Control messes when using a hand mixer
Monday, March 30th, 2009
Next time you use a mixer, put the bowl in your kitchen sink so batter doesn’t splatter. This will make clean up a snap!
‘Quick Tip’
Shine your shoes in less than 5 minutes
Friday, March 27th, 2009
Spray your leather footwear with WD-40 then buff with a soft, clean cloth (like an old used t-shirt). Spraying your heels, boots and sandals with this product protects them from water and keeps them polished.
Taking advantage of rainchecks
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009When a store has a sale and that item is out of stock you are usually entitled to a raincheck which will allow you to purchase the that item when it is re-stocked at the sale price.
This can be a great adantage for coupon shoppers as this will allow you to find, trade, or order from a coupon clipping service additional coupons so that you can stockpile that item.
Savvy coupon shoppers know that the store does not need to be out of stock of all the varieties offered in the sale flyer but instead look for just one flavor or type to be sold out and request a raincheck from the cashier or customer service desk. So for example if Pepsi 2-liters are on sale this week for $0.79 each, but the store is out of stock on just the Wild Cherry flavor you can ask for a raincheck because the store is out of stock. Usually they will write you a raincheck for any flavor, although sometimes they will indicate that you can only purchase the flavor that is out of stock.
Unless there is wording on the store sale flyer that indicates that the sale is limited to stock on hand or other such wording then by law in most states the store must issue a raincheck if they are out of stock or offer the consumer a substitute product. So extend your buying time by looking for out of stock items in the grocery store that are on sale and ask for a raincheck. Some rainchecks never expire while others, depending on the store policy expire within 30 days. This is plenty of time to aquire more coupons and stock up!
Organizing Your Freezer
Monday, March 9th, 2009
Make the most out of your freezer space with these space saving tips.
- Remove everything from your freezer and take stock of what you have in there.
- Toss anything that has gotten freezer burn or is past it’s expiration date. Remember the adage “When in doubt, throw it out”.
- Make a list of items you have that need to get used up soon and plan some meals for this week around those items.
- Consider consolidating some packages. For example I like to take items like Totino’s Pizza Rolls and dump all the boxes into a few freezer bags, cut out the cooking instructions from one box and place it inside the bag and put back in to the freezer. This saves quite a bit of space.
- Now is a good of time as any to go ahead and clean and defrost your freezer. If you have a freezer that needs to be defrosted place your frozen foods in a ice chest or two while you complete the defrosting. Follow your freezer manufactures instructions on defrosting.
- Put your foods back in the freezer, keeping in mind to put like items together. Use the shelves or bins inside your freezer to keep similar items together. For example put all frozen vegetables in one bin, all meats in another, etc.
- Containerize - Cardboard boxes, freezer containers and milk crates can be used to further organize your freezer. I personally use crates like these in different colors to organize my chest freezer.
Sales Cycle Alert - Corned Beef
Monday, February 23rd, 2009
If you like corned beef, keep your eyes opened for great deals this week and next. Corned beef, that Irish favorite, is at its annual seasonal low for sales prices. You’ll find it in many stores across the country for $1.59 to $1.79 per pound for the raw, pointed-cut bags. It normally retails as high as $4.00 per pound, so if it’s one of your favorites, now’s the time to stock up for the year. And since it’s vacuum-sealed in its own juices, it stays fresher, longer. But hurry, because once St. Patty’s Day is done, this deal will be gone until next year!
Check it out! Public library can be a money saver
Thursday, February 19th, 2009
Your local library can be a great money saving spot to put in your arsenal of ways to save money. Everyone can obtain a library card for FREE. All that is usually required is proof of address.
Here are some of the many ways you can save by utilizing your library:
- Instead of purchasing books, borrow them instead. If your library does not carry the book you are looking for speak to a librarian to see if they have a way of obtaining the book you want. Most libraries can do what is called an inter library loan by which your library borrows a book from another library.
- Borrow DVD’s and CD’s. Most libraries carry a nice selection of movies and music which you can check out for loan for free.
- Catch up on your favorite magazines and newspapers by borrowing them from the library. Sometimes the newspapers are not available for check out, but you can still read them there at the library.
- Cut your internet bill by using the computers at the library. If you don’t have a computer at home or are considering the need to cut this bill from your budget you can still access the internet from your library. Most libraries have a time limit and waiting times can be long for heavy use times, but if you just want to pop online once in a while to do some research or check emails this can be a viable option.
- Print, copy and fax. Many libraries offer the use of printers, copiers and fax machines often for a nominal charge of 5-10 cents per page. This is usually cheaper than using a service like Kinkos.
- Learn something or just while away a few hours by taking advantage of the classes, art shows, lectures, story times (for children), book clubs and other activities offered at most libraries. To find out what is offered at your library just ask a librarian for a calendar of events or check online.
I am fortunate to live right behind the library and my children and I spend on average 5-10 hours a week at the library checking out books and movies and taking part in the free activities offered there. If you don’t know where your local library is check out publiclibraries.com
Five frugal Valentines day gift ideas
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009
Giving a gift to your sweetheart does not need to break the bank. Here are 5 quick tips for frugal Valentines day gifts:
1. Say it with words. Sometimes words speak louder than the most expensive gift. A handwritten note that spells out your love and devotion is the most thoughtful gift you can give. Often times the words “I love you” are not said enough. Writing not your forte? Try a video or voice recording that tells that special someone you love them. Or search online or at the library for some nice romantic poems and put a collection together to express your sentiments to the one you love.
2. Chocolate is always a winner. Some say that Chocolate is an aphrodisiac, I don’t know about that but it sure pleasures the taste buds. My own personal favorite way to show my family my love is to make hand dipped chocolate covered strawberries. They think I spent all day making this luscious dessert but little do they know that it takes almost no time or skill to make them. Just melt some chocolate (I usually use semi-sweet chocolate chips) and dip washed and dried strawberries. Lay them on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper and pop in the fridge for 30 min or more. To serve put on a pretty platter.
3. Roses are another traditional Valentines day gift to give but the price of a dozen roses from a florist can break the bank at $50 or more. Instead, look to your local grocery store for a deals with a dozen roses at about half price from the florists prices. If cut roses seem a waste of money another thoughtful gift is to buy your sweetie a rose bush from the local garden center. My husband have given me a rose bush every year and those bushes mean more to me than any cut flowers he could give me. Each year as those bushes bloom I am reminded of his love for me.
4. Dine in instead of eating out. The cost of a fine dinner out at a restaurant can be expensive. Instead of eating out consider setting up a romantic dinner at home (if you have children either wait till they go to bed or send them to the sitters). You can make a fabulous romantic dinner for much less. Here is a great blog with some tasty and easy recipes for a valentines day meal: Fab Food Friday! Set your table with a nice table cloth, some candles and put some soft music on the stereo, or spread a blanket on the floor and have a picnic. Don’t forget the bottle of wine or champagne!
5. Create gift coupons for a Valentine gift that keeps on giving. You can make coupon on your home PC using standard programs such as Microsoft Word. Some coupon ideas: a massage, a night out without the kids, a movie date, breakfast in bed, car wash, pedicure or use your imagination!
Write off the cost of tax preparation software or fees as a deduction
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009
Software such as Turbo Tax or even the fees you paid to a tax professional such as H&R Block or your accountant can all be deducted in your following year taxes.
To find more information about itemized deductions check out this page on the IRS website.
Keep your drains flowing
Monday, February 2nd, 2009
Sprinkle ¼ cup baking soda in your drain, followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let sit for 15 minutes, and then flush with a pot of boiling water. Doing this treatment to your drains once a month can help avoid major backups of clogged grease, soap, and hair which can prevent costly plumber visits.
Conserve power with your computer
Sunday, February 1st, 2009
Set your computer to sleep mode with it’s not in use. To power it back up, simply click the mouse. This feature can cut your computer’s electricity use in half, saving you $25.00 to $75.00 a year!
To enable sleep mode in Windows, go to Start, then Control Panel, then Power Options.
On a Mac, go to System Preferences, then Energy Saver.
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