It’s Time to Save on Outdoor Furniture and Accessories
Fall is one of my favorite times of year. It cools off a little and makes outdoor time comfortable. There’s a crisp smell in the air and it makes me long for hayrides, pumpkin patches, and beautiful fall colors.
Along with fall comes end of summer sales. It’s a good thing I had a little money set aside because I have found some great deals lately.
Monday I went to Lowe’s Home Improvement to see if their patio furniture was 75% off yet. It was only 50% off but they only had three tables left of the one I wanted so I went ahead and purchased the table for $23. I heard that the furniture was going 75% off on Wednesday so I went Wednesday morning to get the chairs I needed.
I have shopped around for a while for a table and chairs set I wanted. I made due with a set I got for cheap on Craigslist until I could find just what I wanted. Sure, there were other more attractive sets that looked more like dining room furniture but I decided on this set because it is durable, comfortable, and attractive (to me). It also matches the firepit I got last year for my birthday.
Wednesday I purchased the chairs for $8.75 each. I went ahead and got 8 of them because we plan to get another table to match this one. We like to have the extra seating for company. And let’s face it, you can hardly buy the cheap plastic chairs for the price I got for these metal ones. The rude store manager almost sold these out from under me but thankfully my friend managed to snag them before he hauled them off.
As you can see in the picture I found some cushions for the chairs. These were only $5.25 each. They have a nice design on them but I’m not sure if I’m keeping them. They don’t exactly fit the whole seating length of the chair. I set them in the chairs to mull it over. What do you think?
I also got a 4 foot bench for only $20. I’m excited about this bargain too! 
It’s not put together yet so I’ll just show you the picture of the box. Soon it will be a nice addition to my yard.
Lowe’s also had some cute (and some very tacky) yard ornaments and accessories. Two weeks ago I purchased three lanterns at 75% off for only $11 each. I got two of them for my brother’s birthday present. I was so pleased that I was able to get him an $80 gift for only $20.
Wednesday I found this chicken for $4. And no, I am not a collector of chickens. I just thought this one was cute and she made me smile.
My outdoor yard furniture is finally coming together. I am so pleased by the bargains I got.
Have you found any deals lately?
July 26, 2011
More Birthday Savings
Every now and then I like to post deals that I got and show you how much I saved. I don’t do this to brag but because I am excited about saving money and I want to inspire you to save.
Cuddlebug’s birthday is this week. He is my baby. He is my heart. I can’t believe he is turning six. Where has the time gone?
Cuddlebug’s interests have changed a lot over the past six years and then in a way, they really haven’t changed much at all. They have just developed more. He is still into cars, trucks, balls, and Magnext. His newest interest is badges and handcuffs. He says he wants to be a cop someday. It is bedtime and I’m feeling a big nostaligic so I better get on to the deals.
I have explained many times before about purchasing birthday and Christmas items throughout the year. Target is known to clearance their toys after Christmas (usually in January) and then in the summer (usually in July). There are some good clearance items other times of the year too. You just have to catch them at the right times.
When Target has their toys on clearance I usually take the opportunity to purchase things that I know my kids will like. I put them away for the next birthday or Christmas and this saves a lot of money.
Magnext magnet set – reg $19.99, $9.98 clearance
G.I. Joe R.H.I.N.O. vehicle – reg $49.99, $12.48 clearance
Air Hogs Moto Frenzy – reg $24.99, $6.24 clearance
Cherokee leather blue and orange shoes – reg $17.99, $4.48 clearance
Door hanger kit – reg $3.99, $.98 clearance
Animal adventure sticker book – $1.00 from Target dollar section
Color Wonder soft sticks – $1??
Everything I purchased came from Target except for the Color Wonder sticks.
At regular prices this would have cost around $122-$125 but I paid about $36. As you can see, shopping throughout the year saves a lot of money.
What deals have you found lately?
Image (c) Karen Weideman.
July 19, 2011
12 Ways to Save Money on Gas
I wrote this article about four years ago when I worked for “the other company”. I’m slowly trying to transfer and rewrite some of my content for my own site. A friend messaged me on facebook today and wanted to know if I had any tips for saving money on gas and so this was a good reason for this article.
With gas prices so high right now, we could all use these tips.
1. Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration, braking) wastes gas. Driving sensibly can help increase your gas mileage by 5% for around town driving and 33% at highway speeds. Someone said that you should drive like you have a hot cup of coffee on your dash.
2. Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.
3. Remove excess weight. Avoid carrying unnecessary, heavy items in your car which will reduce your mpg.
4. Drive at a constant speed. I use my cruise control a lot because I can set it and not worry about my speed going up and down. This saves gas and also avoids me getting a ticket. I wouldn’t recommend using cruise control in the mountains or hilly areas.
5. Turn off your air conditioner. Running the a/c uses more fuel. July is one of the hottest months in the south so this tip is impractical in extreme temperatures. When the temperature is 85 or below, I enjoy rolling down the windows. Try to park your car in the shade so that it doesn’t get so hot inside the vehicle.
6. Keep your engine tuned. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensory, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.
7. Check and replace air filters regularly. It saves gas and improves mileage.
8. Keep proper tire pressure. Under inflated tires lower gas mileage. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.
9. Reduce the drag. Avoid roof racks and bicycle racks when traveling. Place items in the trunk if possible.
10. Avoid unnecessary idling. It wastes fuel and pollutes the air. If possible, schedule your commute from work during the least busy times. I remember when I worked in Blacksburg, I really had to watch the times that I left work. Waiting an additional 10 minutes could cost me an additional 30 minutes of commute time.
11. Schedule your errands more efficiently. I try to do all my errands on one side of town in one day that way I’m not driving all over the place. This saves time and money.
12. Consider a fuel efficient vehicle. I’m not saying to run out and buy a new vehicle. The cost of a new vehicle will be more than gas. If you’re looking to purchase another vehicle, consider one that is more fuel efficient.
What other gas saving tips can you add?
image (c) Karen Weideman
July 4, 2011
Another Thrifty Birthday
Last year I told you about the ways that I purchase my kids’ birthday presents for a low price. Today it’s Alligator Girl’s birthday so I thought I would show you once more how I save a lot of money. Here are the gifts that we got her.
BFC Ink Hair Sylin’ Kit 14.99, 7.48
We got this at Target. It goes with the doll she got for Christmas.
Paperoni butterfly kit 5.04, 2.52
Target clearance
Paperoni puppy kit 5.04, 2.52
Target clearance
Paperoni kit with 1200 pieces 14.99, 3.74
Target clearance. We got these for her because she really likes do create things and draw.
Hello Kitty stampers, set of four 1.00
Target dollar section
Hello Kitty stationery set 14.25, 3.09
Claire’s Boutique clearance
Hello Kitty pouch with silly bands 4.50, 1.00
Claire’s Boutique clearance
skort 6.99, 1.74
Target clearance
Disney Princess belt 6.00, 1.00
Walmart clearance
white eyelet shirt 35.00, 4.00
Belk clearance
Build-A-Bear dress, shoes, bloomers 25.00?, 3.50
I got these at a consignment store. I don’t know exactly what this would cost at Build-A-Bear but I’m guessing it would be about $25.00.
These items would have cost about $130 but I paid around $30 for everything. It saves a lot of money to shop the clearance sales throughout the year.
Do you shop ahead for birthdays and Christmas presents?
April 25, 2011
25 Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Help the Environment
The green movement has been around for a few years but I have found that some of us need a bit of encouragement in this area. Helping the environment doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. There are easy and inexpensive ways to make a difference.
1. Recycle. You would think that this tip would be a given but I can’t tell you the number of plastic bottles, paper, and other items that I pull out of the trash. Check with your local area to see which items they recycle.
2. Bring your own reusable bags to the store. I began using cloth bags a few years ago. In the beginning I received lots of sighs and eye rolls from grocery baggers but now these are well accepted in stores. The cloth bags hold more, don’t hurt your hands when you’re carrying them, and you don’t have annoying plastic bags all around your home.
3. Find a use for the plastic bags. I take reusable bags into the store but on occasion there is a day when I forget. Rather than tossing those bags, find a use for them. I take plastic bags to work to use in my classroom in case someone has an accident. Line your bathroom trash can with them, take them to the pool for wet clothes, put your scooped cat litter in them. There are many uses.
4. Go paperless. Many companies have gone paper free. You can opt to sign up to have your bills emailed to you. Also, pay your bills online or on the phone. I think I only have one or two bills that I still have to mail in. It’s a time saver too.
5. Shop used. Shop consignment sales and garage sales. I have found some very nice clothing and toys at second hand sales. You can also save a lot of money.
6. Consider all expenses before buying or renting. Some people may choose one apartment over another because the rent is $50 cheaper each month. Rent isn’t the only thing to consider. Gas and electric expenses also need to be considered. If the home is further from your work you may spend that $50 (or more) on extra gasoline.
7. Limit the days you drive. Combine errands and try to limit the amount of driving that you do. You may want to make a list so that you can avoid extra trips.
8. Use cold water whenever possible. Some washing machines (like mine) automatically use the warm water option. I have to adjust it to cold. Cold water usually works just fine for everyday wear. Save the hot and warm water for bedding and soiled clothing.
9. Recycle your water. Use gray water for watering your plants and garden. You can use your bath or cooking water. I have been wanting a rain barrel for several years. I saw them for less than $100 and am really considering making this purchase.
10. Use cleaning rags instead of paper towels. I have always used cleaning rags but became more conscientious about it a few years ago. I have a big stack under my kitchen sink now.
11. Use vinegar to clean. I made the switch to vinegar about five years ago and it is definitely my favorite cleaner. It’s cheap and safe.
12. Teach your children to conserve. It takes some effort but now my kids know which items they can recycle. I have also taught them to turn off lights when they leave them room, not to run the water when they are brushing their teeth, and to close doors quickly when they are going outside.
13. Reuse jars. Each time I have a peanut butter, mayonnaise, or Nutella jar I wash it and save it. I use them for beads, noodles, and all sorts of small items. Here are other ideas for the jars.
14. Try to avoid prepackaged foods. Prepackaged cookies, crackers, and other snacks are higher priced and use a lot of excess packaging.
15. Don’t use paper plates. I have visited some homes where paper plates are an everyday item. I use them a few times a year when I have a lot of people at my house but that’s about it. To be honest, I don’t see what the big deal is about putting a plate into the dishwasher.
16. Air dry your clothes. I confess that I am guilty of using the clothes dryer whenever possible. When I had a clothes line I used it. Clothes dryers use a lot of electricity.
17. Use your dishwasher. Some of you may be shocked by this, but Consumer Reports did a study that showed that hand washing uses more water than the dishwasher.
18. Filter your own water. I can’t begin to imagine how many water bottles are in landfills. Most public water is safe to drink. You could purchase a filtering system to take out the chlorine. If you have well water be sure to have your water tested.
19. Install a programmable thermostat for your home. We have ours set to go up a few degrees when we’re away from home and to gradually lower at night while we’re sleeping.
20. Switch to cloth napkins. Our family did this a few years ago and I have never regretted that decision.
21. Take showers instead of baths. Showers use less water than baths. If you don’t believe it then use the drain stop when you’re taking a shower and see how much water is in the tub when you’re done with your shower.
22. Bring your own coffee cup. Rather than grabbing the disposable paper cups at work, bring your own. I have two insulated cups that I alternate using each day. The coffee also stays hotter longer and avoids spills.
23. Recycle old cell phones. Cell phones certainly don’t last as long as home phones. Sell, recycle, or donate your phone.
24. Reduce junk mail. Millions of pieces of junk mail are sent each year. There are sites online that promise to cut your junk mail by 90%. Some of these services cost $19-36 per year. Eco-cycle has some tips for doing this yourself.
25. Use rechargable batteries. It requires an initial expense in batteries and a charger but it should pay off very quickly.
This list only scratches the service of inexpensive ways to help the environment. Can you add to this list?
image sxc.hu
April 23, 2011
7 Ways to Save Money on Easter with the Kids
Another holiday is coming up this week. To my family and myself Easter is not about the Easter bunny and how much stuff we can get, but we do like to celebrate and have a good time. All of the baskets, candy, eggs, and dyes can get expensive very quickly. Here are some tips to save.
1) Save your Easter baskets and plastic eggs for next year. I heard someone say the other day that they saved money this year by not purchasing new baskets. Do people really buy new baskets each year? Why would you purchase a new basket when you only used it once? Sometimes I am shocked by the wastefulness of money and extra materials unnecessarily put into our environment. I wrap our Easter buckets and eggs in a plastic bag and put them in the attic for next year.
2) Shop now for next year. Of course it’s too late to do this for this week’s Easter, but it’s not too late to start for next year. I wait until seasonal stuff goes 75-90% off and then I purchase novelty items. My children are still in the primary grades of school and so each year their teachers ask for things for Easter, Christmas, Halloween, etc. Last year I purchased $10 of sparkly stickers at CVS for $1. I proudly sent them to school this week with my son for their Easter baskets.
3) Check out community events. I know in our area some churches and towns are having egg hunts. These are completely free. Take notice of banners, church signs, and facebook posts from your city or town.
4) Take advantage of sales and deals. Just this week CVS had some free Easter items after the Extra Care Buck rewards. Sometimes there are coupons for candy in the Sunday paper.
5) Avoid egg kits and make your own dye. Mix 1 teaspoon of white vinegar and 1 cup of hot water, and, then add drops of food color until you are happy with the hue. The directions are on the back of many food coloring packages. I have also used natural items such as onion skins and cabbage. Boil the items with vinegar and water to release the natural colors.
6) Use what you already have. As I already mentioned, I am using the Easter buckets and eggs from last year but this time I am referring to stuffing the plastic eggs. Last night I stuffed several eggs with stickers and things that we already have here at home. I also took some money from the coin jar and put quarters in a few of the eggs. The kids will be glad to get a little spending money.
7) Consider purchasing a gift instead. In the past I have usually given my children a small gift rather than a basket full of stuffed animals, trinkets, and things they don’t need. Consider a Bible, dvd, cd, or some other item. My children get more than enough candy and treats from school and church so I try to get them something more useful.
These are just a few ways to save. Can you add to the list?
image sxc.hu
March 6, 2011
30 Inexpensive Ways to Sow Kindness
Last year I read about Robyn’s 38th birthday celebration, which was to complete 38 random acts of kindness. Robyn was pretty creative at fulfilling her tasks and it looks as though she and her family had a great time blessing others. Many people’s lives were touched by their acts of kindness and many more will be affected by reading her post.
We’ve heard stories of people paying it forward by paying someone else’s tab in the fast food drive-thru or at a restaurant. Some of you may feel discouraged by this because you don’t the extra money to help out someone else. I want you to know that random acts of kindness don’t have to cost anything.
Here are some inexpensive ideas to get you started . . .
1. Collect shoes for Samaritan’s Feet. You can host a shoe drive in your church, school, or community.
2. Visit a neighbor. Maybe take some baked goods.
3. Give compliments. Something as simple as “That color really looks good on you” can brighten someone else’s day. (I need to work on this one.)
4. Sing or play a musical instrument at a nursing home. When I used to visit my grandma, I would play Christmas songs and other music on the piano. It was a small act that brought joy to many.
5. Send a card. A simple “thinking of you” or “praying for you” goes a long way to making someone feel loved.
6. Right a wrong. Have you hurt someone else’s feelings? It’s never too late to mend broken fences. Make an effort to restore a broken relationship.
7. Rake leaves, plant flowers, or make repairs on an elderly person’s home. Many times they don’t have the physical ability or the money to pay someone for the work. It would mean so much to them.
8. Divide up your overflowing flower bulbs and share with someone else.
9. Pick up trash. This could be in your neighborhood or just a place you have noticed that needs cleaned.
10. Mentor a child. You can be a blessing to a child in need.
11. Babysit for a single or stressed out mom (for free, of course). Having a few hours alone can really help someone to feel refreshed.
12. Make cards and letters for deployed military or veterans.
13. Pass out sandwiches and hot chocolate to the homeless.
14. Volunteer at the homeless shelter. You can serve food or just be someone to talk to.
15. Write thank you notes for your child’s teacher and school administration. Educators have a tough job with little thanks.
16. Donate gently used toys, coats, and blankets to a ministry such as a women’s shelter.
17. Offer to run errands for someone. Call your neighbor to see if they need anything. This would be especially helpful to an elderly person or a mother with young children.
18. Save expired coupons to ship overseas to military families.
19. Take a friend out for coffee.
20. Make homemade bread, muffins, or goodies for work and put them in the breakroom.
21. Deliver dinners for Meals on Wheels.
22. Crochet hats for cancer patients or sew blankets for children who are hospitalized.
23. Clean houses for cancer patients.
24. Donate old towels, rugs, blankets to an animal shelter.
25. Volunteer at the local animal shelter.
26. Give someone the benefit of the doubt. We all make mistakes and are in different stages of life.
26. Get those free items with your coupons even if your family doesn’t use them. Donate the items.
27. Let someone go in front of you in line.
28. Take dinner to someone that is sick or is unable to cook for themselves.
29. Play some games at freerice.com. For each question you answer correctly, rice will be donated to the hungry. Sometimes I’ll play this game while I’m watching tv. It’s so easy to make a difference.
30. Help others learn to save money. 
Added later: Oops, I just noticed there are two of #26. haha I guess you are getting more than 30.
And just for fun . . .
32. Get involved in a church or community service project. When you get together with others, you can do a lot of good. Elevation Church just had their yearly Love Week where they encouraged their congregation to volunteer in their city of Charlotte, NC. Over 33,000 hours were volunteered. That’s awesome!
I know there are many other ways to show kindness without spending much money. Can you help me add to this list?
This is a rewrite from a post I did last year while working for another company. Image by sxc by andreyutzu.
January 31, 2011
January’s Top Reads
You may be wondering what posts Thrifty Mommy readers enjoyed or you may have missed out on some helpful money saving advice. The most read posts this month were:
Easy Do-It-Yourself Luau/Beach Cupcakes
Printable Coupon: Free New York Style Product
Today’s CVS Deals ~ January 30, 2011
Sales at Lifeway Christian Stores
Product Review: Simmons Beautyrest Sheets
Please remember that some of the sale and coupon information may no longer be valid.
Which articles did you enjoy?
December 31, 2010
This Month’s Favorite Articles ~December 2010
Sometimes is it funny to see which articles are popular each month. Here’s a few from this month.
1. Paper Jamz Review
I did this one a few month’s ago and it’s still the top article each month.
2. Tassimo T20 Brewbot Review – So Simple a Five Year Old Can Do It
I enjoyed reviewing the Brewbot and continue to appreciate the coffee from it. My kids like to make me coffee because it’s so easy.
3. 30 Ways to Clean with Vinegar
I wrote this post this summer. If you haven’t read it, you might want to take a look. I clean most of my house with vinegar. It is a safe and inexpensive way to clean.
4. CVS Deals 7/13/10
I have no idea why this is a top read. Just what of those unexplained things I guess.
5. Bumble Bee Foods BlogHer Party
I was a representative for Bumble Bee Foods. They sponsored my trip to BlogHer and I attended a party where I met Chef Scott Leibfried of Hell’s Kitchen.
6. 12 Tips for Regifting
It is said that 2 out of 3 people have regifted or thought of regifting. Consider doing something useful with those unwanted gifts.
7. Menu Plan Monday ~ December 20
8. Oreo Truffles Recipe
This is the first time I have made these. They were very rich. You don’t need to eat many of them.
9. This Week’s CVS Deals ~ December 26
10. Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
I have been making this recipe for at least eight years. It is a Thanksgiving and Christmas favorite.
Which article was your favorite?
December 30, 2010
Homemade Playdough Recipe
My kids really enjoy playing with playdough. I have found that homemade playdough is very easy and inexpensive to make. It also lasts longer and is softer and easier to mold. Today we made two batches of playdough, some “cookies”, and we also decorated our creations. Here are some pictures of our day and a recipe for you.
Playdough Recipe
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1/4 cup salt
- food coloring of choice (5-10 drops)
Mix all the ingredients, adding the food coloring last. Stir over medium heat until play dough has a smooth consistency. Remove play dough from the pan and allow to cool for a few minutes. Knead until smooth. After it has cooled, place it in a plastic bag or airtight container to keep it soft.
Thrifty gift idea: Make some of this to use as an inexpensive party favor. Save frosting containers for the playdough. Decorate or cover the containers.
Another tip: When I was teaching preschool, we would multiply this recipe times four so that we would have enough for about eight kids. Also, we would make a color of playdough for each month which went along with the color of the month we were studying.
