Tip Tuesday: Decorating With Fresh Fruit

I love the fresh fruit decorations...but I dislike plastic fruit. So last week I picked up some fresh lemons and limes and put them in clear flower vases. It makes for a fragrant, pretty addition to my kitchen.

Stay tuned to tomorrow's "Wash Wednesday" post on how to use the lemons to clean!

Tip Tuesday: Know your Product for your Price: Children's Tylenol

A few weeks ago, Judah was in the hospital overnight for dehydration from the flu. A bad case of gastronitis has been going around every where you turn. I guess it is that time of year for the flu.

Every so often when Judah is sick, I check with his doctor the dosage amount of medicine, namely Tylenol, to give him for pain. Kids are constantly growing and changing making the dosage amounts different over time. And if you have not done so recently, you may want to do the same for your kids.

It was a good thing I checked again while we were in the hospital. What we discovered was that Tylenol has recently changed all their infant's and children's bottles to the same concentration amounts. This means that concentration amounts will be consistent among the brand name as they restock setting the standard for generic brands as well.

On the other hand, you need to be aware of marketing schemes used to sell the same concentration amounts. Infant's Tylenol now contains the same concentration amount as Children's Tylenol. The difference however, lies in the price point. In some stores, you will pay several additional dollars for the infants version of Tylenol than you would Children's Tylenol.

So frugal shoppers, I implore you to do your homework. First, check with your doctor on dosage amounts per child per weight. Check at the store to make sure concentration amounts are acceptable and in fact the same. From there I encourage you to buy the cheapest bottle per ounces. And in the meantime, save your infant droppers by washing them to reuse. You will be surprised on how much you will save.

This discovery encourages all of us shoppers to stop and read the labels. We may in fact be paying more for something that is just packaged and advertised differently. A good example remains generic canned brands that actually get processed by the same company. Usually they are slightly different but still have good taste and are always a few cents cheaper.

Let's know our product for the price. And in the interim, check your Tylenol bottles the next time you go into the store.



For more frugal tips, visit Learning the Frugal Life.

Tip Tuesday: Frugal and Festive Holiday Decorations

It will be nice when I can decorate my whole Christmas tree...but for now, we'll just decorate the top half.

Now that we have hardwood floors, I knew I didn't want to put any breakable ornaments on the tree. I can just see it...the boys come running, crash into the tree and there would be green, red, gold and silver glass shards all over the floor.

Nope. Not going to happen.

But I really hate having decorations that I can only use once a year and knowing they're just sitting in a box in storage. It doesn't seem like a good use of property.

So I grabbed some vases and put the glass balls in them. I put three vases in our front entry way, one on the boys bathroom counter and one on our bathroom counter.

The boys bathroom with glass balls in a vase

Master Bathroom

Front entry way


It really gave all of the rooms a festive feel and it didn't cost anything as I already had the supplies!

Tip Tuesday: The Gunk in the Microwave

A friend of mine on Facebook today posted, "Ever had a non-rushed time at your microwave...and as you place your food items in the microwave you look, and think, "WTF exploded all up inside there and HOW LONG has it been that way???" Yup...I had that experience today...I guess tomorrow's agenda will have scouring the inside of the microwave on it."

I know that feeling all too well. And you can use all of the elbow grease in the world, but sometimes the gunk just doesn't come off. Besides, you've got better things to do than to play "What is this and how do I get it off?"

Here's a little trick my mother showed me. Fill a glass measuring cup with water and microwave it to a boil. The hot water will steam the inside of the microwave and help loosen up the "gunk". This way you can use your energy on something important...like chasing down a diaper-less toddler!

Tip Tuesday: Harvesting Herbs for the Freezer!

Why not use the last few Indian summer days of Fall before frost hits to harvest your herbs. Harvesting your herbs and freezing them for the winter will save you some money at the grocery store later as well as make some tasty, winter meals for your family. Surprisingly, it is easy and well worth the hassle.

When I grew herbs in my garden a few years ago, I found an old cook book, The Herb and Spice Cookbook: A Seasoning Celebration, that explained how to freeze and save your herbs over the winter. I tried it, finding it to be a simple way to add flavor and dressing up my boring winter menu, that I have been doing it since and saving some money at the same time.

Perhaps you did not grow your own herbs this year. You can still use the leftover herbs from the bunches you bought at the store or farmers market, preparing them to freeze, before letting them go bad and throwing them out as we often waste them.

1. To get started, take your bunch of herbs (whether cut from the garden or from the store), and remove bad leaves, roots, large sticks, etc.

2. Soak the herbs to clean in a large container of lukewarm water. Never wash under running water as this will crush the leaves but rather immerse them in water to remove dirt.

3. After soaking for some time, remove a small amount at a time and place on paper towels, even laying them. Pat dry and shake slightly any access water. Let sit to finish drying.

4. Tear off individual leaves and spread out onto a cookie sheet so leaves do not stick together.

5. Place cookie sheet into freezer.

6. Transfer frozen leaves into freezer bags and place back into freezer to save in a spot they will not get crushed.

7. Label and date bag.

8. Pop the amount needed to into the dish. When ready to cook, use frozen as the heat of your dish will defrost them quickly. For cold salads and recipes, defrost before adding them.

Herbs will keep from six to eight months frozen. My example in the pictures is oregano. Likewise, for basil, sage, mint, and any other herbs with large leaves, remove them from the larger stem freezing the individual leaves. For rosemary, cilantro, chervil, tarragon, dill, thyme, and marjoram, retain the thinner stems. For chives, chop before freezing.

For a seasonal dish using your harvested thyme, try Sauteed Pork Chops with Thyme and Apples!

For more frugal tips, visit Learning the Frugal Life Tip Tuesday.

Tip Tuesday: Dirty Shoes

We wash our clothes, we wash our cars...but the item that touches the ground the most hardly gets washed. Our shoes can get filthy...but what's the best way to get them clean?

With three boys under the age of 6, I don't have time to take a rag and spot clean our shoes. I remove the laces and just throw them in the washer on cold. Yep, that's it. I use detergent to get them clean.

Once they're done, I pull them out and stuff them with newspaper (yay! a practical use of the Des Moines Register!!) so they don't lose their shape. I let them dry overnight and voila! Clean shoes!

Tip Tuesday: Be Frugal With Your Scents (cents)

HA! See what I did there? Now that you're laughing, I'm going to make you feel uncomfortable.

How does your house smell? No, really. How does your house smell? With two in diapers, my house smells rather...interesting, depending on the day.

I've been getting some great deals at Bath and Body Works on candles but it's not safe to having a candle lit around a toddler who likes to climb. I can light a candle when he goes to bed (and make sure I blow it out before I go to bed) but I don't want to forget it.

So what's a mom to do?

The other day, I made an apple pie. Yes, from scratch. I reserved the peelings from the apples and the apple cores and when I washed my hands of the sugar/cinnamon, I washed it over the pot (small pot) that contained my peels.

I put the pot on the back burner and set it on low. And boy, did it smell good. Granted, I did have an apple pie baking in the oven, but even after an hour after the pie had cooled (and made sure to add a little more water) my house STILL smelled like there was an apple pie baking in the oven.

Not only was I pleased that I re-used the apple peels (yay frugal!) but it made the house smell like all of my boys were potty trained.

I have a feeling potty training is still a few years away for Baby B. But at least my house doesn't have to smell like diapers!

Tip Tuesday: Purchasing a Garment!

Over vacation last week, my sister-in-law and I had a conversation regarding people buying clothes. Living in a bigger city, she meets all kinds of people, including those who have their brand new clothes tailored. We both mentioned that the only time we have had something altered was for a formal event or an expensive business suit.

This conversation totally reminded me of a project I repeatedly entered at 4-H fair, a purchased garment. For several years on the first day of fair, I stood in the "clothing" line awaiting my turn to have my purchased garment judged. Aside from my actually sewn projects, this display was relatively easy, and the thought process I learned has stayed with me longer than any sewing I ever did.

When I purchase a garment to wear today, I still mentally go through my check list upon inspection. If the item of choice meets all the requirements, only then will I allow myself to consider it a "purple ribbon" purchase.

1. Item. The first step is to consider what item of clothing you need depending on the occasion or event and any related accessories. Focus on this specific mission while shopping by not getting side tracked on something else that will take away time looking and money from the budget.

2. Budget. Set aside a budgeted amount depending on the garment needed. Allow enough for your specific need as a formal dress will cost more than a shirt.

Look at it by how much would you spend to wear that garment each time you wear it. Multiply that amount by how many times you will think you will actually wear it and that is how much you can spend. You will also know that a purchase was good by taking the amount spent divided by the times worn leaving a reasonable expense.

3. Complete the Outfit. Never buy a separate. Always have a something to match completing the outfit. Should you need a shirt to go with a skirt, then consider this in your budget.

4. Mix and Match. Stick to neutral, traditional items (especially for your professional wardrobe), that can be mixed and matched into several different outfits. This will allow you to be universal with your clothes and save you money and closet space.

5. Accessories. Include the price of specific accessorise into the price of the outfit, allowing room in the budget. If you need a specific color of shoes, then this will be included with the price of the outfit.

6. Fit. Never purchase clothes that do not fit. The likelihood of actually altering clothes is slim. Make sure the clothes flatter and enhance your look.

7. Design. Consider the design elements of the garment before purchasing. Do the colors go well with your skin color? What direction do the stripes go?

8. Fabric. Consider the appropriateness of the fabric for your particular need and lifestyle. Linens are an excellent choice in hot weather. Likewise, wool is guaranteed to keep you warm in frigid temperatures. Find fabrics that are easy to care for and will last a number of washings.

9. Quality. The garment itself should be sewn correctly. Therefore, do not purchase a garment that looks cheap and is falling apart. Do the seems match up accordingly? Is the hem sewn properly? Are their holes in the pockets?

10. Instructions. Always look at the washing instructions before purchasing a garment. If you do not have money or time to dry clean, then find a washable garment. Likewise, kids clothes should be easy to clean.

For more frugal tips, visit Learning the Frugal Life.

Tip Tuesday: Need Envelopes?

When I was in college, I worked in a scrap book and stamp store. Talk about the coolest job ever. I learned many techniques, skills, and acquired a lot of neat ideas from the owners. One neat tip I inherited was where to get envelopes for all my home made cards.

Did you know that most card companies throw away random envelopes?

After the craft store job, I worked at a book store. Our retail items also included shelves of cards for sale. As part of my job, I had to keep the cards organized and restocked. You will be surprised to discover how many people actually buy the card without the envelope, thus producing an excess of random envelopes. And since every card comes with its corresponding envelope, what can you do with the extra but throw them out.

Another friend several years later who worked for Hallmark stocked the brand new cards for each season at the local department store. When I approached her about the extra envelopes, she confirmed that indeed they just get thrown away. She mentioned that she did however saved a few time to time for teachers to use for class room projects. I asked her then if she could set a few aside for me to use with my home made cards. And did she save them for me, all those leftover envelopes in different colors, shapes, and sizes. She even gave me some gift bags that did not sell.

As you can see in the picture above, I am well stocked with envelopes for life. Since I Recycle Cards, I can certainly use the extra envelopes. After I make a card from card stock, I just open up my drawer and pull out an envelope to go with it.

So the next time you need envelopes, find the clerk who organizes the cards at your local department store or gift shop. Usually these retail clerks work for the companies directly and have scheduled hours in the store for stocking (ask about it). Inquire politely too see what they do with the leftover envelopes. Should they throw them out, ask then if you can recycle and reuse them. At the very least, you are saving a few trees and some money!



For more frugal tips, visit Learning the Frugal Life.

Tip Tuesday: Recycle Cards!

There are still a few people out there that send cards in the mail wishing warm sentiments to family and friends. A handwritten note is almost a lost art in this age of quick emails and texts. Even more rare is a home made card expressing your friendship and love for the special occasion or just because.

Perhaps that is why like most people, I save those few cards I receive from loved ones. And few people with the exception of my grandma even send out cards on a daily basis with news from home.

A few years ago, my third grade teacher, knowing that I rubber stamp home made cards, cleaned out years and years of collected holiday cards. I tore off the insides of the cards and saved the remaining pictures on the front to recycle into new home made cards.

I still do that today. I keep the note in my archived momentos, tearing off the front for further creativity to strike. I then throw them into a drawer in my craft closet for my next card making day.

Using my stamps, odds and ends ribbons and fabrics, and embellishments, I come up with a whole new card. Reducing the amount of store bought cards at almost $5.00 a card, I instead recycle fun designs and scenic pictures off of cards. I stamp a saying inside and bingo, I have a brand new and blank card.

People cherish the few minutes it took to actually make a hand made card and write a note. In the process you save money buying cards for celebrations and holidays. And you also recycle tons of paper, saving a few trees along the way.


And for an avid scrapbooker, you save money on a ton of stamps and embellishments by using resources within reach. The sky is the limit as you learn to be creative with what you have. I love setting out cut out cards and thinking of a new designs with what I already have, almost like a challenging puzzle.

Sometimes, I splurge on cheap blank cards in the dollar section at Target and Michael's for gluing on these recycled items. Other times, I use card stock from the copy paper you can find in the office store (you do not need acid free for cards unless you are using photos). I then add ribbons, cheap brads, or leftover stamps items from a previous project. Other times, I punch out an object or use a lost button for an additional embellishment.

For more frugal tips, visit Learning the Frugal Life Tip Tuesday.

Tip Tuesday: Your Old for New, the Art of Swaps!

I first saw the concept of swapping in an article from Parents Magazine in October of 2009. Intrigued by the idea so much, I ripped the titled page out, "Let's make a Deal." I always wanted to try swapping for myself, especially as a means of survival in this down turn economy, but never seeing the opportunity to do so.

Then this spring a swapping opportunity actually fell in my lap! One day I had received an mass email message via face book from a political acquaintance. The message read, "I started a new job this week, and need a few more tops. Anyone have some extra business-casual shirts they don't need or were planning to donate somewhere? Size S/M. I'd trade you for some of my garden produce (Strawberries, Raspberries, green beans?) or babysitting or house/yard work if you do."

Bingo...I knew this gal was as small as I used to be before I had Judah. And I just happened to have a whole bunch of non-iron, button down dress shirts along with pants and skirts leftover from my garage sale that I was still hanging onto for such a mission.

So this acquaintance, now more friend actually, came over one afternoon to go through all my clothes. I even gave her some straight out of the closet that was borderline too small. She went away with three bags full.

Then a couple of weeks ago, she dropped off fresh strawberries right out of her garden. And she is planning on bringing green beans soon as well. Since we buy fresh produce all the time, this swap is perfect to save money for our summer long desire of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Then almost simultaneously, my sister-in-law, filled me in on her own goldmine swap this spring. She got together with a whole group of friends that had just cleaned out their closets. Instead of getting rid of the clothes as originally planned, they decided to swap through the items first. She found brand new clothes from J Crew, Buckle, and others.

So I am here to prove that swapping does work. Swapping works in so many ways; you can swap objects, labor, or services. In fact people are willing out there to do it if you are. I am learning that you need to be brave about initiating the process and have a goal in mind of your end game. Offer something of value in return that you can do. Always hold up your end of the bargain. Otherwise you miss out on some neat opportunities and lose out on saving some money in the process.

Back to the article in Parents Magazine....here are some sights I might try next per their suggestion: zwaggle.com and swapstyle.com. Happy Swapping!




For more Frugal tips, visit Learning the Frugal Life!