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?

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.

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

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?

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

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?

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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:

Good Samaritan’s Do Exist

30 Ways to Clean with Vinegar

Paper Jamz Review

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

10 Cent Prints at Walgreens

Cucumber Salad Recipe

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?

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?

12 Helpful Tips for Moving

Unfortunately, I have moved several times in my life.  It’s very consuming and exhausting.  There are some ways to make moving a little bit easier.  Here are some tips I’ve learned that may make the process a little easier.

1.  Get organized. Keep a notepad handy for all the things you need to do.  It’s easy to get overwhelmed and forget some of the extra tasks.  A “to do” list will help you stay focused and not stress about forgetting things.

2.  Pack ahead of time. If you have a choice, there is no need in waiting until the last minute to pack.  Start by packing the things that you don’t use regularly such seasonal decorations, clothing, books, and wall hangings.  Each time I move I am reminded that it was more work than I remembered.  You don’t want to be overly stressed, so start as soon as possible.  During the last week before the move, you should only have necessities left to pack.

3.  Begin saving packing materials and try to use what you have. If you know in advance that you will be moving, begin saving packing materials, bubble wrap, newspaper, boxes, etc.  See if you can bring home boxes from work.  I also like to use sheets, blankets, and towels for packing material.  Blankets work well for packaging wall hangings.  I fold the blanket around the wall hanging and then apply packing tape around the blanket to hold it in place.  No tape touches the frame.

4.  Purchase a roll of plastic wrap (Saran wrap). It may sound crazy to you, but Saran Wrap is actually a great moving tool.  Wrap it around dressers, cabinets, and small things that you might lose.  Saran Wrap doesn’t apply tape to surfaces that you don’t want to get damaged, but it holds things together.  I have used it to hold armoire doors closed to keep them from opening and breaking.  I have used it to wrap odd items.  It’s an inexpensive fix.

5.  Label your boxes well. Simply writing “kitchen” just isn’t enough.  After the move when you’re looking for your casserole dishes, you don’t want to hunt through 15 boxes before you find them.  It’s worth the extra few seconds of effort to write something like “kitchen silverware” or “kitchen pots and pans”.

6.  Declutter as you go. If possible, try to get rid of clutter as you pack.  It costs money to pack and move things you don’t need.  Have a separate area for items to donate.

7.  Ask for moving expenses. If you are moving or relocating for your work, ask if they help with moving expenses.  Be sure to save all of your travel and gas receipts, as well as the receipts for rentals and boxes.  You can sometimes claim this expense on your taxes if it is work related.

8.  If you are renting a moving truck shop around for rates with different companies. Find out if they charge extra for each mile driven or if there are a certain number of miles included in their rate.

9.  When renting a moving truck, it is best to call to make sure your truck is there. We usually do this the day before.  Even if you have reserved a truck and paid a deposit, sometimes the truck will not be there. I know it sounds crazy, but it has happened to us.

10.  ALWAYS inspect the moving truck before leaving the rental company. Check for dents in the truck, missing trim, and any other kind of damage.  Also, check to see how much gas is in the truck.  Make sure all of this is documented on your rental agreement. Otherwise, you might face unnecessary charges.

11.  If possible, use plastic totes for fragile items. When we moved a few years ago, I decided to spend $30 on totes so that my china would be in a safer place.  Sure enough, someone was helping us unload the truck and dropped a tote with china in it.  I was surprised that none of it was broken. Boxes can easily get damaged during moving and they can also collapse if heavy items are stacked improperly.  Get plastic totes if you can.

12.  If possible, move on a week day. We have found that moving trucks are more expensive and harder to find on weekends.  A week day move will most likely make for a smoother transition since businesses and offices will be open.

These are a few moving tips that I’ve learned along the way.  What tips make moving easier for you?

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12 Useful Tips for Regifting

We have all received gifts that we find unuseful. There are some things that can be returned and other items leave you wondering where in the world they they came from. Rather than tossing or donating your unwanted gifts, consider repurposing them by regifting. Although regifting may sound tacky to some of you, here are some useful tips to consider.

1. Don’t give partially used gift cards. I received a used gift card more than seven years ago when my daughter was born and I still remember it like it was yesterday. The gift card was for $17 and some change. It left me wondering if they returned something and just gave me the gift card from the return or if someone gave them a gift card and they used it, and were giving the leftovers to me. If you have a gift card with an odd amount on it, consider adding a few dollars to it so that you can use it for a gift. Rather than giving someone a gift card with $17.86 on it, add $2.14 to make it an even $20.

2. Only give new unopened gifts. If you have to dust it or clean it first, then don’t regift it.

3. Consider using your unwanted gifts for a gift exchange party. Some refer to this game as Dirty Santa. I have played it with family, co-workers, and at church Christmas parties. It is actually pretty fun. You pick a number and that determines when you’ll get a turn in the game. The first person picks a wrapped present and they unwrap it. Then the next person can take the first person’s present or choose a new wrapped present and unwrap it. Each present can only be taken twice. Honestly, I think this is one of the best ways to unload an unwanted gift. For these gift exchange games, it’s usually assumed that people will bring something funny or something they don’t want.

4. Don’t just regift something to get rid of it. Make sure the person will like or appreciate the gift.

5. Remember who gave you the gift in the beginning. Don’t regift the item to someone who will show it the person who gave it to you. You don’t want to regift that book to your cousin who will show your aunt.

6. Make sure all the paper and tape from the original gift is gone. You don’t want evidence that the item was already gifted to you. (You need to be careful of this issue on things you buy from the store as well. I have seen items on the shelves that had a little bit of tape or wrapping paper left on the boxes.)

7. Be careful what you say about the gifts people give you. I’ve heard of people telling others humorous stories about the gifts they received from others and then regifting the items the next year. The people knew the item was a regift because they remember hearing the stories from the year before.

8. Make sure you know what’s in the box. You may get a present that has a crock pot on the box, but that doesn’t mean that there’s a crock pot inside. Some people simply reuse boxes. It would really be a mess if you thought you were giving someone a crock pot, but you gave them something else. Or worse, there could be a card inside with your name on it.

9. Only regift current items. And by that I mean don’t give someone an old CD, discolored cologne, a bath product that is no longer sold, etc. I remember one year someone gave me a set of Bath & Body Works products. I took it back to exchange it for a different scent and found out that Bath & Body Works had new and different packaging from what was on my gift. To make things worse, when I opened the gift, there was an expired coupon inside.

10. If you don’t have money for a gift, then choose something that your friend has complemented in your home. Then tell them that you didn’t have any money to buy them something, but you knew they really liked the crystal clock you have on your dresser, and you wanted them to have it. Honesty would probably be appreciated and the person would actually get something they like.

11. Don’t regift handmade items. Handmade items are very personal and the person receiving the item will be sure to ask, “Did you make this?”

12. Consider using your unwanted gifts for those in need. Each year, I know that my church will collect coats, blankets, and toys. I also know that each year I will assemble shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. I have used things that we have received to help fill the shoeboxes. (Of course the items were new.) This is an inexpensive way to bless others with a new item of something that you don’t need.

If you don’t want to regift, but don’t want to hurt your pocketbook, try this certificate from Regiftable.com. You can make a certificate for something you want to give someone, such as free babysitting. I’d love for someone to give me some free babysitting or housecleaning.

Do you regift? What items have you regifted? Do you have any regifting tips?

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