberty Bell – Visit Philadelphia's symbol of freedom
U.S. Constitution in Our History

2009-06-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

Green Living Ideas

Give Your Home an Energy Efficiency Makeover
Topics - Home Energy Usage
Have you given your home an energy efficiency makeover recently?Given rising electricity, oil and natural gas prices, a home energy efficiency makeover is highly recommended to help manage your pocketbook while keeping your home at the right temperature in all seasons.

2009-06-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Better Budget Frugal Living Tips!

How to Save Money on Gas: Over 40 FREE Tips! Not owning a car these days can sure be cost effective, especially with the rising costs of gasoline! Here's a list of gas saving tips I wrote a while back... when prices were just starting to climb over $2.00 per gallon here in the States! With current gas prices now toppling over $4.00 a gallon I thought it would be great to revisit these tips and have our readers write in with anything that we can add... read more

Invite Fun into Your Life, Even During the Challenging Times: Many folks are currently facing extraordinary financial challenges. For some, the results have been devastating while for others it is requiring tightening the spending belt several notches. Even though people are being affected on different levels, there is a proven trend toward decreased consumer spending... read more

Black Belt Shopper: "Double Greening" Green is the word of the day. Between concerns about gas prices and global warming, we’re all being urged to go green. So how do black belt shoppers go green? We all know the obvious ways of saving money on energy—cut down on lighting, heating, and gas. Look for alternatives to... read more

Credit Wise: Desperate Times Call for Better Planning
I heard a horrific story on the news recently about thieves stealing urns from cemeteries and selling them for scrap metal. Last week, I heard another story about crooks breaking into new homes and stealing the copper wire to sell. It seems every day there’s another story about how gas thieves are trying new tactics and siphoning gas. What if, instead of stealing, those ill-intentioned thieves... read more

Frugal Parenting: Super Sensational Savings with Salt - Part 3If you have read part one and part two of this series, you discovered some of the over 14,000 wonderful uses for salt. That canister of salt sitting in your kitchen cupboard is great for more than just seasoning your food or for cleaning. Use it for killing weeds, fixing clogged drains, soothing bugs bites or poison ivy, and as a dandruff treatment. Read on for more helpful (and healthy) ideas... read more

Budget Decorating: Drought Tolerant Garden Plants
Most areas of the country are seeing a big change in the way we plant a garden. Water is becoming more and more a precious commodity and most gardeners are trying to find ways to plant a drought tolerant garden... read more

Inspirational Tiles
by Jill Badrick These tiles make great gifts. I always give a coin easel in addition to the tile as a gift so that the tile can be displayed. Otherwise you could attach a loop of ribbon to the back of the tile... read more

Cake-in-a-Jar Gifts
by Loy Ellen Gross
This is a great little gift that helps stretch a box of cake mix farther and earns a lot of smiles... read more

2009-06-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

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2009-06-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

Green Living Ideas

Use Natural Products to Clean Your Home
Topics - Housecleaning
Most people believe that keeping the home clean maximizes health. While this might be true in theory, research shows that clean houses are increasingly co-related with lowered immunity in families. The reason is that most conventional household cleaning detergents release chemicals called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that can be extremely toxic..

2009-06-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Cheapskate Guide: 50 Tips for Frugal Living

Confession time: I’m a cheapskate. Some would say frugal, which sounds much more positive, but in reality I can be a real cheapskate.

I am fairly frugal (though not always), but sometimes I take it too far: I have T-shirts with holes in them, I never buy new clothes, we’re shopping for a new couch because our current one has holes in it, and I ran my current pair of running shoes until the soles fell off.

However, I have gradually learned to be frugal in many ways that I would recommend to others. I don’t think you should have holes in your couch, and you should definitely replace your running shoes more often than I do, but there are many ways to cut back on spending and live a more frugal lifestyle.

Why live frugally? First, because it allows you to spend less than you earn, and use the difference to pay off debt, save or invest. Or all three. Second, because the less you spend, the less you need to earn. And that means you can choose to work less, or work more but retire early. Or take mini retirements. You have more options with a frugal lifestyle.I know what I’m going to hear in the comments, because it’s been done repeatedly with my other frugal articles: I have no life. This is boring. I might as well live in a box. You have to enjoy life sometimes.

All of which you might believe, but I believe I do have a life. A great one. One where I spend time with my family, where I have conversations and read and get outside and do things that are fun and exercise and focus on what’s important and spend my free time the way I want. This is a good life. Read this article for more.

So, if you’d like some tips on frugal living, here are just a few, from a cheapskate. I should note that I do most, but not all, of these tips.

1.Go with one car. Many families have two or more cars. Besides your house, your car is probably your most expensive item. If you can do with one, you should. My wife and I both work, and we have six kids, and yet we have learned to manage with one car.

2.Go with a smaller house. Just because you can afford a larger house, doesn’t mean you should live in one. Live in as small a house as you can and still be comfortable. I don’t mean you should live in a one-room apartment with a family of four … you know what I mean. You can save thousands a year with a smaller house. Many times, if you get rid of a lot of clutter, you don’t need a large house.

3.Go with a smaller car. Again, you can save thousands by going with a smaller car. A car instead of an SUV, for example, is a big savings. Be comfortable, but don’t overdo it. You’ll save a lot on gas this way too.

4.Rent rather than own. This will probably spark a huge debate, as it always does. The thing is, just don’t assume that buying is the better investment. If you calculate the interest you pay on a mortgage, the cost of insurance and maintenance, buying is often much more costly than renting … and if you rent, save money, and then invest the difference, you can actually end up well ahead in the long run. Now, it’s not a given, so do a comparison, factoring in all expenses. Here’s a more in-depth article.

5.Look for used first. If you need something — I mean really need it, not just want it — see if someone you know has one that they don’t use or need anymore. Send out an email to family or friends, or just ask around. You might be surprised. I was about to buy a printer, and then found out my mom just bought a laser printer and didn’t need her old inkjet … saving me close to 100 smackeroos. If no one you know owns one, try freecycle.org or craigslist.org. Then look to buy used, at garage sales or thrift shops. You can find a bargain if you look around.

6.Eat out less. One of the biggest expenses in our daily lives is eating out — the average person spends well over $2,000 a year on eating out. Restaurants are expensive, including fast-food (not to mention the health hazards). It’s much cheaper to cook your own food. Our family creates a weekly menu, then we buy the groceries, and cook dinner (and lunch) each evening. Lately I’ve even been prepping it in the morning, so it’s a snap when we get home.

7.Eat out frugally. If you do eat out, check out these money-saving tips.

8.Brown bag it to work. Instead of eating out for lunch, bring your lunch. More here.

9.Adopt a minimalist wardrobe. This tip won’t be for everybody, but I try for a minimalist wardrobe. I generally wear jeans or casual pants, a T-shirt or Polo-type shirt, and sandals or shoes. Plain, solid colors are my favorite. Everything goes with everything else, and I don’t have too many clothes. This saves me the stress of picking out an outfit, and I don’t need as many clothes.

10.Stop online impulse buys. This was a problem for me before I canceled my credit card. I used to buy online a couple of times a week. Now I buy maybe once every couple of months, using PayPal or someone else’s credit card. I’m not saying you have to go to this extreme, but realize that online buying can be way too easy (you don’t even have to go to a store) and therefore, we make too many impulse buys. Buy online if you really need something and it’ll save you money, but beware the impulse buy. See 30-day list tip below.

11.Don’t shop. Don’t go to the mall or other shopping area or department store to look around and shop. Go to a store if you know what you need, and then get out. Many times people go shopping, with a vague idea of what they want, and get caught up buying much more. Or they go just for fun, as a form of entertainment. That ends up costing a lot. It can really add up. Instead, stay away from shopping areas and find other ways to have fun (more below).

12.Use a 30-day list. To curb impulse buys, create a 30-day list. When you want to buy something, other than a true necessity (medicine or food, for example), put it on this list, with the date you added it to the list. And make it a rule that you can’t buy anything for at least 30 days after you put it on the list. And stick to it. You’ll find that you buy a lot less with this system.

13.Cut out cable. I’ve talked about how I cut out cable before. It saves me money every month (in my area, about $60, or more than $700 a year), and also forces me to do things like read and have conversations and go outside. Win win.

14.Use the library. Instead of buying books, check them out. The library often also has a great selection of DVDs (depending on your area), saving you even more. Now who needs cable?

15.Find free entertainment. Find cheap ways to have fun. Entertainment often ends up costing a lot of money, if you go to the movies, buy concessions, or go out at night, go to the bar, etc. The average person spends about $1,800 a year on entertainment (not including eating out). Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t have fun … but there are cheaper ways to do it. Here are a few ideas. Here’s a frugal family’s fun and cheap weekend.

16.Frugal exercise. Exercise is important, but it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Here are some tips.

17.Stay healthy. Easier said than done, I know, but staying healthy can save you tons of money on doctor’s visits, hospital bills, and medicine over the long run. An ounce of prevention, and all that. Eat healthily, and exercise. Simple and effective.

18.Commute by bike. Even if you own a car, commuting by bike will save you gas, and get you in shape at the same time. I highly recommend it. Here are my tips.

19.Carpool or ride the bus. OK, you don’t want to bike it. So find a friend or neighbor who works near you, and arrange a carpool. Or take public transportation. Simple advice, but something a lot of people ignore.

20.Walk. Often we drive to the corner store, or to a school that’s less than a mile away. Leave a few minutes early, walk, burn some calories, and save gas.

21.Sell your clutter. This is not so much saving money as making it, but the frugal, simplifying cheapskate, like myself, will want to declutter and make a few bucks doing it. Hold a garage sale or sell it on eBay. It’s amazing what some people will buy. See the Simple Dollar’s post on this.

22.Frugal gifting. Gifts can cost a lot of money over the course of a year. Look for ways to do it cheaply. Make a gift, or give a consummable. My family enjoys getting and giving cookies, for example. Here are some ideas.

23.Quit smoking. Not the easiest way to save, I know. It’s hard. But I did it, and so have many, many others. Not only will you save on cigarettes (which are expensive over the long run), but also associated costs (I used to buy a soda or beer to go with my cigarettes) … and of course the huge, long-term medical costs. In less than 2 years of not smoking, I’ve saved well more than $3,000. Here are my tips for quitting.

24.Alcohol in moderation. If you drink one beer or a few beers a day, that adds up to big money each month. Some drink even more than that. It’s expensive. If you can cut your drinking to the occasional party, and once in awhile with friends (not all the time), you’ll save tons.

25.Sweets in moderation. Desserts and sweet snacks give us lots of calories with no nutrition. And we pay a premium price for that, in dollars and in our deteriorating health. Cut back on sweets (don’t eliminate them entirely of course) to save money and cut calories.

26.Drink water. Often we drink lots of calories through sodas, coffee, alcohol, juices, tea, etc. And that costs a lot too. Drink water, save money, save calories. Here are some tips for forming the water habit.

27.Batch your errands. Instead of running an errand or two every day, batch them into one errand day, and plan your most efficient route, to save gas and time. Also do as much bill-paying online as possible, to eliminate some errands.

28.Stay home. Becoming a homebody might not sound like a lot of fun, but it really can be. I love staying home with my family. We can do all kinds of fun things at home. Or I can spend a day alone, if the family is at school, and really enjoy it. It’s quiet and peaceful, I can read or watch a good movie or respond to comments on my blog or write. Staying home can save tons, in eating out expenses, shopping expenses, gas, and incidentals.

29.Stop using credit cards. Credit cards are not evil. And before you flame me, once again, I realize that they can be used to good purpose. If that’s how you use them, then that’s good, skip this tip. For others, credit cards make buying too easy, and end up making them buy too much.Not only that, but if you don’t pay your bill in full each month, they will cost you a lot in interest. The average American with at least 1 credit card has more than $8,500 in credit card debt. Don’t make that mistake. Here’s my story.

30.Cancel subscriptions. With the wealth of information and entertainment online, do you really need magazine subscriptions? With all the news online, do you really need a newspaper subscription? If you can get DVDs for free or cheap, do you really need a Netflix subscription? Don’t flame me if you think you do need any of these — I’m just asking you to consider whether they’re really essential — the answer might be yes. Also consider other subscriptions you might be paying for — I’m not saying you should cancel everything, but seriously consider whether they can be canceled without much loss of value. Read more.

31.Make your own. I won’t go into all the possibilities here, but many times we buy things when really, we could make them ourselves for much cheaper if we get a little creative. Now, this might take a little more time and effort, but it can be fun, especially if you make it a family project. We recently made our own (very simple) bookshelves with only a couple of pieces of lumber, instead of buying them. If you don’t know how to make something, search for it online. You’ll most likely find some instructions.

32.Do it yourself. Instead of hiring someone to do something, try doing it yourself. Sure, it takes some time and effort, but it’s satisfying, and of course cheaper. It’s also educational, if you don’t know how to do it — again, do an online search, read up on it, and give it a go. Frugality freaks are DIYers.

33.Stop paying interest. I mentioned the interest of credit cards, and auto loans, and mortgages. I consider them a waste of money. I’ve talked about how to live without credit before, and I recommend it for a frugal lifestyle. Consider any other accounts or loans where you pay interest, and see if you can eventually eliminate as much of these as possible.

34.Reduce convenience foods. Frozen foods, microwaveable stuff, junk food … anything that’s packaged and prepared for our convenience is not only more expensive than something you cook yourself, but also most likely less healthy. I’m not saying to eliminate these completely, but reduce consumption.

35.Travel frugally. I actually don’t travel (or haven’t for years), but if you do have to travel, some advance planning can save you money. Airfare is most expensive, usually, so look to buy your ticket in advance, and look for deals. Also consider train travel. Shop around for car rental rates, as they can vary greatly (or use public transportation). Look for cheaper accommodations, or stay with a friend or relative. Just a note: I do plan to travel, but not until I finally eliminate all of my debt.

36.Cut the cell phone. This will not be a popular suggestion either. If you don’t like it, move on to the next one. It’s not for everybody. But think about this: 20 years ago, most people didn’t have cell phones. And miraculously, they survived. A cell phone is not a necessity. It’s a convenience. When people needed to make a call, 20 years ago, they either waited until they got to a destination (wait to make a phone call?! omg!), or pulled over and used a pay phone or a phone in a business establishment.

37.Cut your own hair. Again, this one isn’t for everybody. Personally, I use electric clippers to shave my head. It’s easy, it’s cheap, it’s minimalist, it’s care-free. I don’t worry about my hair getting messed up, or having to fix it in the morning. However, I’m not saying you should shave your head. Many people cut their own hair, in many simple but nice hairstyles, long or short. Saves money, and time.

38.Maintain stuff. This is a no-brainer, but we don’t often think about it: if you take care of what you have, it will last longer. You’ll then spend less on buying new stuff. When you buy something worth maintaining, take a few minutes to read the maintenance manual, and create a maintenance checklist that you can attach to the item. For important things like your car’s oil changes or tune-ups, put them in your calendar.

39.Save energy. There are little things we can do to lower our power bill. I don’t use a dryer or hot water heater, although those are a little extreme. Try these tips.

40.Save gas. With the rising price of gas (and no end in sight), fuel has become a major monthly expense for many people. Small things can add up to big savings. Try these tips.

41.Only buy bargain clothing (when you need clothes). OK, so you’re a cheapskate like me who only buys clothes when the old clothes have too many arm or leg holes. But now you need new clothing. I mean really need it. So instead of buying new, look for thrift shops with good clothes. Or buy new, but only buy the stuff that’s 50% off. Look for the bargains, and you’ll save a ton.

42.Telecommute. Telecommuting doesn’t necessarily give you your dream job, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. But in addition to allowing you to work in your underwear (and who doesn’t have that dream?), telecommuting saves money on gas, on eating out (if you eat lunch at a restaurant), and on buying expensive work clothes (all you need to buy is

underwear, right? And no, don’t buy used underwear).

43.Plan ahead. Sure, easy to say, hard to implement. But if you make it a habit to think ahead to things that are coming up in your life, you can save a lot of money. For example, if you think about where you’re going to get your meals when you go out to do errands, you can pack a lunch or dinner instead of eating out. If you pack a big container of iced water, you don’t need to buy expensive bottled water. If you know that a birthday is coming up, you can buy a gift on sale instead of spending more at the last minute.

44.Cook ahead. If you have one free day a week (or even a month), cook food in big batches and freeze in dinner-sized portions. I don’t do this all the time, but I have done it and it saves money (buying big can often save) as well as time. You have to plan it out a bit, coming up with a menu and shopping, cooking enough meals for a week or a month. But once you’re done, your meals each night (and for lunch if you like) are quick and easy. This saves you from eating out or eating convenience food when you’re hungry but too tired to cook.

45.Wash clothes less. Some people wear clothes and then wash them, but I’ve gotten into the habit of wearing my clothes more than once if they’re not really dirty. I use my nose as a test — I don’t want to wear clothes that smell, but most times the clothes are still perfectly clean. This saves on washing.

46.Sun-dry clothes. When my parents were young, everyone used a clothesline to dry clothes. Now dryers are ubiquitous, because they’re fast. But if you don’t wash a ton of clothes, it’s not that hard to take a few minutes to hang them up. You’ll save a lot in electricity, plus your clothes last longer.

47.Eat less meat. I’m not saying you have to become a vegetarian (although you could always give it a try), but once in awhile, eat meatless dishes. Pasta, vegetarian chili (see my recipe halfway down this article), vegetarian Indian or Thai dishes, falafels with hummus and pitas and tomatoes and lettuce … there are plenty of tasty dishes without meat. And as meat is expensive (well, the fresh kind is … Spam is cheap), you’ll save money on meatless dishes. Again, I’m assuming you cook with fresh meat, not canned.

48.Save on groceries. For my family of eight, groceries is a major expense. With some simple habits, we’ve been able to save a lot of money. See more here.

49.Frugal Christmas. Christmas is expensive, especially in America (if you live in an area that doesn’t celebrate Christmas with a huge amount of buying, or doesn’t celebrate it at all, skip this tip). People go on crazy shopping gorges. It’s insane. While it makes the retailers and manufacturers happy, it doesn’t make our bank accounts happy. Break out of the cycle and find cheaper ways to celebrate Christmas. Here are some great ways to do that, and here are some more.

50.Eat a cheap breakfast. Here are some great ones.

2009-06-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

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2009-06-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Go Green Mondays!

Green Living Tips.com

Thanks Michael for all your hard work on going green!

Articles with tips for going green to help protect the environment we all affect!
building
business
cleaning
clothing
energy
family
food
gadgets
garden
health
home
pets
repairs
transport
water
coupon discounts

2009-06-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Wisebread.com

Tips For Eating Out Cheaply
Posted 2 days 14 hours ago by Xin Lu
Personal Finance, Frugal Living, Food and Drink

My husband and I eat out quite often because we just do not have the time and energy to cook on most weekdays. Even though we go out three times a week or more, we do not really spend that much money on food. These are some of the things we do to save money on dining out.
full story 18 comments

Emergency Preparedness For Your Freezer
Posted 4 days 11 hours ago by Linsey Knerl
Frugal Living, Life Hacks, Food and Drink

We’ve been weathering tornado season with your typical emergency planning and assortment of supplies. Candles, radios, and a clean basement shelter are ready to go at a moment's notice. It had never occurred to me, however, to keep a rescue plan in place for my frozen foods – until the worst happened.
full story 16 comments

Strategic Thriftstore Shopping
Posted 1 week 9 hours ago by Margaret Garcia-Couoh
Shopping

True confessions? I'm a girl and a depression shopper (as in shopping, not unlike cheesecake, makes me momentarily happy like millions of other Sex and the City watching gals). But in an ever increasingly difficult economy it just ain't that wise to be buying those $200 dollar shoes. I give you strategic thriftstore shopping: same adrenaline rush but under $10 dollar satisfaction.
full story 30 comments

Making Change Count
Posted 1 week 2 days ago by Julie Rains
Life Hacks, Budgeting

I brought a bag filled with quarters to pay for my meal at an Italian restaurant recently. I’ve been taking an informal survey of merchants to see who welcomes my coins. Having received a cool reception from the cashier at a gas/convenience store, I modified my coin-paying technique; now I carry quarters in a plastic bag separate from dimes, nickels, and pennies to accelerate sales transactions. When I showed my bag to the restaurant cashier (also the hostess, waitress, and owner’s wife), I was amused and surprised at her gesture. I'll tell you what I learned from this encounter and share the best places I've found to spend my coins.
full story 32 comments

Garbage Into Gold: Great Ways to Recycle Old Containers
Posted 2 weeks 11 min ago by Myscha Theriault
Green Living

In these days of planetary consciousness and squeezing every nickel, any new idea helps. Here’s an “extreme green” list of ways to put previously discarded items to new use.
full story 21 comments

Travel on Amtrak
Posted 2 weeks 3 days ago by Philip Brewer
Frugal Living, Cars and Transportation

With each move by the airlines to claw back a bit of the profit that has vanished into the twin maws of competition and higher fuel prices, and with each move by the government to increase "security," air travel has become a little more dreadful. I'm glad we have a rail alternative.
full story 32 comments

Extreme Travel: How to Go Light and Low Budget
Posted 2 weeks 3 days ago by Myscha Theriault
Lifestyle

How little luggage can you take and how low can you go on the budget end? This article will help spell it all out.
full story 21 comments

“Make your own Twinkies” and other secret recipes by the Food Cloner Dude.
Posted 2 weeks 4 days ago by Paul Michael
Frugal Living, Life Hacks, General Tips, Food and Drink, DIY

Todd Wilbur is a name you may well have heard before. For lack of a better word, he’s a copycat…and a cool one at that. From homemade Twinkies to homecooked Big Macs, Todd can recreate just about anything from your favorite American restaurant chain. Now you can learn how to make those famous meals and snacks and save a bundle.
full story 7 comments

1 …

2009-06-10T08:00:00.002-05:00

Cafe Mom

Popular Topics
CafeMom members connect on all kinds of shared interests, passions, and challenges. Here are some of the topics currently being written about and discussed most:
Baby Name Finder
Breastfeeding
Jon & Kate Plus 8
Pregnancy Symptoms
Adoption
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2009-06-08T08:00:00.003-05:00

Green Living Tips NewsletterIssue 31 - February 23 2009

10% off castile soap! Through a special arrangement with Mabel's Miracle Castile Soap, GLT readers can get a 10% discount on any purchase. Mabel's soap uses 80% pure olive oil so it's gentle on your skin, hair, clothes - great for all sorts of applications around the home! Get a great deal on castile today! By the way, you can check out other coupons and discounts here.

GLT reader tips and questions Jeanne added this idea to my article on ant deterrent tips.
"This has worked for 5 or 6 invasion attempts over a year or more: use masking tape to individually squash any that have come in and leave the tape in the path. The ants seem to get the message that this is not a safe place for them to be! After your initial effort, you'll have to "mop up" for a day or two (the ones already inside that escaped), but new ones don't seem to come in that particular place. (Watch other cracks etc. for a while as they'll likely try another spot.)
Thanks Jeanne!

Have a green living related question or tip? I love receiving them as I often get to learn new stuff too! Send yours in here! Attention green merchants! If you're having trouble getting noticed amongst the greenwash and if you'd like to be showcased on Green Living Tips - at no cost to you (aside from offering GLT readers a discount), you can learn more here! New and updated articles

Sleep and green living
By sleeping 18 hours a day, I guess you'll reduce your impact on the environment, but that's not what I'm referring to.
Kitchen sponges
Most of the concern about kitchen sponges is around the amount of bacteria they can harbor. Sure, it's a very good point, but what about the environmental damage wreaked by these mostly synthetic throwaway items? Are there greener alternatives?
Buying firewood
Where does your firewood come from? You might be unknowingly contributing to the further degradation of an already stressed environment. This article also contains a handy tip for cutting wood smoke carbon emissions and saving up to 25% on firewood costs!
Impulse buying reduction tips
The economy's in a mess and our governments are encouraging us to spend. Spending is fine, but so much of what we buy these days on a whim is rubbish, and all the additional waste is bad for the environment. Pick up some tips to reduce impulse buying.
Population control - ultimate greening
This article is not directed to people who already have children, but those considering having children and what a decision to not have kids can have on the environment. The choice not to have children can be the ultimate contribution to preserving the planet, or at the very least, so it remains somewhat hospitable for other humans.
Go Green With AlysAmari
AlysAmari is a manufacturer of natural skin care, hair care and home care products and is currently offering Green Living Tips readers a 10% on all their retail items. View the article for the coupon code.
Article archives There's now over 250 articles containing tips to help you live a more eco-friendly life on Green Living Tips! - you can browse by category, use the advanced search or click here for a full listing.
Controlled atmosphere killing
It's important for us to understand where our food comes from and how it arrives on our plate. The slaughtering of animals is a touchy topic, but one I feel any meat eater should be familiar with sinc... Bleak future for Australian animals The smell of smoke was strong today, not from fires close by, but from the ones that have ripped through Victoria; some of which are still burning, hundreds of kilometres away. It is now nearly 2 month...
Saving electricity by saving water Electricity generation, particularly sourced from coal-fired or other fossil fuel s, contributes greatly to humanity's carbon footprint. Another major environmental issue is the scarcity of fresh wate... Reclaiming the nightAround 20% of the world's population and more than 66% in the U.S. cannot see the Milky Way from their homes? It's incredibly sad that so many people cannot see the awesome free light show that nature... Of droughts and flooding rainsAustralia is certainly a land of extremes and this past month has brought tragedy to families in the north and south of the country. Over 200 people have died in fires that are raging in the state of Victoria and 60% of Queensland has been declared a disaster zone due to flooding.... KTM electric dirt bikeHappy dance! KTM expects to start making a zero emissions electric dirt bike available from next year.According to Hell For Leather, weighing just 90kg (198lbs), the bike weighs less than KTM's own 12... Better, brighter, cheaper LEDsAlthough the CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) seems to have only been with us for a short time when you compare it to incandescent bulbs, LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) seem set to capture increasing lig... Gore's Climate Crisis Senate Testimony"We're borrowing money from China to buy oil from the Persian Gulf to burn it in ways that destroy the planet"Thus spaketh Al Gore when he testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on W... Square foot vegetable gardeningI've been itching to get started on a vegetable garden planted with heritage and heirloom seeds for some time now. We've got the seeds, we have the space and now we just need some time... oh, and rain... view these blog posts and more Did you know.. You can be notified of all the latest news and article summaries on Green Living Tips via our RSS web feed as soon as they are posted!: Article Feed ::Blog Feed That's it for this issue! (psst.. forward this newsletter onto family, friends and colleagues whom you think might like the info. We sponsor a tree for each new subscriber! Thanks!) Here's to a greener, kinder world!

Green Living Tips.com

2009-06-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

A Prairie Farmer’s Meal Plan: Eat for a Buck or Two a Day
Posted 2 weeks 6 days ago by Linsey Knerl
Frugal Living, Food and Drink, Budgeting

The economy and rising gas costs have consumed at least 60% of my regular news and public television broadcast programming. While I’ve heard all there is to hear about how bad food prices are getting, why can’t someone give me some real tips on how to cope? Maybe if things get bad enough, I could take a lesson or two from the late 1800’s Prairie Farmer magazine.
full story 7 comments

A One Touch Approach To Managing Household Finances
Posted 5 weeks 6 days ago by Jason White
Life Hacks, Productivity, Budgeting

Over the years I've implemented elaborate tickler systems, email reminders and various other ways to remind myself not to forget to pay a few paper bills. At some point they all fail, usually due to my own procrastination or some technical or procedural glitch. That was, until I implemented a fool-proof plan I call the "One Touch System" for household productivity. Read on to learn how to implement this perfectly simple system to improve the management of your own household finances.
full story 15 comments

Refactor your budget categories
Posted 6 weeks 11 min ago by Philip Brewer
Budgeting

There are a lot of budget templates out there. Any will serve the purpose, and if you've got one that's working for you, that's a good enough reason to stick with it. If you don't have a budget, though, or if you're going to be changing your budget categories around for some other reason, I've got some thoughts on what makes a good category.
full story 6 comments
The Art of the Trade
Posted 6 weeks 11 hours ago by Margaret Garcia-Couoh
Frugal Living, DIY, Budgeting, Art and Leisure

Money or not, things around the house need fixing, painting and up keep that goes beyond DIY. It might be a good time to look around your neighborhood for someone who'll trade his or her valuable skill for yours. And a good time to assess just exactly what skills you have to contribute.
full story 6 comments

Make Grocery Budgeting A Game, The Price Is Right Style
Posted 6 weeks 1 day ago by Jason White
Personal Finance, Shopping, Budgeting

Growing up, I stayed with my grandparents during the day on summer breaks from school. Our mid-mornings were usually spent casually watching The Price is Right. Maybe those Showcase Showdowns ingrained something in my frugal memory bank, because my family now enjoys a grocery budgeting game with similar rules.
full story 15 comments
What if energy costs keep rising?
Posted 7 weeks 1 day ago by Philip Brewer
Budgeting, Cars and Transportation

I don't know if energy costs will keep rising. Nobody does. Even with recent growth in China, India, and elsewhere, the US still consumes 25% of the oil produced world-wide, so a severe recession in the US could easily cut total demand enough to bring the price down. Recession or not, I think the medium-term trend in energy costs is up. Just in case I'm right, you ought to have plan for that.
full story 41 comments

The ethics of hoarding
Posted 7 weeks 5 days ago by Philip Brewer
Shopping, Food and Drink, Budgeting, Investment, Consumer Affairs

In the Philippines, they're threatening life sentences for people hoarding rice. In the United States, grocers need to put limits on rice purchases just to keep their shelves stocked. Philippine traders are now afraid to fill their warehouses, for fear of being called a hoarder. Even ordinary US shoppers are worrying that buying a big bag of rice might make them a hoarder. In this climate, it's worth thinking about what hoarding actually is.
full story 16 comments
Budgeting in a time of inflation
Posted 9 weeks 3 days ago by Philip Brewer
Personal Finance, General Tips, Budgeting

My very first experience running a household was in 1980, just as the last big inflation was spiking up over 10%. My carefully constructed budget was completely destroyed by prices that were rising by 1% every month. Since then, I've given considerable thought to how to deal with just that situation. Since history seems dangerously close to repeating itself, it's a timely topic.
full story 23 comments
The Same Actions Will Produce The Same Results (Ten Tenets for Arranging Your Rich: Part 2)
Posted 10 weeks 2 days ago by Kate Luther
Personal Finance, Career and Income, Life Hacks, General Tips, Lifestyle, Budgeting

A while back I posted the first of what I promised would be "Ten Tenets to Arranging Your Rich". And wouldn't you know it, right after posting Tenet #1, things got a little crazy and life interfered with my blogging plans. Go figure :)In any event, I think we're back on track now and as promised, we've got nine more tenets to go. So, without further adieu, here's tenet #2: The same actions will produce the same results.
full story 4 comments

Classy Weddings on the Cheap
Posted 11 weeks 1 day ago by Myscha Theriault
Budgeting

Closing in on the big day and concerned the budget is spiraling out of control? Believe it or not, you can have a classy event without going permanently in debt. Here’s a peek at various categories to consider, and suggestions for each.
full story 21 comments
Dealing with Nasty Debt Collectors
Posted 12 weeks 5 days ago by Nora Dunn
Budgeting, Credit Cards, Consumer Affairs

You may (or may not) be delinquent with a debt payment, but debt collectors don’t have carte blanche with regards to how they can hustle the money from you. Some can be rude, make idle (and illegal) threats, and just plain be a pain. But they can only go so far, and it pays to know your rights.
full story 28 comments

Generosity or Stupidity?
Posted 14 weeks 3 days ago by Nora Dunn
Frugal Living, Lifestyle, Budgeting

There is a fine line between being generous and being stupid with finances. But where is that line?
full story 17 comments
The stuff I try never to buy new
Posted 16 weeks 2 days ago by Paul Michael
Frugal Living, General Tips, Shopping, Green Living, Budgeting, Consumer Affairs

I don't like buying new. It's not that I consider myself to be some kind of Scrooge. I just have a hard time paying more for something than I need to, and often we take that extra hit when we pay for a brand new item. So, I buy second-hand things a lot of the time. Here's my guide to the main items you should always consider buying used.
full story 33 comments
Credit Counseling: When you Need it and When you Don't
Posted 16 weeks 3 days ago by Nora Dunn
Budgeting, Credit Cards

So you are up to your eyeballs. Drowning in debt, expenses, and struggling to keep your head above water. You have been reduced to the life of a monk and are still making no headway. Is it time to see a credit counselor?
full story 15 comments
Debt Discovery: The Ties That Binder
Posted 16 weeks 5 days ago by Jabulani Leffall
Budgeting

It's amazing how many of us are business people -- dealing with budgets, liabilities, profit, revenue and loss -- who make questionable decisions with our own finances. What's even more amazing is that we often don't approach our own money with the same cold meticulousness and objective impartiality that one needs to run a business. But in this case, you are the business. Get thee to an office supply store immediately.
full story 14 comments

Stash Your Cash with Pump Action Portion Control
Posted 16 weeks 5 days ago by Myscha Theriault
Budgeting

Is heavy handed product use driving your budget into the financial ditch? Blowing through shampoo, salad dressing, ketchup and shower gel faster than you clip coupons to compensate? Maybe you just want an easier way to mix drinks at the bar. Whatever your reasons, I’ve compiled a list of suggestions and resources for using the power of pump dispensers to redirect your lost dollars back into your bank account. Read on for more details.
full story 8 comments
Finding Money: 11 Ways to Save Money you are Spending Without Sacrificing Anything
Posted 17 weeks 18 hours ago by Nora Dunn
Personal Finance, Budgeting

There are a number of ways to find money by rearranging your finances, stretching your shopping dollar, and spending wisely. Here is a collection of 11 Tips to help you find some money of your own.
full story 5 comments
The one site you must visit before buying anything online. Period.
Posted 17 weeks 1 day ago by Paul Michael
Frugal Living, Deals and Coupons, Deals, Coupons, Budgeting, Consumer Affairs

Friends, deal hounds, bargain hunters, lend me your ears; if ye don't know about the best coupon site on the web, bar none, then this will indeed be a most glorious day for thee (sorry, I'm really not Shakespeare). But in all seriousness, there is one site I have bookmarked that I visit before I buy anything online, ever. And you should, too.
full story 16 comments

1

2009-06-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

Education.com

While looking into preschools for next fall I see that a couple teach Zoo... (no answers)
Q:at what age can one evaluate life skills development in children? (no answers)
Q:how much time should I spend with my six year old and how much time... (1 answer)
Q:How can i concentrate in my studies..... my mind is diverting into other... (1 answer)
Q:do you need to do science projects (no answers)

2009-06-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Energy Improving Solutions for Your Home
Looking for energy improving solutions for your home? It's a good idea. You'll realize the perks of long term cost savings for your pocketbook and the added benefit of promoting a green environment. Here are some energy improving solutions to get you started.
• Tame those high electricity bills by sealing air leaks and installing additional wall and roof insulation.
• Keep the temperature of your water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It'll be hot enough for every day usage, but will keep your bills down.
• Use light bulbs that are Energy Star CFL wherever you have a tendency to flick on the light switch.
• Check with your local utility company to see if they offer any discount programs for meeting certain energy requirements.

2009-05-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Education.com

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2009-05-25T08:00:00.002-05:00

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2009-05-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

Wisebread.com

Art and Leisure
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Instructables for the Extreme Cheap Lifestyle
Posted 21 weeks 14 hours ago by Xin Lu
Personal Finance, Frugal Living, Freebies, Lifestyle, Food and Drink, DIY, Art and Leisure

Are you a super cheapskate with an affinity for making everything yourself? Here are some Instructables that will tickle your fancy! Learn to furnish your home, gather food, and finally protect your possessions with alarms and weapons all for less than $10.
full story 4 comments

Super Suggestions for Old Sweaters!
Posted 23 weeks 3 days ago by Myscha Theriault
Green Living, DIY

Got a few old ratty ones kicking around? Accidentally shrink your favorite cashmere? Are the kids outgrowing Grandma’s home knit creations faster than she can keep clicking her needles? Or maybe you have a few with sentimental value you’d like to hang on to. Here's a list of ideas from around the web.
full story 8 comments

Sanity Saving Ideas for Canning Jars
Posted 25 weeks 3 days ago by Myscha Theriault
DIY

Got a bunch of these things in the basement and don’t know what to do with them? Or, maybe you’re looking for an easily replaced, can find it anywhere glassware item that’s inexpensive with built in character. With both the modern and retro styles of these things on the market today, canning jars are the way to go. What’s that? You prefer the antique variety? Well, pack a lunch and start hitting the tag sales, because with these money saving ideas you’ll be organized and living large in no time. Bonus? You’ll have more money for wine!
full story 29 comments

Beauty for Less than a Buck!
Posted 2 weeks 5 days ago by Myscha Theriault
Deals and Coupons, Health and Beauty

A special thanks to Tim Smith over at Smile-Therapy.Com for turning me on to this one. For a limited time, E.L.F. brand makeup has a coupon code that will let you get their normally one dollar products for half off. That’s right, half. Fifty cents a piece. Read on to get the full details.
full story 28 comments

9 Summer Offers That Will Give You Gas
Posted 5 weeks 2 days ago by Linsey Knerl
Personal Finance, Frugal Living, Deals and Coupons, Freebies, Deals, Shopping

The price at the pump isn’t going down soon, but if you’re looking to do some shopping, there just might be some free gas in it for you. Here are some special promotions from 9 companies looking to give you gas.
full story 6 comments

1

2009-05-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Families.com

Spend Less on Your BBQ
by Mary Ann Romans
Are you ready for the Fourth of July or summer BBQ? You might be discouraged from having your party this year because of the high food prices, but don't worry. There are still ways to reduce your spending for your BBQ without making your guest feel as though they are deprived.
Read more Send this to a friend Comments (0)
26 Jun 2008 11:00 AM
Summer Money Grabbers
by Mary Ann Romans
Summer is an exciting time. There is so much to do and experience, especially if you have kids. But summer can also be a time to fall off of the wagon frugally. Here are some of the summer money grabbers that could quickly consume your money.
Read more Send this to a friend Comments (0)
Sponsors
25 Jun 2008 08:16 AM
Minimizing Your Wash Will Maximize Your Savings 3
by Mary Ann Romans
Do you find yourself constantly doing laundry? Each load may be costing you between $2 and $3. I have been talking about ways to minimize doing laundry and therefore maximize savings.
Read more Send this to a friend Comments (2)
25 Jun 2008 04:08 AM
Minimizing Your Wash Will Maximize Your Savings 2
by Mary Ann Romans
Cutting down on your laundry will not only make life a little easier for you, but it can also save money.
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24 Jun 2008 06:52 AM
Minimizing Your Wash Will Maximize Your Savings
by Mary Ann Romans
Let's face it, no one really wants to do endless piles of wash every week, right? Minimizing your wash, besides making laundry easier, has the added benefit of increasing the amount of money that stays in your pocket.
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23 Jun 2008 01:05 PM
Frugal Living Review: June 16th Through June 22nd
by Mary Ann Romans
From grocery shopping to Goodwill, and from ice cream to value, there is certainly a lot of stuff to know about living frugally. Have a look at all of the good stuff pasted last week.
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23 Jun 2008 10:50 AM
Frugal Goodie Bags
by Mary Ann Romans
Birthday parties for kids can be fun, although the cost of these parties can quickly add up. One of the costs that can quickly get out of hand are the goodie bags.
Read more Send this to a friend Comments (0)
Sponsors

21 Jun 2008 12:42 PM
What to Do with Vending Machine Bubbles
by Mary Ann Romans
You know that you are really frugal when you can look at anything at all and find a way to reuse it. one such items that came up recently for me is the plastic vending machine bubble.
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21 Jun 2008 11:24 AM
What to Do with Old Windows
by Mary Ann Romans
Reusing what you have is usually a sure bet to save money. Some things have obvious reuses, such as paper bags from the grocery store, while others may be a bit obscure, such as what to do with a bunch of leftover allen wrenches.
Read more Send this to a friend Comments (0)
21 Jun 2008 06:06 AM
Where to Get Free Food
by Mary Ann Romans
If you are in a desperate situation with your food budget, there is hope. Here are some ideas that you can use to get free food. Barter your services for food. Rather than work for money, work for food. Someone who may be reluctant to hire you for money might be happy to feed you instead.
Read more Send this to a friend Comments (8)

2009-05-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Cafe Mom
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CafeMom members connect on all kinds of shared interests, passions, and challenges. Here are some of the topics currently being written about and discussed most:
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2009-05-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Wanna zzz on safer pillows?

The BiteSay night-night on eco-versions. Sleep on pillows made from nonpetrol, humane materials such as natural rubber latex - and come tomorrow AM you'll be psyched you did.
The Benefits
Fewer pesticide nightmares. Farmers grow alternative materials like kapok, rubber trees, and buckwheat without pesticides, helping keep soil plantable.
A less oily slumber. The polyester in conventional pillows is a byproduct of oil (plus, it's not biodegradable - unlike the options below).
Cruelty-free sheep counting. Geese that provide goose down aren't exactly sippin' mai tais down at the factory farm.
Personally SpeakingEasily amused, the day Toshio checked out the Essentia Memory Pillow, he became entranced with putting his hand into the foam and watching it slowly regain its shape.
Wanna Try?
Essentia Memory Pillow - kinda like polyurethane space foam, but made with natural latex from rubber trees ($199). Biter exclusive: Get 20% off when you enter the code biteonthis during checkout.
Sachi Organics Buckwheat Pillow - naturally ergonomic, dust-mite resistant, organic buckwheat option with an organic cotton cover; you can adjust the amount of filling, and zap it in the microwave for an electric heating pad alternative ($45).
White Lotus Standard Sleeping Pillow - filled with a soft, downlike fiber from the kapok tree ($43).
You can often donate used pillows to animal shelters (just call ahead), or use the stuffing instead of packing peanuts when you're shipping stuff.

Pillows for the Hard-of-Smelling
Until a few months ago, my bed was covered with mostly synthetic poly-fill pillows. Not anymore. It's kapok all the way. The stuff really does feel like down. Just beware: It has a faint vinegary scent, so it's probably a good thing I have a horrible sense of smell.
According to the editor-in-chief of Prevention magazine, you should only keep your pillows for one year, because each night your body oils seep into the pillow and that buildup isn't healthy. Sorry, but I don't buy it. As long as you wash them and don't have crazy allergies, most should last for years. Here's how to wash them (buckwheat users, you're outta luck):

Polyester fill - put the in the washing machine (directions here - I did this and it worked fine, plus the pillows turned from flat and thin to fluffy, albeit slightly uneven)

Foam - wash them by hand in a sink or bathtub (directions here again)

Down - dry clean them (recommended)
-Toshio...off to bed...

2009-05-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Frugal Living, Groceries, Utilities, and Second-Hand Shopping
Buying more and paying less

Learn how to find great deals on everyday items from groceries to clothing.
Save money on inkjet cartridges
Save money at the grocery store
Saving money: 10 tips for successful rebating
How single parents can save money
How to get the best electronics prices
Home organization tips: how to save money by organizing
How to get the best cell phone prices
How to cut your electricity bill
How to cut your gas bill
How to save on water bills
How to cut your veggie bill
How to get shopping coupons
How to cut your meat bill
Planning a grocery meat list
Saving money at home: tracking utility bills
Homesteading: is it for you?
How to save home cooling costs
Saving money: living within your means
Saving money: 10 tips for grocery shopping
How to get free products
Saving money on groceries: tracking grocery bills
Frugal grocery shopping: tips for saving money
How to find bargains when buying from televised shopping channels
Finance tips: what is frugal living?
Beauty tips for women on a budget
Get the best deals at after-Christmas clearances
Help for single parents on a budget
How to save on pet supplies
Frugal tips: advice for dining out for little money
Consumer guide: tips for consignment store shopping
Consumer guide: bargain hunting at dollar store
How to save money while cooking
Planning a grocery grain list
Planning a grocery veggie list
How to find the best deals on ebay and other online auctions
Saving money: spend less on dining out
How to eat out less often
Save on school lunches
Save money on your electric bill
Save money on electronics
How to shop yard sales
Saving money: cut gas heating costs bills
Save money on your next mattress set
Save money on entertainment
Cheap family fun: activity ideas
Cheaper workplace lunches: brown bag and other inexpensive ideas
Save on magazine subscriptions
Saving money at home: spend less for groceries
Calling card benefits and drawbacks: pros vs cons
Cheaper auto insurance
How to stock a home bar under $200
Frugal Living
How to save money on basic household expenses
Free shopping ideas
Refunding coupons: getting started
Financial tips: How to save money on life insurance
How to save money by shopping around seasonal sales
Tips on saving money on clothes and just about everything else
Buy hair dye for less than $7
20 ways to save money
Frugal gift ideas
Saving money: cheap books
Finding cheap auto insurance rates and quotes
Getting real bargains buying in bulk
frugal living
How to stop overspending
Easy ways to save money
Frugal living
How to get the best housewares prices
How to save money each month
Money saving tips: 10 date ideas for lean times
How to find the best sale
How to get the best priced furniture
How to get the best prices on camcorders
Groceries
Saving money on groceries
Save money on grocery shopping!
How to save money on groceries
Grocery shopping tips
Shopping for food on a budget
Money saving tips: grocery shopping while on a diet
Living on a budget: tips for buying cheap groceries
Second Hand Shopping
Yard sale tips
Yard sale shopping
Making extra cash from consignments
Finding cheap kid clothes
Thrift store shopping
Flea market guide: how to shop
Utilities
Top 5 ways to save money on long distance telephone costs
Home energy conservation tips - save money!
Save money and energy by using fluorescent bulbs!
Home energy saving tips and ideas
Simple ways to cut and save on electricity bills
Lower energy bills and save money
How to lower your summer electric bills

2009-05-13T08:00:00.003-05:00

The Mom Pack

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2009-05-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

What's lurking in your house after you turn off all the lights?

The BiteA "phantom load" is the energy that's sapped by appliances when they're plugged in, but not on. Use power strips or manually unplug DVD players, computers and cell phone chargers to save electricity from disappearing without a trace.
The Benefits
Save big on your energy bills. In the average home, 40% of all electricity is used to power home appliances while they're turned off.
Lower emissions. If all phantom loads in US homes were stopped, we could shut down 17 power plants.
Power strips with surge protectors make it easy to "unplug" many appliances at once.
Personally SpeakingNY Biter Cecily Channell uses a power strip that's hooked up to her entertainment system to turn the cable and TV on and off. At first, her roommates complained because it takes a little longer for the cable box to warm up ("They want their HGTV right now!"), but the electric bill savings they saw after a few months convinced 'em.
Wanna Try?
Isole Plug Load Control - the crème de la crème of powerstrips, it has 8 outlets and an insurance policy ($90).
Belkin 9-Outlet SurgeMaster - with 9 outlets ($30).
Intermatic Appliance Timer- use a timer when you're outta town ($21).
Craftsman Auto Switch - baby-sized surge protector option ($20).
Kill-A-Watt - find out how much energy various appliances are using ($29).
Just a word of advice: don't do this with your fridge...

2009-05-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Dollar Stretcher

Special Sections Baby Boomers Family Green Home and Auto In Critical Condition Just Starting Out Lifestyle Money
In This Week's Issue:
Winning FinanciallyThere are no shortcuts to financial prosperity
Practical and Frugal Home SecurityStaying safe without a fancy home security system
Traversing the JungleDon't let a thief or scam artist ruin your vacation
Chic Wall Decor3 easy treatments to spice up your walls!
Basement FlooringCovering an uneven basement floor
The Great Laundry Detergent DilemmaWhat's the secret to laundry detergent?

Savings StrategiesSelecting a savings plan that matches your goals
Inexpensive SheetsFinding a bargain on bedsheets
How to Buy a Used CarThe two qualities you need to get a good deal
Picking ProduceA bargain isn't a bargain if it rots in your fridge!
Lost OpportunitiesCould an economic theory improve your bottom line?
Overheated ElectricWhen your electric bill is out of control
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Table for OneSolo cooking and dining on a budget
Dollar Stretcher PollWhat are you doing to reduce the costs of commuting to work?
The Power of Compound InterestA magical money concept
Dishwasher EfficiencySparkling clean dishes load after load
Wasted MomentsJust minutes make a difference
Vacation ClutterVacation what???
Summer In the CityFun activities for backyard and beyond
Surviving a LayoffLayoffs keep derailing his efforts at financial planning
Conspicuously ThriftyLet your financial accomplishments shine
Stop That Overspending SpouseWhat would you do?
Baby On a BudgetEnjoy your baby instead of worrying about the bills
Cash In the ClosetWhy not take it to the bank?
Backyard PondsAn inexpensive sea of tranquility
Quality Time: A Fresh Look"Quality Time" doesn't need to be "expensive time"
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My StoryUsing the net to make the most of the garage sale hunt

VA loans offer good deals Ignored in recent years, Veterans Administration mortgage loans are making a comeback
States also offer VA loans Some states offer loans or down payment help for veterans that might be even better deals than the federal VA loans
10 reasons to love a recession Even a slowing economy offers a silver lining if you know where to look. Here are 10 benefits of a recession
Rethinking retirement Traditional retirement is undergoing transformation. For many, it's likely to happen later, and it may involve work
You can negotiate a balance-transfer fee Transferring a credit-card balance to save on interest carries a fee. But you can talk that fee down
Make sure your good credit gets recorded If your timely creditor payments are not getting reported to the credit bureau, you're getting shortchanged
Savings: Are better yields ahead? Lower interest rates have depressed yields on CDs and money market funds. If the Fed stops lowering rates, it's good news for savers. Here's why
Understanding hybrid CDs Callable, bump-up and step-up CDs offer higher yields than their ordinary cousins, but need to be judged carefully
Rebuilding credit after Chapter 7 The damage to a credit report after bankruptcy can be repaired in time
High credit score can save you plenty A good credit score is possibly the biggest boost you can give your financial life
Is your credit file too thin? A credit history is important
America's retirement prospects The economic slump is forcing many to lower contributions to their retirement savings. But some are stepping it up
Guaranteed yields on savings accounts surge Some banks are competing with attractive introductory rates on accounts. Get the lowdown here on the high yields
Indexed CDs offer potential risk, reward Can't stomach the loss of principal in a volatile stock market? Indexed CDs guarantee some protection, but there's market risk too
Do's and don'ts of establishing credit Credit is a necessary part of daily life. But it's like experience: If you don't have any who will give you some?
Money market accounts: Savings on steroids Start with the first rule of careful investing: Don't lose money
Fame & Fortune: Regis Philbin For pure television longevity, no one beats Regis, who is busy reviving a game show classic
7 gas-sippers that offer rebates Several gas-sipping cars can be bought at a sizable discount
Diesel cars have two big drawbacks Two big drawbacks hurt the appeal of diesel cars in the United States
Rolling over lease usually a bad move Think twice before agreeing to a negative equity deal
Driver feels swindled by car dealer Keeping copies of your loan papers can prevent many headaches
Building blocks of a successful investment strategy Investing is not an art or rocket science either. These basics will help you develop a profitable strategy
5-step plan for dealing with deep debt Americans are carrying hundreds of billions in revolving debt. If you owe an all-too-large chunk of that, you're in trouble. But it's never too late to turn things around
Frozen HELOC can ice credit score Under some circumstances, freezing a HELOC might not change the score much; under others, the credit score can tumble enough to derail one's financial plans
This year, no rush to combine college loans Forget the usual scramble to consolidate student loans by July 1. This year, rates are expected to drop
CD tips for low-rate times Laddering CDs can help you beat lengthy low-rate cycles
Refinancing: Great deals ... if you qualify If you've kept your credit score up and can prove your income, here's where and how to find the best refi deals
Ask Dr. Don
No villains in home equity freeze - Borrowers may lament a HELOC freeze, but lenders are just protecting themselves
Paying loans with HELOC involves risk - Tapping a HELOC to reduce a debt load sometimes involves risk
With CDs, don't be 'long and wrong' - Right now, certificate of deposit yields are flat across all maturities, so there's little interest rate reward for locking up your money for years
Bond owners can keep sale hush-hush - Bond owners do not have to disclose sale information to anyone but the IRS
Dumping gas hog may not save you money - Trading in a gas guzzler for a smaller car may not translate to big savings
Check rates before trying CD auction - Investors who stay on top of rates should do fine at a CD auction
Family loan pitfalls go beyond gift tax - The gift tax is just one issue surrounding loans to family members
Why build a CD ladder? - It keeps you from trying to time the market
Prepaying mortgagor won't owe interest - A mortgagor who pays off a loan early does not owe future lost interest

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When a job relocation forces a home sale - You might be able to exclude capital gains on the sale of a home if you move for a job
Income tax for a foreign home seller - The IRS will want withholding on a home sale above $300,000 when the seller is a foreigner
Capital gains tax on a home - When an owner-financed mortgage is refinanced, capital gains tax may not be due
Commuter tax breaks - If you take public transportation to work, your employer could give you a tax benefit
How do tax-free CDs differ from traditional? - Strategies for deferring tax on interest
Financial Calculatorscourtesy of BankRate.com
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Micropayments: a strategy to cut credit card debt Big credit card bill too much to handle? Try multiple monthly payments. It can whittle debt faster and align billing with paycheck
When a family member steals your identity Here are the steps you can take when a family member steals your identity to open credit accounts in your name
How to finance an engagement ring Study the fine print to make sure the bauble on her finger doesn't turn into a ball and chain on your newlywed finances
Turning 18 with a credit card Legal rights and responsibilities Can you -- or your teenage son or daughter -- handle it?
Rules changing for merchants handling credit card data Safety concerns for consumers' credit card information prompt changes in the way businesses handle data
Credit card 'phishing': What it means, how to prevent it What 'phishing' means and how consumers can prevent being a victim of the scam
Retired, with $70,000 in credit card debt How to reduce astronomical credit card debt on a fixed income
Manage your credit cards before, during and after a move Prevent unnecessary expenses and maintain your credit score by keeping tabs on your credit cards and debt during a move

Getting Out of the Timeshare Trap We may have lost $5,000, but at least we aren't paying $700 this summer on an unwanted vacation
We Paid Off $650,000! Mitch was $650,000 in debt, working 3 jobs, and scared to death. Now he's experiencing life from the other side of the fence!
Finding my dream career Lindsay doesn't know how to market herself for the job she wants.
Where does the leftover money go? When you've got money left over in your envelope system at the end of the month, what is the best thing to do with it?
We Regret Buying a Camper In 2002, we purchased a large camper so we could enjoy life. We have regretted it ever since
Check the Billing Address Could you be tricked into a late fee?
Buying a More Fuel Efficient Vehicle Is it worth buying a hybrid?
For more Dave Ramsey Click Here

For Our Canadian Friends
All about contests Everything you ever wanted to know about contests, from whether your winnings are taxed to why you have to answer a skill-testing question to claim your prize
Is inflation making a comeback? Core inflation remains low in Canada. But there are signs that it could go much higher
Taking a gamble Although seniors have the most to lose, young people are most at risk of becoming problem gamblers. Here are the signs to watch out for
Brewing up savings Tap into your inner brewmaster by making your own beer
Is your pension plan under-funded? Low interest rates have hit pension plans hard. Here's how to assess the health of your plan
Unclaimed PropertyAre you owed money?"My husband and I checked for unclaimed funds. We were stunned to find out that we had $450 coming to us. You never know until you check."Bev
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2009-05-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

MOM's is on FacebookFebruary, 2009 -- MOM's is now on Facebook! Check out the new page for photos and the latest in store news and updates! MOM's on Facebook
MOM's Stops the Stuff to Reduce WasteJanuary, 2009 -- Last April MOM's launced a new company-wide initiative to reduce waste. In 2008, "Stop the Stuff" successfully increased our company-wide recycling rate up to 85% of our total waste, and kept over 825 tons of materials out of the waste stream. More
Greenpeace Rates MOM's Top-Scoring Green Seafood RetailerDecember, 2008 -- Greenpeace released their assessment of 35 US grocers in a "Seafood Sustainability Scorecard." As the only retailer in the U.S. that exclusively sells fish rated "Best Choice" by FishWise and Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch, it came as no surprise that MOM's was recognized as the top-scoring market. More
The Best Place to Shop for Vegan GroceriesOctober, 2008 -- VegDC.com, the online vegetarian guide to Washington D.C. and surrounding areas, recently selected MOM's as the Best Place to Shop for Vegan Groceries in their annual Green Stars Awards. "With locations in College Park, Frederick, Jessup, and Rockville, Md. and Alexandria, Va., a great selection of vegetarian and vegan food and competitive prices it’s no surprise that MOM’s is the choice for all your animal-friendly groceries."
The Best of Baltimore - Organic GrocerAugust, 2008 -- Baltimore Magazine selected MOM's as the best Baltimore-area Organic Grocer in their 2008 "The Best of Baltimore" issue. Read more!
MOM's Bans Imported Bottled WaterAugust, 2008 -- Due to the rising energy cost and environmental impact associated with importing and shipping water from around the world, MOM’s is discontinuing water that is not sourced and bottled domestically. Read more.
NOW OPEN - Mighty Healthy PetHave you heard the news? Mighty Healthy Pet is the latest addition to MOM's family of stores, and it's NOW OPEN! The store is located in REI Center, just a few doors down from MOM's in College Park. Read more!
Give the Gift of GreenMOM's Gift Cards are now available online! Available in denominations of $25, $50 or $100. Order through our secure website and have them shipped directly to your door. These make great gifts!
Recycle at MOM'sDid you know you can recycle some common household items at MOM's? Bring in your used fluorescent light bulbs and old batteries to any store for recycling.
Earn Post Points at MOM'sNow you can earn Post Points when you shop at MOM's! Post Points is the Washington Post's reader rewards program, which lets you earn points by reading the newspaper, volunteering, shopping at select area businesses and more.
MOM's & Adopt-A-RoadMOM's works with local Adopt-A-Road programs to keep the neighborhood litter-free. Learn more
Store News -- Job OpeningsIf you love organic food and care about the environment, then you‘ll love working at MOM‘s, check out our job openings
Store Policies -- MOM's Return PolicyIf for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with a product purchased at MOM's, simply return the unused portion with your itemized receipt within 30 days for a full refund...

2009-05-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

Greener Mondays with Gail

Buying All Natural -- Is It Worth It?
When you shop in a specialty store, a health food store, or even the organic or “natural” section of your grocery store, you'll be barraged with products that are labeled as “all natural.” What, exactly, does that mean? And are all natural products worth the extra money?
One thing to remember when buying “all natural” is that an all natural label does not automatically mean less calories, fat, or carbs. In fact, often all natural products are laden with sugar (sweeteners like cane sugar and honey are, indeed, all natural) or carbohydrates (whole grain bread, brown rice, and the like may be all natural but still high in carbohydrates). So if you're looking for a reduced-something diet, don't assume that all-natural is automatically the way to go. Even though all natural does not mean reduced fat, calories, or carbs, in general all-natural is a healthier way to go.
All-natural foods are made without traditional preservatives (all those ingredients you can't pronounce on the label) and use “alternative” sweeteners and preservatives that are made from fruit, vegetables, and other natural sources. Some not-so-great things you'll avoid if you stick with all-natural food are trans fats and corn syrup.
Trans fats (anything labeled “partially hydrogenated”) came into being in the 1950s and for a long time were widely used in food as a preservative. Recently, some doctors and nutritionists are reporting alarming side effects of trans fats (among them, a link between trans fats and heart problems), and many people are trying to stay away from them. Corn syrup is another ingredient often found in prepackaged food, and it is usually used as a sweetener. Like with trans fats, many doctors are now warning against excessive consumption of corn syrup, citing a link between corn syrup and a higher risk for diabetes.
One other thing to consider when buying all-natural food is that since they use less preservatives, the shelf life of all-natural foods is often shorter than their non-natural counterparts.

2009-05-01T16:26:00.001-05:00

Swine Flu

Is there a vaccine for swine flu? NO....Not yet anyway.

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:38:31 -0500
Right now there isn't a vaccine to protect against swine flu. But you can help prevent getting germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the flu, through simple health habits like washing your hands often, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Visit USA.gov for more tips and information.

Visit USA.gov's Frequently Asked Questions to browse or search more than 2,000 answers to the most popular government questions.

2009-05-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

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2009-04-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

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2009-04-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Greener Mondays with Gail

Buying Organic Produce
Many people believe that buying organic produce is essential to their health and well-being – not to mention that organic produce is often tastier than non-organic. Buying organic produce means purchasing fruits and vegetables that are grown with less pesticides and with natural fertilizer (as opposed to synthetic). In America, if produce has a USDA Certified Organic label, consumers can be sure that they are buying fruits or vegetables that are at least 95% organic.
Although buying organic is an excellent idea, much organic produce is more expensive than its non-organic counterpart. If you're interested in saving money at the grocery store, but still want to be as green as possible, it's important to know which fruits and vegetables are most likely to be contaminated by pesticides -- and therefore are more important to buy organic.
The fruits that are most likely to be contaminated are:
• Apples
• Apricots
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Red raspberries
• Strawberries
The vegetables that are most likely to be contaminated are:
• Celery
• Green beans
• Peppers
• Spinach
Note that most of these are fruits and vegetables whose skin is consumed, and therefore it's important to think about what kinds of pesticides and fertilizer they have been treated with. Remember, always wash your produce before eating it – even if you've bought organic – because even organic fruits and vegetables can have some residual pesticides or fertilizer on their skins.

2009-04-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

ALL THINGS FRUGAL

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Hundreds of Categorized Frugal Living, Saving Money,Thrift, Penny Pinching Articles and More

Featured Article on All Things Frugal
Warm Weather Camping
by Nikki Willhite
Camping can be great fun for the whole family. It does not have to be expensive. A few well-chosen pieces of equipment will make the whole experience easy and fun for the family..more ...

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Frugal Living, Saving Money, Thrift, Penny Pinching, and "more than just money" Articles
Frugal Inspirational - A Mountaintop View, by Steve GoodierThese bodies become less cooperative as we age. For some, work becomes less fun and fun becomes more work. One older friend commented, "I've reached the age where the warranty has expired on my remaining teeth and internal organs."...Frugal Self-Esteem - Overcoming Self-Doubt, by Julie FuimanoEveryone experiences self-doubt at some point in our lives. For many people, self-doubt can be pervasive, even crippling. It can impact your relationships. It destroys confidence. It causes procrastination or lack of effort. It can be extremely frustrating to live with the reverberating voice in your head telling you you’re not good enough...Frugal Pest Control - How To Control Ants In Your Home, by Gary RollinsAnts are great creatures to have outdoors. They are good for the environment and help break down old, smelly rotting stuff so you don’t worry about it, but inside, it’s a different story. Inside they contaminate your food, and can harm you and your children. But don’t fear, there are lots of simple ways to send these tinyinvaders back outside and keep them there...Frugal Shopping - 10 Things You Never Thought To Buy On EBay, by Jessica RoopThere is very little I purchase that I don't at least attempt to buy on eBay first. Why not? There are thousands (if not millions) of eBay listings at any given time...Frugal Romance - 5 Great Ideas For Wedding Favors, by Ethan EdisonIt is through wedding favors that a special keepsake or memory- filled item is taken home to serve as a reminder of the beautiful ceremony and precious union of two people. Below you will find five approaches on how to select wedding favors...Frugal Recipes - Easy Summer Macaroni Salad Recipes, by Rachel PaxtonMacaroni salads are always a big hit at summer barbecues. These recipes are easy to prepare and you can make them ahead of time. They taste better if you let them sit in the refrigerator...Frugal Weight Control - What to Consider Before Having Liposuction, by Daniel MillionsLiposuction has been a popular method of removing excessive amounts of weight for over a decade. Figures show that in 2006, liposuction was the most common cosmetic surgical procedure...Frugal Beauty - Stop Buying the Worst Wrinkle Creams Before It's Too Late, by Shawn SaundersBananas- Mash up a banana until it becomes cream-like (shouldn't take more than 5 minutes). After mashing it into a fine cream, apply a liberal coating to your face...Frugal Babies - Baby Toy Safety Tips to Protect Your Child, by Ryan J. BellEach year, thousands of babies are injured by playing with toys that are unsafe. While most manufacturers have taken great care to ensure their toys are baby-safe, the injuries continue...Frugal Decorating - Quick Bathroom Decorating on a Budget, by Kathy WilsonWhen seasons change, one of the most overlooked rooms in the house for updated decorating is the bathroom. Whether you want to add some oomph to your guest bath, or want to bring a spa quality to decorating a master bath, here are some quick and easy decorating tips to get your bathroom in tip top shape...Frugal Money - It Really is Time to Worry About Identity Theft, by Ron HudkinsAll of us, no matter how careful, can become victims of identity theft. In fact, it was determined every three seconds another identity is stolen. In 2007 there were seventy nine million credit card and Social Security Number thefts...Frugal Decorating - Quick and Easy Kitchen Accessories, by Kathy WilsonThe kitchen is the hub of most homes, and I think we would all like to bring a little more charm into this utilitarian space. Here are a few easy ways to add some style to your kitchen while saving some cash...Frugal Weight Control - 9 Tips To Get Off The Couch And Exercise To Lose Weight, by Scott GrayMany of us have a problem getting motivated, or started, when we want to lose weight. If only we could just wish the muffin top or love handles away. Unfortunately, the only effective way is to eat more sensibly and exercise to lose weight...Frugal Inspirational - Nudging Without Nagging, by Steve GoodierSometimes it's more about how you say it than what you say.People respond best when they are respected and valued...Frugal Babies - Introducing Your Child To Solid Foods, by Andrew AshworthYour child's doctor will probably recommend waiting until your baby is between 4 and 6 months old before introducing solid foods-6 months if your baby is prone to allergies...
Frugal Money - Men, Trees, and Money, by Nikki Willhite Kudos to ABC's show "Men in Trees" Wednesday evening for teaching how industry AND thrift result in savings; and showing the big picture on how careful savings over time result in realizing dreams...
Homes Mortgages - How To Deal With The Foreclosure Demon, by Roy LandersHome owners in trouble have to fend for themselves and work through a maze that they are ill prepared to deal with. The availability of credible information is a precious commodity in the present mortgage mess...Frugal Health - Five Steps to a Healthy Heart, by Daniel MillionsThe first step to a healthier heart is to exercise regularly. Even the littlest amount of exercise can help us to maintain the health of our heart...Frugal Cleaning - Understanding Allergens And Carpets, by Niv OrlianCarpets in fact perform similar to a filter which traps the allergens from the air and holds them down in the floor area...Frugal Vacations - Don't Rent A Vehicle Until Your Read This, by D RuplingerIf you are renting a car or other vehicle, the process will be the easiest and smoothest if you have a credit card to use for the transaction. Some car rental companies won’t even rent you a vehicle if you don’t have a credit card for payment...

Frugal Footnotes
Here Comes Summer
Seasonal Sales - Summer Clothing, Television Sets, Refrigerators,Home Improvement Products, Pianos
Summer Articles - Summer Vacation 15 Reasons to Love Summer 7 Fast and Easy Decorating Ideas for any Budget Tips for Summer Car Care Keeping Cool in the Summer
Food - Pasta Salads Summer Salads Pass That Coleslaw Cool Snacks for a Hot Summer Day Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Spring Produce - apples, cucumbers, grapes, green beans, melons, lettuce, nectarines, peaches, peas, radishes, tomatoes
Frugal Inspiration - ""The way to wealth depends on only two words, industry and frugality." Benjamin Franklin

2009-04-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Station Camp Greenway Master Plan

Direct questions or comments to:

Sumner County Executive Anthony Holt ataholt@sumnertn.org

2009-04-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Three Ways To Make Sustainable Living A Part Of Your Life
Sustainable living means that you’re making a conscientious decision to minimize the impact of your daily life on the environment. And it might be easier than you think. Here are three ways to do just that:
Make small goals toward living more sustainably every few weeks. For example, you can start by resolving to make small changes like turning off the lights in the rooms you’re not using. Then move on to installing energy efficient light bulbs in your home.
Purchase products that are environmentally friendly whenever possible. You don’t need to spend unnecessary funds to create a green home. However, if you need to repaint the walls in your spare bedroom, consider using a non-toxic paint.
Learn more about sustainability so that you can make informed decisions. Part of living a greener life means that you have to keep informed about which products have a negative impact on the environment and what products are eco friendly.

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Green Gift Ideas That Are Good For The EnvironmentGreen weddings are those that consider the impact of the celebration on the environment as well as society. Whether you’re attending a green wedding or would just like to find some green gift ideas for an environmentally conscious couple, there are plenty of appropriate choices.Here are our picks for three green gift ideas:
Rather than giving a physical gift, try giving the gift of a healthier environment. You can purchase carbon offsets from non-profits such as CarbonFund and LiveNeutral. The funds you spend on carbon offsets will be put to use on projects that reduce the level of carbon emissions in our environment.
Make an environmental donation to charity in the name of the wedding couple. For instance, you can have trees planted as part of a reforestation program through the Green Guide Nursery Forest.
Give green wedding gifts that help to create a greener lifestyle. For instance, set the newlyweds up with a green home consultant who can draw up a plan for a green household, including ideas for stocking their kitchen with organic foods and choosing personal care products.

2009-04-17T11:47:00.002-05:00

Going Out of Business Sale

Consigment Sale & The Pampered Palace To Going Out of Business Sale
all guests of Switch-a-Roos Consignment Sale & The Pampered Palace Going Out of Business

Switch-a-Rooswww.facebook.com

April 23-25, 2009
For Registration and Volunteer Info, Contact:Cynthia Stevens615-260-3775
switcharoos@comcast.net
Consignor Benefits Earn 70% of your sales price(less $8 adveristing fee)
We do all the advertising for you Receive 1 pass to the Consignor Pre-Sale Receive 2 passes to the VIP Pre-Sale
Your check will be mailed directly to you within ten days
"Perks" for VolunteeringEarn 85% of your sales price No advertising fee! Receive 1 pass to the Super Volunteers Pre-SaleReceive 2 passes to the VIP Pre-Sale Your check will be mailed directly to you within ten days **Limited volunteer opportunities are available, so call 615-260-3775 early (minimum of two 4-hour shifts)

Location
The Pampered Palace
393 E Main Street (next to Food Lion)
Hendersonville, TN 37075

2009-04-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Tightwad Central

Tightwad Central is dedicated to consumer economics empowerment. THE source for conserving financial resources and building fiscal strength and discipline. Money Secrets. Savings. Frugality. Freebies.

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TIGHTWAD HOME

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T-WAD PARANOIA
Is The Whole World a Massive Consumer Conspiracy? The rich get richer & poor get poorer. Ever feel like there's a secret that you just haven't been told? Check out our review of this 4-star Tightwad Movie-of- the-month!
TIGHTWAD TIPS
Save Your GARDEN TOOLS With Used MOTOR OIL!Rescue your tree sap covered, rust prone tools from a premature death.
T-WAD FREEBIES
YES! A FREE Watch!A Free LCD digital watch is yours for the first 30 people who send us a "THAT'S A RIPOFF" story or an original tightwad tip!
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CAUGHT Like a RAT... In a CREDIT TRAP?Bearly able to keep out of credit card & debt trouble? Check out this link & break free!
T-WAD REBATES
href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=oS*fI7DOBT8&offerid=10401&type=2&subid=0&lsnstapp=%26target%3Dshowmerchant.shtml">COFFEE MAKER DEAL! Retail $69.99 Hamilton Beach 4 Cup Aroma Elite Coffee maker is $14.99 After Rebate! (It was FREE last week)!
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2. CyberRebate
3. Coupons.com
4. Priceline Sav hotel $
5. eCoupons
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7. ShoppingList$
8. StoreSearchSite
9. Get Paid $ to Surf!
10. JobPoint -Get Jobs
11. ReallyEasyPhone
12. Toys-R-Us Online

2009-04-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

The U.S. Census Bureau is looking for qualified applicants to fill jobs in Tennessee to help prepare for the 2010 Census. In spring 2009, census employees will help develop a confidential address list that will be used to deliver census questionnaires in 2010. The jobs are temporary; both full-time and part-time jobs are available. Learn more...

2009-04-13T08:00:00.002-05:00

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