Thrifty Mommy » winter

Inexpensive Winter Organization Tips

Karen Weideman — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 04:21:07 +0000

Guest post by Lou Manfredini of Ace Hardware

Lou Manfredini here, Ace’s “Helpful Hardware Man.” My family and I recently spent a weekend putting away all of the summer items around our home, such as outdoor patio furniture and decorative hanging plants. Once again we discovered that we just don’t have enough space.

Our goal this winter is to actually park two cars in the garage. Living in Chicago, this makes for a cleaner get-away when the cold hits and the snow falls. To help us with this daunting task, we made a few key purchases to help get organized. These items can be helpful for anyone looking to find a little more space this holiday season.

First, we purchased some large hooks to hang all the kids’ bikes from the ceiling of the garage, freeing up valuable floor space. Our garage is tall enough so that the front of the car fits right under the hanging bikes. These hooks cost a couple of bucks for a pair and just screw into the wood framing. The size of the hook you need is dependent on the weight of the bike, so make sure you weigh the bike first before making any purchases. Also, make sure the hook is wide enough to fit around the tire or whatever part of the bike you plan on using to hang it. If your garage has a drywall ceiling make sure you find the framing with a stud sensor so you can get a strong hold.

Another use for inexpensive hooks is to organize tools, rakes and shovels on the walls of your garage instead of piled up in a corner, which will help to prolong the life of your tools while also freeing up space. You can purchase a contraption specifically designed for this job or you can create your own custom version to suit your needs. Simply nail a 2×4 to the wall and attach hooks of various sizes to hang tools.

We also invested in some outdoor storage boxes to free up additional space in our garage. The boxes are perfect for storing bulky items, such as chair pads and pillows from our outdoor furniture. Rubbermaid and Suncast make durable, waterproof versions that can even double as tables and seating areas next spring. For storage needs inside your garage, inexpensive, 20-gallon plastic storage totes with snap lids are a great solution and are much more durable than cardboard boxes. You can find these and other storage containers at AceHardware.com. Choosing containers in a uniform size will make it easier for everything to fit nicely on a shelving unit or stacked against a wall. Another bonus? The snap lids stay in place, offering protection from damp conditions and bugs. Place a few of those little silica gel packs that come with your kids’ shoes (and almost everything else you buy these days) inside to help prevent humidity damage and slap a label on the front so you’ll know exactly where to find all those gardening tools that seem to go missing every year.

If you have storage cabinets or drawers already installed in your garage (lucky you!), try painting the doors with chalkboard paint so you can label each space according to what is inside and update it as you move items around or add something new to the space. You’ll need about 3-4 coats of chalkboard paint in order to get your cabinets looking great and be sure to sand in-between coats to make for a smooth finish. Once the final coat is completely dry, “season” it (just like you would season a cast iron skillet) by rubbing chalk dust all over the surface and then wiping clean with a damp cloth. Every thing has its place, and now a quick look at the cabinet door will tell you where that is.

With a little time and effort you can get your garage organized this winter as well!

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

75-80% Off Winter Clearance at Sears

Karen Weideman — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:34:01 +0000

Right now you can save 75-80% off original prices on fall and winter clothing at Sears. Plus you can save an additional 15% off regular, sale, and clearance apparel, footwear and accessories with this printable shopping pass. Or use the online shipping code FFTNAPPD.

Use the shopping pass over and over Friday through Sunday, March 20-22.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

The Gigantic Green Holiday December Kick-Off!

Karen Weideman — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:54:12 +0000

Thanks to Jennifer at Tree Hugging Family for putting together this terrific round-up!

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I wanted to get everyone into the winter holiday spirit before kicking off December. However, I didn’t just want to post classic Tree Hugging posts. That said, with a little help from the rest of the channel, I rounded up a huge list of killer holiday (and eco-friendly) posts.

Sit back, browse, read, and linger in the holiday bliss!

Remember, no matter the treat or recipe, you can always green it up by exchanging organic and natural ingredients for conventional.

50 Cute and Tasty Christmas Cookie Ideas

Cherry Dot Cookies

Organic Holiday Cookies!

Hey It’s Sugar Cookie Day – worth it for the pretty snowy cookie image alone.

Bacon Nut Stuffing – don’t forget, pork is a high pesticide food item, so buy organic if you make this dish.

Top 10 Turkey Tools

Pumpkin Cheesecake – one of my personal favorite treats.

What Else Is In Your Beer? AND Vegan Beer & Wine – I know beer and wine do not make a meal, but hey, they are treats, and if you have a drink, you may as well get the best.

Don’t forget to green up your holiday crafts by using recycled materials when possible.

Making Festive Ice Wreaths

yo-yo Christmas tree ornaments

Easy Christmas Crafts for the Kids

24 Things To Make – A Crafty Christmas Countdown

Beautiful Christmas Wreath Ideas You Can Create Yourself

Quick and Easy Christmas Wreath Idea – Snowflake Wreath

Homemade Recycled Holiday Luminaries

Embroidered Christmas craft how-tos

Christmas in July Crafts for Kids

Christmas sewing & crafting tips and tricks

Free holiday projects from around the bead-osphere!

Free Holiday Projects

Favorite Christmas tree ornament tutorials, free patterns & ideas

50 Holiday Things You Can Make Yourself

Thrifty Christmas Crafting

Homemade Christmas Ornament Ideas: Pinecones

How to Make a Candy Christmas Wreath

Make Your Own Pop Up Christmas Card

Green up your homemade holiday gifts by using recycled materials and natural and organic ingredients when possible. You can apply this thinking to almost any homemade gift idea.

Homemade Eco Gifts You Can Make for the Holidays!

Fabric Covered Journal Tutorial

How To Make Your Own Bath Salts

A Gift You Can Make With Your Children~ Hot Chocolate Mix Jar

Make Your Own Solar Light!

DIY Eco Chic Soap

Make Your Own Oilcloth Bags

Cheap Christmas Spa Basket Gift – Heating Pads

When it comes to green holiday tips you can do a lot; be a smart consumer, save energy, reuse items, and way more.

Turn Cereal Boxes into Gift Boxes

Green Product Review: Green Christmas Book

Tips on Staying Healthy During the Holidays

Green Christmas Shopping – 3RLiving Exclusive Discount to Unplugged Living – 3R Living has the coolest green gear, and now, you can score it for less.

How To Reduce Your Winter Heating Bill

Weatherization Assistance Programs

Easy ways to save money when gift shopping online (conserve gas, stay at home and shop).

The First Snowfall – A Day for Fun and Quilting Inspiration

Snow! Snow Everywhere!

25 Reasons To Get Outside During Winter

Christmas Tree Coat Stand

Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees

Decorating Your Holiday Table – with the goodness of soy

Christmas Lights

Decorating Your Coffee Table for Christmas

Great Kitty Stocking Stuffers – recycled tins, natural kitty treats!

15 Unique Christmas Gifts – many recycled!

Steal This Christmas Gift Please!

Kitten Christmas Pictures – you know me; NOT a pet fan. So if I’m posting kitten pictures, you can bet your hide they’re flippin’ adorable. Even I was moved.

Best Holiday Books, 2008 – kid friendly! Use the library or share with friends to be extra green with holiday books.

Christmas Party Game Idea – Family Tree

Green Holiday Gift Guide: Great Books for Kids

Holiday Lights Video

[Image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Frugal Preparedness

kellys — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:42:32 +0000

We are having some crazy weather this year. I can’t tell you the last time I saw such craziness around here. My personal opinion is that if there is no white stuff (snow) then there is no reason for the cold stuff (temperatures under 65 degrees). So here is my frugal list of things to have to be prepared for a winter storm.

Look for sand on sale at the end of the season.
Other things to try to buy at the end of the season – deicing spreader, shovels, ice scrapers, plows, etc…
Do not try the plastic on your windshield trick since it will just freeze and you can’t get it off.
Bring wood close to the house so it won’t get buried in the snow.
Don’t forget to switch your fans to push the warm air down.
Make sure you have batteries in case you lose power.
If you lose power often, you might want to invest in a generator so you don’t lose power often.
Close your blinds as it will help keep the cold out.
Don’t leave your home if you don’t have to. There is nothing more frugal than keeping your vehicle away from crazy drivers.

Just a few things to keep in mind without spending a lot of money if you can find them on sale.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

How to Reduce Your Winter Heating Bill

Karen Weideman — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 03:46:07 +0000

With the price of electricity on the rise, we all could use a little help reducing our heating bills. Here are some tips to help you get started.

1) Check with your local utility company to see if they offer a free energy use assessment. Some companies provide inspectors to poke around your home from top to bottom, looking for ways it can be made more efficient.

2) Install a programmable thermostat. Have your thermostat drop down a few degrees while you’re away at work.

3) Keep your thermostat at 68 or below. Put on a sweatshirt if you have to.

4) 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.

5) Change filters every month. Dirty filters can increase your bills by 20% each month.

6) Don’t block vents or radiators with furniture or window coverings.

7) Make sure your fireplace damper fits properly and close it when not in use. Install a glass door fireplace screen.

8) Put caulking and weather strips around doors and windows. Put plastic sheeting around older windows or windows that have a draft.

9) Consider replacing some things in your home that are not energy efficient. Homeowners have until the end of 2007 to take advantage of a one time $500 energy conservation tax credit. Check out the IRS website for more information.

10) Close the vents and the door to unused rooms.

11) Remove window air conditioner units during the winter. These let a lot of cold air into your home.

12) Seal your heating and cooling ducts. Click here for more info.

13) Consider taking on bigger projects such as adding insulation in areas where it is missing. Many homes are lacking sufficient insulation in their attics.

14) Get a tune-up for your furnace to make sure it is working properly and not using more energy.

Check out these federal tax credits for energy efficiency.

Can you help add to this list? What ways help you save on your winter utilities?

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Cute Winter Ideas At Family Fun

Karen Weideman — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 02:47:33 +0000

I spotted these cute snowman cupcakes at Family Fun. They were so cute, that I just had to share. Family Fun also has craft ideas, boredom busters, costume ideas, printables, outdoor winter fun ideas, and so much more. Be sure and stop by their site for an activity that you can do with your kids this week.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Baby Center is having their annual winter sale.

kellys — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 02:49:59 +0000

Baby Center is having their annual winter clearance sale. Take a look around and see if there is anything you need. For instance, their Maya Wrap sling is 19% off and their New Native baby sling is 20% off. Those are pretty good prices. Let everyone know if you find anything you can’t live without.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy