As a stay-at-home mom of three boys ages three and under, it is VITAL that I get some time to myself. It helps me establish my identity outside of being a wife and mom and it makes me a better spouse and parent.In the early months of my new stay-at-home mom status, my "Me-time" was spent bargain hunting and garage sale shopping in town by myself. (In case you haven't noticed, I'm a nerd who enjoys getting good deals!) But now going to town is an $8 expenditure. My days of "bumming around … [Read more...]
Forced to Conserve Energy
Residents of Juneau, Alaska, have delved into the world of energy efficiency... not because the want to show the rest of us how "green" they are, but because they no longer have the "green" to afford basic electricity.A major avalanche has knocked out Juneau's main hydroelectric power transmission lines, and it could be months before they are fixed, according to MSNBC. Alaska Electric Light and Power started using back-up diesel generators to power the city. But with oil prices at a record … [Read more...]
Saving with Homemade Cleaners
I've been thinking a lot this past week about spring cleaning. Please note that I said thinking and not actually cleaning. Anyway, I found these cute little recipe cards with easy and cheap homemade cleaning recipes on them through Keep It Cheap. Keep It Cheap is a really neat website that is all about reducing, reusing, and recyling in the name of frugality.Making your own household cleaners is a great way to save money and be kinder to the environment. And in some cases, the homemade … [Read more...]
Reflections on Making My Own Baby Food
My twins are now 10-months old, and thankfully, they're starting to eat more "people" food. They're taking a greater interest in new tastes and textures and that means they get to share the family meal (mushed up, of course) and are slowly pulling away from baby staples like pureed carrots and squash.I've been making baby food for the twins for five months now, and I must admit, I am so happy that the end is in sight when it comes to baby food. I thought those of you who are parents may want … [Read more...]
Gas vs. food? A Disturbing Story
I was disturbed today by a story I saw on Good Morning America this morning.The story claimed that people were giving up breakfast and lunch to afford putting gas in their cars. Other people were lamenting that they had to give up things like kids' after school activities or going to church because of gas costs.I can't say I'm all that surprised. The housing debacle illustrates how absolutely insane people's logic is when it comes to personal finances. Let's try some problem solving people!!!I … [Read more...]
Saving on Gas: Tales from a Road Warrior
Editor's Note: The following post is written by Guest Blogger Susan, my very good friend (and a frugal one, too!). She's got so many good ideas, I wanted to share them with you. Enjoy!I used to drive 120 miles a day, 5 days a week. For 3 years. No, I didn’t have some weird driving addiction or a social anxiety condition that forced me to be in a confine space 10 hours a week. I happened to be living in a place that made sense at the time and got a job that was everything I needed a job to be, … [Read more...]
Tipster Tuesday: Timer switches
It's time again for Tipster Tuesday. My tip this week involves energy savings. When we built our house nearly three years ago, one of the things we did was have our bathroom fans put on a 15-minute timer switch. That way we wouldn't forget to shut off our bathroom fans after a shower or other activity in the bathroom. The timer is also great for preventing excessively long showers. You know that if the fan switches off when you're in the shower, you've been in there too long. It makes you … [Read more...]