For some reasons I have noticed gym memberships are cheapest when you sign up in the summer months. Or at least that is what I discovered with a women's fitness center 2 minutes from my home. I am very excited.
They were running a teacher special (and really a special for just about anyone signing up in July). Also the registration fee is 1/2 off. So I got to sign up for $25 and $19.99/month with a year contract. They have aerobics classes (cardio dance, zumba, etc...) and weight and workout machines And free childcare!!! ding ding ding!! :-)
I decided I needed to do something for myself and my health and this is what I chose. I will be careful with all other spending to make up for another monthly bill. I feel really good about the place, location and price. I also feel I will really take part in the classes and even the machines.
Happy Day to Me!
Take care!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Yard Sale Update!
We had a yard sale this past Saturday with mostly children's clothing and then toys and other random items. My goal was $100; however, I made $84. I am very pleased with this as there was a large High School yard sale seconds away. I am happy to also clear out a lot of items and what didn't sell was donated to a local center where all the money made goes to Alzheimer's research. A great day for sure!
We are enjoying my sister-in-law here visiting from Romania! This is her first ever visit to our great nation! I did wait to have the yard sale because my husband told me they don't have such a thing in his home country that it would be interesting for her. I believe it was. She also got to see lots of people and get a feel for our currency. She also saw how exhausting a yard sale can be but also how rewarding of what you can accomplish in 4-5 hours.
Today, I wait for a call from the A/C repair guy. Our upstair A/C decided to stop working last night. Praying the bill will not be high to fix it. We made the time fun by "camping" out downstairs. My son was soo excited to see that tent come into the living room. Funny, he didn't sleep in it though. :-)
Have a great day!
We are enjoying my sister-in-law here visiting from Romania! This is her first ever visit to our great nation! I did wait to have the yard sale because my husband told me they don't have such a thing in his home country that it would be interesting for her. I believe it was. She also got to see lots of people and get a feel for our currency. She also saw how exhausting a yard sale can be but also how rewarding of what you can accomplish in 4-5 hours.
Today, I wait for a call from the A/C repair guy. Our upstair A/C decided to stop working last night. Praying the bill will not be high to fix it. We made the time fun by "camping" out downstairs. My son was soo excited to see that tent come into the living room. Funny, he didn't sleep in it though. :-)
Have a great day!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Happy Blogoversary Today: Thrifty and Creative! 4 years old!
Thrifty and Creative, the Blog is 4 years old today!!!
It is hard for me to believe I have had this blog for that long! I am very proud of myself because many times I have dropped some internet things I have started...but this blog is one that I have kept up with. Granted, I do not update daily like I once did, but I do make it a point to have a couple per month and to not skip a month. I also try to make an extra effort when I run across an idea for a post to do it right then. This is why some posts may not be so wordy, but I "get to the point" of what I wanted to say.
Thank you to my loyal readers! Here's to many more! Cheers!
Sincerely,
Melanie (Thrifty and Creative)
It is hard for me to believe I have had this blog for that long! I am very proud of myself because many times I have dropped some internet things I have started...but this blog is one that I have kept up with. Granted, I do not update daily like I once did, but I do make it a point to have a couple per month and to not skip a month. I also try to make an extra effort when I run across an idea for a post to do it right then. This is why some posts may not be so wordy, but I "get to the point" of what I wanted to say.
Thank you to my loyal readers! Here's to many more! Cheers!
Sincerely,
Melanie (Thrifty and Creative)
Friday, June 17, 2011
Storm Door Update: Lowered Electric Bill!
Installing a storm door this past tax season has been our latest smartest move on cutting energy costs!It is unreal that a door can do that!
About our door and why this storm door is a savings on the electric/energy bill:
Around the front door was not very insulated and you could even feel wind when it was windy out. With the storm door...nothing..it's great. We can also keep our A/C temperature at 76 whereas before couldn't go lower than 78 or the bill was high. So now the bill is basically the same as it was But no worries about keeping cool and curious...will the A/C ever stop turning? This may not sound like savings but it is to be able to keep it cooler for the same amount and high temperatures lately.
Last month's bill was only $97.00 (with some hot days). This coming bill is only $157.00 and that is w/ some 100 degree weather days and many 90 degrees. This house (upstairs/downstairs) has been a battle to lower the bill but I am happy with what we have done thus far. The next energy saving effort won't be for a while, but will be insulating the garage to cool the hobby room above and I know it will work. So far our baby steps here and there to heat and cool this house are paying off with lower energy bills!
About our door and why this storm door is a savings on the electric/energy bill:
Around the front door was not very insulated and you could even feel wind when it was windy out. With the storm door...nothing..it's great. We can also keep our A/C temperature at 76 whereas before couldn't go lower than 78 or the bill was high. So now the bill is basically the same as it was But no worries about keeping cool and curious...will the A/C ever stop turning? This may not sound like savings but it is to be able to keep it cooler for the same amount and high temperatures lately.
Last month's bill was only $97.00 (with some hot days). This coming bill is only $157.00 and that is w/ some 100 degree weather days and many 90 degrees. This house (upstairs/downstairs) has been a battle to lower the bill but I am happy with what we have done thus far. The next energy saving effort won't be for a while, but will be insulating the garage to cool the hobby room above and I know it will work. So far our baby steps here and there to heat and cool this house are paying off with lower energy bills!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Got my first Sunday Newspaper today!
I subscribed to the Sunday paper just a week and a half ago. Today was my first of 13 weeks.
I was just curious of the coupons and flyers that are in them. We used to get the Sunday paper years ago and stopped when we needed to save money to move into another house. Well, with the interest in couponing lately...I wanted to see what the newspaper has to offer since every couponing site recommends the Sunday paper.
So far I am pleased...it is just one week but I can tell already that there are enough coupons plus to pay back the subscription. I am not going to get rich from it, but it is definitely worth the subscription. I also enjoyed looking through the sales flyers. Great way to know where the deals are and where to spend your coupons. I just have to master my organizational skills for this one.
I have also subscribed to "All You" magazine as it is stated to have a lot of useful coupons in each issue...comes out once a month and is fairly inexpensive. I will let you know what I think when I get my first issue...might be a month or so before I get that one.
I have saved a little bit here and there so far with my couponing...I have a long way to go. The way I see it...as long as I am only buying what I normally would buy and can manage a coupon for some of the items...then I AM saving. If I start buying things I would never buy...even cheap with coupon...then I am spending more than necessary.
Keep in mind I am a "rookie couponer" but excited to give it a real try!
Have a great week!
Enjoy these beautiful days outside!
Melanie :-)
I was just curious of the coupons and flyers that are in them. We used to get the Sunday paper years ago and stopped when we needed to save money to move into another house. Well, with the interest in couponing lately...I wanted to see what the newspaper has to offer since every couponing site recommends the Sunday paper.
So far I am pleased...it is just one week but I can tell already that there are enough coupons plus to pay back the subscription. I am not going to get rich from it, but it is definitely worth the subscription. I also enjoyed looking through the sales flyers. Great way to know where the deals are and where to spend your coupons. I just have to master my organizational skills for this one.
I have also subscribed to "All You" magazine as it is stated to have a lot of useful coupons in each issue...comes out once a month and is fairly inexpensive. I will let you know what I think when I get my first issue...might be a month or so before I get that one.
I have saved a little bit here and there so far with my couponing...I have a long way to go. The way I see it...as long as I am only buying what I normally would buy and can manage a coupon for some of the items...then I AM saving. If I start buying things I would never buy...even cheap with coupon...then I am spending more than necessary.
Keep in mind I am a "rookie couponer" but excited to give it a real try!
Have a great week!
Enjoy these beautiful days outside!
Melanie :-)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Learning to Coupon? I am!
Yes, I am a newbie and this is my newest form (for myself and family) of being Thrifty! This also allows me not to toss those coupons..but use them and recycle the rest. Also, "every penny saved is a penny earned!"
I discovered this wonderful site to help me learn and it is 100% free information. Some folks are shamelessly selling this exact information but I am here to let you know that it is FREE here at: We Use Coupons ! This is an excellent resource for a newbie or someone experienced....all can come together and share tips. It is an online community forum! All couponers can benefit! They have free tips, virtual classes (all levels) and articles to get you started. You can find them on Facebook also.
If you are interested in coupons...this is a superior starting point! Don't PAY for what you can get for FREE! :-)
I discovered this wonderful site to help me learn and it is 100% free information. Some folks are shamelessly selling this exact information but I am here to let you know that it is FREE here at: We Use Coupons ! This is an excellent resource for a newbie or someone experienced....all can come together and share tips. It is an online community forum! All couponers can benefit! They have free tips, virtual classes (all levels) and articles to get you started. You can find them on Facebook also.
If you are interested in coupons...this is a superior starting point! Don't PAY for what you can get for FREE! :-)
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Savvy Shopper Mom: GREAT blog for Coupon Savings!
I just checked out this awesome blog! I plan to frequent it and so should anyone that wishes to save and grab up some great name brand coupons of items you use regularly! I am soo excited about giving Couponing a serious try....and this blog is an excellent resource!
Share any couponing tips you have here in the "comment jar!"
Melanie (new couponer...I have to try or I would be a hypocrite for calling myself "Thrifty!") Can't believe it is just now something I am going to try...shame on me! I have always cut coupons for supplies etc...but let it slip by me the potential of savings plus couponing for maximum NOT using cash out of my pocket! Better late than never!
Share any couponing tips you have here in the "comment jar!"
Melanie (new couponer...I have to try or I would be a hypocrite for calling myself "Thrifty!") Can't believe it is just now something I am going to try...shame on me! I have always cut coupons for supplies etc...but let it slip by me the potential of savings plus couponing for maximum NOT using cash out of my pocket! Better late than never!
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, May 1, 2011
"Like" this page on Facebook...it is my uncle-in-laws!
"Like" this page on Facebook...it is my uncle-in-laws!
I am working on helping out a family member to build up his Fan Page on Facebook! He does amazing work with iron/welding. Ornamental and items such as gates, fences and so forth. Check out his page and see what you think! He is very good!
Triangle Iron Design (We are trying to reach 25 fans (aka: "Likes") by tomorrow. See if you can help us out! You will also get to see some fabulous work. We have a custom pet bed and jewelry stand by Triangle Iron Design.
This company is based in Raleigh, NC but services all of the Triangle.
I am working on helping out a family member to build up his Fan Page on Facebook! He does amazing work with iron/welding. Ornamental and items such as gates, fences and so forth. Check out his page and see what you think! He is very good!
Triangle Iron Design (We are trying to reach 25 fans (aka: "Likes") by tomorrow. See if you can help us out! You will also get to see some fabulous work. We have a custom pet bed and jewelry stand by Triangle Iron Design.
This company is based in Raleigh, NC but services all of the Triangle.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Michael's is having a great sale today!
Today you can print out the usual 40% off coupon.
They also have awesome deals on semi-precious gemstones: 50% off on most! Whoa! I hate I didn't have a lot to spend! :-)
They also have awesome deals on semi-precious gemstones: 50% off on most! Whoa! I hate I didn't have a lot to spend! :-)
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