I was on a field trip today at the pumpkin patch.  They had a gift store which had a nice covered porch, complete with rocking chairs and decorations.  I’m glad I walked up to the porch because I spotted these cute planters which are simply old dresser drawers.  My husband and I enjoy antiques, rustic decorations, and repurposing old items so I really liked this idea. 

Seeing these dresser drawer planters has stirred a curiosity for other things you can do with dresser drawers.  Rather than tossing your old drawers to the curb, consider one of these ideas:

Underbed storage – Better Homes & …read more

Water is a natural resource that we should try to conserve.  Here are some easy every day ways to use less water.

1)  Take a 5 minute shower.  If this is hard for you, consider getting a timer.
2)  Make sure your shower head is one that is designed to reduce water usage.
3)  Use your dishwasher.  According to Consumer Reports, even if you are frugal with your water, an efficient dishwasher can use less water than washing dishes by hand.
4)  Only use your dishwasher and washing machine for full loads.
5)  Adjust the washing machine water level to match the amount of clothes.  If …read more

You’ve heard it said many times that paper napkins are not good for the environment and that we should switch to cloth napkins and washable products as much as possible.  While I’m no self-proclaimed Tree Hugger, I do many things to cut back our our expenses and I try to recycle and cut back on waste as well.

I had been giving a lot of thought to our family using cloth napkins.  The problems that I faced were:

We have three kids; three young kids.  Trust me, these three kids are so messy.
The extra washing from the napkins.  I have enough laundry …read more

Guest post by Bekah.
Everyone knows it’s good to be as green as possible, but the high price of many organic products can have people reaching for conventional chemical-based pesticides and fertilizers. Well, there are plenty of ways to be frugal – and eco-friendly – with gardening and yard maintenance.

Weed Control
There are many ways to deal with weeds. You could use stand-bys like Round-Up, which is readily available. But did you know that there are eco-friendly options that are safer for pets and kids – and cheaper? One option is to get a weed puller. There are many options out there, …read more

Although do not consider myself a tree hugger, I try to do things that help the environment.  These things usually help my pocketbook, as well. 

Some of the ways I try to help are:
1.  I bring my own reusable bags to the grocery store.  Yes, sometimes I encounter some rolled-eyes from the baggers or heavy sighs, but I like bringing in my own bags.  I can’t stand all of those plastic ones filling up my house.  Besides, the reusable ones hold more and don’t break.
2.  I reuse the plastic bags. If I happen to forget my plastic bags or didn’t bring in enough reusable ones, …read more

Just in time for Earth Day, I’m giving away some Earth friendly products at Thrifty Mommy.  Included in the giveaway is an attractive reusable canvas bag and some coupons for Bright Green cleaning products.

Bright Green is a new line of home care products featuring cleaning and laundry soaps made with biodegradable and naturally derived ingredients, energy-efficient light bulbs and paper products made from 100% recycled content.  The Bright Green products are sold exclusively at Safeway stores. 
To enter the giveaway, leave a comment at Thrifty Mommy.

Do you use natural cleaners such as baking soda and vinegar in your home?  How do you feel about natural cleaners?  Do you think they do a good job?
Please vote in the poll and/or leave a comment below.

An environment-friendly home can have great decor in addition to helping save the planet. There are a few general guidelines to keep in mind when making choices for a green home.
* Pick organic textiles and fabrics, like organic cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, abaca and wool.
* Antique furniture is best. Otherwise, seek furniture made of reclaimed lumber, wood from managed forests, and recycled materials. Fast-growing and renewable  wood sources such as bamboo are also good choices.
* Water-based finishes are more environmentally sound than most varnishes, lacquers and shellacs.
* Buy durable furnishings and decor to reduce waste that will end …read more