1.  Go to the park.
2.  Watch a dvd and eat popcorn.
3.  Make pancakes.
4.  Make playdough.
5.  Play with playdough.
6.  Build something with blocks.
7.  Play school.  Let your child be the teacher.
8.  Paint or draw together.
9.  Ride bikes.
10.  Go for a walk around the neighborhood.
11.  Garden together.
12.  Visit a neighbor.
13.  Do something special for an elderly person such as clean their house, do their errands, cook, or visit.
14.  Write a card or letter to someone.
15.  Sing songs.
16.  Play video games together.
17.  Pray for the needy.
18.  Make Oobleck.
19.  Go through all of the toys and organize them.
20.  Visit a farm to pick fruits and vegetables.
21. Have a picnic lunch.
22. Play board games.
23. Create a photo book or scrapbook.
24. Go camping.
25. Tell jokes.

Also, check out these free winter fun ideas. What low cost fun activities can you suggest?

image (c) Karen Weideman

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

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 buddy.  I don’t know about you, but it is easier for me to get rid of things when I have some moral support.  It helps to have someone that can honestly say, “That doesn’t look good on you.  That’s out of style.  You haven’t used that in years.”  Sometimes a little nudge is all we need.  Unfortunately, I don’t have a decluttering buddy.   

3)  Price as you go.  As you find things in your home that you want to add to your yard sale, go ahead and take the few seconds to put a price on it.  This will save a lot of time and aggravation on yard sale day. 

3)  Spread the word.  I’m having a moving sale soon and I’ve already begun telling friends, people from church, and others about the sale.  I have people saying, “email me and let me know when it will be”. 

4)  If possible, post signs.  We like to use the fluorescent poster board and thick black permanent markers for our signs.  We have found that we do better with signs than with advertising.  People stop by and say that they saw our signs.

5)  Put your signs up the day before the sale so that people see them on their way home from work. Then they’ll think, “I’m going there tomorrow.” Otherwise, they might not be out and about the day of the sale.

6)  Let friends and neighbors be a part.  You can advertise the yard sale as a multi-family yard sale.  This will let customers know that there will be more things and a bigger selection to choose from.  Participants can also share in the advertising expenses.

7)  Put a price on everything.  Some people will walk away rather than asking the prices for things.  Even if the item is 25 cents, you need a price on it.  All those 25 cent items add up.

8)  To save time, buy the premade price stickers.  You can purchase these in the office supply departments at most stores.  Recently, I even saw these in Dollar Tree.

9)  If you’re selling an expensive item, take the time to print a copy of what the item cost new.  I’m doing this with toys that were expensive.  This helps the person to see that they are getting a good deal.

10)  Advertise your yard sale, garage sale, or moving sale on Craigslist.  It’s free!!!!  Specify what you will be selling.  I sold $120 to someone on Craigslist before the sale just by listing a moving sale ad. 

11)  Get up early the day of the sale.  If your sale starts at 7 am, you may consider getting up at 5 am.  This will allow you time to get everything organized and set out before customers begin to arrive.  Some early morning commuters may even see you outside and stop on their way to work.

12)  Specify if you don’t want “early birds”.  Some people are pretty serious about shopping yard sales.  They’ll come out as early as you’ll let them.   

13)  Look through purses, wallets, pant pockets, coat pockets, etc to make sure there is no money or credit cards.  Someone once told me they paid $1 for a purse that had $10 inside.

14)  Put attractive items in clear view.  A lot of people are looking for furniture, so it would be wise to put the furniture where drivers can see it from the road.

15)  Don’t pick a holiday weekend to have your sale.  I remember we did this one time and we made less than $100.  It was such a waste of our time.

16)  Don’t have continual yard sales.  You’ve seen people before who seem to be always having a yard sale.  It gets old and then people don’t drop by their sale anymore.  Plus, it’s tacky and your neighbors will be really annoyed.

17)  Have change.  It’s hard to determine how much change you’ll need and what kind of bills to get.  It seems as though first thing in the morning you’ll have customer after customer with $20 bills.  It’s really frustrating.

18)  Guard your money.  Unfortunately, sometimes theives show up at yard sales.  Usually every hour or so, I take my wad of cash out of my pocket or fanny pack (lol) and put it inside my house.

19)  Have bags available for your customer’s purchases.  I can’t stand plastic bags and I don’t understand it, but some people do like anything they purchase to be put into a bag.  It’s a courtesy. 

20)  Be friendly.  Greet each person or group that comes to your sell. 

21)  Group like items together.  All of the Christmas items should be together in one area, the kitchen stuff in another area, baby clothes in another, and so on.

22)  Sell miscellaneous items together.  If you’re like us, you have a bunch of half empty spray cans sitting in your garage.  We wondered who would buy them, but then we decided to put them all into a box and sell them all together in a lot.  This helps to sell those odd items. 

23)  Get some baggies and rubber bands.  The baggies and rubber bands will help to secure like items together or keep you from losing the pieces.  Come sell day, it will be hard to make sure your customers get all the parts that go with their items. 

24)  Have an extra person around to help out.  For me, this would be my husband.  This insures that you’ll get potty breaks and be able to eat.  It also helps so that you can talk to customers while someone else collects money or answers questions.

25)  Check with your local government or homeowner’s association to see if there are any restrictions.  Some areas require you to have a yard sale permit.  Yep, just another way to make money.  

26)  When the yard sale is over, clean up your area and take down your signs.  Don’t you just hate seeing signs that are several weeks old or searching for a yard sale that was probably last week?

27)  Advertise.  This could be in your local paper or in a free online ad.  Regardless of where you decide, you’ll need help letting the public know of the sale.

28)  Check your yard and make sure it’s safe.  Wrap up garden hoses, fill any holes, and tape down extension cords or cables.  You don’t want you visitors tripping and getting hurt.

29)  Have a strategy in place for what you’ll do with the leftover items.  Will you put them back in your house for another yard sale later in the summer?  Will you give them to charity?  Have a plan in place.

30)  Get someone to watch the kids.  I can’t tell you the number of yard sales I’ve been to where the person’s children were out in the yard digging through their old stuff and getting upset that mom was getting rid of it.  If you can’t get a sitter, then you need to have some discussions with your children before the day.  Perhaps they could even help decide what they would like to sell.

Do you have any tips to add to this list?

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

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 putting more packaging into the environment.

3) Shop online.  Shopping online saves gas from driving to the stores and it can be done at night when the kids are in bed.  I’ll admit that I don’t do much shopping online due to shipping costs, but thanks to this site, now you can shop with no shipping.  

4)  Make your own cleaning products.  I am amazed at the cleaning power of vinegar and baking soda.  It’s good for the environment, less expensive than cleaning products, and healthier for your home.

5)  Bring your own bags to the grocery store.  Some stores charge you for their bags and some stores will give you an incentive for bringing your own.  Bringing your own also helps keep bags out of the landfills and saves you the time of recycling them.

6)  Air dry your clothes.  Air drying your clothes can save a lot of money on your electric bill and it also keeps us from using more energy.

7)  Conserve water.  Click on the link to find 25 ways to reduce your water bill.  Simple things like checking for leaks or installing an aerator on your spout can really help out.

8)  Conserve electric.  Here are some tips for saving money on your summer electric bill.  I’m sure all of us could use a little help on cutting costs this year.  We could all implement a few of these tips into our lives.

9)  Buy used items whenever possible.  I try to buy items used if I can.  It saves a lot of money and enables items to be reused rather than being wasted. Selling your stuff helps you to get rid of things you don’t want, clears up needed space, enables you to earn a little money, and helps someone else that wants to buy it used.

10)  Learn to be content.  You don’t need the latest gadget and gizmo to be happy.  Accumulating things takes up room in your house, causes burdensome debt, and only leaves you longing for something bigger and better.  Materialism is a barrier to contentment.

11)  Join your local freecycle group.  Freecycle is an opportunity to give away things that you don’t need and to get things you want or need for free!  I have given away a pair of crutches, a crib, and a bunch of children’s hangers.  I have received clothes for my children.  Don’t put more stuff into landfills.  Find someone that can use it.

12)  Don’t use so much gasoline.  I try to do all of my errands one day each week or plan my errands in a way that will use the least amount of gas.  Check here for more ways to save gas.

13)  Buy Energy Star appliances.  If it’s time to replace your appliances, then you should buy energy star appliances.  These save money on electric and water usage.

14)  Use rechargable batteries.  Rechargable batteries last longer than regular batteries and keep batteries from being throw away.

15) Use the library or get second hand books from others.  I do not have a magazine subscription.  My mom saves some of her old magazines for me.  This is fine by me because I usually don’t have time to read them anyway.

16)  Email whenever possible.  An email isn’t as personal as a handwritten letter, but it saves time, money, and paper.

17)  Buy clothes that don’t need to be dry cleaned.  Dry cleaning is expensive and harmful to the environment.  If you do have clothes that need to be dry cleaned, then check out these safe alternatives.

18)  Use cloth diapers.  Now I could never bring myself to do use cloth diapers, but I had good intentions.  Over the long run, cloth diapers save a lot of money and of course, they’ll keep you from throwing away about 3,000 diapers.  Even though I didn’t use cloth diapers, I’m trying to do my part by putting my two-year-old son in underwear whenever I can. 

19)  Grow your own fruits and vegetables.  You’ll save lots of money, get stuff to can or give away, and then you can keep out the pesticides.

20)  Repurpose old items that you have.  Use curtains or sheets to make pillows, take an old skirt and make doll clothing, glue buttons onto a picture frame.  Lots of stuff can be repurposed.

21)  Cut out junk mail as much as possible.  This is something that is on my to-do list.  I’ve looked into a few companies that can help with this problem.  Some are free, some cost a few dollars.  Maybe I should just try all of them.  That might work.  

22)  Send ecards through care2.  When you send ecards, they’ll make a donation to the rain forest.  Check out their Click2Donate page.

23)  Recycle!  This one’s pretty easy and self-explanatory.  Most cities have a recycling service that will pick up the recycling, along with your trash.  Check with your local area to find out the rules.

24) Join the Arbor Day Foundation.  For only $10, you can get 10 trees.

25) Use the internet.  You can find recipes, tips, send pictures and emails, and check out great blogs.   

What can you add to this list?

image

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

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 Clean with Vinegar

4 Thrifty Stain Removers

More Help with Common Stains

10 Tips for Saving Money While Doing Laundry

Quick Cleaning Tips

10 Organizing and Decluttering Tips

A Frugal and Time Saving Dishwasher Detergent

25 Tips for Freezing Food

Recipes

Easy Cubed Steak

Tomato Casserole Recipe

My Favorite Slow Cook Recipes

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

You will need to click on “Read More” to see the rest of this article.

Mexican Casserole Recipe

Low Fat Strawberry Crunch Recipe

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Frito Pie

Automotive

10 Ways to Save Gas

How to Never Have a Car Loan

Get Educated and Save on Car Repairs

10 Ways to Reduce Your Car Insurance Rates

Is a Hybrid Worth the Money?

Shopping and Saving Money

50 Ways to Save Money on Your Grocery Bill

How to Play The Grocery Game

10 Tips for Using Coupons

Top 10 Best Frugal Tips

10 Ways to Save Money When Eating Out

How to Reduce Your Winter Heating Bill

75 Ways to Save Money

Use Your Dishwasher

Save Money by using Rechargeable Batteries

25 Ways to Reduce Your Water Bill

Utilizing Craft Store Coupons

Finances and Debt

Protect Your Money with Direct Deposit

Deciding Which Financial Records to Keep

How to Pay Cash for College

20 Ways to Pay Off Debt Faster

6 Baby Steps to Financial Freedom

30 Tips to Get Out of Debt

Children

10 Ways to Keep the Kids Busy While You’re Working

25 Ways to Save Money with a Baby

How to Buy Diapers on a Budget

Springtime Craft Idea

The Diaper Champ Wins My Vote

Health

Thrifty Remedy for Sinus Infections

Top 10 Thrifty Tips for Dealing with Eczema

10 Ways to Exercise for Free

10 Thrifty Sunburn Remedies

Other

10 Uses for Grocery Bags

10 Thrifty Ways to Honor Teachers

10 Thrifty Ways to Deal with Mosquitoes

Added later:  I cannot believe that I forgot to add 50+ Ideas to Keep Us from Wasting Food.  Sorry.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

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 name of the toy or their specific pants size.

3.  Ask friends and family what they want.  Hopefully, this will avoid countless hours shopping, racking your brain, wasted gas, extra unwanted products in the environment, and the hassle of returns. 

4.  Try gift cards.  Some people may think this is inappropriate, but I think it’s a great solution.  Gift cards save time, wrapping paper, shipping expenses, and help avoid unwanted gifts.  Let the person buy what they want.

5.  Save your receipts.  Get an envelope for your purse or have a special file folder in your filing cabinet.  You never know when you’ll have bought the wrong size or something that didn’t work. 

6.  See if your store offers a gift receipt.  I think it’s nice when someone includes a gift receipt in the box.  This avoids the uncomfortable situation of asking where they bought it or if they still have the receipt.  I’ll admit that many times I’ve been left with things I couldn’t use or return.  Gift receipts are great!

7.  Consider drawing names with co-workers or family.  We did this with my husband’s family for several years.  To make it more fun, we kept the names we drew a secret and were surprised when we exchanged gifts.

8.  Buy just for the children.  This is becoming a common practice in our families.  We buy for our parents and the children.  This has really cut down on spending and getting unusable gifts.

9.  Consider playing a game instead.  Try a white elephant or dirty Santa game.  Some games involve bringing a nice gift or a funny joke-style gift.  It’s funny to see other’s reactions when they get the gift you brought and it’s interesting to see the things others chose.

10.  Consider regifting.  I regifted some children’s toys for the shoeboxes we did for Samaritan’s Purse.  Here are some regifting tips.

11.  Be realistic.  Much of people’s Christmas shopping is for themselves.  And no one can blame you since there are so many good deals out there.  It’s important to realize that since you’ll be shopping, you’ll probably be picking up some things for yourself.  Budget those things in.

12.  Make a budget of what you really can afford and stick to it.  NO CHARGING!!!!  If you can only afford $20 per gift, then find a creative way to make those dollars stretch.

13.  Take the plastic out of your wallet.  Go ahead.  Do it now!  You don’t need a debt hangover come January when the bills come in.

14.  Make a list for each person.  Once you have your list and the grand total you can spend from your budget, you need to put a dollar amount next to each person’s name.  If the numbers don’t add up, you may have to drop some people off your list or reduce the dollar amount by each name—including yours—until it fits within your intended budget.   Take your list with you when you shop.  Use it when you make a purchase.  If you overspend on someone, you’ll have to make cutbacks somewhere else.

15.  Try homemade gifts.  (Don’t roll your eyes at me. lol)  There are some nice homemade gift ideas out there.  Martha Stewart and Better Homes and Gardens have some nice gift ideas that you can do yourself.

16.  Give baked goodies.  My mom is well-known for her homemade yeast rolls.  Is there something you’re good at making?  Make a big batch and use those for gifts.  You could find some nice tins or coffee mugs to put your goodies in.  My friend Revka has a recipe for homemade hot chocolate mix.  You could make that and put it in a nice jar with some pretty material and/or ribbon.  It’s very inexpensive to make.  If you’re stressed about time, then try making peanut brittle.  It can be made weeks in advance.

17.  Take a look at Sam’s Club, Costco, or other warehouse stores.  At Christmas time, they usually carry imported chocolates, food gift sets, bath products, toys, and other items at less expensive prices.

18.  Keep a gift closet or specific place for gifts.  This avoids you forgetting where you put things after you bought them.  (There is a certain person in my family that forgets where she puts gifts.  Sometimes I’ll get things out of the blue for no reason because she found them.  lol)

19.  Keep a few extra things in the gift closet.  These can be things that you bought on sale or clearance.  You never know when you’re going to need a last minute gift.  Of course, you should try to match the gift with the person so that you’re not just giving them something they can’t use.

20.  Check your local Good Will or other thrift store.  I have been into Good Will several times and found new items that are still in the packaging.  Many of them are overstock items that other stores donated.

21.  Know the person you’re shopping for.  When we would draw names at work, I would pay attention to the person’s dressing habits, type of jewelry they wore, and food they ate.  I would also ask someone that worked closely with them for some tips.  You want to buy a gift that the person will enjoy.

22.  Don’t wait until the last minute.  Don’t wait until December 23rd to do your shopping.  By then, things are picked over and you may end up buying something that you really didn’t want.

23.  It is not your job to keep up with the Jones’.  Happiness comes from being thankful and content with what you already have, not with how many possessions and gadgets you can accumulate.

24.  If you’re shipping your gifts, give them plenty of time to arrive.  You should ship them two weeks before Christmas.

25.  Check the dollar store for wrapping supplies.  Our Dollar Tree has Princess, Dora, and other famous character wrapping paper.

26.  Be sure you’re shopping on a secure site.

Decorations:

27.  Check the dollar store for decorations.  I have actually found Hallmark ornaments for $1.  They were from the previous year, but they’re still nice ornaments.

28.  Consider using an artificial tree.  Over time, this will save you money and will also avoid killing trees. 

29.  Put your lights on a timer.  You can probably pick up a timer for $10 or less.  Set your lights to go off and on at desired times. 

30.  Shop after Christmas for lights, decorations, ornaments, gift wrap, and other items.  I never pay full retail for decorations or gift wrap.  I wait until it’s 50-75% off and purchase what I need for the following year.

Top 10 Regifting Tips for the Thrifty

Do you have any tips to add to this list?

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

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

Cranberry
Deep Fried Cranberry Fritters
New Cranberry Sauce
Frozen Cranberry Salad

Bread
Quick Yeast Rolls
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Harvest Bread
Drop Biscuits

Desserts
Pumpkin Crunch Cake
Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie
Deep Dish Pecan Pie
Caramel-Pecan French Silk Pie
Spicy Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Pumpkin Roll Cake
Cheesecake
Broiled Apples
Pumpkin Rice Pudding

Which dish is your favorite during the holidays?

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

 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 to use in the freezer.

 6.  Squeeze out as much air as possible.  If you are using glass, completely fill the container.  If you are freezing sauces, soups, or stews, leave a little room for expansion of the liquids when they freeze.

 7.  Do not stack food that has not been frozen. Wait until the food has been completely frozen before stacking it.

 8.  To prevent waste, keep track of the foods that you have.

 9.  Recipes with a condensed-soup base usually freeze well.

10.  Freeze casseroles unbaked or baked.  Allow additional baking time for frozen casseroles. 

11.  When cooking a casserole, use an instant read thermometer to check the center.  It should reach 160 degrees F.  If not hot enough, continue to bake the casserole and check it every 15 minutes.

12.  If a casserole recipe calls for cheese topping, freeze it without the cheese.  Add the cheese during the last 10 to 20 minutes of cooking.

13.  Store frozen meals at 0 degrees F, or colder. 

14.  For best quality, use foods within three months. 

15.  Label freezer packages with content, date, and cooking instructions.

16.  For quick, single-serving lunches, freeze foods in individual portions.

17.  Blanch or steam all vegetables and cool them quickly in ice water before freezing.  This will save the flavor and texture of the vegetables.

18.  You can freeze fruits with or without sugar, but freezing them with sugar will help retain the texture and color.  Use citric or absorbic acid on lightly colored fruits  such as apples and peaches, to keep them from discoloring.

19.  Repackage meats from the grocery store before freezing, or place the entire package in a freezer safe container or freezer bag.  The plastic wrap on the meats will allow oxygen to get to the meats and enable foods to become easily freezer burned.

20.  If you thaw meat, you should cook it before you refreeze it.

21.  To keep bacteria from growing, thaw foods in the refrigerator.

22.  Slice bread and half bagels before freezing so that you can easily remove the slices you need.  Slip the bagel halves in freezer bag back to back to prevent them from sticking together.

23.  Cool pancakes and waffles before freezing and put a sheet of wax paper inbetween each one.

24.  Another convenient way to freeze soups and broths is to use plastic ice cube trays.  Let the soup or broth cool and then fill the ice cube trays with the liquid.  After it is frozen, pop out the cubes and place in a freezer bag.  Later you can pull out as many as you need.

25.  If the power goes out, frozen food can remain frozen for a few days.  Keep the freezer closed and cover it with blankets, keeping the blankets away from the compressor.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

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 done at my house.

5.  Take showers instead of baths.

6.  Make sure your shower head is one that is designed to reduce water usage.

7.  Try not to stay in the shower more than 5 minutes.

8.  Fix leaky faucets.

9.  Use your dishwasher.

10.  Shut off faucet when shaving, brushing your teeth, and doing dishes.

11.  Only use washing machine and dishwasher when you have a full load.

12.  Adjust washing machine water levels to match your load.

13.  Use cold water in the garbage disposal.

14.  Check water efficiency ratings before buying new appliances.  Some washing machines use a few gallons less per load.

15.  Avoid using sprinklers and water soakers to water your grass.  Instead, collect rain water in buckets.  You may even want to invest in a rain barrel.  These can also be attached to your gutters to help collect the most water.  We considered purchasing one of these a few years ago because of water restrictions. 

16.  Check toilets for leaks.  The inside plumbing for a toilet is only a few dollars.  A few years ago, our water bill kept rising every month.  The water dept suggested that we put a packet of unsweetened Kool-Aid in the tank to see if it drained into the bowl.  The color immediately drained into the bowl and we got our toilet fixed, which saved us a lot of money.

17.  Chill water in refrigerator, rather than running faucet for water to cool down before filling a glass.

18.  Consider getting an on-demand hot water heater.

19.  If you have a gas hot water heater, make sure your pilot light is adjusted and working properly.  Make sure your flu pipe is clear with no bird or insect nests inside.

20.  To reduce water usage from your toilet, fill a small water bottle with sand or water and place inside the tank.  Do not use a brick because the brick can dissolve and cause future problems.

21.  Reduce your water heater temperature to 120 degrees.  If your dishwasher does not have a booster heater, you may need to set it higher.

22.  Install aerators on your faucets, which will reduce the flow of water.

23.  Cover swimming pools when not in use to help keep the water from evaporating.

24.  Avoid using the toilet as a trashcan.  Throw away cotton swabs, tissues, and other items rather than flushing them.

25.  If you need to water your plants, try to water them in the early morning or evening.  Watering them during the heat of the day will cause the water to evaporate quickly.

Ok, I’ve racked my brain for too long.  Do you have any tips to share?

Picture from sirrusshowers.com.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

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 money.  If you’re lucky, formula will cost about $1200-$1400 a year.  If you child has colic or some other tummy problems, the more expensive formulas could cost double that amount.

4)  Check the consignment store for breastpumps.  The consignment store where I shop usually has a nice Medela single or double breastpump for sale.  You’re going to sterilize a new one or used one anyway, so get the used one and save $100 or more.

5)  Find out where you can get free breastfeeding advice.  Some hospitals have a free lactation center and others have lactation nurses that will call and check up on you.  You could also check with your local La Leche group for help.  Finding support is important if you want to continue breastfeeding.

6)  Don’t rush out and spend lots of money on a breastfeeding wardrobe.  More than likely you’ll spend the first two weeks inside resting and breastfeeding anyway.  After that time you can see what your needs really are.  Many times we overestimate what we’ll need and we buy too much.

7)  Don’t worry about brand names.  Wal-Mart and Target have come out with some cute lines of clothing.  You don’t have to have the most expensive name brands.

8)  Accept hand-me-downs.  Don’t give people the idea that you’re too good to take second hand stuff. 

9)  Be sure and tell people how much you appreciate the things they’ve passed down to you.  If you don’t seem thankful, then they may find someone else to give their stuff to.

10)  Shop thrift stores, consignment stores, and yard sales for baby clothes, baby equipment, bottles, toys, and more.  I can’t say that one enough.  Two weeks ago I was at a yard sale and picked up some Avent bottles for 25 cents each!  I don’t have any babies, but we have some friends that use these bottles with their baby.  I spent just a few dollars and they will be happy to get the extra bottles. 

I think this picture speaks volumes about why you should shop at consignment stores. 

11)  Buy some neutral things so that they can be used by your next baby, no matter the gender.  I have been saving a lot of my daughter’s jeans and denim overalls for my son. 

12)  Make your own baby food.  Parents.com has some recipes to get you started.

13)  Only buy what you need.  There are so many gadgets and products on the market.  Many of these items are unnecessary.  Talk to some of your friends and find out what their favorites are and why.

14)  Say “Yes!” if your doctor asks if you want to be added to a mailing list.  You will get lots of freebies in the mail.

15)  Keep those samples of formula the doctor gives you or that you get in the mail.  Even if you plan on breastfeeding, you might still need them.

16)  Visit websites and get put on their mailing list.  I did this with some formula and diaper companies.  They will sometimes send free samples and coupons.

17)  Before leaving the hospital, make sure they give you your free stuff.  Usually Similac or Enfamil provides hospitals with a diaper bag full of goodies for all new moms.  Inside, you will usually find diaper cream, lotion, coupons, and all sorts of great things.

18)  Forget about buying expensive shoes until baby can walk.  Unless your baby can walk, there really is no need to buy the $35 shoes.  All your baby needs is some socks or booties. If you want your baby to have on shoes, then go for the less expensive pair or a pair from the consignment store.  More than likely, your baby will kick them off anyway and you certainly don’t need the more expensive ones since your baby won’t be walking.

19)  Set up a photo website, email pictures, or make photo cds for everyone.  Making copies of photos can be really expensive.  I learned that lesson early.  Now I email pictures of the kids.  It’s less expensive and everyone gets regular updates.   Family members and friends can print off their favorites or save them to a cd.  About once a year, I make a photo cd for the grandparents.  Speaking of which, it’s time to do that again!

20)  Test drive a stroller before you buy it.  This one saved us at least $200.  My husband and I thought we would need a double stroller.  Thankfully, we test drove them around the baby store and realized how difficult and awkward they were.  Plus, I don’t think it would have fit very well in our van.

21)  Use cloth diapers.  Cloth diapers aren’t what they used to be.  Cloth diapers now come with elastic legs and snaps or velcro closures.  You can even buy them used or new on ebay.

22)  Make your own baby wipes.  Here’s my post on how to make them.

23)  Use bibs!  I am a firm believer in the use of bibs.  Bibs will save you money since you won’t be ruining good clothes and they will save you money because you won’t be washing clothes so much.  When my kids eat spaghetti, I usually take off their shirt.  It seems spaghetti always gets everywhere.  Another alternative to bibs is to buy larger shirts at a yard sale.  Put the oversized shirts on your baby when he eats.  You will get more coverage that way.

24)  Try out generic diapers and see which ones work for you.  Some people say generic diapers didn’t work for their children, but I’ve never had any problems with my two kids.  I’ve tried Target, Wal-Mart, CVS, Food Lion, Sam’s, and more.  Never any problems.  I think it depends on the child.  Give them a try and if they don’t work then take them back to the store.  Most store brands have a guarantee statement printed on the package.

25)  Shop the clearance rack frequently.  I once got a $100 stroller at Target for $22.

Well, there are the 25 ways I could think of.  That’s certainly not every way to save money with a baby.  Perhaps one day in the future I could post another 25 ways to save.  Do you have any ways that you save on money on your baby?  Let us know!

Images from morrisons.co.uk, tgtbt.com.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

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 as a fabric softener.  Also helps kills athlete’s foot germs on socks.

2.  Soak or simmer stuck-on food in 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of vinegar.  The food will soften and lift off in a few minutes.

3.  Remove ink stains from clothes by soaking them in milk for 1 hour.  Then cover the stain with a paste of vinegar and cornstarch.  When the paste dries, wash the garment as usual.

4.  Appliances sparkle if cleaned with a vinegar and borax cleaner.  Mix 1 teaspoon borax, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 2 cups hot water and put it into a spray bottle.  Spray it on greasy smears and wipe off with a cloth or sponge.

5.  Deodorize your sink drains: Pour a cup down your drain, let stand about thirty minutes, then run cold water.

6. Use vinegar instead of laundry softener.  Vinegar prevents your clothes from getting that waxy build up on them.  Vinegar is suggested for using to rinse cloth diapers to keep them absorbent. 

7.  Remove water stains from leather by rubbing with a cloth dipped in a vinegar and water solution.

8.  Loosen food grime and clean the microwave: Place a microwave-safe bowl with 2 cups water, 1/2 cup vinegar inside the microwave and microwave on full power for 3-4 minutes (it needs to boil). Keep your microwave closed for a few minutes to allow the steam to loosen the grime, then open your microwave, carefully remove the bowl, and wipe clean.

9.  Remove grease from kitchen walls: Put straight vinegar on a dishcloth to wipe grease off kitchen walls, or the stovetop.

10.  Prevent mold and mildew in the shower: Wipe down tile or Formica shower walls with a sponge or cloth dampened with water and vinegar. The vinegar will clean the walls and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.

11.  An excellent toilet cleaner can be made from 1 cup borax and 1 cup vinegar.  Pour the vinegar all over the stained area of the toilet.  Then sprinkle the borax over the vinegar.  Allow it all to soak for 2 hours.  Then simply brush and flush.

12.  Add a cup of vinegar to your mop water or mop floors with vinegar and water after a normal mopping.  Vinegar removes the soap scum.

13.   Annie Berthold-Bond says her favorite window cleaning recipe is to combine 2 cups of water, 1/4 cup of white distilled vinegar, and up to 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap or detergent in a spray bottle.  Annie says the liquid soap helps remove the waxy residue.

14.  Boil vinegar and water on the stove to soak up bad smells from your house.

15.  Fill your water reservoir halfway with vinegar to clean your coffee pot.  Follow up by running 1-2 pots of clean water through to remove the vinegar.

16.  Vinegar also works as a safe degreaser.  No harsh fumes.  Use it on grease, undiluted.

17.  Clean vaporizers and humifiers by soaking unit in vinegar.  Soak unit and then run water through it.  I know, I got this tip from the actual directions that came with my vaporizer, but it really does help to remove the deposits and also to sanitize.

18.  After washing your whites with bleach, run another rinse cycle with vinegar.  The vinegar will help to remove the bleach smell.

19.  If you have fruit flies, put some vinegar in a jar on your counter.  (I wish I would have known this one a few years ago.  I had some fruit flies and bought an expensive fruit fly trap.  It probably just had vinegar in it.  Errrr!)

20.  If your puppy (or child) has an accident on the carpet, apply full-strength plain white vinegar for about 10 minutes and then blot dry. You may want to test an inconspicuous spot first.

21.  Adding a cup of vinegar to a dishwashing cycle will help clean your dishwasher and will also help prevent spots from forming on your glasses.

22.  Vinegar helps to kill bacteria.  Mix up a solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle.  Keep it in your kitchen to spray your sink and countertops. 

23.  Use vinegar to clean your garbage disposal.  Run a tray of ice cubes with 1/2 cup vinegar poured over them.

24.  Use vinegar, hot water, and a little soap to clean baby’s toys.  Rinse well.

25.  I have Pergo floors.  I was glad to find this tip from Frugal Living.  Mix 1/3 part white vinegar, 1/3 part rubbing alcohol, 1/3 part water, and 3 drops diswashing liquid.  Mix this into a (recycled) spray bottle and you have the equivalent of the Pergo floor cleaner. Just spray and mop; also great for deodorizing a room and for a fast cleanup. I also use this on my tile floors with great results. Pergo is better off when water doesn’t sit on it too long, the alcohol is added to make it dry faster.

For more tips on cleaning with vinegar try The Vinegar Book, Housekeeping: About, and Whole Foods Market.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy