Simply-Saving

simply-saving.com

2008-04-16T21:46:00.005-05:00

Our site has moved to simply-saving.com. :)

15 Ways To Go Green: Part Six

2007-11-14T15:48:00.000-05:00

1. Pass on the paper towels (same goes for napkins)
2. Fill up your freezer, since the fuller it is, the less energy it uses to keep food frozen
3. Dress sustainably (try designers like Linda Loudermilk, Stewart+Brown, Edun)
4. Buy in bulk to avoid excess packaging
5. Spend more time outdoors
6. Seek out reclaimed wood furniture
7. Weather permitting, take your exercise outdoors
8. Think big picture
9. When traveling, ask your hotel what it’s doing to be greener
10. Start composting
11. Choose reusable instead of disposable products (diapers, razors, cups, pens)
12. Prewash dishes only if you have to
13. Install dimmers or motion sensors for your lights
14. Use organic beauty products
15. Buy Fair Trade

I Love My Ice Pop Molds

2007-08-07T19:42:00.000-05:00

Because we live in Florida now, my kids enjoy ice pops all year round. I have several ice pop molds that I use and we've tried many things in them over the years. If you're looking for a simple way to save a few bucks, I recommend picking up a set, which you can easily find at a flea market or garage sale.

We've used all different drinks like juice, fruit drinks, all type of powdered drink mixes, soda, yogurt, pudding, jello and the liquid from canned fruit.

Depending on what we use, we sometimes use cool whip in between as a middle layer. Or we'll add nuts, mini marshmellows, chocolate chips or sprinkles. If I have two or three flavors of the same thing, I'll freeze one layer at a time so when it comes out it looks like stripes.

Enjoy!

Fair Trade, Organic or Locally Produced Food?

2007-08-04T19:05:00.000-05:00

Should I buy food and products that support workers in Third World by buying Fairtrade labelled products even though these goods normally travel thousands of miles from Africa, South America or South East Asia? What if these foods were produced with the use of pesticides and additives? It makes sense then to look for and to buy Fairtrade, organic food to both help the producers in the Third World and fulfil my lifestyle choice to eat healthy and additive/pesticide free food.

Thankfully, many producers are now wising up to this dilemma by increasingly producing organic and Fairtrade labelled products. I am currently using Fairtrade, organic t-bags at home! Now comes another important question, should I buy Fairly Traded organic sugar from Kenya that has travelled thousands of miles, or should I buy apples grown in the UK (ideally from a farmers market) that have only travelled only a few hundred miles which means less carbon dioxide and other nasty emissions from the lorries that you see constantly on the motorways in the UK? Buying UK products not only ensures less food miles but also supports local farmers, communities and economies.

Unfortunately, choice is often limited and can be more expensive then food produced in other countries……… Decisions, decisions, it’s probably best to abstain from eating and give your choice making brain a rest!

But I can safely say that I make attempts to avoid food or products that have travelled from far away destinations such as Australia even if they are organic! Next time you are in the supermarket or wherever you buy your food from check the labels and you will be surprised by how far your food has travelled. Also look at the amount of unnecessary wrapping such as individually wrapped peppers, mushrooms and kiwi fruit in wrapped boxes. When I buy from the local market I tell them to throw it all into one bag, the customer next to me often has 10 individually wrapped portions of fruit and veg. That’s 11 (10 plus one big plastic bag) bags into the landfill site that day.

For maximum eco efficiency we need to be using jute or other bags made from recycled materials and putting all the loose food into that. For recycled bags, Fairtrade and Organic companies, products and food see GuideMeGreen’s green directory.

David Oglaza is the founder of the Green and Ethical directory green directory. This growing green resource lists 100s of Organic, Fairtrade, Eco and Ethical companies. Green jobs and a discussion board coming soon!
Article Source: http://www.articlegarden.com

15 Ways to Go Green: Part Five

2007-08-03T15:25:00.000-05:00

1. Use greener cleaners. Baking soda will clean just about anything!
2. Wash clothes in cold water
3. Cover pots on the stove to avoid losing excess heat—and wasting energy
4. Line dry your clothes when possible
5. Find a green dry cleaner, and bring your own garment bag
6. Turn off the dishwasher’s drying cycle
7. Shut your computer down when you leave work—especially on Fridays
8. Vote for change
9. Drive a hybrid
10. Join a food co-op
11. Swap paperbacks with paperbackswap.com
12. B.Y.O.B. (of water)
13. Shred old paper for packing instead of using Styrofoam peanuts
14. Collect rainwater and use it for landscaping
15. Use natural—not artificial—fragrances

Frugal Video

2007-08-02T21:49:00.000-05:00

15 Ways to Go Green: Part Four

2007-08-01T15:40:00.000-05:00

1. Use a push lawn mower
2. Purify indoor air with plants instead of with artificial room fresheners
3. Use clean energy
4. Support recycling by buying products made from recycled materials
5. Decorate responsibly by purchasing eco-sensitive accessories (check out
vivaterra.com)
6. Buy or borrow pre-used moving boxes
7. Plant a garden
8. Use rechargeable batteries
9. Bring lunch to work in reusable containers (a “no-garbage” lunch)
10. Upgrade your toilet to a low-flush model
11. Fix leaky faucets
12. Buy low-VOC paint and donate the leftovers (find local reuse programs at earth911.org)
13. Donate old cell phones and help save the African gorilla (eco-cell.org)
14. Buy organic food (especially milk, meat, fruits, and vegetables)
15. Bring your own mug or thermos to your favorite coffee spot

Desserts for Hot Summer Days

2007-07-30T00:09:00.000-05:00

Three fun summer treats to enjoy on a hot summer afternoon...

1) Moowiches
Large Chocolate Chip Cookies (best if they are soft and chewy)
1/2 gallon of vanilla ice cream

Allow ice cream to slightly soften so it can be scooped easily. Take one cookie and put a scoop of ice cream onto the cookie. Place another cookie on top. Smoosh it down! Wrap each Moowich in plastic wrap. Freeze until firm. These are cool a treat anytime!

2) Frozen Banana Split Salad
5 ripe bananas
1 C sugar
2 1/2 T lemon juice
8 oz sour cream
16 oz whipped topping
1 C cherries, drained & chopped
1 large can pineapple, drained
1/2 C pecans, chopped

Mash bananas. Add lemon juice & sugar. Mix well & add remaining ingredients. Pour into a buttered 13x9x2 pan and freeze. Cut into squares & serve. Yield 8-10 servings.

3) Pistachio Fruit Salad
1 (17 oz) can fruit cocktail
1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks
1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges
2 (3.4 oz) packages instant pistachio pudding mix
1 C sour cream
6 oz whipped topping
chopped pecans (optional)

Drain fruit cocktail, pineapple and oranges, reserving 1 1/2 cups juice. Set fruit aside. Pour juice into a 4 qt bowl. Add pudding mix and mix until smooth. Stir in sour cream. Add whipped topping and mix until smooth. Fold in fruit; chill for several hours. Top with pecans just before serving if desired.

Leslie Sausage lives with her husband in rural Texas. She is the mom of four grown children, a freelance writer, and has degree in business administration. You are invited to visit her online for more creative, practical and fun ideas -- http://heart4home.net. © Leslie Sausage

5 Uncommon Ways To Save Energy

2007-07-29T22:16:00.000-05:00

by Steve Kaye

We all need to use energy wisely. It saves money, reduces pollution, and makes us better citizens. Here are five uncommon things that you can do.

1) Change time zones.

That is, when possible, travel when others are less likely to be on the road. You will save gas and time by avoiding delays. For example, avoid rush hour traffic by leaving an hour early. Then use this extra hour to read, plan your day, or add a little extra to your job. If your company permits flex time hours, then choose a time window outside of rush hour.

Also, consider shopping early or late in the day. Besides encountering less traffic, you will find that there are fewer shoppers and shorter lines in the stores. That produces a time saving bonus by making your shopping more efficient.

2) Ride a bicycle.

But do this in your car. That is, pretend that you have to peddle in order to make your car move. Avoid quick starts, acceleration up hills, and driving into a stop. Instead, start gradually, take it easy going up hills, and coast to a red light - just as if you were the engine.

In general, drive with minimum effort. You will find that this is also more relaxing, while saving on gas.

3) Shut it off.

Some people leave the engine running when they park. For example, I often see an unattended car in a parking lot with the engine running. This is a terrible idea because: a) it wastes gas and b) it leaves the car exposed to theft.

Similarly, turn off the engine any time that you have to wait for more than about half a minute, such as at a railroad crossing.
Note: most cars use about a gallon of gas/hour while in idle.

4) Stop leaks.

Most homes and offices have dozens of small transformers that supply power to computers, network hubs, printers, modems, scanners, and other accessories. Transformers are also used to recharge batteries in cell phones, cameras, and iPods.

These transformers keep using electricity even when the device has been turned off or disconnected from it. It's like having a faucet leak around the clock. While each transformer uses only a small amount of electricity, six or eight of them are equivalent to a standard light bulb. Over time that adds up to a significant amount of electricity.

Put all of the transformers on a circuit strip. They turn off the strip at the end of the day. Or, unplug the transformer when it's not being used. Similarly, check your home for electrical leaks. Unplug any device with a decorative light or courtesy clock (that you don't need), such as coffee makers, toasters, and small ovens.

5) Be stingy.

Critically evaluate every trip for its importance. Seek ways to combine trips on a single outing. And walk if possible. For example, I used to drive to get mail from my P.O. Box at the Post Office every day. Now, I go every second day and I walk at least once each week. I buy enough food from one store to last most of the week (instead of hopping from store to store or going out daily). And I plan each outing to take care of as many stops as possible in a single loop (instead of making many single trips).

This saves gas and time.

Saving energy is the smart thing to do. It saves both time and money. And that's like being paid for being a good citizen.

Steve Kaye helps leaders get results. He is an IAF Certified Professional Facilitator, author, and speaker. His meeting facilitation and leadership workshops create success for everyone. Call 714-528-1300 for details. Visit http://www.stevekaye.com for a free report. Article Source: Sustainable Living Articles

Using a Price Book

2007-07-27T16:13:00.000-05:00

Price Books: You have probably heard about them, or read about them in budgeting articles. But what exactly is a Price Book?

A Price Book is a powerful tool used by smart shoppers to help them save money. It is a practical technique used to record prices of frequently purchased items.
Consumers armed with a current Price Book will know if an advertised "special" is truly a bargain or not. Costly mistakes can be avoided, and much money can be saved by knowing how much to pay for items used most often. A Price Book is a personal item created by each individual shopper. There are various formats and suggestions one can follow, but the effectiveness of a Price Book is determined by the way it is prepared, and if it represents the typical purchases of the individual who created it.

A Price Book can be simple or complex; there is no set way to manage one. A person should try a few different ways to determine which method is best for their personal use. Here are a few methods to choose from when starting a Price Book:

Large notebook
Small, pocket size notebook
Spreadsheet
Index cards
Address book

My personal preference is a small notebook that I can carry along with my coupons. I use a simple format. I list the products that I buy most often in alphabetical order, with the lowest price I have found next to each item. I have realized that with whatever method used, it is best to list or file alphabetically.

I started my Price Book by carrying an 8x11 notebook with me to the store. Each item that I purchased was written at the top of a page in the notebook. I listed the price for that particular store, the date, and a few other brand comparisons. Then each time I shopped at another store, I would add the prices for that store.

After visiting each store in my area, I was able to see which ones consistently had the lowest prices on the products I purchased. However, I also found that no one store had the lowest prices on everything. In order to buy at the lowest prices, I have to shop at several stores, and be willing to use many brand names. Unfortunately, I cannot save money by being brand loyal.

Once I had been keeping my Price Book for several months, I knew the lowest price that I could pay for my regular purchases, and how to avoid paying over that amount. I see advertisements everyday claiming to offer the lowest prices on products for sale. Since I began investing my time and efforts into my own price book, I am no longer deceived by false advertising claims.

Keeping a Price Book is one easy way consumers can be smart shoppers. Start your own Price Book today, and you too will see the patterns that the stores and manufacturers follow. But don't just start one; be sure to use it regularly once you have the prices listed. It is a practical tool to help you save. Happy Shopping!

by Sandy Shields

Sandy is a freelance writer and webmaster of http://www.thefrugalshopper.com/ . She enjoys living the frugal life, saving money, and helping others to do the same. Reprint permission granted with this footer included. Copyright © 1999-2005.

15 Ways To Go Green: Part Three

2007-07-25T15:26:00.000-05:00

1. Skip the elevator and take the stairs
2. Check the air pressure in your tires since underinflated tires reduce fuel efficiency
3. Buy recycled toilet paper
4. Print on both sides of the paper
5. After you finish baking, turn off the oven and leave the door open to heat your home
6. Eat only sustainably harvested fish to help protect the health of the ocean (visit oceansalive.org)
7. Go carbon-neutral
8. To save gas, drive under 60 mph, or don’t drive as much
9. Don’t use pesticides on your lawn
10. Find new uses for old things
11. Compact your nonrecyclable trash and use fewer bags
12. Give your car a tune-up so it drives more efficiently
13. Buy things that will last
14. Stop idling in your car
15. Carpool

"Coupon Mom" video

2007-07-24T15:20:00.000-05:00

Cutting Food Costs: Saving Time vs. Money

2007-07-23T08:07:00.000-05:00

Description: Tips for saving money on groceries while also using some convenience foods.

When I first started consciously cutting back on my household expenses, reducing my grocery bill was one of my highest priorities. After I got married and started juggling my career, my marriage, and the responsibilities of being a parent, however, I had to rethink some of my ways of doing things.

You may think that if you make everything from scratch that you will save a lot of money at the grocery store every month. In a lot of cases, this may be true. When you prepare your own meals you will often see an immediate cost savings per portion, and perhaps an overall increase in nutritional value as an added bonus. So what if you don't have the time to cook?

That's a good question, and one that cannot easily be answered. If you only buy prepackaged foods to save you time in the kitchen you're definitely going to end up spending more money than necessary. I would suggest that you might be able to find a happy medium.

Every week I think to myself that it would sure be nice to make some homemade cookies for my daughter to have for snacks during the next week. About once every 2 months or so I might actually make them, but most of the time I choose not to because it would take up a Sunday afternoon that I'd like to use to do other things. Would it save me money to make the cookies myself? Sure, if the alternative would be to buy a $4 package of Oreos. However, when Oreos go on sale for $1.99 or less a package, I'll stock up on a few and know that my money was wisely spent, while also freeing up my time for other things. Better yet, once a month or so we might go to Walmart and stock up on Little Debbie snacks that average about $1 a box. You could hardly make a batch of cookies for $1. Now don't get me wrong, I love to bake and enjoy a homemade cookie as much as anyone else. It's just not always the best use of my time and/or money.

Recently my mother-in-law and I were discussing the price of chili. We had found some on sale for .99 a can and thought that was a pretty good deal. For that price I probably wouldn't take the time to make it. The regular price was $1.30 - $1.50 a can, and I just couldn't justify paying that much for it. I'd just do without or make a pot of chili myself and freeze some for later. My husband's aunt overheard our conversation and commented that she had bought a case of chili on sale for .59 a can! I sure wouldn't have passed that deal up.

You just have to watch prices on your favorite items and purchase them when they go on sale. You have to be somewhat flexible, however, and be willing to purchase alternate items or do more cooking when prices are high.

It's all a matter of priorities. If you have the time and enjoy spending time in the kitchen, then by all means cook from scratch whenever you can. I sure do. On the other hand, if you have days like me where you come home from a long day at work wondering what to fix quick for dinner, you might consider balancing the amount you're spending on groceries with the time you will save yourself in the kitchen by stocking up on a few convenience items, like Tuna Helper or prepared spaghetti sauce. I've found that I'm saving even more money than ever before by buying these convenience foods when on they're on sale, while also making things from scratch when I have the time. Just keep your options open and you will find what works best for you.

Originally published at Suite 101. Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What's for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For more recipes, gardening, organizing tips, home decorating, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com.

15 Ways To Go Green: Part Two

2007-07-22T18:53:00.000-05:00

1. Switch to a reusable coffee filter
2. Eat what’s in season
3. Start an eco-converstion everywhere you go
4. Sign up for online banking to stop receiving paper statements
5. Cancel the phone-book delivery
6. Install a ceiling fan to improve heat and cool-air circulation
7. Opt for an Energy Star–qualified laptop instead of a power-guzzling desktop
8. Replace your lightbulbs with compact fluorescent ones
9. Join a community supported agriculture (CSA) program (visit localharvest.com)
10. Volunteer your time at local conservation agencies
11. Conserve energy by using power strips (many electronics suck power even when off—but power strips in the “off” position don’t)
12. Don’t charge your cell phone overnight
13. Get on the list. Find out if your city has pledged to meet Kyoto Protocol emissions targets; if not, contact your mayor
14. Reuse your Ziploc bags
15. Keep your shades down in the summer and up in the winter

33 Basic Smart Shopping Tips

2007-07-20T08:02:00.000-05:00

Here are thirty-three basic smart shopping tips that can be used anywhere you shop. Use them to save money, and as a guide to strengthen your purchasing power.

1. Plan your spending. Avoid impulse buys.

2. Advertised items are not necessarily the cheapest.

3. Watch for unadvertised specials.

4. Remember to ask for a "raincheck" if an item is sold out.

5. To avoid crowds, do not shop after work, on paydays, or just before holidays.

6. Buy items before you run out of them. Buy at clearance, or sale price,
instead of regular price when you must have the item.

7. Know the sales cycle in your area.

8. Just because an item is on sale, doesn't necessarily mean it is a good deal for your family. If you won't use it, don't buy it.

9. Due to volume discounts, larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller ones.

10. Your emotions affect your shopping. Be careful of the "I deserve it" mentality.

11. Buy at the end of the season.

12. Stock up when prices are low.

13. Try alternative shopping: Shop salvage stores, thrift stores, consignment shops,
warehouse clubs, yard sales, and garage sales.

14. Remember that no particular store has the lowest price on all items.

15. Create a "shopping pool". Agree with family and friends to shop sales for each other.

16. Shop alone. Other individuals will only help fill your shopping cart.

17. Check the entire store for specials and alternatives.

18. Get to know your favorite store's employees. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

19. Know your prices, keep a price book.

20. About Prices: Compare, Compare, Compare. This is how your price book helps you.

21. Larger is not always cheaper. Smaller is not always cheaper.

22. Look at unit prices.

23. You pay more for fancy packaging. Beware.

24. Remember the "Rule of Three":
If an item has three different ways it can be used, you will not be wasting your money.

25. Never pay full price.

26. Shop defensively.

27. Try store and generic brands.

28. Watch as the clerk rings up your purchases. Check your receipt.

29. Shop for gifts year round.

30. Return purchases that do not meet your expectations.

31. Complain if it is genuinely warranted.

32. Call before you go to confirm item is available.

33. If you must, leave the checkbook and credit cards at home or in the car.

Sandy is webmaster of TheFrugalShopper.com. She enjoys living the frugal life, saving money and helping others to do the same. Reprint permission granted with this footer included. Copyright © TheFrugalShopper.com 1999-2007.

Free Gardening Video

2007-07-18T07:58:00.000-05:00

15 Ways To Go Green: Part One

2007-07-17T18:45:00.000-05:00

1. Bring your own bags to the grocery store
2. Support your local economy and curb excess fossil-fuel consumption by shopping close to home
3. Install Energy Star–qualified double-pane windows for better insulation
4. Take the bus (or train)
5. Buy energy-efficient appliances (look for the Energy Star label)
6. Go for bamboo (for flooring, cutting boards, towels, sheets, and so on)
7. Clean the fridge coils for better productivity
8. Turn off the lights when you leave the room
9. Install low-flow showerheads and take shorter showers
10. Eat more veggies
11. Get a library card
12. Ride your bike
13. Don’t let the sink faucet run when you wash dishes and brush your teeth
14. Leave only footprints when you travel
15. Unplug your electronics (DVD player, TV, cell-phone charger) when you’re not using them

13 Money Saving Tips

2007-07-16T17:22:00.000-05:00

1) Shop only for sale items or generics.

2) Make your own mixes.

3) Line dry as much of your laundry as possible.

4) Turn off all of the lights when not in use.

5) Keep your vehicle maintained.

6) Walk if you can, instead of driving.

7) Making lunches at home

8) Use coupons

9) Shop at home first - if you need to buy something, see if you have it or a substitute at home.

10) Shop throughout the year for birthday and holiday gifts.

11) Make a weekly menu

12) Grow your own vegetables

13) Track all expenses

Make Your Own Jewelery Cleaner

2007-07-15T17:12:00.000-05:00

A while back I posted at a frugal living website asking for ideas on how to make jewelery cleaner. Here are some of the responses I received.

Warm water and baking soda in a flat bottom pan and some aluminum foil in the bottom. OR toothpaste works great too with a old toothbrush. That first one cleans silver too. I wouldn't use anything on pearls though it will ruin them.

I make my jewelry cleaner like this: 1/2 amonia 1/2 water. Let gold jewelry soak for a long while and then use an old toothbrush to scrub with, rinse and wipe dry. Do NOT use on silver jewelry (sterling). Toothpaste or a polishing cloth is the best for that.

For gold jewelry I use toothpaste and and old toothbrush.

Making Your Own Salad Dressing

2007-07-12T16:58:00.000-05:00

I've had this saved on my computer for a while and just came across it again. Let me know if you try any of these and how they came out. :-)

Salad Dressing for Pennies:
When salad dressing is needed, combine the dry mix with a few simple ingredients and you have fresh, low cost, tasty salad dressing. These dry mixes will last for 6 months (maybe more). The prepared salad dressing should keep at least 2 weeks.

French Dressing Mix

1 cup sugar 4 teaspoons paprika
2 Tablespoons dry mustard 2 Tablespoons salt
¼ teaspoon onion powder

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to distribute evenly. Place mixture in dry container with tight fitting lid. Store in cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Shake dry mix before measuring for prepared dressing.

To make French dressing from dry mix.
Combine ¼ cup of the French dressing mix with ¾ cup vegetable oil, 6 Tablespoons ketchup and ¼ cup vinegar. Shake until well blended. Chill before serving. Makes about 1¼ cups of French dressing.
Copyright © 1996 Frugal Publications

Caesar Salad Dressing Mix
1 Tablespoon sugar 1 Tablespoon dried garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder 6 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 ½ teaspoons black pepper 1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to distribute evenly. Place mixture in dry container with tight fitting lid. Store in cool, dry place for up to 3-4 months. Shake dry mix before measuring for prepared dressing.

To make Caesar salad dressing from dry mix.
Combine 1/4 cup Caesar salad dressing mix with 1/2 cup olive oil (or vegetable
oil), 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1 teaspoon anchovy paste. Shake until well blended. Makes about 1 cup of prepared dressing.
Copyright © 1996 Frugal Publications

Zesty Italian Herb Salad Dressing

2 teaspoons dried oregano 2 teaspoons dried basil
2 Tablespoons dry powdered garlic 1 1/2 Tablespoons salt
2 teaspoons onion powder 2 teaspoons paprika
6 Tablespoons sugar 1 1/2 T. ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to distribute evenly. Place mixture in dry container with tight fitting lid. Store in cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Shake dry mix before measuring for prepared dressing.

To make Italian Salad Dressing from mix.
Combine 3 Tablespoons of the Italian Herb Salad Dressing Mix with 1½ cup
vegetable oil and 1/2 cup wine vinegar or white vinegar. Combine all
ingredients in glass jar. Shake until well blended. Makes about 2 cups of
Italian dressing.
Copyright © 1996 Frugal Publications

Low Calorie Salad Dressing Mix

1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon dried basil
4 Tablespoons parsley flakes 2 Tablespoons green pepper flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper 1 Tablespoon monosodium glutamate (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to distribute evenly. Place
mixture in dry container with tight fitting lid. Store in cool, dry place
for up to 6 months. Shake dry mix before measuring for prepared dressing.

To make Low Calories Dressing from mix.
Combine 2 Tablespoons Low Calorie Salad Dressing Mix with 3/4 cup tomato
juice (or V-8 vegetable juice), 4 Tablespoons lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon
horseradish (optional). Shake until well blended. Chill before serving.
Makes about 3/4 cup of prepared dressing.
Copyright © 1996 Frugal Publications

Ranch Dressing Mix

2 Teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons dried minced or powdered garlic
2 teaspoons ground black pepper 8 teaspoons dried minced powder onion
2 teaspoons sugar 2 ½ teaspoons paprika
2 ½ teaspoons parsley flakes 1 Tablespoon monosodium glutamate (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to distribute evenly. Place mixture in dry container with tight fitting lid. Store in cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Shake dry mix before measuring for prepared dressing.

To make Ranch Dressing from dry mix.
Combine 1 Tablespoon mix with 1 cup mayonnaise (not salad dressing) and 1
cup buttermilk. Combine all ingredients in bowl. Stir until well blended.
Chill before serving. Makes about 2 cups of prepared dressing

Salad Recipes for Summer Barbecues

2007-07-10T16:18:00.000-05:00

by Rachel Paxton

Description: Easy salads that you can prepare for family barbecues or picnics.

Salads are a great accompaniment to any summer picnic or barbecue. Everyone has their favorite. I personally love Taco Salad, my daughter's favorite is Pea Salad.

Here are some easy salad recipes you can prepare for your family or take to your next family get-together. Keep an open mind about the Broccoli Salad recipe and give it a try. It is delicious!

Taco Salad
1/2 onion, chopped
3 tomatoes
1 head lettuce
4 oz. cheese, grated
8 oz. Thousand Island dressing
Taco Sauce to taste
1 bag tortilla chips
1 lg. avocado, opt.
1 lb. ground beef
1 can kidney beans
1/4 t. salt

Chop onion, tomatoes, and lettuce. Toss with cheese, dressing and taco sauce. Crunch and add chips. Brown meat, add kidney beans, salt and simmer 10 minutes and mix into cold salad. Serve immediately (or prepare ahead of time and add cheese and chips right before serving).

Three Bean Salad
1 can green beans
1 can kidney beans
1 can wax beans
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. vinegar
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1/2 tsp. salt

Drain beans. Heat remaining ingredients in a saucepan until heated through. Pour over beans and refrigerate before serving.

Picnic Coleslaw
6 c. shredded cabbage
2 c. shredded carrots
8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
12 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 c. vinegar
1/3 c. vegetable oil
1/3 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt

Combine cabbage, carrots, bacon, and onion. In a jar mix vinegar, sugar, salt, and shake well. Just before serving, pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss.

Macaroni Salad

1 lb. salad macaroni
12 med. green onions, sliced
4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 c. thinly sliced celery
12 slices crisply cooked bacon, crumbled
1 c. dill pickles, chopped
1 1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 tbsp. mustard
1 tbsp. horseradish
1 tbsp. dill pickle juice
Salt and pepper

Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain well. Rinse and drain again. Place macaroni into large bowl. Add onion, eggs, celery, and pickle. Blend together the mayonnaise, horseradish, mustard, and pickle juice. Stir into macaroni mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and chill 4-6 hours.

Broccoli Salad
1 bunch broccoli, cut in tiny flowers
1 c. raisins
1/4 c. red onion
1/4 c. pecans (or walnuts, or sunflower seeds)
1/4 c. bacon bits
1 c. mayonnaise
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. vinegar

Mix mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar. Add bacon bits and other ingredients and mix. Chill for a few hours.

Pea Salad

2 bags frozen peas
1 block cheddar cheese (cubed or shredded)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 bunch green onions
1 pkg. bacon cut into small pieces and fried

Keep peas frozen until ready to use. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Chill and serve.

Five Cup Salad
1 c. sour cream
1 c. miniature marshmallows
1 c. coconut
1 c. pineapple
1 c. mandarin oranges

Mix together and refrigerate for 12 hours.

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What's for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For more recipes, gardening, organizing tips, home decorating, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com.

Linda Breen Pierce on Simplicity

2007-07-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

"Simplicity involves unburdening your life, and living more lightlywith fewer distractions that interfere with a high quality life, as defined uniquely by each individual. You will find people living simply in large cities, rural areas and everything in between"

- Linda Breen Pierce
Author of Choosing Simplicity and Simplicity Lessons, both of which can be purchased through the Simply Saving Online Shop.

Saving $$$ on Gasoline Video

2007-07-08T15:58:00.000-05:00

Basic Cooking Tips

2007-07-06T15:50:00.000-05:00

Everyone can use some basic cooking tips. We offer you ten of the best cooking tips to help you cook cleaner, faster and healthier.

1. Easy clean up for your microwave – Keep a paper plate in the microwave to catch messy spills. When it is time to clean, just throw the paper plate out and replace with a new one.

2. Always crispy fried fish - Your fish will be perfectly fried if you put it in a little milk before flouring it. Also, put it into the pan when the oil is very hot, but not smoking. Your family and you will love the crispy coating.

3. Kitchen Tricks - Don't throw out trimmings from onions and celery. Instead, freeze them to use later when you make stock or broth. They will have a rich taste.

4. Juice Your Lemons Juicier - For lemons that are really juicy, try this little trick. Just before you squeeze the lemons, put them in hot water. You can also place lemons in a preheated warm oven. These warmed up lemons give much more juice.

5. An Apple a Day - When you eat outside on a camping trip, if anyone forgets their toothbrush; always keep an apple in your backpack. The apple not only helps to digest your food, it cleans and disinfects the mouth.

6. Ripening Fruits and Vegetables - A lots of fruit and vegetables found in supermarkets today look ripe but are hard as a rock. Put them in a brown paper bag and hide the bag away in a dark cupboard for a day or two before you eat them.

Use this great tip for items such as avocados, bananas, kiwi fruit, peaches, nectarines, and many more.

7. Prepare a Quick Salad - Serve salad ingredients on a bed of lettuce rather than tearing the salad greens into small pieces. Just lay a few lettuce leaves on the plate and layer it with a slice of tomato, cucumber, red onion and olives.

8. Tender Meat – You can tenderize meat using one to two tablespoons of vinegar. You can do a quick marinade with vinegar and spices. Leave in the refrigerator 10-15 minutes then cook.

9. Wilted vegetables – You can perk up wilted vegetables by soaking them in 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar.

10. Wooden Skewers – Shish kebabs are a healthy meal and delicious meal especially for summer outdoor cookouts. When using wooden skewers for kebabs, keep them from burning by soaking in cold water for 10-30 minutes before you put them on the grill.

Angela Tyler is a mom who would rather play than cook. If that sounds like you, you won't want to miss www.FreeQuickRecipes.com.

The Future of MyCoupons.com

2007-07-05T15:34:00.000-05:00

Clipping Coupons Video

2007-07-04T15:33:00.000-05:00

Compacting Article

2007-07-03T09:54:00.000-05:00

Idea of simple life takes hold
By Elizabeth Weise for USA TODAY

It began as a simple, or simply terrifying, pledge taken by a small group of friends feeling overwhelmed by all the things in their lives. Over a potluck dinner two years ago, they made a pact: Buy nothing new except food, medicine and toiletries for six months.

The effort lasted a year before falling victim to the demands of modern life. But the commercial craziness of the Christmas season brought the group back together a few months ago.

Only now they're not toiling in relative anonymity. A whiff of media interest over the past month has turned their tool-sharing, library-going, thrift-store-shopping band into a full-fledged cultural phenomenon with more than 700 members joining through their Yahoo website. Groups are meeting in Maine, Alabama, Texas, Oregon and Wisconsin, and satiated consumers in Japan and Brazil are making inquiries.

The original group named itself the Compact after the Mayflower Compact, a civil agreement that bound the Pilgrims to a life of higher purpose when they landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620.

The goal of the members wasn't so much to save money, or even the environment, as much as it was to simplify their lives, says Rob Picciotto, a high school French teacher who attended that first potluck. "It saved us time because there was less time spent shopping. We still buy groceries and go to the drugstore, but we don't go to Target on a Saturday, which was a ritual before just to see what the sales were," he says.

It was Picciotto's partner, John Perry, employed in high-tech marketing, who initiated the reincarnation of the Compact, an effort that drew the attention of the San Francisco Chronicle. When an article hit the paper's website on Feb. 13, it became apparent that the Compact had tapped into a very deep stream of consumer discontent.

Today the Compact exists as several local potluck groups who meet to celebrate their successes (a free sewing machine from online Craig's List) and dilemmas (Do new keys count? What about makeup?). A national and several state-based Web discussion groups serve the same purpose electronically.

Joining is simple, says Julie Fitzpatrick, a third-grade teacher from Madison, Wis., who signed up on the Internet site the day she heard about it on the news. There's no ceremony involved. "You just say 'I'm going to do it,' " she says.

She has found being in the Compact helpful when she is invited to direct-sale events such as candle or Tupperware parties. "I can say, 'I'm sorry, I've taken a pledge.' So now I'm out of that circle."

Still, it's not easy to refrain from the great American pastime. The desire for new sunglasses was the downfall of Sarah Pelmas, a high school English teacher, when she joined the group two years ago. "It was killing me," she says. Finally she broke down and bought a pair, stepping onto the "slippery slope" that brought her back into mainstream consumerism. "It was like vegetarians and bacon," she says: You can't just stop at a taste. But she re-enlisted in December.

Not that the idea is embraced by everyone. In Chilliwack, British Columbia, Tira Brandon-Evans says that when she and her husband told friends they weren't going to exchange Christmas and birthday presents, they acted as if she'd suddenly developed a mental illness.

She jokes that from her friends' reactions, you would have thought she had announced plans to have a sex change or join a satanic cult.

The biggest challenge for San Franciscan Rachel Kesel was a camping trip, which "takes a lot of gear." But for a fall outing, the 25-year-old student called friends to borrow what she needed. It worked out great, "because it's so rare that you're using camping gear at the same time as everybody else."

Dorice Baty of Monett, Mo., says her family was forced into "involuntary simplicity" when her husband lost his job two years ago. The couple now get by on her salary as a substitute teacher. She likes sharing ideas on how to get by without buying with people in the Compact, whether rich or poor.

"If someone is wealthy and they're doing this, God bless them," she says. "If they've taken on the challenge, then I admire them as much as the people like me who are struggling."

But to many, the entire notion seems strange, even downright un-American. Compacters interviewed on the radio have been accused of wanting to destroy the country. Bloggers have attacked the idea as "conspicuous anti-consumerism" and "pretentious."

Compacter James Glines of Copperas Cove, Texas, says relatives have asked him, "How can you do that? Are you going to steal?"

But there's a strong history of frugality in the USA, says David Shi, president of Furman University in Greenville, S.C., and author of The Simple Life: Plain Living and High Thinking in American Culture. Religious groups such as the Shakers, the Mennonites, the Amish and some Quakers have long embraced the notion of living a simpler life. Writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau idealized it.
Shi says that for the past decade, Americans have been turning toward "therapeutic simplicity."

"It's a function of individuals beginning to feel a sense of crisis in their lives," Shi says. "The frenetic pace of our high-tech society, coupled with the barrage of seductive messages coming from our consumer culture, have reached a point that many people simply feel like they're about to self-destruct."
For Pelmas, it's about "avoiding the hysteria that seems to govern a lot of our consciousness right now around consumerism. It's the kind of craze where fathers are beating each other up to get the latest Nintendo for their kids. It strikes me as some strange kind of 21st-century spiritual lack."

It's not just her. Surveys done by Juliet Schor, a sociologist at Boston College who studies consumer society, have found that 81% of Americans say the country is too focused on shopping and spending, and 88% think it is too materialistic.

The Compacters are simply the most recent manifestation of a kind of underground mass movement, Schor says. She studies the "downshifter movement" that began in the 1980s with people making choices about earning and spending less money so they could focus on the quality of their lives and their families, typically by working fewer hours or changing jobs.

In 2003, USA TODAY columnist Craig Wilson vowed to buy nothing but food, toiletries and gifts for a year. The column "had one of the largest reader responses ever. Thousands and thousands of readers e-mailed me," Wilson says.

Just this month saw publication of a whole book about a year without buying. Judith Levine had her own "no more" moment in 2004 and went on to write Not Buying It: My Year Without Shopping. There's even a glossy magazine called Real Simple that taps into the trend, although its focus is more on buying things to make life simpler rather than not buying things.

They're all onto something, says James Roberts, a professor of marketing at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. "The research is overwhelmingly clear," he says. "The more materialistic you are, the less happy you are. We get happiness through love of others and sense of community. But we've been told by Madison Avenue that happiness can come through the mall."

For Glines, joining the Compact was about taming the need for the new. "I wanted ways to be frugal without cutting into my kids' happiness," he says.
But it's harder in central Texas than San Francisco, where thrift stores are hip, and people put on things like the "Really Really Free Market" at a park once a month. At that urban potluck picnic, people bring what they don't need and take what they do.

It's hard but not impossible, Glines found. Putting in a raised vegetable garden, he was stymied by a lack of nails. But new houses are going up all over the place in Copperas Cove. "I talked to some of the builders, and they had half clips of nails from nail guns they were just throwing away, and they said I could have them. "I just popped them off, and there were my nails," he says.

For Pelmas, the Compact kept a lot of things out of her life but did bring in something very important — a husband. She had met Matt Eddy, a high school science teacher, through friends several years before, but when she asked him out, he said no. "Then a year later, he was having dinner with some friends, and they said, 'Oh, Sarah's part of this Compact where she doesn't buy anything new.' Eddy, with his great love of environmental science, instantly rethought his rejection. He called Pelmas, and as she puts it, "the rest was history." They were married 18 months later. The couple just bought a 1920s house that they plan to bring up to snuff using only recycled materials.
After all, she says, "it's a used home."

Bruschetta

2007-07-02T10:40:00.000-05:00

I've never been much of a cook so you won't find many recipes here but the few things I do make, I'd be happy to share. One of them is bruschetta. I'm still tweaking this recipe so if you use it, let me know what you did.

Preheat oven to 375.

Combine 3 tomatoes (chopped), 1/2 onion (chopped), 1 clove of garlic (chopped), 1/2 TSP each of basil & oregano (fresh if you have it), 2 TBS olive oil and some grated parmesean cheese. Mix and set aside.

Cut a loaf of Italian bread diagonal, 1/2" slices, place on pan and bake 2-3 minutes. Take the bread out and spoon the mixture on it. Add some shredded or thinly sliced mozzerella cheese. Put back in the oven for 2-3 minutes.

mangia! :-)

John Kabat-Zinn on Voluntary Simplicity

2007-07-01T14:39:00.000-05:00

"Voluntary simplicity means going fewer places in one day rather than more,
seeing less so I can see more,
doing less so I can do more,
acquiring less so I can have more".
- John Kabat-Zinn in Wherever You Go, There You Are

50 Simple Things Kids Can Do To Save The Earth

2007-06-30T10:36:00.000-05:00

My kids really like this book! It's a great starting point for anybody, kids or adults. There's lots of good (and very simple) ideas in this book and I recommend it highly.

Some that we do:

#25: My husband is very anti-littering and he always holds onto his garbage when he's out, until he finds a trash can. We also frequently walk up and down our block with a garbage bag and pick up any litter that we find.

#28: We use canvas bags when we shop. I had found four of them just sitting in our bedroom closet, so now we keep them in the truck of my car for when we shop.

I'll post more every so often. :-)

How To Grow Herbs

2007-06-29T09:07:00.000-05:00

Little wonder that herbs have earned a place in American gardens. Freshly harvested herbs have pungent and aromatic qualities that far exceed those of their commercially obtained counterparts--whether fresh or dried.

Even after the outdoor growing season is over, you can still enjoy dried herbs in fragrant potpourris and sachets. You can also grow herbs indoors in pots on sunny windowsills, and use them for culinary purposes, either fresh, dried, or frozen.

You will enjoy growing herbs because their culture is easy. They require little care and space, have very few insect and disease problems, and generally require only moderate fertility levels. Above all, herbs provide you with a continuing and satisfying hobby.

CHOOSING A SITE

Herbs flourish under the same conditions that you provide for your flower or vegetable garden. Although most herbs will grow in partial shade, it is better if the herb garden receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day. A majority of herbs will grow well under a wide range of soil conditions, with the exception of extremely wet, poorly drained soils. Note, however, that sage, rosemary, and thyme require a well-drained but moderately moist soil.

If the garden soil is poorly drained, you can improve the situation by modifying or amending it. Even more effective would be the use of raised beds. To improve soil fertility and tilth, add several bushels of compost per 100 square feet of soil before planting. Spade it into the soil thoroughly.

In general, herbs do better in soils of low to medium fertility, so additional fertilizer applications are not needed. Soils with high fertility tend to produce lots of foliage that is low in flavor.

Prepare your garden site in the same manner that you would a vegetable garden, spading it to a depth of 6 to 12 inches. Then level and rake the site to remove any large clods and debris.

DETERMINING THE SIZE OF YOUR HERB GARDEN

The size of your garden will depend largely upon the quantity of herbs that you need and want to grow. A dozen annuals and/or perennials will provide you with a good variety.

FITTING HERBS INTO YOUR LANDSCAPE

Decide on a type of garden. An herb garden can take any form. They can be planted in a formal garden; informally with flowers, trees, and shrubs; or in theme gardens.

A formal herb garden generally is composed of a series of beds that are not identical but appear balanced. The herbs are arranged by height, foliage color, and/or use, often in rows. Wide walkways are used to separate the beds and give the garden a sense of spaciousness. Formal gardens of the 16th century were designed as knot gardens. This style used plants to create intricate, geometric designs within a square or rectangle. The designs were often edged with low-growing hedges of lavender or boxwood that showed off the subtle characteristics of the herbs. When choosing plants for a knot garden, select those that are compact, low-growing, and are manageable. Some suggested herbs are thyme, germander, rue, hyssop, rosemary, and santolina. Avoid invasive herbs such as the mints. In addition to the herbs, statuary, topiaries, and container-grown plants are important features to include in a formal garden.

Herbs are typically planted in a garden by themselves. Unfortunately, most herbs look great in May and June, and then get scraggy and unattractive the rest of the season. For this reason, they are often informally combined with annual and perennial flowers, trees, shrubs, groundcovers, vegetables, or other plant material. This allows you to take advantage of the various colors, textures, sizes, and shapes that other plants have to offer. For a listing of herbs recommended for Illinois, refer to Horticulture Fact Sheet VC-36 Culinary Herbs for Illinois Gardens, and Horticulture Fact Sheet VC-37 Ornamental Herbs for Illinois Gardens.

Some gardeners prefer to select a specific theme for their herb garden and choose the herbs accordingly. Some examples are a kitchen garden (including thyme, sage, basil, tarragon, dill); a single color garden such as gray-green (including horehound, lavender, artemesia, and wormwood); a scented garden (including mint, scented geranium, lemon balm, silver thyme, and rosemary); or a garden with different varieties of a specific herb (common sage, Tricolor sage, golden sage, purple sage, clary sage, pineapple sage). The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Don't limit your use of herbs to specific situations. You can use them to enhance most any garden. Of course, some grow better as groundcovers, others as edging plants; still others are best when intermingled with different plants in a mixed border. Most, however, are best used where their fragrance and beauty can be appreciated upclose.

Put your ideas on paper. Once you have decided on the type of garden you want, make a rough sketch or drawing on paper. This helps to visualize what the garden will look like and will help in figuring the number of plants needed. Think about the staging (shorter plants in front, taller towards the back) as well as succession of flowering. Consider the specific requirements of the herb (sun vs. shade; moist vs. dry soil). It is much easier having it on paper than trying to remember it.Consider color schemes and combinations. Use specific plant characteristics when deciding where to locate the plants. Color is one of the most noticeable features of a plant. By choosing a single color scheme, you can create a garden that gives a sense of space, openness, adn brightness. For greatest effect, vary the height, shape, texture, and size of the flowers and tones of the color. Colors can also be used in combination; some colors blend together better than others. For example, a silver-foliaged plant such as horehound is enhances a red or pastel foliage or flowers. Yellow and blue is always a good combination. Orange and blue, yellow and violet, and red and green are complementary colors and create a strong effect.

Contrast is another technique to use to make your garden more interesting. By definition, contrast is using opposing elements close together to produce an intense or intriguing effect. You can contrast textures, darks, lights, colors, shapes, lines, flower form, flower height....any design element. For example, rounded plant forms look best next to those that are upright; a plant with round flowers is complemented by a plant with spiky flowers.

Keep the plants together. It is very important to define the garden. The plant will look better if kept together rather than scattered through the lawn. Edging the herb garden defines the planting area and makes the garden look as though it belongs in the landscape. If the plants are located next to a wall, a sidewalk or path can provide the boundary. If they are located in a lawn area, a permanent edging of brick or wood can be useful. A defined area looks more "finished" and is easier to maintain. Create a unified effect. In addition to the plant material, other things to consider are benches, sculptures, and other objects that serve as focal points or enhance the planting.

Article source: ArticlePros.com Author Tom Takihi is the owner of http://www.discoverdiy.info/GrowingHerbs/

6 Money Saving Habits

2007-06-28T20:17:00.000-05:00

Do You Have These Frugal Living Habits?
Frugal living requires skills and ways of looking at things that help you take advantage of the money-saving opportunities in life. The truly frugal person makes these into habits. Six of these habits are outlined below. These are techniques that can be learned in a matter of a day or two, and made into new habits a few weeks. Then they will save money for you for the rest of your life.

1. Frugal living requires a knowledge of values. How can you get a great deal on a car if you don't know what a great deal is. Get in the habit of educating yourself on prices, especially before you're ready to buy anything that costs a lot. It takes a few hours of looking at listings for sale, for example, to know what homes are selling for in an area, but this is knowledge that can save you thousands.

2. Learn from other people. Most of us know someone who always gets the best deal on cars, boats, homes, or even groceries. Why not ask him or her how they do it! One person will tell you that the cheapest coffee in town is $3 per cup, while another will say 50 cents. Ask the latter about coffee shops. People near you are living a good life on half of what you make. Investigate that. See how others do things, and you'll know your options.

3. Frugal living means always looking for alternatives. You might have just as much fun taking a discount trip to Mexico as you would going to Jamaica. Maybe you happen to enjoy pizza more than fine French dining. If so, why not skip the expensive restaurant and call Dominoes. This isn't about sacrificing, but about getting even more of what you really enjoy by paying less for cheaper alternatives that work just as well.

4. Pay cash. What happens when everything you buy costs an additional 20% because of the interest you pay over the years? You can't buy as much! Everything is cheaper when paid for in cash instead of credit. If you want that new patio set, divide the price by the number of weeks you can wait to get it. Set aside that much each week, and buy it for cash when you have the money. Not only do you save on interest, but you'll often get a better price when you pay cash.

5. Learn to do the math. Did you really save $400 on that car if it costs you $500 more in gas each year? Did you know that some stores are cashing in on shopper's assumptions that larger is cheaper? It's true. That gallon of pickles might actually cost more than four quart jars. Make it a habit to do the math if you want to save money.

6. Tell people what you need. Mention it in conversations. Many people get free or cheap things, just because they talk. For example, a neighbor wanted to upgrade her living room debt, and was thrilled that I would take her three-month-old couch off her hands for $30. I sure am glad that I mentioned I was looking for one. You need to make this little trick a part of your frugal living habits.

Steve Gillman has studied unusual ways to make money for thirty years. To learn more, visit his website, Unusual Ways To Make Money

Watch a Video on Money Saving Tips

2007-06-27T20:57:00.000-05:00

Simplicity As A Lifestyle

2007-06-26T11:31:00.000-05:00

Simplicity as a Life-style: 10 Practical Steps
by Gwen Nyhus Stewart

There is a relatively new phenomenon in North America called ‘voluntary simplicity.’ The term ‘voluntary simplicity’ is used to describe a process whereby people opt out of the harried life of modern day living, and chose to live a life of frugality. Frugality in this sense doesn’t mean poverty rather, it means, enjoying the virtue of getting good value for every minute of your life energy and from everything you have the use of. Frugal is characterised by or reflective of economy in the expenditure of resources.

Simplicity means making time for yourself in a hectic world. You clear out what is superfluous and make room for a life of passion, depth, and joy. As people become more and more stressed out from the pace of modern life and as we become increasingly concerned about the price of our over-consumption of the planet’s resources, the movement to living in a state of ‘mindfulness’ has increasing interest as a chosen life-style. To be mindful means to dwell deeply in the present moment knowing there is only one opportunity and it will never come again.

Voluntary simplicity comes from within. It is a social movement of a more sustainable, gratifying, and spiritually connected existence. Voluntary simplicity is a matter of personal responsibility and conscious awareness of how we live on the planet. It means identifying the difference between our needs and our wants. Needs are those things that are necessary for our survival - food, clothing, and shelter. Wants are all the other things we desire and to a large extent are driven by media advertising. Simplicity as a life-style is the identifiable difference between needs and wants, and the awareness of the cost in terms of our life force energy and our willingness to pay the price.

Pursuing a Life of Simplicity

The Chinese pictograph for ‘busy’ is composed of two characters: heart and killing. When I first read this, I thought of the many people who are ‘too busy’ to make that phone call to someone they love and then one day it is too late; the many children who get gifts and/or money instead of their parents’ time and then one day they leave home and it is too late; the many times we have an opportunity to touch someone’s life with kindness but we are ‘too busy’ and the moment never comes again and it is too late.

As we search for meaning in our lives, we start to become aware of the emptiness and shallowness of a life based on materialism and consumerism. We become aware of the tremendous expenditure of our ‘life force energy’ to just keep up with the daily ‘rat race.’ We start the search for a life of deeper meaning and ask ourselves ‘what gives us joy?’ We realise we don’t know and can’t answer the question but we feel a yearning in our hearts for a sense of connection, a sense of purpose, and the sense that our life matters. The question demands an answer. We discover that all the myths such as: get a job, get married, have children, buy a mortgage with a two-car garage, and you will be happy, makes us wonder what is the matter with us when we feel the increasing futility of it all. The emphasis on externally meeting our needs leaves a ‘hole in our soul’ as we consume more and more and feel less and less satisfied. Consume by definition means to do away with completely; destroy – to spend wastefully; and squander – use up. Is consumed by our meaningless and frenzied consumerism a description that all too closely resembles most our lives?

What we don’t realise is that we are spiritual beings, in a physical body, having a human experience, and when we don’t connect the internal (spiritual) and the external (physical), our lives increasingly lose a sense of balance or harmony. There is literally no distinction between the outer and the inner when our lives are in balance, and as we seek this stability, where do we start? We start by examining our expectations and assumptions including the belief systems that drive us to live our lives ‘zombie-like’ without determining whether or not we want to play this game. We move towards consciously asking the questions about how much of our ‘life force energy’ we are prepared to exchange for the material goods we consume. This expenditure of ‘life force energy’ includes the storing, cleaning, insurance costs, maintaining, etc. all the stuff that clutters our lives.

Practical Steps to Simplifying Your Life

1. Reuse paper bags, envelopes, newspapers, etc. Newspapers and shredded paper make excellent mulch in the garden. The mulch will break down over a period of time and add humus to the soil. (Don’t use coloured flyers.)

2. Have a Buy Nothing Day.

3. Carve some space for ‘mindful living’ so that you have time for ‘beingness’ rather than ‘doingness.’

4. Find friends who know the glass is half-full or in other words, find friends who share the same value system as you do.

5. Grow your own food or buy as much as possible from local growers.

6. Use non-toxic products such as borax, vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and salt in your home, yard, and garden.

7. Before you buy something, write the item down on a note and if you still want it after a month, purchase it then.

8. Decide what is really working in your life and let go of that which no longer serves you.

9. Surround yourself with what you really need and love.

10. Go Organic. Organic gardening is not only about the avoidance of chemicals, but in the larger picture, it is organic living using Nature’s laws.

Gwen Nyhus Stewart, B.S.W., M.G., H.T., is an educator, freelance writer, garden consultant, and author of the book The Healing Garden: A Place Of Peace – Gardening For The Soil, Gardening For The Soul. She owns the website Gwen’s Healing Garden where you will find lots of free information about gardening for the soil and gardening for the soul. To find out more about the book and subscribe to her free Newsletter visit http://www.gwenshealinggarden.ca
Gwen Nyhus Stewart © 2004 – 2007. All rights reserved. Article Source: Sustainable Living Articles

Shopping the Dent & Bent Stores

2007-06-25T16:59:00.002-05:00

Do you have a dent and bent store near you? I recently discovered one in my area and have since become a regular customer. It's owned by a really nice family that just bought it from the previous owner and they're working hard to update and clean it up. Just like shopping at a flea market or garage sale, I take my time and look over each product carefully before I purchase it.

Today I spent $20.98 and this is what I bought.

Here's a breakdown of some of the products:

1) Boxed or bagged items
Two boxes of Muellers ziti: 50 cents each
Two 6 pack boxes of Act 2 microwave popcorn: $2 each but it was buy one, get one free, so $1 each
A 10 pack box of Disney Princess Fruit Snacks: $1
A box of Hersheys Mini Cookies: $1
Two 10 pack boxes of Capri Sun Fruit Drinks: $1.50 each
One 10 pack box of Carpri Sun 100% Fruit Juice: $1.50
One 8 pack box of Back To Nature cheddar crackers: $1
4 packages of Earth's Best Organic cookies: 25 cents each

My tips for buying boxed or bagged items:
When the item is loose and not packaged seperately inside the box or bag (like pasta is) I don't buy them if they were opened and taped closed and I'll only buy boxes that have slight creases in them. When the food item is packaged seperately inside the box and not loose (like everything else on the list), I'll allow for more damage to the outer box and will buy a box that was opened and resealed.

2) Canned items
One can of Chicken of the Sea Whole Baby Clams: $1
One can of Armour Vienna Sausages: 50 cents
Five cans of Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore Tuna Fish in water: 75 cents each
My tips for buying canned items:
I only buy cans that have very small or no dents at all. Out of the five cans of tuna, only one had a very small dent. Here's some information I got online about buying dented cans.

Department of Agriculture (was on a page for canned fruit but would pertain to all cans) When buying canned fruit, avoid cans that show signs of bulging or swelling at the ends, or of leakage. Small dents in a can usually will not harm the contents unless the dents have pierced the metal or loosened the can seam. Badly dented cans, however, should always be avoided.

Purdue University Extension
Bulging cans — Spoiled! Throw away!
Dented cans — Do not buy cans with dents on the side seam of the can or on the rim seams at the top or bottom of the can. Check carefully for leakage, especially around the seam. Throw leaky cans away.
Rusty cans — Check for leakage. The rust may have penetrated the can.

With some common sense, shopping in a dent and bent store can save money. I try to go by there once a week because they constantly get more things in and rotate their stock.

By the way...my dog Mini seems to think everytime the camera comes out she has to be in the picture so here she is. LOL

Pick-Your-Own

2007-06-24T11:22:00.000-05:00

This teriffic resource is run by Blake Slemmer. You'll find listings for pick-your-own farms, instructions for canning & freezing and tips for picking. There's also a comprehensive guide to organic foods.

pickyourown.org

Simplify Your Life By Saying No

2007-06-23T08:52:00.000-05:00

But first...let's look at saying "yes". When someone asks you for your time, your energy, your input, your participation, do you get a little THRILL from saying "yes" and seeing the relief, the joy, the approval in that person's face? Of course you do! None of us enjoys disappointing others. We want to CONTRIBUTE, to feel valued and appreciated. All of this leads to our knee-jerk response of "Sure! I'd be happy to do that for you! I'm sure I can squeeze that in somewhere."

A NEW WAY OF THINKING

Saying "yes" is a way for us to connect with others, to establish relationships and build community. People invite us into their lives by asking us to PARTICIPATE in some way, and it's only human to want to say "yes" to this. On the flip side, therefore, we experience saying "no" as a disconnection, as a way of SEPARATING ourselves from others, and creating distance. Connection to others is a big part of the human experience. And I want to suggest that connection with ourselves is just as (if not more) critical. It's easy to avoid addressing our own needs when our calendars and to-do lists are filled with addressing others' needs. This is not to say that addressing others' needs is not a noble thing to do; of course it is! But when it's at the expense of your own self-actualization, then you owe it to yourself to ask "why?"

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF YOU SAY NO?

It may go against the grain to say "no" when others seek you out. For on thing, it can feel selfish ("Well, the only reason I said 'no' was so that I could do something for me."). It can feel scary ("What if that person starts believing I'm not a team player?"). These are genuine and valid concerns, often based on not TRUSTING ourselves enough. Not trusting ourselves to be a good enough friend, good enough parent, good enough partner, good enough employee, unless we are always saying "yes". Could the FEAR of losing that "good enough" status be what is stopping you from saying "no"?

SAYING NO TO A = SAYING YES TO B

Consider this ALTERNATIVE perspective: when you say "no" to one request, you are saying "yes" to something else:
a romantic night out with your significant other
some uninterrupted PEACE and quiet to deal with a challenge of your own
that hour of exercise 5 times a week that you committed to
fill in the blank with something you WISH you had time for

TAKING CARE OF YOU

Do you ever feel "overwhelmed"? Is your schedule ever "out of control"? Are you "overbooked"? Does everyone want a piece of you? Are you all out of pieces? Is there any of you left for you? You need this for your own well-being, mental health, and your ability to be of value to others. Yet you keep saying "yes" to other people, other projects, other events that erode your important promises to yourself. Saying "no" is about making a CHOICE. Why shouldn't you choose YOU from time to time?

THE POSSIBILITY OF UNEXPECTED REVELATIONS

The next time someone asks you for something (including your time), ask yourself: If I say "yes" what will I have to give up that important to me? If I say "no" what will I have time to say "yes" to instead? The answers to these questions will be revealing windows into what you truly VALUE and what you are passionate about.

Celenia Delsol is the founder of Flow & Order, and is an Organizer & Life Coach. You may contact her at (925) 408-3310 or coach.celenia@sbcglobal.net. Content provided by http://OnlineOrganizing.com -- offering "a world of organizing solutions!" Visit www.onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau, get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you, or get some help starting and running your own organizing business.

Seasonal Sales

2007-06-22T22:47:00.000-05:00

Been saving up for that 'something special'? Want to know when you will get the best deal? Are you curious to know when your favorite foods will be going on sale? Let this seasonal shopping guide help you make those strategic shopping decisions!

JANUARY
• Post-Holiday Sales
• White Sales
• Sports and Weight Loss Equipment
• Computers
• Winter Apparel and Accessories

FEBRUARY
• Electronics
• Floor Coverings
• Housewares
• Furniture
• Candy and Chocolates

MARCH
• Spring Apparel and Accessories
• Winter Sports Equipment
• Gardening Supplies
• Luggage
• Frozen Food

APRIL
• Spring Apparel and Accessories
• Coats and Hats
• Paint
• Wallpaper
• Jewish Foods and Eggs

MAY
• White Sale - Linens and Towels
• Spring Cleaning Supplies
• Auto Maintenance
• Home Maintenance
• Sodas, Hotdogs, Hamburger Meat, Condiments

JUNE
• Summer Apparel and Accessories
• Pianos
• Television Sets
• Building Materials and Hardware
• Dairy Products

JULY
• Air Conditioners
• Summer Sports Equipment
• Sportswear
• Craft Supplies
• Sodas, Hotdogs, Hamburger Meat, Condiments

AUGUST
• White Sale - Linen and Towels
• BBQ and Patio Equipment
• Back to School Supplies
• Bathing Suits
• Fresh Fish and Vegetables

SEPTEMBER
• Back to School Supplies and Apparel
• Gardening Supplies
• Housewares
• Bicycles
• Canned Goods

OCTOBER
• Cars
• Houses
• Fishing Equipment
• Crystal, Silver, and Glassware
• Candy

NOVEMBER
• Winter Apparel and Accessories
• Quilts and Blankets
• Heating Devices
• Turkey, Sweet Potatoes

DECEMBER
• Toys
• Gift Items
• Partyware
• Post-Holiday Sales
• Party Foods, Baking Goods, and Various Meats

TIP: Be sure to stock up when your favorites are on sale!

Sandy is a freelance writer and webmaster of TheFrugalShopper.com. She enjoys living the frugal life, saving money, and helping others to do the same. Subscribe to her newsletter to receive more money-saving ideas and frugal tips. Reprint permission granted with this footer included. Copyright © TheFrugalShopper.com 1999-2003.

Thomas Moore on Simplicity

2007-06-21T23:03:00.000-05:00

You can't force simplicity; but you can invite it in by finding as much richness as possible in the few things at hand. Simplicity doesn't mean meagerness but rather a certain kind of richness, the fullness that appears when we stop stuffing the world with things.

- Thomas Moore, The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life, p. 293

You can purchase The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life by Thomas Moore through our online store.

Eating From Your Backyard

2007-06-20T22:29:00.000-05:00

Backyard Landscaping...Incorporating Incredible Edibles
by Randeen Cummings Nelson

No longer are we limited by zone to having spectacular incredible edibles incorporated into our backyard landscaping. If you are like us and have a big front yard, you can have the best of both worlds. But for this article we are going to concentrate on your backyard landscaping possibilities. Just realize, you can innovate and create into all your available yard space the joys of incredible edible fruits and veggies.

Research and development into making fruit and vegetables hardy in most zones has advanced hugely. We now are not limited by zone. Most of us can now enjoy incorporating both the beauty and the edible delight of growing vegetables and fruit plants in our own backyards.

Hardy varieties abound in fruit trees, fruiting shrubs, and vegetable landscaping possibilities. We will mention just a few here for an inspirational ideas in adding to your backyard landscaping plans. As our world shrinks in available crop sites, it is a bonus for every family to incorporate some incredible edibles into their backyard landscaping plans.

In amongst our flowering shrubs in our front yard, we have planted blueberry bushes. They are as pretty as the flowering shrubs and give us the added benefit of mouthwatering blueberry snacks. As they grow they will provide additional quantities to freeze and preserve. Plant at least three different varieties for cross pollination.

If you wish to have a spectacular focus pyramidal tree of 15-30 foot in your backyard landscaping plans, plant a hardy paw paw tree. You will have gorgeous waxy green leaves from spring to frost and eat delicious fruit with a custard banana flavor.

No matter what size your backyard landscaping limits are you can have a delicious apple, cherry, plum, pear, peach, or nectarine tree. The choices are now hardy for most zones and the choices of sizes can fit into any backyard landscaping theme. The standard size is available for large yards, the semi-dwarf for medium yards, and the wonderful new 6-9 foot dwarfs for small yards. You have the beauty of a flowering tree and the bonus of incredibly delicious chemical free fruit for you and your family to eat.

Grapes are wonderful backyard landscaping climbing plant choices for trellises or a sunny wall. Varieties are available that will thrive in very cold climates. With a little care and forethought to location, I could grow seedless grapes in frigid Wyoming winters 30 years ago. You now have numerous hardy choices of fine eating, canning, preserve, and wine choice available almost anywhere.

If you live in mild climates, orange, lemon, and lime trees are gorgeous additions to your backyard landscaping. Peaches, apricots, and nectarines can be grown almost anywhere anymore; it really is amazing. Just choose a reputable long standing nursery or nursery catalog with a guarantee and long standing reputation when making your choices.

In vegetables the choices are also limitless. An artichoke shrub can grow huge with the right care and provide more outstanding artichokes than you can eat. They are beautiful plants that fit into any backyard landscaping or even as specimen plants in the front yard.

Asparagus roots are a must order for any shady woodsy area of your backyard landscaping. The fine lacey fronds are beautiful all season. Homegrown asparagus is unbeatable for taste and freshness. Be sure and buy at least 2 year roots so you don’t have to wait two years for a taste treat. Every spring add a good top coating of rich compost and some manure to ensure huge yields.

Tomatoes and cucumbers are a must. They can be grown in patio containers and in amongst your regular backyard landscaping. Add some lettuce and spinach as greenery in cooler spots of your yard as ground cover. Include a big barrel of mixed herbs in your backyard landscaping for a culinary delight. Thyme is an excellent ‘steppable’ groundcover and edging. Lavender is a favorite of bees and hummingbirds. The possibilities are endless, we at Landscaping Central have suggested just a few to encourage you to include incredible edible beauty into your backyard landscaping.

© Randeen Cummings Nelson
My vocation is as a certified appraiser of personal property. My vocation and my avocation all are centered on value. Family, the outdoors, gardening, and creating our own backyard sanctuary provides me with the most value in my life. A value I am most happy to share with you. Visit us at http://www.LandscapingCentral.net/ for a total landscaping and gardening experience. Article Source: Sustainable Living Articles

Compacting

2007-06-19T09:55:00.000-05:00

I've been reading quite a bit on compacting. It's a combination of simplifying, recycling, reducing your footprint on the world and being aware of how you spend your money. From their site, "To go beyond recycling in trying to counteract the negative global environmental and socioeconomic impacts of disposable consumer culture and to support local businesses, farms, etc., to reduce clutter and waste in our homes and to simplify our lives".

While it's not a new idea, the attention it's been getting will surely make more people aware of the three R's, reduce, reuse and recycle. As I read through some of the compacting blogs and sites, I saw that we already take a lot of the actions they suggest.

I regularly share unwanted books, puzzles, videos and toys with our local homeschool group and what doesn't find a new home there goes to the library store. They resell them and use the money for library funding. We also just donated four large bags of things to the Humane Society. We buy pre-owned when possible. 90% of our books and DVD's were bought used as are a lot of our gardening supplies (tools, pots, etc).

Here is their yahoo group if anybody would like more information.

Grow it Yourself: Tomatoes

2007-06-18T10:28:00.000-05:00

Tomato Container Gardens by Mary Hanna

Tomato container gardens are an alternative to a traditional tomato garden. Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables, well in this case fruits, of people around the world. They can be used in so many ways, in a salad or to make a sauce for pasta and a myriad of other ways in your culinary pursuits. Sadly in some places tomatoes are being priced at three dollars per pound or more. Fortunately, everyone can grow their own tomatoes, even people that live in apartments. The answer is to grow a tomato container garden. You can grow them on a patio or balcony or in a bright sunny room in your home.

The number one essential is sun. Tomatoes require a lot of light and will not thrive without out it. The materials you will need to gather for your tomato container garden are simple. You will need containers that are about five gallons in size. Only plant one tomato plant per pot. You will need soil, tomato seedlings and stakes or a wire cage to hold the plant upright. String, or products called twist-tie or sturdy-tie will be needed to tie the plant to the stakes or cages. You will need a plastic tray for drainage; good drainage is essential to the health of your tomato container garden. Last need on the list is fertilizer.

There are some species of tomatoes that will do better in your tomato container garden. The bush varieties of tomatoes work well in containers and are popular with container gardeners. Cherry tomatoes and Christmas Grape tomatoes work well also because of their size and many gardeners grow them when space is limited. Other varieties that will flourish in a tomato container garden are Celebrity, Early Girl, and Sweet 100's. It really depends on which variety you want to grow and for what purposes. If you will be growing them mainly for salads the cherry varieties are the way to go.

As mentioned before, sunlight is a requirement in order to grow your tomato container garden. Scout out the area you are planning to use for your tomatoes. The spot for your tomato container garden must get at least four to six hours of sunlight. The more light the better since the sun promotes healthy, steady growth. The two most important elements for success in tomato container gardening is sunlight and water.

By growing your own tomato container garden you will know that there were no pesticides used on your plants. With all the controversy going on about pesticides knowing that yours is pesticide free is an advantage for you and your family. Here is a good natural pest deterrent:

In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1 cup water. Use at ten-day intervals (or more often if needed) to rid plants of whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other pests.

Other pluses to this type of garden is you no longer will be paying high prices for tomatoes, your containers won't take up much space and one plant usually yields enough tomatoes to feed your family. The cost of a tomato container garden is minimal and the feeling of accomplishment is great. So why are you waiting to plant your tomatoes? It's time to choose the variety of tomato you want to grow, pick up some containers and start your tomato container gardens today.

Happy Container Gardening!

Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at Gardening Landscaping Tips Gardening Outside and Indoor Herb Garden Article Source: Sustainable Living Articles

Gardening Video

2007-06-17T20:35:00.000-05:00

126 ways to save the planet (part one)

2007-06-16T10:37:00.000-05:00

This was an article that ran in one of our local magazines earlier this year. Here are reasons number 1-46

What it Really Means to be Green. It’s the trap of our modern lives: We recycle like crazy and fork over big bucks to save the sea otters. We probably eat more organic food than anyone on earth; yet we also drive mammoth, gas-guzzling SUVs, live in energy-eating homes and buy more stuff than we know how to get rid of. Is there any sane way out?

The average new car is responsible for two tons of carbon emissions a year. While you save up for that hybrid (1), try these fuel-saving, conscience-salving tips.

2. carpool. The idea may give you the creeps, but carpooling to work with total strangers is cool precisely because it is so anachronistically trusting. To find a pickup spot near you, see www.erideshare.com/statecity/

3. slow down. Vehicles lose about one percent of fuel efficiency for each mile over 55 mph. A car that gets 30 miles per gallon (mpg) at 55 gets 28.5 mpg at 60 and 25.5 mpg at 70. Driving at 50 mph rather than 70 uses 25 percent less fuel.

4. Pack light. Using a roof rack to carry gear creates wind resistance and can cut fuel economy by as much as five percent.

5. Unload the trunk. For every 100 pounds of extra weight, fuel efficiency drops by as much as two percent.

6. get a tune-up. It can increase the fuel efficiency of an average car by six percent and a poorly maintained car by 20 percent. Old spark plugs can reduce gas mileage by 30 percent; a faulty oxygen sensor can cut it by 40 percent.

7 & 8. Not only do under-inflated tires waste fuel, they tend to run hotter, wear more rapidly and leach more chemicals into the environment. For the best mileage, rotate tires regularly and check your brakes. (If brakes drag on the wheels, fuel efficiency drags, too.)

9. & 10. Use low octane fuel and don’t top off your tank. Only 10 percent of new cars need “premium” gas. The higher the octane the more toxic junk that gets into the air and your lungs.

11. Sweat the big stuff. Major purchases have a much greater environmental impact than minor ones do. For example, if every American drove one of the four most efficient cars in each class, the savings would be 13.1 billion gallons of gas a year, or 157 million tons of greenhouse gases.

12 & 13. Watch your weight. In general, the purchase of heavier items such as a washing machine or a water heater will have a larger environmental impact than the purchase of a light one. Toxic products like chemical pesticides are major exceptions. They can cause more damage by the ounce than a ton of bricks.

14. Become an early adopter. The first people to buy a new green product or support an eco-friendly idea have a greater impact than the well-meaning lemmings who follow years down the line when the costs have come down and the kinks have been worked out.

15. Buy eco-friendly products. These include items made from recycled materials, water-saving devices for the bathroom and office equipment that lets you telecommute.

16. LESS IS MORE. Don’t buy more computing power than you need. For the most eco-conscious computer makers, check out http://www.svtc.org/.

17. Think of non-green reasons to spend less. Wretched excess harms more than the environment. Can you really afford that T. rex of an SUV? What kind of message do all those toys and gadgets send to your kids?

18-22. Buy new windows.Your home will lose up to 20 percent of its heat through the windows if they aren’t insulated (double-paned). You can improve their energy efficiency by keeping them well caulked, installing a good set of blinds or curtains, drawing the blinds at night and when you’re away. Installing Energy Star windows in place of your old single pane windows can save you up to $340 a year on your energy costs. Although putting in new windows can be expensive, homeowners will also receive a tax credit for 10 percent of the cost up to $200. (Tax credits are more valuable than deductions because they represent a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax bill and you don’t have to itemize to claim them.)

23. Don’t dump pills and toiletries down the drain or flush them down the toilet. Traces of drugs, cosmetics and hormones have been found in many bodies of water, with potentially grave health and environmental consequences.

24-25. Laptop computers consume 90 percent less energy than standard desktop computers. Ink-jet printers use 90 percent less energy than laser printers.

26. A single COMPACT Fluorescent light bulb (CFL) keeps a half-ton of CO2 out of the air over its lifetime, compared with an incandescent bulb. For the kindest light, look for “Energy Star” or “warm light” on the label.

27. If every household in American replaced five bulbs with CFLs, the waste-reducing effect would be equivalent to removing eight million cars from our roads for one year. Although they are more expensive than conventional bulbs, many states offer price-incentive or rebate programs. Also, the nonprofit Energy Federation (http://www.efi.org/) sells CFLs at discounted prices.

28. WATERBEDS would be a lot sexier if they didn’t take nearly as much energy to heat as a small kitchen. Blankets act as insulation and keep heat from escaping, so if you have one of these relics, pile on the covers.

29 & 30. In Florida raising the thermostat saves money on cooling costs. For every one-degree that you raise the thermostat setting, you will save 7-10 percent. For example, if you normally keep your thermostat set at 78° and you raise it to 80°, you will save about 14 percent on your cooling bill. When you leave home, turn off the air conditioning or set the thermostat up a few more degrees .

31. Ceiling fans use only 10–100 watts, depending on size and speed. By contrast, central air conditioners gobble 2,000–5,000 watts. But keep in mind that ceiling fans cool people not rooms. Your furniture and air temperatures do not physically change, so when you leave the room, switch off the fan.

32. For central air conditioning systems, keep the fan switch on your thermostat in the “auto” position when cooling. Having the fan switch “on” continuously could cost $25 extra a month on your electric bill.

33. Refrigerator-freezers are the biggest energy guzzlers in most homes. Keeping America’s beer cold and popsicles frozen requires the equivalent of 60 power plants a year. Side-by-side models tend to use the most energy, models with the freezer at the bottom, the least.

34. Believe it or not, running a dishwasher can be better for the environment than washing up by hand as long as you wash a full load and don’t rinse every dish first.

35 & 36. Americans spend more money to power home audio and DVD products when they’re turned off than when they’re actually in use. Idle appliances like fax machines, cordless phones and computers continue to use energy even when turned off because of display clocks and “sleep” or “standby” modes that allow them to start immediately when turned on. These energy leaks account for five percent of total domestic energy consumption versus two percent for computers actually in use. They spew 18 million tons of CO2 into the air per year so if your appliance has a “sleep” mode, switch it off.

37. Dryers use less energy if you clean the lint filter regularly and if you dry only full loads.

38 & 39. An electric water heater can cost three times as much to run as a gas model. You can make yours less wasteful if you turn it down to 120 degrees for everyday use and to low if you plan to go away for a few days .

40. For a big impact on your bottom line, consider installing a solar water heater. These units can reduce your water-heating bill as much as 80 percent and will pay for themselves over time. They are also eligible for hefty tax credits — if you buy a solar water heater, Uncle Sam will grant you a 30 percent tax credit up to $2,000.

41. You know chemical garden pesticides are not only terrible for the environment but potentially dangerous to your family’s health, too. Fertilizers aren’t blameless either. They promote algae growth in waterways, harming aquatic life.

42. Instead of loading up on bottled water, install a water filter on your home faucet. That $5 filter will give you 40,000 8-ounce glasses of purified tap water.

43 & 44. Save water by taking shorter showers and installing a low-flow showerhead. Low-flow showerheads can reduce the water flow up to 50 percent. A low-flush toilet uses half the water but still does the job.

45. Turn the water off You can waste 150 gallons of water per month by leaving the water running while you brush your teeth, shaving or washing your face. That’s 1,800 gallons a year!

46. Appliances: Help formerly homeless people get established by donating your old kitchen appliances, TV and stereo equipment to Brothers Keeper (352.622.3846) or Interfaith Emergency Services (352.629.8868).

Related Tags: saving money, frugal, simplicity

126 Ways To Save The Planet (part two)

2007-06-15T23:11:00.000-05:00

Here are numbers 46-93

47 & 48. Automotive: Donate cars or even bikes to a charity, church or temple. See http://www.guidestar.org/ to make sure your group qualifies you for a tax write-off. Take used oil and batteries to your county’s hazardous waste drop-off site (for locations, go to http://www.earth911.org/ and type in your ZIP code).

49. Batteries: Drop off at Circuit City, Walgreens or a hazardous waste drop-off site.

50. Books: Donate to a library, a preschool, a hospital, Bridge to Asia, which supports higher education in Asian countries (http://www.bridge.org/), or the International Book Project (http://www.intlbookproject.org/).

51. Building supplies: Donate tools, paint, plumbing fixtures, and other new or salvaged materials to Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org/local) or Rebuilding Together (http://www.rebuildingtogether.org/).

52. Cell phones: Call to Protect donates phones to women at risk for domestic violence (http://www.wirelessfoundation.org/).

53. Clothing: Goodwill or Salvation Army takes clothes in any condition.

54. Computers: The National Cristina Foundation donates used computers to pre-screened nonprofits (http://www.cristina.org/). Check out http://www.techsoup.org/ (“Ten Tips for Donating a Computer”) before foisting your outdated PC on a school or charity.

55. Eyeglasses: Lens Crafters, the Lions Club and many optometrists collect old pairs for the needy or developing countries.

56. Fluorescent lamps: These contain mercury so call a hazardous waste drop-off site.

57. Freecycle: It’s a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns (http://www.freecycle.org/). As they say, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

58. Furniture: Give to a shelter like Brothers Keeper (352.622.3846) or Interfaith (352.629.8868) or check www. excessaccess.org for other needy groups.

59. Hangers: Most dry cleaners will accept.

60. Ink-jet cartridges: Take to Staples or Office Depot. Hewlett-Packard accepts its own cartridges by mail (http://www.hp.com/).

61. Medications: Take to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

62. Orchids: OrchidMania (http://www.orchids.org/) nurses plants, resells to raise AIDS funds.
63. Packing supplies: Most Mail Boxes Etc. stores accept foam packing peanuts and plastic bubble wrap.

64. Tennis shoes: Shoes for Africa sends shoes to needy athletes around the world (http://www.shoesforafrica.com/). Nike’s ReUse-a-Shoe program accepts any brand (Niketown, 415.392.6453).

65. Toys: Try a family or women’s shelter, preschools or a Tot Lot playground.

66. Don’t fill out warranty cards on new appliances. You’re automatically covered by a warranty even if you don’t send in the card and you won’t be added to a new junk mail list.

67. Keep your fridge well stocked but not overflowing. Believe it or not, it runs more efficiently that way.

68. Ask your newspaper carrier and dry cleaner not to stuff your newspaper and laundry into plastic bags.

69. Borrow someone else’s stuff without embarrassment. Lend your stuff without getting annoyed.

70. Make it a game to use 10 percent less gasoline. Let the kids help keep track of how much you use and how to cut back.

71. Don’t line your oven racks with foil. Heat will circulate more efficiently.

72. Invest in a sturdy cloth bag to take to the grocery. You can throw it over your shoulder for hands-free carrying, it won’t rip if you catch it on the doorknob or the car door and they’ll be no need for “paper or plastic.”

73. Spend more time outdoors with a kid. Teaching children to appreciate the majesty and fragility of their surroundings is a surefire way to grow environmentalists.

74. Don’t be a butt tosser. The myth that cigarette filters are biodegradable is just that, a myth. Although the filters do eventually decompose, they release harmful chemicals that enter the earth’s land and water during the decaying process. There is nothing earth-friendly about the breakdown. If you must smoke, carry a 35-mm. film canister to store your used butts in until you can properly discard them.

75. Surrender your gas lawn mower. A study funded by the Swedish E.P.A. found that using a four-horsepower lawn mower for an hour causes the same amount of pollution as driving a car 93 miles. For more information, visit greengrasscutters.com.

76. Reduce junk mail. An estimated 4 million tons (34 pounds per person) of paper junk mail are sent each year in the U.S. and nearly half of it is never opened. If 100,000 people stopped their junk mail, we could save up to 150,000 trees each year. Reduce your junk mail by a) contacting the company directly, b) visiting www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html and c) calling 888.5.OPTOUT to get off those lists for pre-approved credit card solicitations.

77. We buy five billion batteries every year and they are not biodegradable and they’re full of toxic heavy metals that could leak into landfills. Rechargeable batteries are the answer. Each rechargeable battery can replace between 50 and 300 throwaway batteries.

78 & 79. Re-use gift-wrap and greeting cards and help cut down on the consumption of paper and plastic by re-using wrapping paper, ribbons, bows and gift bags. These items should be good for at least one more wrapping and even greeting cards can be reused. Cut off the fronts and use them as postcards, or send the fronts to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. The kids re-mount greeting cards and sell them to raise money for college.

80. Walk or bike Twenty-five percent of all car trips are less than a mile long so get in gear and get some pollution-free exercise.

81. Red alert for dry cleaning! Clothes are doused with a cancer-causing chemical called “perchloroethylene.” Look for a wet cleaner instead. These companies use delicate soaps, liquid carbon dioxide or silicone to wash your clothes.

82. Obvious, but worth another nag: Turn off the lights.

83. Read labels. Look for the signal words — caution, warning, danger, poison — which indicate the level of hazard, not just to you, but to the environment too. “Caution” is least hazardous and “danger” is most hazardous. 84. Buy recycled. This may sound simple, but it takes less energy to manufacture a recycled product than a brand new one. However, many manufacturers don’t go out of their way to tout recycled products, so you should know that aluminum and tin cans, glass containers and pulp cardboard have a fair amount of recycled content.

The U.S. estimates that paper and paperboard account for almost 40 percent of our garbage. Nearly 3.7 million tons of copy paper are used annually in the U.S. alone and that’s over 700 trillion sheets. By increasing Double-Sided Copying (85), offices could reduce annual paper use 20 percent. reusing paper (86) that’s already printed on one side by manually feeding it into copiers, printers and faxes could reduce waste another 20 percent. Other great ideas are:

87. Use two-way or send-&-return envelopes. Your outgoing envelope gets reused for its return trip.

88 & 90. You can Print on both sides of the paper and REDUCE MARGINS and FONT SIZES. This reduce waste and save both resources and money.

91. Request paper with pulp brightened without chlorine. Chlorine bleaching creates a toxic, bio-accumulative waste by-product called dioxin. Use paper labeled totally chlorine-free (TCF) or processed chlorine-free(PCF).

92. Request inks that emit low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Non-petroleum-based inks are usually lower in VOCs.

93. Use cold-water detergent. Over 70 percent of the cost of washing laundry goes toward heating the water.

126 Ways To Save The Planet (part three)

2007-06-14T23:20:00.000-05:00

Here are reasons number 94-126.

94. Use The microwave. It uses just a third as much energy as a conventional oven.

95. Electric shaver means less water down the drain.

96. vacuum cleaners. Cleaning appliances and heating vents regularly is a simple way of making them more energy efficient. Dirt and dust on a refrigerator’s coils, for example, can reduce its efficiency by 30 percent.

97. Regular soap. Antibacterial cleansers can kill good germs, may add to the problem of antibiotic resistance.

98. Mercury-free fillings. Dental waste is a major source of water pollution.

99 & 100. Environmentally speaking, no food is as sinful as beef (The next worst eco-offender: poultry, followed by pigs.) Beef cattle account for 20 percent of water pollution in the U.S (It takes 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef.!)Think about the immense cost of energy used to raise cattle and to transport meat to your supermarket shelf before buying beef. Besides all this, cows consume enormous amounts of antibiotics and are a prodigious source of methane, which is the number-two greenhouse gas. If you simply cannot give up the goods, eat grass fed beef. It’s more earth-friendly and certainly better for you.

101. Don’t assume that just because it’s plastic, it’s recyclable. A lot of places recycle plastic only in the form of bottles. Instead of dumping those deli containers out with the cans and newspaper, wash them and use them for storage.

102. Charcoal smoke is more than just annoying. It contributes to air pollution and lung disease. Using a gas, rather than charcoal grill, is the most environmentally friendly way to barbecue

103 & 104. If you must use charcoal, make sure it comes from a sustainable source. Enormous areas of tropical rainforest are destroyed every year to produce the 900,000 tons of charcoal burned annually in America. CHIMNEY STARTERS are the most environmentally friendly solution to lighting charcoal. They use only a couple of pieces of newspaper, meaning you can avoid the gas-flavored meat that accompanies barbecues started with lighter fluid or fire starters.

105 & 106. Don’t feel guilty about buying the occasional pack of paper plates or napkins. Just look for brands made of recycled materials. Using plastic utensils isn’t exactly up there with drilling in Alaska, either, but would it hurt you to take them home and wash them for the next party?

107. Attention, bottled water addicts: It’s no better for you than tap water and the packaging is wasteful, plus recycling it is nearly as polluting as making plastic from scratch.

108. You know pesticide-free foods are better for your health as well as Gaia’s. Did you know that many wooden picnic tables, benches, decks and chairs also contain pesticides — a form of arsenic that causes cancer? Cover that table with a cloth. Don’t eat food that’s touched wood and wash hands often.

109. Look for wild salmon at the fish market even if it’s been frozen. Farmed (aka Atlantic) salmon is raised under conditions that are terrible for the environment.

110-112. Look for ways to reduce food packaging. Buy from the bulk bin (110). Get boxed and canned foods in the largest containers you can (111). Skip plastic bags (112) and so what if the checkout clerk glares at you when you plunk down six apples or a bunch of grapes? Dump the berries in a brown bag after you pay for that basket of strawberries and hand the basket back to the clerk. You will feel incredibly self-righteous as you walk out the door.

113. Drought alert: Some foods require vast amounts of water to produce. A single avocado tree needs up to 300 gallons of water per week in the hottest weather. Those super-size fast-food fries are longer than they used to be and they need more water to get that way.

114. Support local farmers. Your food has traveled 1200 miles (maybe more with the new Global Economy) just to get to your plate. Shopping at farmers’ markets, co-ops and CSAs allows you to buy directly from the people who grow the food.

115. Sea life around the globe is being threatened by everything from pollution to over-fishing. We are quickly running out of seafood in general and in the process, destroying the ecosystem in which they live. Choose your seafood responsibly. Excellent choices: Mahi Mahi, Pacific Cod.

116. Paper or plastic? Turns out which bag you choose doesn’t really matter to Mama Earth. Plastic creates less pollution during manufacturing and takes up less landfill space, but paper biodegrades faster and is more likely to be recycled. Bottom line: Pick whichever bag you’re likelier to reuse or take cloth bags when you shop.

117. Disposable or cloth diapers? According to the most thorough study, disposables produce twice as much waste (excluding baby poop) as cloth diapers do. However, cloth requires up to 27 percent more energy and up to 2.5 times more water to clean. Bottom line: In areas where landfill is scarce (check by going to www.ciwmb.ca.gov/profiles/facility), cloth’s a tad better; where water and energy are in short supply, disposables may have the edge.

118. Synthetic or cotton? True, polyester and other synthetics are made from petroleum, whose extraction and refinement leads to oh so much warring and environmental harm. Cotton farming is no eco-picnic and it uses many more agricultural chemicals than food production. Bottom line: Buy fewer clothes, use ‘em longer, pass ‘em along.

119. SPRAY CANS? Starting in the 1970s, manufacturers began moving away from using ozone-depleting substances as propellants for aerosol products. Now, most hair sprays, deodorants and other aerosols rely on low-toxicity hydrocarbons that have relatively little impact on global warming.

120. Styrofoam cups? Polystyrene foam also has been reformulated so that it no longer damages the ozone layer. On the downside, foam still doesn’t biodegrade. Bottom line: A mug is a better choice, but an occasional half-caff latte in a foam cup doesn’t mean you and Dick Cheney will end up sharing the same strip-mined circle of eco-hell.

121. Diminishing qualified landfill space, due to increasing standards required by the government to protect the public’s air and water quality standards.

122. GROWING PUBLIC CONCERN regarding mining of ore and clear cutting of the world’s forests has encouraged the reuse of consumer packaging as raw materials for new products. We need to begin conserving where possible and that includes manufacturing with post consumer waste (recycled commodities) as opposed to more expensive virgin material.

123. BECAUSE IT’S EASY Right now, the City of Ocala sponsors nine Recycling Drop-Off Centers. They are color standardized and all centers are the same, accepting newspaper (colored and glossy prints may be included), magazines, aluminum, steel cans, #1 & #2 plastic (rinsed, without caps) and clear, brown and green glass. Surely, there’s one close to you:

124. Quantum Fuel Systems (QTWW) products include high-capacity hydrogen storage tanks that can be used in cars powered by fuel cells. These tanks can store enough hydrogen to power a fuel-cell car for about 300 miles. What’s more, the military is “very aggressively deploying hydrogen technology” to combat the expense and logistical difficulties involved in transporting liquid fuel in battle. That’s not bad.

125. Corning (GLW). The venerable glass and ceramics company has developed a new glass composite that doesn’t include heavy metals in the manufacturing process, reducing environmental hazards associated with the glass, commonly used on liquid crystal display televisions. 126. Winchester (Va.)-based Trex (TWP) sells a composite of reclaimed wood and plastics that can be used to build decks, fences, and other outdoor structures. It recycles materials that would otherwise go to waste. Sure, Trex’s material costs more than normal wood, but it’s more durable and requires less maintenance. That means no staining. That means no paint fumes, easing another environmental concern as well as no splinters. PLUS: Do some checking up before you give another dime to a big enviro group. The Better Business Bureau’s http://www.give.org/ website analyzes the finances of many large charities, including salaries, administrative spending, and fund-raising costs. Chronicle of Philanthropy (http://www.philanthropy.com/) ranks the 400 richest nonprofits.

Easy Vegetarian Recipe

2007-06-13T22:40:00.000-05:00

I've been a vegetarian all of my adult life. I originally stopped eating meat and poultry because I became interested in animal rights, but my on going good health has become an extra benefit. :-)

I am by no means a cook. I don't even like the kitchen. LOL But hey, we gotta eat. I love the products by companies like Morning Star Farms, Gardenburger (love their meatballs with some sweet and sour sauce!) and Boca because they're so easy to use. I found this recipe on the MSF website that I'd like to try.

Asian Style Lettuce Wraps
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
1/4 cup sliced green onions
4 Morningstar Farms Grillers Vegan Veggie Burgers, cut into 1-inch strips
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
2 cups packaged cole slaw mix or shredded cabbage
Directions:
1. Cook onion in nonstick frypan coated with vegetable cooking spray over medium heat for 1 minute. Stir in burger strips. Cook and stir until heated through.
2. Combine soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, and red pepper.
3. Add soy mixture and cole slaw mix to burger strips. Gently toss until combined.
4. Spoon some burger mixture into each lettuce leaf. Wrap leaf around filling. Secure with wooden pick. Serve immediately.

We Are What We Do

2007-06-12T10:38:00.000-05:00

Have you checked out "We Are What We Do"?
From their site;

"We’re not another charity. We’re not an institution. We Are What We Do is a movement. We’d like to inspire people to use their everyday actions to change the world. Whoever they are. And wherever they are. And that includes you.

We’ve created 100 simple, everyday actions that can improve our environment, our health, and our communities and make our planet and the people on it much happier. We started by putting these actions into a book but it rather burst its bindings. Today it has gained momentum, gathered community and become a global movement with two books and over 500,000 registered actions".

Here is a list of my current actions:

Decline plastic bags wherever possible.
Read a story with a child
Smile and smile back
Spend time with someone from a different generation
Turn off unnecessary lights
Use a mug not a plastic cup
Seize the moment
Recycle your books
Buy fairly traded products
Take time to listen
Don’t overfill your kettle
Shop locally
Hug someone
Grow something with a child
Learn more, do more
Practise good manners
Shut down your computer properly
Lose the plastic cup
Aspire not to have more, but to be more.
Support small businesses
Avoid waste
Say thanks
Spread the word

Easy Once-A-Month Recipes

2007-06-11T19:33:00.000-05:00

These recipes are easy and fast and help you avoid those expensive store-bought frozen meals and those nights when you didn't have anything ready (we all know how expensive those "take-out" nights are!)

FRENCH BREAD PIZZA:
Spread jarred spaghetti sauce/tomato sauce on french bread. Top with cheese/toppings. Wrap and freeze. To bake. Bake frozen at 400/425 for 20-30 minutes.

EASY STIR FRY:
Divide a large bag of mixed frozen veggies among freezer bags. Among those freezer bags, divide a bag of frozen shrimp or cooked chicken breast. Freeze. Just throw in a wok in the frozen state and add soy sauce or stir fry sauce while it cooks.

PASTA SALAD:
Boil pasta, drain. Add a bottle of salad dressing, jar of olives, can of artichokes, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Optional : add cooked diced ham or chicken. Bag and freeze. Just thaw and eat.

CHICKEN MANICOTTI:
Uncooked manicotti, uncooked chicken breast (sliced into strips). Stuff a piece of chicken into the uncooked manicotti shell. Continue until all are filled. Place 1/3 sauce in freezable baking pan. Place stuffed manicotti in pan, top with the rest of the sauce mixed with 1 cup water. Top with cheese. Wrap and freeze. Bake from the freezer at 350 for 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Watch the pasta after a while if it looks dry add a little more water to the baking dish.

TACO RICE: (this has minimal cooking)
1 lb cooked ground beef or turkey, 1 chopped onion, 1 taco seasoning packet (or homemade), 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 cups cooked rice. Mix all ingredients together in a pan. Bring to simmer, simmer for 20 minutes until thick. Bag and freeze. Makes a good taco, taco salad, burritos or on top of tortilla chips for nachos. Can be doubled/tripled.

QUICK TURKEY ROLL UPS
1lb deli turkey meat ( I always seem to find turkey end slices in the markdowns at the deli)
3 cups prepared stuffing (either homemade or boxed)
1 can cream of chicken soup mixed with 3/4 cup water or about 2 cups homemade chicken flavored white sauce
Place a spoonful of stuffing on the end of one turkey slice. Roll up. Continue to fill and roll until all the turkey is used. Place rolls in a foil baking pan or freezable baking dish. Pour white sauce or cream soup over the top of the turkey rolls. Top with cheese if desired. Cover dish, freeze. Either thaw and bake or bake from the frozen state.

QUICHE IN A BAG
1 cup cooked sausage or diced ham (Optional)
10 oz. frozen package chopped spinach or broccoli, thawed a little and broken up.
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 small onion chopped
2 cups milk
4 eggs
1/2 cup flour
2 tsp. baking powder
Mix eggs, milk, flour and baking powder with a wisk or mixer until well incorporated. Add meat, veggies, cheese and onion. Pour into a freezer bag. Freeze. To cook, thaw bag, squish the bag well a few times to incorporate the ingredients. Pour into a pie plate sprayed with non stick spray. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes until set. I vary the meat and veggies all the time. Right now in my freezer I have a few asparagus and mushroom quiches and a few sausage and spinach ones. They're great to have on hand for Sunday breakfast. But we also eat for dinner with a salad and rolls. Great way to use eggs on sale.

CROCKPOT REFRIED BEANS
I don't really have a recipe. This is what I do. Soak some dried pinto beans in water overnight. In the morning dump in the crockpot with more water to cover. Add a chopped onion and garlic. Let cook all day. If you need to, drain some of the liquid when they are done cooking. To the cooked beans, add cumin, corriander, salt and pepper to taste. Then mash with a potato masher. I like to leave mine a little chunky. Then just cool, bag and freeze. They freeze very well.

FRUIT CRISP MIXTURE
6 cups oats
3 cups nuts (optional)
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 cups butter or margarine , melted
2 tsp cinnamon
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Divide among 6 freezer bags. Store in freezer. To make fruit crisp, place fresh, frozen or canned fruit in bottom of baking dish. Sprinkle fruit crisp mixture on top. Bake at 375 for about 25-30 minutes.

20 PIE CRUSTS FOR THE FREEZER (This recipe is great! Dough will last up to 1 year in the freezer)
3 lb can shortening
5 lb bag flour
3 cups ice water
2 Tbsp salt
In a large bowl, dump flour and salt. With your hands, cut in the shortening adding ice water to form a dough. Shape into 20 disks. Wrap individually in Saran Wrap then place in freezer bags. Freeze. Thaw in fridge or on counter for 30 minutes when needed.

This article was contributed by Gallo, a busy mom and part of the Frugal Families team. This and other great frugal recipes are available in our Recipe Section at http://www.frugal-families.com/Recipes/

Simple Ways I Save Money Food Shopping

2007-06-10T09:12:00.000-05:00

Family of 5 humans and 2 non-humans + 1 paycheck = creative thinking

We're lucky that I'm able to stay home and homeschool our kids. We're not wealthy, but we're doing okay. One of the ways I save money is how I food shop. Actually, I save money just by going food shopping as opposed to the five of us eating out. When the do eat out, even to just the Chinese buffet, it’s at least $60 for us. We do eat out from time to time, we just don’t make it a regular thing.

I try to shop the flyer, especially the loss leaders (these are the items the stores puts on sale to entice you into the store. They’re usually on the front page of the flyer). This week one of the loss leaders for the store I shop in, is chicken breasts; buy one, get one free. My husband and kids love chicken (I’m a vegetarian for over 20 years) so I’ll buy several packages and freeze them.

If an item we use often is on sale (such as peanut butter or cheese) and I also have coupons for it, I’ll buy as many as I can and store it or freeze it. I’ve found that if I do that each week with just a couple of items, I can build up a stockpile of things we use often…and because we use them often, they don’t just sit around and end up being tossed. We have a large upright freezer, in addition to our refrigerator/freezer, and room to store extras in our laundry room/pantry.

I don’t have a lot of extra time to cut a lot of coupons anymore, so I’ve started buying them on eBay. I just bought 20 coupons for $1.00 off 2 Morning Star Farms vegetarian foods for $1.59, including postage. This is something I buy all the time, regardless of the price or if I have any coupons. Usually they sell for $3.49 each at the store I shop in. The coupon states I need to buy two and I have 20 coupons, so that’s 40 I’ll end up buying. 40 at $3.49 each is $139.60. 20 coupons for $1 off is a savings of $20, minus the $1.59, I’ll save $18.41, bringing the total for 40 to $121.19. Rather than give that $18.41 to my local grocery store, I can think of at least five things I can do with that instead.

1. The five of us can go to Dairy Queen for Blizzards
2. I can take my kids to play miniature golf.
3. I can buy some books at the local used book store
4. Rent some videos from Blockbuster
5. Put it in the tank of my car.

These easy ways don't take a lot of time and I've been able to save quite a bit of money. I'll share more about my food shopping methods in future posts. :-)

Bargin Shopping

2007-06-09T19:17:00.000-05:00

Bargain Shopping to Lower Your Family Expenses
By: Jennifer Houck

Moms love to find great deals right? The frugal side of me is always pondering on how I can save the family money each month. If you sit down and see how much you spend on your phone bill, clothes, grocery bill and entertainment, the number may actually leave you with your mouth open. Make it your goal each month to find ways on how you can save in each of these categories.

If you have family long distance, your phone bill is probably reaching high numbers each month. The best way that I save our family each month is going with VOIP (Voice Over Internet Phone). You get unlimited long distance each month and all the bells and whistles that come with your regular landline phone. Most average prices for VOIP are around 25.00 each month. We cut our phone bill in half by just using VOIP each month.

Daily bargain lurking through sites is always high on my priorities when I am shopping for the kid’s clothes. I not only lurk on bargain shopping online stores, but I also love to window shop at the Tanger Outlets http://www.tangeroutlets.com which are located throughout the United States. First and foremost, remember to buy the clothes off-season. For example, buy your winter clothes just as the spring and summer seasons are coming in. The clothes are always clearance at the end of the season. Most prices you will get at a steal such as 70% off regular prices. If the children are in dire need of specific clothing or are growing faster than anticipated, then use the online shopping sites to your advantage. Before you click the submit button on your purchase, do the two following things:

1) Go to Current Codes at http://www.currentcodes.com to find the latest discount code for that specific store.
2) Visit http://www.fatwallet.com to make sure there are no big specials going on at another store for that same item.

Make sure you sign up for newsletters or the company’s mailing advertisement, so you can be up to date each month on the big sales.

Grocery Bills can literally eat at our heart when the cashier gives us the total. What can you do to get the price down? Use Coupons, Coupons and more Coupons. Make a habit of getting the Sunday paper every week and cut out the coupons. Get a coupon organizer so you can separate the coupons into categories. This will make it easier when you are shopping and can just pull the coupon right out for the cashier. Also each week the grocery store ads will come in the mail, sit down and figure out with your coupons which store is having the better sale.

So we know how to save on necessities now, but what about family time? You do not have to make family time expensive each week. Set aside money for one weekend out of a month to do something special as a family. The rest of the weeks plan family time frugally. Some ideas that our family does is having special family nights such as game night, having a picnic night, movie night with pizza or just a good time spending the night acting like a child with my children. My husband and I get out in the yard and slide down the slide with the children, play a game of basketball or bring back the old fashion games such as the sack tater race. There are always laughs and smiles with all these different nights. Your child will also enjoy any of these nights just as much as if you spent 100.00 on a family outing.

If you really sit down and put your mind to thinking about each of your expenses, you can think of ways to save the family more money each month. Put the above tips to work in your household and watch your expense budget actually start shrinking. Happy Bargain Hunting!!

Jennifer Houck is www.ilovebeingamom.com, the Free Parenting Resource for busy moms. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest mommy buzz!

Vegetarian Recipes

2007-06-08T10:39:00.000-05:00

I was checking out the recipe exchange at Morning Star Farms again and came across two more that I want to try.

Ginger Dipping Sauce
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon soy sauce

In a blender, combine onion, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Process until smooth. Serve at room temperature.
Dip Morningstar Farms Original Chikn Tenders in finished ginger sauce.

Chik'n Penne Alfredo
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
11 or 12-ounce mini penne pasta (uncooked)
2 cups alfredo sauce
2 1/2 cups chopped Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Chik'n Strips

Directions:
Cook, strain and rinse pasta
Return pasta to pan and add sauce
Add favorite seasoning (Old Bay or Italian seasoning works great)
Lightly chop Chik'n Strips. Add to pasta and sauce
Stir ingredients together
Simmer covered 3 to 5 minutes
Let stand 2 to 3 minutes uncovered before serving

Simplify Your Meal Planning

2007-06-07T20:38:00.000-05:00

Simplify Your Menu Planning: by Leslie Sausage

Ever said to yourself, it's 5:00 o'clock and what's for dinner?!? Yikes! A simple menu plan may eliminate some of this stress!

To get started, check the family calendar. Grab the grocery sales ads, a sheet of paper, a pen and your favorite recipes or cookbooks. Yes, and pour yourself a glass of iced tea or brew a cup of your favorite hot tea.

Next, fold your sheet of paper into eighths by folding in half, side-to-side, then fold in half, top-to-bottom and again top-to-bottom.

Now label the eight squares: meat, dairy, produce, canned, bakery, frozen, staples and non-food. On the other side of the paper; label the squares with the days of the week.

Then, check the pantry, freezer and the refrigerator for what supplies you are starting with. Before you begin planning; check the grocery sales ads to see what the specials are.

Now, what will you have for dinner on grocery shopping day? This is important to decide. I've found that it's best to either make dinner with what you already have at home or plan an easy meal for this night, just depends on your schedule.

Write down each day's menu, then list what side dish, bread, dessert or salad that you will prepare. Think about what you have already on hand to prepare the meal with and add what's needed to your grocery list on the other side of the sheet of paper.

Continue with the other days of the week. While planning, think about "planned leftovers" or slowcooker meals for your busy days. Slowcooker meals are also great for Sunday lunch when you come home from church.

Cooking at home will save you tons of money over taking the whole family out for a meal!

Make an extra meal (which can be frozen) on the days you have more time. Don't forget about plans for breakfast and lunch!

After making your menu plan, add other non-food items that you'll need to purchase this week.

Go shopping with your list!

After shopping, think about what can be done as you put the groceries away. Boil some eggs for a quick egg salad later in the week. This is also a good time to squeeze in a double batch of Jell-o with fruit for dessert or snack this week. Instead of freezing that large roast you bought on sale, go ahead and start cooking it on low in the slowcooker.

Even if the roast will not be for tonight’s dinner, the cooked roast can be kept for a few days to make a nice dinner tomorrow or sandwiches for lunch sometime this week. You can also freeze the cooked roast. Just use freezer zipper-seal bags and add a little of the broth. About two cups of cooked meat equals one pound. This will be great on a night when you get home late or have an extra busy day. Just defrost and heat it up, adding a side dish like rice or mashed potatoes and a salad for a very quick meal.

You've taken the time to make your menu plan, and gone shopping to get what is needed to prepare the menu, now post it on the refrigerator to remind you of your plan this week.

Each morning, before 10 o'clock, check to see what'is for dinner...and whether the plan needs to be adjusted according to changes in your schedule.

For more help with menu planning, check out my Five-Week Menu and Shopping List. It's five weeks of dinner menu plans and the main ingredients needed to prepare the meals. Exact recipes are not included; you may need to check your favorite cookbook for that.

Leslie Sausage lives with her husband in rural Texas. She is the mom of four grown children, a freelance writer, and has degree in business administration. You are invited to visit her online for more creative, practical and fun ideas -- http://heart4home.net.

Household Cleaners I've Made

2007-06-06T09:50:00.000-05:00

I've been doing this for a long, long time, mainly as a simple way of saving money. Another benefit being that household cleaners on the market today can be harmful to your health and are not environmentally friendly. Over the years, I've collected a lot of information from various sources. Some of these I have tried (the glass cleaner), others I haven't (the laundry detergent). I usually make large batches of it ahead of time and store it in empty water jugs. Before you begin, keep in mind...NEVER MIX BLEACH AND AMMONIA TOGETHER! This combination is deadly!

ALL PURPOSE CLEANER:
½ cup ammonia
¼ cup vinegar
¼ cup baking soda
Mix the above ingredients with 1 gallon of warm water and use for basic cleaning jobs around the home.

WINDOW CLEANER
3T Ammonia
1T vinegar
Put in spray bottle and fill the rest of the way up with water.

JEWELRY CLEANER 1/4 cup ammonia 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid 3/4 cup water. Mix all the ingredients well, then soak your jewelry in the solution for a few minutes. Clean around the stones and designs with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Buff dry. (Caution: Don't use this with gold-plated jewelry; with soft stones such as pearls, opals, or jade; or with costume jewelry, because it could ruin the plastics or loosen the glue.)

TOILET CLEANER 1 cup borax 1/4 cup vinegar or lemon juice
Combine the ingredients to make a paste. Apply it to the inside of the toilet bowl, let sit for 1 to 2 hours, and scrub.

LAUNDRY DETERGENT
In a large heavy-duty plastic container, combine 1 cup soap flakes, 1/2 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup of borax. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load of laundry. Use with cold and warm water washes, with cold water rinse.

FURNITURE POLISH - 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 4 cup water in spray bottle, swipe with cloth.

Esssential Cleaning Oils
·* Lavender disinfectant, calming scent to ease tension and anxiety.
·*Lemon, Orange and grapefruit oils are tough degreasers with refreshing scents.
·* Eucalyptus is a disinfectant and relieves a stuffy nose.
·* Tea Tree Oil is anti-bacterial, anti viral, and anti fungal. Use as an all purpose disinfectant, esepcially when there is illness in the home, also eases congestion.
·* Pine oil is a degreaser and disinfectant.

Green Cleaning

2007-06-05T19:44:00.000-05:00

Green Cleaning: by Nancy

You'll be surprised how easy it is to clean without using strong chemicals or ingredients that are bad for the environment. I have SEVERE allergies so I have a need to find cleaning solutions that don't set those allergies off. I have found the following recipes/techniques effective ways of having a clean home and controlled allergies. Feel free to share your cleaning tips with me!

Did you know that:

* Equal parts of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce make a great copper
cleaner? Mix together and apply with a cotton cloth. Rinse with water and dry.

* Equal parts of vinegar and salt clean brass? So does ketchup.

* You can clean out the innards of your dishwater by running it empty with a bowl of vinegar in it? Same is true for your coffee pot (except not the "bowl" part.).

* Coffee and tea stains can be cleaned by rubbing baking soda into them?

* Cleaning a microwave is a snap when a few spoonfuls of baking soda are put in a cup of water and then heated in the microwave until boiling? Just wipe those splatters away!

* You can put the last scraps of soap from a bar in a jar and add water to make liquid soap?

* You can clean blinds by putting on a rubber glove covered by an old sock? Sure, just dip your gloved, socked hand into rubbing alcohol and start cleaning those blinds!

* Black scuff marks on the floor can be removed by scrubbing with a paste of baking soda and water?

* You can remove soap scum from a faucet in 10 minutes by wrapping the faucet in paper towel soaked in vinegar?

* You can clear soap from a drain by pouring vinegar into the drain?

* A lemony spray deodorizer can be made with 1 t. baking soda, 1 t. lemon juice, and 2 c. hot tap water, Put this in a spray bottle and spray as you would any deodorizer.

* The Amish make an all-purpose cleaning solution by combining 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup ammonia, 1/4 cup white vinegar and a gallon of water? Shake well and pour the solution into a spray bottle. * You can make a carpet disinfectant from 1 c. cornmeal, 1 c. borax and 1/2 c. baking soda? Just sprinkle the mixture on the rug and rub it in with a cloth. Leave it alone for a few hours or overnight, then vacuum thoroughly.

* Baking soda and vinegar have been successfully used to clean carpet spots? Sprinkle the baking soda on the spot , then pour on some vinegar. It'll bubble like crazy. Let it dry some and then vacuum up with a shop vac. And make sure you test the color fastness of your carpet FIRST before cleaning the whole thing.

* Shaving cream cleans carpets? Sure thing... Rub some into a stain, and remove with a sponge. And guess what? You can use this on your sofa, too! Yep, upholstery responds well to being cleaned with shaving cream!

* Those pesky miniblinds can be cleaned with water and baking soda? You have to take them down in the closed position and lay them on the ground outside or in a bathtub. Clean them with a sponge (one of those handled sponges works well) dipped in the solution. Then use your garden hose or your shower head to rinse them off.

* Your kids don't have to give up their favorite non-washable stuffed toys? All you have to do is put them in a plastic bag with some baking soda and shake the heck out of them. Open that bag out side and then shake the heck out of the toy to remove loose baking soda. Brush the rest off.

* Your silk flowers can be cleaned by putting them in a plastic bag with some salt and shaking the heck out of THEM.

* Small-necked bottles can be cleaned using a baking soda, vinegar and a secret ingredient - GRAVEL! Fish tank gravel will do. Mix the three together (ratios don't have to be too precise) and shake them around inside the bottle! CLEAN!

* Olive oil can be used as a furniture polish on unvarnished wood? Sure thing!

Article Source: http://www.homesteadarticles.com
About the Author: Nancy, the Frugal Decorating Diva, substitutes creativity for money - and comes up with a better result. Read more about how to do that at www.FrugalByDesign.com or email Nancy at nancy@frugalbydesign.com

Make it, Don't Waste It

2007-06-04T09:16:00.000-05:00

We do what we can to make our money go further. At times, we try to make things ourselves, instead of buying it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Other times, we look for ways to use something before we get rid of it. It's kind of fun to try and with the kids being homeschooled, it gives them a chance to see that being creative and using what you have is an alternative to buying. Not to mention the benefit of recycling and reducing waste. My youngest has gotten pretty good at finding a second life for things and she uses a lot of odds and ends for art projects.

One thing we make ourselves is basic household cleaners.

1) Glass cleaner:
In a clean, empty spray bottle, add 1/3 cup of vinegar for every 4 cups of water.

2) All purpose cleaner:
In a clean gallon container combine 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/2 gallon water.

Finding a second life for things instead of throwing it out is something I actually enjoy doing and find it very rewarding in a creative outlet kind of way.

1) My husband used two thick wooden beams to make a balance beam for the kids in the back yard.
2) A tea cup saucer became a place for butterflies to drink by adding some small rocks and water.
3) Some old picket fence panels got painted and block off the pool pump.
4) Crushed up cookies at the bottom of the bag get tossed on top of pudding or ice cream. (my kids love this!)
5) Old washcloths and towels become cleaning rags
6) Sunday comics to wrap the kids Christmas gifts (they think this is cute!).
7) A very large piece of cardboard became a mobile jigsaw puzzle holder while it's being worked on.
8) We save buttons, tassles, old earrings, greeting cards, etc to use for art & craft projects.
9) An old tupperware container became our buried time capsule.
10) Four wheels from a table left behind by the people who used to live here became the wheels for Buddie's (our iguana) cage...even though she's hardly ever in it. We only use it when people are over.
11) My youngest just did this 5 minutes ago: She's got a cold and is on the couch with a box of tissues. She just finished the box, so I gave her a new one and went to throw the old one out. She told me not to because she was going to use as a garbage pail and put the old tissues in it. :-)
12) There's also our bird restaurant.

Another thing that my husband & I did when we first bought this house was start composting. We really didn't do it very well, got discouraged and then with the adoption process underway, composting was the last thing on our mind. But, I've been giving it a lot of thought again lately. One of the things we'll have to do first is make a bin. I don't want to spend a lot right now because I'm not sure it's going to work (especially with rainly season upon us) or that we'll be able to keep up with it. We might actually start collecting grass clippings now and start in the fall when we can use the fallen leaves as a base.

These are some ideas I found online:

Old Fencing: Take down the fence in sections. These sections can be used to make a great compost bin, ready-made with small space between the slats so your compost can breathe.
Dresser Drawers: Take an old dresser / bureau. Knock out the bottom of each drawer. With a few 2x4's you can attach the drawers together to make a small compost bin. Detach the top of the dresser and attach to the top of your bin with hinges at the back for easy accessibility.
The simplest compost bin container - 4 sticks of wood in the ground, Wire or plastic netting round the sticks, lined with cardboard.

If I remember anything else, I'll post it. :-)

Buy Organic Without Going Broke

2007-06-03T19:12:00.000-05:00

Going Organic Without Breaking the Bank
By: Organic Passion

Going organic could be one of your new year resolutions, but can you go organic without breaking the bank?

We at organicpassion.info are happy to show you how to go organic and we want to make sure you get the most for your money. Here’s how:

1. Mail Order

Some organic farmers sell their meat direct to the customer so you know exactly where it has come from. Buy in bulk and freeze. Organic fruit and vegetables deteriorates quickly because they are not sprayed with preservatives. Chilling often helps prolong freshness. :) Here are some storage tips:

* Lettuce, spinach and other leafy vegetables - break off the leaves, wash or soak in cold water as soon as possible, dry and store in plastic bags in the fridge.
* Potatoes and onions - store in a cool ,dark cupboard
* Avocados and apples - keep out of direct sunlight
* Bananas - keep away from other fruits and vegetables as they release a chemical that speeds the ripening process. Never refrigerate.

2. Farm shops

Famers sell their own produce directly from the farm, thus minusing the middleman cost. Therefore, produce maybe marginally cheaper than in a supermarket. Otheri items such as apple juice, milk, eggs, poultry and meat may also be on offer.

3. Farmer’s markets

Local organic farmers bring their goods to the weekly market to sell directly to you. Preference is given to organic producers and those committed to sustainable farming practices. Prices are similar to buying direct from a farm shop. There’re a good place to find organic herbs, jams, pickles, cheeses, and yoghurts.

4. Create your own co-operative

Get together with a group of neighbours or friends and share the cost of bulk-buying foods such as rice, nuts, lentils and flour.

5. Grow your own

If you have a garden, then it’s cheapest and most rewarding way to enjoy organic crops of potatoes, strawberries, rhubarb and so on.

The Organic Passion Team is a group of organic lovers that are dedicated in educating people on the benefits of eliminating chemicals and adopting a natural and organic lifestyle. Read more about their organic findings at www.organicpassion.info

14 Tips to Save on Your Heating & Cooling Bill

2007-06-02T19:07:00.000-05:00

By: Connie Gardner

1. Weather-strip doors and windows and be sure that the door sweeps on the bottom of your doors are in good condition. This is the easiest & most inexpensive thing you can do for big changes in your home’s ability to hold the cool air inside.

2. Replace your regular window screens with solar screening. It cuts glare and drastically reduces the transfer of heat through windows.

3. Hang thermal draperies to insulate your windows in both summer & winter or hang mini-blinds or window shades to block direct sunlight from heating your rooms. (TIP: Close the draperies or shades on sunny windows and change as the sun moves around the house during the day. You will be amazed how much cooler your house will be.)

4. Wrap cooling & heating ductwork with insulating wrap and secure with duct tape wherever possible. This will eliminate cool/hot air from escaping through the ductwork before it gets to your rooms.

5. Change your air filters every 30-60 days. A clean filter allows more air flow and cleaner air for you and your family. This is especially important for those with allergies or indoor pets.

6. Use room or ceiling fans to move the air for added comfort. It’s estimated that using ceiling fans will lower the apparent temperature to your skin by up to 4 degrees. By doing this, you can delay turning on the A/C until later in the day and save money.

7. Do cooking & baking as early as possible in the day. Use exhaust fans over cooking areas to reduce heat build-up and pull steam out of your kitchen as well.

8. Keep all exterior doors shut while your A/C is running. Even today’s multi-pane glass doors allow for heat transfer to some degree.

9. When taking a bath or shower use the exhaust fan to reduce heat and humidity.

10. When replacing appliances, always purchase Energy Star appliances. These appliances must reduce energy consumption by a minimum of 10% to earn the Energy Star rating. Furthermore, there may be tax credits available to you for installing these rated systems, some up to $300! Your electric company may also provide additional rebates.

11. You can save us to 10% on your energy bills by dropping the setting on your hot water temperature setting. A temperature of 120 degrees is very adequate for home uses and will save money. Setting the temperature above 120 degrees puts your children at risk of accidentally scalding themselves, so lower it for safety reasons too!

12. Did you know that your landscaping can also have a dramatic effect on your energy bills? By planting deciduous trees and tall shrubs near your home, you can reduce both heating and cooling bills. The leaves shade in summer while the empty branches allow the sun to warm your home in the winter.

13. Be sure to check with your electric company, fuel oil and propane and natural gas companies to see if they have programs designed to reduce your costs as well. Many electric companies have “time of day” rates. Gas and oil companies have price-lock or contracted pricing programs available. Some even have budget plans in which your total costs for the year are calculated and then divided into twelve monthly payments. This can be very helpful in areas where weather extremes make heating and cooling bills change drastically.

14. Finally, when you are not going to be at home, raise the temperature in the house by 5-8 degrees so the A/C runs fewer times while you’re gone. By turning it completely off on during the day, it will make it harder to bring the temperature back down when you get home. Conversely, if you leave it running to maintain a low temperature, you’ll be wasting energy, money & putting undue stress on your air conditioner.

Written by: Connie Gardner, owner www.nurturedhome.com Traditional Homes with Traditional Values. Resource of tips on homemaking, cooking, home organization, gentle mothering, Attachment parenting, breastfeeding and all issues important to women, check us out!

What is Compacting?

2007-06-01T20:44:00.000-05:00

Have you heard about compacting? It's a combination of simplifying, recycling, reducing your footprint on the world, reducing consumerism and living a fuller life in the absence of things.

From their site, "To go beyond recycling in trying to counteract the negative global environmental and socioeconomic impacts of disposable consumer culture and to support local businesses, farms, etc., to reduce clutter and waste in our homes and to simplify our lives".

First principle - don't buy new products of any kind (from stores, web sites, etc.). There are exceptions of course like food and medicine. Even if you can't go without buying new items, it will make you more aware of mindless buying.
Second principle - borrow or buy second hand

While it's not a new idea, the attention it's been getting will surely make more people aware of the three R's, reduce, reuse and recycle.

Here's their compacting blog for more information.

Recipe For Simplicity

2007-05-31T19:52:00.000-05:00

Recipe for Simplicity: by Linda Breen Pierce

"Simplify, Simplify…" More than a century after Henry David Thoreau uttered these words, his plea for simplicity has more significance now than ever before. We work hard and play hard, filling nearly every moment with activity. Most families believe they need two incomes to pay for a standard of living that has doubled in the last 50 years. But do we? Based on my three-year study of over 200 people who have simplified their lives, I found that we can work less, want less, and spend less, and be happier and more fulfilled in the process. Here are ten suggestions to simplify your life. Don't try to simplify your life in a few weeks or months; most people need an initial period of three to five years to complete this transition. Small, gradual steps are best.

1. Don't let any material thing come into your home unless you absolutely love it and want to keep it until it is beyond repair. Too much stuff - it's suffocating us. Purchasing, maintaining, insuring, storing and eventually disposing of our stuff sucks up our precious life energy.

2. Live in a home with only those rooms that you or someone in your family use every day. Create a cozy home environment that fits your family. You will find this is much more satisfying than living in a museum designed to impress your friends. Spending time and money to maintain a home that is larger than you truly need diverts these resources from more fulfilling endeavors.

3. Limit your work (outside of the home) to 30 hours a week, 20 if you are a parent. To live a balanced life, we need "down" time - time to daydream, to relax, to prepare a leisurely meal, to take a walk. If we surround our structured activities with empty spaces, those activities will become more productive and meaningful.

4. Select a home and place of employment no more than 30 minutes away from each other. Commuting time is dead time. It nourishes not the body, the mind, nor the soul. Preserve your energy and money for more rewarding life experiences.

5. Limit your children's extracurricular activities to one to three a week, depending on age. Otherwise, you will exhaust yourself and your children will grow up addicted to constant stimulation.

6. Take three to four months off every few years and go live in a foreign country. Living in a different culture fascinates, excites, and vitalizes us. It teaches us to live in the present, a core practice of simple living. We gain perspective when we experience a foreign culture. We learn how much we have to be grateful for.

7. Spend at least an hour a week in a natural setting, away from crowds of people, traffic, and buildings. Three to four hours of nature time each week is even better. There is nothing more basic, more simple, than the natural world.

8. Do whatever you need to do to connect with a sense of spirit in your life, whether it be prayer, religious services, journal writing, meditation, or spiritually-related reading. Simplicity leads to spirituality; spirituality leads to simplicity. Cultivate a practice of silence and solitude, even for 15 to 30 minutes a day. Your spirituality will evolve naturally.

9. Seek the support of others who want to simplify their lives. Join or start a simplicity circle if you enjoy group interaction. Living simply in our culture can be a lonely journey. Your friends and family may still be on the work-and-spend treadmill and are unlikely to give you support. Participating in a study group will give you support and validation for your choices.

10. Practice saying no. Say no to those things that don't bring you inner peace and fulfillment, whether it be more material things, greater career responsibility, or added social activities. Be vigilant with your time and energy; they are limited resources. If you say yes to one thing (like a job promotion), recognize that you are saying no to something else (perhaps more time with family). Live consciously and deliberately.

Linda Breen Pierce is the author of Choosing Simplicity: Real People Finding Peace and Fulfillment in a Complex World and Simplicity Lessons: A 12-Step Guide to Living Simply. She can be reached via email or at (831) 626-8486 (Pacific time).

Tips for Gardening on a Budget

2007-05-29T18:59:00.000-05:00

The Frugal Gardener: by Rachel Paxton

Gardening can be expensive. When you're on a tight budget, garden projects seem to fall way to the bottom of your list of spending priorities.

I love the outdoors. And I love spending time at home in our yard. We've never been able to spend the kind of money I'd like to for landscaping, but over the years we've found some ways to make a little bit of money go quite far.

Shop end-of-season sales. It's easy to remember to do this when shopping for clothes and other household items, but I forget the same goes for plants. You can get a great deal on outdoor plants and trees shopping at the end of the season. Even annuals that are almost out of season are a good buy. They won't bloom again until next year, but for the savings you're getting it's worth it to plant them now and wait until next year to enjoy them. You can also get a great deal on fruit trees at the end of the season. Don't forget to check out the sidewalks of grocery stores and neighborhood markets. They mark down the prices of plants significantly at the end of the season.

Divide and transplant. It doesn't take long for plants to start to take over your flower beds. I grow some herbs and daisies that seem to creep inches through the flower bed each week. Instead of letting plants like these take over the flower bed, transplant them to another part of the yard. Flowers like daisies are easy to dig out in big clumps and move around wherever you want them. In several years time, the investment of a few dozen flowers or flower bulbs can multiply into many times the amount you recently purchased.

Give and receive. It's fun to trade plants with friends and family. I've landscaped much of my yard this way. Iris bulbs from one friend, grape vines from another, it adds up fast! And all from people who were looking to get the excess plants out of their yard. After your yard has had a few years to get established, you will be able to share also. This is the best way to plant your yard with no expense at all.

Look for unexpected opportunties. One of our neighbors gets free sod from several local curb companies. After a job, they just unload the sod at his house. When he doesn't have a need for the sod, he gives it to us free of charge. We've put down several hundred dollars worth of sod at no cost to us.

Creative container gardening. I like to plant in containers a lot, but planters can be so expensive. Get creative about your garden containers. People use wheel barrows, tool boxes, kitchen sifters, colanders, old boots, children's wagons, baskets, and many other things for creative container gardening. Just make sure there is adequate drainage so the water can find its way out. See http://www.gardenguides.com for more container gardening ideas.

Weigh the alternatives. It's easy to get carried away in the vegetable garden. I get all caught up in having a little of this, and a little of that, often spending more than I had intended to and growing vegetables that cost next to nothing at the grocery store when they're in season. For example, green peppers in season you can get for 4 or more for $1. That's maybe not worth it to me to grow them. Tomatoes, on the other hand, are definitely worth the effort and will save us a lot of money throughout the summer.

You don't have to have a lot of money to have a nice garden. You just have to be creative and look for opportunities. Make the decision that you will only spend what you can afford, and you will still end up with a beautiful yard you can be proud of.

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What's for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For more recipes, organizing tips, home decorating, crafts, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com.

Melody Beattie on Gratitude

2007-05-27T23:59:00.000-05:00

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we haveinto enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaosto order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.

- Melody Beattie

You can purchase Gratitude by Melody Beattie through our online store.

13 Money Saving Tips

2007-05-25T15:21:00.000-05:00

1. Borrow books, CDs, DVDs, videos and magazines from your local library.
2. If you really need to buy a book, look for it on eBay or a second-hand book dealer.
3. If you really want to watch a movie at the theater, wait till they have discount tickets on the movie or go to a matinee.
4. Always use up all of a product.
5. Accelerate moderately when driving your car.
6. Collect freebie sample products
7. Have a toy swap with other families that have kids your age.
8. Ask for discounts
9. Plan your menu BASED ON WHAT'S ON SALE!
10. Take time at the grocery store. Figure the per ounce price on different brands/sizes.
11. Do rebates
12. Make dinner out of your pantry
13. Learn how to organize/keep your home clutter free which will help you save money in the long run because you'll know where everything is

Thank you...YouDonkey.com

2007-05-19T20:35:00.000-05:00

I want to give a quick shout out to Eric over at youdonkey.com for ALL his help with the custom domain. I would never have been able to do it without it! Thanks Eric!!

How To Simpify Your Living Expenses

2007-05-17T20:47:00.000-05:00

By: A. Annika Smith

Here's the thing: I'm a New Yorker. And in New York, it is amazingly difficult NOT to spend a lot of money, just on the basics! As a student of Harv Eker, I am trying to limit my expenses to 50% of my after-tax income, and I have to tell you, that is really hard to do. Harv isn't the only one to suggest this either: almost every money-management guru gives the same advice. Simplify your expenses.

The fact is, if you want to become financially free, you must do two things: increase your passive income and decrease your expenses. Once your passive income is equal to or greater than your expenses, you are financially free. The concept is simple enough -- and in other articles I address creating passive income (the easiest and fastest way to do this would be by renting your rooms). But how do you simplify your expenses? Especially when you look around and you don't see a way HOW? Here are a variety of ways you can still live a decent life and be a bit more frugal at the same time.

Food & Toiletries
By far, making lunch at home was one of my biggest savings! I made lunch and snacks and bought them to work.
Instead of buying shower gel, go back to soap bars. They last longer and are much cheaper.
Don't wash your hair every day, and when you do wash your hair, only wash it once. That saves lots of shampoo.
I made my own coffee at home -- or cut it out altogether and put that money aside in your financial freedom jar. One guru calls that the "latte factor."
As a nation, we eat out a whole lot more and buy convenience foods to just heat in the microwave -- but these can be expensive. Cooking may take time, but it does save you lots of money.
Buy generic! I was so opposed to this, and one day I ate some potato chips that my boyfriend bought. Seriously? They didn't taste different from the name brand. Try it. Ok, some things may be non-negotiable, but you'd be surprised what is. Your grocery bill will go way down.
Take the effort to cut coupons, take advantage of sales, and go to discount warehouses, like Sam's Club or Costco.

Heat & Electricity
If you don't already have one, get an electric thermostat with a timer, so you can change the temperature automatically during specific times of the day. Lower the temperature when the family is out of the house.
Use space heaters and lower the heat in the rooms you use. Use an electric blanket at night.
There is plastic covering you can get at the hardware store and cover your windows. That keeps the heat in the house.
Make sure your boiler and hot water heater are maintained properly.
Wear layers of clothing and keep the heat lower.
Use kitchen and bathroom vents sparingly in the winter
Replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescents
Wash laundry in cold or warm instead of hot
Use a clothesline instead of using the dryer
Use a ceiling fan instead of an air conditioner.
Cell Phones, Internet, and Communication Utilities
Avoid pre-paid cell phones, even if you just want the phone for emergencies, unless you are careful to use a plan with minutes that don't expire. You pay exorbitant rates per minute.
Never underestimate the minutes your teen may use. Be careful not to get the lowest plan. Constant overages are very expensive overall.
You don't necessarily need a home phone if you have a cell phone. With free nights, weekends and long distance, you may save considerably. Be careful with phone plans that have low rates, because the taxes add significantly to the bill.
For your Internet connection, you don't have to get the highest rate of connection speed. For the average user, you won't be able to tell the difference and that can save you $20 a month.
If you switch to broadband, don't keep your dialup (unless you travel often outside the country or in rural areas). Also, drop paying for AOL. All AOL features are free if you have broadband.

Entertainment
If you really wanted to be extreme about it, you could cut entertainment out altogether. But that's not really practical, so here are some ideas.
First, if you think FREE, you may not get free, but you do end up with "cheap." Cheap doesn't mean less fun, either. Sometimes you can have MORE fun.
If you live in a city, just try walking around. In New York, I have found impromptu concerts by street musicians or just sat in the park and people watched. You'd be amazed how much fun you can have!
Instead of eating out or going to bars with friends, host a potluck at home or just have friends over for drinks. It's much cheaper to buy liquor than to buy drinks at the bar.
For movies, go to matinees or the $2 movie (some communities have them). Yes, those movies are second-run, but hey, it's worth financial freedom to me. You can also always rent movies.
Cable. When times are tough, the cable needs to get going. It can get so expensive! If you do need it for the reception, get basic and then rent movies. Buying a great DVD player and renting movies is cheaper than cable in the long run. If you rent rooms in your home like I do, keep the cable -- it's a perk for your tenants that are worth paying for.
Take your kids to the bookstore and hang out.
Find free community shows, like Shakespeare in the park or fireworks.
Take the kids on the subway trip -- as far as you can and go explore. In New York, take the train to Coney Island.
In the summer, there is always a local food festival or street fair.
Get your kids involved in a community group, like a theatre. They develop skills, make friends and have fun.

Clothing
For kids, don't go over the top with the brand names, especially since the kids will grow out of them quickly.
For adults and older teens, don't buy really trendy clothes that will only last one season. Buy classical fashionable clothing that will last, and get trendy with accessories.
Buy shirts and ties or blouses and just one suit -- accessorizing is cheaper.
Buy a few pieces of quality clothing as opposed to lots of cheap clothing. They will last a lot longer.
This goes without saying, but buy clothing in the off-season and on sale. You will save a tone of money.

Transportation
A gas saving tip I just learned: put your car in cruise control whenever you can. It has cut my gas bill in HALF.
If you live in a metropolitan area, try walking around the city as opposed to taking a bus or a train. In New York, you can even get there faster sometimes! :-)
Maintain your car -- tire pressure, oil changes, everything. Preventative maintenance is way cheaper than repairs.
Never use cheap gas - use quality gas and the correct octane for your car. It may seem more expensive, but it's cheaper in car repairs in the long run.
Don't be afraid to walk, even in the winter. It's great exercise and it saves a ton of money. Bring a backpack with you for grocery shopping if you need only a couple of things.

The Change Jar
I have a change jar. Every time I pay for something, I always use bills and get the change. I put the change in the jar. You wouldn't believe how much money you can save! This money could be entertainment money, allowance for the kids, put it in a savings account or saved for emergencies. This change jar has saved my butt many times over the years, and is a great way to have "found" money at the end of the month.

A. Annika Smith is the of "Room 4 Rent: How To Turn Your Extra Rooms Into Extra Money!", the only real estate book of it's kind. She helps others quickly earn passive income by renting out rooms with little money to start so that they can save their home or realize their dreams. Check out free content at her website at http://cluestocash.rentrooms4cash.info. Printed From: http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/how-to-simplify-your-living-expenses-77152.html

About Simply-Saving.com

2007-05-01T22:43:00.000-05:00

Welcome! This is a new site and we have a lot planned for the next few months. Please stop in from time to time and see how we’re growing. We welcome comments, so feel free to say hello and share the link to your money saving or simple living blog. :-)

You’ll come to find ideas here on a variety of topics, like ways to become more aware and mindful when spending your money, tips to reduce, reuse, recycle and changing your mindset from one of lack and not having enough, to one of living in gratitude for what you already have. They’ll be lots of simple ways to save money and ways to be open to the abundance that life has to offer.

Thanks for stopping by!