Until recently, I had never realized that my thrifty ways were helping the environment.  I never considered myself a tree hugger or environmental activist.  I always tried to do my part, within reason.  Now I am beginning to realize how frugalness is good for the environment. 
Here are some thrifty ways to help the environment, and possibly your wallet too:
1)  Replace light bulbs with CFLs.  Last year, I replaced several light bulbs in my home with CFLs.  They use at 2/3 less energy than standard bulbs.
2)  Don’t waste food.  When you waste food, you’re throwing out more, buying more products, and …read more

At one time or another, we’re all going to have excess food, whether it be leftovers or fruits and veggies that are about to go bad.  Sometimes it’s hard to think of what we’ll do with them so that we don’t waste food.  To help us all out, I’ve compiled a list of ideas.  Enjoy!
 1.  Use over ripe bananas to make banana bread. 
 2.  Use apples, peaches, etc to make a pie or cobbler.  Umhmmm!
 3.  Leftover grilled chicken tastes great on top of a salad!
 4.  Have excess bread?  Make stuffing or croutons.
 5.  Use your excess hamburger to make a sloppy joe …read more

I am posting the Frugal Friday article tonight, as promised on The Cooper Lawrence Show. 
For many, Christmas is a favorite time of the year.  Unfortunately, many times it can be the most stressful.  Here are 30 ways to help you save time and money, and avoid unnecessary stress. 
Gift Giving and Shopping Tips: 
1.  Let friends and family know things you’re shopping for.  When I do this, other people let me know when they spot a good deal on something I need.
2.  Be specific in your requests.  If someone asks what to get your child, try to be as specific as possible.  Tell them the exact …read more

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, or even if you just want to try something new, here are a list of recipes to get you started.  If you have a special recipe you’d like to share, just leave a link in the comments. 
Turkey & Gravy
Herb-Butter-Roasted Turkey
Healthy Holiday Turkey
Turkey Gravy
Roast Turkey and Gravy 101
Good Gravy
Stuffing & Potatoes
Caramelized Onion and Cornbread Stuffing
Good Old Country Stuffing
Sweet Potato Casserole
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Teri Hatcher’s Ginger Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Vanilla Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes
Easy Mashed Potatoes
Vegetables
Green Bean Casserole
Green Beans
Broccoli with Lemon Crumbs
Butter Beans
Candied Butternut Squash
Roasted Vegetables

 
For this week’s Frugal Friday, I am giving you an additional 25 ways to save money.  I am adding these to the other lists.  Now we’re up to 75 ways to save money (or not spend it).  I hope these ideas will help you to keep more of your money.
Numbers 1-25:  Top 25 Ways I Save Money 
Numbers 26-50:  25 More Ways to Save Money
51.  Buy clothes that don’t need to be dry cleaned.  To be honest, I avoid clothes that need to be dry cleaned and clothes that need to be ironed.  That doesn’t mean that I don’t have any, …read more

1.  When making casseroles, line the bottom of the casserole dish with foil.  When casserole is cooled, lift it from the pan with the foil and place in a freezer bag or container.
 2.  Cool foods before placing them in the freezer.
 3.  Wrap foods well to prevent freezer burn.   Freezer burn is the dehydration of foods.
 4.  Pack foods in freezer and microwave safe containers.  This will save time when going to reheat the foods.
 5.  If you want to freeze something in glass, make sure you use glass that is tempered or specificially labeled freezer safe.  Mason jars are probably the best glass …read more

A few weeks ago, I gave you some tips on saving money on your summer electric bill.  There are more ways to save throughout the year that you might want to consider.  Here are some ways to cut back on the expense of water usage.
1.  Put an approved insulation jacket/blanket on your electric hot water heater.
2.  Insulate hot water pipes.
3.  Wash clothes in cold water, if possible.  Always rinse clothes in cold water.
4.  Clean and maintain hot water heater.  Drain water from bottom of water heater to remove sediment, at least once a year.  This one definitely needs to be …read more

1)  Check consignment stores or thrift stores for maternity clothes.  One day I saw a bunch of nice maternity clothes at Good Will.  Check your local store a few times as donations will come in regularly.  Also, see if you can borrow some from a friend.  You probably won’t wear them that long anyway.  Another place to look is ebay.
2)  Register for your shower.  People will be more likely to get you what you need.  Also, if you are registered at Target, they have a more flexible return policy.
3)  Nurse if you possibly can.  Formulas can cost a lot of …read more

Wow!  Can you believe that 2006 is almost gone?  No matter how old I get I ask myself this kind of question every year.
Kelly and I have throughly enjoyed writing for Thrifty Mommy this past year.  Below are highlights from our top posts.  Here is our top 10 for 2006:
Top 25 Ways I Save Money – Obviously, this is a list of 25 ways I save money.  LOL
25 MORE Ways to Save Money – I decided the 1st list of 25 was too easy to write.  I decided to pick my brain for more.
Top 10 Ways to Exercise for Free – Kelly …read more

After writing the post 25 Ways I Save Money, I realized that the post was simply too easy to write.  It didn’t require any planning.  I was just giving you my everyday techniques.  I realized there are many more simple money saving ideas that I use.  Here are another 25 ways to save money and keep you thinking the thrifty way. 
26.  Shop close out stores.  Many times you can get the same name brands, just at close out prices.  I’m thinking “Big Lots!”. 
27.  Get magazines second-hand from friends and relatives.  I don’t have much time for leisure reading, but I do enjoy looking …read more