Sunday, September 30, 2007

Found another great blog on Thrifting!

Here is the blog I just found and subscribed to their feed! Excellent photos and information!

Tag Sale Tales

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Saturday Evening Thrifty Thought on Empty Containers!

I was just cleaning up my son's crayon collection (only two years old, LOL) with his assistance and thought, hmmm, that might be something the readers want to know...what to do with those empty coffee cans! Now days, they seem to be making more and more plastic coffee cans! Well, let's put them to good recycling use! (I am curious if they started making them out of plastic for safety reasons, as well as, recycling ease? Just a crazy thought.) Anywho, I just decided to put my son's mountain of crayons into two PLASTIC folders containers. He loves it! He can open the plastic container fairly easily and he likes to put his own crayons away because the big opening rather than a cardboard box (also you can recycle those as well, by decorating and making Artist Trading Card Holders out of them) that is hard for little children to handle and put the crayons back correctly. Also, let's face it, they don't like putting their crayons away in those little frusterating boxes!

So Moms and Dads, Drink up on the Coffee, and save those cans to put away your child's crayons, as well as, markers, pencils, and the list goes on!

What do you use your coffee containers for (if you drink coffee that is, of course!)?

As always, if you don't need to store crayons or anything, donate to your Art Teacher! He or She will use it!

Recycling Crayons! Don't throw them away!

Here are a few ideas that you may or may not know of what you can do with old broken crayons, Besides throw them away!

Let's get creative!

#1) We've all heard it, so get out and do it! Get the little cute candy molds, toss a mix of colors (or same) in each, put out in the sun to "melt" them! You can also put in the Microwave I have heard (not sure how long, etc...)..haven't tried this way! This makes NEW "thicker" crayons (nice for small hands!) You can make them colorful like the rainbow or REMAKE old crayons in original colors by for instance putting only black crumbs in a candy mold making a "New" Black Crayon!

#2) "Sharpen" an old crayon you don't need and crumble with finger tips, place into a baby food jar with water and a hot glued trinket in the lid, and wham-o, a Snow Globe! Got this idea originally from an Art Educator website, you can also use glitter, but we are talking about crayons here! :-)

#3) Make a placemat: Use Wax paper on top of a sheet of art/drawing paper, sprinkle some old crayon bits and press with Iron to make a placemat. Of course, you may want to laminate when finished to be useable or simply matte and frame for a neat piece of abstract art for you home. Think of the colors of your house/room to choose colors of crayon bits!

I hope these ideas are fun for you and give them a whirl with your child! Have another way to use old crayons? Drop me a comment in the comment jar!

Have a Thrifty and Creative Weekend!

Cool Blog on Being Thrifty! 5 Gold Stars!

Simply Thrifty

I found this blog to be very interesting and full of great information! Try it out!

Friday, September 28, 2007

Friday Favs with Mommy Community: Favorite TV Shows!

This is Friday Favs with Mommy Community!

This week's Friday Favs is for your Favorite TV Shows! I love this one, as on my other blog, I love to "talk" about my favorite shows already!

Here they are in no particular order:

My #1s:
THE OFFICE
BEAUTY AND THE GEEK
HEROES
THE BIGGEST LOSER

My Okays, will watch and enjoys:
JUST FOR LAUGHS
BACK TO YOU
EXTREME MAKEOVER HOME EDITION
EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS

My Late Night TV; going to sleep shows:
BERNIE MAC
THAT 70S SHOW
KING OF QUEENS
MY WIFE AND KIDS

And seriously, NOT a couch potato; although seeing this listed out, makes me want to go exercise! LOL :-)

Got any Favs? Drop them in the Comment Jar!

Visit My Other Blog: Melanie's World for updates on my Favorite Shows (Well, my perspective!)

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Thrifty Tip Thursday!

Hello one and all, and Welcome to Thrifty Tip Thursday; where Thursday is your Thrifty Tipping Day! Every day here is Thrifty, but this is a wonderful day to share with everyone your Thrifty Saving Ways! Also, I chose Thursdays, because it starts with "T" and is closer to the weekend! Made sense to me! :-) (Okay, in a silly mood!)

My Thrifty Tip for this Thursday is:
Don't throw out your child's old board books or picture books, or any books for that matter, even if pages are ripped out, etc... I, personally, love to use those with my students for Art Projects (more specifically Collages). The kids are excited because it is wierd for them to use a book versus a Magazine all the time to collage with. The can cut out words, and some pictures. Or, HEY, ALTER That book!!! Leave it intact and simply "gesso" the pages and have your child (OR YOU) get crafty and creative and do some paintings, collages, etc...on those pages! How neat would that be? Just an idea!

Monday, September 24, 2007

Monday Mommy Tip!

Monday Mommy Tip with Mommy Community:

My Tip for this week involves on great ways to Recycle Your GIFT BAGS!!!

Don't toss them, even if the handles are broken and it is getting worn out! Besides, reusing or using them to carry things in, you can cut out the nice pictures from the bags and paste/glue them into collage works, scrapbooking, decoupage, whatever; however you see fit for these beautiful bags that is a shame to toss!

I can't take total credit for this, I heard and got this idea from a parent at my school! I was like, man, why didn't I think of that? I always have used my bags over and over as lunch bags, etc...But never thought about how to use the beautiful pictures!

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Re-cap of my FAVORITE $$ Saving Sites!

It's time to Re-cap my personal favorite, $$$ saving Shopping Sites! Just in case you need some "Shopping Therapy!"

HERE GOES A FEW OF MY FAVS THAT I USE:

ShopGoodWill: This site is an "Auction" style site. It is a "compilation" of the Goodwill Stores across the United States! Because it isn't as well known as sites like Ebay, you can really get a good deal! Also it is nice because you are NOT dealing with "random" people...you are sure to deal with an actual business! No feedback here, none needed!

CraigsList: This site deals with NO fees for you to sell or buy! You are dealing directly with locals (or you should be, if not, don't purchase!)! You email or call folks that have the items you are looking for. No bidding, flat fees, buy it or don't! You will have to drive to pick up products, take a buddy or meet in a business location (like walmart or somewhere with lots of people). Also, it is great to sell on because, no kidding, everytime I try to buy something, it is already spoken for!

Ebay: Now, do I really need to go into detail on this one? :-) Okay, well, Great to sell on, but you really need to have patience and knowledge of your product. It isn't quick to list or necessarily to get your first sale. It is WELL worth learning however! So many people go here!!! You need traffic, they have it! Also, you can always find a deal on Ebay; however, buyer beware: READ the Descriptions, ask questions, look at the Shipping Charges and don't assume you can lower it! Don't buy from someone with lots of negative feedback or very little feedback (if you are new especially!...first purchases should be from folks that has been selling a while, then work your way up to "risk-taking!"). Great place to find collectibles, something rare, something unique! I love to buy and sell on ebay! But it is work to sell! Don't assume it to be quick and easy!

Okay, I will stop here, I don't like really long posts, and don't intend to make you read a really long post either!

Featured on Mommy Community!

Mommy Community
has Thrifty and Creative Featured on their website this week, along side their podcast about becoming "debt free!"

Thank you Mommy Community!

Melanie

Here is the link to the Podcast!

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Fall Yard Sales!

I just had to blog about the fact this time of year is the best time to attend yard sales. It isn't HOT (so much) anymore, it isn't quite too cold yet, it is JUST Right! This all adds up to tons of Yard Sales, and folks making a last minute effort to clean house before winter hits and grab a few extra dollars!

So this weekend, either go out and shop a yard sale or two OR have your own! Better get going though, kinda late to plan one for this weekend but you could use this weekend to gather and plan for a weekend in the next few weeks!

Get outside this weekend and enjoy the weather. Naturally, it probably isn't the same all over, I know around here (NC) it is pretty nice! Finally getting some much needed rain showers!

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Art at Home!

I sometimes will take some throw out type of paper like scraps of wrapping paper that actually is huge to a child but you don't want to wrap anything in it. Use the reverse white side, grab some markers, roll it out on the floor and tell your kids to make a mural or just "go to town" on whatever they like! You never know what kind of masterpiece may come of it from your little Van Goghs! :-)

We are lucky enough to have an extra room that we keep an art mat over the top of the coffee table and always have paper, markers, and crayons "ready to roll" for our toddler! We are, of course, art nuts ourselves....so it isn't unusual we should have that! The Childcare Center my son goes to says when they say it is "Art Time" he comes running to the tables! I was glad to hear that! PHEW!

Monday, September 17, 2007

Monday Mommy Tip!

Happy Monday Folks!

This is my Monday Mommy Tip:

Don't be shy to clip a coupon, but don't go out and BUY BECAUSE you have a coupon! Only buy what you need! Also, if you forget the coupon, don't run home to get it! Remember: It's costing you Gas to do that! I know sounds wierd to do, but my Mom would do that! LOL :-)

Also, keep your coupons in your handbag/wallet so you don't forget them! It never seemed to fail (until I learned to do this), I would forget my Michael's coupon OR simply think I wouldn't need it til the weekend and OF COURSE, for some reason find myself there during the week needing something and FORGETTING to grab the coupon on my way out. So NOW when the Michael's coupon comes, I simply tear it out and immediately put it in my handbag so I can find it! Works out so much nicer and I do save money when I get there!



Sunday, September 16, 2007

Looking for a deal on ROUTERS!

Hello one and all! I am guessing I have completely lost our current router! We had a ton of storms on Friday and apparently (maybe) lightening may be to blame. Our router seemed to not be at peek performance for sometime now. Anyways, this is my "Thrifty" blog and being the Thrifty soul that I am! I want to find the BEST Router for the BEST price! I am looking for recommendations on routers from anyone that has used the same one MORE than a year! If you are out there and you just get fabulous range and quick connections with your laptops upstairs, downstairs and outside (in range of your home) with little to no problems. I want you to please comment and tell me what you use and about what I should expect to pay for it and where to buy!!! :-) Any comments on this matter are much appreciated and needed! Of course, looking for a good deal, keeping in mind, in an event like this, cheapest price is NOT always the "Best" deal!!!! :-)

Friday, September 14, 2007

Save on your Regular Bills!

On your every month bills, you can save a few dollars if you simply switch to their electronic method. I did that with our cell phone, regular phone, and now electric bills. They each give you a dollar or so credit for not making them send a paper bill and they also save a stamp, and you both are helping to save trees! Doesn't sound like much, I know, but I try to save a few dollars anywhere I can, and if it has a positive effect on the environment, even better!

Check your bills online to see if there is any kind of savings for switching to E-bills!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Thrifty Tip Thursday!

Hey guys and gals!

What is your Thrifty Tip? Leave it in the "Comment Jar!" :-)

My Tip today: Buy Good Diapers! They last longer in the long-run! I like Huggies Goodnights and Huggies Pull-ups for my two year old son! Do you have a different fav or tip? Share it here in the comment jar!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Wordless Wednesday!




Picture of my son when he was a baby baby and his "Nanny" (Grandma, my Mom!) He loves his "Nanny!" He remembers EVERYTHING she gives him and us and he will say "Nanny's?" "Nanny's?" I usually say, yep, everything is from "Nanny!"

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

My Ebay Auctions! Save on First Quality High End Fabrics!

Check my Ebay Auctions for Designer, First Quality, To The Trade Only, High End, Fabrics! What more can I say? Good/BEST Stuff available! I will be getting in some Linens and Silks soon! Non-animal motifs on the fabrics I am waiting on, it will be more floral and toiles mostly. But, sure enough, the nicest and prettiest fabrics you have ever seen!

Click Here to check Out My Ebay!

Moment of Silence

Today is September 11th. Don't forget your moment of silence, if you haven't already.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Monday Mommy Tip with Mommy Community!

Mommy Community hosts Monday Mommy Tip each week:

Here is my tip for this Monday:

Save money and stay healthier by not buying those pricey snacks and sodas! Practice just drinking water. We only have tea (we make with tea bags for when water is boring), milk (for son and cereal), and coffee! That is the only beverages in the house. Save a lot of money by not having to buy snacks (like cheetos, etc...). For snacks, well, we have peanuts and saltine crackers in case we get hungry in between meals. For our son, we do have cereal and other random snacks for him. He is two years and two months, so he is in the stage where he doesn't want to eat so many snacks.

I know tea and coffee isn't the most healthy, but it is cheaper because you get by the can or box of bags, etc...

Sunday, September 9, 2007

Saving Money on your Electric Bill with Ceiling Fans!

Okay, I have a confession to make! I can't believe myself! We just bought a ceiling fan last weekend for our bonus room and it was turning counterclockwise and we were like WOW, that is cool! I said OOPS, it is going the wrong direction! So my husband flipped the switch and "fixed" it! LOL It wasn't cool anymore. I said well it supposed to be clockwise for the summer and vice versa for the winter! Boy, how wrong I was!!! Embarrassed! I went to my friends house yesterday and ironically she had bought a new ceiling fan also for her guest room! Guess what? Her fan was turning the "wrong" direction to me also! Then, DUH (and seriously, I am not normally this stupid), well, I MUST BE WRONG, not everyone else and the breeze coming from the fan!!! So I looked it up to confirm my "wrong-ness" and yep! It read "MOST ceiling fans turn for a cool breeze counterclockwise in the summer and vice versa the winter!" Well, it is almost the end of summer here and we finally have all our fans going to the Real "RIGHT" way! Thank goodness! We DID lower our bill from last year to this year with better blinds and thick curtains, just IMAGINE how great it would have been if all the fans were turning the correct way! We were fighting ourselves! LOL

Anywho, I almost need a jacket now!!! Seriously!

Check you fans! :-)
(Again, these directions are for MOST fans, it depends on the tilt of the blade, probably as long as you don't have something super fancy the directions above will work for you! And if all else fails, go with your gut! Is it cooler?)

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Got some deals yesterday shopping!

Had to share what deals I got yesterday while out and about shopping.
In the Mall I took advantage of Bath and Body Works' most recent sale on WallFlowers! They have buy one get one FREE! Great deal! I got my refills!

I also got my husband some Levi's Jeans from Big Lots for $12!!! I thought that was a great deal and the jeans are really good looking!

It's after midnight here, got to go to sleep!

Friday, September 7, 2007

Friday Faves! Favorite Fast Food!!



My Favorite Fast Food is probably going to be Japanese Take Out at a place near us called "New Japan!" It is very tasty and the "price is right!"

What is your favorite fast food?

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Thrifty Tip Thursday!

It's that time of the week again! Thrifty Tip Thursday with Thrifty and Creative!

What's your tip?...Leave it in the "Comment Tip Jar!" :-)

Here's mine:

When you get a gift card or money as a gift; rather than "splurging" on something you normally wouldn't get for yourself, think about things you have been wanting or needing and see if the card could go towards it! Trust me, it is still fun as you realize, you are saving your own money and putting the gift card or cash to good use! I know doesn't sound like fun, be we are always excited to not have to spend our own money on something we would have had to buy anyways!

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Wordless Wednesday!

When he was little! Awww!



And now he is Two (Turned Two in July!) Still a Cutie! But,of course, I'm Mom! Of course he is to me!

Monday, September 3, 2007

Monday Mommy Tip! About forgot it was Monday!

Happy Labor Day!

I forgot it was Monday!

Here is my Monday Mommy Tip (hosted by Mommy Community!)

Stopping the "Hiccups"
For me, what a friend taught me in college has ALWAYS worked!

You have to tell someone (pick a friend or whoever is around) and tell them when you are going to hiccup RIGHT Before you hiccup! Guess what, you won't hiccup!!!! Seriously, I think it has something to do with focusing on them!

Let me know if you have ever tried this yourself! Just curious who already uses this method!? Thanks for any and all comments!

Used my Michael's Coupon for 50% off!

I went yesterday (I know, day early!) to use my 50% off coupon on any regular priced item at Michael's Arts & Crafts store!

I got a small tool set for making items like jewelry, cutting wire etc...and comes with a bead box as well! For a low price of $3.50 once I used my coupon! I really didn't need anything else, so that was nice to spend less than a five dollar bill!

Now, what am I going to do with my purchase, we'll have to wait and see! :-) Right now, it is still in the bag! My son's two year molars (at least I think that is what they are called) are coming in, bless his heart! So, no time for anything else! We bought some Motrin and Orajel, and behold! It worked! He slept well last night! Whew!

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Super Sunday!

It is a fabulous day! Great weather, finally with highs in the 80s and lows at night in the 60s! What a relief from 100 degree days in the month of August! Crazy how the turn of a month and everything seems to change! Back to work, back to school, great weather, starting to think of the holidays!

Thrifty Thought!
Since it is starting to head to the Holidays...a great idea always is, to get a jump start and START NOW! That way when the season is upon us, you can enjoy the songs, laughter, pictures, family, friends, meals, decorations, etc...around you and not the hussle and bussle of the Malls (unless you just feel like it, not have to!)!

The last two years I found myself out and about on the final days, and of course...out of money and time! No fun, it is WORK at that point and should NOT be! The year before that, I started in the Summer months and man, that was truly a great Holiday season! Even bought extras and could eat out that year and enjoy the family time that you should!

Anywho, playing skip today from Church (shame on us!). Son tired us out with lack of sleep, I know I know! NO REASON!