Frugal Thrifty

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2010-09-23T10:45:00.009-04:00

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A Little Help To Lower The Cost Of Your Groceries

2010-08-21T17:00:00.004-04:00

Just like the show on television where you need to know the prices of the grocery item to win a prize, the same applies when you go shopping for groceries. The prize you will win is less money leaving your purse or wallet.

Knowing the normal prices of items can help you greatly on the journey to spend less money. It will help you to know if you are getting a good deal or not. Which makes the question of whether to purchase the item much easier.

I have found that the best deals are usually on the lowest shelves. Most grocery stores will put items in the middle area of the shelves so that you will be most likely to purchase them. Usually these are the higher priced items.

Try not to buy junk foods. They are very low in nutrition, and we tend to buy more than necessary, thus spending money that can be used on something more nutritous.

Though sometimes it can be hard, try not to buy more than you need. This can be a very wasteful practice.

Do not buy items that are considered a convience, example, onions that are already sliced. Your best bet is to buy and slice yourself. And compare the price afterwards and see just how much you have saved on doing it yourself.

When at the cash register, watch the prices of the item as they are being ringed up. Sometimes prices are not what they seemed on the shelves, and be sure to tell the cashier once you spot the wrong price.

Do not just grab a gallon of milk out of the refrigerator at that store. Check the date, or you might bring home a gallon spoiled milk or milk that will spoil too soon.

Try buying the store brand of a item you usually purchase. Sometimes it can taste as good or better that the name brand item you are use to buying.

Couponing will help you to greatly reduce the cost of your groceries. Sometimes an item can be taken home completely free to you. Try looking in your Sunday paper, clip and save.

Handmade Gifts, Is It A Good Alternative To Store Bought Gifts?

2010-08-15T08:01:00.007-04:00

If you have children, and one of them approaches you with a folded piece of construction paper resembling a greeting card with crayon drawings of stick people, all of which represent your family with a big crayon heart on top, wouldn't that just tug at your heart. Well that is what a handmade gift does. Handmade gifts are made from the heart of an individual and they can be the most precious gifts of all.

Even the elderly and lonely people would feel so warm inside with love knowing that someone has thought about them by sending them a card that simply says" Thinking about you".

What reasons should you give friends and love ones handmade gifts?

1. It is inexpensive.
You will not have to save up money to purchase the gift. The gifts can be made from anything in your home. Or it can be an object that you know he or she has been admiring in your home for years, a rare book, an unusual hair clip. It can be anything from food to antique furniture you no longer need.

2. It has meaning and personal.
There use to be a time when people use to view handmade as cheap gifts. Now homemade gifts are viewed in a different light.

Many people are seeing handmade gifts now as a show of expressions from the heart, and that it is creative and practical. And that while making the item the person was thinking of them the whole time. Which makes that gift much more precious to the recipient, a gift he or she will never think to give or throw away.

3. It allows you to express whatever creative abilities you have.
Expressing your talents will give the gift a more personal feel to it. You will be able to add anything from humor to music to that particular gift or handmade card. Maybe even try a hand at modeling clay.

If you need help deciding on what handmade gift you can make, hear are a few suggestions:

1. Write a letter expressing how special he or she is to you. Be sure to mention in detail something you both did that was special or very funny and memorable, include a picture of yourself with that person. That letter will be cherished for a long long time.

2. Write a poem about the person in question. Print it out on the computer using a few clip art decor and frame it. Again you can use memorable events of your life that you have shared with that person.

3. You may want to go a little farther than a letter and make a small booklet of memories that you have had with that special person, Maybe include several pictures with in the book or scrapbook.

4. Buy a packet of mixed herb seeds which would cost around a dollar and plant them months before you wish to give it as a gift. Or if you want to go on a grander scale you can grow each herb in a separate pot. Once big enough you can wrap it with see through gift wrap and tied with a bow.

5. If it is a female, and you know she has been admiring a piece of jewelry of yours for a long time. Clean the jewelry and wrap it in a special box. Then watch her face light up when she see, that now, she owns the jewelry herself.

6. Or go buy a inexpensive necklace or earring kit, it would cost around four to eight dollars, and assemble it together yourself. When you tell the recipient that you made it, it will be cherished all the more. You would be surprise how simple it is to create your own jewelry.

7.Dessert! Now who does not like dessert? Try your hand at baking. If his favorite dessert must have chocolate, bake a chocolate cake or maybe chocolate cookies. There are many recipes that have ingredients that are a favorite for your friends or family. Bake, then wrap them in colored plastic wrap, with a small card with heartfelt words added to it. Example: "Sweets for the sweetest man on earth"

8. Photography? Take a picture of her favorite flower and blow it up. Will cost about six dollars. Or maybe take pictures of her friends and make a collage and frame it.

9. Sewing? Block quilts are easy to make. The elderly would enjoy having something to keep their legs warm during the cold winter months. Or just simple quilts made from beautiful fabric, it does not take long to make.

10. Camcorder! You can record parties that a loved one missed so that they can view it later. Or for the bedridden elderly, you can go around and record the area in which they live, stop by the neighbors houses and allow them to say hello to the individual or maybe even a small sentence so that it can all be played back to the individual. It would feel as if they themselves went around and visit the neighbors. Don't be surprised if it is played over and over again.

Just remember, when making the gift try and make it practical, useful, beautiful and unforgetable.

Inexpensive and Joyful Family Outings

2010-03-30T16:51:00.013-04:00

The time we share with our families is important. But
most family outings are very expensive. Even just a night
at the movie theater can put a incredible dent in your family's budget.

But there are ways to have cheaper family outings with just as much fun at a lower price, and some are completely free.

Movies

Children usually are dying to view the newest releases at the
movie theater. But, the cost of such venture is very expensive even if it is done only once a month.

Some theater offers a matinee, where anyone can watch the movie at a reduce price. Usually this is held during a certain hour during the daytime hours and the price would rise again in the evening.

Music

Many kids today are far into rock bands and such. So going to a concert becomes a must for them. Tickets to go see their favorite bands will not be cheap. In fact they can cost anywhere from seventy-five dollars to two hundred-fifty dollars a pop, or more. Check your local newspaper for free concerts from alternate bands. Children can enjoy them during the summer months. They may also learn that there are many other people in the world with just as much talent as their favorite band and may fall in love with the music.

Also try buying the CD to their favorite singer or band and let them throw a talent show featuring those songs.

Your children won't feel so left out if they had some of the music to play on their cd player or computer. And it will cost far less than a concert ticket.

Backyard

Yes the great outdoors, can offer many possibilities for entertainment for the family. One of the common for family fun is camping, and it can be done cheaply. Camping can be done by placing a tent in your backyard, or rent a camper. Drag out the grill and cook some wieners or beef patties. Tell spooky stories as the night falls.

Parks

Many of you have been to the park. They have equipment to help you keep your family entertained for many hours. There are hiking trails where joggers would go for a good workout. There your children can collect rocks, bugs, and see the wonders of nature. Also there are a play area in the park with swings and grills and soda machines also areas where you can spread out a blanket for a picnic with the family.

2010-02-17T08:24:00.020-05:00

Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes. Who does not love tomatoes? Beefsteak, cherry, roma are among some of the famous tomatoes consumed in the United States.

It is hard to find a tomatoe that have that good grown at home taste. Its the taste tells it all. Most tomatoes from stores have that watered down flavor when you bring them home. You know what I mean. You bite into one and barely taste tomato flavor. Even though some may have a rich red outer skin, the end result is the same. The tomatoe has no flavor.

Even with the taste sort of compromised tomatoes is pack with lots of minerals and vitamins, including potassium which are all vital for a healthy body and immune system.

A tomatoe come in more than 4,000 varieties, some with a very unique taste and color and texture.
Some varieties are best for just juicing, while others are best for cooking and canning. Still others are just delicious straight from the vine with a little salt, or sliced into a nice bowl of toss salad. But many love it in the form of pizza sauce on a hot pizza, others as ketchup on a nice thick juicy burger, or as thick rich pasta sauce on spaghetti. Tomatoes lands a place on the kitchen more often than most vegetables.

Short Partial History of The Tomato

A long time ago in the early 1500's, tomatoes once were thought to be
poisonous. It took a few centuries and a couple of decades,before tomatoes were found not to be dangerous for human consumption. Around the 1820's a rich man by the name of Robert G. Johnson, set out to prove that the tomatoe is harmless. He did this by gathering a large group of people, and allowed them to watch while he devoured a huge portion of tomatoes. He did not get sick or had no side effects from eating the so called "poisionous vegetable". It is a good thing that tomatoes turn out to be just another great vegetable/fruit that we can put on our list edible vegetables.

Vegetable or Fruit?

Even though it is said that tomatoes are a fruit, and others say it is a berry, tomatoes are mostly used as a vegetable. Because of it many uses, tomatoes have become an essential part of a garden. It is unthinkable to plant a garden without this antioxidant packed vegetable/fruit. Wouldn't it be nice to know how to grow delicious tomatoes in your
garden? Wouldn't it be nice to have tomatoes packed with rich tomato taste?
So why not grow a couple of tomatoes plants in your backyard?

If you feel you do not have a green thumb you could purchase tomatoes at a neighbor farmer's market. Many people who grow their own veggies in their garden usually have a surplus and most sell to prevent waste.

But you can grow your own tomatoes in your garden even with little experience.

Types of Tomatoes Plants
Tomatoes come in two types, indeterminates and determinates(some are dwarfs and minatures also). Indeterminates usually needs support, stakes and cages. They also produce tomatoes thoughout the summer months until cold weather terminates the plant. While determinates are bushy and can support itself, they produce lots of tomatoes in a short period of time and usually all at once.

Dwarfs and miniature are small and compact enough to grow on your back porch. Which pleases a lot of patio farmers because it does not take up a lot of space.

Floor Cleaners That Saves You Money

2009-11-29T08:45:00.004-05:00

Back in the day products for cleaning the house was very simple. They were products we use everyday and most of us still to this day. Most of these products are safe for the environment.

So don't go to the store and purchase harsh chemicals to clean your floors. Below are some good examples of using everyday items to clean your floors.

Vinegar helps in removing grease, put a few drops in your bucket of cleaning water. It will help remove greasy film off linolem, try one half cup of white vinegar with one half gallon of water.

Wood Floors: Vegetable oil and vinegar, a ratio of one to one of the oil and vinegar. Apply it in a thin coating and rub it in real well.

Brick or Stone Floor: Mix one cup white vinegar with one gallon water, use a brush and wash the floor with the solution. Rinse.

Linoleum: Rubbing Alcohol (not the green kind), three (water) to one (alcohol) ratio. This solution helps to remove old dingy wax from your floor. Scrub and rinse well.

Black Heel Marks: Some people use an eraser to remove the heel marks but baking soda works well too. Add a little water to the soda to make a paste and with a little muscle, rub it on the heel marks, will disappear immediately.

Ceramic Tiles: One fourth cup of white vinegar to one gallon on water. This solution removes most of the dirt with very little scrubbing.

Effective Budgeting

2009-11-25T11:38:00.007-05:00

Effective Budgeting

For unmarried individuals, making a budget is not complicated. They usually have a good idea on how much income they are making, and able to figure out their expenses easily. But creating a family budget is much more complex. Most families have more than one source of income, and more than one spender in the family unit.

But having a budget and applying it, and sticking to your guns, can greatly enrich a family's financial situation.

Start by using this short list below.

1. Make list of all income. If a certain source of income varies each month, use the lowest net amount or average out the net income.
2. Important. Keep close track of all expenditures for a month or so. Retain all of your receipts, and ask family members to do the same and give you the receipts each day.

3. Add together all of your expenses. Be sure that you have all bill statements, all debt payments, family groceries, car insurance, dry cleaning and everyday expenses such as lunch money and transportation costs, etc.

4. Sit down with the family and together discuss ways you can cut or trim down the family's budget. Getting information from other family members will greatly assist you in deciding which expenses are essential and which ones could be adjusted or perhaps removed. Maybe you or your spouse could start carrying a home prepared lunch to work instead of stopping by an eatery.

5. Also decide how each family member can help lower the amount of the electric bill, groceries and other important family expenses. Consider such things as riding with a friend to work or look into public transport, buying more store brand foods.

6. Examine how much you may be able save on normal expenses, and eliminate impulsive buying. Then re figure it and see how it can work for you.

Remember to rework the budget until it is saving you money without overdoing it, and readjust it in the future, if needed.

Be smart

It's great to cut down on some expenses, but don't go too far. For example, cutting entertainment from the budget completely might look good money wise, but we not survive without a little diversion every once in a while.

Instead, find ways to limit the cost. Maybe you've been going to dinner and a movie as a family two to three times a month. But eating in and renting a new movie release would be much cheaper.

Individual expenditures can also get out of control. A good solution can be limiting a certain amount of cash for each family member to spend each week. This help teach each family member how to live within their allotted amount.

A family budget can keep excessive spending in check, leaving you with more money to get out of debt and save for unforeseen evidents. But to achieve your goal, close and constant monitoring is a must.

How To Save Gas During The Recession.

2009-09-22T20:18:00.005-04:00

With the recent scare of high gas prices, many of us were finding it hard to determine how to handle this in our daily lives. Now that prices have die down a bit, we still do not have a guarantee on how long gas prices will remain as they are at the moment.

Here Are A Few Ways To Save Gas.

Driving the car aggressively can guzzle up a lot of gas, it can also speed up the need to get repairs on your car. That is one of the reason why a race track have auto repair personnel around to fix a car, cause agressive speed can cause wear and tear on your automobile, for example sudden stops and take offs. So drive with safely and your car in mind.

Also excess weight in a automobile can tax your gasoline bill also. The more weight the car carries the harder the car must work, and the more gas it needs. Get rid of unnecessary loads.

Another way to get good mileage from your car, proper maintenance. Get oil and transmission fluid check regularly. The better your car runs and operate the better the mileage.

Your tires on the car must have good air pressure. People have been known to save gas just by having good tired pressure. Get them check at least twice a month. And more so in extreme heat and cold weather.

Driving with your windows up also help save gas, air friction cause a car to pull harder thus using more gas. But this will be difficult on hot days. Since we all are tempted to put the windows down.

Air conditioning in your car also uses a lot of gas, that is a common fact, no matter what condition your car is in. Try to use the air conditioner only when necessary.

Plan your trips. Many people get in the car get half way to work and turn back because they have forgotton to turn off the stove, or the forgot the purse, wallet, or to turn on the answering machine. Plan each trip well so that you will not have to waste gasoline. Also while paying bills, plan how you will go from store to store in a manner that will not only save you gas but time as well.

All of the above can greatly help automobile owners survive the soaring gasoline prices along the way.

Do You Really Need All Those Extras On Your Cell Phone?

2009-09-16T19:19:00.005-04:00

Every where I look I see people talking with their chin buried in their chest, Others walking and texting while bumping into people, people texting while driving. Teens giggling while looking at pictures on their cellphones. Other with questions on they faces, while thumbing through their message boxes or listening to their voice mail. Every ones attention is mostly somewhere else than where it ought to be.

Cellphones. Do you really need all those extra features? I feel that cellphone with extra features will pose a problem if not already. All I see are a lot of people whose attention is totally divided, between their cellphones and what they need to do.

Do not get the wrong impression, I love cell phones. I have a cellphone, with limited features. But I am afraid to use it while driving, shopping, crossing the street, walking up stairs or down, many other things.

I see many benefits of having a cell phone. You can call for help to anyone in case of emergency. (police, family, friends) Also teachers can get in touch with you any time they need to have a phone conference with you. Your kids can call you in case of an emergency, and you can call and check up on them every thirty minutes. Sometimes we run into old school mates that we have not seen in years, good time to use that camera feature.

But what I cannot understand is why anyone would want to watch a movie, or video on a very small cellphone screen when they can go home and watch on their 27 inch tv. This world is too dangerous to have your attention divide.

Thieves love it when people who are too busy to watch their pocket books or wallets.
And even scarier, some theives will want your phone because it has those wonderful features that make it so appealing to them. The fact that they can go on the internet, IM their friends, call friends or family, watch a movie, or youtube, take pictures and more, can make your phone very enticing to them.

I feel the only features a cell phone should have, is the ability to call out to someone and recieve calls as well. The GPS, which is very useful, voicemail for all your messages. The camera is good to, in case you run into something or someone unexpected. But some criminals use it to steal personal information, so maybe a camera on the phone is not so good after all.

My "grown" working daughter has a plan that cost her well over a hundred dollars a month. Unlimited everything. Now tell me this, for someone who NEVER answers her phone, why does SHE pay for services that she does not use? I feel that is a total waste of money.

She may sent a text message two times a month or less, why does she need unlimited texting? Well she is grown and it is her money.

For all you Frugal Thrifty people out there, I know that this has little to do with being thrifty, but having only the necessary features on a phone can save you lot of money EACH month. Not only will you be more attentive to your surroundings but you will also have more money in your pockets.

Herbs, Very Useful Frugal Gifts

2009-09-11T17:35:00.008-04:00

Plants can be very thoughtful gifts. It warms the heart of those who recieves them. It cheers up those who are ill and hospitalized. It even makes those who are lonely feel wanted by someone.

But how about practical ones too. Not just the ones that are beautiful to behold, but the ones that are beautiful and useful also.

I am talking about Herbs. They can make excellent gifts for people who loves to be in the kitchen. Having fresh herbs can compliment any dish and bring a satisfied smile on the face of the giftee.

I find that basil is an easy herb to grow. It can be use in many italian dishes and I love it on pizza and enjoy making pesto with it. Genovese basil if properly cared for can yield lots of leaves for many dishes. So why not make a gift of basil to a friend?

The way to do this inexpensively for a small gathering of friends, is to start the seeds early in your home. Usually around the month of March to give them enough time to put on some growth.

Plant them in five inch pots filled with soil with a little perlite in it, and place at least twelve small seeds in each pot. Some seeds cost ten cents per pack and I have seen some at twenty cents per pack and some as high as one dollar or more. I use the ten and twenty cent packs. Just make sure you check the dates on the seeds to be sure you are getting ones that are for planting for that year. Most can be found at Dollar General, Walmart etc.

Once you have planted the seeds keep them moist by watering them well. You will soon see spouts around a week or so. I usually use the liquid Miracle Grow on them. (Follow the direction on back of bottle) You will not need much at the early stages of growth.

As the seedlings grow, pinch off a little of the top to encourage them to branch out and get bushy. This will help to make lots of new leaves. Use the leaves you pinched in some of your dishes. Don't waste them.

I usually wait until the plant is about five inches tall before I give them out as gifts. This helps to make sure you are giving out good strong plants.

If you want you can put three herb plants together in one pot, thus giving the giftee more than one plant as a gift. One good combination is thyme, basil and oreganoe, all the great herbs for a good pizza or italian dish.

Now it is time to get some ribbons and some decorations and give them to your friends at a brunch or gathering at your home or at theirs.

Then sit back and watch the smiles and thank yous you recieve for giving such a frugal and thoughtful and practical gift that will last all spring, summer and fall and on.

How To Plan A Childrens Party Without Feeling The Pinch

2009-08-11T18:42:00.016-04:00

When my twin boys were in pre-k. I threw a party for the whole class. The teachers were amazed at the many gifts that each child will be taking home and how healthy the snacks were. Even though parent were not allowed to make meals that were prepared from home to bring to school, I was able to find a healthy substitute for the children. I did it all on a limited budget.

This is the method below:

The Rules
Inform the teacher that you wish to give a party for the little tikes, ask what guidelines must you follow and take notes. Make extra sure you ask about any allergies to foods, to be sure that you do not serve anything that can be harmful to the children. Schools should know this because it is required.

Head Count
Get a head count of all the children. Jot it down. Lets say it is a total of fifteen children. (Pre-k classes are usually small)

Names
Make extra sure to write the first names and sex of the children. If there are identical names, write down the complete name, to avoid confusion. (ex; jane doe, jane jones) Or better yet, have the teacher make the list for you.

Choose a date
Be sure to plan the party months ahead, to allow time to buy gifts and other party items. I usually plan about three to five months ahead.

Clear your Spare closet
Make room in your closet to store party items. Get two large plastic storage containers or two large boxes to hold items that you will purchase.(It depends on how much you buy, you may need more or less)

Thirty From The Budget

Each month after you have paid all your bills, You dedicate thirty dollars each month towards the party. If you have extra that is good. (That could mean more gifts for the children) But try to stick with the thirty dollar budget. But if you have extra you can put it towards the party in the end.

Month One. Go to the dollar stores and buy your matching paper or plastic plates, plastic forks, plastic spoons, napkins, paper cups (make sure they contain at least fifteen plates or more items each). In some case you may not need spoons or forks. In this particular case no spoons are needed. And you may need to buy more cups or plastic or paper plates depending on how much is in the package.

You have spent six dollars and some change. Next go to the toy section and find fifteen practical gifts. Lets say, crayons.
(If you can, try to find the ones that have the coloring books included with the crayons. that will be much better, you are getting two items for a dollar) Buy fifteen.

You should have about eight dollars and some change left (or more). Bank it for the party. Put all of the items you have purchased carefully into the container and place in the closet.

Month two. Go to the dollar store and buy coloring books to go with the crayons you bought in month one.
(If you were able to get the crayon and coloring book combination set, then move on to another gift for this month, bubbles, toy banks) Buy fifteen.
Bank the fourteen dollars and change. You should have about twenty two and change totaled banked for the party.

Month three. Again to the Dollar Store buy wrapping paper, tape, bag of tiny bows. You should have around twenty three dollars left. Bank the rest for party. Wrap the gifts and tag each with a child's name, and bow.
Place back in box or container.

Month four
The day before the party buy

Small packets of Raisins, enough for fifteen or more people
Three large bags of Sun Chips, very healthy for the kids, Two gallons of orange juice. Bag of ice, and sterofoam cooler. Bank the rest for the party. Do not open any of the items.

Day Of The Party
Grab all your containers or boxes put it in your car.
Thirty minutes before party, Order three to four large pizzas to arrive at the school, cheese or with one topping. Less toppings, cheaper the pizza.(You should have a least fifty-three dollars or more bank for the party for the pizzas)
Grab the Orange Juice and raisins from the refrigerator and the Sun Chips just before you walk out of the door.

If you are allowed to prepare the foods yourself, then of course this would be a lot cheaper to do.

I have done this also with a hawaiian luau. I set the date a year away and fix a budget for it. Then I would shop around for bargains. Each guess would have a nice party gift to take home afterwards. People will wonder how did you do it on a low income.

There are more ways to plan a children's party that won't break your wallet.

Let Me Tell You What Happened To Me Last Summer

2009-07-29T06:01:00.007-04:00

Let Me Tell You What Happened To Me Last Summer.

Well I had ran into a good deal while traveling on the road of being frugal. I had gotten the best deal of my entire life of shopping. I purchased 11 heads of broccoli. Guess for how much? Six dollars and change. Yes! Why so low you may ask.

I don't know if you have ever experience this, but the broccoli was a nice green and no yellowing anywhere but it was flexible and rubbery and limp. The manager lowered the price because of the condition of the broccoli, thinking it will not sale at the regular price. The broccoli only needed a quick pick me up and that is all.

I took that heavy bag home, and got started. First I washed the broccoli with the veggie wash and rinse it.(Sometimes with vegetables, I would let them sit in the rinse water for a while, to be sure I all the vegetable wash is removed)

Then I cut off the bottom of the stalks to enable the broccoli to absorb water. Then I filled a large bowl with cold water from the tap and place the broccoli stem down in the water. I then place the broccoli, bowl and all in to the refrigerator and waited for an hour.

And you guess it. Fresh crispy, crunchy broccoli for only six dollars and change. I cooked some, blanched then froze some. Hows that for a nice frugal living tip?

You would think store managers would know that cutting the bottom off broccoli and placing it in water can help most wilting plants.

This can also be done with limp celery, and wilted lettuce.

Look What I Did!

2009-07-28T13:58:00.009-04:00

While driving home several days ago, I just happened to see four worned out chairs sitting outside, waiting to be picked up by the trash man. These were steady strong chairs with welded steel frames. I just couldn't believe the ex-owner was throwing them out.

So I picked up all the chairs and took them home with me. I washed the chairs with one of those miniature machines that deep cleans. I allow them to dry for a whole day. I had an old yellow rusty colored upholster material so, I decided to use that. I took a good look at the chairs to see if I could find a way to repair them with out bringing out the big guns, like clamps, glue etc. Well all I needed was the sewing machine and staple gun.

The chairs had screws to hold in the back rest, the arm and the seat. So all of the parts can be taken off and repaired and then screwed back on. It seems that these chairs will be very easy to repair.

I measured the seat, arm and back of the chairs and stapled the material to the underside of the chair seat, the same for the arm of the chair. The back was easy, I measured and sewed something like a pillow case and just slipped it over the back seat.

Well I have completed one chair, (above)and set into motion to complete the rest. I have always wanted strong chairs such as these. Now I have. It did not cost me a thing. All the materials I needed, I already had. This was a good deal. Well as they say "one man's trash".

To do the same as I have. Look for chairs with removeable seats and/or backs.

Make Comforters Out Of Bed Sheets

2009-07-18T18:37:00.005-04:00

Make Comforters Out Of Bed Sheets

My mom surprised me with this one. If you sew, this would be a easy task for you. Knowing that sheets come in the size of the bed, you don't have to sew sheets together to make the comforter fit the bed.
Purchase three inexpensive flat sheets and get enough batting to put between them. Make sure the sheets match the color scheme of your bedroom and the size of your bed.

Put both sheets together, right sides in and wrong sides out, and lay the sheets on the floor, make sure you keep it even.

Now place the thick batting on top of the sheets, and pin the edges, as well as the middle it will keep it from buckling while sewing.

{NOTE: Usually I would sew three seamlines down the middle and on both side of the batting and the sheet before I join the two sides together, so that I would not have to do the tacking at the end, to finish the comforter, as seen in the picture above}

Now being careful not to puncture yourself from the pins, carry it the machine and sew only three sides of the sheets. (You will be sewing through both sheets and the batting.) Leave one side completely open. (the bottom of the comforter)

Now take it back to the floor and place batting side up. (Note: If you had to use two sections of batting, whipped stitch the two batting together before removing the pins.)

Take out the straight pins. Turn the comforter so that the right side is out. You will notice this would put the batting inside the comforter. Flatten out the comforter on the floor. Make sure batting isn't bulking under the sheets. If you want you can press the comforter at this stage. Don't forget to work on the corners. Now the open end of the comforter, cut any excess batting that is sticking out, then turn in the sheets to make a clean finish and sew together.

Now to be sure the batting stays in place, we need to tack the comforter, my mom's word. You can use thread or yarn, be sure to use a color that compliments your comforter. Thread your needle, you do not have to knot the ends. If you are using yarn, purchase a needle with larger eye. (You could do this next part free hand or you can pin the spots where you wish to tack). Decide what is the top of your comforter, then push needle through all layers of the comforter(from the top) and carefully without sewing yourself to the comforter, bring the needle back through from the bottom near where you begin, back to the top and double knot it. You did your first tack.:). Now continue this same process with the rest of your comforter. Then go back and trim off all threads, leave about 1/8 of an inch. Once you have clipped the threads consider yourself finished with the comforter.

Now the pillow cases, measure your pillow and add 2 inches all around, take those measurement to your third sheet, and cut it out. (If you need to you may want to make a pattern out of notebook paper. Tape notebook paper together and cut out the measurements). Using the same principle as above, place right sides together pin and sew. Turn so that the right side is out, then iron. You can hem the pillow case or use bias tape to finish the edges. Press again. Remember to make two for a full bed.
Done! A comforter set with out the expensive price.

Rescue Recipe Saver

2009-07-16T08:43:00.007-04:00

Many of us love to purchase books on many subjects but found it may clutter your home. I am a lover of Recipe Books, sewing books, home decor books. If you are like me, you hate it when you go to a book store, and find a book that has only one recipe in it of interest to you. You cannot purchase the book because of that ONE recipe, it would be a waste of money and library space.

What To Do?

This is what I did to solve that problem. I call it my Rescue Recipe Saver.

First do not forget to write down the recipe. Go buy a 3 inch binder with the plastic cover sleeve. (To give book an identity). Also purchase page protectors, you do not need to get the really expensive ones. Try to find the ones that have twenty protectors for a dollar. Some dollar stores have them.

You rewrite or type the recipe onto computer paper or notebook paper, if you wish and place it inside the protector and then transfer to binder. WA LA! You have rescued your recipe without having to buy the whole book. You can keep this collection going if you chose, and you can make up your own recipes to add into your book.

IMPORTANT!!

But do to copyright legal issues you cannot copy a recipe and claim it as your own or use it in a blog or any publish articles, books, etc. I use My Rescue Recipe Saver for home use only.

Living Below Your Income?

2009-07-07T04:36:00.006-04:00

My son's best friend came up to me and ask what does it mean to live beneath your income.

I guess it is kind of confusing for a 10 year old. So I tried to tell him in a way that he will understand.

Let say you were given fifty dollars, and you purchased a video game. After which, you have nothing left. That is considered living above your means.

But lets say you ventured into a discount video game store instead. Wow, you walk out with the game you wanted, but with a bonus of thirty dollars left over. You are living below your income.

Now, that thirty dollars that you skillfully save, can be used for another day. You put that in your money jar at home. You are now living below your means." Then he said "But what if they don't have the game?" Then I told him," Then you just banked yourself a fifty dollar bill." The end.

Be highly conscious of what you are doing. Think of ways you can still get the item you want without spending too much, then bank the rest.

Thank Positively

Do not view it in a negative way, look to see how it benefits you. Managing your money doesnt have to be tedious. It can be very enjoyable.

Instead, consider it a challenge for yourself. Numerous financial consultants have stated that when individuals gain control of their funds, they gain power over their own lives.

When You Have To Skimp And Save

2009-06-26T17:42:00.010-04:00

When You Have To Skimp And Save

Sometimes life will do a total shift on you. Forcing you to change your life style cold turkey. No easy way to say this, you may find yourself having to go without. Here are some advice from a few people who have been through the same situation.

Don't Panic
Keep a calm head. Because you can handle this. Be strong. A new day is coming. Situations like this are not permanent.

Examine Your Situation
Sum up your situation. Understand what is happening to you and why. Did you have to take a drastic cut in your pay check? Were you laid off for a month? Or is it long term? Are you drawing on unemployment payments?

Take A Good Look At You Net Income
Gather your income or unemployment statement for last month. Write down and total your income. You will need this information to decide what you may need to do without.

Decide What You Can Do Without
Now you have a big decision to make. Sometimes you must live beneath your means to make it. Write down all your liabilities. List the important bills that MUST be paid. Your rent or mortgage is one, you need a roof over your head. Water bill, you NEED water for many important things. Food is a must have. The Internet service, can you do with out that for a while? Do you have a cell phone and home phone? You can get rid of one to save around thirty or more dollars.

Make The Changes
Once you have decided what you could do without, make the changes. Let your housekeeper go and clean your house yourself. Let the dry cleaners go and choose clothes with washable fabrics. The quicker you start the sooner you situation will level out. Also remember, there are places where you could go for help too. Ask your local Chamber of Commerce, they should have a list of places that can offer help, until you are back on your feet.

Change Your Shopping Habits
You may have to pass up a juicy hunk of t-bone steak to settle for a less expensive cut of meat. Or check newspaper ads on a weekly basis for sales. You also may have to zero in on reduced price merchandise. Cultivate your own garden. Coupons, don't just cut them out, use them too.

Search for books and website on living on less, they can be very helpful.

Planning Your Meals

2009-06-25T23:55:00.012-04:00

Plan Well
Do you wonder how you can save money for meals when you are at work? or at school?

Plan Your Brunches/Lunches

Make your own bag lunches every day. As a parent, you should know your children's favorite foods and add these to their lunch boxes. A small family of four can save around fifty dollars a week or around $2,450 a year.

To pack a lunch for work or school never put the mayonaise on the bread, but instead smear it between the meat and cheese to helps to keep your sandwich from becoming soggy and spongey.

Plan Delicious Homemade Meals - Weekly
Meals made at home fills you up far more better than the food you could get at most eateries. You can even omit or control how much sugar, fats and salts are added to your homemade meals, making your family healthier.

Plan For Traveling
When you go to the recreational park, or visiting family and friends, going to the movies or just getting away from home - Pack your own sandwiches and snacks, cooler with drinks. You will be pleased that you did, and think of the money you have saved.

Plan Dining Out
When eating out, plan ahead. Pick a place where you know your children will enjoy and warn them of their limits. Maybe you can tell them how much you will spend per person. You will able to enjoy yourself more and worry less. Remember eating out is fun, but it can add up. Try to limit how often you can take you and your family to dinner, and stick with it. Some restaurants offer a family night special where you can feed you family on a set amount of money.

Plan For Shopping

Create your list. You do so by planning your meals for the week, and make a list of the ingredients and seasonings. Now there is your list. Stick with you list do not stray. You save yourself from spending more than you intend.

Shop alone. I find the less distractions the better and quicker I shop. Control the impulse to deviate from your shopping list.

Coupons. Use them. You will be surprised how a name brand product can become cheaper than the store brand, when using a coupon.

Avoid pre package convience foods. They cost more. Find the ingredients to make that item yourself and save money.

Compare prices. Sometimes that store brand may cost cheaper, but there maybe a sale on a similar item. Check the sales ads in the newspaper.

Never, Never go shopping on an empty stomach, or if you are depressed. You tend to buy more junk foods than healthy foods. You also end up spending more than you wanted in the beginning. I found myself having to leave check out and go back and place potatoes chips and candies back on the shelves.

Secret Recipes Of Your Favorite Restaurant

Beginning A Frugal Life.

2009-06-24T11:39:00.027-04:00

Want To Start a Frugal life?

It will take some practice and it is not difficult. Anyone can be frugal.
But first you must ask yourself "Why do I wish to live a frugal life now?"

Is it because you want to save money for something special?

Or is it because you need to stretch what you already have because you are barely making it from paycheck to paycheck?

Or maybe it is because you wish to be prepared for whatever may come in the future due to the recession?

All of the above are very good reasons.

But Before You Begin.

Decide what you feel you need to improve upon. Find out what must change in your daily habits.

Do you wish to learn to shop more thrifty because your usual groceries do not last past a week?

Or you want to learn how to stretch your clothing life because you wish to slow down on purchasing too many clothing?

Or maybe you want to recycle, because you see the landfills are bulging from excess waste.

Or maybe you wish to cut back on your use of electricity, to save some extra money?

Maybe you feel that you are eating out too much and wish to make adjustments in that area?

There are many reasons to begin a frugal life. There are many areas of frugality to expore.

Don't Take On Too Much At One Time.

You will soon find that trying to follow every thrifty path that you come upon, will drive you insane. It is impossible to take on so much, and all at once. Always remember this, what works for one person may not work for you. It depends on where you are at this moment in your life and how much you think you can handle.

So try a few things and see if it works for you, gradually work up to where you wish to be, and add on to that later if you wish to.

Start By Finding Out What You Are Spending.

You have to know where you are spending your hard earned income. Try to keep track of every penny that you spend. Don't leave out anything. Even those tiny expenditures really add up. This, you will find out quickly once you sit down with your notes and see what changes is necessary and what isn't.

Write down how much you spent for lunch this week or month. Write down the amount of your electric bill for this month, your cable bill, your phone bill. Don't forget your rent or mortgage, water, groceries, gas, insurance, etc. But most importantly keep receipts of everything you buy so that you can get an accurate account of how much you are spending each month. And don't forgot to count the things that you do not get a receipt for, like giving money to friends and/or family.

Once you have done the above. Try to find ways to cut the cost of each item on your list.

Example: You may have cable in all of the bedrooms in your house including the living room. To save on electricity and cable and help bring the family closer together, eliminate the televisions in the bedrooms. Everyone can come together in the living room to watch a movie or TV program together. You will accomplish four things by doing this.

First, The family is together in one room using the lights and TV. Instead of spreading out through out the house with lights burning in all bedrooms, including the living room. This will lower your electric bill.

Second, Cable bill will now become lower because you have cable in only one room in the house.

Third, You can now take the money you saved and put it in the bank.

Fourth, The family is spending quality time together, which strenghtens the family bond, and draw the family closer together.

Stick With It
Once you have fulfilled all of your self imposed frugal assignments, stick with it. Do not go backwards and allow things to return to the way it was. Once you and your family have grown accustomed to the new way of things, find something else that the family can improve upon frugally. You will fine that you are more happier and feel less burden on your shoulders.

Help In The Grocery Aisles!