Broken Phone...What to Do?

How many times have you dropped your phone? Have you cracked the screen? Do you have a broken phone sitting in a drawer somewhere? 

A few months ago, my son broke his Apple iPod. He was devastated!  He carried it around everywhere. He used FaceTime to talk with friends, take photos, and play games.

Well like many families, we didn't have an extra $250 laying around to purchase a new one, so I started doing some searching online about how to repair it.

There are repair kits I could purchase from Amazon and eBay, but I didn't feel comfortable taking the entire iPod apart. I didn't want to cause more damage, so I tried to find a company to fix it for us.

That's when I found  iCracked.com/repair.  You submit what type of electronic you have, what you need done, etc. to their free service, and they will have local technicians offer you quotes to repair it. You pick who you want to contact, if any. 

I received quotes from 4 technicians in my area, but selected one who would pick up and return the iPod for $80. Not cheap, but way better than getting a new one.

Then two weeks later, I broke my iPhone 4, but the same technician wasn't available. I was shopping at a local Radio Shack and noticed they were also able to make repairs. Not all Radio Shack stores offer repairs so check online for the one closest to you.   My phone was done in less than an hour and cost roughly $80 as well.

I have to say it isn't cheap to get the electronics fixed, but it's better than having it sit in a drawer broken.

How I Plan My Grocery Shopping Trips and Weekly Meals

I thought I would share what I use to help my family stay within our grocery budget each and every week.

Every single week I sit down and make a list of all the stuff we need from the various stores. I don't shop at just one. I shop at Walmart for pet products, laundry, plus various other household supplies and some name brand foods. Then I shop at Aldi's for the majority of my groceries and Weis Markets for meats. It's a personal preference and based on the quality of products in my particular area.

It's really easy to find lots of printable weekly menu planners with the grocery list. Here are just a few that are free to download so you can start using a meal planner immediately.

Here's one I created 2 years back.
DIY Home Sweet Home - This one is colorful with the menu planning at the top and grocery list at the bottom.
GlueStickBlog - A really nice looking menu planning sheet included in their 2015 planner printable pack.

This is the one I'm currently using from 733blog.com.

 

Once I found one I liked, I printed 52 copies back to back on my printer. You can also save the document to a flash drive and have it printed at a copy shop. After I printed it out I created a quick cover page and printed it out also.

Then I took my printed planner pages and had them bound at my local Office Depot. They even added a clear cover and white backing. It cost a total of $3.80. I love the way it looks and it's much sturdier too.

Here is what mine looks like on a typical week. I cross everything off as I find them and check off each meal as I use them. I don't necessarily eat whatever I listed for the day of the week. 

Speaking of the grocery list. I include EVERYTHING that I need to buy for the week on that list. That means food, cleaners, pet food and supplies, paper products, plus any miscellaneous things my family needs that we were able to plan for.  If it's not on the list I will surely forget it.

Some people starting out wonder how I know the prices of everything. To be honest I know the prices of 95% of the stuff on my list because I purchase it often. The stuff I'm unsure the price of I use a best guess and I always over-estimate. Once you've been doing this for a couple weeks it will be just as easy for you.

People have asked why I keep all my previous week's lists. I keep them so I can get menu ideas and check prices on items I purchase infrequently. Another reason is to remember what I did when we only had $50 a week or $100 a week to feed my family of 5 if I ever have to do that again.

I really hope this helps you and your family stay within your grocery budget like it has my family.

Walmart Savings Catcher

I want to share my latest obsession. The Walmart Savings Catcher.

You may have seen the commercials on TV.  That's how I found out about the app.

It's super simple. You download the app. I used the app store on my iPhone. It's fr^ee to purchase. Once it's installed you simply scan your Walmart receipt. That's it. You wait for the app to check the current prices of your items at a bunch of different stores. Once the scan is done, you receive a message saying how much money you are getting back. Done.

I really like this app, my only issue with the app is that it takes soooooo long for it to scan. I mean 3-4 days! It's constantly running in the background on your phone - could potentially drain your battery.

But hey they are giving you money back, so who cares that it takes a couple days.

I've only entered 5 receipts and already have a balance of $3.37. It may not seem like a lot, but I don't purchase a lot of stuff each week from there. Plus it only took me about 5 minutes of my time.

I plan to save all the money up and cash it in around Christmas time. The app lets you get your savings money whenever you wish in the form of an electronic gift card which you can take to your local store. It will let you accumulate your savings up to $599.99 a calendar year.

This is ideally for a person/family who purchases food items because they don't include many household, sporting and general merchandise. It does include name brand foods, paper towels, toilet paper, make-up, shampoo and such. It only works with in-store purchases. Not online purchases which suits me just fine.

Try it out and see how much you will save.

Happy shopping!

* This is not a paid advertisement. I haven't been compensated in any way for sharing this. It is solely my opinion. *

DIY Tutorials to Keep Your Clothes Looking Like New

Keep your clothes looking good and lasting longer with these wonderful tutorials.

By taking a couple minutes and searching the web you can find solutions to almost any clothing problem. Sweater that shrunk in the dryer, a button that fell off, a popped seam, etc.



Learn How to Re-Attach A Button


How to Sew a Torn Seam


Altering or Fixing a Hem


See How to Remove Food/Drink Stains from Clothing


Fix a Separated Zipper


Fix a Sweater that Shrunk

Save Money on Pet Costs

We took our little kitten, Noel, to the ASPCA yesterday to get spayed. We originally planned on getting that done at our local veterinarian, but they wanted from $273.70 to $662.96 depending on what options you selected (laser vs. scalpel, microchip implantation, pre-surgical bloodwork, etc.). We really couldn't afford that right now, so we searched for a more affordable option.

Our local ASCPC offers the basic services for $55 for spaying a girl cat. I can't imagine that the procedure itself is all that different from place to place. Both are completed by a certified veterinarian and both include anesthesia so the cat is asleep during the procedure.  I understand there is probably a certain level of care given after the procedure, but one place is a for profit business and another is non-profit.

When it comes down to it, you need to research the facility, read the reviews and way the pros and cons of each location for yourself. Our local ASPCA is clean, has caring, knowledgeable staff and are very affordable. That may not be the case in your area, so do your research ahead of time.
 
One way you can cut costs while still maintaining your pet's health is by finding facilities that offer
low cost vaccines, spay and neuter, and grooming.

Vaccinations
There are tons of organizations available for low cost vaccinations. Simply search for "low cost vaccinations for pets in X" substituting your city or state for X. Here are some nationwide programs that connect you with local organizations. Many even offer services like deworming, flea and tick medications, and other common medical issues for cats and dogs.

LuvMyPet.com/
Petco.com


Spay/Neuter
I'm very much in favor of getting your pet spayed or neutered. There are really so many kittens, puppies and full grown pets that need adopting already. Beside all the local veterinarians in your area also consider the organizations below to find a low-cost program to have your pet spayed or neutered.
HumaneSociety.org  - They also will connect you with shelters, organizations, and vets that offer low cost spay and neuter programs.

SpayUSA.org/ - Another nationwide network that connects pet owners to low cost spay/neuter programs.

Grooming
Almost all major department stores (Walmart, Target, etc.) sell brushes, clippers for trimming fur, and nail clippers, so you can keep your pet's coat and nails looking great. Start off small with brushing once a week, so your pet can get used to you doing it. Try clipping their nails while they are sleeping. Many are afraid of cutting the nails down to the quick, but I just clip a tiny, tiny bit off so they aren't sharp.

Here are more resources to help you groom your pet from home.
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/groom-your-cat
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/groom-your-dog
YouTube offers tons of videos on grooming specific breeds of dogs.

Please share your tips/ideas for saving on pet costs.

Save $$$ With DIY Appliance Repairs

For the past couple days I've been dealing with a really loud noise coming from my beloved vacuum cleaner.

I love my Dyson! I've had it for just over 5 years and have absolutely no complaints about the vacuum or the service from Dyson. By the way, I wasn't compensated in ANY way to say this - I just really like my vacuum.

Back story, since I've moved into this home I've had about 5 different vacuums. All broke within a year because we have 2 dogs, now 3 cats, 3 kids and a husband who works construction. Plus we live near the water, so we have sand everywhere. Oh and did I mention we have a massive static problem every winter.

Anyways, just over 5 years ago, we bought the Dyson DC-17 Animal vacuum. We've never had to pay for service or belts for the first 5 years. It was awesome.

Well around Christmas time, the vacuum started making a really loud noise - almost like a dying animal. I called Dyson service department and they walked me through fixing it myself. Saving me a boat load of money, because the alternative is a vacuum repair shop.

So...how does this help you.

Consult Your Owner's Manual
First and foremost, check the owner's manual. Hopefully you kept the owner's manual and are able to put your hands on it. If not, do a quick search online for it. Then you will be able to read it or print out to reference later.

Call Customer Service
Next time one of your appliances stops working correctly, call the company and ask for help. Sometimes they will point you in the right direction to repairing the problem and other times they will refer you to a repair company. It never hurts to ask what they think the problem may be.

Check out YouTube
Youtube.com has a large number of videos that can show you how to make small repairs to almost any appliance.  Watch more than one, if possible, to get as much information as you can.

Google It
When all else fails you can search online for the solution to your problem.

Please be careful you consider doing DIY projects for the first time. Obviously, make sure all appliances are unplugged, disconnected from power and water before you do anything else. Also, allocate extra time, so you have time to figure everything out and don't feel rushed.  Lastly, don't take on a project that you don't feel comfortable with - there is absolutely nothing wrong with hiring a professional to complete a job that is above your comfort level. Start small and you will learn as you go.

Where to Find Low Cost Halloween Costumes

It's the beginning of October and that means it's time for Halloween. When you have kids that means costumes, candy and lots of money out of your pocketbook.

Here are five places to find low cost Halloween costumes for your kids and even yourself.

Thrift Stores
The most obvious place to look for costumes is your local thrift or second hand store. These are one place to look, but many times the outfits are picked over with good ones taken fast.

eBay.com
The second most obvious and commonly searched place for costumes is eBay.com.  You can find pretty much any costume your little one may want, however, people are out there to make a big profit and you need to fight others (bidding of course) to win a really great costume.

Amazon.com
You may not know that Amazon sells more than just e-books. They sell lots of other stuff including new and used Halloween costumes and accessories. Best part is there is no bidding and the prices are low in most cases.

Make Your Own
If you still can't afford to pay for an already made costume, consider making one yourself. You can easily make an easy costume with a plain colored sweat suit or a black bodysuit and tights. Another option is to use a cardboard box to create a really cool costume. Use your imagination! Be an animal, a bottle of ketchup, a robot, a washing machine, or an iPad.  Need ideas just give a quick search online.

Clearance Sales
The absolute best way to find a cheap Halloween costume is to buy them during the after Halloween clearance sales. Buy them after the holiday for the next year. Buy a size or two bigger and try to stick to classic costumes - nothing too trendy because they could be out of style by next year.

No matter what your little one wants to be for Halloween you can find a way to dress-up  for less than retail. You just need to know where to look.

How We Went From Verge of Bankruptcy to Savings Success

It seems like we've always struggled with money. I balanced our checkbook once a month when our statement came in, but we were kinda clueless the rest of the month.

Then in January 2011 the S*@T hit the fan. We received a notice from the bank saying they were starting foreclosure on our home and another saying they were repossessing our truck. Things got serious real quick!!!

My hubby was making a great income. I was a stay at home mom with 3 kids in school. We were dealing with past due bills, medical bills, collection agencies (for other medical bills) and keeping up with all the day-to-day bills.

We didn't have lots of credit cards or loans. We just fell behind on our regular bills. We didn't have a plan or any organization.

Our Plan
I have to give complete credit to my hubby on this one. He searched all over the web and finally came up with a plan that got us out of the financial mess and on stable ground.

First, we wrote up a list of everything we owed. I mean everything.
* Who we owed (ex. mortgage, hospital, electric co.)
* How much we needed to pay to get caught up
* Total amount needed to be completely paid off
* Due date

After seeing everything listed in one place we printed out a blank monthly calendar for the remainder of the year. We wrote in all the bills that weren't due yet on the dates they were due. Some people prefer to write them in on a day or two ahead of their due date, so they are paid early.

With the list of our debts, we were now ready to look at the money coming in. We got out hubby's paycheck and sat down together. To figure this out.

We had a blank notebook laying around and opened to a blank page. On the top of the page we wrote the week's date. Hubby gets paid every week so that is how often we create a budget. We create a new budget each and every week.

On the first line we wrote the amount of his check (actual amount deposited).

Under that we write any money left in the bank account after it has been balanced. Total it up after each line.

Next we take out the money we need for gasoline. My hubby can't make any money for the next week if he can't get to work. So this is important.

Another thing we do right off the bat is deduct for food. Usually $100 - $150 a week, but sometimes it got as low as $50 a week for our family of 5 plus 2 dogs and 2 cats. Those weeks were really, really rough. Find out how we stick to our food budget here.

After those two things we always take out for our home mortgage. We arranged with our mortgage company to have 1/4 of our payment deducted from our account every week. For us it was easier than trying to come up with a big lump sum every month.

Now with the remaining balance (after mortgage, food and gas), we look at the calendar and see what else we can pay. If there is any money left over after that week's bills are paid - it get's put into savings or taken out of the bank and put in an envelope for a special fund.

One thing we do that most people do not is we use cash. I always get out cash to go grocery shopping and for gasoline for the vehicle. That way I definitely have to stay within my budget.

When we have special items we need to save up for, we withdraw the money from our bank and put it in an envelope. We've learned the hard way if it stays in the bank - it get's spent, so we take it out and sock it away.  Some things we save up for include: Christmas, back to school supplies, heating oil, birthdays, clothing, auto repairs.

Once we were able to get caught up on all our bills; we've started to pay down our debts. We are constantly between paying down/off our debt and saving for special items.

This process has worked pretty well for us for the past 2 1/2 years. We've paid off lots of medical bills, almost paid off hubby's truck, and paid cash for vehicle repairs, plus lots more.

The main reason it works so well for us is we communicate with each other every week about our financial goals. We prioritize our expenses (what we need and want). We always talk over major purchases and we try to keep a healthy balance between things we need and stuff we want.

I'm not saying this will work for everyone, but if you are in a similar situation our plan is something you could consider.

Back To School Shopping on a Budget

It's my absolute favorite time of the year? Yes I am that mom from the Staples commercial (not really), but in spirit.

I love, love, love school supplies! I could easily go overboard spending on supplies each year, but I don't and you don't have to either.

Shopping for back to school isn't meant the "break the bank".  Unless, of course, you listen to all the television commercials and sales ads. The ones that say your child needs a whole new wardrobe, new backpack, lunchbox, folders, and more every school year.

Start off by creating a budget and be sure to add in for unexpected fees (planners, magazine fees, etc.).  Include school supplies, clothes, shoes, and anything else your school requires. Then go through the list and assign a dollar amount to each item. If you don't know how much it costs - then estimate it (over estimate it actually).

Yes, I know this post is called Back to School Shopping on a Budget, but the whole point is to make your money stretch as far as possible. It's not always about finding the cheapest price, because sometimes the cheapest priced item doesn't last very long. So here's how to buy the things your children need for school without having to replace them over and over again throughout the year.

Quality
One thing I really want to stress is purchase quality products. Believe me we went the other way for a while and it didn't work out well. Last year we purchased a good, quality backpack for each of my kids and they are able to use them again this year. The same with their lunchboxes and a couple folders.

Plastic pocket folders instead of regular pocket folders can last for years without a rip unlike the regular folders that rip in a couple months.

Clothing
To start the school year off right I purchase a new outfit or two for each child. Notice I said outfit not wardrobe. I also purchase new shoes because most of the summer they wear flip flops and they usually have outgrown their old ones. Again these should be a good quality, but not necessarily expensive.  

I try to replace my children's clothes as they outgrow them. For example, if my son has a growth spurt and shoots up 2" causing all his jeans to be too short, I buy a couple pairs. I don't recommend buying a lot in advance because you can't predict how your kid will grow.

Stock Up on Sale Prices
However, while things are on sale I try to stock up on the basics such as pencils, paper, erasers, pens, glue sticks, etc.  The stuff that gets used up throughout the year and that costs more later.

Once you set a budget, then find the best quality merchandise you can find for that price.

Six Secrets to Recession-Proof Living

Today's post is a guest post that I hope you will find helpful in this difficult economy. Enjoy!


Six Secrets to Recession-Proof Living
By  Marie Christine Sing Umali

With the stock market conditions on a consistent downturn, current housing prices continue to plummet, homeowners buried in debt are not even willing to sell knowing that it will be a big loss in equity value. Oil and food prices have risen higher than before and have no indications of going down. Because of these, people cannot help but panic.

The US has survived countless wars and recessions time and time again. This only goes to show that nothing is impossible if Americans work together in uplifting the economy as one nation. However, it does not guarantee that everyone will not experience hunger, unemployment and mortgage foreclosures. So how can one bullet proof his property and family's future in case the great depression strikes? With no one else to turn to, everyone should be able to plan ahead to achieve resilience from any economic instability.

Here are a few tricks which could help one increase his chances of surviving amidst growing pains and price hikes:

SCORE A JOB THAT YOU LIKE DOING AND KEEP IT!

This means looking for a job you see yourself doing for the rest of your life. Never settle for a job you despise. Not only will you suck doing it, but you will also waste valuable time you could have channeled to a more productive outlet. Love your current job and try your best to get promoted! Promotion means an increased salary, and constant promotion shows the company that you are an indispensable asset.

LOOK FOR AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF INCOME

If schedule permits, try having alternative money-making endeavors. Try a low-pressure sideline that gives you a steady stream of income. If you are a kitchen goddess, start accepting made-to-order pastry batches. Prepare small samples when friends drop by for barbecue. Make sure that you have perfected your recipe first and have run taste tests before you declare "business is open". You have only one shot at making an impression to your friends. If they think your sample is a flop, you will have a hard time convincing prospects that the next batches will taste better. First impressions last so make it one that everyone will remember for all the good reasons. Once you have built your credibility, who knows? This may turn to a long-term bigger business. Be a wise spender of your time and money.

SAVE FOR THE RAINY DAYS

Have at least 10% of your salary untouched. Save up in case a family member gets sick or someone in the family gets laid off. It is also wise to be in-the-know of current financial and investment trends.

AVOID DEBT AT ALL COSTS

If you are used to buying using your credit card, or have an outstanding loan, start making plans on how you can slowly pay off all these things that could be a potential burden to you when tough times come. At this point, do not give in to any loan offers even if it means giving up getting your next dream car or that divine house by the beach.

CONSIDER A SECOND HOME

If you are living in the city where the cost of living is essentially high, consider moving to a less expensive state. Get job offers somewhere "safe" and consider it as a second home. Select places that have low unemployment rates -- where the local government can subsidize its residents, where people can buy homes at reasonable prices in a location that everybody wants. Consider one that has a low crime rate and one that has a friendly and family-oriented neighborhood, with good schools and recreation centers. When you move in, make sure that the previous owners have done bathroom and kitchen remodeling. This takes away significant home improvement headaches which could ruin moving day for you.

If you feel that overseas-living is very tempting, research on the living costs. For expatriates, the salary offered to foreign workers are higher but what's better is that the cost of living is a lot less than America. One country, Malaysia, offers "My Second Home Program" and allows foreigners to settle down with ease under certain criteria. Another great place to stay is Singapore, a highly progressive country with a stable economy. Vietnam is starting to get more and more foreign investments; its economy is in the upswing supported by foreign-friendly government policies. This could mean more opportunities for you to earn, invest, and save.

LEARN THE BASICS OF SURVIVAL

Make a list of some basic things needed in the house should emergency situations arise. Off the top of my head, the following seem logical and important:


Store non-perishable goods and other relevant household items inside a dry, clean, kitchen cabinet;
Make sure to store kitchen essentials and canned goods;
Buy tools for carpentry work, plumbing, small electrical jobs, etc.;
Buy or keep "security" items and supplies like a licensed gun, supply of ammo, two-way radio, flashlight, candles, lighters, and the like;
Store medical supplies;
Get solar power equipment, spare batteries; and
Buy a bicycle.


Decide on which part of the house you can transform into a storage area. You need to find a dry place that is accessible enough and big enough to be a repository.

TURN UNUSED LOT SPACE INTO A VEGETABLE GARDEN

Learn to plant without thinking about the zombies! Keeping a vegetable patch in your backyard can serve as a way to de-stress and take your mind off work. Instead of buying from the store, you can grow vegetables, fruits, flowers in the garden. Incorporate a small hanging herb greenhouse in your kitchen design.  Such can also be used for decorative purposes. You can also 'gift' these to some neighbors or use it as another source of income when it is running thinly.

We cannot really figure out what will happen in the future. History gives us the clues, serving as a warning of threats to come. Continue reading up on current affairs and know the trends inside-out. Apply all the knowledge you have learned when you finally decide to build, buy or rent. In any case, whether this dreaded event is coming or not, it pays to be prepared than sorry.

Marie Christine Sing-Umali is a blogger and home improvement enthusiast working for Kitchen Cabinet Kings, a leading online distributor of discount bathroom and kitchen cabinets nationwide. If you are looking for high quality birch, maple, bamboo, and oak kitchen cabinets, you can count on [http://www.kitchencabinetkings.com/]Kitchen Cabinet Kings' RTA Cabinets. Claim your free kitchen design service, discounts and know more about financing options by visiting their website.

Article Source:  Six Secrets to Recession-Proof Living

Freebies on Friday - June 28, 2013

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Enjoy these free e-books and samples. See you on Monday!

e-Books

15 Minute Breakfast - Quick Healthy Breakfast Recipes Made In Just 15 Minutes (15 Minute Recipes)

We Use Coupons, You Should Too! How Couponing Saved My Life

Weight Watcher Guru Heavenly Desserts Points Plus Recipes (Weight Watcher Guru Series)

Real Clever Ideas and Solutions: Helpful Hints and Tips to Save You Money and Time


Samples
Free Lance Crackers - Get a coupon for a box of 8 packages of crackers at Walmart.

Free Cabinet Safety Latch Starter Kit - to keep little fingers out of the cabinets.

Free Arm and Hammer Sensitive Toothpaste - from the makers of Orajel

Free Sephora make-up samples - select up to 3 different samples

* Please note the ebook links are affiliate links but at the time of this publication all the books were listed as free on Amazon.com. All the remaining links are not-affiliate links and I am not compensated for sending people to any of them.

Throwing a Party on a Budget

The kids and I have been out running errands all day and thankfully they have been getting along. We are getting ready for a big 4th of July Party all on a very tight budget.

So here's how we are doing it.

Food
We've been getting a little bit each week, so that we won't have a whole lot to buy the week of the party. One week we bought hamburger meat and hotdogs. Another week we bought sodas which we found on sale at Target for $1 (2-liter bottles). Yet another week we bought the ingredients we need for potato salad, macaroni salad, desserts, etc.

The key is to add it into your normal grocery budget or set aside extra money to purchase all the stuff you need at once.

Decorations
I've gotten all the decorations from my fave store, Dollar Tree. I picked up tablecloths, banners, and balloon weights. I always pick up plain colored items, when possible, because they can always be used for other occasions. Red tablecloths can be used on Valentine's Day or 4th of July.

Utensils
We do not have a dishwasher, so parties are the only time I purchase disposable utensils and plates. All of which I got at the dollar store. I want to spend time with my guests not standing over the sink washing dishes so we can have forks for dessert.

Ask Guests for Help
We have a huge extended family and if you are invited to a cook-out, picnic or party you are expected to bring a dish. By asking your guests to bring something small like a side dish, dessert or drinks. Where do you think BYOW (Bring Your Own Whatever) came from?

Start Early
Though this doesn't have to do with budgeting your money it does have to do with budgeting your time and that is to get as much ready for the party ahead of time as possible. Clean, cook and set out as much as you can ahead of time, so you aren't rushing around the day of the party.

So that's how we plan for a party. Please feel free to share your tips below. I'd love to hear them.

My Garden is Finally In

A little late, but my vegetable garden is finally in. It's not as large as I usually have, but I'm happy with it.

Each year I plant a garden. Nothing terribly big, but I grows enough to feed our family of 5 with plenty to can for the winter. That saves us big bucks on veggies throughout the year.

This year I have 5 tomato plants (Early Girls), 4 hot banana pepper plants, 1 sweet banana pepper, 3 cucumber plants (Boston Pickling), 2 green pepper plants, and an assortment of seeds that will hopefully grow.

I chose a really sunny spot. It gets full sun from 11:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. Sorry for the crappy photo - you really can't see much from that distance, so I took some close-ups.

In the back row along the lattice are my tomatoes and in the front are my cucumbers. My youngest is really hoping for lots of little cucumbers to make into pickles.

On this side I planted all the different types of peppers. The blank spots are where the seeds are planted. I even planted my daughter's lima bean seeds from her plants from school. You can read that post here.

Here's hoping I will have lots and lots of canning to do this summer. I can't wait :)

Freebies on Friday - May 31, 2013

Today I found quite a few free e-books and samples. There is a summer recipe cookbook and one full of cheap and filling recipes. Another e-book teaches you to play the guitar in 20 lessons. Perfect for adults or older children. The next e-book helps parents raise children with good life skills. It is even broken down into short weekly lessons. Finally there is a helpful speed cleaning book because who doesn't want to be done cleaning faster. LOL!

There are also a bunch of free samples that I was able to find this week.

Hope you enjoy them! Have a wonderful weekend and see you on Monday!

E-Books

50 Super Summer Recipes: Summer Dishes You Can't Live Without

Cheap and Filling!

ACOUSTIC GUITAR IN 20 WEEKS: Basic Acoustic Guitar Guide with 20 Lessons

SUPERKID POWER GUIDEBOOK Empower Children to Build Inner Strengths

The Art Of Speed Cleaning And Organizing: How To Organize, Clean, And Keep Your House Spotless


Samples
Nescafe Taster's Choice  - Request an assortment of Taster's Choice in new single-serve pkgs.
Bag of Cracker Jack'd - You've heard of Cracker Jacks? Now there are 3 new flavors. They are giving away 1,000 a day till July 1st.
Maxwell House Single Cups from Walmart.com
Morton Salt - Water Test Strip - Do you have hard water? Use a water softener? Get this free test strip to check your water.
Heel Balm by Flexitol - hydrate dry and cracked heals and feet.

* Please note the ebook links are affiliate links but at the time of this publication all the books were listed as free on Amazon.com. All the remaining links are not-affiliate links and I am not compensated for sending people to any of them.

Freebies on Friday - May 24, 2013

This week I found a couple interesting e-books. The first one is called "The Oprah Effect". I used to watch Oprah every summer (running around with the kids during the school year).  The next e-book is a cookbook that I thought would be perfect for this long holiday weekend. Finally a book with hints on organizing your home.

I also found a couple free samples. I try to find samples that don't require you to have a Facebook account.

Just a little tip:  Have a junk email account that you use when signing up for anything such as samples, surveys, etc. Then keep a separate email account for friends and family. That way you don't have to search through all the junk mail to find an important one.


E-books

The Oprah Effect


100 Easy Camping Recipes


Quick Guide To Home Organization: Declutter, Clean And Organize Your Home

Samples
Sandy Wipes - extra strength multipurpose surface wipes
John Frieda Luxurious Volume  - sample available via Target.com
Loreal Paris Advanced Haircare - get a sample from their Advanced Haircare Line

* Please note the ebook links are affiliate links but at the time of this publication all the books were listed as free on Amazon.com. All the remaining links are not-affiliate links and I am not compensated for sending people to any of them.

Wal-Mart Vs. Dollar Tree

We're all for saving money on this site, and when I saw a article about Wal-Mart vs. Dollar Stores on MSN today it got me thinking. Which one is better for deals?

In my area, we have an abundance of both stores. I have 2 Wal-Mart stores within 20 minutes drive and way more Dollar Trees within the same distance. To determine which one is better all comes down to what you are looking to buy.

Price
On items that were sold at both stores, Dollar Store usually wins. Some items such as paper plates, plastic utensils, small snacks, sodas, and greeting cards are on average cheaper. Take sodas for example. A name brand cola in Wal-Mart's refrigerated cooler is $1.49 plus tax, but only $1.00 plus tax at Dollar Tree for the same size. Another example is greeting cards - Dollar Tree with their $.50- $1 cards beats Wal-Mart's  $.99 and up any day.

Quality
Wal-Mart usually wins in the quality category. While you can get laundry detergent from both stores - Wal-Mart's products are higher quality.  The same is true for toys. The old saying is true "You get what you pay for."

Convenience
Both stores are convenient in their own way. Walmart is convenient if you are trying to get all your shopping done in one trip. You can get your groceries, clothes for the kids and a new set of tires all in one trip.  Dollar Tree, however, is better when you only need a few items. You can be in or out much quicker because the store is physically smaller.

So which one is better for deals?  The answer is both. I love shopping in both stores for different reasons and I manage to find great deals in each one.

Which store do you think has better deals? Which one do you prefer to shop?

Teacher Appreciation Day or End of Year Gift

If you have kids in elementary school than you've probably heard of Teacher Appreciation Day. My question is why celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day with a gift in May only to give another gift to thank them at the end of the school year?

Now don't get me wrong I really like my kids' teachers. Actually they've had some of the coolest ones ever, seriously! I truly appreciate all their hard work, but I seem to be buying gifts for them around every turn. If I said yes to every request I'd spend a fortune.

I've worked with teachers for a couple years and have been friends with a fair number over the years.  Many I've spoken with would love nothing more than a sincere thank you note from a parent every once in a while. They'd also really like the parent to volunteer and help out in the classroom every once in a while. See what the teacher experiences day in day out - then you will really appreciate them.

I'm sure most parents want to help your child's teacher improve their classroom, but can't always donate time or money. One teacher, who taught all three of my kids, put up a poster board with sticky notes for all to see during conference time. The poster board was full of sticky notes with anything she wants or needs for her classroom. That way if any parent wants to donate or help out at any time during the school year, they knew what she wants or needs. Everything from stickers, popsicle sticks, dry erase markers, even a camera for the classroom. Much of it was stuff many of us have laying around the house being unused.

The question though is why give a gift for both? Some parents/schools go overboard, in my opinion, asking parents to donate toward a teacher gift a couple times a year. While I don't give in to peer pressure, I do sometimes question which holiday to follow.

Do some parents actually give a gift to their child/children's teacher 2-3 times a year (Teacher Appreciation Day, End of the Year not to mention Christmas)?!! That's becomes a bit costly especially if you have more than one kid.


So I decided this school year that I wouldn't celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week and give an End of the Year Gift. I give a donation to a class gift for one and a hand written note from my child and I for the other day.

Feel free to share how you show appreciation for your child's teacher.

Freebies on Friday - April 19, 2013

Happy Friday!

I've been busy today trying to find some freebies for you. As usual I've included a couple free* ebooks, a couple links to some great Earth Day printables and some sample products. Hope you all enjoy them and have a wonderful weekend.  See you Monday!

Free Ebooks
* Please verify the price of the ebooks prior to adding to your cart as the prices change quickly.



The Busy Mom's Guide to Keeping Track of Everything (The Busy Mom's Guide Books)
How to Declutter Your Home and Coordinate Your Life Fast: The Ultimate Guide to Complete Organization
A Working Mom's Guide to Reclaiming Me Time

Free Printables
Since Monday, April 22, 2013 is Earth Day here in the USA I decided to include some really nice printables (free of course) that you can use with your kids.

About.com offers 10 printables including a word search, crossword puzzle, pencil toppers, door hangers to color and more.
http://homeschooling.about.com/od/holidays/ss/earthprint.htm

A large selection of printables, worksheets and activities that can be used on Earth Day.
http://www.abcteach.com/directory/holidays-months-and-seasons-holidays-earth-day-3638-2-1


Free Samples
Sample of Olay Fresh Effects Facial Wash

Gooseberry Patch Kid-Friendly Recipe Booklet - printable or mailed

Yellowstone or Bust Sticker and Travel Guide

Please note the ebook links are affiliate links but at the time of this publication all the books were listed as free on Amazon.com. All the remaining links are not-affiliate links and I am not compensated for sending people to any of them.

Storing Clothes for Younger Siblings

I'm sure I've mentioned before that I have 3 kids. Two girls and a boy.

Well my oldest daughter is currently 13 and my youngest is 8. Being a frugal minded mom - I save my oldest daughter's clothes to give to my youngest when she is able to fit into them. Since there is such a different in their ages I had to find an organized way to store the clothes and a place to keep them.

Keeping them was no problem as we have an average size attic. Under the bed storage would also work.

Organizing the clothes was easy as well. I purchased a couple storage totes (blue plastic 18 gallon size). Nothing fancy, but very strong and durable.

I've been doing this since my youngest was born and have always needed about 4-6 storage totes. It takes up a bit of space, but it saves me tons of money when it comes time to buy clothes.

It's the easiest to sort the clothes by size and season. For example right now I have 5 totes (size 7/8 Winter, size 10/12 Summer, size 10/12 Winter, size 14/16 and up Summer, size 14/16 and up Winter).

I save everything that is still in good condition - no stains, rips, etc. Then when my youngest can finally wear that size she and I go through the saved clothes and she picks out what she likes and what fits.

If the clothes don't fit my daughter when she reaches the size I simply donate or sell them on eBay. Which can happen with height and weight differences varying between siblings.

In the five years between my oldest and youngest trends change, so we try to buy less trendy clothes. We get the basics and then wait to purchase a couple trendy accessories later.

In cases where you only have one child - you can still use this system. Just keep a tote or two and purchase items in larger sizes on sale, clearance or at yard sales. Or better yet ask for hand me downs from friends and relatives with the promise to pass the clothes along when you're done with them.

Kids grow fast and buying clothes can be very expensive. Use this simple system to save your family some money.

Tax Refund - What Will You Do With Yours?

Today is Tax Day and if you are one of the lucky ones who expects to receive a refund here are a few ways to spend that refund wisely.

Pay Down Debt
Credit cards, Vehicle Loans and Personal Loans
If you have high balances pay off or put money towards the highest interest rate first. If you have a lower balance pay that one off first, so you won't have that payment anymore. Then snowball that payment toward the higher bills.

Medical bills
Accidents and medical emergencies happen and most insurances only pay 80% if you are lucky. If you aren't able to pay it off in full with your refund; call the doctor or hospital and ask for a payment plan. Most places are glad to actually have a client work with them and not have to go to a collections agency.

Buy Needed Items
Clothing
Let's face it kids grow quickly. Check your family's clothing to see if they are in need of a larger size or just newer clothes to replace old or worn out clothes.

Food
Getting your tax refund is the perfect time to stock up your pantry. Buying food with a longer shelf live will help your family if you fall on hard times in the future.

Make Home Repairs/Upgrades
Repairs/Maintenance
Now is the time to make necessary repairs to your home's major systems such as your heating, cooling, water treatment, and septic systems. It's always a good idea to have those same systems maintained by a qualified professional each year.

Upgrades to your home
Another option is to make upgrades to your home. Updating an older bathroom or kitchen are great ways to raise your homes' value. Even purchasing a new, more energy efficient appliance will add value.

Save for Future Expenses
Build an Emergency Fund
I'm a strong believer in having an emergency fund. You never know when you could become sick and miss a week of work, lose your job all together, have a vehicle break down or a furnace go up. Having a stash of money put away to will help cover the costs of an emergency and give you a little piece of mind.

Christmas
Put some of your tax refund away to pay for Christmas presents. Don't wait and use credit cards. Having the cash on hand will let you take advantage of great deals throughout the year.

College
If you have children or grand children consider putting some money aside for their college education. There are plenty of plans to help you save.

Put your refund where it can do the most good - now and in the long run. Spend it wisely.