Today I received another Walmart sample - a Glad ForceFlex kitchen trash bag. I'm sure I'll use this eventually. For the most part, I use the free trash bags we get from the grocery store. I find using a small trash can works well since there are just two of us and it's a good idea to take the trash out everyday anyway.
I may not manage to post again until next week. I've got some great things I'd like to write about too! But my husband is going to put in some long days trying to finish up his doctoral dissertation and will need the computer. We would SO like to have that done. (I suspect I'll have a productive time too, without my favorite daytime distraction.) So think some positive thoughts for us, and I'll see you next week.
:)
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Warning - Phishing Email I Just Received
Since I know I'm not the only one working on paying off student loans, I wanted to share that I just received a phishing email from someone pretending to be Sallie Mae.
It looks very much like their typical emails, but it includes an attachment. If you try to open the attachment, it asks for your password, which the email tells you is your social security number. This is a classic scam. Don't do it.
Remember to be careful online. Don't give out information to people who ask for it. If you GO to Sallie Mae, yes, they will need your personal information. But if someone comes to you and asks, figure they are probably not who they claim to be. Honest companies don't do this kind of thing because it's just not safe for the customer.
It looks very much like their typical emails, but it includes an attachment. If you try to open the attachment, it asks for your password, which the email tells you is your social security number. This is a classic scam. Don't do it.
Remember to be careful online. Don't give out information to people who ask for it. If you GO to Sallie Mae, yes, they will need your personal information. But if someone comes to you and asks, figure they are probably not who they claim to be. Honest companies don't do this kind of thing because it's just not safe for the customer.
Samples to Request
If you have sensitive teeth like me, you'll be excited to get a free sample of Sensodyne from Walmart. Sensodyne is not often available for free or cheap, unlike other toothpastes. I'll save this for traveling. They are also giving away samples of my husband's favorite, Aquafresh.
While you are at Walmart's website, check to see if they have any other samples you haven't requested yet. It helps to refresh the page once or twice - different selections may come up when you refresh.
The coupon insert in the Sunday paper said to go to kotex.com for a free pad sample.
I am loving the autofill feature on the Google toolbar. It makes sampling SO much easier.
While you are at Walmart's website, check to see if they have any other samples you haven't requested yet. It helps to refresh the page once or twice - different selections may come up when you refresh.
The coupon insert in the Sunday paper said to go to kotex.com for a free pad sample.
I am loving the autofill feature on the Google toolbar. It makes sampling SO much easier.
Economic Stimulus Plan
As I'm sure you all know, the checks or direct deposits from the economic stimulus plan should be arriving soon.
Like any windfall, many of us debate what we should do with the cash. Perhaps because it's called the economic stimulus package, people seem to feel even more inclined to spend this one than usual. Shouldn't we do our patriotic duty and stimulate the economy with some spending? Isn't it funny how [the amount you'll receive] is just right to pay for [that thing you've been wanting]? It's tempting.
On the other hand, I really believe that our country can be the strongest if it is made of up strong individuals and families. If we don't need to lean on the government for help, we won't draw on funds from those programs. If we make smart financial decisions now, we'll have more to spend in the future.
Consider one of the major causes of the current problem - the subprime mortgage crisis. I truly feel bad for those facing the uncomfortable prospect of losing their homes. I believe many of these adjustable rate and especially interest only mortgages are bad products that shouldn't be offered.
On the other hand, nobody made these people buy these products. I don't have a lot of sympathy for the story that it's the only way you could buy (at the time) and you just HAD TO. That's just not true. People should understand that if you can't afford to buy, then it's time to rent. There's nothing shameful about renting. In fact, in many markets right now, it's financially more intelligent to do so. If you currently hold one of these products, well, that was a bad choice. We all make bad choices sometimes. That doesn't mean the government should come bail you out. It is frustrating to see this kind of irresponsible behavior encouraged by softening the blow. Often, the best lessons come out of the hard times. I wouldn't trade the "poor" period we had at the beginning of our marriage for anything.
It seems to me that we can see this economic stimulus package in the same way - people have overspent and are feeling too pressured to spend as much as usual. So they'll give us some more money to spend. Does this encourage new habits? More careful consideration of one-time purchases and longer term commitments such as homes or cars? Does it treat the underlying problem or just serve as a little temporary boost? Will it strengthen your financial position?
I think in this case it's up to us to decide the function this "assistance" serves. Sure, we can spend it away. But we can also do things that improve our financial situation, make us better equipped for potential tough times ahead and strengthen good habits.
Here are a couple ideas:
Use the money to pay off debt. I'm treating it like any other extra income - I'll give some away and the rest will go straight to the student loans. We are hoping to pay off our second to last loan this month. It will be fantastic.
Use the money to build your emergency fund. It's always a good idea to have something to fall back on. When things look a bit shaky, as they may for some right now, it's even more important. 3-6 months of expenses is a good goal. One thousand dollars is the Dave Ramsey plan minimum. He adds that you have to consider your situation though - one income or two, any health problems, others who depend on you, upcoming expenses you know about, etc. For us, $1000 is not enough.
Use the money to make wise purchases. Is there some big expense coming up that you can set aside the money for, or deal with now? This might include something like a roof repair or new tires for the car. Maybe you want to build your food supply a bit in advance of the rising prices. What will you NEED in the next few months? This could be a good opportunity to buy it.
I encourage you to come up with a great plan for this windfall that will help you build a better future.
Edited to add: After writing this long post, I discovered that Dave Ramsey already addressed this problem on his site with similar suggestions. Check it out.
Like any windfall, many of us debate what we should do with the cash. Perhaps because it's called the economic stimulus package, people seem to feel even more inclined to spend this one than usual. Shouldn't we do our patriotic duty and stimulate the economy with some spending? Isn't it funny how [the amount you'll receive] is just right to pay for [that thing you've been wanting]? It's tempting.
On the other hand, I really believe that our country can be the strongest if it is made of up strong individuals and families. If we don't need to lean on the government for help, we won't draw on funds from those programs. If we make smart financial decisions now, we'll have more to spend in the future.
Consider one of the major causes of the current problem - the subprime mortgage crisis. I truly feel bad for those facing the uncomfortable prospect of losing their homes. I believe many of these adjustable rate and especially interest only mortgages are bad products that shouldn't be offered.
On the other hand, nobody made these people buy these products. I don't have a lot of sympathy for the story that it's the only way you could buy (at the time) and you just HAD TO. That's just not true. People should understand that if you can't afford to buy, then it's time to rent. There's nothing shameful about renting. In fact, in many markets right now, it's financially more intelligent to do so. If you currently hold one of these products, well, that was a bad choice. We all make bad choices sometimes. That doesn't mean the government should come bail you out. It is frustrating to see this kind of irresponsible behavior encouraged by softening the blow. Often, the best lessons come out of the hard times. I wouldn't trade the "poor" period we had at the beginning of our marriage for anything.
It seems to me that we can see this economic stimulus package in the same way - people have overspent and are feeling too pressured to spend as much as usual. So they'll give us some more money to spend. Does this encourage new habits? More careful consideration of one-time purchases and longer term commitments such as homes or cars? Does it treat the underlying problem or just serve as a little temporary boost? Will it strengthen your financial position?
I think in this case it's up to us to decide the function this "assistance" serves. Sure, we can spend it away. But we can also do things that improve our financial situation, make us better equipped for potential tough times ahead and strengthen good habits.
Here are a couple ideas:
Use the money to pay off debt. I'm treating it like any other extra income - I'll give some away and the rest will go straight to the student loans. We are hoping to pay off our second to last loan this month. It will be fantastic.
Use the money to build your emergency fund. It's always a good idea to have something to fall back on. When things look a bit shaky, as they may for some right now, it's even more important. 3-6 months of expenses is a good goal. One thousand dollars is the Dave Ramsey plan minimum. He adds that you have to consider your situation though - one income or two, any health problems, others who depend on you, upcoming expenses you know about, etc. For us, $1000 is not enough.
Use the money to make wise purchases. Is there some big expense coming up that you can set aside the money for, or deal with now? This might include something like a roof repair or new tires for the car. Maybe you want to build your food supply a bit in advance of the rising prices. What will you NEED in the next few months? This could be a good opportunity to buy it.
I encourage you to come up with a great plan for this windfall that will help you build a better future.
Edited to add: After writing this long post, I discovered that Dave Ramsey already addressed this problem on his site with similar suggestions. Check it out.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Investing in Food - Wall Street Journal approved
So I thought it was a bit funny when I wrote about investing in flour earlier this month.
But now, the Wall Street Journal is talking about the same thing - and recommending it. They say projected returns on investing in food outpace typical money market and CD account returns, even before considering taxes, which reduce real returns on such accounts yet further.
I've been working on my couponing technique anyway, so this is a little extra encouragement to stock up on things if the price is right. Getting better at this will reduce the impact of future price hikes on my personal budget too.
But now, the Wall Street Journal is talking about the same thing - and recommending it. They say projected returns on investing in food outpace typical money market and CD account returns, even before considering taxes, which reduce real returns on such accounts yet further.
I've been working on my couponing technique anyway, so this is a little extra encouragement to stock up on things if the price is right. Getting better at this will reduce the impact of future price hikes on my personal budget too.
Today's Samples
From Walmart: Curel Lotion, in pregnancy and aging varieties.
From Kashi: Mountain Medley Granola. I'm excited about this one. It looks tasty and claims to have 300mg of Omega-3 acids, which I do try to get a good amount of. (Since we don't eat meat and just the occasional fish, this is more of a concern for us. Plus, it's important in pregnancy, which will hopefully be a concern again sometime soon.) I actually like that it comes in a 1/2 cup size - this alone is 220 calories. The trick with granola is not to eat too much. I'll use this as a topping for yogurt.
I got some plants I ordered today too - not a sample, but very exciting. Today is rainy, but hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to get out and dig up my garden area to get the plants in.
From Kashi: Mountain Medley Granola. I'm excited about this one. It looks tasty and claims to have 300mg of Omega-3 acids, which I do try to get a good amount of. (Since we don't eat meat and just the occasional fish, this is more of a concern for us. Plus, it's important in pregnancy, which will hopefully be a concern again sometime soon.) I actually like that it comes in a 1/2 cup size - this alone is 220 calories. The trick with granola is not to eat too much. I'll use this as a topping for yogurt.
I got some plants I ordered today too - not a sample, but very exciting. Today is rainy, but hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to get out and dig up my garden area to get the plants in.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Super Savings Saturday - Lots of Savings
This week was a good one for savings. Here are some of the highlights:
CVS
Softsoap Spa Bodywash (they finally had it in stock) - free
Mennen Deoderant - free plus overage!
I used up my old ECBs and increased them, with very little additional out-of-pocket expense.
Rite Aid
Hershey's Bliss Dark Chocolate
Pure Shine Miracle Styling Creme
Jane Mineral Powder Makeup
All of these will be free after rebate. I love Rite Aid's easy online rebate system.
Giant
I had two really good supermarket trips. Due to a local store opening, coupon booklets were sent to everyone in the area offering free stuff at any Giant store. I happened to get two booklets, so I made two trips. The coupons require a $15 total after all coupons.
The first time I came in at $15.15 after all coupons - even I was impressed at the exactness of my calculations. So that got me a free pound of butter and free frozen bagels. These stores offer double coupons up to 99 cents, so I've been working on getting more things that way. Along with B1G1 salad and two pounds of strawberries for $4 (in-store deals) I got nearly free yogurt and applesauce. I'm learning which coupons are worth using.
I made a second trip last night to stock up for my dinner party tonight. I got another pound of butter and more bagels. On this trip I used no manufacturer coupons, because the stuff I needed was either on a store sale or simply not available at a discount (heavy cream, for example). I bought enough to use a $5 off of $40 coupon for the store opening, as well as the free item coupons. I spent less than a third of the original price of these items.
I was happy with both trips. It reinforced to me that both coupon and non-coupon methods of getting food for less are worth working on.
Free Samples
I had a bunch earlier in the week. Today I received samples of Frizz Ease shampoo, conditioner and serum from Walmart. I'll save these for traveling in the summer.
I had some good luck at the thrift store too. Unfortunately, it looks like I may not have time to get out to garage sales today. Oh well. Maybe next week.
Check out more money saving stories over at Money Saving Mom.
CVS
Softsoap Spa Bodywash (they finally had it in stock) - free
Mennen Deoderant - free plus overage!
I used up my old ECBs and increased them, with very little additional out-of-pocket expense.
Rite Aid
Hershey's Bliss Dark Chocolate
Pure Shine Miracle Styling Creme
Jane Mineral Powder Makeup
All of these will be free after rebate. I love Rite Aid's easy online rebate system.
Giant
I had two really good supermarket trips. Due to a local store opening, coupon booklets were sent to everyone in the area offering free stuff at any Giant store. I happened to get two booklets, so I made two trips. The coupons require a $15 total after all coupons.
The first time I came in at $15.15 after all coupons - even I was impressed at the exactness of my calculations. So that got me a free pound of butter and free frozen bagels. These stores offer double coupons up to 99 cents, so I've been working on getting more things that way. Along with B1G1 salad and two pounds of strawberries for $4 (in-store deals) I got nearly free yogurt and applesauce. I'm learning which coupons are worth using.
I made a second trip last night to stock up for my dinner party tonight. I got another pound of butter and more bagels. On this trip I used no manufacturer coupons, because the stuff I needed was either on a store sale or simply not available at a discount (heavy cream, for example). I bought enough to use a $5 off of $40 coupon for the store opening, as well as the free item coupons. I spent less than a third of the original price of these items.
I was happy with both trips. It reinforced to me that both coupon and non-coupon methods of getting food for less are worth working on.
Free Samples
I had a bunch earlier in the week. Today I received samples of Frizz Ease shampoo, conditioner and serum from Walmart. I'll save these for traveling in the summer.
I had some good luck at the thrift store too. Unfortunately, it looks like I may not have time to get out to garage sales today. Oh well. Maybe next week.
Check out more money saving stories over at Money Saving Mom.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Today's Samples
Two more from Walmart:
John Frieda Sheer Blonde shampoo and conditioner. I'm not exactly blonde, sort of in between. When I was younger and outside more, I had gold hair. I liked the color better then. So there's some motivation to go out running and gardening. (With sunscreen these days, of course!)
Gillette Oil Control Face Wash and Body Wash. I don't know about you, but toiletries marketed to guys just crack me up. The names are hilarious - Fresh Rush and Game Time are two scents of (free) deoderant I recently picked up for my husband. But the funniest recent one was from Addidas (also free of course) - it comes in a black package and the scent is called Intensive. Maybe we've just been spending too much time in the hospital lately, but that name just didn't do much for us.
I'll save these for travel. Hopefully we'll be taking some trips to the beach this summer, and maybe some bigger trips too.
John Frieda Sheer Blonde shampoo and conditioner. I'm not exactly blonde, sort of in between. When I was younger and outside more, I had gold hair. I liked the color better then. So there's some motivation to go out running and gardening. (With sunscreen these days, of course!)
Gillette Oil Control Face Wash and Body Wash. I don't know about you, but toiletries marketed to guys just crack me up. The names are hilarious - Fresh Rush and Game Time are two scents of (free) deoderant I recently picked up for my husband. But the funniest recent one was from Addidas (also free of course) - it comes in a black package and the scent is called Intensive. Maybe we've just been spending too much time in the hospital lately, but that name just didn't do much for us.
I'll save these for travel. Hopefully we'll be taking some trips to the beach this summer, and maybe some bigger trips too.
Frugal Friday - Videotapes
I remember an article in the Tightwad Gazette that suggested buying used LPs as folks upgraded to CDs. That was the bargain opportunity created by a new technology taking over back in the early nineties.
Right now, videotapes (VCR tapes) can be purchased for VERY little at thrift stores and garage sales. I picked up a bunch yesterday for $1 each. Tomorrow I'm going to finally get out to my first garage sales of the year and see what is there - they should be even cheaper.
Libraries often sell off their old videos too, for a similar price. However, realize that those videos may have been watched 200 or 300 times (or more!) before being withdrawn from the collection. I think videos that have been previously owned by individuals are a better value because they are more likely to work, and to work for longer.
While I also have a DVD player, VCRs are still perfectly good and useful. If you have small children you allow to watch videos, they are particularly good, because the child can just put the video in the VCR and have it start on its own. DVDs are more complicated. In fact, some publishers of DVDs for small children have caught onto this problem and market their DVDs as self-starting!
For me, buying videos at this price is cheaper than renting. I think it's nice to have a few we've wanted to watch on hand for when we have the opportunity to watch them. We don't do TV for the most part, and don't have cable. A movie night with some popcorn is a special treat for us. I got some pilates and yoga videos yesterday. If I don't like them, I'll just donate them back or sell them at a garage sale.
I wonder if VCRs can be bought cheaply in the used marketplace too? It could be worth a try if you need one.
Check out more frugal ideas over at Biblical Womanhood.
Right now, videotapes (VCR tapes) can be purchased for VERY little at thrift stores and garage sales. I picked up a bunch yesterday for $1 each. Tomorrow I'm going to finally get out to my first garage sales of the year and see what is there - they should be even cheaper.
Libraries often sell off their old videos too, for a similar price. However, realize that those videos may have been watched 200 or 300 times (or more!) before being withdrawn from the collection. I think videos that have been previously owned by individuals are a better value because they are more likely to work, and to work for longer.
While I also have a DVD player, VCRs are still perfectly good and useful. If you have small children you allow to watch videos, they are particularly good, because the child can just put the video in the VCR and have it start on its own. DVDs are more complicated. In fact, some publishers of DVDs for small children have caught onto this problem and market their DVDs as self-starting!
For me, buying videos at this price is cheaper than renting. I think it's nice to have a few we've wanted to watch on hand for when we have the opportunity to watch them. We don't do TV for the most part, and don't have cable. A movie night with some popcorn is a special treat for us. I got some pilates and yoga videos yesterday. If I don't like them, I'll just donate them back or sell them at a garage sale.
I wonder if VCRs can be bought cheaply in the used marketplace too? It could be worth a try if you need one.
Check out more frugal ideas over at Biblical Womanhood.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Which Jane Austen Heroine are You?
You are Elizabeth Bennet of Pride & Prejudice! You are intelligent, witty, and tremendously attractive. You have a good head on your shoulders, and oftentimes find yourself the lone beacon of reason in a sea of ridiculousness. You take great pleasure in many things. You are proficient in nearly all of them, though you will never own it. Lest you seem too perfect, you have a tendency toward prejudgement that serves you very ill indeed.
Hmm. I do certainly relate to this character the best, but I'm sure I wouldn't say "tremendously attractive" and I answered no to the prejudgement thing. Still, I can't complain about it.
Thankfully they put the actress from the GOOD version of the film in their quiz results.
A little fun in my afternoon, inspired by Jordana.
And more freebies ...
Today I got a sample of Vaseline Intensive Rescue Moisture Locking Lotion, also from Walmart. (Don't you just love the ever-lengthening names on these things?) It's a nice 1 oz tube, which will be great for sticking in my purse or in my nightstand drawer. It also came with a $2 off coupon for Vaseline Intensive Rescue Body Butter. With any luck one of the drugstores will have this for sale sometime soon.
I also discovered a sample pack of Stevita brand stevia powder I had put aside. I'm not generally into sugar substitutes, but this is natural, so I'll give it a try.
I went to both CVS and Rite Aid this morning to get the various free or better-than-free items they were offering this week. That's always a fun time.
I also hit a few thrift stores and got some great finds. I picked up a few videos for $1 each - we still have a VCR, and this is cheaper than renting. I also got a nice spring top, a honey jar in blue and white (to match my other things) and the first Shabby Chic
book, which I'd been hoping to find for a good price. (If you aren't familiar with Shabby Chic, check it out - this is a great style for frugal decorators. While I don't go quite as shabby or white as she does, it's lovely and inspiring.)
I also discovered a sample pack of Stevita brand stevia powder I had put aside. I'm not generally into sugar substitutes, but this is natural, so I'll give it a try.
I went to both CVS and Rite Aid this morning to get the various free or better-than-free items they were offering this week. That's always a fun time.
I also hit a few thrift stores and got some great finds. I picked up a few videos for $1 each - we still have a VCR, and this is cheaper than renting. I also got a nice spring top, a honey jar in blue and white (to match my other things) and the first Shabby Chic
book, which I'd been hoping to find for a good price. (If you aren't familiar with Shabby Chic, check it out - this is a great style for frugal decorators. While I don't go quite as shabby or white as she does, it's lovely and inspiring.)
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Samples du Jour
Today I got three samples, all from Walmart.
Fiber One cereal in the Carmel Delight flavor
Jergens Natural Glow Express - I love the regular version, so hopefully this will be good. I'm a little worried that it says for medium skin tones and I am decidedly pale, but I think I'll try it anyway.
Two Hallmark greeting cards - generic birthday and thinking of you. I'll add them to my stash. It's so much better to get cards when they are cheap (or better, free) for the things you know will come up - sickness, condolence, birthday, congratulations - rather than going out and paying a lot for the best you can find when you need it. It's much calmer too.
There are a few new samples at Walmart, so if you haven't checked in a few days, it's worth a look.
Fiber One cereal in the Carmel Delight flavor
Jergens Natural Glow Express - I love the regular version, so hopefully this will be good. I'm a little worried that it says for medium skin tones and I am decidedly pale, but I think I'll try it anyway.
Two Hallmark greeting cards - generic birthday and thinking of you. I'll add them to my stash. It's so much better to get cards when they are cheap (or better, free) for the things you know will come up - sickness, condolence, birthday, congratulations - rather than going out and paying a lot for the best you can find when you need it. It's much calmer too.
There are a few new samples at Walmart, so if you haven't checked in a few days, it's worth a look.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Menu Plan Monday - Better Late Than Never
This is an unusual week for us, with three nights of special events at dinner time. Monday and Tuesday night were away from home events, and Saturday I'll be having a dinner party here. I'll come up with a plan for that later in the week, and probably make a separate shopping trip for it. The good news is, I have an easy menu plan that requires buying almost nothing for the rest of the week.
Wednesday - Rice and beans, salsa, sour cream, cheese
Thursday - Frozen rigatoni and meatballs with homemade sauce
Friday - Jalapeno popper pizza
Saturday - dinner party
Sunday - Lentil soup and homemade bread from the freezer
I'll need to buy milk, yogurt, fruit and vegetables to fill in, but I won't need to buy anything for the main part of our dinners. That will leave plenty of money in my budget to have a great dinner party on Saturday.
Check out other menu plans at I'm an Organizing Junkie.
Wednesday - Rice and beans, salsa, sour cream, cheese
Thursday - Frozen rigatoni and meatballs with homemade sauce
Friday - Jalapeno popper pizza
Saturday - dinner party
Sunday - Lentil soup and homemade bread from the freezer
I'll need to buy milk, yogurt, fruit and vegetables to fill in, but I won't need to buy anything for the main part of our dinners. That will leave plenty of money in my budget to have a great dinner party on Saturday.
Check out other menu plans at I'm an Organizing Junkie.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Today's Free Samples
Today I received a few of the samples I had requested from Walmart - they are both actually still available to request today:
Maybeline Mineral Power Foundation
Gold Bond Ultimate Restoring Skin Therapy Lotion
These are super-tiny, lift the flap type samples. Still, it will be nice to try them. Who knows, maybe the lotion will restore my allergy-attacked nose!
I also just looked at the store circulars for next week. There are a few things that look good at CVS. Rite Aid looks great for this week too - a bunch of free after rebate stuff. I'll look forward to seeing what kind of deals Crystal puts together with these offers and coupons.
Maybeline Mineral Power Foundation
Gold Bond Ultimate Restoring Skin Therapy Lotion
These are super-tiny, lift the flap type samples. Still, it will be nice to try them. Who knows, maybe the lotion will restore my allergy-attacked nose!
I also just looked at the store circulars for next week. There are a few things that look good at CVS. Rite Aid looks great for this week too - a bunch of free after rebate stuff. I'll look forward to seeing what kind of deals Crystal puts together with these offers and coupons.
Frugal Friday - Saving Money on Books - Tips from a Librarian
I just brought in the mail, which included a catalog for Home Style Books. This is one of those book club things, where they offer amazingly low prices ("a $40 book for 80 cents") if you only buy a few more at full price. It may look tempting but DON'T DO IT.
Instead, walk over to your computer and pull up your local library's catalog. Browse through the print catalog with lovely pictures and then look for any titles that appeal to you in the library catalog.
Did you know that at many, if not most, libraries, you can place requests for books from home through the internet? If you aren't familiar with this, ask when you are in the library next. Most systems require a library card and sometimes a password, which you would set up at the library. Then you can shop the library from home, for free. The books will be there in a convenient little (or big!) stack for you to pick up. They tell you by email or phone when they arrive. It's a great service.
If you are like me, you may go through this catalog and find yourself requesting more than 10 books. You wouldn't BUY them all, but it's FREE. You and I both know we don't have time for 10 books at once. So here's another librarian hint - see if your system allows you to set your holds to go into effect in the future. In many systems this is called the activation date, and can be set in the same online form that you place the rest of the hold information in. By setting this at some point in the future, you can stagger when you get the books and actually have the time to enjoy them.
One more hint - if your library doesn't carry some books or other materials that you wish it would, let them know. If your library has a reference desk, ask there. Librarians are in a tough position - they have to order a huge number of books based almost entirely on reviews from several journals. This is a good source of information. However, they are almost always interested in knowing what the public in their particular town would like to see, and they can only guess at that if you don't tell them. Many libraries even have a form made up for this and will let you know if they purchase the item. It's still up to them to make the final decision, but it's a good way to let your voice be heard - they are spending your tax money, after all.
Check out more money saving ideas over at Frugal Friday.
Instead, walk over to your computer and pull up your local library's catalog. Browse through the print catalog with lovely pictures and then look for any titles that appeal to you in the library catalog.
Did you know that at many, if not most, libraries, you can place requests for books from home through the internet? If you aren't familiar with this, ask when you are in the library next. Most systems require a library card and sometimes a password, which you would set up at the library. Then you can shop the library from home, for free. The books will be there in a convenient little (or big!) stack for you to pick up. They tell you by email or phone when they arrive. It's a great service.
If you are like me, you may go through this catalog and find yourself requesting more than 10 books. You wouldn't BUY them all, but it's FREE. You and I both know we don't have time for 10 books at once. So here's another librarian hint - see if your system allows you to set your holds to go into effect in the future. In many systems this is called the activation date, and can be set in the same online form that you place the rest of the hold information in. By setting this at some point in the future, you can stagger when you get the books and actually have the time to enjoy them.
One more hint - if your library doesn't carry some books or other materials that you wish it would, let them know. If your library has a reference desk, ask there. Librarians are in a tough position - they have to order a huge number of books based almost entirely on reviews from several journals. This is a good source of information. However, they are almost always interested in knowing what the public in their particular town would like to see, and they can only guess at that if you don't tell them. Many libraries even have a form made up for this and will let you know if they purchase the item. It's still up to them to make the final decision, but it's a good way to let your voice be heard - they are spending your tax money, after all.
Check out more money saving ideas over at Frugal Friday.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Works for Me Wednesday - Listening to Podcasts while Doing Housework
Here's a tip that helps me through the boring or even dreaded (ironing!) parts of my housework:
If you've got an iPod or other MP3 player - and they do come cheap these days, though mine is more than three years old now - listen to podcasts while you do the less exciting tasks. Among my favorites lately are Dave Ramsey and 48 Days to the Work You Love, which also deals with starting your own business. I find it is much easier to get through the tasks, and that I actually almost want to do them when I know I'll be listening to something I like.
For many more ideas (at least 294 as of right now), check out Works for Me Wednesday at Rocks in My Dryer.
If you've got an iPod or other MP3 player - and they do come cheap these days, though mine is more than three years old now - listen to podcasts while you do the less exciting tasks. Among my favorites lately are Dave Ramsey and 48 Days to the Work You Love, which also deals with starting your own business. I find it is much easier to get through the tasks, and that I actually almost want to do them when I know I'll be listening to something I like.
For many more ideas (at least 294 as of right now), check out Works for Me Wednesday at Rocks in My Dryer.
DVD Review - Martha's Spring Gardening
This fun DVD set is a selection of good clips addressing spring gardening tasks, container gardening and cooking from garden ingredients. There are also a few garden tours. You get lots of Martha and several other good experts. As always, it's a lovely thing to watch, and I actually learned a lot. (Which may just show how little I know about gardening.) There are of course some over-the-top ideas, like a lovely cake decorated with a marzipan garden, which took a pastry chef a LONG time to make. Even those parts are fun to watch. Most of the rest of it looks like fun to DO.
I was lucky to find this at my local library. I think I'll probably take it out again at some point, in the hope of remembering more the next time through. I also think a DVD like this can be a good motivator when it's garden planning time - it gets you excited and ready to go. I miss the old Living show, and I'll consider adding some of the "best of" type DVDs to my collection in the future. Especially if I can find them cheap at a yard sale!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Making Your Home a Haven Monday - Anti-Procrastination Day
Crystal decided to make this week's Making Your Home a Haven Monday an anti-procrastination day. Perfect timing! I attacked the thing I had most obviously been procrastinating about - the laundry.
I did:
6 loads of laundry
45 minutes of ironing - this is one of my least favorite tasks and tends to back up
I'm also completing my local income tax return. I finished federal and state last week, but since this would be so "quick and easy" I've been putting it off.
I also keep saying I'll start practicing music an hour a day "next week." I started today. I realize it will be along time until I'll have this kind of free time for practicing again, once we have children. Any gains in ability I make now are mine to keep - I just have to do it.
So, I don't have any great pictures to post, but I'm very satisfied with the results.
Head over to Biblical Womanhood to see what others stopped procrastinating on. It's always inspiring.
I did:
6 loads of laundry
45 minutes of ironing - this is one of my least favorite tasks and tends to back up
I'm also completing my local income tax return. I finished federal and state last week, but since this would be so "quick and easy" I've been putting it off.
I also keep saying I'll start practicing music an hour a day "next week." I started today. I realize it will be along time until I'll have this kind of free time for practicing again, once we have children. Any gains in ability I make now are mine to keep - I just have to do it.
So, I don't have any great pictures to post, but I'm very satisfied with the results.
Head over to Biblical Womanhood to see what others stopped procrastinating on. It's always inspiring.
Food from the Dollar Store
Check out Meredith's post about an ABC news clip comparing a gourmet meal taste test comparing a meal made with dollar store ingredients versus the high end version. My comment there started to look awfully long, so I figured I'd make a post out of it instead.
It was very interesting to see the side by side comparison. The hosts agreed that even when they could tell which was the low end version that both dishes tasted very good. I'm sure some of this has to be credited to having a Food Network cook doing the preparation.
It seemed like the biggest noticeable differences had to do with fresh ingredients versus canned or frozen. If we use frugal sources for the fresh items (farmer's markets, etc) there is probably some ground to be gained by looking for ingredients at the dollar store.
The NPR segments also listed at Like Merchant Ships include one with the author of a 99 cent store cookbook and another of a friend converting to 99 cents store usage after seeing it for herself. I have to say that I have never seen a dollar store with fresh produce, which is what they are talking about. However, I have found some great organic products and fresh bread that is very good. I know what products I can get there for a good price.
One of the problems I have with shopping at the dollar store exclusively is that the ingredients of many of their products don't mesh with my food values. I don't buy things with high fructose corn syrup. I don't eat meat. That rules out a lot. I bought some frozen strawberries at the dollar store a few months ago, figuring they were a great price for fruit in winter. What I found was sub-par quality and a label I never would have thought to look for on food - Made in China! I won't be buying them again, regardless of the price.
Which brings me to my last thought about this - I'm positive I get things MUCH cheaper with double coupons or CVS-ing, at least some of the time. For those items, it's not worth looking at the dollar store.
These video and audio segments definitely gave me some food for thought. I think there is no one method that produces the lowest grocery bill, that the key is combining techniques to get the lowest price.
It was very interesting to see the side by side comparison. The hosts agreed that even when they could tell which was the low end version that both dishes tasted very good. I'm sure some of this has to be credited to having a Food Network cook doing the preparation.
It seemed like the biggest noticeable differences had to do with fresh ingredients versus canned or frozen. If we use frugal sources for the fresh items (farmer's markets, etc) there is probably some ground to be gained by looking for ingredients at the dollar store.
The NPR segments also listed at Like Merchant Ships include one with the author of a 99 cent store cookbook and another of a friend converting to 99 cents store usage after seeing it for herself. I have to say that I have never seen a dollar store with fresh produce, which is what they are talking about. However, I have found some great organic products and fresh bread that is very good. I know what products I can get there for a good price.
One of the problems I have with shopping at the dollar store exclusively is that the ingredients of many of their products don't mesh with my food values. I don't buy things with high fructose corn syrup. I don't eat meat. That rules out a lot. I bought some frozen strawberries at the dollar store a few months ago, figuring they were a great price for fruit in winter. What I found was sub-par quality and a label I never would have thought to look for on food - Made in China! I won't be buying them again, regardless of the price.
Which brings me to my last thought about this - I'm positive I get things MUCH cheaper with double coupons or CVS-ing, at least some of the time. For those items, it's not worth looking at the dollar store.
These video and audio segments definitely gave me some food for thought. I think there is no one method that produces the lowest grocery bill, that the key is combining techniques to get the lowest price.
Samples du jour
I'm keeping track of the samples I receive for a little while to help me appreciate them more. I realized one of the reasons I need to do this - samples tend to take up more room than full size products so I like to use them up right away. For example, the Tide detergent sample I received today takes up about half the shelf space of a full bottle of Tide. (I usually use homemade, and it actually takes up more room than that container.) So I'll use it on the next load and get it out of here.
Today's samples:
Tide with Dawn Stain Scrubbers
Not quite a sample - a $2 diaper coupon.
Sometimes I think the first rule of recurrent miscarriage should be "don't sign up for ANY baby related anything when you are pregnant," because it hurts to get the baby related stuff and have no baby to use it with. But it's so tempting, especially when you're told your baby is almost sure to make it. The first time around it drove me crazy to get formula and diapers and DVDs, etc. I had some not so kind words for those companies - not that they could know my situation. However, I've gotten better with this, and I'll pass it along to someone who can use it.
Today's samples:
Tide with Dawn Stain Scrubbers
Not quite a sample - a $2 diaper coupon.
Sometimes I think the first rule of recurrent miscarriage should be "don't sign up for ANY baby related anything when you are pregnant," because it hurts to get the baby related stuff and have no baby to use it with. But it's so tempting, especially when you're told your baby is almost sure to make it. The first time around it drove me crazy to get formula and diapers and DVDs, etc. I had some not so kind words for those companies - not that they could know my situation. However, I've gotten better with this, and I'll pass it along to someone who can use it.
Menu Plan Monday
Monday - Black beans and seasoned brown rice w/salsa, sour cream, cheese
Tuesday - Soba noodles with brocolli and garlic
Wednesday - Split pea soup (slow cooker) with bread (I'll make a bunch of bread to put in the freezer too)
Thursday - Rigatoni and meatballs from the freezer
Friday - Salmon with couscous
We're mostly vegetarian - we've thrown in a few fish recently to round things out. (Doctor recommended for me with all of these pregnancies to wipe out my reserves of everything.)
We'll be away for the weekend, so I don't need to plan meals for then.
The only things I'll need to purchase for these meals are brocolli, carrots and salmon. I'm sure I'll get some milk and other basics too, but I'm sure I'll be under my projected spending for this week - or be able to stock up on some cheap-with-double-coupon items.
Check out other menu plans over at I'm an Organizing Junkie.
Tuesday - Soba noodles with brocolli and garlic
Wednesday - Split pea soup (slow cooker) with bread (I'll make a bunch of bread to put in the freezer too)
Thursday - Rigatoni and meatballs from the freezer
Friday - Salmon with couscous
We're mostly vegetarian - we've thrown in a few fish recently to round things out. (Doctor recommended for me with all of these pregnancies to wipe out my reserves of everything.)
We'll be away for the weekend, so I don't need to plan meals for then.
The only things I'll need to purchase for these meals are brocolli, carrots and salmon. I'm sure I'll get some milk and other basics too, but I'm sure I'll be under my projected spending for this week - or be able to stock up on some cheap-with-double-coupon items.
Check out other menu plans over at I'm an Organizing Junkie.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Frugal Shopping - Consumer Reports on the Best Bras
Head over to Style It Less for the scoop. It turns out spending more isn't necessarily the way to get the most comfy undergarments. I had always wondered if those really expensive ones could be worth it - but not enough to pay to find out!
Thanks for Wardrobe Oxygen for sharing this link - it was definitely helpful.
Thanks for Wardrobe Oxygen for sharing this link - it was definitely helpful.
CVS Planning
For fun (yes, it's fun), I'm planning out my CVS trip for this week. I generally don't shop on Sundays if I can avoid it, so I'll probably do it tomorrow. I'm trying to make this as speedy a task as possible, even though it is fun. I want to get the highest return for my time, after all.
First, I head over to MoneySavingMom.com and check out the CVS deals for this week. Crystal even tells you what coupons to use to get the best deal.
I check to see what coupons I have to work the deals. I need to tweak my coupon system, but it works reasonably well - I have them roughly categorized in envelopes, stored in an envelope box.
I paste the deals I intend to do from moneysavingmom.com into a word document. Anything else I want to get - for example things I have coupons that will make them free but aren't ECB deals - I add to the list.
I clip together my list, the weekly circular, maybe the monthly one if I need it, and whatever coupons I'm going to use.
Then, whenever I'm ready to make my trip, I can just grab this stuff and take it with me. Very easy!
When I was starting with CVS, I looked at several other coupon sites to see if they had useful information to add. I found that they generally did not, and that Crystal and her readers do a good job of bringing all of the information I need together.
I also tended to leave my planning until the last minute at first. I discovered that feeling like going shopping and feeling like planning are not very similar, so if I wait to plan until I feel like shopping, then I won't enjoy the planning. If I think ahead, all of it can be fun.
Do you have any CVS tips to add?
First, I head over to MoneySavingMom.com and check out the CVS deals for this week. Crystal even tells you what coupons to use to get the best deal.
I check to see what coupons I have to work the deals. I need to tweak my coupon system, but it works reasonably well - I have them roughly categorized in envelopes, stored in an envelope box.
I paste the deals I intend to do from moneysavingmom.com into a word document. Anything else I want to get - for example things I have coupons that will make them free but aren't ECB deals - I add to the list.
I clip together my list, the weekly circular, maybe the monthly one if I need it, and whatever coupons I'm going to use.
Then, whenever I'm ready to make my trip, I can just grab this stuff and take it with me. Very easy!
When I was starting with CVS, I looked at several other coupon sites to see if they had useful information to add. I found that they generally did not, and that Crystal and her readers do a good job of bringing all of the information I need together.
I also tended to leave my planning until the last minute at first. I discovered that feeling like going shopping and feeling like planning are not very similar, so if I wait to plan until I feel like shopping, then I won't enjoy the planning. If I think ahead, all of it can be fun.
Do you have any CVS tips to add?
Saturday, April 12, 2008
A Few Good Links
Check out Catherine's article on Frugality and Luck. I couldn't have said it better myself. It is so exciting to be finally really seeing the fruit of all that work and saving.
Cathy shares info on why you might want to wait on signing up for Revolution MoneyExchange.
Lady Lydia has been doing a great series on frugality, this is the most recent article. She has a lot of great inspiration to share on how to make life more beautiful, with or without money.
Cathy shares info on why you might want to wait on signing up for Revolution MoneyExchange.
Lady Lydia has been doing a great series on frugality, this is the most recent article. She has a lot of great inspiration to share on how to make life more beautiful, with or without money.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Pedicure Time - A Good Nail Polish Value
It's so beautiful outside today. In fact, it's nice enough that I'm wearing a skirt and sandals. Before going out in sandals, of course, I needed to get my feet looking decent.
While I enjoy a trip to the nail salon for this, on occasion, I most often just do my own at home. Unless I'm going with a friend, I feel like it's a waste of time for me to go out for it. I'm not the kind who likes to make idle small talk with strangers (though after years as a librarian it's VERY easy for me). I also don't like this task to take up too much of my time if I do it at home. It's all about the end result.
I also don't like to have to redo a badly chipping job in just a few days. The best nail polish I have found in terms of staying power is Revlon ColorStay. It will stay on for months if you let it. Not that I recommend that! In terms of time savings and using less product, this is a great value. I won't buy the cheap stuff again.
I'm sitting at the computer so I can get my reading in between coats. In a little while I'll be out in sun enjoying the great weather. If you've got the same beautiful weather today, be sure to get outside some.
While I enjoy a trip to the nail salon for this, on occasion, I most often just do my own at home. Unless I'm going with a friend, I feel like it's a waste of time for me to go out for it. I'm not the kind who likes to make idle small talk with strangers (though after years as a librarian it's VERY easy for me). I also don't like this task to take up too much of my time if I do it at home. It's all about the end result.
I also don't like to have to redo a badly chipping job in just a few days. The best nail polish I have found in terms of staying power is Revlon ColorStay. It will stay on for months if you let it. Not that I recommend that! In terms of time savings and using less product, this is a great value. I won't buy the cheap stuff again.
I'm sitting at the computer so I can get my reading in between coats. In a little while I'll be out in sun enjoying the great weather. If you've got the same beautiful weather today, be sure to get outside some.
Sample Savings - Toothpaste
I've decided to keep track of the samples I receive for a little while. I'm sure I'll better appreciate them if I take the time to write down what I receive, rather than just throwing the items in the pantry with everything else.
Yesterday I got trial sizes of Colgate Total and Arm and Hammer Advance White toothpastes. I'll be putting them into my travel stash. It would be silly to pay for toothpaste small enough to take on the airplane when I always get my full size toothpaste for free. (Yes, I have done this in the past due to poor planning.) Normal sized toothpaste tubes are generally at least 4 oz, and 3 oz is the maximum allowed size for carry-on luggage.
Along with the Arm and Hammer toothpaste came an opportunity to enter a survey for a chance to win more products. At the end of the survey they asked if you would be willing to do more surveys for potential prizes like an Amazon gift certificate. I feel slightly more inclined to believe there might be a real prize at the end of a survey from a company I know. So we'll see what happens. (I would post the link, but the survey is specifically about the sample.)
Yesterday I got trial sizes of Colgate Total and Arm and Hammer Advance White toothpastes. I'll be putting them into my travel stash. It would be silly to pay for toothpaste small enough to take on the airplane when I always get my full size toothpaste for free. (Yes, I have done this in the past due to poor planning.) Normal sized toothpaste tubes are generally at least 4 oz, and 3 oz is the maximum allowed size for carry-on luggage.
Along with the Arm and Hammer toothpaste came an opportunity to enter a survey for a chance to win more products. At the end of the survey they asked if you would be willing to do more surveys for potential prizes like an Amazon gift certificate. I feel slightly more inclined to believe there might be a real prize at the end of a survey from a company I know. So we'll see what happens. (I would post the link, but the survey is specifically about the sample.)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Safety Advice to Follow
Check out Cathy's post on window blind safety and SIDS precautions. Did you know you can order free kits to make your window blinds safe for your kids?
Several years ago when I was working as a librarian, I got my whole library system to order the window blind safety kits (and install them) after we had an incident where a child got caught in one at a library. Fortunately, she was ok. So keep an eye on your kids when you are in places where you can't control these variables.
The SIDS advice is so important too. It is one of my great fears that after I finally get a child out alive I will lose them to SIDS. It's unlikely, I know, but I'll be sure to follow the safety precautions anyway.
Head on over - it's worth it.
Several years ago when I was working as a librarian, I got my whole library system to order the window blind safety kits (and install them) after we had an incident where a child got caught in one at a library. Fortunately, she was ok. So keep an eye on your kids when you are in places where you can't control these variables.
The SIDS advice is so important too. It is one of my great fears that after I finally get a child out alive I will lose them to SIDS. It's unlikely, I know, but I'll be sure to follow the safety precautions anyway.
Head on over - it's worth it.
Sharing our CVS Wealth
Mrs. Wilt has a great post on using our CVS finds not only for our own families but to help others. I've been giving the free stuff I don't use to local charities, but more ideas are always welcome. She has a great list of charities that accept the kind of stuff we tend to acquire for free or extremely cheap. Check it out:
http://thesparrowsnest.typepad.com/the_sparrows_nest/2008/04/cvs-shopping-we.html
http://thesparrowsnest.typepad.com/the_sparrows_nest/2008/04/cvs-shopping-we.html
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Works for Me Wednesday - Freezing Leftovers
I've been wasting less food since I have adopted the following strategy:
After a meal where there are leftovers I immediately pack up the food, in one person or two person servings, and put it in the freezer.
I used to leave leftovers in the fridge figuring we would eat them soon. However, I find we often don't want to eat the same thing again the next day and avoid it. After a few days, it's not the best plan to put slightly dated leftovers into the freezer for later.
The other part of the trick, of course, is to remember to eat the stuff once it's in the freezer. If you find your freezer filling up, take a break from cooking for a few meals and eat up what you have. More likely, you'll find yourself reaching for these frozen meal on the days you just don't feel like cooking.
I hope you find this idea helpful. It certainly works for me.
Check out other ideas over at Works for Me Wednesday.
After a meal where there are leftovers I immediately pack up the food, in one person or two person servings, and put it in the freezer.
I used to leave leftovers in the fridge figuring we would eat them soon. However, I find we often don't want to eat the same thing again the next day and avoid it. After a few days, it's not the best plan to put slightly dated leftovers into the freezer for later.
The other part of the trick, of course, is to remember to eat the stuff once it's in the freezer. If you find your freezer filling up, take a break from cooking for a few meals and eat up what you have. More likely, you'll find yourself reaching for these frozen meal on the days you just don't feel like cooking.
I hope you find this idea helpful. It certainly works for me.
Check out other ideas over at Works for Me Wednesday.
Frugal Lunch Idea
Here's a clever idea for those of you who work (or make lunch for a spouse who does) - make a whole bunch of PB&J sandwiches in advance and freeze them. I wish I had thought of this back when I was working.
I most often took leftovers to work to use them up, but I love how easy and quick this is. Maybe you could take the leftovers if you had them, and have all these sandwiches in the freezer for the days that you don't?
Thanks to Cathy at Chief Family Officer for linking to this tutorial. You might want to check out her series on Creative Strategies for Coping with Rising Costs, which is where this came from. Lots of good ideas.
I most often took leftovers to work to use them up, but I love how easy and quick this is. Maybe you could take the leftovers if you had them, and have all these sandwiches in the freezer for the days that you don't?
Thanks to Cathy at Chief Family Officer for linking to this tutorial. You might want to check out her series on Creative Strategies for Coping with Rising Costs, which is where this came from. Lots of good ideas.
Free Sample - Frizz-Ease
Go here to get a free sample of one of my favorite hair products, Frizz-Ease. I'm curious whether this new version especially for curly hair is actually any different from the classic. I bet it isn't, but it will be nice to find out for free.
The above link is at Walmart. They are also offering some shampoo that looks good from the same company, as well as lotion, foundation and cereal, among other products.
Walmart is my favorite place to check for free samples. I have them bookmarked and check every few days to see if anything new has been added. Here is the main sample page. Sometimes, if there are more samples than fit into their sample page layout, you can find more samples by reloading the page.
The above link is at Walmart. They are also offering some shampoo that looks good from the same company, as well as lotion, foundation and cereal, among other products.
Walmart is my favorite place to check for free samples. I have them bookmarked and check every few days to see if anything new has been added. Here is the main sample page. Sometimes, if there are more samples than fit into their sample page layout, you can find more samples by reloading the page.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Free Starbucks Coffee Tomorrow! maybe...
I think maybe I'll take some time out of my day to check this out. The free coffee will be available at noon Eastern time, 9 am Pacific time. (Thanks to Crystal for this info!)
On the other hand, I can only imagine what the lines will be like. I had a similar thought about news of a "get free stuff" type event at Bath and Body Works. Hmmm...
What is my time worth as a homemaker? I have coffee I'll probably like better at home and wouldn't have to stand in any lines. What will be more fun? Might this coffee not be too acidic for me, unlike nearly all other Starbucks varieties?
It's a question we end up asking a lot - is this free/cheap thing worth it? Even though it is at a great price, do I want it? Is it worth the time to get it?
It's worth pondering. Time is not free.
On the other hand, I can only imagine what the lines will be like. I had a similar thought about news of a "get free stuff" type event at Bath and Body Works. Hmmm...
What is my time worth as a homemaker? I have coffee I'll probably like better at home and wouldn't have to stand in any lines. What will be more fun? Might this coffee not be too acidic for me, unlike nearly all other Starbucks varieties?
It's a question we end up asking a lot - is this free/cheap thing worth it? Even though it is at a great price, do I want it? Is it worth the time to get it?
It's worth pondering. Time is not free.
Blogging Question - Google Ads?
Here's a question to those with more experience:
I figured it couldn't hurt to throw a Google ad section down at the bottom of the blog - probably not particularly helpful, but maybe a few cents every now and then would come my way and maybe someone would find something useful. So a few days ago I signed up and told blogger to add this component to my blog.
I'm very disappointed with the results. In fact, I removed the ad section altogether. The ads seemed to be some kind of goofy get rich quick scheme. I didn't click on them, since that apparently is against the rules. I can understand not wanting you to abuse the system, but I can't have something on a page representing me, even anonymously, that I not only can't control but which seems suspect. Has anyone had a good experience with this system?
I figured it couldn't hurt to throw a Google ad section down at the bottom of the blog - probably not particularly helpful, but maybe a few cents every now and then would come my way and maybe someone would find something useful. So a few days ago I signed up and told blogger to add this component to my blog.
I'm very disappointed with the results. In fact, I removed the ad section altogether. The ads seemed to be some kind of goofy get rich quick scheme. I didn't click on them, since that apparently is against the rules. I can understand not wanting you to abuse the system, but I can't have something on a page representing me, even anonymously, that I not only can't control but which seems suspect. Has anyone had a good experience with this system?
Another Frugal Idea - Fabric Softener
Now that we've got the detergent covered, the obvious next question: how can we save money on fabric softener?
Years ago I had read in the Tightwad Gazette that you could soak sponges or washclothes in some diluted liquid fabric softener and use this in the place of dryer sheets. So that was my starting point for my current system.
A few months ago, I ran out of dryer sheets. I had some liquid fabric softener someone had given me and some wet clothes that needed drying (and I didn't feel like running out to the store). I also didn't have one of those liquid fabric softener ball things for the washer and wasn't sure how else I might use of the liquid fabric softener. So I pulled a clean rag out of my rag bag, poured on a little fabric softener and threw it in the dryer with the clothes.
It worked perfectly - no static and no mess. I just use a little liquid each time so this bottle will last me a long time. I don't have hard numbers to prove it's better than dryer sheets, but I suspect it is. I will check before I buy either liquid or sheets again. For me this was an opportunity to use up a free resource, so it was definitely a winner. I'm positive it lasts much longer than a box of dryer sheets, which is a time savings for sure.
I love a solution that saves money, time and frustration all in one shot!
Years ago I had read in the Tightwad Gazette that you could soak sponges or washclothes in some diluted liquid fabric softener and use this in the place of dryer sheets. So that was my starting point for my current system.
A few months ago, I ran out of dryer sheets. I had some liquid fabric softener someone had given me and some wet clothes that needed drying (and I didn't feel like running out to the store). I also didn't have one of those liquid fabric softener ball things for the washer and wasn't sure how else I might use of the liquid fabric softener. So I pulled a clean rag out of my rag bag, poured on a little fabric softener and threw it in the dryer with the clothes.
It worked perfectly - no static and no mess. I just use a little liquid each time so this bottle will last me a long time. I don't have hard numbers to prove it's better than dryer sheets, but I suspect it is. I will check before I buy either liquid or sheets again. For me this was an opportunity to use up a free resource, so it was definitely a winner. I'm positive it lasts much longer than a box of dryer sheets, which is a time savings for sure.
I love a solution that saves money, time and frustration all in one shot!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Frugal Friday - Homemade Laundry Detergent
There are many posts out there on the internet about making and using homemade laundry detergent. That is how I found the recipe I use. People seem to feel that this can be a difficult task, even though the potential savings are substantial. I have been using homemade laundry detergent for about 2 years, and I feel it's very easy now. It also saves me a lot of money. So I'll explain what I do, and how I avoid potential stumbling blocks.
I can't remember what site I found my recipe on, but I do remember there were at least 4 different recipes listed there. Most were for liquid detergents that involved boiling and then letting the mixture stand overnight, plus a lot of mixing. I know myself well enough to know I would never keep up that kind of system. So I went for the one that looked easy - the powdered version.
I had had some bad experiences with store-bought powdered detergent not disolving well, so I was concerned about that. I found that to rarely be a problem with this recipe, but I also found a way to help it disolve. I use the food processor first to shred the soap. Then I use the S blade on the soap and the borax and washing soda. This chops the soap up into tinier pieces and mixes the ingredients evenly. I haven't had any problems with the soap not disolving since I started doing this.
What to store it in? You could use any plastic container you have laying around. I use a 32 oz yogurt container. It's the perfect size for two bars of soap worth of laundry detergent. I also wasn't afraid to write on it, since it was already trash. I wrote the recipe on the indentation on the botton so it won't rub off (learned this the hard way, naturally), and I wrote how much to use on the top.
I generally use about a tablespoon of detergent per wash, so I just keep a half tablespoon measuring spoon with or in the container.
Lastly, just to be sure it disolves, I do what the commercial stuff suggests - start filling the washer with water, then add the soap, then add the clothes. I was used to commercial washers after years of apartment living, where the usual thing to do was to put the clothes in first. Letting the soap mix with the water for a few second makes sense and works great. It doesn't take any extra time.
So, finally, the recipe:
1 bar of Ivory soap
1/2 cup borax
1/2 cup washing soda
Shred and mix as detailed above. The boxes of washing soda and borax will last you a long time. Look for sales on Ivory soap - it was recently free at Walgreens and I stocked up.
Time is valuable too. I could never go for a more involved soap recipe. This takes me less time that running to the store and is very easy. I would be surprised if the whole process takes more than 10 minutes, and I know I do it less than once a month. That's worth the savings for me.
So, even if you've been put off by a more complicated homemade laundry detergent method in the past, I encourage you to try this one.
For more frugal ideas, check out Frugal Friday at Biblical Womanhood.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Investing in Flour?
It does sound pretty silly. But the word that wheat prices will be going up seems to be everywhere.
Fortunately, flour was on sale at one of the local supermarkets, so I recently bought 7 bags. I won't use this terribly quickly, so I'm using a technique I first read about in the Tightwad Gazette: I'm freezing the flour for a day or two, and then putting it into my pantry, so it won't get buggy. This is too much at one time for my fridge-top freezer, so I'm doing it in shifts.
I've since heard of a local pizza place raising its prices because of the increase in wheat prices. Whether this reflects an actual need or they are just using the news as an opportunity for a price increase is not clear, but it is a real concern for the future.
I would need to buy this flour sometime in the next few months anyway. Why not buy it now, while the price is low? There are lots of little opportunities like this, if we get into the habit of looking for them.
Bath and Body Works - Coupon Savings
There is a coupon for Bath and Body Works here that will let you get a free item, up to an $11 value, with any purchase. I got one of their handsoap pumps for $4.50, and body cream for free - both in a nice, spring-like honeysuckle scent.
I don't see why you couldn't print this coupon out and use it multiple times. They sent me home with another coupon for a free item, but it requires more spending to get your free item. I believe I could have found something even a little cheaper there, but these were items I actually wanted.
I think their prices are nuts in general. Especially for those of us who get free stuff from CVS. But I think $4.50 for both of these items is approaching reasonable, and it's a nice little splurge.
To me, this is an opportunity to feel a little more indulgent without harming my budget.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Haircutting on the Cheap
Crystal was asking readers about how they handle haircuts over at Money Saving Mom. I commented, but I thought it was worth a post too. We save a lot by cutting out hair at home.
For my husband, with straight, thinning hair, we just use clippers. He is happy with it. He's not into fuss and didn't like going to the hairdresser anyway. We've been doing that for years. Look for clippers on sale - you can often get some good prices. You'll most likely only need the basic features, so you probably don't need the pricier models. He mostly cuts it himself, and I check for any long spots. An advantage of this method is that he almost always look neat because he can cut his hair quickly and for free.
I have medium to long curly hair. For the last few years, I've been cutting it myself at home. I endured years of bad haircuts from hairdressers who treated my hair as if it were straight. They would cut it when it was wet, and despite my warnings that it would obviously spring up when dry, often ended up with way shorter hair than I wanted. Once it was so bad my husband didn't recognize me at first! So after reading the book Curly Girl
, which describes the best way to cut curly hair, I've done it myself. I could find a salon that specializes in curly hair, I'm sure, but now that I've had some practice, I feel comfortable with it. I do a layered cut that reduces the volume. With the curls, any imperfections are hard to notice. So it works for me.
For my husband, with straight, thinning hair, we just use clippers. He is happy with it. He's not into fuss and didn't like going to the hairdresser anyway. We've been doing that for years. Look for clippers on sale - you can often get some good prices. You'll most likely only need the basic features, so you probably don't need the pricier models. He mostly cuts it himself, and I check for any long spots. An advantage of this method is that he almost always look neat because he can cut his hair quickly and for free.
I have medium to long curly hair. For the last few years, I've been cutting it myself at home. I endured years of bad haircuts from hairdressers who treated my hair as if it were straight. They would cut it when it was wet, and despite my warnings that it would obviously spring up when dry, often ended up with way shorter hair than I wanted. Once it was so bad my husband didn't recognize me at first! So after reading the book Curly Girl
, which describes the best way to cut curly hair, I've done it myself. I could find a salon that specializes in curly hair, I'm sure, but now that I've had some practice, I feel comfortable with it. I do a layered cut that reduces the volume. With the curls, any imperfections are hard to notice. So it works for me.
Great Sale Items at Kmart
Kmart has some great clearance prices right now. Among the items I found yesterday:
Martha Stewart brand oblong damask tablecloths - $3 to $3.50
Martha Stewart brand kitchen towels (various types and patterns) - 80 cents to $1.50 for a 2 to 6 pack - as low as 25 cents per towel!
Tablecloths for small decorative round tables - 60 inches round - $3
Martha Stewart brand damask napkins - $1 for a pack of 2
Sunsilk shampoo - $1.89 - .39 after coupon for me
Sunsilk styling products - $1.89 and under - a money maker after coupon for me!
This was great for me, since I desperately needed to replace my kitchen towels. I found that in the clearance linens most items were 50% off again from the marked clearance price. It's definitely worth checking out!
Martha Stewart brand oblong damask tablecloths - $3 to $3.50
Martha Stewart brand kitchen towels (various types and patterns) - 80 cents to $1.50 for a 2 to 6 pack - as low as 25 cents per towel!
Tablecloths for small decorative round tables - 60 inches round - $3
Martha Stewart brand damask napkins - $1 for a pack of 2
Sunsilk shampoo - $1.89 - .39 after coupon for me
Sunsilk styling products - $1.89 and under - a money maker after coupon for me!
This was great for me, since I desperately needed to replace my kitchen towels. I found that in the clearance linens most items were 50% off again from the marked clearance price. It's definitely worth checking out!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Autofill feature for getting samples
This is obviously old news to many people out there on the web, but new to me. Autofill, which is a component of the Google toolbar, and other tools like it, will fill out the fields most forms require, such as name and address, with one click. I have been filling out all sample forms by hand. What a great idea!
When I first glanced at Crystal's post on Roboform over at Money Saving Mom, I thought I would get that. However, in the comments, many people suggested the Autofill function on the Google Toolbar instead. This appealed more to me, since it's from a company I know. It also turned out that Roboform was only a trial, good for 30 days for free. Even though it was a download from cnet, a pretty reputable site, I hesitate to install almost anything on my computer. As a former system administrator, I have way too much experience with badly made or misleading software being installed on computers. It can really mess your machine up and compromise your security.
So, I headed over to google and it took me less than 5 minutes to get the toolbar up and running. I have definitely been limiting the number of freebies I request because I get sick of filling out the forms. With this tool taking care of a bunch of the fields it should be much easier.
When I first glanced at Crystal's post on Roboform over at Money Saving Mom, I thought I would get that. However, in the comments, many people suggested the Autofill function on the Google Toolbar instead. This appealed more to me, since it's from a company I know. It also turned out that Roboform was only a trial, good for 30 days for free. Even though it was a download from cnet, a pretty reputable site, I hesitate to install almost anything on my computer. As a former system administrator, I have way too much experience with badly made or misleading software being installed on computers. It can really mess your machine up and compromise your security.
So, I headed over to google and it took me less than 5 minutes to get the toolbar up and running. I have definitely been limiting the number of freebies I request because I get sick of filling out the forms. With this tool taking care of a bunch of the fields it should be much easier.
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