Each year I spend hours and hours decorating the Christmas tree, buying and wrapping presents, and getting Christmas cards made.  I get the kids dressed up and have hubby take pictures of them in front of the tree so that I can take the photo to Sam’s to have cards made.
I used to buy presents for ALL of the family members.  This included all of the aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, etc.  Over the past few years, I have cut back quite a bit and only buy for the immediate family and the children in the extended family.  This year …read more

It’s that time of year again.  Don’t forget to set your clocks back tonight before going to bed.  Or if you’re normally late to church, maybe you should wait until tomorrow.  lol
This article gives more information about why we set our clocks back each year.

It finally happened.  This summer’s drought has caused our county and many other surrounding areas have mandatory water restrictions.  Do I have neighbors that snitch?  I don’t know, and I don’t want to find out.  Using too much water could cost people a $200 fine!  Yikes!
Due to our current water shortage, I thought we could all use a reminder of ways to conserve.
25 Ways to Reduce Your Water Bill
Picture from oakharbor.org.

Dawn at Frugal for Life has some information about cutting down your energy consumption.  Emme has a goal to cut her energy consumption 90% below the average American.  (This goal is to bring it down 90% below the average American, not 90% below her total normal usage.)
Anyone is free to join in and try this.  You can view the rules, join a support group, and review FAQ.  For more information, go on over to Frugal for Life.

It’s not even June and the temperatures are quickly rising.  Here are some tips to help keep your summer electric bill under control.

1.  Keep your blinds closed as much as possible.  Opening the blinds allows the heat of the sun to come right into your house.  I leave my blinds closed while I’m gone and then open a few blinds later in the day.  I tilt the blinds upward to allow me to see outside and get a litttle natural light, but not heat up my house.
2.  Change your air filter every month.  Dirty filters make your air conditioner work extra hard …read more

Do you feel like the guy in this picture?  Do you feel like you’re wasting energy and throwing money out the window?  Below are some things you can try to reduce your winter heating bill.  Some of these ideas can save you 20%. 
1.  Open blinds during the winter.  This allows the heat from the sun to come in and warm up your house. Close blinds or curtains at night.
2.  Change filters every month.  Dirty filters can increase your bills by 20% each month.  Ouch!  Also, get a “tune up” for your furnace.  You will save money if it is working properly.
3.  Try to keep your …read more

Spring forward . . . Fall back.  Those words are ingrained in our minds.  I still remember “Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November . . . “.  In fact, I still use that one to help me remember how many days each month has.
So, every year we do this thing of turning our clocks forward and back.  It is quite annoying and has become even more frustrating now that I have kids.  After the time change it seems to take a few weeks to get them on schedule again. 
I find myself questioning this time changing event each time …read more