101 Ways To Save Money

3 Websites Offering Free Homework Help Online For Your Kids

2012-01-27T07:06:00.000-08:00

One of my children is now in high school (!!) and we are finding out just how challenging it can be academically (for her, and for us.) Luckily there are websites online offering free help to kids that could use a little extra help with subjects like algebra, English and history. If you are a parent and are scratching your head at some of the homework your kids are bringing home, here are 3 websites that you both might find helpful in completing those assignments - and may help you save money on tutoring costs.

Cramster.com. Online tutors are available to answer questions via email from students in the ninth grade through college.

Number2.com. This website offers practice exams for the SAT, ACT and GRE. Kids can follow their own progress, and get coaching to help improve their scores.

CliffNotes.com. A great website for school kids of all ages. This website has hundreds of study guides, book summaries, articles and information to help students with their English studies.

Quick Homemade Help For Dry Skin

2012-01-26T08:01:00.000-08:00

Get itchy dry skin help from your kitchen in a flash, and save money by not buying expensive facial scrubs at the drugstore.

Take 1 tsp. yogurt and 1 tsp. sugar. Mix together. Rub mixture gently on your face ( works best if your skin is damp,) and then rinse completely.

The yogurt hydrates your skin while the sugar buffs away dry flaky skin.

A fast, cheap and easy way to help to soften your skin in just a few minutes!!

Want to Save More? Stand Up Straight!

2012-01-24T11:02:00.000-08:00

Did you know that if you lean just a little to the left while deciding if you should buy something or not, chances are greater that you will end up buying that item??

I am not making this up. Honest. There was a study done that shows that people who tend to lean left will underestimate figures. Even just a little leaning might make you think something is a better deal than it really is, prompting you to spend money and buy it!

Researchers say that this strange phenomenon may have to do with our natural inclination to automatically think of smaller numbers being on the left and larger numbers on the right.

So next time you are window shopping, stand up straight and save your money!

You can read more here about this research.

Superbowl Snacking Made Easy: Cheesy Corn Muffins With Bacon and Jalapeno

2012-01-23T12:49:00.000-08:00

These corn muffins are easy to make (especially when you use packaged corn muffin mix such as Jiffy,) but taste very yummy!

For about 12 muffins, you will need:

2 boxes corn muffin mix ( try Jiffy)
2 large eggs
About 1 cup shredded cheese (we like the sharp cheese here, but use which kind you like)
1 large Jalapeno, seeded
5-7 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (we use Morningside veggie bacon here...it is awesome in these muffins!)
1 cup low-fat sour cream - nonfat yogurt works okay as well, or 1 cup low-fat buttermilk

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line muffin pan with liners
Prepare muffin mix but do not add milk
Mix in bacon, jalapeno and sour cream (or yogurt)
Mix well
Divide batter into 12 muffin cups
Bake about 15-18 minutes (or until that handy toothpick comes out clean from the middle of a muffin!)

How to Save Money When Eating Out? Use These Six Websites!

2012-01-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

Eating out at restaurants is bad for our budgets. We know. And I am betting that almost everyone who reads this post has cut way back on the number of times they go out to eat, or has stopped going out to eat completely.

My husband and I have definitely changed our eating out habits, and cook much more at home these days. But I confess, I love going out to a restaurant once in a while, so I have zero plans to give up this guilty pleasure completely.

I mean, even a money-~~pinching~~ saving girl like me has to have fun sometimes. We may not go out to dinner much, but we still do go once in a while....kids and all.

So if you are like me and enjoy sitting in a restaurant and being served food instead of being the one doing the serving, and relaxing while someone else deals with those dirty dishes, check out these six websites which can help you save money and enjoy your meal out even more!

Find coupons for restaurants at EatDrinkDeals.com. They list the most recent coupons and deals available for over 100 major restaurants chains, such as Olive Garden, Chik-Fil-A, McDonalds, Sweet Tomatoes/Soup Plantation and more!

With DineOutCheap.com, you can have exclusive deals from local restaurants sent directly to your phone or email. You will also find coupons for independently-owned restaurants as well as the major chain restaurants on their site. You can search by a particular eateries' name or by entering your zip code.

iDine.com offers a cash back program where you will earn up to 15% back on your restaurant tabs. The program seems a bit complicated to me, plus you will need to register a credit or debit card to participate, but check it out and see if it might work for you (especially if you tend to eat out a lot.)

With OpenTable.com, you can earn 100 points for every restaurant reservation you make through their website. Making reservations is free, and you can redeem your points for gift cards you can use at participating restaurants. To learn more, scroll down to the bottom of their homepage to their 'About' section, and click on the link, 'dining rewards.'

You can compare restaurant prices for similar meals by going to AllMenus.com, where you can search hundreds of restaurant menus, including prices.

And if you are going out to eat with kids, find restaurants that have 'kids eat free' deals by going to KidsMealDeals.com.

Do you have any money-saving secrets you use when you go out to eat?

Saving Money By Using Grapes As a Natural Skin Toner

2012-01-19T15:04:00.000-08:00

Got Grapes? Then you have a FREE natural face toner that will brighten and tighten your skin! Grapes have plenty of antioxidants and other good stuff like alpha-hydroxy acids that will tone and brighten your skin, plus help fight those little lines on your face.

Next time you are in the cosmetics/beauty products aisle, check how much those grape-infused serums and creams cost now-a-days.

Head to the grocery store and buy some green grapes instead - you will get a healthy snack plus a beauty treatment for one price!

Take some of those grapes and put them in the freezer for a few minutes. When they are chilled, take them out and slice each grape in half. Then rub the fruit part (not the skin side) gently over your face and neck. Leave the juice on your face for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse.

If you do this nightly for about a week or so, you should see a difference in your skin's tone.

Cheap and Easy Dip Recipe For Superbowl Parties

2012-01-18T15:38:00.000-08:00

Snacks for Superbowl that are cheap, easy to make and even healthy for your party guests are the best snacks to make in my opinion. I hope to post a few tasty snack recipes that do not cost much to make, and are easy to whip up before the big football game day arrives!

First on the menu-

White Bean Dip. Cannellini beans are full of protein, and we all know that olive oil and garlic are heart-healthy foods! Go light on the salt, if you use any - and try substituting/adding other spices such as oregano, basil, or parsley to the dip.

Ingredients:

1 can (15 oz.) of white Canellini Beans, drained and rinsed

About 1/3 cup Olive Oil
1 clove garlic
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Oregano (optional)
salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth and creamy. Add salt & pepper to taste.

Serve with warm Pita bread, wheat crackers, or crusty Sourdough bread, toasted with olive oil.

Make Money By Selling Your Electronics at Gazelle.com

2012-01-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

You can make some extra money pretty quickly by heading to Gazelle.com. There you can sell and recycle used electronics, video games, DVDs and more. Offers for your item are given instantly, and if you decide to accept the offer, you can even ship your item to Gazelle for free.

'Gazelle provides an easy, fast, and safe way for you to sell or recycle electronics. When you gazelle cell phones, MP3 players, laptops, or other gadgets, you'll earn cash and help save the environment by keeping electronics moving and out of landfills.'

Things you can sell include camcorders, calculators, MP3 players, gaming consoles, cell phones, movies and video games. You can even get offers for items that are missing parts!

'Once your item is received, it will be hand evaluated by a trained member of our gadget lab team where your offer is confirmed and all personal data removed. The vast majority of items move through this process quickly and we are able to send payment within about a week of receiving your item. Throughout the process, we'll send you email updates about the status of your item.'

You will get paid by check, PayPal, Walmart Prepaid Visa, or Amazon.com® gift card, whichever method you choose. You can also select from more than 100 approved charities and donate the value of your items to your favorite cause.

To find out the value of your item, just search for your item/gadget, on the website then answer a few questions about it- age, condition, missing pieces, working or not, etc. You will then receive an offer instantly. You decide if you want to accept the offer or not. Pretty simple.

Transactions with a value of at least $1.00 will qualify for free shipping - you will be able to print out the free shipping label. Many items will qualify for free packaging as well - Gazelle will mail the packing boxes to you for some transactions!

Learn more about making money selling your used electronics by heading over to Gazelle.com today!

3 Sneaky Money-Saving Tips

2012-01-14T16:24:00.000-08:00

In an earlier post I mentioned that my one and only New Year's resolution this year is to save $1 everyday.

Not a big goal, admittedly. But I am banking on this small step on the road to improving my finances to lead to bigger steps as the year goes on.

The funny thing is, as I meet this savings goal every day I feel better about myself. (And a little richer.)

Accomplishing any goal we have set for ourselves can only inspire us, motivate us, as we set bigger goals for ourselves. This is what I believed when I made my resolution, and this is what I am finding to be true.

Every morning I save one more dollar in my secret savings stash before I do anything else. Well, almost anything. This gets my day started on a very positive note, plus I have that dollar safely tucked away before it gets spent during the day. And by the end of each day, I have usually managed to add more money to my 'piggy bank.'

How much have I saved so far with my $1 a day plan?

I started mid-December-ish. So let's say 14 days in December. Plus 14 days thus far in January. About 28 days of saving.

At $1/day, I should have saved $28.

I have saved $97.

Woot!

So how am I saving this money? Let me tell you 3 sneaky money-saving tips that are working for me:

1. When I am about to run to the grocery store for last-minute dinner planning groceries, I stop and look once more through my cupboards for items I can make a dinner with instead of grocery shopping. Again.
Next, I take the money I was going to spend at the store and immediately put it in my savings stash. Key word here is immediately. I do the same thing when I am thinking of ordering a pizza or making a run to the nearest fast-food restaurant. Save the cash - cook with what you have in the kitchen whenever you can.

2. When I do laundry now, I put 4 quarters into a jar I keep by the washing machine. Just as if I were at a Laundromat - but I am paying myself, not the owner of that laundromat. Those quarters get added to the savings at the end of each day as well.

3. When I go grocery shopping, I still play the 'grocery store game' - I always try and pick one item (at least) to return to the shelf and do without before heading to the check-out aisle. When I get home, I add the amount that item would have cost me to my savings stash.

As my little savings gets bigger and bigger, I am motivated to save more money and in different ways. I love having this 'secret savings' - it is my accomplishment that makes me smile every morning when I get out of bed. It may not seem like much, this little resolution of mine. But it is. In more ways than one.

$1 a day.

My New Year's resolution. Let's see where it keeps leading me.

Save Money: Make Your Own Air Fresheners

2012-01-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

You can save money by making your own room fresheners. These are easy recipes using natural ingredients that take no time at all to whip up!

1. Use a glass jar with lid, such as a jelly jar, pickle jar or olive jar to make vanilla-scented air fresheners. First, carefully punch holes in the lid using a nail. Second, moisten several cotton balls with a few drops of vanilla extract. Drop the balls in to the jar, put the lid on and you are done! These scented jars are perfect for smaller areas like closets, nooks, and bathrooms.

2. Make a homemade spray air freshener using all natural ingredients. First, fill an empty spray bottle with 2 cups water and 1/8 cup baking soda. Next, add about 10 drops of a scented oil you like. Shake the bottle slightly, and your air freshener is ready to be spritzed into the air, leaving a light fresh scent!

Save Money, Save Time When Booking Your Next Flight

2012-01-12T12:57:00.000-08:00

Before you book your next flight, make sure you go to Hipmunk.com first! Just enter the airport you will be departing from, your departure and return dates, and your destination.

You will instantly be provided with all flights from all airlines that match your criteria, so you can easily compare pricing, times and even layovers!

And best of all, it's free.

Inexpensive Home-Made Eye Mask

2012-01-12T12:16:00.000-08:00

Make an inexpensive eye mask using parsley to help brighten under-eye circles.

Parsley is rich in Vitamin K, which can reduce blood flow to the eye area when applied. According to Audrey Kunin, M.D., and founder of DERMAdoctor.com, that blood flow is one reason for under-eye circles.

She explains that the fatty tissue under our eyes thins over time, which makes blood vessels more visible. And it is their slightly bluish color that gives the illusion of circles under the eyes.

Parsley Eye Mask

1 small handful of fresh parsley
2 Tbsp. plain yogurt

Combine the parsley and yogurt in a food processor or blender. Pulse until a paste is formed. Gently apply to under-eye area, relax for 20 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

Try this once a week to brighten up your under-eye skin.

6 Tips for Keeping Your Cash

2012-01-01T18:47:00.000-08:00

Guest Post by Carla Boedecker.

Here are six very simple tips to help those hard-earned dollars go farther! Read on and you’ll be on the road to saving some extra money every month!

1. Quick Food - Not Fast Food
The average American would be amazed by the amount of their paycheck spent on fast food. With minimal foresight, you can keep this money in your pocket! Simply plan ahead! If you know you’re going to be pressed for time in the morning, take ten minutes the night before and boil and peal a couple of hard-boiled eggs. The protein will keep your hunger satisfied and you’re literally spending pennies on the dollar compared to a breakfast "value" meal at a drive-thru.

2. Stick to a List
When you go shopping, HAVE A LIST. I can't stress this enough. Have a list and do not deviate from it. When you hit the grocery store, know what you’re there for. If you commit to a list, you'll safe-guard yourself from impulse buys. Everyone has heard to not shop hungry, and this is to help you resist impulse-buying. Why such a passion for resisting impulse-buying? Because impulse-buying leaves you with something you didn't really need and less money for things you actually need.

3. Know Your Bills
Billing errors are not uncommon and they can cost you big. Whether it’s utilities, your credit card, or your cell phone, know what your bill should be. If the average temperature is the same as last month and your electricity bill was $50 more expensive, ask questions! A minor error in the meter or per unit price means money waisted. Cell phone companies are some of the most frequent perpetrators of billing errors. If your cell phone bill increases, go over it with a fine tooth comb. Failures to give you correct "free" calls (free after 6pm, free in-network calling, etc.) can cost you a bundle.

4. Pay the Principal
If you pay the minimum monthly payment on high interest loans and credit cards, you’re throwing money away. By paying 25% more than your minimum, not only will you be debt-free faster, but on something like a thirty year mortgage you'll save yourself thousands in interest. An added benefit is every four billing cycles you will be one month ahead, giving you a security blanket in the event of an emergency.

5. Just Ask!
In the current economy, many lenders and credit card companies are willing to work with you. Make contact with your credit card companies and ask! Ask if they can reduce your interest rate, ask if they will reduce your pay-off for an early or increased payment. You may be surprised by the amount they are willing to work with you. If you contact them and receive nothing, you’re out nothing. But nothing ventured equals nothing gained.

6. PAY CASH!!!
I've saved the most important for last: pay cash. It sounds pretty simple, right? We've become so "instant gratification" driven that we lose sight of the whole situation when shopping for big ticket items (cars, electronics and appliances). The stores are all too willing to satisfy this urge, "instant credit, 90 days same as cash, no payments for a year." More often then not, you'll pay more in the end. The biggest downfall of your fiscal health can be over-extending. By paying cash, you minimize outstanding debt and if a crisis hits, you won't find yourself overwhelmed.

Carla Boedecker enjoys giving personal finance advice and writes for flowerdelivery.net.

New Year's Resolutions: Simple Steps To Making Them Stick

2011-12-30T17:43:00.000-08:00

Are you setting New Years Resolutions this year? I am, but I am keeping it simple by really focusing on just one goal that I want to accomplish everyday. I know me - and I know if I don't make it do-able and small, I will fall off the 'resolution train' before it even leaves the station.

So what goal am I setting for myself? Promise to not giggle? Seriously, now....promise.

Okay, here it is:

1. To save one dollar every day.

That's it.

(I hear you giggling)

And guess what? I started this resolution early-like mid-December. And guess what else? I have saved over $60. (Now who is laughing??)

Yea, you might think that $60 is not possible just by saving $1 a day for about 15 or so days (I can't remember the exact date I decided to start this) - and of course you would be right. The thing is, when I started saving that dollar every day, I found myself getting more and more motivated to save more. So whenever I could add a few more dollars, I did.

The key for me is to set a goal that is attainable so I will follow through. I have set resolutions in the past, like most people do, but I did not stick to them. General or difficult to do resolutions will probably not work in my opinion. Setting small, specific, and easy goals will not only increase your chances of success, it will undoubtedly inspire you to make more changes for the better in your life.

$1 a day.

My New Year's resolution. Let's see where it leads.

Wishing Everyone a Happy and Blessed New Year!

How to Save $10,000 This Year

2011-12-30T12:35:00.000-08:00

I first posted this last Jan. (2011)- thought it was worthwhile posting again this year! Also, I mistakenly entered $24.40 in the original post as the amount to save each day-the correct amount is $27.40.

Yes, you can save (or make--depending on how you look at it!) $10,000 by the end of this year, and it is really pretty easy.

Save $27.40 each day, and after 365 days, you will have saved $10,001 dollars.

Of course, since we are now about 14 days in to Jan., you will need to adjust that savings a bit- but still, you get the gist, right?

And if you save $10 a day, you can still have $3,650.

How about $5 a day? That will give you a nice savings of $1,825.

How to save money each day? Here are a few ideas:

Skip Starbucks--make your own coffee
Skip the take-out lunch--make peanut butter and jelly snadwiches
Make spaghetti 2 times a week--skip the meat
Buy a water filter and drink tap water--skip the bottled waters
Put back one item from your grocery cart each time you shop--and save the cost of that item as soon as you get home in a special envelope.
Add some water to your shampoo bottle and stretch it instead of buying another one.
Wash your hair less-- your hair will actually be healthier and your shampoo will last longer.
Cut cable out of your monthly budget.
Walk and save gas when you can.
Visit the library and skip the bookstore.
Make oatmeal for breakfast--skip the pricier (and unhealthier) cereals, eggs, bacon, sausage, etc.
Go to the park or beach--skip the movies.
Check out second hand stores--skip the malls.
Make crafts and sell them on etsy.com
Start selling on eBay.
Visit fiverr.com and make $5.00 by completing tasks.
Make a pot of vegetarian chili for dinner.
Start a small garden and grow some veggies -- skip the vegetable aisle at the market.
Stop drinking soda--drink more water.
Cut back or cut out alcoholic drinks.
Avoid impulse purchases.
Make a little extra money doing paid surveys in your spare time.
Save money cleaning by using household items to make your own cleaning products--skip the cleaning products sold at stores.

These are just some ideas to think about. But there are so many more ways to save each day--it just takes motivation and discipline. Make a memo for yourself reminding you of your ultimate savings goal for the end of this year--whether it be $10,000 or $1,000. Place the note where you will see it each day when you wake up and before you go to bed. You could also keep track each night of where you are in your goal as more motivation.

Start saving today--go set your savings goal and jot down all the ways you can think of to save some money every day!

Make Your Own Pumpkin Face Mask

2011-12-15T13:57:00.000-08:00

This easy homemade face mask using honey and pumpkin can also make a great last minute gift for someone! Pumpkin is full of healthy antioxidants and Vitamin A, while honey hydrates, tones, and tightens the skin.

Ingredients

1/4 canned pumpkin puree

2 Tbs. Vanilla Yogurt

1 Tbs. Honey

Mix all ingredients until smooth. Spread over clean damp skin and relax about 10-15 minutes. Rinse away using warm water and gently pat dry your face.

Keeps about 2 weeks in the refrigerator in a resealable container. To give as a gift, use a pretty jar or container (with a lid,) and fill with the pumpkin mixture. Be sure and attach a printed holiday card with directions for use and the recipe as well!

Free Shipping Day is Friday December 16!

2011-12-14T14:51:00.000-08:00

Are you planning on doing some last minute Christmas shopping online? If so, then plan to do that shopping this Friday, December 16 because you can get free shipping on those last minute gifts. This Friday, more than 2,000 online merchants will offer free shipping anywhere in the U.S.- with guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve!

Kohl's, Lands' End, Godiva, Sephora and Zales are just some of the online stores participating in Free Shipping Day- you can find the complete list of all participating stores at FreeShippingDay.com.

Happy Shopping (and Saving!)

Save Money Christmas Shopping at RehashClothes.com!

2011-12-07T11:11:00.001-08:00

"Rehashing is a fashionable way for you to trade your clothing, accessories, and books with others online. You can join groups, socialize, and get fashion, book, and green living tips."

At rehashclothes.com you can swap your gently used or unused new clothes, books and accessories with others- all online. It is completely free to join and the site does not charge fees for swaps made. This just might be a great way to save money Christmas shopping this year, as well as helping our environment by re-using instead of tossing!

After you sign up, you will be able to list clothing, books or jewelry you would like to trade. Then you can check out all the items others have listed, and if you see something you like you can make a trade offer. Once a trade has been agreed upon, you and the other party will determine shipping fees and how to actually complete the trade. They also have a system in place that will help you determine which members have good standings with previous trades, to help you decide which members to make swaps with and which to be cautious with.

So if you are trying to save money this Christmas, head on over and check it out!

And if you are a member of rehashclothes.com already, or have used it in the past, we would love to hear your thoughts about the site and your experiences using it!

Easy But Cheap Thanksgiving Table Centerpieces

2011-11-14T13:55:00.001-08:00

If you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your house, chances are most of your money is going towards turkey and other menu items. So what to do with the table that needs decorating when the money is low? Here are some easy fast and best of all, cheap holiday centerpiece ideas to check out!

From Good Housekeeping: several mini white pumpkins on a tray!

Gather up all your glass vases and containers, place candles inside and layer in hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans.

From Martha Stewart: Pear Place Cards. A twist from me~ instead of place cards, place pears on a pretty tray (or by themselves) in a long row down the middle of the table and on each card write down one thing you are thankful for this Thanksgiving.

From RealSimple: Place pinecones in different sized glass bowls and vases- wrap ribbons around the containers if you want to add an additional touch.

Fill a large glass vase or pitcher with candy, nuts or fruit for a fast pretty centerpiece. For Thanksgiving, try candy in fall colors, like mini Reese's Pieces or M&M's. This will work great as a Christmas decoration when filled with Hershey's Kisses or Red and Green M&M's!

When guests are on the way and you have empty space to fill on the table, try this idea from RealSimple!

Inexpensive Gifts From Your Home This Christmas

2011-11-12T09:11:00.001-08:00

Homemade bath salts and oils are easy to make and fun to give as Christmas gifts. Just pick out some pretty bottles and jars to use, print out some labels, attach ribbons and you will have some very lovely presents to hand out this year!

Make your own Lavender Bath Salts

Combine 1 Tbs. dried lavender (or use lavender tea flakes) into 2 cups Epsom Salts. Mix gently and store in a a pretty jar with a lid. You can also add a cute scoop or spoon in the jar. Lavender is a wonderful stress-reliever and it also has anti-inflammatory properties which help soothe muscle aches and sinus pressure. Pour a scoop into a warm bath, soak and relax!

Make Your Own Peppermint Bath Salts

Combine 2 handfuls of fresh mint or 1 Tbs. loose mint tea with 2 cups Epsom Salts. Mix until the leaves release their fragrant oils. Pour a scoop under running bath water and enjoy. The peppermint fragrance is great for revitalizing your mind and also can help ease tension headaches.

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9 Ways to Go On A Cruise And Save Money

2011-10-18T17:04:00.000-07:00

A cruise is a great vacation value, because of its all inclusive nature. Your ticket on board includes your trip, your meals and your entertainment. There are still more ways to save money on a cruise.

1. Buy a Combination Ticket

The first way to save money on a cruise is to book well in advance a combination cruise and airfare ticket. By booking the airfare with the cruise, you eliminate the need for transportation on shore as the cruise line will pick you up at the airport and deliver you to the ship eliminating the need to pay a taxi or shuttle service. Make sure to fly in on the same day as the cruise leaves and eliminate the need for a hotel.

2. Buy Shore Excursions In Port

The second way to save money on a cruise is to plan your shore excursions in advance, but book them at port. Know what you want to do in port, but do not purchase the tickets. Most shore excursions do not fill up. The shore excursion companies will offer deep discounts at port to fill the empty seats.

3. Eat On Board The Ship

The third way to save money on a cruise is to eat on board the ship. Your cruise ticket includes all the food you want during most hours of the day and night for free. Take advantage of this and eat a hearty breakfast before leaving the ship in the morning. Then there will be no need to eat on shore. When returning to the ship, eat a hearty supper.

4. Pack a Medical Supply Bag

The fourth way to save money on a cruise is to pack a medical supply bag. Make sure and pack all the prescription medicines that you will need, but also pack the incidentals that you will need. A bottle of aspirin that may cost $2 at the local drug store often costs more than $10 on board.

5. Eat at the All You Can Eat Buffet

The fifth way to save money on board a cruise ship is to take advantage of the all you can eat buffet on special occasion nights. If you do not already own special occasion clothing, then on the formal nights choose to eat at the buffet. This way, you do not have the need to buy special occasion clothing that you may never wear again.

6. Look for Bargains

The sixth way to save money on the ship is to take advantage of shopping bargains. Most ships offer souvenirs for sale at bargain prices at certain times of the day. We all feel led to buy these souvenirs, but by watching when you buy them, you can often buy them at deeply discounted rates.

7. Take Advantage of Free Activities

The seventh way to save money is to take advantage of the free classes and activities. Cruise ships love for you to spend money in the casinos and card games. Look instead for free activities that they offer. Most cruise ships offer free dance lessons, free towel folding lessons and free cooking classes. Look daily at the newspaper provided on board and plan your day to take advantage of these free activities.

8. Use the Internet On Shore

The eighth way to save money is to use the internet on shore. Internet rates on board the cruise ships are exurbanite. Instead, find out when on shore where the nearest internet café is. Many public libraries offer internet access for free.

9. Use Cell Phones On Shore

Likewise, the ninth way to save money is to use cell phones only when in port. Call your provider ahead of time and see what plan they offer that will cover the area where you will be traveling. Switch to the recommended plan and make the necessary phone calls when in port.

Special thanks to guest writer Emily Willis who wrote this article and is a frequent writer on financial topics and Buy.com weekly deals.

Saving Money And Making Money on One Website!

2011-10-17T15:06:00.000-07:00

There is a new website in town where you can make money and save money at the same time. The site lists shopping deals that will save you money, and if you have a great money-saving shopping deal of your own to share, you can make some extra money!

Sumballo.com pays users to post about deals they have found. This can be a perfect way to make money online with Black Friday right around the corner!

You do not need to sign up on the site if you are just looking for coupons, sales and deals. But if you want to share deals, you need to register (free.) Then you click on the 'post a deal' link and submit your deal on their site. For every person that clicks on your deal link and purchases that item, you will earn a percentage of the sale. There is a tracking url installed so you can keep track of how many clicks your posted deal is getting.

You can withdraw your earnings at any time via PayPal.

Keep in mind that you only earn money on deals that can be purchased online.

And don't forget to check out all the coupons and savings posted on the website as well.

Go check it out and get started saving and making money!

Website: Sumballo.com

Making Extra Money to Save With Postloop

2011-10-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

I came across Postloop just a couple of weeks ago,but I have already made over $60 this month (October.)

What is Postloop?

Postloop is a paid forum exchange where you Earn Money Posting comments and answers to other poster's questions.

Pretty simple!

If you already visit forums, say a How to Work From Home forum, then you already are posting and joining in, right? You answer posts from other users, and you start threads-ask your own questions, etc.

That is what you do at Postloop.

But you get paid to do it!

There are lists of forums you can join at Postloop. You look through the list, sign up for the ones that interest you, i.e, pet forums, health, making money, games, religion, etc.

You visit the forums and join in that community by posting. For every single post you contribute, you will earn points. It fluctuates, but the average points per post will be between 1.5 to 2 points.

You can request a withdrawal when you have reached a minimum of 100 points. That will be about $5.00.
Withdrawals are usually made within a couple of hours, but no longer than 24 hours. And your money is deposited into Paypal. So I have made request for payout and have been paid just an hour or two later. Awesome.

The Details

To Join:

1. Go to the Postloop Portal.
2. Register for free.
3. You will be instructed to make 10 posts at the Postloop Portal (this is a qualifying step to actually join the program)

After you make 10 posts, Postloop will review your account. You should receive an email w/in 24 hours either approving your posts or not.

** A word about the trial posting**
This is pretty simple, so do not worry. They want to see quality posts, not just 'oh, how cool, thanks for sharing!' type posts. Try to make your posts 3-4 sentences, with no spelling errors and decent content. Also, be sure to start some new threads as well as answering other posts.

Okay, once you get accepted by Postloop, you will be directed to your dashboard. Here you will see the quality rating you received for your 10 trial posts. The higher the rating, the better. As you post on other forms, you will receive ratings from those forum owners. You will want to consistently add quality posts and new threads as this will help you have a good rating. Your rating needs to be above the average rating to withdraw your money. I have stayed above the norm consistently since about a day after joining. It may take a day or so to get your rating up to the withdrawal level as forum owners only send in their ratings after you have made 5 posts on their forum.

From your dashboard, you will see a tab labeled 'forums.' Click on it and check out the list of forums you can join. Register at a forum you like, then make sure you subscribe to that forum as well! If you do not subscribe, you will not earn points for posting!

To subscribe: After you have finished registering on a forum, go back to the list of all forums. Find the forum you just joined and you will see an icon on the far right hand column that you click on to subscribe. Just click and subscribe.

Sign up and subscribe to as many forums as you wish, then get busy posting! On your dashboard, you will see a tab that says, 'Subscriptions.' On this page you will see your list of forums that you have subscribed to. Next to each one will be the number of posts you may make each day on that forum. Most forums will allow 5-10 posts.

I will not lie and say you can make posts easily and be up to 100 points in a jiffy. It does take time. I usually get to 100 every day ($5), depending on how much time I can devote to this. But if you try to post short fast posts, your rating will go down and you may not be able to withdraw. Plus, Postloop can close your account. But if you are like me, you are going to have fun interacting and will have no problem making quality posts.

This is a great way to make a little extra money for stocking stuffers too!

Interested? Here is my link to Postloop (I appreciate you joining with it if you do!), and have fun while making money!

Hearty Low-Fat Vegetarian Chili Recipe!

2011-10-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

Celebrate fall's arrival with a hearty low-fat low-cost vegetarian Chili recipe. Make this chili a day or two before you plan to serve it as the flavors will truly come out and taste delicious! Put cooked chili in covered container and refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat and top with rice. Make a double batch and put some chili in the freezer for easy fast meals later.

What You'll Need:

1 15-1/2-ounce can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 15-ounce can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 14-1/2-ounce can low-sodium tomatoes, undrained and cut up
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1 cup water
3/4 cup chopped green sweet pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon snipped fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash ground red pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups hot cooked rice

To Make:

In a large saucepan combine kidney beans, great northern beans, undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, green pepper, onion, chili powder, sugar, basil, cumin, salt, ground red pepper, and garlic. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Top each serving of chili with 1/2 cup hot cooked rice. Makes 4 servings.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare chili. Transfer to refrigerator container; cover and chill up to 2 days. Reheat and top with rice.

Recipe: Better Homes and Gardens

2 DIY Tips to Help Save Time and Money

2011-09-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

Two quick do-it-yourself tips for today (one for the home and one for you!) that can help save you a little time, a little money and even a little muscle, LOL!

1. Instead of spending money on a toilet bowl cleaner, try pouring in a can of soda into the toilet! Best part is-you do not need to scrub-just let it soak for about an hour, and flush. The soda should have removed rust rings and other mineral deposits, no scrubbing required!

2. Make your own lip scrub: Just mix 2 tsp. sugar with 1 tsp. olive oil, almond oil, or sunflower oil. Put mixture into a resealable jar and store in refrigerator for up to a month. Once a week or so, gently massage the scrub over your lips, then rinse with warm water to remove dead skin cells and keep your lips soft.

Save That Stinky Sponge and Save Money!

2011-09-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

Got a smelly sponge? Try this easy tip to refresh that sponge instead of tossing it and buying a new one:

Soak the sponge in a bowl of water with 2 tsp. lemon juice for a few minutes. Then heat the sponge in the microwave for 30 seconds. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before taking it out -- the sponge will be hot, so be careful!

The acid in the juice works with the heat to get rid of the germs, leaving you with a clean fresh smelling sponge once again!

Save Money - Snack Healthier: Make Baked Zucchini Chips!

2011-09-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

Save some money with a healthier snack you can make in a few minutes at home: Zucchini Chips. Cheaper than buying {unhealthy} potato chips and french fries, these chips will satisfy that 'I want a salty crunchy snack' urge and as an extra perk-you will get some veggies in your diet!

Baked Zucchini Chips

Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Wash and dry zuchinni
Slice zuchinni into thin coin shaped slices
lay chips on a lightly oiled baking pan and brush with olive oil or spray with cooking oil (you can also toss the chips in a bowl with the oil)
sprinkle with a touch of salt
bake appx. 8-10 minutes, or until chips are brown and crispy, turning chips over about half-way through cooking.

Egg Batter Recipe for Zucchini Chips:

Mix together bread crumbs, Parmesean Cheese, garlic powder and pepper in bowl. In another bowl, combine about two egg whites with some low-fat milk. Coat the chips in the egg/milk mixture, then toss in the seasoning. Bake about 30 minutes, turning once.

Remember, the thinner the slices, the faster the chips will cook and turn crispy!

Some ideas for extra flavor-
soy sauce
parmesean cheese
garlic salt
chili powder
garlic powder
basil

For a dip....certainly not necessary, but as an option if you like.....try marinara sauce, ketchup or ranch dressing!

Save Money, Save Time When Shopping Online!

2011-07-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

The following sponsored post was provided by Bargain Jill—Your Free Personal Discount Shopper!

I know we are still in July, but how many of us are already starting to think about Christmas? Yep, Christmas in July is here, and I am already thinking of the shopping lists I need to make and what gifts to buy everyone. Eek. Like always, I will try and do most of my shopping online this year - I love shopping online not only because it can be a time and money saver, but also as a mom with kids, it can be a real stress-saver too! I wanted to share another site I have recently came across and am loving- Bargain Jill.

Bargain Jill compiles deals, coupons, and storewide sales from across the web, eliminating the need to subscribe to multiple bargain sites. The site’s team has partnered with thousands of well-known brands like Macy’s, Sears, and Home Depot to pack the most powerful punch of bargains possible. Bargain Jill features a variety of items so that women can refurnish their house with the home and garden deals page and spoil themselves to a new pair of wedges from the women's clothing deals page.

It's like shopping at Walmart but without having to search for parking!

Bargain Jill saves visitors even more time with the site’s user-friendliness. The site is specifically tailored towards women—featuring items like women’s clothing and accessories, beauty products, home and garden goods, and children’s items—so that women don’t have to waste time looking at men-centric bargains.

But for the men out there- don't worry: Bargain Jill has a male-counterpart site which is just as cool - named Bargain Jack. Both sites were created by Austin native Dustin DeVries who felt that people were spending too much time bargain shopping and that they needed a way to save both money and time.

Users can sort deals by deal type, item type, vendor store, and recentness, and best of all, users can search for specific items using the search bar. If Jill doesn’t have a specific item, the site will show Price Grabber's listings and price comparisons for that item.

Best of all, if you follow all Jill on Twitter, by RSS and via her newsletter--so you will never miss a great deal!

Swap Toys, Save Money!

2011-07-22T12:06:00.000-07:00

If you house is anything like our house, then you have toys. Lots and lots of toys. And your kids are bored withing ~~weeks~~, ~~days,~~ hours of getting new toys....and want yet more new toys. Save some money and head over to a couple of online toy swap sites where you can exchange your kids outgrown toys for other ones!

At ToysToTrade.com, you will find toys in categories of age and toy brands. There is a search option where you can enter criteria of a specific toy you are looking for as well. This is an independent, family owned company whose goal is to help parents and children find value in recycling their old toys by finding a new home for them. Membership is free (subject to change however in the future) and it takes minutes to sign up and start listing & trading. (I am thinking this could be a great Christmas money saver!)

Another website that offers a trading and selling platform for toys is ToySwap.com. While they do charge a small fee (about $1 currently), here parents can list the toys they are giving up and then create a "want list" of items their little ones are asking for. The site then matches up families that have compatible items on their lists. You can also list gently used toys for sale on ToySwap as well.

So Healthy, So Cheap Meals: Broccoli Soup Recipe

2011-07-16T14:47:00.000-07:00

A broccoli soup recipe that costs little to make but still tastes great!

Brocolli Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb. broccoli cut into small pieces

5 cups water

3 chicken bouillon cubes

1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini)

salt and pepper to taste

1 cup ricotta cheese

Directions:

Combine broccoli, water and bouillon cubes in a pot

Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and cook until broccoli is tender (about 30 minutes)

Stir in pasta, salt and pepper

Bring soup back to a boil, then turn heat back down to medium

Cook uncovered about 5-10 minutes (enough for pasta to be tender0

Remove from heat and stir in Ricotta Cheese,

Serves about 6.

3 Quick Household Tips to Save Money and Time

2011-06-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

3 quick household saving tips that can save time, money and stress!

1. Dropped an egg on the floor? Spilled some cooking oil? Instead of using paper towels to wipe up a messy spills like those, try pouring salt on the spill. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. The salt should absorb the liquid and clumps should form, which make it easy to scoop up the mess with a spatula (save the paper towels!)

2. Use lip balm to help keep outdoor light bulbs from getting stuck in the sockets; coat the threads in the base of the light bulb with lip balm before installing it in the socket.

3. Add 2 - 3 Tbs. of white vinegar into your bottle of liquid dish soap. The vinegar doubles the effectiveness of the dish soap so you will use less when cleaning the greasiest pots and pans!

5 Of The Cheapest Healthiest Foods To Eat

2011-06-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

When we try to save money, one of the areas that is always challenging is food. How do we eat healthy without spending too much money? When shopping on a budget, we have to make smart food choices....I always find myself asking what food is affordable, easy to use in recipes (and stretch!) and is healthy?

There are definitely good food choices and not so good when trying to watch our pennies. But some of the best foods we can eat for our health just happens to be some of the cheapest in the grocery stores--

1. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes have a high concentration of beta carotene, which has been shown to help every cell in the body stay healthy. And this vegetable is good for your skin as well: studies have shown it neutralizes wrinkle and sun spot-spurring damage from the sun and helps generate new, healthy glowing skin cells. Sweet potatoes are also full of fiber and B-vitamins (good for energy). So instead of rice or regular potatoes, try baking a sweet potato instead!

2. Dried Cranberries

Dried cranberries have very high amounts of antioxidants -- more than that of most fruit. Another benefit of cranberries is that this little fruit can help fight urinary tract infections. Dried cranberries are cheap, about .50 per cup, and are so easy to use in recipes. Toss them in salads, bake in muffins, add to cereal in the morning, or just eat them alone --makes a better snack than chips!

3. Pinto Beans

Pinto beans are both cheap and healthy! And these little beans can be stretched and incorporated into so many meals. Pinto beans contain protein, fiber, energizing B vitamins and heart-helping antioxidants. Actually, Pinto beans also have one of the highest antioxidant counts of all beans and cost the least, about 13 cents a cup.

4. Canned Salmon

Canned salmon is budget friendly and healthy! And it is much cheaper to buy salmon in cans than it is buying fresh salmon fillets. Fresh or canned, experts say a 4-ounce portion of salmon provides a day’s worth of omega-3 fatty acids, the beneficial fat that has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body and thereby reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Salmon also provides vitamin D, and other important minerals.

Canned salmon can be used like a can of tuna-- use in salads and sandwiches.

5. Mango

Mango is full of immune boosting vitamin C, vitamin A, and phenols and plant compounds that have potent antioxidant activity. A very healthy fruit that is easy on the budget! A delicious and healthy way to use mangoes is in a smoothie: just blend mango with a carton of yogurt, a handful of ice and a touch of honey.

Source: iVillage

Three Favorite Websites I Use To Save Money!

2011-06-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

You may have heard of these money-saving websites, and are hopefully already using them, but if this is not the case, you really should be using them.

Like now.

The first is Ebates. An awesome way to shop, save gas, and earn money. Yes, earn money. The caveat here is to shop when you really need something...not just because you are bored and want to see what deals are available. Ebates is linked up to tons of department and big box stores, in addition to niche retailers like Verizon, Sephora, and Harry & David, and every time you buy something, you get up to 25 percent back—in cash. Most cash back rewards are credited to your account within 48 hours, but there are some stores, that cannot confirm your purchase until the return period has elapsed and may take up to thirty days to confirm your cash back.

Now, the best part -- every three months Ebates will check your account, and if you have earned more than $5.01 (if less, it rolls over to the next pay period) they send you a cash back payment to your Paypal account or they can mail you a check! It's kind of like getting free money! You can also choose to donate your earnings to a preferred charity. And remember, every time you shop, you get cash back. Period. Great deals and cash back! See why I love this site so much? If you are going to shop online anyway, I can see no reason not to start there! (www.ebates.com)

The second site I love and am using even as I write this post is Groove Shark. If you love music, especially free music, head over there right now (well, after you finish reading mu post, of course.) You can listen to any song at any time as many times as you want—for absolutely free. And you can even save playlists. Having a party? Put together an awesome list of songs without spending a dime! (www.grooveshark.com)

And last but certainly not least, is Plastic Jungle. I have used this site to get almost full value on a gift card I was never going to use. It took me just a few minutes, and I had instant cash in my Paypal account! But you can do more than just redeem gift cards on this site. You can also trade gift cards with other people as well as buy gift cards for a discount. If you want to buy something at Pottery Barn, lets say, and that something happens to cost $100, go to Plastic Jungle first and where you might be able to buy a $100 Gift for just $75! Then go back to Pottery Barn and buy that something knowing you have just saved $25! Kind of like your own instant sale! (www.plasticjungle.com)

Now that you have finished reading, go on and check out these sites-- really, go now!

(Just so you know: You may have noticed I have not included links to these sites. I use them and love them, but do not have affiliate accounts with them. I just really want to pass on information about these sites as I think they may provide value and be of interest to my readers.)

Clean Backyard Furniture With Shaving Cream

2011-06-20T05:50:00.000-07:00

Getting plastic outdoor furniture ready for summer can be easy and inexpensive! Just grab some shaving cream, spray some on a sponge and wipe down the plastic parts of your patio chairs and tables. Wait about 10 minutes or so, then use a hose to rinse the furniture.

Shaving cream has mild cleansers and softeners that make it easy to rinse away the grime and dirt on plastic surfaces.

A Cheap Way to Pamper and Soften Your Feet!

2011-06-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

Personally, I think that nothing feels better than a foot massage. But before you ~~bribe,~~ ~~beg~~, ~~plead~~ ask nicely for said foot massage from your significant other, try this simple foot soak to remove rough skin on those feet:

Pour about 1 cup of warm milk into a basin of warm water. Soak feet for about 15-20 minutes, then scrub gently with a pumice stone or body scrub.

Then go get the massage, confident in the knowledge your feet are clean, smooth and soft!

3 Online Sites That Can Save You Money and Time

2011-06-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

Saving time and money is important to everyone! Here are 3 more websites that can help you find great deals on designer clothing, get free shipping, and one that will save you time (and frustration) when ordering clothes online!

1. ThreadLounge.com: This website offers sales on designer clothing brands like Michael Kors and Tory Burch. They take their sample sales on the road, and go all over the country. To find their latest sale location, visit their site!

2. FreeShipping.org: This is a great site to visit before you buy anything online! They have more than 4,000 stores as members, and offer coupon codes for free shipping on almost anything you buy.

3. MyTrueFit.com: If you like to buy your clothes online, but get frustrated when the clothes you ordered arrived and you find they don't fit, check out MyTrueFit. Here you can enter your measurements and style preferences, and the site sends you suggestions of clothes that cater to your size and shape. It just may help you save time, money and your sanity!

Make Your Own Dish Washer Detergent

2011-06-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

Oh yea, a definite money saver is making natural cleaning products at home instead of buying them at the store. You have probably found many home made dish washer detergent recipes online already, but just in case you have not, and have been desperately searching about for one, I have one here that is easy and cheap!
( And even if saving some money is not enticing enough for you to make your own cleansers, think of how much better it is for the environment!)

All Natural Home Made Dish Washing Detergent
Just combine the following-
1 cup of borax
1 cup of baking soda
¼ cup of table salt
2 packets (half an ounce) of unsweetened lemon Kool-Aid

Do you make your own cleaning products? If so, what recipe works best for you?

Frugal Dinner Idea: Jazz Up Mac N' Cheese With Left Overs

2011-06-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

Macaroni and Cheese is a classic money-saving meal that most of us have made many times over for our kids, but if you happen to have some left-overs around, you can jazz it up and make it a more special dish while still sticking to your grocery budget.

Try tossing in left over chopped chicken and cooked peas for a tasty dish. And if you sprinkle some crushed potato chips on top, it should become a very kid-happy meal as well!

Do your kids eat mac n' cheese? Do you have any tips for jazzing it up?

Save Money With Tea Bags

2011-06-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

If you are a tea drinker, then chances are you have tea bags in your kitchen. Here are 4 ways to use tea bags around the house and save a little money while doing so!

1. Use teabags to shine your mirrors! Brew a pot of strong tea and enjoy a cup. Then dip a clean cloth into the tea and use it to clean your mirrors. Use a dry cloth to polish and get your mirrors shining.

2. Use teabags to clean pots with tough cooked on food. Just fill the pot with warm water and a tea bag. Let it soak for a bit. Then you should be able to clean the pot or pan with ease because the acids in the tea have helped break up the food.

3. Use teabags to soften your skin. When you run a bath, place a few green tea bags under the running water. The antioxidants in the tea help rehydrate your skin as you soak in the tub.

4. (My favorite) Use teabags to keep your fridge smelling fresh! Put used tea bags in a shallow bowl and place in the back of your fridge. They absorb odors just like baking soda does!

Make Your Own Baby Wipes and Save Money!

2011-06-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

Making your own baby wipes will not only save you money, it is a great way to go green!

Home Made Baby Wipes

Mix a cup of water with 2 Tbs. each of baby oil and baby shampoo. Pour mixture into a Tupperware-type container. Cut a paper towel roll in half horizontally; remove the cardboard roll and lay towels in the Tupperware container to soak; cover to store.

Best Deals For Mother's Day Flowers!

2011-05-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Are you planning on ordering roses, or some other beautiful flower arrangement this Mother's Day? First, you better hurry (we are talking three days here) Second, you should check out some Mother's Day Flower Delivery Deals. I know I personally love getting flowers delivered to my front door, it makes you smile and feel loved instantly, and not just on Mother's Day either, but any day of the year. There is just something so special about hearing that door bell ring and seeing a bouquet of fresh beautiful flowers waiting for you! All moms need reminders that we are loved and special, and flowers always convey that!

There are online sites offering savings on flower orders this Mother's Day. At FlowerDeliveryDeals.com,you can get 1 800 Flowers coupons which are great, not to mention so many other online coupons and promotional codes. It takes just a few minutes to check, and it is worth those few minutes when you end up saving some money, believe me. With ProFlowers coupons, 1800flowers coupon codes, and other special discounts, you can save from the top Internet florists. You can also comparison shop floral arrangements from multiple online flower shops, which is pretty cool.So go on now, hurry on over and check out the deals at http://www.flowerdeliverydeals.com/.

Quick Money Saving Tips For Around The House

2011-04-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

Here are a few quick tips that can save you time and money around your house!

1. If you have a screw that is stuck and/or corroded, soak a paper towel in hot sauce (yes, hot sauce!) and wrap the paper around the screw. The acids in the sauce should eat up the rust and the screw should turn easily.

2. Grease stains on tablecloths can be removed by sprinkling Splenda on the stains. The powder absorbs the oil and keeps the stain from becoming a permanent one.

3. Paint brushes can be easily cleaned and saved for the next paint job: soak the brushes in two gallons of water and a fabric softener sheet. Your paint brushes will be clean and the bristles will not get gummy and sticky.

4. To remove a bumper sticker on your car window or bumper, rub some mayonnaise over the sticker and let sit for a few minutes. The mayonnaise actually helps remove the glue so the sticker peels off easily and without damaging your car!

Winner of the $50 Easter Store Giveaway!

2011-04-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who entered the giveaway! The lucky winner who gets to go do some Easter shopping is:

#11!!

CarliAlice @ GG2Life said.

I like the happy easter store on facebook. grandmasguide2life

Congratulations! Watch for the confirmation email, and please confirm w/in 24 hours to get your shopping code!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2011-04-01 19:46:02 UTC

Finding the Right Type of Savings Account

2011-03-31T18:31:00.000-07:00

We all know that saving money is an essential element of true financial independence. Once you make the
decision to live a frugal life , the next question that comes to mind is, where should you place this savings?
Most people simply put their money into a standard savings account, but there are several options available to
consider.

The primary thing to keep in mind when considering various investment vehicles for your personal savings is
safety. Savings is not speculative capital and should not be placed in risky investment such as forex trading
with a forex broker or commodity trading. Instead, you want it in very low-risk vehicles so there is no risk of
loss. Now, remember that one of the most basic investment principles deals with risk/reward. The more you
expose your capital to risk, the greater your potential reward. Therefore, be very wary of any “investment
opportunities” that promise large potential reward with very little risk. This does not exist.

Therefore, as you look at various options for your personal savings, keep in mind that they should all be very
low risk, which means they will also be very low reward.

Personal Savings Account

This is the most common type of savings account. A person can open a personal savings account at their local
bank for free. There are typically no fees associated with this type of account, and the money you hold in this
account is 100% liquid, which means you can withdrawal the money at any time without penalty. In today’s
world, ATM Machines make it possible to withdrawal money 24 hours a day.

The disadvantage of a personal savings account is that it will be offer the least amount of interest. In fact,
currently interest rates in the United States are so low, that personal savings accounts are yielding much less
than 1% per year!

Money Market Accounts

A money market account is a very common investment vehicle that offers strong protection of your capital and
a more aggressive rate of return. A money market fund invests all of its capital in government and high grade
corporate securities. This is the primary advantage of a money market account, and this is why they are such a
popular choice among investors. However, there are several potential disadvantages to placing your capital in
a money market account.

First of all, your money is not nearly as liquid as a personal savings account. There are only a certain number of
transaction that can take place a month and expensive fees can be incurred if money is withdrawn too often.
Further, there are higher starting balances required.

Certificate of Deposit

CD’s are the most illiquid of safe investment vehicles, but they also offer the most aggressive rate of return,
generally. Typically, money that is placed in a CD cannot be withdrawn until maturity, which can be anywhere
from 3 months to several years, depending on the type of CD. As a general rule of thumb, the longer the
maturity date, the higher the rate of interest that will be paid. If an investor wants to withdrawal funds from a
CD before the maturity date, he or she will incur fees.

In conclusion, the type of savings investment vehicle that is right for you is dependent on your personal
circumstances. If you have a lump sum of cash that you know you do not need for several years, then a CD may
be the best choice. On the other hand, if you know you may need to access this cash in a few months for a new
car or down payment on a new home, then a personal savings account may be the best.

Giveaway: Win a $50 Gift Card For Easter Shopping !!

2011-03-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

The Best way to save money this Easter? Win a $50 Gift Card and go shopping for free at the Happy Easter Store!!

The Happy Easter Store is giving one of my readers a $50 gift code (sent via email) to shop online with at their store. There are wonderful Easter Baskets to choose from, all filled with delicious Easter Chocolates, of course, and so much more!

Looking for some cute Easter decor for your home?

Maybe you are searching for some cute Easter outfits for the kids?

Or perhaps you would be interested in some jewelry?

Or fresh spring time flowers for your Easter table?

I had a very difficult time choosing which item to review, there are just so many adorable choices, but I finally settled on the Deluxe Godiva Indulgence Gift Basket.

When it arrived, we indulged in heavenly Godiva chocolate bars, cookies and truffles. This would be a lovely hostess gift for someone as well.

They also have assorted nut and fruit baskets, chocolate cakes, carrot cakes, sugar-free candy, and even decadent looking cupcakes!

Remember-- The winner will be receiving their $50 coupon code instantly via email, and can go shopping right away. How cool is that, I ask you? Instant and free--two of my favorite words!

To Enter :

Visit the Happy Easter Store and look around. Leave me a comment letting me know which item you would love to choose should you win. Please leave a valid email with your comment.

Extra Entries:

Like the Happy Easter Store on Facebook. (3 entries.)

Like 101 Ways To Save Money on Facebook. (3 entries)

Follow 101 Ways to Save Money on Google Friend Connect. (3 entries)

Tweet this giveaway on Twitter. (One extra entry per daily tweet.)

Share about this giveaway on Facebook. (2 entries)

Share this giveaway on another social network (2 entries.)

Leave a comment on another post. (2 entries.)

Giveaway will close March 31 @11:59 EST.
Winner will be notified by email April 1, and will have 24 hours to confirm or new winner will be drawn.
Open to U.S. addresses only.

Disclosure: The Happy Easter Store sent me a complimentary gift basket to facilitate this review and giveaway. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Easy Money Saving Tips For Your Home

2011-03-16T14:31:00.000-07:00

Save a little money, stress and time with some tips for your home:

Use salt to help remove burned-on food from pans. Just sprinkle about 1/2 cup salt and add 3 cups water to the pan (first remove any loose food). Then boil on stove for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover pan and let sit overnight. In the morning, scrape off loose food and wash as usual!

Remove candle wax from furniture by placing a baggie with ice on the drips. When the wax gets brittle, gently scrape off with a credit card. Polish gently if any residue remains.

Get pet hair out of carpet easily by wearing a rubber glove on your hand and running it over the carpet. Hairs will cling to the glove instantly.

Freshen carpets and rooms by sprinkling baking soda on your carpet. Wait an hour, then vacuum.

Got a sticky stain laundry problem? Just spray a little hairspray on the stain before washing. The rubbing alcohol in the spray breaks down the stickiness, making the stain easier to get out.

Save money by stretching that shampoo. Since most shampoos contain more detergents than your hair needs (and can dry your hair out), make two bottles out of one: Next time your bottle of shampoo is finished, don't toss it-save it. When you buy a new bottle, pour half into the old bottle, and fill the other half with water. Do the same with the other bottle. Diluting your shampoo is healthier for your hair and your wallet!

Exfoliate your skin with baking soda and save money by not buying expensive products at the store. Baking soda has a neutral pH level, so you don't have to worry about it drying your skin. Just mix some with enough water to make a paste. Lightly massage into your skin, rinse and feel softer skin!

Save Money With These 3 Websites (Even Get Free Stuff!)

2011-03-04T11:49:00.000-08:00

Save money, get free stuff, and even get cash by visiting these 3 websites:

1. Listia.com:
This is an auction site simliar to eBay, but everything is free! Yes, free. How it works:

A user lists something they don't want anymore. (like an old TV)

Other users bid on the TV using credits they received for signing up, referring friends or listing their own stuff.

When the auction ends, the user who bid the highest amount of credits wins!

The buyer gets the TV, and the seller gets credits to use for something else on Listia...

2. PlasticJungle.com

You can sell unused gift cards at Plastic Jungle and get up to 92% of the value. You can have the money deposited immediately into your PayPal account, have a check mailed to you, buy other gift cards for as much as 30% off, or donate to a favorite charity. I did this with some gift cards left over from Christmas--I had cash in a flash and loved it!

3. Cheapism.com

If you are planning to buy something soon, go to this website first to get breakdowns on quality, reviews, and tips to finding the best prices. There are categories for almost everything, from electronics, home and garden, travel, sports, health and beauty, and family. The best place to go before you buy anything!

Free Pancake Day Tuesday March 1st

2011-02-27T09:55:00.000-08:00

Free Pancake Day at IHOP is Tuesday, March 1. From 7am to 10 pm, you can get a free order of their short stack pancakes (one free order per guest). Free Pancake Day,started by IHOP in 2006, raises money for charities like the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other designated local charities.

IHOP raised more than $2.1 million last year alone. Since the first free pancake day in 2006, IHOP has raised $5,35 million and has given away more than 10.1 million buttermilk pancakes.

So on Tuesday, take the family to breakfast at IHOP, enjoy some free pancakes, and leave a little something behind to help Children's Miracle Network and other charities. Your heart and stomach will feel good!

When Spending More May Make More Sense

2011-02-24T13:46:00.000-08:00

While we may try to scrimp and save money on groceries, luxuries and impulse buys, there are certain purchases we make where spending more makes sense. Here are a few examples where going cheaper may cost you more money in the end:

Appliances (And Other Big-Ticket Items): Appliances like washers and dryers, refrigerators, and such take a big bite out of budgets, it is true. But it may make more sense to buy the quality and more expensive versions of these items than their cheaper counterparts which may break down sooner and easier, resulting in expensive repair bills or even replacement costs for a new item.

Food: I know, we all try to save at the grocery store and this is a good thing, as long as we are still making healthy food choices, This also means skipping the fast food drive-thru because it is cheaper and easier to buy dinner there than it is to go home and cook. Just remember that bad eating choices can lead to health problems later that can be very expensive! So while you may spend more cooking that turkey burger at home with some fresh veggies on the side than you would buying a fast food burger with fries and a coke, the health benefits far outweigh any savings that high sodium meal provided.

Shoes: (my favorite item on the list) Buying a god quality pair of shoes may hurt a bit at first, but remember they are much more likely to outlast any cheap pair by years. Not to mention they will also be more comfortable and lead to less sore feet, bunions, callouses, etc. When they do get a bit worn --just take them in to get re-soled!

What are some purchases you will not scrimp on?

Save Money Recipe: Two Dinners, One Chicken

2011-02-18T14:23:00.000-08:00

Take one large roasting chicken ( about 7lbs. or so) and make two delicious dinners!

Sunday night is always a good night for a more formal type chicken dinner, so here is a yummy one for you:

Tarragon Chicken With Roasted Vegetables

What you'll need~

3-5 potatoes, peeled and quartered
3-4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
1 red onion, cut into wedges
2 cups cauliflower in small pieces (optional)
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. salt to taste
1/4 tsp. pepper (or more to suit your taste)
roasting chicken (about 7lbs. or so)
salt and pepper to taste
tarragon (fresh is best--about 1 bunch)
lemon, quartered
8 cloves garlic, crushed

To Make~

Heat oven to 450 degrees
Line a baking sheet with foil
Toss all veggies with olive oil and mix till they are all covered
Place veggies on baking sheet, and bake about 45 min. stirring once or twice.

Rinse the chicken inside and out, season with salt and pepper

Place the tarragon, lemon and garlic inside the cavity of the chicken

Roast chicken in roasting pan, brush with olive oil

Roast in oven 10 minutes at 450 degrees; reduce temp. to 350 degrees and continue roasting chicken for an hour, 45 minutes or until thermometer (inserted into thickest part of chicken) reads 175 degrees F.
Remove lemon, tarragon and garlic. Cover chicken loosely with foil let sit for
about 20 minutes on platter.

While chicken sits, reheat veggies for 20 minutes at 300 degrees.

**Before serving, slice off as much chicken as needed for dinner. Add salad and rolls to complete the meal. Wrap the left over chicken and refrigerate.

Monday night dinner is likely to be more hectic, at least in our house--with sports, homework, etc. So a more casual easier dinner is always a good choice. Using the left-over chicken, pita bread or flatbread, and some marinara or pesto sauce, you can make a tasty meal in about 20 minutes!

Chicken Pesto Pizzas

Place the flatbreads or pita breads (one per serving) on baking sheet.

Spread the marinara or pesto sauce over the bread.

Top with left-over roasted chicken, some cherry tomatoes cut in half, and some mozzarella cheese

Spritz a little olive oil over the toppings, and bake at 450 degrees (preheat oven while preparing the ingredients) for about 8-10 minutes (till crusts are brown and cheese is melted)

Top with some baby arugla if desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and enjoy!

Six Simple Ways to Save Money on Your Next Grocery Bill

2011-02-15T11:37:00.000-08:00

This guest post was written by Bethany Smith who also writes on the topic of cosmetology school and criminal justice for distance learning

According to the USDA, a family of four on a low-cost monthly food plan spent as much as $758.90 per month in 2010. On a more liberal food budget, the same family could have also spent $1052.10 per month. Either way, these figures are excessive and easily represent sufficient funds for a mortgage or car payment. Whether revamping your grocery budget out of necessity or simply deciding it is time to put excessive spending on food to a stop, you should know that the grocery bill is one of the easiest areas to cut down on living costs.

1. Consider Generic Brands over Top Name Brands.

All food manufacturers are required to follow certain procedures to provide healthy and safe food products for consumers. Compare labels to see that there is little or no difference between the ingredients of a name brand product and a generic product. However, the difference in cost is often significant.

2. Create a Weekly Menu for Your Family.

Planning ahead is one of the easiest ways to save money on a grocery bill. Take the time to plan a menu for your family and make a specific list of foods needed to fulfill the menu. Sticking with a meal plan will help reduce unnecessary purchases and more frequent trips to the store. Those who have a hard time getting motivated should try using other resources for inspiration. For instance, Dinner Spinner is an iPhone app that can help you find menu ideas based on a specific ingredient.

3. Eat Before You Shop.

Many impulse buys are a result of a rumbling tummy. Those who walk in the store before dinner usually end up spending much more than originally planned. Avoid this scenerio by planning your grocery trips around meal times.

4. Stock Up on an Item at Rock Bottom Price.

Start taking note of prices on certain food items that you consider staples in your household. Most people simply make a list of food items that they need and head to the store. However, smart shoppers realize that all grocery items go on sale at some time. Most stores generally follow a six week cycle. This means that you need to buy enough of an item at its lowest price to last for six weeks when it will go on sale again.

5. Use Coupons on Sale Items for Maximum Savings.

Everyone knows you can save a few dollars on your groceries by clipping coupons. However, the way to truly benefit from coupons is to use them on sale items. If you know the rock bottom price for an item at your store, wait until the item is at this low price before you use your coupon. In many cases, using a coupon at the right time could mean getting a product for free or very close to free.

6. Use Technology to Make Saving Money on your Grocery Bill More Efficient.

Anyone with a Smartphone should know about a number of apps that were created to help individuals plan their shopping trips even while on the go. There is the Shopping List Free app for iPhone and the Grocery List for Android. You can also go online to find and print coupons, search for new recipes, and browse weekly shopping ads.

Must-Have Money-Saving Apps

2011-02-15T11:20:00.000-08:00


A smart phone may have a hefty price tag, but there are tons of money-saving apps for your mobile phone. These apps can help you find deals exclusive to app users, access coupons, or find businesses around you offering deals better than the competition. Make sure you have these must-have money-saving apps on your phone to help find the best deals around -- and maybe even pay for phone with the money you'll save.




Cheap Gas!: The free Cheap Gas! app from Gasbuddy.com is worth the exclamation mark. Gas is expensive, and it's hard to know where this best deals are. This iPhone app uses GPS to find the best deals around you, and then can give directions too. 

Coupon Sherpa: This free app for iPhone is the mother of all coupon hubs. Find in-store coupons as well as exclusive deals for users -- just show the entry at checkout. You can search by category or store name, locate merchants closest to you, and even e-mail coupons to your friends. And it's all free

Foursquare: The new darling of social media, Foursquare is more than just a game or the new Twitter -- it can actually help you save money. Available as an app for every mobile platform, users can open the app anywhere and see all the businesses around them. These businesses in turn may offer Foursquare-exclusive discounts to users, and offer more dealers for those who "check in" to their establishments. Plus, it's pretty addictive. Find your shopping or dining needs with Foursquare, then use it to get discounts at those places. This app is free as well. 

Gilt: Currently available for iPhone and iPad, Gilt-y parties can take their search for incredible deals on name brands with them anywhere. Gilt members can shop on exclusive, time-sensitive sales at a steep discount. Don't miss out on any deal by getting the Gilt app for your mobile device. 

Skype: Available for pretty much every mobile device, the free Skype app lets the millions of registered Skype users take the popular program on the go. Most people already know the deal: Skype lets you call anybody anywhere in the world. For calls or text chats between Skype users, it's completely free, and calls to landlines or international calls are dirt cheap. It's an awesome service that just got better with the ability to talk on the go, allowing you to save on your minutes and save loads of money on any international calls. This is a must-have for smart phone owners. 

Wi-Fi Finder: Being able to access the internet on the go is great, but 3G data plans are costly. If you can find free Wi-Fi, you can save big money on your phone bill. That's exactly what this app does: helps you find free Wi-Fi. The database is huge, with over 320,000 locations in 140+ countries worldwide. 

 

by Edward Stern who also writes for  online classes and christian counseling degrees

Make the Most of the “Daily Deal Phenomenon”

2011-02-09T14:34:00.000-08:00

[Guest Post by Tara Allen]

When we’re talking about saving money, one of the easiest ways to go about that is simply to search for things we need at a highly discounted price, right? Right! Insert the new “daily-deal” phenomenon sweeping across the nation. If you haven’t caught the ever-so-contagious deal-bug yet, you should certainly consider signing yourself up! Almost all popular daily deal sites require that an offer be at least 50% of the original price. This is huge, especially for expensive services and products. That said, I called this a “bug” for good reason. It’s something you have to be smart and wary about. If, and only if it is used responsibly, will it truly benefit you and save you money. Here are some tips to keep in mind to make sure that your deal is really the deal you think it is.

1 If you didn’t need it/want it before you saw the e-mail, don’t buy it.

These sites thrive off of compulsive purchases. But, impulse purchases don’t actually save you money, because you wouldn’t have bought the item in the first place, and thus wouldn’t have spent the money, no matter how much the savings were. I suggest making a list of things you need/want to find, and then stick to waiting for those to come through in an email. If you need a haircut, put it on the list. If you need a gift certificate to a restaurant for a friend’s birthday present, put it on the list. Nothing that isn’t on the list gets bought. This way, you won’t be tempted to buy something that’s 80% off (it’s so hard not too!), but that you never thought of before and don’t really need now.

2) Check the original price.

Always, always go to the website and check to see what the real price of the service actually was. Businesses are bound to be smart enough to start slowly hiking prices in advance of an upcoming daily deal offering in order to be able to afford the percentage loss they’re going to take. Then, go search for local reviews to see if the service and business are really worth what they claim to be. Yelp.com is an excellent resource for this.

3) Consider the business itself.

When a business offers a discount of 50% to 90% off, not surprisingly, the response to such a deal usually multiplies a normal customer population to extreme numbers. One would assume the supply and staff exists to meet the sudden influx of new customers that will start flooding in. However, the business may sell more deals than they had planned on, so keep in mind a couple things: There is a chance your product will suddenly become out of stock and you may have to wait for the next batch. A restaurant may become over-booked for an extensive length of time, or you may find that the service you would normally expect just isn’t up to the par you would like it to be. This is especially true in small shops like cafes or yogurt shops where the staff just isn’t in place to suddenly meet an extremely large spike in customers in a matter of a few days. You should never lose money, but remember that you may not get quite what you wanted when you wanted it.

4) Is any part of your safety involved?

You will be amazed at how many “adventure” experiences are offered through these daily deal sites. I recently saw a deal come through for more than 70% off of a skydiving package. I’m not going to tell you never to do this, but I will say that when your health and/or safety are involved in any way, no discount is worth potential harm. Do your research thoroughly. This goes for things like waxing and acupuncture as well.

5) Set a budget.

It’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement of purchasing these deals, especially when they are things we do need and they’re so extensively discounted! However, set yourself a budget that you cannot and will not exceed within a given month. When you hit that number, put a temporary filter on those emails, send them directly to another folder that bypasses your inbox, and don’t look! Remember, the entire point is to save money, not to spend more than you normally would.

With these tips in mind, go find a couple deal sites local to your area. Groupon and Living Social are the two most popular, so they are a great place to start. You can score some great deals that will save you many dollars if you’re smart about it!

Photo credit: ripten.com

Author Tara Alley is a freelance writer who enjoys blogging and frequently writes about tips for saving money. She is also currently working alongside of Coffee Home Direct and researching fair trade coffee beans. You can follow her on Twitter @hopesiempre.

40 Ways to Use Baking Soda

2011-02-06T20:38:00.000-08:00

I posted recently about using baking soda for a face wash, and realized that I have not written about the gazillion uses for baking soda. My bad. So here goes-- my list of 40 ways to use baking soda!

1. Eliminate garbage can odors by sprinkling some in the bottom of the can before adding a garbage bag.
2. Clean silver by mixing 3 parts baking soda to one part water. Rub paste on gently, rinse well and pat dry.
3. Sprinkle some on scuff marks and oil spills on the floor. Wipe with warm damp cloth.
4. Sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom of pans with burned foods. Fill with warm water and soak overnight.
5. Clean hairbrushes and combs with a solution of Baking Soda and water.
6.Clogged Drains? Pour 1/4 cup baking soda down drains 1x weekly and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
7. Love this for dirty stinky carpets: Sprinkle on and let sit for about 25 minutes. Vacuum.
8. Sprinkle in litter boxes to neutralize odors.
9. Clean toys with a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda to 1 quart warm water. Soak toys, rinse with warm water.
10. After cleaning a spill on carpet, sprinkle some where the spill was to soak up any residual and remove odors.

11.Clean wet pet fur by sprinkling some on their fur and brushing out--eliminates those yucky musty smells.
12. Use 1/2 detergent with 1/2 baking soda in laundry for clean, fresh-smelling clothes.
13. Pre-treat stains on clothes with a paste of baking soda and water.
14. Use as a bathtub cleanser for soap scum. Mix one part soda with three parts vinegar to make a cleanser.
15. Use baking soda as a toothpaste and to whiten teeth.
16. Mix a paste of soda and water and apply to bee stings to calm and ease pain.
17. Use 1/2 tsp. baking soda with 3 eggs to make a lighter omelet.
18. Love beans? Hate gas? Add a pinch of baking soda when making the beans to eliminate the gas effects!
19. 1/4 cup baking soda and 2 cups warm water make a great clarifying shampoo.
20. Some baking soda on a wet sponge will help remove crayon marks from a chalkboard.
21. Make a general use cleaning spray by mixing 4 Tbs. baking soda to 1 qt. water in a spray bottle.
22. Soak shower curtains in a mix of baking soda and water to get rid of mildew.
23. Clean corroded battery terminals with baking soda and water.
24. Make clay for playing: 1 1/4 cup water, 2 cups baking soda, 1 cup cornstarch.
25.Toothpaste mixed with baking soda can fill small nail holes. Be sure to let dry completely.
26. Mix baking soda and water for an antacid.
27.Make a paste out of baking soda and water to fight pimples--cover the pimple with the paste overnight.
28.Put a box in your freezer and another in your refrigerator to keep odors at bay.
29. Make a paste of baking soda and water to clean kitchen sinks.
30. Dust some under arms for a quick effective deodorant.
31. Soak your tired feet in a basin of warm water with 3 tablespoons of baking soda added to it.
32. Scrub your callouses with a paste of baking soda and water (after soaking your feet first)
33. Add 1/2 cup baking soda to your next bath to smooth and soften skin.
34. Make a hand soap to cleanse hands with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water.
35. Add a quarter size amount of baking soda with some shampoo in your palm--removes residue in hair.
36. Sprinkle baking soda over dirty disposable diapers in the diaper pail to eliminate odors.
37. Soak baby bottles overnight in a solution of 4 Tbs. baking soda and 1quart warm water. Rinse and clean as usual.
38. Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the rinse cycle for soft fresh towels and sheets. Works best in cold water, I find.
39. Clean recyclable containers with a damp sponge sprinkled with baking soda.
40. Sprinkle soda in tennis shoes, socks, boots and slippers to eliminate odor.

What are your favorite uses for baking soda? I know I have missed many, care to share your best tips?

Quick Tips To Save Time and Money

2011-01-31T10:47:00.000-08:00

I have a few tips to start the week off--some you may have heard and tried before, but maybe you will come across one that you have yet to try!

1. Missing game pieces can ruin a board game. Try taping a small resealable plastic bag on the inside of the box lids to hold all the loose parts.

2. A D.I.Y natural cleaner for laminated wood floors: Mix 2 Tbs. baby shampoo with one gallon of water. Dip mop in and wring thoroughly until almost dry. Mop and then dry off the floor with a soft clean cloth.

3. Got little kitchen bugs? Try putting a couple of dried bay leaves in with bags of rice, oatmeal and cereal (the stuff those weird little bugs love to get into!) The slight odor of the leaves repels the bugs (do not ask me why, hehe) but will not affect the flavor of the food.

4. Use an old glove to clean dust off your houseplant leaves--this will quickly clean both sides of the leaves.

5. Lipstick stains can make you think about throwing away a shirt-- try this tip and save a shirt instead! On washable fabrics, cover the stain with petroleum jelly. Let it sit for two minutes, then rub gently with your fingers. The glycerin should break down the oils in the lipstick so the color will lift off easily. If an oily stain remains, sprinkle with baking soda.

6. Worn out bath towels can be made fluffy again with some ammonia. Add 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle (do not add bleach!), then dry as usual. The ammonia dissolves buildup from fabric softener and body oils that are keeping the towels from being cleaned right. A bonus: the ammonia will also get rid of any mildew odors on towels!

7. Shine up the metal faucets in your house with a quick wipe of a cotton ball soaked dipped in white vinegar.

8. Clean your coffee maker if your morning cup of coffee is not tasting so good anymore! Pour a solution of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water into the water reservoir, then run the machine. Follow with two cycles of cold water. This should remove mineral build-ups, coffee residue and hard water deposits so your next cup of coffee should be perfect!

9. Clean your blender by filling it halfway with water, just a drop of dish soap and 1 Tbs. baking soda. Put the lid on and press blend. The baking soda will deodorize as it breaks down food particles. Your blender should be sparkling clean in no time.

10. Save money by adding a 1/2 cup of baking soda in with your laundry detergent for soft odor-free clothes and skip buying pricey fabric softeners.

Recycle Those Old Pantyhose and Tights!

2011-01-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

I came across this article today on how to reuse old pantyhose, so I thought I would ~~steal~~ borrow from it to share here on the blog! I personally love finding ways to re-use things that otherwise are headed to the overflowing trash bin, and I kind of figure you might too--so here goes:

Six Ways to Recycle Old Pantyhose:

1. Use old pantyhose for washing delicates. Cut the old pantyhose at about the thigh, or just use the entire thigh high stocking. Place your delicate washables in the stocking, tie off the open end, and launder as usual.

2. Use pantyhose with runs in them to scrub your bathroom, shower or sink. Spritz some cleaner on your sink, shower, or tub surface. Then, get a piece of your pantyhose and dampen it with either water or more cleaning solution. Next, scrub away the dirt and grime using the pantyhose cut-off much like you would use a regular washcloth. Want to make it even easier? Cut off the pantyhose at the calf and slip the piece over your hand for a cleaning mitt that works magic!

3. Make a scrubber for your skin with old pantyhose. Just add those little odd bits of soap to the pantyhose. Tie off the open end and voila! A quick gentle and free skin scrub.

4. Old pantyhose can make great bath herbal-infusion sachet. To make one, cut off your stockings at the calf, fill it with your favorite herbs, tie off the open end, and float the sachet in your bathwater. See--easy-peasy!

5. Make potpourri sachets with pantyhose and place in your drawers.

6. Use old pantyhose as paint brush covers. After cleaning paint brushes, wrap them in pantyhose to keep them clean and soft.

How To Save Money With Leftovers and a Muffin Pan

2011-01-23T11:32:00.000-08:00

If you have kids, a cupcake or muffin pan, almost empty cereal boxes, almost empty raisin boxes, almost empty cracker boxes, (you get the idea, right?) then you have the makings for a fun kid's meal!

Just fill the muffin cups with the forlorn cereal left in the box, that last bit of cheese cut into cubes, the last few stray carrots cut up, that couple of tablespoons of salad dressing remaining in the bottle (dip for the carrots), that last piece of fruit that is about to spoil (cut it up and put in cups), and so on. Serve your muffin pan kid's meal to your favorite kid for a fun lunch or dinner, and you will have a cleaned out refrigerator and some smiles!

It is easy to come up with some fun almost free meal ideas, especially for the kids, by using what is left-over in your cupboards and refrigerator. The muffin pan just helps make the meal seem more fun--sort of like a smorgasboard meal -- so kids can feel like they are picking and choosing what to eat.

Homemade Spicy Tortilla Soup for Super Bowl Sunday (Cheap and Delicious Recipe)

2011-01-20T17:23:00.000-08:00

A big pot of this spicy vegetarian tortilla soup simmering on the stove is a wonderful thing! It always smells so good, tastes divine and best of all, is easy on the food budget! A delicious, easy and cheap recipe for Super Bowl Sunday-- double up on the recipe and freeze some for later!

(This easy on the budget Vegetarian Tortilla Soup comes from Bush's Beans and makes about 8 servings)

What You'll Need:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large red onion, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
1 tbsp cumin seed
1 cup frozen corn kernels
2 29 ounce cans vegetable broth
2 16 ounce cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro, packed
1 cup shredded low-fat Monterey Jack cheese
6 corn tortillas
cooking spray
1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
lime wedges

How To Make:

Add olive oil, onion, garlic, jalapeno and cumin seed to a large pot over medium heat, stir constantly for 5 minutes. Add corn, chicken broth, BUSH'S BEST Kidney Beans and cilantro. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Heat oven to 450 degrees F. Coat cookie sheet with cooking spray, place tortillas on sheet and spray tortillas with cooking spray. Cook approximately 10 minutes. Cut tortillas into strips.
Top soup with cheese, tortilla strips and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with lime.

Add some crusty Sourdough Bread, French Rolls, or Saltine Crackers to make a warm delicious and satisfying meal.

How To Organize Your Frugal Life

2011-01-18T13:06:00.000-08:00

Having grown up in a particularly frugal household, I had one of the best examples I could possibly hope for in my mom. She salvaged across the board, saved every last penny (literally), re-used everything, was the queen of fixing-upping and stealthily managed to find only the best deals, which meant not resting until this was accomplished. As a child, more often than not, all of this just irritated and annoyed me. I'd rather not re-use my sandwich baggie today, thank you. I'd really rather have the "official" KIX cereal, please, thank-you-very-much.
You get the picture. But, now that I’m in my own house, trying to make
my own ends meet, I find myself trying to imitate her in those ways as often as possible. Yet, I can tell
you that no matter my endeavors to take all the right steps: re-use, save more, use less, etc., my successful
attempts at frugality took one very important key first: organization.

I’m not a highly organized person, I should get that out there in the beginning. But, I have also come to
realize that this has been the downfall of my previous attempts at living within my means, as heartfelt
as they were. Being frugal and maintaining that pattern takes effort. It takes a starting point. It takes
keeping a record, and it takes constant re-evaluation. If you’re attempting to do everything everyone tells
you: you’ve given up eating out and make only homecooked meals; you set aside savings and you shop
only at thrift stores, but you still can’t seem to make ends meet, I highly suggest you attempt to put some
serious organization into your attempts and see what happens! Here are some easy tips to get you started.

Organizing Goals

You really do need a starting point, and having these goals and ideas in your head just won’t cut it. They
need to be on paper and they need to be visible. Write down where you are and where you want to be in
terms of how frugal you are currently living. Do you want to cut down your gas bill? Do you want to
cook 90% of your meals? After you’re done, go ahead and put the list aside for a little while. EASY and
painless! Refer to this list whenever you get discouraged… You can either: a) see how far you’ve come
or, b) see how far you have to go and find inspiration to get re-energized and re-enthused!

Organizing What You Have

Okay, so this one is a little harder and a little more time consuming. Actually, what I really mean by this
is “Organizing Those Dreaded Pantries, Cubbies and Hide-Aways.” Unless you know what exactly you
have already, chances are pretty good you’re going to be buying more of what you actually don’t need.
And, whether it’s innocent or not, I have to tell you: it’s not helping matters. I recommend going through
your food pantry first, I think that’s the easiest.

Organizing What You’re Going to Buy and When

This connects to the last. As you’re going, keep a running list of staple items that are on the verge of
running out. This will give you an opportunity to stretch out bigger purchases over a larger period of
time. There’s nothing worse than finding out that your weekly grocery budget is potentially shot because
your fifty pound bag of flour is suddenly gone and you also don’t have any sugar, cinnamon or cans of
chili beans. This is also a really good idea for things like cosmetics. Ever run out of foundation and face
lotion in the same week? I have. And it hurts! You can also do this for really large purchases that you
want to see happen over a longer period of time, like a one-year or five-year plan. Maybe you’ll plan to
replace your refrigerator in July, so you need to budget accordingly to create some cushion in and around
that month. Perhaps in two years you want to buy a car and will need to have room for those monthly

payments. Start saving now accordingly.

Organizing What You Spend

Thanks to technology, this is actually much easier now than I imagine it was 25 years ago. It’s also pretty
imperative. Start keeping every receipt and keeping track of what you spend, no matter how small. You
can sign up online for some really helpful programs or, if you’ve got a smart phone, download a free
app that let’s you input amounts instantly. You’ll be amazed at this: just knowing that you you’re going
to have to write a purchase down can actually change your mind about whether or not you make that
purchase! Sneaky, but it works. Plus, you’ll be able to budget more accurately when you can see where
your money really is disappearing.

Lists, Lists, Lists

I know, two of these points have already included lists, but I really cannot emphasize them enough.
Having worked for a variety of retailers, I can tell you this, “They’re on to us!” They know our
weakness: we’re clearly emotional shoppers. We will easily respond on a whim to the latest product that
we suddenly can’t live without, even though we didn’t know it existed five minutes ago. Walk into stores
armed with a list, and stick to it! You may not leave with a pretty, shiny new “toy”, but you will walk out
feeling confident and feeling in control of your budget.

Alright, enough of the advice! Go get started organizing and just see what happens!

[Photo: istockphoto]

Tara Alley is a freelance writer living in sunny Orange County, CA, and attempting to embrace the frugal
life. When not baking or reading, she also writes for Coffee Home Direct.

Almost Free Homemade Face Wash

2011-01-17T04:38:00.000-08:00

If you already have a box of baking soda in your refrigerator or pantry, this homemade face wash is pretty much a freebie for you! And if you do not have any baking soda--you really should, it is so cheap and has so many uses!!

For the face wash:

Just mix one part baking soda and one part water to make a paste. Apply with a circular motion to forehead, cheeks and chin. Rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat dry with soft clean towel.

The texture of the baking soda will slough off dead skin cells, leaving your face fresh and bright. Plus, it will help rid your face of excess oils and help get rid of blackheads. The sodium bicarbonate also helps neutralize your skin's PH, reducing excess oil that leads to those nasty pimples in the first place!

[image from www.armandhammer.com]

New Way Of Paying Off Credit Cards?

2011-01-15T16:25:00.000-08:00

We have always been told to pay off the credit card with the highest balance and interest rate first, and then proceeding to the next card, right? But paying off credit card debt has a new twist these days: paying the minimum due on all cards each month, except the one with the lowest balance--that one you pay off as quickly as possible with higher payments.

When you pay off that first credit card (the one with the lowest balance on it,) you add that monthly sum to the next balance you want to get paid off quickly, while still continuing to pay the minimum balance due on the remaining cards. As you knock out one debt after the next, feeling of accomplishment will help you continue on with the plan until you have wiped out all your credit card debt.

Though it is true that paying off the biggest debt with the highest interest rate first will minimize the interest you pay over the long term, this method offers very little motivation to stick with the program, because it's easy to feel like you're not getting anywhere and give up.

So I am curious: which method do you use, or be most likely to use?

Free Skiing For the Family on Winter Trails Day!

2011-01-04T15:44:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars for Jan. 8th! This is Winter Trails Day when ski resorts, Nordic Centers and parks across the U.S. offer free snowshoeing and cross country skiing! No equipment rental fees or trail fees will be charged. This year marks the 16th Annual Winter Trails Day-- a day that gets 11,000 kids and adults playing and exercising in the snow each year, experiencing the health and social benefits of winter sports.

To find out what resorts and parks are offering this free snow sports day, go to WinterTrails.org.

Holiday Baking: Banana Bread

2010-12-05T16:00:00.000-08:00

Nothing says holidays quite like the aroma of some scrumptious desserts baking! Real Simple has a recipe for Banana Nut Bread that sounds delicious and easy on the budget, so I thought I'd 'borrow' it and share it here!

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix
1 package Jell-O Instant Banana Cream Pudding & Pie Filling
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 ripe bananas, mashed
4 eggs
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Directions

Heat oven to 350° F.
Mix all the ingredients well. Pour into 2 large or 4 small greased loaf pans.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. (For those allergic to nuts, this recipe can be made without the pecans.)

Two Holiday Side Dishes Cheap and Easy to Make

2010-12-02T12:53:00.000-08:00

Are you cooking a holiday meal this year and need some quick, cheap delicious side dish recipes? Here are two easy to prepare dishes that you can make without needing a lot of time or money (in fact, you can save even more time using ready-cooked potatoes in the Sweet Potatoes Recipe!)

Maple Sweet Potatoes (from TV chef, Sandra Lee)

1 can (29.oz.) cut sweet potatoes, drained (this will be enough for 4 servings)
2 Tbs. butter
2 Tbs. pure maple syrup
1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup toasted pecan pieces

Microwave the potatoes, drained, in a micro-wave safe bowl until hot (try cooking for 2 minutes at a time until potatoes are hot)

Drain any liquid in bowl. Add butter, spice, salt, pepper and maple syrup. Mash with fork and stir in pecan pieces, if desired.

And remember, sweet potatoes are a healthy choice as well as inexpensive, because they are full of antioxidants!!

Homemade Cranberry Sauce (from Top Chef's Tom Colicchio)

Bring 1 cup orange juice and 1/2 cup sugar to a boil in saucepan. Stir in 12-oz bag of fresh cranberries. Continue cooking over medium heat until cranberries burst.

Cool and enjoy!

Save Money With Free Amazon Mom Membership!

2010-12-02T11:58:00.000-08:00

Chances are you already know about Amazon Prime, where you pay an annual fee of $79 and in return get unlimited two day shipping. But just in case you have not yet heard about Amazon Mom, I wanted to make sure to post about this awesome free program that will definitely help you save money this holiday season!

Amazon Mom (and Amazon Student, btw) is free, yes free, to sign up and become a member-- and you get the same benefits as Amazon Prime offers! But not only do moms get free 2-day shipping, we also get up to 30% off diapers and wipes, plus special discounts and offers. So why wait--if you have not signed up with Amazon Mom, do it now and start saving.

You can go to http://www.amazon.com/gp/mom/signup/info and get started (and no worries, this is not an affiliate link--I just want to pass on this very cool info!)

Happy Shopping!

Hand Made Christmas Gift Idea: Homemade Bath Cookies

2010-11-30T13:18:00.000-08:00

These spa type cookies for the bath are easy to make but so fun to give!

((Remember--these 'cookies' are for the bath, not to be eaten-- so it may be wise to keep them away from little ones!))

Ingredients:

2 cups finely ground sea salt
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tbsp light oil
1 tsp vitamin E oil
2 eggs
5-6 drops essential oil of your choice

To Make:

Preheat your oven to 350 F. Combine all the listed ingredients and form into a dough. Using a teaspoon or so of dough at a time, roll it gently in the palm of your hand until it forms a ball. Form all dough into one teaspoon balls, and gently place them on an ungreased cookie sheet. Consider sprinkling the bath balls with herbs, flower petals, cloves, citrus zest and similar aromatic ingredients. Bake your bath cookies for ten minutes, until they are lightly browned. Do not over bake. Allow the bath cookies to cool completely. To use, drop 1 or 2 cookies into a warm bath and allow to dissolve. Yield: 24 cookies, enough for 12 baths.

(Source: SpaIndex.com)

7 Cheap Ideas to Help Survive This Holiday Season

2010-11-30T12:57:00.000-08:00

Spending more money than you have is not a great way to spend the holidays or start the new year. Here are a few frugal holiday ideas from decorating to gifting that can help save money this Christmas season:

1. Holiday Decoration Easy and Cheap: Fill a glass bowl with glass ball ornaments. Try using all the same colors or mix them up! Just keep this decoration away from little hands--place on a table or high shelf.

2. Use pinecones to fill baskets, bowls and vases. If you like, spray them with gold and silver spray paint as well.

3. Visit your library and borrow Christmas books and magazines--place in baskets by couches and/or stack them on coffee tables.

4. Bake and decorate sugar cookies. Get some inexpensive tea cups and coffee mugs and fill with cookies. Wrap with a pretty ribbon and some cellophane for an inexpensive gift from the heart.

5. Shop Your Closet First. Maybe there is a pretty scarf you have never used....or a cute hat just sitting gathering dust. We know not everyone is a believer of re-gifting, but if money is tight and you really want to give someone a present anyway, an used picture frame, unopened perfume or such can save the Christmas spirit!

6. Shop Thrift Stores. You can find some wonderful inexpensive gifts at Thrift Shops. From tea cups to books, ornaments and knick knacks..you can save money while still making sure to gift everyone on your list!

7. Make it a 'Holiday Without Gifts For Family and Friends.' For all the grown-ups on your family and friends list, suggest taking the holiday stress off everyone by making it a Holiday Without Gifts for a change! Do potluck get togethers, brunches and such, and save money instead.

Another twist would be to make it a 'Homemade Christmas' only--gifts that everyone makes at home. No spending, shopping or stressing.

Most of all, remember this is a special time that goes by fast. Relax, enjoy and savor the moments of this holiday season!

Need Extra Cash For Christmas-- These Online Sites Might Help You Find Some Money!

2010-11-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

Need money for Christmas shopping? If you are feeling blue, panicked, distraught about the gift giving season, and are stressed trying to figure out ways to get some extra money for Christmas, check out these ideas here. These are a few places online where you can trade, sell and turn your old stuff into cash, just in time for the holidays!

1. Electronics. If you have electronic gadgets you no longer need, then check out these online sites where you can maybe trade them in for a check or store gift card (even if they are broken sometimes)-

BuyMyTronics.com

YouRenew.com

BestBuyTradein.com (Best Buy)
HP.com/united-states/hho/buyback-recycle/index.html (Hewlett Packard)

Extra Tip: If you have bought a laptop, iPod or cellphone from Best Buy and still have your receipt, you can sell it back and get cash or a gift card on the spot.)

2. Clothes. You can open a free storefront and sell clothes at Smashion.com
Just upload pictures of the clothes you want to sell, write a brief description, and set your price. When something sells, you get paid via PayPal!

Extra Tip: If you have a Palto's Closet or Buffalo Exchange anywhere near you, you can take in clothes and a buyer will review them and make you an offer right then. You can walk out with cash in hand! To find out if there is a store near you, visit PlatosCloset.com and BuffaloExchange.com

3. Books. Got books--need cash? Check out these online sites where you may be able to sell those books and get some money for Christmas shopping!

Cash4Books.net

SellBackYourBook.com

MyBookBuyer,com

Powells.com

4 . Games, DVDs and CDs. Visit Spun.com and BuyBackMedia.com to find out how much you can get for them. Plus, for older video games, go to G2KGames.net.

Enter the name of the item or the UPC number. You'll get a prepaid envelope or reimbursement for shipping costs, and receive a check or PayPal payment within a week or so after shipping.

5. Gift Cards. If you have any gift cards worth $25 or more, you can sell them for 60% to 90% of the value of the card. Visit SwapAGift.com, GiftCardRescue.com, PlasticJungle.com or CardPool.com.

Extra Tip: Many check-cashing stores participate with SwapAGift.com. They will pay you on the spot for gift cards. Visit SwapAGift.com/partners/find to see if there is a participating store near you!

And don't forget to check out some of our homemade gift ideas posted here!

10 More Ways to Save Money Using Lemons

2010-10-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

Some time ago I wrote a post on some money-saving ideas using lemons. I thought I would share more tips that I have since come across. After all, finding little ways to save a little money each day can add up to a pretty nice savings before you know it.

1. Use lemons, save a lettuce! Add the juice of half a lemon to a bowl of cold water. Then put soggy lettuce in it and refrigerate for 1 hour. Make sure to dry the leaves completely before putting them into salads or sandwiches.

2. Get rid of mineral deposits and polish tarnished chrome without buying expensive cleansers: simply rub lemon rind over the chrome and watch it shine! Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.

3. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to your dish-washing soap to dissolve grease on dishes and pans.

4. Clean tough food stains on wood and plastic cutting boards by squeezing lemon juice on the stains. Wait 20 minutes then rinse.

5. Use lemons to neutralize odors: Simply cut a lemon in half and place both halves, cut side up in a dish. The air will smell fresher with a lemony scent soon!

6. Use lemons to help remove warts: Just apply a little lemon juice right on the wart. Do this for a few days until the acids in the juice dissolve the wart completely.

7. Got dandruff ? Use lemons to help stop the itch and get rid of flaky dandruff. Massage 2 Tbs. of lemon juice directly on the scalp, then rinse with warm water. Next, mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice in 1 cup water and rinse your hair with it. Repeat this daily until your dandruff disappears. No more itchy scalp, and your hair will smell lemon-fresh.

8. Before spending money on expensive age spot creams, try applying lemon juice directly on the age spots.e Leave on for about 15 minutes, then rinse your face completely. Lemon juice is known to safely and effectively lighten skin spots.

9. Instead of buying bleach, use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of lemon juice to the rinse cycle to brighter up your favorite whites.

10. Did you know that fleas and roaches hate the scent of lemons? To naturally repel these bugs, mix the juice of 4 lemons (along with the rinds) with 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water and wash your floors with it.

There are endless ways to use lemons around the home it seems. What are your favorite lemon tips?

Save Money With Waffle Pizzas!

2010-10-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

This is a favorite kid's meal at my house, and it is so easy and inexpensive to make I love it too! You can make waffle pizzas with frozen waffles or homemade waffles, some tomato slices, cheese and olives.

Just cook the waffle as you would normally, then line a broiler rack with foil.

Next, arrange the waffles on the foil and add sliced tomato, some mozzarella cheese and black olives, sliced. Sprikle lightly with seasonings such as basil, oregano and pepper.

Cook the waffle pizzas under the broiler for about 3 minutes or until cheese has melted. Serve and enjoy the smiles you get!

Homemade Waffle Recipe

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 egg, separated
1 1/4 cups milk
2 Tbs. melted butter

Preheat waffle iron.
Combine flour, baking soda, salt in bowl.
Make a well in center and add the egg yolk and milk
Mix ingredients, then stir in butter
Finally, whisk egg white in a separate bowl, then add to flour mixture

Pour into waffle iron and cook for about 3 minutes with lid closed until waffles are light brown.

Makes about 12 waffles.

Homemade Christmas Gift: Chocolate Bath Salts!

2010-10-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Bath Salts make a delicious smile-inducing and calorie-free gift for any occasion, especially as a charming homemade Christmas present! Re-use some clean dry glass jars, such as those from spaghetti sauce or jellies, decorate with pretty ribbons, and glue on some cute labels to create some pretty handmade gifts. Another cute idea is to re-use those glass bottles from the Starbucks Cappuccino drinks you can buy at the store--just be sure to wash thoroughly and dry completely.

Recipe:

6 cups epsom Salt
2 Tbs. cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine ingredients and spread on a cookie sheet lined with a paper towel. Let air-dry, then pour into a dry clean jar.

Use about 3 Tbs. to 4 Tbs. in a warm bath and indulge in the scenty chocolaty aroma!

5 Cheap Halloween Costumes You Can Make at Home

2010-10-17T13:39:00.000-07:00

It is almost Halloween.....are you looking for some cheap costume ideas? If you are trying to save money and want to make a Halloween costume yourself this year, here are a few fun ideas to think about:

1. Skunk Costume: Wear black tights or pants, and a black turtleneck or long sleeve shirt. Then sew or use safety pins to attach a white stripe made from extra material (an old white sheet or white pillowcases can work well ) down the back of the clothing.This way you can easily remove the stripe and use the clothing again.

2. Be a ghost, but add some fun touches to the sheet such as eyelashes, painted cheeks lipstick, hat, mustache, freckles, etc.

3. How about a tourist? Wear a colorful shirt, trousers (shorts if it happens to be warm where you are), have a camera, maps, straw hats, colorful bright dress and flat shoes, etc.

4."Dice" Halloween Costume: Get a cardboard box and paint it a solid black. Then add white dots. Make openings for the arms and head and you are done!

5. Tube of Toothpaste Costume: Use a sheet as the "tube" and a lampshade for the "cap." Paint or use markers to write the name of a well-known toothpaste down the front of the "tube." You could also use a long pillowcase as the "tube" part of the costume.

5 DIY Stain RemoversThat Can Save You Money

2010-10-08T15:16:00.000-07:00

Got kids? Then you probably have stains! In our house, we have dealt with all kinds of munchkin-inspired stains, from markers on the wall to juice stains on t-shirts. And of course, the stubborn grass stains. I have a few DIY stain tips to share and would love to hear more --if anyone has some to share too?!

1. My budding Picasso, aka my 3 year old son, loves to practice his artistic skills on our walls. What I find works well to remove the marker stains is good old rubbing alcohol. Just dip a clean soft cloth in the rubbing alcohol, and gently buff away the marks.

2. For the spilled fruit juice, a simple trick is to boil some water while the stain is fresh. While the water heats up, gently blot away the the excess juice, then pour the boiling water (carefully!) through the stain to make it disappear.

3. Grass Stains have been my nemesis for a very long time. But of all things, a little meat tenderizer works well at removing those stubborn stains! Just sprinkle meat tenderizer on the stains before laundering the clothes. When the tenderizer mixes with water, it dissolves those stains like magic!

4. For crayon stains on your kids clothes, try a combination of liquid dish soap and WD-40. Put the clothes on a few sheets of paper towels or some other cover to protect your surface, then spray both sides of the stain with it. Next, rub the soap into the stain until the crayon marks are gone. Then toss the clothes in the wash.

5. For dried chocolate stains, try using an iron on low setting. First, scrape off excess chocolate with a butter knife. Then place paper towels over the stain and lightly iron over the stain to lift the chocolate. Then toss the clothing in the wash.

Six Secrets To Saving Money and Time

2010-10-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

Getting the best deals out there and saving money while doing so can depend on timing. From ending an auction on e-Bay to scheduling a doctor's appointment, timing things just right can help you save a little (or a lot) of cash and time! Here are six secret timing tips from the experts when it comes to getting good deals:

1. End your eBay auctions on Sunday nights between 6p.m. and 10p.m.

Why? These are the hours that eBay receives the most traffic, according to Dan Blacharski, author of eBay's Secrets Revealed. And because most people wait until the last hour or so to bid, this timing will be your best chance at getting the most action on your auction--and make the most money!

2. Buy you next new car on a Monday--at 6p.m.--if you can!

Why? Because Mondays happen to be the slowest days for car sales, according to Scott Gamm, founder of HelpSaveMyDollars.com. Car salesmen will be much more ~~desperate~~ agreeable to make deals by closing time. If you try showing up at this time when you want to buy your next car, you just may be happily surprised at the incentives tossed your way by the sales people.

3. Make your next doctor's appointment between Tues. and Friday, at 1p.m.

Why? Because appointments at this time tend to be faster as most doctors come back from lunch at one p.m., explains Mark Di Vincenzo, author of Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon. So chances are good that instead of wasting time sitting in the waiting room, you will have the first appointment for the afternoon and be called in promptly (or as promptly as feasible at a doctor's office, anyway.) Avoid Mondays for routine appointments altogether as offices tend to be full then with patients who got sick over the weekend.

4. Go Shopping For Clothes on Thursday Evenings.

Why? Because most stores will have sales on weekends, but they start marking down their merchandise on Thursdays. Chances are you can get the discount early-- a day ahead of the sale-- or you can have the store hold the item for you until the next day when it goes on sale. So shopping on Thursday will give you first pick of the items going on sale, and the discount as well.

5. Make air travel plans for Saturdays at noon when possible.

Why? Author Di Vincenzo explains that according to statistical analysis of millions of airfares, Saturdays are the cheapest day to fly. Plus, with fewer flights scheduled, you will have less wait time in lines and fewer delays. Di Vincenzo advises noon for flights because West Coaster travelers will avoid fog delays while East Coast travelers will avoid afternoon thunderstorm delays.

6. Call Customer Service Wednesdays at 2p.m. when possible.

Why? This seems to be the slowest time during the week for customer service agents, according to Scott Gamm. The busiest times to call customer service would be Mondays and mornings, as well as afternoons around 5p.m. when many people get off work.

So while these six money and time-saving tips may not be fool-proof or guaranteed, they certainly sound worth trying at any rate!

Saving Money Saturday

2010-09-24T20:01:00.000-07:00

The holiday season is almost here so there is no time like the present to start saving money for those Christmas presents, turkey dinners and holiday parties. Make this Saturday a thrifty day and instead of spending money at Starbucks, the movies or the local bookstore, try to save it instead. Want some ideas? Here are a few, including getting a head start on Christmas!

Start your Save Money Saturday with this healthy energetic and filling Banana-Almond Power Smoothie!

Cut 2 bananas into quarter size pieces
In a blender combine 3/4 vanilla soy milk, 1 Tbs. almond butter, 1 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder and 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, bananas and 3 ice cubes.
Mix until smooth then pour and enjoy!

Next, try shopping some garage sales but only buy items you will use later for Christmas presents! Think picture frames, baskets, trinkets, vases, unique jars, classic books, etc.

After bringing home your treasures, take an invigorating walk before eating lunch.

Make a simple lunch with left-overs in your refrigerator, or make a simple salad (save the money--no take-out or fast food!!)

Go to the library and rent some movies for later, and check out some craft books to browse through and get ideas for some homemade Christmas presents this year.

Take a long hot bath and pamper yourself with some home made beauty treatments.

Make some soup or pasta for dinner (keep saving the money here....no dinner out this Saturday!) and curl up to watch the movies you rented from the library.

Make your Christmas List and jot down ideas for each person on your list.

Start reading the library books for make-yourself- gift -ideas and make notes.

Make a plan to spend Sunday cleaning out closets, your garage and attic-- maybe you will find items to take to a consignment store, have your own garage sale next weekend, or even find some forgotten about items that you can use for those Christmas presents!

Get a good night sleep counting dollars you saved today instead of those sheep!!

Home Made Christmas Gift Idea

2010-09-23T01:01:00.000-07:00

This is a cute, easy and inexpensive gift idea!

Make Chalkboards!

If you have an old mirror laying around, turn it into a chalkboard quickly and cheaply. Just buy some chalkboard paint at your local hardware store...should be about $6.00 a can...and one can will do alot....and paint the surface of the mirror with it. Voila! Instant chalkboard!

Other ideas/surfaces for making chalkboards:

wood

picture frames (cut a piece of masonite board that fits inside the frame. Paint the board with chalkboard paint and let dry before putting it into the frame.)

Old Cabinet doors

stiff poster board

Home Made Halloween Costumes

2010-09-21T01:08:00.000-07:00

Halloween is around the corner...so time to start cooking up some Halloween costumes you can make from home and save money while treating your little ghosts and goblins to a fun night!

This idea came from Kaboose.com-- I just changed a couple of things, but basically the costume idea is the same.

Home Made Spider Costume

Needed:
long sleeve black top/shirt
4 long black socks
newspaper, grocery bags, paper bags, or anything else you can use to stuff the socks with
a black knit cap
black yarn

Stuff each sock with paper or bags or filling of some sort.

Attach each sock to the side seams of the shirt (two socks on each side)
(I would suggest sewing the socks to securely attach them to the shirt, but duct tape can probably work as well.)

Next, you will want to attach the black yarn in-between each sock and the cuffs of the shirt. This can be done in a couple of different ways. You can use the duct tape to attach a yarn piece at the cuff of the sleeve, and then tape the end of the yarn on the first sock. Then repeat for the next sock. You could also make a small hole in the cuff and thread the yarn through the hole down to the first sock, through a hole in that sock and down to the last sock. Make a knot in the yarn after threading it through the last sock, and repeat on the other side.

On the knit cap, you could add squiggly eyes for an extra fun touch, or use cotton to create a spider web effect.

Add tights, beige pants or even black pants to complete the costume.

costume idea and picture from http://crafts.kaboose.com

Make Money From Home

2010-09-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have posted on ways to make extra money from home, but today I do have a new resource to share with you, called Fiverr.com.

Just like the name of the site, Fiverr is where tasks are listed at a price of Five dollars. There is no negotiating and no job posted at a price higher than $5.00. So you can list a task you will do, say write a review for someone's website, and list the price for this task at $5.00. If someone decides to purchase this task from you, they must first pay the $5 to Fiverr.com, who will in turn contact you via email that your task has been purchased. You will have a specified time limit to complete the task (the time limit is set by you when you post the task) and when it is complete, you are paid $4.00. Fiverr.com keeps $1.00 from each transaction as their fee and basic way of making money.

Browsing through the site, it is interesting to see the types of gigs people come up with to make money. From reading horoscopes, to emailing recipes, SEO services, writing names in the sand and sending customers pictures, you name it...you will probably find it (except of course any illegal or adult-only services, which are not allowed.) It is worth taking a look just to see if it stirs your creative juices and you think of something to post and get paid $4 for.

When a task is complete and you are paid, you can transfer the money in your account after 14 days (which is referred to as a safety period) to your Paypal account.

I have been reading reviews and so far it seems that this is indeed a growing successful site that people are earning extra money with. That gig about writing names in the sand and emailing the picture to customers-- according to a Woman's Day's article, that person is making $300 month.

Go to http://www.fiverr.com and check it out for yourself!!

Saturday Morning Iced Mocha Recipe

2010-09-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

Make your own Iced Mocha drink at home and save money plus calories!

All you need for two icy mocha drinks:

1 cup low-fat chocolate milk
1 tsp. instant coffee granules
1 cup ice cubes
Fat -Free whipped topping

In a blender, add the milk, coffee granules and ice cubes. Blend on high until smooth and frothy. Pour into two glasses, add the low fat whipped topping, and Enjoy!

8 Ways to Reuse Jar Lids

2010-09-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

Jar lids can be reused in many different ways. I know there are many uses other than the ones I have come up with, so if you have any to share, please feel free!!

1. As paint palettes for kids. Perfect for holding some paint, and for letting kids mix paints together,

2. As a cookie cutter. Nothing makes a perfectly round cookie like a jar lid! Make sure the lid id washed and dried, ten just push down and twist over rolled dough.

3. As a spoon rest on your stove!

4. Paint lids (or let the kids) and then glue a magnet on the back of the lid. Trace and cut a picture to fit inside, then glue it in. (This can make a cute handmade Christmas gift from kids to their grandparents, teachers, etc..)

5. Drill holes in jar lids, and then attach under cabinets. Use the jars for spices, tea bags, pasta, cereal, dried beans.....and scew the jars to the lids for a decorative storage idea!

6. Paint the lids. Then glue a large X or O made out of a fabric to the top part of the lids, and you have an instant Tic Tac Toe Game (use poster board, cardboard or even a frame with the lightweight cardboard filler in it as the game board.)

7. Quick trays for under candles.

8. Instant ashtrays.

Cheap Ways To Lose Some Weight

2010-09-15T01:02:00.000-07:00

Do you want to shed a few pounds before the holiday season arrives, but cannot afford the gym or those pricey diet plans? Here are a few very cheap ways to help speed up your metabolism and burn some of that extra weight off.

1. It's true--drinking lots of water during the day will burn calories....about 35,000 a year if you drink eight 8-oz. glasses a day.

2. Lifting light weights for one hour a week will build your muscles enough to raise your metabolism by up to 12%. (try using full soup cans, books, or other items around your home if you do not have weights.)

3. Watch some funny TV. Laughing can temporarily increase your calorie burn by up to 20%, according to a Vanderbilt University study.

4. Drink Green Tea. Try sipping green tea about 30 minutes before eating. Women who do this trick before every meal lose twice as much weight as those who did not in a recent study. Green Tea has plant compounds that boost levels of norepinephrine....which helps you burn fat.

5. Eat some protein at every meal. Having about 2 oz. of a protein at every meal helps your body burn 71 more calories daily.

6. Get More Sleep. If you do not get enough sleep it can result in a 40% increase in cortisol, a stress hormone that is proven to slow metabolism and trigger a 33% increase in hunger pangs and cravings. Harvard researchers have found that getting even 7 hours of sleep can speed up your metabolism dramatically.

Stretching Your Budget : Free Sites That Can Help You Save Money

2010-09-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

Financially Fit has posted some great tips for saving money and stretching your budget -- they are not hard and can help save some money for Christmas presents!!

Grocery Shopping always takes a big chunk out of any budget. To help see exactly how much we are spending, and on what, there are free online budgeting sites that can track your purchases. Try using Mint.com or Buxfer.com--both free -- to start keeping track and finding ways to save.

And spend a little extra time finding coupons before heading to the grocery store. Check out coupon sites such as CouponMom.com, Coupons.com and CouponCabin.com.

**An Extra Tip** ShoppingNanny.com will provide you with customized coupons just for you for $5.95 a month. And Shopping Nanny recently guaranteed that if you spend more than $90 a week at the grocery store, you'll save $40 a month -- or your next month's membership is free.

If you are not bringing your lunch to work yet, get motivated to brown bag it by visiting FeedthePig.com. This is a savings website that will show you just how much you can save by not eating out. That could be enough motivation to start doing some serious cooking and lunch-packing at home.

To make sure you are not spending too much on your cell phone bill, visit BillShrink.com or MyRatePlan.com. You may save more with a prepaid plan than you are with your current cell phone plan.

Six Money-Saving Uses For Salt

2010-09-13T12:53:00.000-07:00

Got salt? Then you have an inexpensive solution for some common household problems. Here are six household uses for salt:

1. Salt can help dissolve greasy build-up in sink drains and help get rid of odors. Just mix about a 1/2 cup of salt with 4 cups of hot water,and then slowly pour the solution down your drain.

2. Salt can help your fresh cut flowers last longer. Just sprinkle 1 tsp. of salt into the water in the vase before putting in the flowers (remember to cut the stems first.) The salt gets rid of bacteria and provides nutrients flowers need to stay fresher longer.

3. For spotted and stained glasses, soak the stemware overnight in a solution of salt (about 2tsp.) and a quart of vinegar. In the morning rinse the glasses and enjoy the sparkle.

4. Salt can make peeling hard-boiled eggs easier. Before putting eggs in the pot to boil, pour in 1 tsp. of salt. The shells should come off easier and without breaking.

5. Sea Salt makes an inexpensive exfoliating scrub. Rub some sea salt on damp skin when you are in the shower. The salt will slough off dead skin cells, and after you rinse off, your skin will be baby-soft!

6. Got weeds growing between the cracks in sidewalks and driveways? Shake some salt at the base of the weeds, and you should see the weeds die pretty soon.

3 Money-Saving Tips Quick and Easy!

2010-09-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

Just a few more little money-saving tidbits to share this week--

1. If you are out of "D" batteries, do not want to buy any, but need one .....try this trick: Put a "C" battery in the space, then add 3 to 5 quarters to mimic a "D" battery!

2. Help prevent costly drain clogs before they happen: Use cold water to rinse grease down the sink. Hot water only “melts” the grease until it reaches distant areas of your plumbing, where it solidifies, builds up, and eventually causes clogs. Cold water, however, solidifies the grease early on so it floats down the pipes harmlessly. (source: www.rd.com/Family- Handyman)

3. Impulse purchases get the best of you at the market or home improvent stores? According to Consumer Reports, if you use the self-checkout, impulse buys will drop by 17 to 32 percent.

10 Things Moms Want To Save Money On

2010-09-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

As a mom, I find myself the person in charge of {trying} to save money. It is up to me to find ways to budget and scrimp wherever I can - without anyone else in the family noticing to much, of course!

So I started thinking of the 10 top things I really like to and need to save money on. The things that I find too expensive in general, yet have to buy anyway on a semi-regular basis. It was tougher than I thought to come up with this list, after all I want to save money on everything, but after much thought (and a few extra frown lines) I have complied my list of the top 10 things I like to save money on, or wish I could save money on:

1. Shoes for the kids. I find shoes to be an expensive purchase that I have to make too many times each year. Kids outgrow them ridiculously fast. And no matter how much I may spend on a pair of shoes, hoping that quality will match the pricier price tags, they never last long with my boys. So I put shoes down on my list. I would love to find some that are reasonably priced and stand up to the wear and tear of little boys.

2. Food. Of course food must be on my list. It is always a top priority to try and feed the family healthy meals while still managing to pay bills at the end of the month!

3. Jeans. Girl's Jeans. Teenage Girl's Jeans to be exact. My daughter and her need for new jeans is a never-ending thing. If you see me with a nervous twitch one day, you can safely assume my daughter has once again pleaded her case with me for new jeans. And once again, I am faced with the precarious choice of either taking her to the mall to buy the new jeans at a financial blow to our budget, or choosing to risk having my daughter "simply die." {Did I do this to my parents? I think not, but regardless, I survived in either case.)

4. Classes. Ballet classes, Cheer classes and of course, the requisite Gymnastics classes. Did I mention Karate classes. Oh, and swim classes. I would love dearly to enroll all my children in each and every class they get the urge to take, I would enjoy watching them learn something new and exciting every other day. But seriously, the fees these classes charge are high. Higher than high even. And with each new class comes new outfits and equipment. The expense spent on kid's sports, classes and activities is astounding.

5. Make-Up. Now who wouldn't love to save some money on stuff that makes us beautiful and younger-looking??

6. Starbucks. I love the feeling of dropping the kids off at school and driving my quiet car thru Starbucks to buy a morning coffee drink. Sadly, that just does not quite fit into our budget most days. But as a mom who has the car all to herself after a furiously hectic morning of yelling, shoe searching, crumpled homework papers and spilled oatmeal, I would love dearly to have Starbucks reward me with a lower priced Nonfat Mocha Latte.

7. School Supplies. After spending way more than should be necessary on back to school supplies for my kids last week, I really would like to save more money when it comes to back to school. Plus I know that these costs will be repeated frequently through the school year.

8. Veggies and Fruits. Yes, I put these on my list. I love when I can save money on these particular foods because they can be so expensive. When you go to the grocery store with a budgeted list in hand, some of the prices for fresh fruit and veggies can cause one to rethink their dinner menus, kwim? So I am particularly excited to save money when I can on some of these foods. (I am easy to please. Too easy I think sometimes.)

9. Toys. I am the kind of mom who actually doesn't get bothered by toys scattered around the house. I kind of like it actually just because I know one day I will miss my 'kid and toy filled house.' {Sniff.} And so it goes I am also the kind who likes to buy toys for the kids when I can. But I need to save money, so toys must be on sale for me to buy (unless it is a special occasion or a very special toy.)

10. Socks. I think I buy socks more than anything else. Between the boys, the dogs and the hubby alone, socks are at a high risk of disappearing in our house. Not that they are the most expensive things I buy quite regularly, but hey, if I can buy a few large packages of them on sale, it can make my week! Alone it is not such a drain, but times those packages by 3 or 4 a couple of times a month.... the money spent can ding the old budget a bit!

So that is my list of ten things this mom likes and wants to save money on. There are many more, but these are probably my top ten for right now.

As a mom (or a dad,) what things do you want to save money on the most?

Home Made Facial Mask

2010-08-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Have some extra cocoa or chocolate bars laying around? Then you have the main ingredient for a facial mask! Chocolate is full of anioxidants which help prevent and repair skin cell damage. A chocolate facial can leave your face feeling soft and looking younger (and is yummy to smell while on your skin!)

To make this facial:

Melt a few squares of dark chocolate in a saucepan. Remove from heat and let cool until the chocolate is warm (not hot!) to the touch. Smooth on face and relax for about 20 minutes. Rinse and enjoy the soft glowing skin you see in the mirror.

You can add other ingredients to this basic facial as well, such as oatmeal (great for exfoliating the skin) and honey( for cleansing and opening clogged pores.) Also, you can use cocoa instead of chocolate bars-- just mix the cocoa with honey and oatmeal in a blender. Smooth the mixture on your face and rinse after 20 minutes.

Please be sure to check for any allergic reactions before applying any facial masks. Simply test the mixture on a small area of your leg or arm. If you do have any adverse reaction while mixture is on your face, rinse immediately.

A Great Way To Find Free Stuff!

2010-08-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for freebies...say a couch or desk or even a book, then there is a website you need to bookmark! EcoFreek.com will search more than 45 websites, including Craigslist, Facebook and Freecycle, for ads for you. Just type in the free item you are looking for, and pick your state and city.

EcoFreek will find the ads posted by people near you who are giving away just what you want.

Finding those free items will be quicker and easier than ever before. Happy Shopping!

A Healthy Money Saving Tip

2010-08-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

When you buy grapes, are you like me and pay a bit more for the seedless kind? Well, it may be better for our health, not to mention our grocery budget, to but the grapes with seeds.

Studies have suggested that the seeds in grapes have some health benefits that we might want to take adavantage of.

Grape seeds are full of antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, which are said to strengthen capillaries, thus helping to prevent varicose and spider veins. They also help shrink arterial walls and reduce swelling, according to studies.

One more reason to eat grapes with seeds is that the flavonols in the seeds protect cells from age-related damage and help keep skin soft and smooth.

Interesting information, I think. Who knew there could be so much good stuff in such small seeds? So the next time you are grocery shopping, you might want to consider choosing grapes with seeds instead of the more expensive seedless variety.

7 Free Things To Do This Weekend

2010-08-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

1. Walmart is having a Dora Birthday Party: Free cupcakes and Photocard! (Walmart is also giving away free samples of bakery goodies and other yummy goodes.)

2. IHOP: Kids eat free every night in August!

3. Sign up at Michael's The Knack for free offers, events and craft ideas for kids. This weekend Michael's will be having a free event at their stores called " Sentence Blocs Demo" Look for your nearest Michael's store for details, but most should be holding the event on August 14th, 10 AM to 1PM.

4. Lowe's Free Projects Clinics For Kids (This weekend is a free bug box...Aug. 28th is a school bus project) Get free goggles, aprons, sew on patch, and completion certificate--and maybe a free gift card to Wendy's!)

5. Sat. Aug 14th and Sun. Aug. 15th are Free Entrance Days at over 100 National Parks that usually charge fees to enter. There are a couple more free weekends left this year as well...check out the dates and list of parks.

6. Disney Stores are having a free event in their stores this weekend, Saturday August 14th (2 different sessions) : Make Your Own Perry The Pltamus Inaction Figure (Phineas and Ferb.)

7. Lakeshore has free crafts for kids Every Saturday Every Store from 11AM-3PM! This weekend is Make Your Own License Plate.

Save Money Dinner Recipe: Zucchini Frittata

2010-08-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is a satisfying meal that is pretty easy to prepare and is also easy on the food budget!

Zucchini Frittata

Preheat oven to 40 degrees. Combine 8 eggs with a 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper and beat until well mixed. Stir in 3/4 shredded mozzarella cheese.

Heat 2 Tbs. oil in large pan over medium heat. Add 1 lb. zucchini quartered and cut crosswise into 3/4" slices, half an onion, chopped, a clove of minced garlic, 1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning, and 1/4 tsp. salt.

Cook while stirring frequently until golden brown and tender --about 6-7 minutes.

Stir in the egg mixture and cook until edges are set, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Add slice tomatoes to top of frittata and then put skillet in preheated oven for about 10 minutes.

Sprinkle some shredded mozarella on top, then bake another 5 minutes, or until center is set.

Serves about 4 people--slice into wedges and enjoy with a tossed salad and some crusty French bread!

Friday Follow

2010-08-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

Money-Saving Kitchen Recipes For Beautiful Hair

2010-08-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

While it may be fun to go shopping and pick up the best products we can for our hair, that may not always be a budget friendly option, or a financially savvy one. So here are a couple of money-saving homemade hair care solutions that start with herbs and other ingredients from your kitchen.

Rosemary is wonderful for thinning hair. Regularly massaging the scalp with a rosemary-infused oil has been study-proven to strengthen hair follicles and promote hair growth, according to holistic aesthetician Stephanie Tourles, author of Organic Body Care Recipes.

In a small saucepan, warm 1 cup of oil (can be olive oil, castor oil, grapeseed or sweet almond) and add a few sprigs of rosemary. Let cool, then massage the oil lightly into your scalp with fingertips. Make small circles all around your scalp. This will boost circulation and help hair growth. After you have massaged in the oil, wrap your hair in a warm towel for about 15 minutes. Then shampoo and condition as normal.

You can keep the rosemary oil in the refrigerator for one week.

And if your hair is looking a bit flat, try the old Baking Soda trick! Too much oil or build-up from hair products can cause hair to look limp and lifeless. Baking Soda works wonderfully to absorb the excess oil and bring back some bonce.

Just add a few teaspoons of baking soda to shampoo (the dollop or so of shampoo in your hand that you plan to wash your hair with,) and massage into your scalp. Rinse and condition as usual. You should notice much more lift at the roots --and more bounce and fullness to your hair.

If dry frizzy hair is a problem, look no further than avocados and olive oil for help! Take an avocado and mash it up. Add about 1/4 cup of olive oil and blend until smooth and creamy. Apply the mask to your hair (dry hair) and massage it into the hair and scalp. Wrap your hair in a warm towel and put your feet up for about 20 minutes. Rinse and shampoo as usual. Do this twice a week for soft, shiny, and smooth hair.

A Little Tidbit About Saving Money

2010-08-10T13:44:00.000-07:00

I found this information to be interesting, and to make sense:

Researchers say that the real trick to successfully saving money is to focus on why we want to save money rather than on how to save. Apparently it is normal to get so caught up in different ways to save money --by cutting coupons, cooking more at home, etc.- that we forget the reasons why we are trying to save in the first place.

So what we need to be doing is asking ourselves why we want/need to save money. Is it because we want to buy a house? Or go on a vacation? Or even so we can buy that new lunchbox for our favorite little "Back-to-Schooler?"

Thinking about what's motivating our goals rather than just the steps to get us there will inspire us to try new ways of cutting back, researchers explain.

7 Ways To Save Using an Ice Cube Tray

2010-08-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

You can save money (every little bit counts after all) by freezing left-overs instead of throwing them away. Here are a few simple ideas to put those ice trays to use and save money at the same time:

1. Pour left over soup into the trays and make handy soup cubes. Easy to take out and microwave in a bowl for a little one's lunch.

2. For freezing and storing homemade baby food (just steam and puree veggies, and add water until you get to the desired consistency).

3.Freeze tomato paste so you always have some on-hand when a recipe calls for one or two tablespoons.

4. For freezing freshly chopped herbs.

5. If you are making something that only calls for egg yolks, use the ice cube trays for freezing whites to thaw out and use later.

6. Pour left-over wine into an ice cube tray to use for making sauces and soups later.

7. Avoid wasting fruit by freezing fresh lemon and lime juice or other juices to drop into iced teas or water for an added fruity twist. twist!

7 Little Ways To Save Money on Food

2010-08-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

1. Always cook more than you need--then freeze the rest. Having a meal in the freezer ready to go should help curb those urges to order a pizza or fast food on nights you just don't feel like cooking!

2. Convenience is nice, but costly! Check the prices on those tempting boil in bag rice packages. Chances are you will pay about 10 times more than if you just buy the regular old "boil it yourself" rice. Really--is that small convenience really worth the extra bucks?

3.Make your own salad dressing and save. Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard, 1 minced garlic clove and 1 cup of salad oil. Voila! Delicious salad dressing at a fraction of the cost.

4. Grow your own! Next time you buy fresh garlic, save the four inner cloves. Plant them about 1/2 inch deep. In less than six months, you’ll be in garlic city! There are many other herbs and vegetables that you can grow yourself, so check ‘em out.

5. Don’t buy water. Ever. Buy a water filter and fill your own bottles.

6. Stretch that hamburger! Adding cottage cheese to hamburger will enhance the flavor, add protein, and allow you to increase servings from four to six per pound.

7. And speaking of meat: The simple proteins found in beans are better for you and obviously much cheaper than the complex ones in meat, fish and poultry. In other words, eat less meat!

Save Money With This Saturday Shopping Deal

2010-07-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

Ready to do some early Christmas Shopping? Think about it because now is the time to find deals out there, like this one:

Check out this deal at Walmart.com today:

Walmart.com has a K'NEX Big Value tub (325 pieces) for just $10!

Normally priced at $21.88--this is a pretty good deal, I think. And if you If you select the "Site to Store" option, then you don't have to pay shipping!

How To Make Some Extra Money From Home

2010-07-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Need to make some extra money so you can save some money? Or if you need some extra income to help with living expenses, try some freelance writing on the weekends.

Here are some sites to check out that will pay for articles submitted. Read each site's terms and conditions to make sure you are comfortable with how and when they pay, rights to articles you write, etc.

1. AssociatedContent.com
2. Sheknows.com
3. Suite101.com
4. Examiner,com
5. Internet Brands
6. Demand Studios.com
7. JustAnswer.com
8. Helium.com
9. Mahalo.com
10.wisegeek.com

12 Ways To Save Money This Weekend

2010-07-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

1. Eat at home all weekend.

2. Make your own coffee at home this weekend.

3. Stay away from bookstores and magazine counters; Visit the library.

4. Make casseroles and breakfast burritos for next week's menu.

5. Do not rent any movies--visit the library!

6. Play with the kids in the backyard. Skip bowling alleys, malls, theaters, etc.
.
7. Switch to CFL lightbulbs this weekend, if you haven't already. (You can save up to $30 a month by using CFLs instead of regular light bulbs.)

8. List your books that are sitting on shelves and in attics on half.com

9. Make a Christmas List and start planning homemade gifts to make this year.

10.Drink water, not soda, this weekend.

11.Eat meatless meals this weekend.

12. Plan next week's meals and just buy the items needed for the menu.

Things To Do With Empty Cans of Soup

2010-07-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

All of these ideas start with a clean empty soup can with no jagged edges. For some you may want to peel off the labels, others you might just leave the labels on!

1.. Having a picnic? Use empty Campbells soup cans as utensil holders for plastic forks and spoons on the picnic tables. (leave labels on ..adds a colorful unique touch!)

2.. Make a Halloween Decoration. Cover a soup can in black construction paper or fabric. Add some cut out eyes. For wings, color a paper plate black, Cut the plate in half. For each half, cut scalloped edges along one side, then glue "wings" to the side of the "bat can."

And a few more easy ways to recycle empty soup cans:

3. Use a nail and hammer to poke hole sin the bottom of sop cans and use as herb planters. Place a plastic lid under can to prevent rust stains.
4. Make Candlesticks (great tutorial from "Me Making Do")
5. Make a Flower-Shaped Cookie Cutter.
6. Make a Hanukkah Gift out of a soup can.
7. Make a Christmas Luminary out of a soup can : First, wash the can thoroughly and fill with water. Put the can in the freezer until water is frozen, This will keep the can from denting when you are hammering on the sides of it. Using a hammer and nail(s), hammer Christmas themed words or designs into the sides of the cans (labels removed.) Then place a votive candle inside, and light up dark rooms with glowing festive walls.
8. Cover empty soup cans with extra wallpaper, shelf paper, fabric, etc... and use for storage for so many different things!

Making Extra Money So You Can Save Money

2010-07-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

For all of us that would love to save money every month, but rarely have any money left to save--here is another possible resource to check out.

Make lists.

Ok...I'll give you more info (since you are twisting my arm...am I right?)

There is a website, toptenz.net to be exact, that will pay $25 for original witty top ten lists. They do have a few caveats you need to follow:

1.Your list must have 10 items.
2. Spell check and then spell check again.
3. Format your list with descending numbers (10 to 1, with 1 being the highest rank).
4. Introduction: all lists should have an introduction.
5. Consistency: consistent heading names, consistent measurements (i.e. All empirical, not mixed up with metric), etc.
6. Context: each item should answer who, what, where, when (where appropriate).
7. Clarity: sentences should make sense, please proof and then proof again.
8. Content: A) PG-13 rated B) accurate: unless it’s an opinion – content should be backed up (if research was required it should mention the source). Length: at least 1000 – 1500 words (just a loose guideline – some lists are shorter and that’s fine – it depends on topic).
9. Be original, we don’t publish lists from other sites.
10. Be bizarre; the more odd the list is, the better.

Check out their website, at www.toptenz.net. Then get busy thinking of some unique top ten lists that can make you some extra money! To apply, send emails to admin@toptenz.net (include writing samples.)