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

Frugal Fridays with Amber - Saving Money at the Gas Pump

Saving Money at the Pump
Copyright © 2005 TheCarSites.com

Gas prices are higher than ever, so you’re likely to see more advertising for "gas-saving" products. Yes, we want to improve on fuel efficiency, but are these products really helping? Or are they just taking an extra bite out of our already shrinking car budget?

The truth is, you should be suspicious of any gas-saving claims for certain devices or oil and gas additives. Even for the few gas-saving products that have been found to work, the savings have been miniscule.

You’ll see all sorts of claims and testimonies. "This gas-saving product improves fuel economy by 20 percent." Yeah, yeah. Actually, the EPA has tested over 100 of these supposed gas saving doo-hickies, and none of them were found to do the job well.

Some of the products can even damage your car. So much for cost savings! Please be skeptical of advertising claims for gas saving devices.

Here’s another quote you might read. "This gas-saving device is approved by the Federal government." Actually, no government agency endorses gas-saving products for cars. If the seller claims the EPA has evaluated its product, ask for a copy of the report, or check http://www.epa.gov for information. Ah, I love the power of the internet.

If you want to save money at the pump, try these tips. They’ll serve you much better than some snake oil product.

Buy only the octane level gas you need.

The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. It’s a fact.

Use overdrive gears during highway driving. This also saves wear on your engine.

Use cruise control on highway trips.

Avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration. That means no tailgating! This tip alone can improve your fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent. Sudden starts and sudden stops are wasteful, not to mention the barf factor involved for those of us who get car sick.

Unnecessary idling wastes fuel.

Avoid carrying excess weight in your trunk.

Keep your engine tuned. Engine troubles can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 to 20 percent.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated and aligned. Check them once a month. Under-inflated tires increases fuel consumption by six percent.

Change your oil.

Check and replace air filters regularly. Clogged filters can cause up to a 10 percent increase in fuel consumption.

There’s no need to buy products that cost you more money than they save. These little fuel saving tips can add up to an extra hundred bucks or so in your pocket each year!
Source: http://www.girlposse.com/talk_talk_talk/saving_money_at_pump_0505.html

Frugal Fridays with Amber - Saving Money at the Gas Pump

Ten Ways to Save Money at the Pump

Worried about the high cost of gas? You've got good reason. Gas prices look like they're set to reach record levels.
The best way to avoid spending more on gas than you need to is to keep all of these tips in mind:
1. Drive Smart! When you drive aggressively, you waste gas and put others at risk. Observe the speed limit, avoid rapid acceleration and braking, and maintain a constant speed on the road.
2. Keep Your Car in Shape. A well-tuned car burns less gasoline. So make sure that you get your oil and air filters changed regularly, and that your tires are always properly inflated.
3. Change Your Commute. Sitting in rush hour traffic burns gas and gets you nowhere. If possible, adjust your work schedule so that you avoid rush hour traffic. Even better, and if your employer allows it, think about telecommuting. If you can't telecommute full-time, try for one or two days a week.
4. Use Public Transportation. Look into the public-transportation options in your area, and use them as much as possible.
5. Try to Combine Errands. According to the Department of Energy, several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer, multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.
6. Go for a Ride or Walk. Rather than drive your car to the corner store or a friend's house, walk or ride your bike there. Studies show that this approach has the added advantage of reducing your risk of heart disease.
7. Carpool. Carpool or use ride-share programs if you can. This might also enable you to shorten the time of your commute by using High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes.
8. Pack Light. According to the Department of Energy, a loaded roof rack on your car can decrease fuel economy by approximately five percent. Also, every 100 pounds you carry in a car reduces a typical car's fuel economy by one to two percent. So, when you go on vacation or a long car trip, put everything you can inside your vehicle, and pack light
9. Think Hybrid. The most fuel-efficient vehicles on the road today are hybrid-electric cars. A hybrid combines an electric motor with a conventional, but cleaner, gasoline-powered engine. Over its lifetime, a 50-mile per gallon hybrid Toyota Prius will use half as much gas, and release half as much global-warming pollution, as a 23-mpg Pontiac Grand Prix.
10. Consider Sharing. Rather than buy a new car, sign up for membership with a car-sharing program such as Flexcar or Zipcar. These programs allow you to reserve and drive cars by the hour -- and they cover the cost of the vehicle, insurance, gas, parking, and maintenance.
Bonus: Write Your Leaders. Urge them to raise fuel economy standards to 40 miles per gallon. Modern technology can make our cars and trucks go farther on a gallon of gas. Taking this step would save nearly 4 million barrels of oil a day -- more oil than we currently import from the Persian Gulf. And by saving on gas, you would save nearly $2,000 at the pump over the life of your car.

Source: http://www.sierraclub.org/globalwarming/gas_savers/

Frugal Fridays with Amber - Saving Money at the Gas Pump

This link provides an interactive learning experience that addresses what you can do in each area of the car that can save you money at the gas pump. I found this site to be quite beneficial and posted my findings from the site below.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/energysavings/savegas/flash.html


Saving Money at the Gas Pump: A Bumper-to-Bumper Guide
Whether driving cross-town or cross-country, everybody wants to save money at the pump. Regardless of the make and model, your car’s estimated gas mileage is just that — an estimate. An important variable is how you fuel, drive, and maintain your car. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, offers these bumper-to-bumper tips to help you drive down the cost of driving:
The Gas Tank
Making the right choice at the gas pump is an important first step to keeping your car running efficiently — and economically.
• Follow your owner’s manual recommendation for the right octane level for your car. For most cars, the recommended gas is regular octane. Using a higher octane gas than the manufacturer recommends offers no benefit — and costs you at the pump. Unless your engine is knocking, buying higher octane gas is a waste of money. Looking for more information on selecting the right octane level for your car? See The Low-Down on High Octane Gasoline.
• Gas savings gadgets? Steer clear. Be skeptical about any gizmo that promises to improve your gas mileage. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has tested over 100 supposed gas-saving devices — including “mixture enhancers” and fuel line magnets — and found that very few provided any fuel economy benefits. Those devices that did work provided only a slight improvement in gas mileage. In fact, some products may even damage your car’s engine or cause a substantial increase in exhaust emissions. For a full list of tested products, visit www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer.htm. For more information, check out Gas Savings Products? Fact or Fuelishness.
The Steering Wheel
When it comes to stretching your gas budget, how you drive can be almost as important as how far you drive.
• Stay within the posted speed limits. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 miles per hour.
• Avoid unnecessary idling. It wastes fuel, costs you money, and pollutes the air. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a wait.
• Avoid jackrabbit starts and stops. You can improve in-town gas mileage by up to five percent by driving “gently.”
• Use overdrive gears and cruise control when appropriate. They improve fuel economy when you’re driving on the highway.
• For more information, check out Good, Better, Best: How to Improve Gas Mileage.
The Tires
Keeping your tires properly inflated and aligned can increase gas mileage up to three percent.
Under the Hood
You don’t have to be a gearhead to keep your engine purring at its fuel-efficient best.
• Keep your engine tuned. Tuning your engine according to your owner’s manual can increase gas mileage by an average of four percent.
• Change your oil. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and removes harmful substances from the engine. You can improve your gas mileage by using the grade of motor oil in your owner’s manual and changing it according to the schedule recommended by your car manufacturer. Motor oil that says “Energy Conserving” on the performance symbol of the American Petroleum Institute contains friction-reducing additives that can improve fuel economy.
• Check and replace air filters regularly. Replacing clogged filters can increase gas mileage up to 10 percent.
The Trunk
An extra 100 pounds in the trunk can reduce fuel economy by up to two percent. Removing non-essential stuff can save you at the pump.
The Driver’s Seat
The only sure-fire “equipment” guaranteed to get more from a gallon of gas is a fuel-conscious driver behind the wheel.
• Combine errands. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.
• Consider carpooling. Many cities make it even easier by matching up commuters.
• Bus it, bike it, or hoof it. Why not leave your car at home and consider public transportation, a bike ride, or a stroll across town?

Frugal Fridays with Amber - Saving Money at the Gas Pump

During the month of December, my Frugal Friday segments will be focusing on how to save money at the gas pump. To help fellow moms stay within their budget, Sumnermoms.com has a special link at the bottom of the site called GasBuddy.com. This is a great tool that will remain listed on our site to help you find the cheapest gas in town. If you live elsewhere, type in your zip code and gas buddy will find the cheapest gas in your area.

Today’s tip is to use this easy to access tool. It is a convenient tool to implement into your lifestyle that will help you save money at the pump. Check back next Friday for a list of more ways to save money at the gas pump.

Frugal Fridays with Amber

The Budget Decorator
(featured column by various authors)

10 Great Holiday Decorating Ideas On a Budget
by Kathleen Wilson

1. First things first. Set a plan or a theme for your Christmas decorating. It doesn't cost a thing to have a good plan, and when you are working with budget ideas, this is what pulls your ideas together, and makes everything you do look purposeful, and personal. Some theme ideas for Christmas? The rustic lodge Christmas, a Toyland Christmas, countries around the world, Victorian, country, Santa, snowmen, old fashioned, the list goes on and on! More...

2. Make garlands out of felt scraps. Cut Xmas shapes out of felt in miniature, mini stockings, holly leaves, mittens, and string together with needle and floss or strong fishing line to hang all over the house. Remember when you string each shape, tie a knot on both sides of the shape to hold it in its place. You can add more dimension to the shapes by cutting two of each, stuffing them lightly, them sewing the two together. Glue would work also if you aren't a sewer. Saved used dryer sheets are perfect for this kind of stuffing, or even tiny fabric scraps that are too small for other uses.

3.Drop a tealight candle in your cleaned out glass mayonnaise jars, tie a holiday ribbon around the neck, and you have a beautiful candle with Christmas charm. You could nestle the candle in peppermints, nuts, or even sand if you wish. Try grouping several together for a dramatic evening effect. These also make great luminaries.

4. Start a Christmas collection. This can be a great tradition to initiate in your home. My girls and I started collecting Santas 3 years ago, and it's something they look forward to, choosing our yearly Santa together. I know it will be a fond memory for them, and I plan to let each child choose a Santa to take with them when the day comes that they leave the nest and start their own home.

By the way, this doesn't have to be expensive, or even store bought. Try sewing or crafting a new decoration each year together for even more memories! Or check out your dollar store. they have some really cute ceramic holiday decorations for a buck or two. Remember, it's the memories you're interested in here, not a collectable based on monetary value.

5. If you are looking to do a Toyland theme for your Christmas decorating this year, try searching out teddy bears and dolls at your local thrift stores. Wash them in a pillowcase and put them in your dryer for at least 20 minutes, then dress them up with ribbons and holiday fabrics. Group them under your tree, on mantels, and on windowsills. Stack small squares of cardboard together and wrap as a tiny present, then tuck them under a teddy's arm, or wrap an empty box and use it as teddy's seat by the front door.

6. Place a few inexpensive glass balls in a bowl and embellish with a few sprigs of greenery or some leftover ribbon. If you don't have an extra bowl (it is the holidays, after all!) try decoupaging a box with leftover Christmas wrap, or cover with a little fabric and glue.

7. Take down your pictures and wrap them like a gift, then hang them back on the wall for great holiday cheer! You don't have to do this all around the house, how about just in the entry, or maybe the dining room?

8. Tie greens or ornaments to the chandelier with a little Christmas ribbon, just make sure they don't hang low enough for any candles on the table to catch them on fire.

9. Make your own gift tags out of leftover paper. Ok, this is not a new idea, but try punching it up a bit. Add details by layering shapes over the base paper, use paper punches and scalloped scrapbooking scissors to add style, use a gold calligraphy pen to add names. Or use the scalloped scissors to make old holiday cards into tags.

10. Sponge stars or other seasonal shapes on your window with paint! No, I'm not nuts. Just add a teaspoon or so of liquid dish soap to acrylic craft paint, (I like white or gold metallic) and after the holidays you should be able to wash it off with window cleaner. Use a non-scratching dish scrubber if you come across a stubborn spot.

There it is, the 10 best budget decorating ideas for Holiday decorating! Always remember the most important reason we celebrate, and the reason we take the time to make our homes warm and inviting, our loved ones! Have a wonderful holiday season!

* * *

Copyright © 2002 by Kathleen Wilson. All rights reserved.

Source: http://www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/decorating/christmasideas.htm

Have A Fun Frugal Christmas And Save Money
Is it really possible to have a frugal Christmas and still have lots of fun? Absolutely! I have been doing it for many years now and I have never felt once that I was missing out on anything.
The pressure from advertisers, retailers and lets be honest our children can seem rather overwhelming during the Christmas season. Everywhere you look there are twinkling lights trying to tempt to you into buying some unnecessary expensive item. Even the grocery store becomes a treasure trove of sparkling wrappers and offers.
The problem is many of the offers are not really bargains. If you don’t really need to buy two large tins of sweets for the price of one, or buy the large Christmas cake and get a Yule log for free, how much cake can you really eat? Of course these offers are great if you have a large family to cater for, but the reality for most of us is that these offers are really just drains on our purses.
The secret is to keep focused on your frugal Christmas plan and stick to your budget. Also a frugal Christmas can be fun because it takes away a lot of the tiring and draining shopping and puts a little creativity back into your lives. I will show you how to go about making this years Christmas fun and frugal with none of those January credit card blues.
The frugal Christmas tree
Everyone loves a Christmas tree, but it can be an expensive purchase, especially if you want to have a live tree that can be planted in your garden afterwards. This option only warrants the expense if you have room for a tree in your garden and you live in the right climate for it to flourish. Other options are:
A cut tree
• Buy from a large discount store where the cost of the tree will be the best price.
• Buy your tree as late as possible, as the trees are likely to be marked down even more.
• Don’t buy the largest tree they have, go for a smaller cheaper one, after all it only has to last for a few days and it will be easier to dispose off afterwards.
Artificial trees – this is the most economical option as it can be used year after year at no extra cost. To buy one at a really knocked down price buy one in January for the following year.
Make your own tree – one of my personal favourites. Cut some small branches from evergreen trees growing in your garden or at the side of the road. You only need about three small ones.
Plant them into a pot or bucket of earth and decorate with your own frugal Christmas decorations. I have had some lovely results using holly branches and you still end up with a lovely fresh plant smell as well.
Frugal Christmas Decorations
It is possible to buy some frugal Christmas decorations from the thrift and pound stores, but even then you can end up still spending quite a bit. I’ve always enjoyed making a lot of my own decorations for the house and the tree; it can also be fun to get others involved too. After all isn’t Christmas meant to be about togetherness?
• Decorate a bowl with leaves and rolled up shiny sweet wrappers to represent berries and fill with either winter fruit or potpourri. This makes a lovely centrepiece to any table.
• Find pinecones and spray them with silver or gold paint or sprinkle them with glitter. Great for tree decorations or just decorating shelves
• If you have an old party dress that you no longer want, a good frugal way to use it is to cut it up and make little bows to decorate chair corners or to tie to the branches of your tree.
• Decorate plain white candles with ribbons, twisted leaves or shiny paper. But remember these candles are for decoration only and should not be used.
•
• Door wreaths can be made using dried orange and lemon peel, holly, red berries, glitter and shiny rolled up sweet wrappers glued onto thick cardboard. These look great when placed on interior doors throughout the house.
• Dough ornaments are great fun and are great to hang on the tree. Mix 2 cups of flour and half a cup of salt with water to make soft dough. Be creative and use cutters to make stars or make into twists or even mould into fruit shapes.
Use a toothpick to make a hole if you intend to hang the ornament and leave it in whilst baking. Baking time is 2 hours at 250F and turn if needed and bake for 1 more hour until hard. Once cooled they can be painted, covered in glitter or sprayed.
• Cover tablemats with wrapping paper to add a Christmassy feel to the dinner table.
• Paper chains are easy to make and are a must for a frugal Christmas. You can either buy the strips of pre-glued paper cheaply at discount stores or cut strips from colourful magazines.
These are just some do it yourself Christmas decoration ideas, I’m sure many of you have your own suggestions for making decorations. Why not share them with us and help make Christmas time even more colourful and fun for everyone on a budget. Send your suggestions here.
Frugal Christmas cards and wrapping paper.
I get a real bee in my bonnet every year when I think about all the money wasted, not to mention the waste of resources, on Christmas cards and wrapping paper.
Even if you buy your cards in bulk they can still work out quite expensive if you have lots of people to send to. When you think that most people simply throw paper and cards away after the holidays, it really does seem like a terrible waste.
A great tip for reusing your old Christmas cards, especially cards which have a horizontal picture, is to save them every year and then instead of sending everyone a Christmas card, send them a Christmas postcard. Simply cut off the back of the card and write your message on one side of the reverse and their postal address on the other side. This will not only save you money but will also be something different for your friends and family to receive.
Wrapping paper can also be expensive and is discarded immediately once the present has been opened. Why not buy some inexpensive brown paper on a roll and decorate it your self using children’s paint, sponges, cut-outs or make a collage of pictures of Christmassy things cut from magazines.
Free Gifts
Of course one of the most expensive outlays at Christmas time is gift buying. If you're really stuck for something to buy someone, or you really don’t want to spend much, then why not give the gift of your time?
FREE DOWNLOADABLE GIFT COUPONS I have created some Free Downloadable Fun Gift Coupons for you.
Source:
http://www.frugal-living-tips.com/frugal-christmas.html

Frugal Fridays with Amber

Frugal Christmas Gift Ideas

If you’re on a tight budget, the thought of coming up with unique Christmas gift ideas can be enough to send you into a panic attack. Even if you’re only buying for your spouse, children, and close friends, it’s easy to spend several hundred dollars on Christmas gifts.

Fortunately, it is possible to have an enjoyable Christmas without resorting to bankruptcy. You don’t have to spend every Saturday afternoon making handmade gifts, but you do need to plan ahead.
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Shopping Tips

Remember the following shopping tips as you’re selecting Christmas gifts:

* Set a budget and bring only the specified amount of money to your shopping trip. Or, keep all of your gift receipts in a special folder.
* Avoid using credit cards to pay for your Christmas gifts. It’s too easy to overspend.
* Minimize your gift list. If you’re buying Christmas gifts out of an obligation to someone, approach him/her with the idea of meeting each other for dinner instead of exchanging gifts. If you purchase gifts for your extended family, discuss drawing names to reduce the expense.
* If you’re looking for cheap Christmas gifts, start early. In January or February, make a list of who you plan to buy for. Then, keep your eyes peeled for gifts that can be purchased on sale.
* Start a gift closet. If you’re always caught off guard by secret Santa exchanges at work or unexpected holiday parties for your children, develop a small stash of art supplies, scented candles, and other small gifts to be used for this purpose.

[edit]
Gifts for Children

Fads in children’s toys come and go with a surprising speed. When you’re looking for cheap Christmas gift ideas for children, stick to the classics. Consider the following gift ideas:

* Puzzles
* Hardcover books purchased on sale
* Crayons and coloring books from your local dollar store
* Play Dough
* Wooden blocks
* Bubbles, balls, jump ropes, sidewalk chalk, or other small outdoor toys
* Small stuffed animals
* Puppets
* A bulletin board for his/her room
* A soft blanket

[edit]
Gifts for Women

When it comes to buying Christmas gifts, women are fairly easy to please. The following Christmas gift ideas typically go over well with women of all ages:

* A framed collection of family photographs
* Pens, pretty stationary, and a small book of stamps
* A holiday platter or serving bowl
* A small selection of gourmet chocolate bars
* A scented candle
* A decorative photo album
* A calendar featuring photographs or illustrations related to her hobbies or special interests
* A new Christmas ornament
* A potted plant
* A basket filled with small kitchen gadgets, new dishtowels, and handwritten copies of your favorite recipes

[edit]
Gifts for Men

Many women believe that men are the hardest people to shop for on any Christmas list. But, you don’t need to buy him fancy electronic gadgets to show how much you care. Stick to the following inexpensive Christmas gift ideas:

* A few favorite magazines tied with an attractive ribbon
* A basket of deli meat and cheese
* Gourmet barbeque sauce
* Expensive socks
* A coffee cup filled with his favorite candy
* A movie theater gift certificate
* A new flashlight, with an extra set of batteries
* A bottle of wine
* A gift certificate for a free car wash
* Treats for his prized pet


source:
http://christmas.lovetoknow.com/Christmas_Gift_Idea
Find more information and more gift ideas

50 Frugal Christmas Ideas
Posted by Lynnae on November 7, 2007

Christmas is quickly approaching, and it’s time to start planning. I’ve found that if I take the time to PLAN a frugal holiday season, I get less caught up in the urge to spend once December is here. With that in mind, here are 50 frugal things you can do to celebrate the holiday season.


1. Read a book a day. I read about this tradition a couple of years ago at Debt-Proof Living, and it’s quickly become my family’s favorite tradition. Buy 24 children’s Christmas books (I bought them used to save money), wrap them up, then have your children unwrap one book a day starting December first. We re-wrap the same books year after year, and my family looks forward to reading our Christmas favorites. Apparently Mary Hunt devotes a section of Debt-Proof the Holidays to this tradition, so head to the library and check it out!

2. Celebrate Advent with an Advent Wreath. You can even make the wreath yourself. That’s more frugal than buying one. There’s even a “no-flame” version for families who have young children.

3. Pray for people send you Christmas Cards. A good time to do this is after dinner. Or pray for them during your advent time, if you’re using the advent wreath.

4. Attend a Christmas pageant in your community. Many churches and schools put them on. Check your paper or call your local churches to find one. This year one of our local churches is putting on a production of Narnia. I can’t wait!

5. Have a family slumber party in the living room. Pull out the sleeping bags and turn on the Christmas lights. Just enjoy being together as a family.

6. Go Christmas caroling. Grab some friends or just go as a family. Get to know your neighbors as you bless them with Christmas carols.

7. See the Christmas lights. Drive around your town and look at the decked out houses. Vote on which neighborhood has the best display.

8. Look at pictures from Christmas past. I don’t know about your family, but mine likes to look back in time. Pull out the photo albums. Tell your children about your Christmas celebrations as a child.

9. Do a puzzle together.

10. Bake Christmas cookies. My daughter and I have been making sugar cookies together every year for a long time.

11. String popcorn.

12. Read the Christmas story. Read it straight out of the Bible, or use a bible storybook if you have young children.

13. Pick up some library books and study Christmas Traditions in other countries. This year I’d like to learn about Sinterklaas with my children, since I am Dutch, and my ancestors celebrated Sinterklaas.

14. Host a White Elephant gift exchange. These are so fun. With the right group of people, you’ll be rolling in laughter. If you’ve never hosted a white elephant gift exchange before, the instructions can be found here. Now where did I put that rubber chicken?

15. Make your own gifts. My personal favorites are gifts in a jar and homemade calendars. Gift baskets are also fun. There are a ton of gift mixes at Food Gifts From Your Kitchen.

16. Participate in Operation Christmas Child or another charity. We like to fill shoe boxes for children the same ages as our children. Our children help us shop and at the same time learn that Christmas is about giving, not getting.

17. Make paper snowflakes with your kids. If you want a real challenge, make a 3-D paper snowflake.

18. Make a paper chain to count down the days until Christmas. Alternate green and red construction paper. You can attach the chain to a paper cross or Christmas tree and hang it up on your child’s wall. Each night before bed take off a link. On Christmas Eve, the child takes off the last link, and then gets so excited that she can’t sleep. Oh wait…that happened to me. Hopefully it won’t happen to you.

19. Have a Christmas movie marathon. Get the movies from the library if you want to be really frugal. Some of our favorites are The Polar Express, Miracle on 34th Street, and A Christmas Story.

20. Invite some friends or family over for dinner. It doesn’t have to be formal. Just enjoy the company. Make it a potluck. Or have a soup night. Have everyone bring their favorite soup in a crock-pot.

21. Make a gingerbread house. You can try the ambitious way, or you can make one the easy way.

22. Visit a nursing home or an elderly shut in. The holidays can be a difficult time for those who have lost loved ones. Visit an elderly person with no family nearby. Bring some flowers, food, or a homemade Christmas card. It will brighten their day…and yours.

23. Attend your community tree-lighting ceremony. Many communities have them, and they are festive occasions. If you don’t mind the crowds, tree-lighting ceremonies can be a lot of fun.

24. Put on some Christmas music and dance with your spouse and children.

25. Learn the history of Santa. I think it’s pretty fascinating.

26. Track Santa on NORAD.

27. Make candy. Our favorites are fudge and peanut brittle.

28. Make a Paper Mache snowman.

29. Play in the snow.

30. Simmer some hot cider. There are many good recipes out there. Or if you’re lazy, just heat up some bottled cider.

31. Go ice skating. Ice skating rinks frequently have special rates when kids are out of school for the holiday break. Call your local rink to find out about specials.

32. Have a birthday party for Jesus. Make a cake, invite the neighborhood kids over, and have a party. For gifts, you could give time or make a commitment to read your Bible, pray…whatever you can think of!

33. Watch the Christmas specials on TV. My personal favorites are Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and A Charlie Brown Christmas.

34. Send a card with a Christmas postmark to someone special. You can have letters postmarked at the North Pole, Bethlehem, Noel, and many more interesting places.

35. Read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with your family. If you’ve never read it, you should. It’s really funny!

36. Hang mistletoe. Then kiss your sweetie.

37. Make your own Christmas cards. Have everyone pitch in. Family Fun has some good ideas.

38. Write a Christmas letter, with everyone in the family telling their own story of the past year. Our friends do this. They start the letter with “Dad’s Turn” and work their way down to the youngest child’s turn. It’s fun to read everyone’s differing perspective on the past year.

39. Make a video and send it to far away relatives for Christmas. We did this for years. We’d sing songs, tell stories, and just have a good time. Our relatives appreciated seeing how the kids had grown over the year.

40. Make Christmas ornaments.

41. Cut your own Christmas tree. In Oregon you can buy a permit to go to a designated place in the forest to cut a tree. The permits are $5.00. You can’t beat that. If you don’t have a forest, try a Christmas tree farm. It’s more expensive, but still often cheaper than buying from a lot. Of course the most frugal option would be to buy a fake tree to use year after year. But if you like live trees, cutting your own is the way to go.

42. Take a walk and collect pine-cones, acorns and the like for decorations.

43. Make an Advent Calendar. You could make a simple paper calendar. Or if you’re more crafty, you could make something more complicated. There are many options.

44. Make a Jesse Tree.

45. Fix a special Christmas breakfast. I usually make the Land of Nod Cinnamon Buns and Christmas Breakfast Sausage Casserole. I like these recipes, because the bulk of the preparation is done the day before.

46. Hold an open house. Send invites to all your friends, telling them to stop by your house between the hours of two and five. Set out simple finger foods, and enjoy socializing.

47. Take your family’s picture in front of the Christmas tree. Make it a yearly tradition.

48. Send a card to a recovering U.S. Soldier. The soldiers have given so much for us. Help make their holidays a bit brighter by thanking them. The address is: A Recovering American soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue,NW,Washington,D.C. 20307-5001. Boomeyers, one of my commentators, has informed me that cards addressed to Any Soldier (as opposed to a real name) will no longer be delivered due to security concerns. So I’m going to amend #48. Send a card to a U.S. soldier that you know. If you don’t know a U.S. soldier, consider making a donation to an organization that supports the troops. Or contact your local National Guard to see how you can help. Thanks, boomeyers, for correcting me.

49. Record your children singing their favorite Christmas carols. Children’s voices change so much over the years. Twenty years from now, you’ll be glad to have the recording.

50. Go to a Christmas Eve Service. It’s completely free, and it will put you in the right frame of mind to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Whatever you do, slow down and enjoy the season. Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas that you forget to take time to enjoy your loved ones.

Source:
http://beingfrugal.net/2007/11/07/50-frugal-christmas-ideas/

Frugal Fridays with Amber

With Christmas just around the corner and budgets a necessity, I thought for this month's topic I would help you find ways to save money at Christmas. I hope that you find the information helpful and useful. Happy Shopping and Happy Saving!

63 Gift Ideas for Under $10 - For Any Occasion of the Year!
by Michelle Jones

Stop! Before you go out and spend hundreds of dollars (or thousands!) on Christmas presents, read through our favorite list of inexpensive gift ideas. This column has been a favorite among our readers since it was first published in 2001. We hope it will help you find that perfect gift for everyone on your list, while spending less!

These frugal gifts are great for any occasion all throughout the year, including Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, end-of-school teacher gifts and more. They also make great hostess gifts during the holidays.

There are hundreds of great gifts that can be purchased or made by hand for under $10, gifts that are both thoughtful and frugal at the same time. Put them in an inexpensive basket or wrap them with a pretty ribbon and you'll truly have a beautiful gift--without breaking the bank!

I know you've probably heard it before but it's really true that you don't have to spend a lot of money to find that perfect gift for someone. Just be sure to put some time and thought into it and your gift will be well received...

Our loved ones probably appreciate our time and love more than anything.

Here's a few of my favorite inexpensive gift ideas...

1. Gourmet coffees with a personal coffee cup
2. Pound of pistachios
3. Child's artwork, framed
4. Journal with special inscription inside
5. Teacup with box of herbal tea
6. Deck of cards and book of card game rules
7. Homemade cocoa mix in a pretty jar
8. Collage of special photos
9. Gel pens and pretty stationary
10. Bottle of sparkling cider
11. Home baked bread, include recipe
12. Disposable camera or rolls of film
13. Basket filled with deli cheese and fruit
14. Craft supplies
15. Holiday serving bowl or platter
16. Pretty basket filled with special jams or mustards
17. Decorative napkins and napkin rings
18. Fancy chocolate bars tied with a ribbon
19. Gardening gloves with a plant or flower seeds
20. Photo album, hand decorated is even better
21. Makeup tote
22. Prepaid photo developing envelopes
23. Homemade cookie mix with instructions for baking
24. Variety of bread mixes
25. Special coffee cup filled with candy
26. Fancy magazines tied together with a pretty ribbon
27. Gourmet popcorn and flavored oil
28. Locally made barbeque or steak sauce with basting brush
29. Pancake or waffle mix and a bottle of real maple syrup
30. Movie theater gift certificates
31. Board games
32. Jar of sourwood or pure honey with biscuit mix
33. Note cards and book of stamps
34. Picture frames, buy them on sale!
35. Specialty cookbook
36. Pretty glass jar filled with candy
37. Collectible sports cards
38. Muffin mixes with muffin pan
39. Books, there are still a few for under $10
40. Set of dish towels and dish cloths
41. Nail polish kit
42. Pretty night shirt
43. Basket filled with kitchen gadgets
44. Video rental gift certificates
45. Pepper mill and fresh peppercorns
46. Handwritten copies of your favorite recipes
47. For the pets, gourmet dog biscuits or cat treats
48. Baking pans and supplies
49. Prepaid long distance phone cards
50. Small clock or radio
51. Pretty box for keepsakes
52. Colorful Post-It notepads
53. Address book
54. Christmas ornaments
55. Puzzles
56. Blank video or cassette tapes
57. Sewing supplies
58. Flashlight with batteries
59. Favorite quote embroidered on a nice handkerchief
60. Makeup brush set
61. Expensive socks, still under $10
62. Special soaps and bath puff
63. and don't forget my absolute favorite... home baked cookies!

I hope you will be inspired by this list, after all, it's not the amount of money you spend for a gift that matters the most, but that you cared enough to give something special.

Source:
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/money/63giftsunder10dollars.htm
(this is one of my favorite frugal websites. Check it out for tons of information on how to implement frugal living in your household.)

Frugal Fridays with Amber

Amber’s Top 10 List - Saving Money at the Grocery Store
I thought I would share with everyone what I am doing to save money at the grocery store. Some of these items have been mentioned in previous posts but I thought it might help everyone if you knew what a mom of four could do to save money at the store.
Here are my steps that I take to save money at the grocery store:
1. I clip coupons and use them. I rarely let a coupon expire. I shop at stores that double coupons.
2. I plan my meals a month in advance but do have a sense of flexibility. By knowing what I am planning for a month, it helps me if I see an upcoming ingredient for a meal on a “good” sale or have a coupon that is about to expire.
3. I use/eat what I buy.
4. I use leftovers for lunches, stews, soups, etc.
5. I use a sale tracking site like couponmom.com or grocerygame.com to help me keep track of sales and when to use coupons to get the item at the lowest price. This also helps me know what a good price is for a product/item.
6. Use a grocery list.
7. Keep a running list of items you are running low on and a list of what you already have.
8. Compare name brand vs. store brand.
9. Look for manager's specials in the meat department (and other departments).
10. Get a store loyalty card.

These are my top ten things I do to save money at the grocery store. I hope that you find these tips to be helpful in your journey to becoming frugal.

Two additional resources that I have found to be helpful:
Hot Coupon World is another great resource. This is a huge website with message boards for every store you can imagine where people post deals they’re finding. What I use most is their Coupon Database. Say you want to buy some toilet paper. You go to the coupon database, type-in “toilet paper”, and they give you a list of every coupon that’s out there for toilet paper and where to find it. Some of them are from the paper, some of them are random, and some of them are online printables. Get the coupon, take it to the store with you and save some money on something you were planning to get anyway.
Money Saving Mom is also a great resource. This is just a blog that posts great deals online and at stores, everything from random freebies to coupons. She regularly will list deals at my local stores like Kroger and Walgreens, give you links to printable coupons (most of her deals use online coupons), and show you exactly what you can get. She has several very helpful links on how to get started couponing and shopping. A GREAT place to start.

Frugal Fridays with Amber

This week I wanted to share an article that I found that will help you save money at the grocery store. Enjoy and Happy Shopping!


Top 20 Ways to Save Money at the Grocery Store
By DIY Maven

20. List it. Instead of listing everything you THINK you need, first plan your meals for the week and then buy the ingredients you’ll ACTUALLY need to make them. By doing so, experts say you just might save up to 41% on your grocery bill.

19. Eat first. This tried and true hint bears repeating, as going to the grocery story hungry is the primary reason we buy on impulse.

18. Skip the processed food. Not only are they not good for you, they cost more than unprocessed foods.

17. Grate your own. Like processed foods, pre-grated cheese, carrots and the like, cost more.

16. No toiletries, please. If you can, buy only groceries at the grocery store. Make a separate list of toiletries and paper products for the discount stores, where they’ll cost 20 to 40 percent LESS.

15. Skip the pre-cuts. Like #17, cutting meat and produce will save you money, BUT it’s also safer to eat, as ‘many of the incidents of food-borne illness linked to fresh produce are traced to processing,’ as per The Times-Picayune.

14. Beware of the aisle maze. Grocery stores put dairy products and meat in the back of the store for a reason: they want to force you to walk through all those aisle of temptation to get there. So, if you’re making a quick trip for milk, keep this in mind to avoid manipulation.

13. Beware of the end-caps. And speaking of manipulation, just because items are displayed on an ‘end-cap’ doesn’t mean they’re on sale. Note: manufacturers of those items often times PAY for those prime display locations. BTW: the same goes for end caps in book stores. Just because a book is displayed on an end cap, doesn’t mean it’s good!

12. Toast your bread. Consider by-passing the more expensive fresh-baked bread and reaching for the day old selection, which you can keep in the freezer for toasting. Also, many–if not all–bagel shops discount drastically as the end of the day nears. Keep a look out for these fabulous deals the next time you’re hankering for an afternoon schmear.

11. Beware of bulk. Buying in bulk, when the price is right, is tempting, but only buy groceries that you know you’ll use before they’ll perish. Non-perishables, of course, are the safest to buy in bulk.

10. Beware of bulk part 2, or why you should take a calculator to the supermarket. Just because an item is available in a larger size/amount, doesn’t mean it’s cheaper. To make sure you’re not getting swindled, check the unit price.

9. Back to the tap. Bottled water is big business and big news, as of late. According to an August 1, 2007 New York Times editorial, "Almost all municipal water in America is so good that nobody needs to import a single bottle from Italy or France or the Fiji Islands. Meanwhile, if you choose to get your recommended eight glasses a day from bottled water, you could spend up to $1,400 annually. The same amount of tap water would cost you about 49 cents." And let’s not get started with all those plastic bottles heading to the landfills.

8. Freeze your dairy. When on sale, consider stocking up on milk and freezing it. Keep in mind that whole or 2% freezes better than skim. Of course, you’ll want to use the top inch or two of the milk before you freeze the container so it doesn’t explode when it expands.

7. And speaking of dairy.... Although manufacturers often print on the packaging of cheese that it’s not recommended for freezing, I do it all the time, as did my mother. Especially those kinds of cheeses, like mozzarella, that I use primarily in cooking.

6. Be flexible. Just because you have a list, doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of store specials you might come across.

5. Make a coupon file. A lot of people who dislike using coupons do so because they can be inconvenient. They get lost or you forget to use them. Consider making a coupon file to make the experience more ‘enjoyable’. You can buy files made especially for coupon orgainization, but how about rescuing an appropriately sized food canister and making a few file dividers out of index cards for your most popular product categories?

4. Make your own mixes. Pre-made mixes are expensive. Check out cdkitchen for some low cost and interesting alternatives.

3. Note what you have and have not. Besides keeping track of what you DON’T have, keep track of what you DO have, thus avoiding unnecessary purchases. (I remember a time when we had 3 bottles of ketchup in the pantry because we kept forgetting we already had it!)

2. Eat more beans! Beans are inexpensive, tasty and provide all kinds of nutrition. So, the next time you balk at the price of ground round, consider the almighty legume!!!

And the number 1 way to save money at the grocery store....

Keep an eye on the scanner. According to Robyn Moreno of Woman's Day, 'Grocery stores are not always reset with current sale prices. Your chances of being charged the full price on a sale item are high.' Robyn suggests to speak up immediately when you see an error. Think an error or two is no big deal? Americans lose anywhere from 1 to 3 BILLION DOLLARS a year on scanning discrepancies.

For more money-saving tips, check out The Times-Picayune article, 50 ways to save money on groceries, as well as the MSNBC article featuring the advice of Robyn Moreno of Woman's Day.

Source: http://www.curbly.com/DIY-Maven/posts/2289-Top-2-Ways-to-Save-Money-at-the-Grocery-Store

Frugal Fridays with Amber

I have found a one of kind website that offers some "real" solutions on saving money at the grocery store. Please visit the following website as I think you will like the ideas and suggestions that the author has listed there.


http://www.blogher.com/family-finance-how-save-money-groceries

Frugal Fridays with Amber

Many people have heard about The Grocery Game and Coupon Mom websites. The operators of these two sites have appeared on several television shows throughout this year. They have two different sites with the same goal, helping consumers use coupons in conjunction with the lowest sale price for items at grocery stores. The article details out the differences between the sites and gives some really beneficial information about saving money at the grocery store. I have used both and feel that both are equally good at helping me achieve the main goal…saving money on groceries. I highly recommend that if you want to save money at the store that you begin with one of these sites. You will need to subscribe to the Sunday newspaper to begin saving money. I hope that you find this article helpful and beneficial on your journey to saving money and becoming frugal.

Secrets of superstar grocery shoppers
Source: http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/SecretsOfSuperstarGroceryShoppers.aspx
By Melinda Fulmer
We've all heard stories about people walking in to a grocery store and plunking down a few bucks for a cartful of groceries
It's possible, said Stephanie Nelson, the "Coupon Mom." But it's not very practical.
"I once got $100 worth of groceries for $1.95," said Nelson, who operates grocery-deals site The Coupon Mom and wrote "Greatest Secrets of the Coupon Mom." But, she said, it was mostly toothbrushes, tomato sauce and other nonessential items. She couldn't feed her family on it. "I would have had to rush out to the store the next day."
While some rabid couponers scour the Internet and even the dump to score free coupons and rebates, that's really not necessary, say Nelson and Teri Gault, operator of The Grocery Game.
The women agree that an investment of just 30 minutes a week and a Sunday newspaper will save most people hundreds of dollars each month. I gave it a try myself and cut my grocery bill by more than half in my first outing.
The strategy
The key, they say, is matching coupons to good sales at your local store. The idea is to use your coupons when an item is on sale and stock your cupboard when something hits a rock-bottom price. Pretty soon, they say, you will have a stockpile of a variety of good food.
"It's not about changing the way you eat, but changing the way you buy the food that you like," Nelson said.
Most grocery products in the center of the store, from cleaners to frozen items to soup, go on sale at least once every three months. You monitor the prices on the items you buy most (either by yourself or with the help of one of these sites) and, when your Friday night frozen pizza hits its lowest price, buy several with one of your coupons.
Don't buy, Gault said, just because the grocer's ads tell you it's a good deal. And keep your eye open for unadvertised deals and coupons in the store. By combining sales and coupons, you can often get many things on your list for pennies on the dollar or even free. In late winter, for example, shoppers can expect to get canned beans, canned tomatoes, chilis and pastas free with a coupon, she said.
Steals like these are more common, Nelson said, as manufacturers have increased the face value of coupons. The average coupon was $1.16 in 2006, according to coupon-consulting firm CMS Inc.
Ironically, the number of people taking advantage of them is shrinking. Coupon redemption fell 13%, to 2.6 billion, in 2006, CMS said.
So, you hate clipping coupons?
As intriguing as the savings were, I knew I might have a problem following the system. I'm not a big planner when it comes to cooking. In fact, I like to cook and bake on a whim. So the idea of clipping coupons and delayed gratification didn't seem that attractive to me.
Frankly, neither did some of the items in that week's coupons, like fish sticks.
But the way Nelson puts it, I would be a fool not to take advantage of the deals in my area, Los Angeles. It's the most competitive grocery region in the country and has the most coupons with the highest face value. (Good thing, because the house payments here are a killer.) So I decided to put their system to the test, purchasing my groceries that week with coupons from Sunday's paper and a list from Teri's Web site of the best deals at my local Ralphs store.
Continued: Cleaning up on Aisle 5
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Articles about "saving on household expenses"
Seven Ways to Save on Household Expenses
Does your household budget need a trim? Consider these seven sources for savings. ... saving on household expenses · lowering your insurance premiums ...
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/householdsavings/tp/Household_Save.htm
Seven Ways to Save on New Appliances
saving on new appliances · bargain shopping · saving on household expenses. New appliances don't have to be costly – if you know how to shop for them. ...
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/householdsavings/tp/Save_Appliances.htm
Cell Phone Bills - Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill
cell phones · saving on household expenses · lowering your bills. Does your monthly cell phone bill send you into shock? It doesn't have to. ...
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/householdsavings/tp/Save_on_Cell_Bill.htm
Cut Back on Extras- Find and Trim the Fat in Your Budget
budgeting · saving on household expenses. Are extras weighing down your budget? Use this list to identify the extras in your budget; then, decide which are ...
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/frugalliving101/tp/Cut_Extras.htm
Ten Ways to Start Living the Frugal Life
couponing · frugal recipes · saving energy · frugal fun · saving on household expenses. Ready to give the frugal life a shot? Here are ten simple ways to ...
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/frugalliving101/tp/Start_Frugal.htm
Lower Your Phone Bill
lowering your phone bill · cell phone plans · voip · saving on household expenses. Are you paying more for phone service then you’d like to be? ...
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/householdsavings/a/Phone_Bill.htm
Lower Your Homeowner's Insurance Premium
saving money on homeowner's insurance · buying homeowner's insurance · saving on household expenses. Homeowners face a lot of expenses, ...
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/householdsavings/tp/Homeowners_Insurance.htm
How to Convert Any Toilet to a Low-Flow Toilet
low-flow toilets · saving water · saving on household expenses. Standard toilets can use as much as seven gallons of water per flush. Low-flows? ...
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/householdsavings/ht/Low_Flow.htm
Save Money on Your Water Bill
lowering your bills · saving energy · saving on household expenses. Reduce your water bill, and your impact on the environment with these water-saving tips: ...
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/householdsavings/tp/Save_Money_On_Water_Bill.htm
How to Coupon Effectively - A Beginner's Guide to Couponing
couponing · grocery savings · bargain shopping · saving on household expenses. If you're interested in couponing, but aren't sure how to get started, ...
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/bargainshopping/a/Coupon_Guide.htm
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Frugal Fridays with Amber

I am so excited to be adding this new section to Sumnermoms.com. Each Friday, I will be giving tips, sharing articles, sharing budget friendly recipes, and anything and everything that will help you become more budget conscience and to help you become more frugal.

The suggestions, tips, and articles I will share will be what I consider the most important, the most beneficial, and the most practical to implement. I have been researching this topic through this entire year and found some research to be not so helpful as it was not practical to implement in a household of 6. Let's face it, if it is not easy or practical then chances are you will not have time to do it. So as a mother of four, I will help you find the best ways to save money without costing you alot of time and effort. I wish that I could say that everyone could save a ton of money without working at it but that is not the case. The methods that I have found to save me the most has taken some time and effort. I will say that in the beginning it does take longer because you are new to the ideas and methods but once you get the hang of it, it will take less time and you will definitely be happy with the end results. So I hope that you find my new section beneficial to you and your household. If you have any ideas, tips, resources, or websites that you want to share, please feel free to email those to me at SumnerMoms@gmail.com.

In the month of October I will be sharing ways to save money at the grocery store. So check back next week for my first article so that you can get started saving money.

I look forward to helping you save LOTS of money in the upcoming year!