I don't know about any of you all out there...but lately I am slightly addicted to Pinterest!
While there I have found some awesome money saving ideas from other great bloggers and savers out there!
The one I want to share with you today is Making your own Liquid Hand Soap!
I am amazed as it calls for only One Bar of Soap and a few other ingredients that aren't expensive...and whamo...you have 2 liters worth of hand soap! I am totally trying this one as it would be nice to make something that I will not have to buy! Check the Article/Recipe out for yourself! If you try it..please comment about it..I would love to know of your experience.
This article and recipe comes from a great blog Titled: Savvy Housekeeping! I will be frequenting this blog for more great DIYs and Housekeeping advice. I surely can use it. :-)
Have a great October!
Showing posts with label diy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diy. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Extreme Couponing
I am really excited about "Extreme Couponing!" I just started watching this show last night. Now I have it DVRed to learn more about it!
I hope to give updates in the coming months on what I figure out from this show on couponing. I will be honest, I do not think I have the time and patience it takes to plan out a shopping trip, but I am willing to learn all I can to pass it on!
I am excited! It comes on TLC channel if you don't already watch it. Check it out!
Have a great rest of May! :-)
I hope to give updates in the coming months on what I figure out from this show on couponing. I will be honest, I do not think I have the time and patience it takes to plan out a shopping trip, but I am willing to learn all I can to pass it on!
I am excited! It comes on TLC channel if you don't already watch it. Check it out!
Have a great rest of May! :-)
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Savings in our household update:
Just thought I would write a very quick update as we are getting ready for church this beautiful Sunday morning!
We are currently waiting for our "convenience" center decal (to take our own trash). Our last trash pick-up was this past Thursday. I ordered the sticker like two weeks ago. We really hope it gets here before the end of the week or we shall be taking a road trip all the way to the landfill (20 mins away vs. 2 minutes). :-) No biggie, as long as they hurry up and send it!
Also, the baby is now a "one year old" and doesn't have to have formula, she is starting to use a sippy cup and eating some regular food not just out of the pricey jars. :-) All this adds up to savings. To any already moms out there...I know you know this, but you also know how refreshing it is. Phew! Sigh of relief!
That is my update for now, I am sure there is more, but time is ticking!
Take Care!
Melanie
We are currently waiting for our "convenience" center decal (to take our own trash). Our last trash pick-up was this past Thursday. I ordered the sticker like two weeks ago. We really hope it gets here before the end of the week or we shall be taking a road trip all the way to the landfill (20 mins away vs. 2 minutes). :-) No biggie, as long as they hurry up and send it!
Also, the baby is now a "one year old" and doesn't have to have formula, she is starting to use a sippy cup and eating some regular food not just out of the pricey jars. :-) All this adds up to savings. To any already moms out there...I know you know this, but you also know how refreshing it is. Phew! Sigh of relief!
That is my update for now, I am sure there is more, but time is ticking!
Take Care!
Melanie
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Trash DIY Update: and the winner is....
After researching and asking questions....the winner is The Local Dump! (aka: Convenience Center)
It is only $65 per Year and even covers yard waste to the local landfill for half truck load once per week. My husband was excited about that because even paying $76 per quarter...we still had to pay to take our own yard waste to the landfill at $5.00 per trip. This adds up in the summer months when mowing is at least once per week.
Oh yeah...on the Green Side, they also recycle almost everything at no addtional charge..super awesome...so $65 per year is exactly what it means!
We will have to purchase a new trash can $30 from Lowe's Home Improvement and Large Trash Bags ($27 and will be enough for the whole year). The trash can is of course a "one time purchase." The savings more than makes up for the purchases above and will pay for themselves in the first three months of savings! Yay!
It is only $65 per Year and even covers yard waste to the local landfill for half truck load once per week. My husband was excited about that because even paying $76 per quarter...we still had to pay to take our own yard waste to the landfill at $5.00 per trip. This adds up in the summer months when mowing is at least once per week.
Oh yeah...on the Green Side, they also recycle almost everything at no addtional charge..super awesome...so $65 per year is exactly what it means!
We will have to purchase a new trash can $30 from Lowe's Home Improvement and Large Trash Bags ($27 and will be enough for the whole year). The trash can is of course a "one time purchase." The savings more than makes up for the purchases above and will pay for themselves in the first three months of savings! Yay!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Vanity Seat Update: Finished!
Below is my husband and son attaching the seat and the rest as you see are the finished results!Side by side comparison in next post!
Vanity Seat Update: Paint Choice and Frame Painted
Before and After of the Frame Painting. My husband did an awesome job. Looks beautiful!
Vanity Seat Update: Fabric Chosen and Upholstered
The first two pictures are of the fabric my husband and I decided on. Isn't it beautiful? I love it!
The lower two pictures are of my husband modeling the act of upholstering the seat cushion (actually that was my job and I did it...didn't I do a good job?). :-) My husband's part is coming up in the next post (painting the metal frame).
The lower two pictures are of my husband modeling the act of upholstering the seat cushion (actually that was my job and I did it...didn't I do a good job?). :-) My husband's part is coming up in the next post (painting the metal frame).
I love it!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Vanity Seat Update
This is a photo showing the repeated clear protective stains my husband put on the wood part after taking the seat apart. He wanted to insure that the wood would not ever rot. :-) The foam cushion part was in good condition as it was originally covered with a vinyl.
Now I get to pick out the fabric! Yay!
Stay tuned for more updates! :-)
Now I get to pick out the fabric! Yay!
Stay tuned for more updates! :-)Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Restoring the Vanity Seat
First stage...
My husband has ripped off the old fabric down to the wood circle. He is going to sand it and stain it so it doesn't rot, etc...
After he finishes the above step...I am going to jump in and upholster a beautiful fabric (I haven't decided yet but have a lot to choose from) over the cushion and the seat part will be done.
The second stage...
We have to decide on a color for the metal part: Silver is my first choice if I can find a good metal looking paint. White second choice for metal paint if the silver looks funny.
I will post pictures as steps are complete or the entire seat is complete. I am still excited about this vanity seat. With waiting for baby and prepping for the arrival at work and home, etc... It is great to have something to be excited about before the baby arrives; otherwise I could get stressed. :-)
My husband has ripped off the old fabric down to the wood circle. He is going to sand it and stain it so it doesn't rot, etc...
After he finishes the above step...I am going to jump in and upholster a beautiful fabric (I haven't decided yet but have a lot to choose from) over the cushion and the seat part will be done.
The second stage...
We have to decide on a color for the metal part: Silver is my first choice if I can find a good metal looking paint. White second choice for metal paint if the silver looks funny.
I will post pictures as steps are complete or the entire seat is complete. I am still excited about this vanity seat. With waiting for baby and prepping for the arrival at work and home, etc... It is great to have something to be excited about before the baby arrives; otherwise I could get stressed. :-)
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Accidental Find Today at the Thrift Store
The before shots: Story below:
Today we went to drop off some donations at our local Thrift Store. I decided to go inside to find a cheap (hoping to) short bookshelf. No luck on the bookshelf. (Wanted it for my son's books.)
What I did find, I could not pass up. A Vanity seat...the old fashioned kind from the 70's/80's era. I have been wanting one for a while. This one...the only problem...colors. Yuck...white vinyl seat and green metal. It is in good shape and was only $12.00. I had my husband (good man) go inside and take a look (he was dropping off the donations) to see if we could paint it, etc... He said sure. So we are going to repaint the metal another color and reupholster the seat with some nice fabrics I have. I can't wait to tackle this project. My husband is always looking for a project...so he will paint the metal and I will reupholster the cushioned seat. Yay!
Did I mention...I had been hoping for YEARS to run across one of these. So excited! I'll have to take pictures! :-)
What I did find, I could not pass up. A Vanity seat...the old fashioned kind from the 70's/80's era. I have been wanting one for a while. This one...the only problem...colors. Yuck...white vinyl seat and green metal. It is in good shape and was only $12.00. I had my husband (good man) go inside and take a look (he was dropping off the donations) to see if we could paint it, etc... He said sure. So we are going to repaint the metal another color and reupholster the seat with some nice fabrics I have. I can't wait to tackle this project. My husband is always looking for a project...so he will paint the metal and I will reupholster the cushioned seat. Yay!
Did I mention...I had been hoping for YEARS to run across one of these. So excited! I'll have to take pictures! :-)
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Update: DIY project and a couple Hot Days..staying cool!
I just wanted to send an update as I haven't in a while. Everything will get better once I am settled into my new school schedule.
What is going on currently:
My husband is DIYing by putting up some crown molding in our home. He paid $145 for a nice skil saw to cut angles and he studied up quite a bit on how to do crown molding. He also consulted with a friend that built his own very immaculate house to be sure he is doing things right. I like this ongoing project as it increases value in our home and the fact that this year we have not done anything big to the house to increase the value until this. Each year (this is the third in this house) we try to do some big things to add value to the house so I am excited that the main purchase is the saw and the molding itself is not all that expensive when buying a few pieces at a time. I like the fact that also, it is a project that if he needs to stop, it isn't an eyesore, etc...everything is in the garage that he uses for the cutting etc...so not much mess to clean up.
We just had a very hot day today near triple digits and tomorrow it is expected to reach 101 degrees. Yikes! What I noticed today when I had the blinds open even with it directing upward...the house was getting hotter...so I simply shut all the curtains and made sure all blinds were directed upward to not allow direct light and the temperature dropped 2 degrees in the house which brought it back to normal. Amazing what a few curtains can do! I want to try some solar shades that my friend is trying out that she bought at JCPenney and she loves them already and says it has cooled down her kitchen dramatically. We may have to get some of those throughout the house. I am really big into lowering bills and being comfortable!
Have a great day and week to come!
What is going on currently:
My husband is DIYing by putting up some crown molding in our home. He paid $145 for a nice skil saw to cut angles and he studied up quite a bit on how to do crown molding. He also consulted with a friend that built his own very immaculate house to be sure he is doing things right. I like this ongoing project as it increases value in our home and the fact that this year we have not done anything big to the house to increase the value until this. Each year (this is the third in this house) we try to do some big things to add value to the house so I am excited that the main purchase is the saw and the molding itself is not all that expensive when buying a few pieces at a time. I like the fact that also, it is a project that if he needs to stop, it isn't an eyesore, etc...everything is in the garage that he uses for the cutting etc...so not much mess to clean up.
We just had a very hot day today near triple digits and tomorrow it is expected to reach 101 degrees. Yikes! What I noticed today when I had the blinds open even with it directing upward...the house was getting hotter...so I simply shut all the curtains and made sure all blinds were directed upward to not allow direct light and the temperature dropped 2 degrees in the house which brought it back to normal. Amazing what a few curtains can do! I want to try some solar shades that my friend is trying out that she bought at JCPenney and she loves them already and says it has cooled down her kitchen dramatically. We may have to get some of those throughout the house. I am really big into lowering bills and being comfortable!
Have a great day and week to come!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Christmas in July...check out this site and "Green" ornaments!
This morning I was just checking around for Christmas ideas and ran across this site and great ides for "green" "eco-friendly" ornaments! I love them! They look awesome! A great inspiration for the season (5 months away is it?).
From EcoSalon.com:
Cute Ornaments made from recycled or "green" materials!
Enjoy! I just couldn't resist sharing the site and ideas. I know it is early, but I will not remember several months from now. :-)
Have a wonderful rest of the week!
From EcoSalon.com:
Cute Ornaments made from recycled or "green" materials!
Enjoy! I just couldn't resist sharing the site and ideas. I know it is early, but I will not remember several months from now. :-)
Have a wonderful rest of the week!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
It's that time of year! Plant a garden if you haven't already!
This year we have planted: Tomatoes, Cucumbers (already getting tons of them), Grapes (this one is going to be interesting), and Watermelons that apparently never went away from last year....weird!
I encourage you, if you can...to plant your favorite veggie soon! Take advantage of just buying seeds and enjoying what You grew!
I realize, if you don't already have a garden, it may take some time and effort and maybe even a little money to get it going. In the long run...it's worth it and easier upkeep year to year once you have everything set. For example: we have a raised garden bed...my husband had to buy the wood and piece it together to create the raised and step effects. It looks so nice and it is done! We also (well husband again) put in irrigation. I suppose not a necessity, but it is nice when you don't feel like getting out the water hose or a bucket. :-) Also, you would need stakes for such items as tomatoes and such. After the initial year of setting up, it is cheaper than buying from the market.
I encourage you, if you can...to plant your favorite veggie soon! Take advantage of just buying seeds and enjoying what You grew!
I realize, if you don't already have a garden, it may take some time and effort and maybe even a little money to get it going. In the long run...it's worth it and easier upkeep year to year once you have everything set. For example: we have a raised garden bed...my husband had to buy the wood and piece it together to create the raised and step effects. It looks so nice and it is done! We also (well husband again) put in irrigation. I suppose not a necessity, but it is nice when you don't feel like getting out the water hose or a bucket. :-) Also, you would need stakes for such items as tomatoes and such. After the initial year of setting up, it is cheaper than buying from the market.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Recipe on the Cheap "Asian Salad" with an Inexpensive Noodle
I had to share this Recipe as it is inexpensive and SOOO tasty! You may have read other variations of this or this one itself. If you haven't tried this recipe...now is your chance. Not only is it SUPER EASY and SUPER CHEAP...it is a LARGE QUANTITY and will last for several meals as a side! I am getting hungry for this Ramen Noodles (c) Asian Salad just typing about it. The following directions comes from a co-worker whom wrote it out for me to try. Everyone went ga ga at work over it. She brings this for our staff "Fat Fridays."
Ramen Noodles Asian Salad Recipe:
Here it is:
1 lb. bag of cole slaw
1 c. slivered almonds
1c sunflower seeds
1 pkg. Chicken flavor Ramen Noodle Soup
1 pkg. Oriental flavor Ramen Noodle Soup
To make the dressing DRESSING:
1/3 c. vegetable oil
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. apple cider vinegar
2 pkgs. of seasoning from the Ramen Noodles
The Instructions to put it all together:
Brown almonds and seeds in dry skillet.
Combine coleslaw, almonds, sunflower seeds in a large bowl.
Break up Ramen noodles into small pieces; add to slaw mix.
Toss all of this together.
Make dressing using reserved packets of ramen seasoning. and pour onto the salad.
Toss again.
Refrigerate at least an hour before serving.
Toss well before serving.
Let me know if you have done this before or try this one and how you like it!
Ramen Noodles Asian Salad Recipe:
Here it is:
1 lb. bag of cole slaw
1 c. slivered almonds
1c sunflower seeds
1 pkg. Chicken flavor Ramen Noodle Soup
1 pkg. Oriental flavor Ramen Noodle Soup
To make the dressing DRESSING:
1/3 c. vegetable oil
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. apple cider vinegar
2 pkgs. of seasoning from the Ramen Noodles
The Instructions to put it all together:
Brown almonds and seeds in dry skillet.
Combine coleslaw, almonds, sunflower seeds in a large bowl.
Break up Ramen noodles into small pieces; add to slaw mix.
Toss all of this together.
Make dressing using reserved packets of ramen seasoning. and pour onto the salad.
Toss again.
Refrigerate at least an hour before serving.
Toss well before serving.
Let me know if you have done this before or try this one and how you like it!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
What can I do with Cereal Boxes and other Thin Boxes?
I thought this would be a great way to gather ideas for myself, my classroom, and I assume many of you would be interested as well. I know folks that drop by my blog here are looking to save money in creative ways. Now, I also know that these same types of folks are like me in that Recycling and Being Green is a way of life for them (and you do save money by doing so as well).
We can all still be creative with how we recycle instead of the norm.
Sooooo....What I want to do every now and again is open up the "floor" to you guys...give me some ideas of how to use something in a creative way.
Today...I want to know...what are some creative uses for Cereal/Food/Thin Cardboard Boxes?
I will get us started:
We can all still be creative with how we recycle instead of the norm.
Sooooo....What I want to do every now and again is open up the "floor" to you guys...give me some ideas of how to use something in a creative way.
Today...I want to know...what are some creative uses for Cereal/Food/Thin Cardboard Boxes?
I will get us started:
- Bookmarks
- Artist Trading Cards
- Bound with Recycled Backs of Paper = Autograph Books (these are things I have already done in my classroom).
Any other ideas? Share by dropping a line or two in the Comment Jar!
Happy Tuesday!
Monday, April 20, 2009
My Etsy Shop...Helping me pay for my Hobbies.
I have had an Etsy account for some time now but not until the past few weeks have I really got into it. I love it!
I have recently listed, in addition to the custom pencil drawings by my husband, knotted jewelry , Crochet Cloths and wall hangings. I made my first sale of my knotted items yesterday! I sold a bracelet! With the exception of the custom pencil drawings, necklaces and wall hangings in our store...most of my items are $5.00 each. I do this, not to make a huge profit, but to pay for my hobby of the items I sell. I love to stay busy and it helps to sell my items to make room for me to make even more. Even better, this pays for my supplies. My husband has sold and made quite a few custom pencil drawings. He is awesome!
If you get the chance...check out my Etsy store! I will be adding items several times a week.
Happy Monday Everyone!
I have recently listed, in addition to the custom pencil drawings by my husband, knotted jewelry , Crochet Cloths and wall hangings. I made my first sale of my knotted items yesterday! I sold a bracelet! With the exception of the custom pencil drawings, necklaces and wall hangings in our store...most of my items are $5.00 each. I do this, not to make a huge profit, but to pay for my hobby of the items I sell. I love to stay busy and it helps to sell my items to make room for me to make even more. Even better, this pays for my supplies. My husband has sold and made quite a few custom pencil drawings. He is awesome!
If you get the chance...check out my Etsy store! I will be adding items several times a week.
Happy Monday Everyone!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
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!!!
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!!!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
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