Monday, December 31, 2007

Get your new year started off right with Method products!

Method Cleaning Products can be found at Target Stores! I love Target and we LOVE Method products! We gave them as Christmas Gifts, along with a reusable grocery bag and clothespins for fun and eco-friendliness (sp? word?)! :-)

I just finished looking over Method's website and it is not only great eco-friendly ("green") products and Inexpensive to boot, but also great products AND fun to read about the products? Don't believe me? I guess you have to go read about some products for yourself! :-)

I want to get their mops for wood floors and regular floors! They have kits for $30 with the mop, cleaners, etc... in it. I want it!

Method Home

P.S. I didn't know Method even had a site until I visited Building Green TV's blog, which I have now added to my blog roll for easy access for myself and my readers! Enjoy! Have a GREEN '08!

Happy New Year's Eve! Are you ready?

Happy New Year's EVE! LAST DAY OF THE YEAR!!!

Don't forget if you want to get tax benefits from nearly anything: Donations (monetary or items), Additional House Payment, Payment on Medical Bills, etc.... You need to have it in today before Midnight for Most. You should check with each company to see if you will benefit in '07 or '08. Either is worthwhile of course; however, would be nice to get in on it in '07!

For my New Year, I like to start off with cleaned up paper work. I have cleaned out my handbag, cash book (where I balance everything and seemingly stuff everything), and my calendar with all important dates and bills, etc... I have also put away some receipts that I had (shame on me) left lying around. I know, not smart. But you know, by the end of the year and right after Christmas...you are like WOW>>>WHAT NOW? LOL

Have a safe and Happy New Year!

Friday, December 28, 2007

Excited about an Energy Saving Purchase!

Yesterday I used a gift card I received for Christmas to purchase a $37.00 oscillating heater from Walmart! I love it! It uses only 900watts/hr to run and easy to tote into whatever room we are in! Electric, no oil, etc... You can use up to 1.5kw / hr and use the high mode which so far hasn't been necessary. The use of this allows us to keep the house temperature lower on the heating. We can only be in one room at a time anyhow.

Now after this exciting purchase, I am really wanting one of those nice looking "vent free electric" fireplaces for our bonus room. It would be so nice looking and definitely be a help in that room. Our bonus is above the garage, and if anyone has the same set up...you know what I am talking about, it just seems impossible to heat that room with the regular heating system. So this is a great solution, at least it seems like it.

If anyone has had the above problem with their bonus room/bedroom, etc...above a garage...do share what you have done to heat it or cut down on turning up the thermostat to be in that room during the winter. Currently we just shut the door and don't use the room all that much in the winter or especially cold days. There are 5 vents in that room even. I just gave up on it, til I found out about electric (non-oil) heaters.

Happy Almost New Year Everyone!

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Tax Tip: Donations....few days left!

Just a Tax Tip Reminder on Donations:

You have a few days left to get your donations in to your nearest donation center! Don't forget to be DETAILED on your slip for your tax deductions. Tell EACH item and condition. Some donation centers have a check box for you to check that says something like: I verify all items are in very good (good, etc...) condition! On your taxes (well according to ours last year); in order to get the deduction, it has to be in AT Least Good Condition: No Fair Conditions or lower! Just some friendly tax reminders!

I love doing our own taxes, I like to use Turbo Tax! Everyone should use what he/she is most comfortable and confident with! Save money and do your own! Not hard if you read and follow directions with great taxing programs online and bought software in stores!

Happy Tax Season!

Monday, December 24, 2007

Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to wish everyone out there in the blogging world a "Merry Christmas!"

It is Christmas Eve; however, I am preparing to go to my Mom's house soon and will not be next to a computer til tomorrow evening.

Merry Christmas!
Have a safe and Thrifty Christmas!
Or maybe not so thrifty! :-)
~Thrifty and Creative~

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Awarded a "Poshie" from PoshMama.com

Thank you PoshMama.com for this award!

The PoshMama.com "Poshie" is awarded based on the following criteria:

The Poshies are awarded to Outstanding Posh Mamas who:
1. Have had a Positive Impact on our community.
2. Greet New Posh Mamas and help them get comfortable.
3. Help other Posh Mamas promote their businesses or other interests.
4. Have received praise from other Posh Mamas for their kindness and helpfulness.
5. Referred their Posh Mama friends to join us.

Thank you once again for this recognition! Posh Mama is a fun social network, that I recommend to all "Mamas" out there!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to come!

Friday, December 21, 2007

Creative ways to give Gift Cards and CASH!

Can you believe it!? Friday? Not to mention ONLY 4 days til Christmas! Whoa!

I hope this post greets all my fellow "thrifties" with completed shopping lists! If not, I always like to get gift cards and allow my receivers to enjoy buying their own gift with the AFTER Christmas SALES! You are helping others to maximize your gift with a gift card for the after Holiday sales! Just think of it that way!

Couple ideas for giving CASH in a "less-boring" way:

Here is a couple of ways I have seen cash given, in a way it was exciting!

1) Whatever the amount, go to the bank and get it in ones!!! One year, my sister's secret santa in the family gave her $50 in ONES, and put in a large box with crumpled up shreds of newspaper! On the box, the label said: "CAREFUL SMALL PARTS!" All the family watched to see what the gift was in all that paper! LOL Then, we all got it, as she pulled out one crumpled dollar bill after another!

2) My mother, one year, gave my father-in-law money and again in ONES and filled up a little Christmas tree with the ones as "ornaments!" Had to stare at it to figure out it was money on the tree! She gave a "Money Tree!" Sometimes money does come on trees, still not growing on them! LOL

For gift cards and gift certificates:

One year I bought my Mom an Aigner Credit Card Holder, and filled it up with $20 gift cards for many things, from grocery store to the movies, to a manicure! Loads of fun in a wallet!

Merry Christmas to all and Happy Holidays!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Quick Tip...

Hey there! I am once again posting an apology for not updating more often lately. For almost a month now I have been suffering from a severe case of mouth ulcers. Very painful...you don't feel like doing much of anything. I have basically, and still am, been in "survival mode" to just "make it through the day!" I am counting down the days til I am out for Christmas Break! 3 more days! Yippie! I can only pray that my mouth is fully healed by Christmas! That is all I want for Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas to all my readers and all the ones that stumble upon Thrifty and Creative!

Quick Tip: You have heard it before, but it is a friendly reminder: You can use your old Christmas and Holiday Cards as "Gift Tags!" Just use the decorative side that doesn't have a personal message written on the back. Cut down and fold in half! Great looking little gift tag and it is Recycling too!

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Wordless Wednesday: Nanny's House!

Fun at Nanny's House!
He loves Nanny's blue car!
He, of course, LOVES Nanny too!
Just a couple more weeks, and back to Nanny's for Christmas!

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Slowly but surely.

Yep, slowly but surely recovering from the mouth ulcers. I hope to regain motivation, etc...within the next few days. I wanted to post an update and didn't want anyone to think I am not blogging anymore. Mouth ulcers, yes prevent you from talking, eating, etc...; however, this recent case, were so painful, I just didn't want to do ANYTHING, including blogging. I am finally starting to see some actual improvement. Whew, right in time for the Holidays. I missed a week of Christmas Shopping due to these things too. Boooooo! LOL

Anywho, I am working on one of Potato Bead Necklaces that I blogged about in an earlier post. I will be posting pictures of the adventure.

Hopefully sooner than later!

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Thrifty Lesson aka: Thrifty Shame on Me!

Yes, that is titled correctly! Shame on ME, I learned a Thrifty Lesson!!!!

You are going to say to yourself, well DUH, I knew that! But apparently I need to learn some lessons in Thrift the hard way!

This past week (and currently even) I have been plagued with a mouth full of "stress-ulcers" (according to the doctor). They have a fancier name that starts with an "a" but forget me remembering that. All I can recall is the severe pain of the mouth ulcers and having to spend a co-pay of $50 at the Urgent Care, as I have not yet signed on for a regular family physician for myself! I have one for my son and husband, but not me! I do have my regular dentist and a wonderful OB-GYN Dr; however, failed to get myself a regular family doctor. I guess you can read between the lines and figure out what my lesson was/is. I could have received a better prescription, care and lower co-pay (only $20 rather than $50) with a family doctor, if I had one. My next task is going to be finding me a family doctor, so this doesn't happen again. The doctor prescribed me with the "magic mouth rinse," in which I did not want, because I knew it was going to prolong the recovery and not as effective on me. I have had this same thing five years ago, and the doc at that time gave me a prednisone (sp?) and cleared it up within nearly 24 hours! Whew! Relief...It has been almost 5 days since I went to the doctor and still don't have that relief. I am hoping to feel better in a few days. I can tell it is starting to clear a little, but major pain is still being dealt with. I hate mouth ulcers!!!!!

Okay, I will try to be more positive in my next post. This is what I have dealt with for a week now, I am ready to get better and smile, laugh, talk and eat!

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Thrifty Tip Thursday! Coupon sites!

I wanted to find some interesting Coupon sites to direct you all to that I found to be interesting. I found two I had not seen before. One is a "mom" type of site that has an area in the top left devoted to tons and tons of coupons (of all kinds, stores, online, and not!):
This one is called Moms View

And then I found another for strictly online shopping but the entire site is loaded with coupons for nearly any store or item you can imagine! This site is called Only Coupons!

2/21/08: I would like to add another coupon site that is quite impressive from one of our visitors here to Thrifty and Creative:
Rather Be Shopping

Check them out...let me know if you know of another coupon site that I should let others know about!

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Wordless Wednesday: Son and Grandpa!

Hanging out with Romanian Grandpa! "Ta Taia!"
Uncertain of my Romanian Spelling! (pronounced "ta-taiya")

Monday, December 3, 2007

Thrifty Celebrations!

I have two "Thrifty Celebrations" to share with you all!

#1) I am excited to share that my new sitter for my son (he started today) went very very well! I am so excited he is staying with this new sitter. She is awesome! My son took right to her and the other two kids and when I picked him up, he wasn't yet ready to go! That is a fantastic sign! He loved the Child Care Center too; however, was always ready to go when I got there! This is a "Thrifty Celebration" because as I mentioned in an earlier post, it is pay by the day, not the week and it is less expensive even if I had to pay for the entire week. It is a huge blessing!
You can read my original post here about this: Thrifty Hooray

#2) Not as big as the first; however, still a celebration "Thrifty Style!" I received my first "FREE SAMPLE" from walmart.com. I also had blogged earlier about the coupons you can find on Walmart.com under "In Stores Now!"
Read this post again at: Thrifty Tip Thursday: Free Samples!

Have a wonderful rest of your Monday!

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Storm Door: Great addition for heating and cooling savings!

This is my newest suggestion on saving money on your electric bill (however, can not speak from personal experience but from a neighbors!)

This is something I really want and wanted before talking to the neighbors; however, didn't realize the great effect it can have on heating and cooling!

*Get Storm Door for your doors. (We do not have one on the front of the house and you can feel a tiny draft in the bottom corner)...our back door has one already but not the front when we bought this house a little over a year ago. Our friends/neighbors down the street didn't have one either but just bought a storm door recently (nice thick pretty glass one on the front) and said that their house felt like it was getting 80 degrees due to having the storm door...simply put...no heat escaping and no tiny little drafts coming through a crack around the door anywhere!

Summer time..these doors also insulate (keep them closed off with your other door as you don't want a "green house" effect in the summer..yikes). On the flip side in the winter: you could during peak sun hours (brightest and hottest) leave the other door open using only your all thick glassed storm door allowing the "green house" effect to take place and then shut off when the sun is no longer shining through.

The storm door is in addition to all the other items you can do to winterize your home. There are many other suggestions (that we personally do or know someone that does) throughout this blog! Take time to surf here!

Have a Happy Holidays!

Friday, November 30, 2007

Cool Creative Thrifty Craft Find!

This is truly "thrifty and creative!"

I found this great project on Thrifty Fun!

It is directions on how to make a necklace out of POTATOES! A Potato BEAD necklace! Very easy and sounds like great fun! I am going to try this with my students! They love to make jewelry....hey, handmade gift from students to their mommies for the Holidays! Yeah! I am going to do this! You can paint them and everything when they are dry!

Here is the link:

Potato Bead Necklace

Haiku Friday!

Haiku FRIDAY!
"Days of the Week"
Friday is super
Saturday is much better
Monday whatever


Haiku Friday

P.S. Apologies to my readers! I have had a busy busy week this week and have been exhausted each day when I get home. The result of this is lack of Thrifty Tips...sooo sorry! I will work hard this weekend to get some Thriftiness going!

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Wordless Wednesday

Still Walking, No Running Yet!

Before he could run! :-)
My son when he was not yet One.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Give the Gift of GREEN: Not $$$ kind: Monday Mommy Tip

Yep, that is what I said! Give the Gift of "GREEN!" I guess I should actually say: "Give a GREEN Gift!"

Here is a great idea (well I think so of course, because I am going to actually do this for a couple people or more and have already started these gifts):

Start by getting a Reusable Grocery Bag (Lowes Foods has them in green for $.99)...this is your GIFT BAG! :-)

Fill your bag with some or all of the following items, depending on your budget for that person(s):

  • Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (the spiral bulbs you should be seeing everywhere!)
  • Method Brand Cleaning Products (found at Target: Not tested on Animals, non-toxic, earth friendly, recyclable and minimal packaging...you may know a better brand? Share! This brand is very cost-friendly and works well!)
  • Clothes Pins
  • Retractable Clothes Line
  • Organic Chips or other foods that are Organic
  • Another Reusable Grocery bag tucked in the "gift bag"
  • Recycled Paper Products
  • Solar Energy Magazine (to really advocate)
  • Use your imagination!
  • Got anything to add...I am working on my gifts, would love to "hear" your ideas! Isn't it fun and useful?

Happy Monday and have a Great Week!


Sunday, November 25, 2007

Make your own Pet food and other items! Cool site find: ThriftyFun!

I just stumbled upon this great "Thrifty" site!

Thrifty Fun


I found it when surfing Pet Food sites (don't ask why...sometimes I just surf! Don't we all? Isn't that how you found me?) :-)

Here is the link for the Make your own Pet food and Other items on Thrify Fun!


I just love accidentally finding great sites like this! I use them as well! I would love to make my pet toy poodle some treats! She would love it! Doesn't all pets secretly love being spoiled? :-) I always say (like my Mother does) "Pets are People too!"


P.S. Thrifty Fun has a place to Ask Questions! The site gives tips on many things people are wondering about, as well as, fun Thrifty Craft ideas! I was like wow! Where was that Turkey idea weeks ago? At least I know where to look for Christmas and other Holidays of the Season ideas for my classes and son!

One other cool thing I found on Thrifty Fun I wanted to point out is very cool "Photo Ideas!" When you just can't think of another creative picture...they have some things for you to try! Sooo neat and useful!

30 Days Til Christmas!

Alrighty everyone!

Now it is time to do some serious shopping! If you didn't start early, then at least start now so you can buy your gifts with ease and not wait to the very last minute and stress yourself out. It is far more fun to take your time and Enjoy the gift-buying.

I know I went out Friday (Yes, Black Friday) and got a lot of my Christmas List knocked out! Only a few more to go and I can do this stress-free...well...at least I hope so!

Happy Sunday Everyone!

And of course:
Happy Holidays!
30 Days Til Christmas!

Get stress-free and start now, if you haven't already!

Friday, November 23, 2007

Black Friday Shopping!

Now, I do NOT get out at 4am (not against it, just can't force myself and two year old out of bed), but I still like to go out when it is a bit quieter and "see what is left" that is still a sale!

Today I got a ton of great gifts...it is just too sad I can't tell you about all of them because my friends and family might just read this!

I will tell you where I went however:

Michael's (Love this store, had a great $10 off of any $40 purchase...sale items included!): This was my best store today oddly enough!

Target (Got many items here as well! We even got to watch a thief flee on foot from a cop...not to worry no one was hurt and he was caught! He ran right passed us as we were walking in and through the parking lot!)

Dollar Tree (Got some great decorating items and a few this and that items for stockings.)

Best Buy (Didn't get what I was looking for...sold out!)

Japanese Restaurant (Tasty Meal, we all enjoyed)

Linens N' Things (No gifts here, but found these volcanic rocks or something that supposedly removes odors from the air...figured...give it a shot for $9! Gift for me!)

I think that was everywhere, well there might be another store or two that can't be mentioned due to folks reading this may figure out their gifts!

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Wordless Wednesday

An Old Favorite Photo! My son wasn't even One yet!
Now Phoebe (pet toy poodle) is the smallest again!



Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Christmas Giveaway Contests: 5 Minutes for Mom

What is thriftier (word?) than winning something for FREE? Now, you can argue, well...I MAY not win! True! But what do you have to lose other than a few minutes of your time for some comments and a link or so! Costs you Nothing! Now that is MY price range for possibly winning something for free! Hey, if I win any of their great prizes...they will definitely become great gifts and save me money in the end! Or, the prizes could be an ADD on gift to make your current gift Even Better!

Okay, you say: "Enough Melanie...tell us how to get there!" Request Granted:

Here it is:


Christmas Giveaway 2007 Sweepstakes

HURRY UP! You have FIVE (5) days left to enter!

Let me know if you win!

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

Happy Holidays!!!!

Monday, November 19, 2007

Monday Mommy Tip: Winter Heating Tip!

While surfing for ways to save money on our heating (electric) bill, I found a very cool site/pdf document online with 100 ways to save energy!

My Monday Mommy Tip that I took from this site/pdf that I will be using is about using a humidifier in order to "trick" the body into thinking it is a degree or so warmer. The reason this works (according to the site) is the fact that in the Winter there is no humidity and that is a "disadvantage" to the body as your body needs more heat which causes us to turn up the thermostat. With this tip in mind, we will be using a humidfier at night, and we can all breath better as well!

What will you take away from this site/pdf document?

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Thrifty Hooray!

Hooray!

Before I give the Hooray, I want to say my son's Child Care Center has been wonderful and I do love it there; however, as most of you would know...Centers are expensive! This was is a great; however, we just haven't dug enough out of debt to be able to afford such a place...it has been quite the struggle the past couple of months. I love the fact they give a daily sheet, do Art, Circle time among Many Many other cool things every day not to mention they are 50 seconds from my house! Very cool!

Now for the Hooray! I wanted this one lady to watch my son for a Very long time because if someone has to watch your kids, she is simply fabulous and Thrifty Minded herself with four kids (All in school except one who is 3, near my son's age he is almost 2 1/2)! She only charges by the DAY and will hold my spot over the summer without charging me. My summer months are the time I get to be a SAHM (it isn't all year long but it is something and I am glad to have those two months with my son). Even better, keep my son and my money! :-) Double Hooray!
I called this lady over two months ago and told her that if she ever got a spot, I wanted it but would have to put a two weeks notice into the center. She and the Center has been awesome! My son will start going to the lady December 3rd. Very excited and so is her son to have another little boy around. She also keeps one other toddler (10 1/2 months, girl) that is another teacher's child. She will even bring the kids to any school events as one of her children goes to our school. It is a great set up for a teacher and cost-effective. She deserves more money, but this is what she charges and the way she does. Very nice lady! Her children all have very high IQs as well. She believes in reading and teaching early, etc...

I am just so happy, this is the best gift I could ask for this Holiday Season!
The savings are sure to be in our favor and help us with things we need to do around the house, and help out family members!

Friday, November 16, 2007

Survive the Holidays with "Holiday Season Kick Off!"

Marie Ynami of Mommy Community and many other great well-known "mommy sites and businesses" has just launched a new site dedicated to the Holiday Season! The site is titled appropriately "Holiday Season Kick Off!"

You have to bookmark this site to visit during the Kick Off which is a huge two day event starting November 19th and will run through November 20th!

Get a ton of information to get you through the Holiday Season....Examples are:
Interviews about...
  • Saving money on your Holiday Grocery Shopping
  • Homemade Gifts for the Holidays
  • How to Boost your Direct Sales Business for the Holidays
  • How to save money shopping online for Holiday presents
  • How to capture your Holiday Memories using Photos and Videos
  • an Interview with ME (Melanie) about How to Have a Thrifty Holiday Season
  • and so much more! Bookmark today and come back in a few days when all the interviews are live according to the hourly schedule!

How exciting! Check it out! Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

Haiku Friday! Yay!

Haiku Friday

I love Haiku day
Something to look forward to
Yay! Haiku Friday

Thanksgiving is near
Wake up! Black Friday is here!
Registers ringing

shopping continued
be debt-free this Holiday
use no credit cards

My Haikus this week are first about Haikus and the others are about shopping! What better Friday, than the Friday before THE Biggest Shopping Friday Ever each year: Black Friday!
Get a Good Night's rest...it is nearing! Have a great weekend everyone!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Thrifty Tip Thursday: Thrifty Thinking!

A bunch of "T's" in this Title!

Thursday's Thrifty Tip:

Take care of what you have. Don't be quick to replace things, as this can become costly and wasteful. Example: Instead of tossing out an old table in a hurry to replace...repaint it and use it outside or in a kid's room, bonus room, garage, craft room, etc... (Different sized tables for different type rooms or uses of course.) I am not talking just about tables here...think of nearly anything that you want to "replace" because you want something new. Think...is it necessary for me to replace at this time? Is there a bill that needs to be paid, or activity I want to do that I could use the money for instead of purchasing something I already have? Just some thrifty thinking for you all.

I experienced this when I first got married years ago to my husband. He wanted to "throw away" a "TRASH" container! I was like...why? He didn't like the color (white) he wanted a fancy silver one. I said...well...I would rather buy something we don't already have (At the time that was a LOT of things...newly married and all and he from Romania). Guess what? We still have that same white trash container and he loves all the things we have bought in between and now thinks like I do. Sometimes he out-thrifty thinks me. :-) He likes to make, repair and build things. This is money saver for sure. DIYing! (DIY-Do It Yourself) We save a lot DIYing, thanks to my husband being a go-getter when it comes to wanting to learn how to do things. He has installed irrigation, built raised garden beds, sandbox, working on a swing for my son (still buying piece by piece), and he has even added an extra outlet box (In our old house) out to a pond he built. Friends and Family are always blown away by what he has done and continues to do. Hard worker...he says he can't sit still...geez, I believe it. He has painted nearly every room in our new house, installed knobs on the kitchen cabinets...I could keep going. My point, other than my husband is awesome, DIYing can also save you some money. There have been instances where it didn't but for the most part it does because you can spread out your spending. A piece of wood here, mulch there, plants, etc...one at a time, when you are done...whamoo...

Challenge yourself not to toss out items before needed and try to DIY here and there! Happy Thursday! Tomorrow FRIDAY! Yippie!!!

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Save $ Money $ and the Environment! SWAP!

Yep, that is right! You can Swap items on the internet for items you really want by "swapping" what you don't want, or tired of.

Swap Tree is an awesome site where you can Swap Books, Music CDs, DVDs, and Video Games! All of these items have either an ISBN or UPC code. This way you just type that code in for what you "have" to swap and the site does the rest...listing what item it is that you have (hardback/paper or widescreen/fullscreen). The site is set up to "search" for a partner to swap with looking for what you have and you have what they want. You should go to Swap Tree to check out the details and have any of your questions answered. It is really not a complicated site whatsoever and apparently they have Thousands of items ready to be swapped!

This will save you money because you get what you are looking for and for free at that! Also, you are being environmentally conscience as you are not tossing what you don't want into the trash! Good for you! Now sign up and swap! I know I am going to search for items the first chance I get!

I found this site on Green-Talk.com (I love this site too!).

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Unique Gift for My Mom: found on Ebay! You have to read!

It was several months ago, but I must blog about this because there may be someone out there that would love to do something very unique and heart-felt for their parents, grandparents or loved ones in general! Now, this can be thrifty, can be expensive, and it can be possible NOT to find! Just wanted to add those fair warnings before going further!

Years ago, I remember thinking, I sure do hope one day I stumble upon my Mom a yearbook. Reason: growing up she was one of ten children in her family. This translates into...not so many yearbooks IF any for each. My Mom in all her years, Elementary-High School only ever got ONE yearbook (her Senior book)! She treasures that book as it was her only one. Well, I had stumbled upon other people's yearbooks over the most recent years on Ebay and then began more actively searching for one of Mom's! I thought, hmmmm...Maybe? No luck...took several years (not so active then) and then one day at Mom's house on a normal visit..I was bragging about the fact that Ebay has just any and everything you can think of. And to prove it...I said...Look I will type in the name of your high school and see what comes up. This was also my High School so really many things could have popped up. Well a yearbook from the 50's popped up. I was like..."Mom, are you in that one?" She said I am not sure. So I emailed the seller (who lives where Mom does, not far) to ask him if she was in it. He said Yes! (I had told him her name to look for and grade according to what Mom remembered.) He wrote back and said he had some other books that she might be in as well as he bought all of them from one Estate! Sure enough...I ended up buying NINE (9) books with her in 8 of the 9. Her deceased sister was in the one she wasn't sure of..but how awesome is that, she found out her sister was on the Homecoming court. So that book will be equally treasured! He later found her SENIOR book for me and I bought that one too! Why? Because her only book was cut up, etc...over the years by younger siblings!

Isn't that great? Now, maybe that will inspire someone out there to take a search through Ebay for something Truly amazing and memorable for that REALLY Special someone! I know my Mom was without words, and if you knew my Mom...you wouldn't think it possible! :-)

Creative Gift Idea: Shop the Alzheimer's Foundation eStore

Before I tell you about the Alzheimer's Foundation eStore, let me remind you what Alzheimer's is and what the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is all about.

What is Alzheimer's? Click the following for the Definition, Warning Signs and Diagnosis

What is AFA? Here is the Mission Statement of AFA:

"To provide optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families—through member organizations dedicated to improving quality of life."

AFA stresses that while they seek a cure and it is so important to do so they agree...they also want everyone to recognize there must be quality care for those who suffer from the disease as well (they have a great DVD Training Program in the eStore). You should know that during the holiday season, this is a great time to give a donation or simply shop their awesome eStore for a fabulous holiday gift! Give a gift that can make someone's day and make someone else's life!



When you shop the Alzheimer's Foundation eStore you are purchasing TWO things which is a "deal" if you asked me!

#1 You are buying a creative/unique gift for someone.
#2 You are helping the Alzheimer's Foundation with your kind and thoughtful purchase.

Now, you are wondering...well, what can I buy from a Foundation eStore exactly? Great question...here is my answer:

Quite a few things that are very nice and stylish as well!

*They have Sterling Silver Necklaces, Bracelets (with leather band) and Lapel Pins! All with the "Heart of Care" pendant on them. Price Range: $21.95-$39.95

*You will also find items with the AFA "Quilty to Remember" logo in their Quilt Store! From keychains to teddy bears, shirts, and calendars; Ranging in price from: $2.00-$14.00

*Also, you will find a very useful DVD that explains the Alzheimer's Disease, Personal Care Principles, Management of Behavior and Safe Home Care. A great product to educate people on Alzheimer's. The price is $34.95 for this DVD Training Program. This product is so important in ensuring safe care for those with this disease.

These prices are quite the deal and so unique for that special person on your Christmas List! All the proceeds go to benefit the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA). What a great gift, stocking stuffer and Cause most importantly!

Have a wonderful Holiday Season and Happy Shopping!


Saturday, November 10, 2007

Great tip for getting pet odors out of Carpet!!!

I took my son to his child care center one morning and was telling them of my frusteration with our toy poodle making some "mistakes" if you will. I am glad I did because one of the teachers piped up and said "I used work with carpet cleaning, I will tell you how to get the odor out!!" The other teacher and myself were "all ears!"

This is great, we did it and it WORKS!!!!

1-get a towel (wet it, wring it out til it is not dripping)....
2-microwave it and get it HOT (like 4-5 minutes...stay with it to be on the safe side)...
3-get something to pick up the towel not to burn yourself...
4-lay the towel over the odor (you aren't trying to soak up anything, just laying it over the odor)...
5-the heat from the towel draws the odor into the towel!

It really works. She also was getting ready to tell us how to remove pet stains; however, I had to go, running late for work that morning! LOL I will find out and inform you all, if interested!

Have a great Saturday!

Friday, November 9, 2007

Haiku Friday First!

This is my first time participating in "Haiku Friday!"

I found this on A Mommy Story and wanted to also participate and see if this is something I want to participate in weekly.

I became particularly interested because oddly enough...about the time I found this, I was finishing up a lesson on "Haikus" with my Third Grade students. We made an abstract painting and they had to write a Haiku on their finished masterpieces to connect poetry with Art!

Now I am into the Haikus myself...here is my participating Poem for this Friday (although a bit past midnight on Friday...well..now into Monday...forgive me!)


stressful day is done
weekend is certainly here
shopping time is here




Haiku Friday

Join us in Haiku Friday!

It is fun and relaxing! And, no better day: FRIDAY!

Friday Faves: Favorite Candle Scent!

Friday Faves with Mommy Community:

This week the "fave" is your Favorite Candle Scent!

Mine is Brown Sugar & Fig from Bath and Body Works!

I also like an apple scent as well!

Now, your turn! What is your favorite Candle Scent?

Happy Friday!

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Love Unique Gifts? Try a NY CityPass!

If you are like me...I LOVE giving Unique gifts that are Affordable!

A New York CityPass may be the answer to your gift-giving needs. It is a booklet loaded with Tickets to Fabulous NY Attractions! (Check out the list of attractions below) The lucky recipient just takes out the ticket to the "attraction" they want to attend and they can bypass long lines, not to mention save a ton of money thanks to your thoughtfulness. Not to mention, you save money buying the booklet as the regular price with all the tickets bought separately would be a whopping $130! You pay ONLY $65 for adult booklets and $49 for children.

What a deal!? Man, you should just buy one for yourself also! Save yourself money as well! Act fast, the booklets are available as a Winter Special from December 15th to March 15th. The recipient can start using the tickets December 15th to March 15th.

Here is a list of the Attraction Tickets you will find in your New York CityPass booklet:
*The Metropolitan Museum of Art
*The NEW Greek and Roman Galleries
*Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
*Guggenheim Museum
*The American Museum of Natural History
*Trip to the Top of the Empire State Building Observatory
*Tour of the Manhattan skyline from the water aboard a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise

Also located in your booklet you will have a map with public transportation information. They even include "insider tips" on the "best time" to visit the attractions that are in the booklet.

Now, I don't know about you, but I know this is a GREAT gift for any of your New York friends or anyone you know that is going to be traveling that area between December 15th through March 15th!

I love Art Museums and this is chocked full of Art Museums. As an Art Teacher and lover of the Arts, this gift "makes my mouth water!" If you know anyone like me, then this gift is for them! Also, I can't express enough, what a deal at just $65.00! Wow-wee!

I should also mention that CityPass is offering overnight delivery options and inexpensive gift wrapping for your gift along with a personalized gift card. This is a nice bonus to top off your great gift and wonderful savings.

New York CityPass




Thrifty Tip Thursday! FREE SAMPLES!

Yep! FREE Samples folks! Kick back, relax and let the free samples "roll in" your mailbox!

I have a friend on Posh Mama (a Mom Social Network) in my Thrifty and Creative "Group" and she shared the information I am giving you in this post:

She said that you can go to WalMart.com ... click on "In Stores Now" and find different samples on a regular basis. I checked several times myself and there is always SOMETHING there! She also said she can gather enough samples for items like toothpaste, deoderant and other regular products that your rarely have to go out and buy some yourself. Stick with the great samples! Keep a check regularly and bingo!

I thanked her for this awesome tip, I wish I had a blog or something to send you to for her; however, currently she doesn't have one. When she gets a site or blog rolling, I will definitely introduce her to you all!

Meanwhile, go grab some samples! I know I will!

Monday, November 5, 2007

Great GREEN Site by NBC! Very Cool!

I am currently watching "Chuck" and will be "Heroes!" This is my Monday Night line-up as usual! While watching the show "Chuck" just now, a "tip" on how to be "Green" just popped up and beside it was a website! You KNOW I had to check it out! GREEN IS UNIVERSAL

Check it out for Tips on being Green and what the Network NBC and its other affiliates are doing to be "Green!" Apparently it is "Green Week" on NBC!

I am with it! Going to go check out the site more thoroughly for tips I can use myself! Have a "Green" Week!

One more time: Green Is Universal

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Baby $$ Money $$ Saving Tips

It has been a while since my little one was a baby it seems. He is two years and four months almost now. He seems like a little boy now, not even a toddler anymore. :-( But they have to grow up sometime! He is a wonderful little boy! Okay, sorry didn't mean to get all sappy, but I just love my son, he is the greatest!

Now on with the Baby Saving Tips that I can remember (Time flies that fast!):

*Take anything anyone gives you in their effort to help out! It is first of all a nice gesture on that person's part...don't offend. Second, you may need it and don't realize it yet, but you will! If all else fails, donate to a thrift store, etc...get a tax write-off or to another mother, or save it for a yard sale, etc... I just hung on to everything nearly until I was sure of what I didn't use then redirected to others that were having children and still!

*Make sure your Baby Registry isn't a bunch of junk you really don't need! I personally don't think you need to ask for clothes or outfits as most will give you that anyway! Ask for useful items...strollers, car seats, diapers, etc...things you really need! I personally again wouldn't ask for any kind of toy! People will give you that also without a registry. Trust me, babies and toddlers, all the world is a toy! No need to spend boucoups on that large plastic stuff unless you just have the money for it!

*Start buying diapers early (when you are in the so-called "safety zone, after three months")! CVS Pharmacy has great deals every now and then running a special buy one get one free of their brand. They are nice, stretchy. I bought good ones also, those were for night and going out! Trust me, you can't buy enough diapers! My husband thought I was, and boy did he learn FAST! LOL He thought you only changed a baby ONCE a day! And he was serious! I was like, no no no...like 10-15 times a day to start with! He was like "Geez, lets get more diapers!" LOL

*Breastfeed! It's best for baby, saves $$ on formula, and DOCTOR Bills!!! How about that!? It is medicine for the baby! For more information check out: La Leche League International I frequented this site before I had my son and while he was a baby! Very informative! I was more of a EP mom I believe is what it was called. (You can visit the site and find out what that means!)

*Use non-disposable diapers! Now you knew I was going to say that one; however, you didn't know I was going to say...didn't do this! My husband and I know it is best for environment; however, we don't have the stomach for it! I DO highly recommend it if you can do it! Save money and help the Environment and guaranteed your baby will be more comfortable!

Okay, in order to not write too much here and bore you to death...I will write a part two on baby saving tips coming soon! I was inspired to do this for my sister whom is pregnant! I will be an AUNT for the first time! Pretty exciting!

Outlet Smarts! Save on your electric bill!

Now, what I am getting ready to "blog" about here isn't going to save you tons and tons of money; however, if you add up all the electric savings tips from here and other sources, trust me, it will make a difference. If nothing else, feel good you are helping the environment.

So on with the "Outlet Smarts!"

I have heard a couple of tidbits that might be of interest to you frugal folks out there...I know I found it interesting:

*Cover your outlets with the childproofing covers! Apparently air gets in through them. This is most noticeable in the winter. I was amazed by the "breeze" coming through the tiny spaces. Also, if you have animals or children, you are probably and should already be doing this! Pick up a box at your local Target or Walmart for like $1-$2!

*I saw on an episode of Ellen (over the summer)and heard from my Mother...that you can save money on your electric bill just by UNplugging appliances, etc..when not in use. EVEN if the item is OFF, it is STILL on Standby "Ready" to be turned on, which is actually taking power to do this!!! I was like...hmmm...makes sense to me. On the Ellen show they particularly pointed out the fact the little lights and led time are always on and do take power! Aha-AAA! Something we KNOW but don't necessarily concern ourselves with!

So here is a couple of "Outlet Smarts!" Have any to add? Drop them in the Comment Jar! Thanks for visiting! Have a wonderful upcoming week! Don't forget to check the Christmas Countdown banner at the bottom of this blog! Yippees!

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Set your clocks back one hour tonight!



Daylight Savings: SET CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR IN THE U.S.!

Well, if it is going to get darker anyways, might as well look on the "bright" side!

One hour extra of Sleep tonight, or Hour Extra to stay up!

Pictures today! NEA Members 50% off!

Yep, that is right, if you are a teacher and are a NEA member. I am actually a member through my local and state wide teacher organizations NCAE and JCAE. If you are a teacher and have not taken advantage of NEA/NCAE's discounts...what are you waiting for?

I had been a member for YEARS until a teacher at our school sat us down and explained the other benefits besides professional insurance that the membership held. As soon as I heard 50% off on Pictures... I was like SOLD! I LOVE pictures, most mothers do! In my region I can get 50% off of JCPenney Portraits. Whatever the total at the end, here comes the 50% off! I am telling you, I need this discount badly because I haven't had my son's pictures taken since he was One! Besides the ones you take yourself that is. So I am excited to find this out and take him today for his pictures with his Elvis Costume..only a few days after Halloween! Not so bad!

I have to have a large one for my kitchen! (Kitchen is decorated in the 50s...down to the retro table from the 50s I acquired at an Antique store!)

Sunday, October 28, 2007

What an Awesome way to Recycle Plastic Bags! You won't believe it!

You have to check this out! This person makes bags (reusable) out of Plastic Bags and has a link to an Etsy store that makes designer types wallets and handbags out of this process using plastic bags. My words can not do just, just go check them out for yourself! I am definitely going to try this one! AWESOME! The only thing I can say, as well as, GREEN!!!!

Recycle Plastic Bags, the Fashionable (really!) Way!

Love Antiques? I have THE Event for you!

I don't know about you, but I adore Antiques, Art, A good deal and FUN! Well, I just discovered a place, actually an EVENT, that you can get all of this in ONE place! It is an end-of-the-month event that happened the last Saturday of this month (Yesterday, October 27th) and the last Saturday of November on the 24th (mark your calendars and don't miss it!)...Uptown Saturday Night located in The Nation's Oldest City: in the antique district concentrated along San Marco Avenue in Florida ! This is one of the Events in St. Augustine.

Now let me tell a little bit about what you may find at Uptown Saturday Night...
First of all, I have to mention (being the "Thrifty" person I am) FREE PARKING! Normally for an event of this nature, you would most definitely have to pay for parking, thus taking some of your "spending money." Well, not at Uptown Saturday Night!

Next, speaking on the "deals and fun" you may find...Wow...too many to list; however, I will give it a try:
You will find Art Galleries, Antique Stores and Unique Shops at Uptown Saturday Night! From one end to the other you will find: Antique Workshops on Various Antique Topics, Exhibit Openings from Florida's Finest Artists (you can even MEET the Artists!), as well as, Book Signings by Authors! You will also find that all participating shops have wine and refreshments available! What more do you need to attend this fine, fun, and fabulous event? I am ready to go right now!!!!

Also, while you are enjoying all these treats there will be live street music for a party-like night atmosphere.

Come on out and give yourself a much needed, relaxing treat! You deserve it!

I personally would love everything, but most of all the Antiques, Art and FREE Parking! :-)

Don't forget...Uptown Saturday Night, the end of EACH Month in The Nation's Oldest City located in Florida on San Marco Avenue (the antique district).
Mark your calendars for November 24th! You may have missed the October 27th event, but don't miss November's!

What do you like most about Uptown Saturday Night? Drop me a comment if you have attended or even if you have not, tell me what you would like?

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Okay, Less than Two Months til Christmas! YIKES!

It is true, there is less than two months til Christmas. Time to Panic, Thrifty-style! :-) I would suggest anyone shopping ebay to start now to allow time for slow shipments for your purchases. Online shopping is totally my first choice; however, you need to leave room for error and time so you don't have to panic!

Also, if you at least start now...you will be able to spread out your spending instead of that last minute shopping that tends to hurt folks by opening credit accounts or using credit cards for buying gifts or items for parties. This is a Thrifty No-No! Well for me it is, I have a panic attack at the thought of using a credit card for a gift. Actually, I do that for any credit card use. I always think, I would rather have that interest for other things than to hand to the credit card companies. Now, I am not saying I am 100% against credit card usage. I just think, if I am going to use one, I have to KNOW before I use it, how it is going to be either paid off at billing time or at least know when it can be paid off, in order to give the least amount of fees to the credit card company.

Anywho, get ready for all the fun as well! I am not a scrooge, I really love Christmas, love the get-togethers, church, spending time with family, the decorations, watching my son's eyes light up at all the beauty of the lights!

Have fun and start now if you haven't already!
59 days til Christmas! (Ooops...sorry to end on a Yikes!)

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Thrifty Hooray! Paid off the Truck!

I can't believe I forgot to blog about the fact my husband and I paid off the Truck on Monday of this week! Yippie! One debt gone, only a whole bunch left to go, but this is still a huge celebration! Over the summer time we paid thousands on the truck simply by not going shopping, eating out, and saving on gas and sitters! In the summer I am a SAHM, but only for those two months. Since it is for two months and I still get paid, we make the most of the extra money mentioned above. As you can see, we put it all towards the truck and paid it off two years before it would have if we had of only paid the monthly payment! I am very proud of this. Next, we have a credit card that we used for plane tickets to bring in my father-in-law two years in a row to watch our son. It was a savings at that time to have him cook for us and watch our son while we worked. How awesome was it that his grandpa from another country could watch him and save us money? We didn't bring in the father-in-law this year because we are saving any monies in that amount for US to go to Romania this coming Summer so we can see all the relatives!

Okay, just wanted to share this celebration and what a weight off the old shoulders! One less monthly payment!

Thrifty Tip Thursday: Rain Barrels! Save $ on Watering your Landscaping!

For the first time in a while here in NC we are getting a really good rain, started yesterday. We are in a serious drought here. With these thoughts in mind, I thought, hmm...I need to research a way to save water and reuse. Through listening and talking to others, Rain Barrels are a great way to go. You can save money on your water bill, as well as, helping the environment and conserving water! We definitely want a Rain Barrel for next year. A little late this year, but hopefully we can get one in time for the spring!

A Rain Barrel is neat, you put it under your gutter system and it collects water from water running off your home. It has a spigot on it and you can use this water on your landscaping and gardens! It may not be drinking water, but you sure are helping the environment by recycling the water by redirecting it to your lawn and gardens!

I found this website on Rain Barrels that I found useful and you may too in my research! Rain Barrel Guide At Rain Barrel Guide you can find out the uses of the Rain Barrel, as well as, information on where to buy one! Some look very nice and would blend in with your home and not look odd.

UPDATE: After posting this, a reader posted a comment that recommends www.AquaBarrel.com!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Back to the Clothesline!

I mentioned Clotheslines yesterday for my Monday Mommy Tip!

Well, I should have included the link that follows here for how clotheslines are now versus when you were "growing up!" Clotheslines are so much "cooler" now. They are retractable and can be indoors or outdoors. That way you don't stare at a string going across your backyard or wherever. When you are done drying, well, no one knows you have a "clothesline!"

Check out more inexpensive clotheslines in different lengths on Ebay:

Retractable Clotheslines

To add to this tip of using your dryer less, I should also mention, that you wouldn't have to fully dry your clothes on the clothesline, but if you just dry partially, then put in your dryer to fluff and finish the laundry. This alone would be very helpful to your electric bill and environment! All this talk and savings, I believe I will start with a small line for my washer/dryer area for the small things, and in spring upgrade to a larger outdoor one. I believe it will be fun and refreshing. Back to a "simpler time." Not so simple I am certain, but that is what folks always say. :-)

Monday, October 22, 2007

Monday Mommy Tip - Clothesline

Hello one and all! It is that time again: Monday Mommy Tip with Mommy Community!


My Mommy Tip for today is:

Get old-fashioned and "Green!"

Break out the old "Clothesline" to dry your clothes. Give your dryer a break and get outside and enjoy the fall weather! Now, have I done this lately, nope, but I have friends that do! When we get a fence next year, I will do this. We live close to others and don't want them to have to look at our clothing, but seriously, when we get a privacy fence, "Clothesline" it is!

Oh yeah, you will save money also on your electric bill! Always a nice side-effect!

Saturday, October 20, 2007

In need of more Frugal Thrifty Blogs?

I just joined Frugal Hacker and have added their badge to my blog here. It will be located on the left bar at all times when you are in need of some Frugal Blogs! Need to take a Surf on the WWW, why not Surf Frugal?

The badge below and in the left sidebar will take you to a plethora of Frugal and Thrifty-like blogs! Wonderful Resources all! I will be checking them out daily, as new blogs are added daily!

Friday, October 19, 2007

Very Excited to be a Blogger for Smorty!

Hello everyone!

A while back I found a "paid to blog" site, Smorty. I signed up knowing my blog was "too young" but I thought I would go ahead and get my information in their system and "wait it out!" They really did approve my blogs (I have two that I entered into their system) without me having to email anyone or having to re-enter my information. With a few blog for money sites I have used, I had to re-enter/submit my information in order to get approved. It is not a huge deal, but it was refreshing to check back in with Smorty and already have jobs waiting for me!

Smorty is very easy to use, you get paid to blog by simply writing your opinions of the opportunity (advertiser). There is general guidelines rather than detailed guidelines according to opportunity. This is nice so you do not have to look up the details every time you create a post. You know what is expected of you and it allows you to write a quality post.

I personally love using Smorty because they pay on a WEEKLY basis through PayPal! They give the advertisers five days to approve posts, which means, you get paid quicker!

Thank you Smorty for being a blogger-friendly paid to blog system!

Friday Faves-Halloween Candy and Fav Trick-or-Treat TREAT!

This week's Friday Faves with Mommy Community is: What is your favorite Halloween Candy?

My personal favorite is anything chocolate and I especially love Popcorn balls!

I would like to add my favorite items I ever got when I went trick-or-treating as a kid:

#1: Polaroid Picture of myself with cousin and sister: This lady in the neighborhood took a picture of each group of kids and gave it to them as their trick-or-treating "treat" along with a hand-full of pennies that she collected throughout the year AND a can of soda! Wow! What a stop that was!

#2: My Aunt (Mom's sis) growing up was our next door neighbor and she ALWAYS (and I think still does) gives out gumball machine prizes. She saves up quarters and other change and goes to the little machines and gets rings, figurines, or whatever is in those machines, and trick-or-treaters (myself and sis and others of course) would get a little bag that had the gumball machine prize along with candy! Another cool WOW!

#3: This is NOT what I got trick-or-treating but it most certainly deserves the number three spot (would be higher if I got it as a kid myself): My Mother NOW (she loves it) goes to Staples, WalMart etc...at the beginning of the school year and buys tons of notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, etc... school supplies! She gives out these EVERY YEAR now to the kids who trick-or-treat her house and they LOVE it! No Candy! Some kids make her a regular stop and one year she ran out of the notebooks and said do you have anymore notebooks? He counted on that...my Mom felt bad, so the next year she stocked up on even more and made sure that boy got his notebook. She is a SMART shopper and gets items seriously less than a dime a piece! She and my sister always stocks my classroom each year with their smart shopping!

Okay, I love to talk about memories such as this! I hope this might give you all some CREATIVE alternatives at Halloween! Surprise a kid or two!

REMINDER: Get your candy checked each year! Look up local facilities in your area that checks trick-or-treating candy. Like hospitals, police stations or wherever. We always stayed in our neighborhood so no worries, but today, got to be more safe!

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Need $$$ for your baby/kids items right away?

If you are in need of some extra cash or even if it would be nice to have a few extra bucks and you have baby or small children items then you need to check out Once Upon A Child!

This is a store that will pay you on the spot for your baby and children items! I am not sure how much money you will get and for what amount, but you could contact your local Once Upon A Child to find out the details!

Hey, if you are looking for a business venture, they are a franchise as well! If you have the means and are driven to start your own business, it looks like an interesting, useful and profitable one!

I found out about this store from my Mother and Sister who does shop at a Once Upon A Child where they live. Mom and Sis did confirm they do, in fact, pay you on the spot for the items you bring in and without an appointment. Of course, if it is within their safety guidelines, and saying it is something they are in need of for their store. I think it sounds really cool. My Mom and Sister have bought my son some toys, etc.. from there and all in fantastic condition!

Check them out:
Once Upon A Child

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Being Thrifty by Thrifting!

For us, I like to find children's books, and children's Large toys (like outdoor play pieces, table and chairs, etc...) at Thrift Stores! We are lucky to have one really huge awesome Thrift store near where we live! We donate there (receive a tax receipt) and all the money they make goes to Alzheimer's research! So it is a win win win! Also, some thrift stores have higher prices than others, these guys have low prices because it is largely voluntary based!

Here is my favorite Thrift Store, maybe someone convince them to expand to your area! They will even come and pick up large donations at your house (if you live in the area of course).

Guardian Angel Thrift

They have this link on there for "GoodSearch!" Apparently if you use this search engine to do your searching, somehow money goes to different charities. What is it going to hurt to search for a few things, if someone may get some help that they need? Give it a try, why not?

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Save the Watts from my local Electric Company!

My local electric company has a fantastic website for "Saving the Watts!" It is a campaign to save energy and money! Great tax tips, big projects and info for saving money right now. Granted they are mainly referring to lowering your electric bill with them; however, I don't see why these same tips wouldn't work for everyone! We have all heard some of them like the Compact Flouresant Bulbs, but they have so much more! Check them out!

"Save The Watts"

"Save the Watts and Save the World!"

Sorry, Heroes fan here! :-)

Saturday, October 13, 2007

For Fun, here is my Fridge Door! LOL

Mommy Community.com wants to know what your fridge door looks like! So I am excited to share! I thought this was a fun, quick post to participate in; however, not so short for me, let me tell you a story about this Fridge!

When we bought our house, it had a fridge, the owners didn't leave it, called they brought it, wrong one and old (not even close to the correct one we had saw), then finally third time, we thought got it right. Anywho, over time, we realized it still wasn't the same one, but we were like whatever. Then after one year (almost to the day) of living in our house, the other one BROKE DOWN and we were forced to purchase a new one (having to open a credit card for Lowe's, totally against my financial frugal beliefs but you have to have a fridge!)! Get this, it arrived the next day in the morning one hour before my son's two year birthday party! Now, without further adu, here is my fridge, a few months old and not paid for!!!

(note: click on images to see them larger!)


and now the SIDE! What you are really after! LOL




Although, it goes against my financial beliefs to charge...we in this instance had no choice but still pursued the best "deal" got a $100 gift card and opened a charge that is no interest, blah blah blah, as long as it is paid off in six months. Yep, we divised a plan to have it paid off within 5 months! And we have back up plans as well because the charge card interest will be crazy after the six months...scary stuff! Also, the Fridge is Energy Star! Be Green!

Friday, October 12, 2007

Awesome Blog about Saving the "Green" way!

I have to highly recommend Green-Talk.com What an EXCELLENT blog! You can find so many great ideas about the environment and saving money by being green with this blog. Super nice folks as well. I found information that I didn't know about. I love blogs, you can truly learn a lot from each other!

Need a Hotel for the Holidays and SAVE $$?

Hey guys and gals! Are you thinking about traveling for the upcoming Holiday Season? I found this cool site that you can locate and book your hotels for your destination, as well as, your entire vacation while you are at it. With Hotel Reservations you can get savings up to 70% you have to at least check it out. The best part is it is Worldwide. For our family, we are always looking for a way to save money when planning for our trip to Romania next Summer! We are bookmarking this site for their savings to come back to when we book...just thought I would share it with anyone that might need the site now! You can even view the website in 15 different languages and currencies! This makes shopping easier and you don't have to sit there with a little conversion chart or calculator. You can also reserve flights and cars while you are at it, and plan your entire vacation. They are open for phone reservations/bookings, as well as, online 24 hours a day 7 days a week! Now that is Customer Support!

Very importantly: you can plan an entire vacation for the entire family with their easy to use search tool for Vacation Packages which include flight, hotel, car, and any vacation rentals you need. This is a very detailed service. You can have your whole trip taken care of with a few simple clicks of the mouse.

Another cool feature that I really like and will be using is their Destination Guide. The Destination Guide is for Researching Cities you think you would like to visit! For example if you wanted to travel to Romania like we are going to next Summer, you can view information such as local customs, major cities within that location, language, currency, weather, food, bank information, Holidays, "getting around" information, and much much more. This type of information is so necessary for anywhere you want to travel, especially when traveling worldwide. They have done the tough job for you and better still, all in ONE location! HotelReservations.com!

They also have one feature I haven't noticed on other sites and that is a Complete Activities Guide according to when you are going to be in your destination. You can know all the movies, events, musicals and all other happening occurring where you will be before you get there so you can really plan ahead! I can't stress enough, all in ONE place!

Check it out everyone! Hotel Reservations!




Brought to you by our new friends at Hotel Reservations

Water Saver Aerators! Save a little on your Water Bill!

Here is an environmental friendly tip along with the fact you can save a little bit on your water bill. I love ideas like this, and we do this one! (Actually, nearly everything I post about we do to save money, I'll tell you if we don't!)

Water Saver Spigots are just little sprayers you attach to your sink faucet.

Here is a link to some ebay auctions that has pictures and descriptions of these nifty little gadgets!

They have excellent water pressure and can swivel all around the inside of your sink to clean it. This is even greater for folks that live in older homes that do not have a sprayer! Even if you DO have a sprayer (and we do) it is a great tool and I can totally see how it saves water. A lot of times you simply, run the faucet and maybe splash water about where you need it to go even if you have a sprayer because it might be something quick you are doing and who wants to drag out the sprayer. Well, with an Aerator, you just pull it down and it sprays like a sprayer and swivels. When not spraying, the sink works normal with normal water flow. My husband installed one for my mother (only need a wrench and a little pressure to install). She LOVES it because her 1940s home will not accept a sprayer (plumbing issues with old pipes and pricing of course etc...). She hadn't had any form of sprayer for MANY MANY years and now is delighted with this simple Aerator!

Just thought I would share this little tip that can be so helpful. The Aerators will attach to bathroom sinks as well; however, they aren't very attractive looking but for a kitchen sink, they are just fine and look fine even!

Friday Favorites with Mommy Community: Holidays!

This week's favorites question is: What is your favorite Holiday?

My favorite Holiday, I know this will be repeated several times but of course: Christmas for me! I love the music, decorations, all the celebrations across families and church and even the workplace gets involved! It isn't just a day, it runs for several months, plenty of time to stress, and then enjoy!
Reminder: "Jesus is the Reason for the Season!" Such a peaceful time of year, well, at least for my family!

I like all the Holidays, but that is my favorite! I always hope for Snow, however, in NC, it is unlikely, especially lately with the warmth going all the way into the winter months! I still enjoy the cool crisp weather during the Christmas Holiday season!

Alrighty! What is Your Favorite Holiday?



P.S. Speaking of Holidays, I finally found at least a wig for my son's Halloween costume. An Elvis one! He is soo cute in it! I think I am going to make his jumpsuit! I just can't settle for the store ones! LOL I want some cool pictures for the Kitchen!

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Just bought a great Router today!

I am very excited to report that we (my husband and I) finally replaced our old router that went out on us with a new one. We bought a Netgear N something...it has better range than our old one did and man, so much faster! Now I can blog more frequently. It has been a challenge the past few weeks to a month to get my blogging done, as well as, my ebaying! Now I feel like "I'm Baaaack!" so the blogs will be far more frequent than the past weeks. I am so excited! I had missed having a computer in the kitchen, nightstand and the living room! Now it is all back to "normal" at our household. Also, had forgotten how nice it is for my husband and myself to be on the computer at the same time. What a relief. We have to use the computers at the same time, because we don't want to miss time with our two year old, so we wait til he is sleeping, this way we can work on the computer at the same time, boy I missed that!

Anywho, just had to share my excitement of getting a new router that hopefully will be more reliable than the former one.

Tomorrow is FRIDAY! Yippie! The world is good again!

Monday, October 8, 2007

Monday Mommy Tip with Mommy Community: Pride in your child's Masterpieces!

Hey all!

It's Monday again!

Time for Monday Mommy Tip; hosted by Mommy Community!

My Monday Mommy Tip is one I may have shared in a different way somewhere else on this blog; however, never hurts to repeat, it was some time ago!

I think it is wonderful to honor your child's artwork and self-esteem to get their best piece of Artwork and FRAME it and hang in a "seen" place in your house. Don't hide it in a "guest room" put it in the kitchen, living room, or somewhere others CAN see it! Your child's self-esteem will shoot through the roof with pride and worth towards their artistic abilities! All children ARE artists! They see life in such a different way that when we become adults, we miss the world around us the way a child sees it! Get a frame, MATTE the work! Make it important! If your child gave you the work and says, hey I made this for YOU! Feel pride and know that is like them giving you a million bucks or better, THEM! You can make, even a piece you think is not so great looking, look fantastic with a nice matte and frame! This is a famous work by a famous artist (your child)! Treat it as such! I am certainly not suggesting every piece they give you, include your child in the decision making, as to what they see as their best piece and why. When guests come over, go the extra mile and have your child "explain" the piece and be "Art Smart!" Talk about the lines, colors, emotions in the piece. Have fun with your new found gallery curator!

Alrighty, obviously this is something I love and believe in...I will stop because I can blog all night about it! Not to worry, I have kept every piece of art my child has created at Daycare, Home, and Church! He is only two! No, again, you don't have to do that, just take pride in one piece! You child's self-esteem and pride will definitely be the end reward!

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Christmas Gifts for my Husband....I've got it!

Hey Ladies out there! Are you searching for gifts for him? Well, I have found this one site that I know my husband, being he is a mechanic and all, would absolutely salivate over! Seriously! I know, even myself, I would love to have a lot of what the Car Guy Garage has to offer.

For instance (and I am dreaming a bit here, this is more for me!) I love their 50's Retro Style Garage Flooring! AWESOME! I LOVE a vintage look, as our kitchen is done in the 50s style! To top that off, I would love to have their Very cool Gas Pumps with Various uses such as display and TV holder! WOW! Now, wouldn't that be your guy's DREAM! Now, these may be for more of those folks with deeper pockets than I, but sure would love those items!

On a realistic level, and more of a real present my husband would love to have would be the Peg Boards for the Garage! What man with a garage has Enough Peg Boards? There is always a new tool or gadget that needs hanging up! Our garage is crazy looking and peg boards would be a stress-reliever! Also, I have to add, there is a coupon on the Peg Boards! You know me, Thrifty! :-)

Go check out Car Guy Garage now and check out their 1,000s of products to make the garage another room in your house. Take a look around Car Guy Garage and imagine and possibly go ahead and purchase the gift you would like for that guy in your life?

Best wishes on your Holiday Shopping! Thrifty thought, start now!!!!
Brought to you by Car Guy Garage

DIY Blog! Do it yourself!

Anyone out there love to DIY? (DIY=do it yourself) It is great for saving money, sometimes, on labor! Notice I said SOMETIMES! That is because, sometimes it is just too hard and it would have been easier to just pay someone else to do the job, and sometimes it might even cost you more to DIY. For the most part, if you love projects, you can do it yourself and save money. In our household, we do as much DIYing as we possibly can. Landscaping, Painting (inside and out), Repairs, Building things (i.e. sandbox, toy box, garden bed box, lots of boxes! LOL).
You get the picture, and deep down, I do feel we saved "big time" on those items.

To help you get started, I would like to point out a great blog from AOL's/HGTV's very own Eric Stromer! From there you can get all kinds of tips and tricks of the trade, and even gain ideas on what you can do next in your home, and potentially save money and best of all...Have Fun!

Eric Stromer's Blog

Friday, October 5, 2007

Collect $$$ from those who want to help! Check out Chipin! What is your event?

I saw a chipin widget on someone else's blog and thought, that is really cool...do I have an important event that I might need financial help on? The answer, of course. My husband is from Romania. He lived there until we got married a little over 6 years ago. He has not yet went back to see his Mom and Sister yet. It was always one delay after another, and now with a two year old and living frugally to get by, it always seems to get delayed again and again. So this is our "event!" We had planned to go anyway to Romania this coming Summer of '08, but if anyone wants to help out, the money wouldn't be for us, guaranteed any money we happen upon will go to his family. Romania, luckily is finally in the Euro; however, still sooo far behind in the world and still rough for those folks. You will be happy to know he has seen his Dad three times since living here in the U.S. His Dad is the only one who can ever get a visa to visit...his Mom and Sister probably won't ever until they are really really old. Long story, I am sure many understand all that stuff, if you know international folks at all. I am not complaining, just giving the background on why I would make such a "widget" for my blog! Thanks Chipin!

A Must Read for All Holiday Shoppers! Save Money on Black Friday!

I just have to remind you to check the Christmas Countdown Banner at the bottom of Thrifty and Creative here...now think about...hmmm...that isn't a lot of time, is it? So go ahead, Scream real loud! YIKES! The closer the time approaches, the more likely it is you will need to save money, make money, and get some deals! I just had to blog about this site I feel lucky enough to stumble upon...Black-Friday.net!

This is like every Holiday Shopper's DREAM site! It is a dream, because all deal shoppers know that on Black Friday(the day after Thanksgiving) is the day you get the best and most unbelievable deals! You can look up the ads in Advance of Black Friday, and believe it or not, there are a TON already listed! You won't believe the stores this site has the ads for! I am truly amazed and will be signing up for their email updates for when new ads are listed. You can go ahead and make a plan of attack for your Black Friday Shopping; OR, simply shop online with Black-Friday.net and not have to wake up at crazy 4-5am to be close to the front of all the lines! I have to admit, I love Black Friday, it is so much fun to get out and shop and be elbow to elbow with like shoppers! Everyone is wanting that deal, or special something!

I was dumb-founded with the fact they already have two of my fav stores listed: Check out Toys R Us's Deals and Best Buy's Specials! I mean, it is time to plan plan plan! Make your lists, check them twice, and break out the map! Be ready this year with black-friday.net!

Brought to you by: Black-Friday.net

Friday Favs with Mommy Community! Favorite Snacks!



My favorite snack is:
Chester's Flamin' Hot Cheetos! Yummy!!!!

After Chester's I really can't think of any other favorite snack! When I think of Chester's Flamin' Hot Cheetos, my mind is clouded to anything else! Nothing else can compare or compete! I am not huge on snacking, unless something is just there and I am hungry! LOL Hence, we don't buy snacks for our household...saves money and keeps us a bit healthier!

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Thrifty Tip Thursday: Email Forward w/$$ Saving Tips!

Sorry for blogging a forward I got in an email; however I felt it was so appropriate to this blog! I couldn't just pick one or two of these, I thought they were all interesting and something you all may want to give it a try!
P.S. Not sure where it originated...checked the email throughly and couldn't find an annotation.

1. Reheat Pizza
Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set
heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No
soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really
works.

2. Easy Deviled Eggs
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal , mash till they are all
broken up. Add remainder of ingredients , reseal , keep mashing it up
mixing thoroughly , cut the tip of the baggy , squeeze into egg.

3. Expanding Frosting
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store , whip it with
your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to
frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar
and calories per serving.

4. Reheating refrigerated bread
To warm biscuits , pancakes , or muffins that were refrigerated, place
them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will
keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.

5. Newspaper weeds away
Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet
newspapers put layers around the plants overlapping as you go cover with
mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening
plastic they will not get through wet newspapers.

6. Broken Glass
Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you
can't see easily.

7. No More Mosquitoes
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.

8. Keep Squirrels away
To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle your plants with
cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the
squirrels won't come near it.

9. Flexible vacuum
To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty
paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent
or flattened to get in narrow openings.

10. Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a
clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when
wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and ta da! -- static is
gone.

11. Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot
water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your
ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right
out.

12. Foggy Windshield?
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove
box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works
better than a cloth!

13. Reopening envelope
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something
inside , just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or
two. Viola! It unseals easily.

14. Conditioner
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's a lot cheaper than
shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way
to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it
in your hair...

15. Goodbye Fruit Flies
To get rid of pesky fruit flies , take a small glass fill it 1/2' with
Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid , mix well. You
will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!

16. Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it
'home', can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so,
especially if it rains , but it works & you don't have the worry about
pets or small children being harmed!

17. INFO ABOUT CLOTHES DRYERS
The heating unit went out on my dryer! The gentleman that fixes things
around the house for us told us that he wanted to show us something and
he went over to the dryer and pulled out the lint filter. It was clean.
(I always clean the lint from the filter after every load clothes.) He
told us that he wanted to show us something; he took the filter over to
the sink, ran hot water over it. The lint filter is made of a mesh
material - I'm sure you know what your dryer's lint filter looks like.
WELL...the hot water just sat on top of the mesh! It didn't go through
it at all! He told us that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh
that's what burns out the heating unit. You can't SEE the film , but
it's there. It's what is in the dryer sheets to make your clothes soft
and static free - that nice fragrance too, you know how they can feel
waxy when you take them out of the box, well this stuff builds up on
your clothes and on your lint screen. This is also what causes dryer
units to catch fire & potentially burn your house down with it! He said
the best way to keep your dryer working for a very long time (& to keep
your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out & wash it with hot
soapy water & an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six
months. He said that makes the life of the dryer at least twice as long!
How about that!?! Learn something new everyday! I certainly didn't know
dryer sheets would do that. So , I thought I'd share! Note: I went to
my dryer & tested my screen by running water on it. The water ran
through a little bit but mostly collected all the water in the mesh
screen. I washed it with warm soapy water & a nylon brush & I had it
done in 30 seconds.
Then when I rinsed it the water ran right Thru the screen! There wasn't
any puddling at all! That repairman knew what he was talking about!

Once again, this is information that came to my "inbox" as a forward sent around at work, I found it interesting; however, can not verify any of it; however, if you can; drop a comment in the "Comment Jar!"

Have a Thrifty Day!