As I shared earlier this week, we made $2953 at our yard sale last weekend.  Prior to that, the most we had ever made was $580.  I can’t guarantee that you’ll do as well as we have, but here are some tips to help you get started. 
1)  Go through closets, dressers, toys, cupboards, cabinets, bookcases, etc before the yard sale.  Take out items that you no longer want and add them to your yard sale pile.  It’s good to do this at least once a year.  You may want to wait until spring when you’re doing your spring cleaning.
2)  Find a decluttering …read more

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

Sometimes at Thrifty Mommy we give you tips on sales and other things that are only relevant to that week.  But then there are times that we have lists of ways to save time and money that can be helpful for years to come.
I decided to surf around the archives and pull together some of our helpful articles.  Most of these articles are relevant to men and women, whether or not you’re married with children. 
I hope you will enjoy these articles.  Let us know which ones are your favorite or if there are some other Thrifty Mommy articles that should have been included.
Happy browsing! 
Housekeeping
25 Ways to …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

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

This post is for my mom.  She wanted me to write one about the many uses of vinegar. 
It definitely pays to have some vinegar around the house.  I need to go to the store to stock up on vinegar and baking soda.  I’ve had a mustard stain that won’t come out of my daughter’s clothes.  I think I need to try some vinegar or baking soda.  Both seem to be amazing, inexpensive, and safe products.  Definitely a thrifty choice!    
1.  Add 1/4 cup vinegar to laundry, along with the usual soap, to brighten colors and make whites sparkle.  This will also act …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