Thursday, April 5, 2012

Ways to save some money!

The original Article is at this site
http://ideas.thenest.com/money-advice/money-saving-tips/articles/money-easy-ways-to-save-$1000-plus.aspx
1. BECOME A BAG LADY (OR DUDE)

Many stores offer rebates and incentives to customers who use environmentally friendly, reusable totes. Although it’ll typically only save you 10¢ or so, if you use a few bags every time you shop and you hit up the grocery store once a week, the savings will add up...to at least a lotto ticket.

2. DON’T DIAL 411

You forgot to write down the address of the restaurant where you’re meeting your pals, and now you’re stuck on a street corner. Before you dial 411, remember you’ll get slammed with your wireless provider’s $1.99 fee. If you don’t have Internet service on your phone, you can text Google instead (466453). Don’t believe us? Go ahead, try it!

3. BYOB

Going out for dinner with your favorite wino friends? Call ahead and ask a) if you can bring your own wine and b) what they charge for the corkage fee. If you’re planning to buy a few bottles of wine (or a couple of glasses each), it could pay to bring your own. Bonus: You’ll probably get a much nicer bottle of vino for the price if you bring one you bought from a liquor store, since restaurants often mark up their booze.

4. SHOP AHEAD

Buying staples on an as-needed basis means you’ll often find yourself running to the corner store, where you’ll pay a premium. Instead, keep track of the things you buy regularly and then get them in mass quantities when they go on sale at your grocery store. Seriously, buy as many as you can fit in your house without a loved one signing you up for Hoarders (or as many as the store allows, since sales are sometimes limited).

5. WORK OUT FOR LESS

Getting in shape was one of your New Year’s resolutions...but so was saving dough. Here’s how to actually stick with both this year: See what other gyms in your area are offering and then ask your gym to match the lowest monthly fee you find. If it won’t, then switch gyms (duh!). Got the best deal in town? See if your health insurance company reimburses you for working out––many do.

6. CANCEL YOUR PHONE INSURANCE

According to Bundle.com, most money experts aren’t fans of cell phone insurance. The reason? You’re paying around $5 a month to insure your phone, but you’d still have to shell out an additional $50 deductible to get a new one. Save the five bucks, and if something does happen to your precious BlackBerry, it’s typically cheaper to pick up a used phone online.

7. USE A RAG

Cut down your environmental impact—and the impact on your checking account—by using a rag instead of paper towels.

8. WRAP YOUR WATER HEATER

If your hot-water bill gets you all steamed up, you might want to check the age of your water heater. Newer ones have plenty of insulation, but electric ones built before 2004 could use a little help. So wrap it up in an insulating jacket like a Thermwell Water Heater Blanket ($22 on AceHardware.com), and you could save around $30 a year.

9. DON’T PAY FULL PRICE AT THE THEATER

There’s nothing better than spending a snowy Sunday at the movies, but ticket prices (plus those $5 Cokes and $7 popcorns) are enough to make you as homicidal as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho. Before you go and try to feed a kitten to an ATM, hit up Costco or Sam’s Club, where you can buy discounted movie tickets to major theater chains like AMC. (You can also ask your employer if it offers discounts at certain theaters––many do.) Don’t have a membership? Instead of dinner and a movie, go for a matinee followed by the early-bird special.

10. TAKE IT DOWN A NOTCH

Turning down the thermostat 10 to 15 degrees in winter (and turning it up in summer) while you’re at work or out running errands could lower your energy bill by as much as 15 percent.

11. GO ON A GAS ATTACK

If gas prices are causing you to seriously consider adopting an Amish lifestyle, here’s a solution that doesn’t involve a horse and buggy: Before you head to the pump, locate the gas stations with the lowest prices by checking websites like GasBuddy.com, Autos.MSN.com and BillShrink.com.

12. GET TO KNOW YOUR SLOW COOKER

You’re jonesing for a hearty meal, but you have neither the time nor the money to really pull it off. That’s where the slow cooker comes in. It’s way more energy-efficient than your oven, which means it costs less to operate and your energy bill will go down. Added savings: A slow cooker turns tougher cuts of meat into mouth-watering eats, so you can go a little cheap on the beef and save at the grocery store too.

13. GIVE A DOG AN...iPHONE?

The dilemma: You finally took the plunge into parenthood and purchased a pup (one step at a time, right?). And while you love the little tail wagger, you don’t love the way he’s devouring everything you own. Too bad obedience school isn’t in your budget. No need to worry: "There’s an app for that." Teach your dog to sit, stay, speak or bite your mother-in-law with the Smart Dog Training app, which you can download for a much more manageable $4.99. (Bonus: Because the app is portable, you’ll be able to correct any doggy misbehavior on the spot.)

14. CHOOSE EMAIL OVER TEXTS

Can’t seem to stay within your monthly text limits, but not texting quite enough to make it worth the upgrade fee? Check out this sweet trick for avoiding overage fees: If your phone has an email feature, you can send texts via email (if you know what type of plan the person you’re emailing has). Here’s the format:

If the receiver has Sprint, use: phonenumber@messaging.sprintpcs.com

If the receiver has Verizon, use: phonenumber@vtext.com

If the receiver has T-Mobile, use: phonenumber@tmomail.net

If the receiver has AT&T, use: phonenumber@txt.att.net

15. CHOOSE CHEAPER CUTS

Look, we know you’re really into your chicken breast, but if you’re really into your white meat, buying a whole chicken is cheaper than buying prepackaged pieces.

16. PICK YOUR VEGGIE...NIGHT

With pork and beef prices on the rise, going vegetarian one night a week is an easy way to save. And before you get all "Where’s the beef?!" on us, remember: Spaghetti + marinara sauce + heaps of Parmesan counts as vegetarian. (By our calculations, so does Easy Mac.) Oh, and did we mention going veggie is good for the planet too?

17. UPLOAD YOUR BILL TO UNLOAD COSTS

You’re sure you must be overpaying for your wireless service (it simply can’t cost that much to own a cell phone, right?). But who has the time to go over the fine print? Validas.com does. For five bucks, the site analyzes your phone usage, points out where you’re overpaying and will even recommend more budget-friendly plans.

18. BE GENERIC

We know, we know. Tide just smells so fresh, and the drugstore version might not get your whites as white. But replacing just five brand-name items a month with the generic versions could save you a pretty good sum by month’s end (and a ton over the course of a year). Come on, you can handle the store-brand toilet cleaner, can’t you?

19. UNSUBSCRIBE

Yes, we understand that if you’re staying home to save money, Netflix feels like a must. But why pay anything when you can rent for free? See, there’s this place called a library, where they lend out not only books but also a surprisingly impressive collection of current DVDs. And since everyone else is too lazy to walk farther than the mailbox for new movies, your favorite flicks will almost always be in stock.

20. UP YOUR DOSAGE

If you need your monthly prescription, but you really, really don’t need the headache that comes along with paying for it, ask your doctor to double your dosage and cut your pills in half. (Note: This will only work if your pill is one that can be safely sawed in two, so forget those gelcaps and capsules.) Since you’re not refilling every month, you’ll save 50 percent (we’re talking hundreds of dollars each month in some cases).

21. FIGHT THE POWER...HOGS

If your electricity bill is shockingly high, unplug your appliances when they’re not in use so they don’t draw energy—and cost you money. The easiest way to do this is to plug your biggest energy eaters into a power strip, so you can turn them all off with the flick of a switch. Not convinced it makes that much of a difference? Consider this: You could save as much as $110 a year just by flipping off the power strip when it’s not in use. Need we say more?

22. AMUSE YOURSELF -- FREELY

The commute is getting old, and you’re in desperate need of some new music and a good book, but you don’t want to spend $50 for entertainment. So what’s a culture junkie to do? Get it all for free, of course. As part of the First Listen series, NPR.org allows you to listen to tons of albums (before they’re even released) for free, and Amazon.com offers a downloadable free song of the day. Free e-books are available at Amazon.com, Borders.com, BarnesandNoble.com and Gutenberg.com. Still prefer reading material with actual pages? Head to the local library.

23. SHOW YOUR MUG

You love your morning joe (and we don’t mean your man). And while you know brewing at home’s cheaper, you just can’t resist the draw of Starbucks/Dunkin’ Donuts/anywhere that doesn’t involve spooning the grinds yourself. Grab your mug, java junkie! Bringing your own could score you a discount at many coffee joints, including good old five...we mean, Starbucks.

24. BE CLASS-Y

Want to spiff up your pad but don’t have the cash? Many home-improvement stores offer free classes on everything from furniture upholstering to flower arranging, and they’ll often throw in an in-store discount just for attending. We know -- you can thank us for your gorgeous new dining room chairs and plush new bath towels later.

25. PURCHASE DINING DISCOUNTS

In desperate need of a romantic date night but not another charge on your credit card? Get back in the mood by heading to Groupon.com or Restaurant.com for major savings at tons of great restaurants (read: not just Applebee’s) in your ’hood. Groupon.com, which covers over 160 cities in the U.S. and Canada alone, offers daily discounts at restaurants, while Restaurant.com offers discounted gift cards to restaurants. Even better: The already-discounted cards go on sale frequently, so you could land a gift card for just $1 (no joke).

26. EMBRACE COUPONS

You can really reduce your tab at the supermarket, drugstore and even Best Buy by using good old-fashioned coupons. No need to wait until Sunday to attack the paper with your scissors; you can score coupons online any day of the week. Check out sites like Coupons.com, SmartSource.com, RedPlum.com and Coupons.com. Gotta have that one thing that wasn’t under the tree this year? Check for coupons or promotion codes at RetailMeNot.com.

27. MAKE FRIENDS WITH A STUDENT

It’s that time of month again: The J.Crew catalog has arrived, and you want everything in it. (Well, maybe not those sequined harem pants, but definitely everything else.) The solution? Make friends with a student or teacher, and take them to the store with you. J.Crew gives a 15 percent discount to college students and professors. And you’ll find similar discounts at tons of other retailers -- just ask.

28. SPLURGE SMART

You know you should be scouring Craigslist for a new side table for your living room, but you’ve fallen totally, hopelessly in love with the brand-new one from West Elm that’s outta your price range. Enter PlasticJungle.com. The site offers gift cards for more than 400 brands -- everything from 1-800-Flowers to Petco to, yes, West Elm -- all at discounted prices. Shipping’s free, and the company nullifies any risk by verifying the balance on the gift cards itself.

29. MAKE IDLE THREATS

As you’re not under contract, you can call up your cable provider and get your bill reduced. Here’s how: Call the company and nicely tell the first person you talk to that you’re pleased with your service, but it’s just too expensive. Ask if there’s anything she can do for you. Either she’ll offer you something small, or she’ll say no. Either way, the goal is to be transferred to a “retention specialist” so you can state your case and threaten (again, nicely) to take your business elsewhere. Your threats could save you $30 a month.

30. TAKE YOUR SWEET TIME

Vendors really don’t want to lug their produce back to the farm, so hit up the farmers’ market late in the day when they start discounting their wares to get rid of them. Just remember: Some things (homemade rhubarb pie... mmm) do sell out, so if you’re looking for something special, don’t go too late.

Nestperts: Kathy Spencer, author of How to Shop for Free: Shopping Secrets for Smart Women Who Love to Get Something for Nothing; Phil Villarreal, author of the oh-so-humorous Secrets of a Stingy Scoundrel: 100 Dirty Little Money-Grubbing Secrets.


I would like to add a few things to this.  
  1. Make your own household cleaners.  Not only can this save some money but some of these can be more eco-friendly.  Here are some recipes to get you started :
     
    Glass Cleaner
    1 cup distilled white vinegar
    2 cups water
    1/2 tsp dish soap
    10-15 drops essential oil
    Spray Bottle

    All Purpose Cleaner
    1/2 tsp washing soda
    1/2 tsp liquid Castille soap
    2 cups hot water
    10-15 drops essential oil
    Spray Bottle

    Disinfectant
    Hydrogen Peroxide
    10-15 drops essential oil
    Spray Bottle

    Hardwood Floor Cleaner
    4-5 Tbsp Murphy's Oil Soap
    2 Cups Water
    Spray Bottle

    Furniture Polish and/or Stainless Steel Cleaner
    2 cups oil (vegetable or olive)
    1 squeezed lemon
    15 drops of lemon essential oil

    Air Deodorizer
    1 tsp baking soda
    1tsp vinegar
    2 cups water
    10 drops essential oil
    Spray Bottle
  2. Want to eat out but don't want to spend the prices.  Look up copycat recipes to your favorite place and make them at home.
  3. Who doesn't appreciate a homemade gift? I don't know anyone who doesn't.  So make your own gifts.  I have some things located in my craft blog, and I'm always adding more.  Take up knitting/ crocheting.  A couple of years ago, I made scarves for all the woman in my family, plus my brother  who wanted one.  They LOVED them!  I still get excited when I see them wearing them! There are even good projects for kids to do with you if you have kids.
  4. Love candles but sick of spending the cost for them. Start making your own!  Most craft stores sell blocks of candle wax and the supplies you need to get started, plus scents and colors.  The possibilities are practically endless!  I've been making my own for years!  There are also sites where you can buy your favorite scents!
  5. Want a new book shelf or a headboard.  DIY!!!  Lowes.com has tips on how to do some of these things.  You just have to do a little bit of searching sometimes!
  6.  

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

DIY Bookcase

Classic Bookcase

Hone your beginner woodworking skills with a simple furniture piece.

BookCase_hero
You can complete this project in a day, give it a fun paint treatment, and then use it to store books, toys, or your favorite keepsakes.
The Kreg Jig R3 pocket hole system is a great tool for beginner woodworkers and many types of projects.
Book Case
Corner clamps can act as a third hand during project assembly.
Book Case
Instructions:
General: Cut and label the parts as needed, using the Cut List and Cutting Diagram as guides and adjusting for fit.
1 Build the face frame.
a. Drill two pocket holes in each end of the (01) stiles as shown in Figure 1.
b. Attach the (01) stiles to the (02) top rail and to the (03) bottom rail using glue and pocket hole screws (see Figure 1).
2 Build the case assembly.
Note: For helpful tips on assembling the case, go to LowesCreativeIdeas.com/SkillSet to watch a step-by-step video on building a box.
a. Apply glue to the ends of the top (04) shelf, and position it between the (05) sides. It should be flush with the top of the (05) sides as shown in Figure 2. Clamp in place with corner clamps, and attach with nails.
b. Position the bottom (04) shelf between the (05) sides. The top edge of the bottom (04) shelf should be 2 1/2 inches from the lower edges of the (05) sides. Clamp in place.
c. Temporarily place the face frame on the case assembly to check that the top edge of the bottom (04) shelf is flush with the top edge of the (03) bottom rail. Make a mark on the (05) sides for the placement of the bottom (04) shelf.
d. Attach the bottom (04) shelf to the (05) sides with glue and nails.
e. Position the center (04) shelf centered between the top and bottom (04) shelves, and attach it to the (05) sides with glue and nails.
3 Attach the face frame and back.
a. Lay the case assembly on its back, and attach the face frame to the case assembly front with glue and nails.
b. Flip the case over, and attach the (06) back with glue and wire brads. Note: If you use a different paint color for the (06) back, it’s best to sand, prime, and paint it before attaching.
4 Add finishing touches.
a. Fill all nail holes, sand, prime, and paint the assembly.
  BookCase_image1BookCase_image2
Cut List
# PART NAME QUANTITY MATERIAL SIZE (in inches)
01 stiles 2 1 x 2 3/4 x 1 1/2 x 24
02 top rail 1 1 x 2 3/4 x 1 1/2 x 24
03 bottom rail 1 1 x 3 3/4 x 1 1/2 x 24
04 shelves 3 1 x 12 3/4 x 11 1/4 x 22 1/2
05 sides 2 1 x 12 3/4 x 11 1/4 x 28
06 back 1 plywood 1/4 x 24 x 28
Finished Dimensions:
Height: 28 inches
Depth: 12 1/4 inches
Width: 24 inches

Got this from lowes.com

DIY Headbaords

I've been wanting to get a headboard for our bedroom for some time now.  Here is the thing, I don't want to spend a lot of money on this either.  So I've been looking on some websites for some good DIY Headbaords.  There are a few we've narrowed down too.  The first link does have some pretty good ideas that you can tweak to make more your style.

http://cdn.homedit.com/34-diy-headboard-ideas/

http://www.lowescreativeideas.com/idea-library/projects/Bed-azzling_Woven_Headboards_Collection_0811.aspx

Another idea, the one I am thinking about doing

Fabric patchwork headboard

    Use scraps of coordinating fabrics to create a modern patchwork-effect headboard. To make the headboard, cut 8-inch squares from stiff florist's foam and 1/4-inch plywood. Cut 8-inch squares from quilt batting and place over foam squares. Glue all layers with Styroglue. Cut fabric into squares large enough to wrap the foam squares with at least a 1/2 -inch overlap on the back. Staple fabric to the back with a staple gun. Cut a piece of 1/4-inch plywood a few inches wider than your mattress on both sides. Line up the squares facedown in your desired pattern and attach them to each other with heavy-duty tape. Top them with the plywood, and drill wood screws at 8-inch intervals to secure all the layers. Attach ring hooks to the back of the plywood to hang the headboard on the wall.

Date Day/ Night Ideas!

  1. Restaurant at home. Find recipes from some of your favorite recipes online, create a menu and have a lovely meal at home!
  2. Cook a meal together. Find a recipe you've never tried and make it together. Be sure to include some dessert
  3. Visit a bakery. Go to a local bakery and pick out a treat for each other.  
  4. Breakin' records. Read through the Guinness Book of World Records together, and find something the two of you could potentially achieve as a couple and then do it together as a cheap date.
  5. Take a hike. This website will show you places near you to hike!
  6. Movie night In. Pick out a movie from you collection or go to Redbox and rent a movie.  Make you own popcorn, pick out some candy from the dollar store and have a good night!
  7. Exercise together. Attend an exercise class at a local gym, take a walk or jog together or do something active!
  8. Restaurant hop. Go to a different restaurant for each course of the meal. Make three stops for an appetizer, main course and dessert. Take turns picking where to go!  Add a stop for just drinks too!
  9. Take some lessons. Try taking a lesson for a couples dance, pottery or a cooking class!
  10. Try a new restaurant. We usually end up eating out at the same places. Pick somewhere neither of you have been and try it out! Who knows, it might be a new favorite!
  11. Theme night. Pick a theme for the night and center everything around it. For example, Mexican night. You could eat Mexican food and go salsa dancing!
  12.  Make indoor s'mores and read campfire stories. If you don't have a gas stove, you could light candles to cook your marshmallows over
  13. Take a drive. Get out of the house and take a drive. Take a look at nature or local scenery! For example, changing leaves in the fall, flowers blooming in the spring, etc
  14. Flowers.  Go to the Botanical Gardens
  15. Visit the zoo. If you don't live near a zoo, go somewhere to see your local wildlife.
  16. State Park. Pick a state park within an hour of your area and spend the day there. Hike, have a picnic or even just take in the scenery
  17. Take a free factory tour. You would be surprised what factories are around you! We toured a beer factory and had free samples at the end!
  18. Volunteer. Sign up to volunteer at a soup kitchen, retirement home or somewhere that could use a helping hand!
  19. Marathon. Okay maybe not that ready for a marathon, but maybe a 5k.  Find a 5k in your area and run that together or even walk it
  20. Have a coupon date. Only eat or do activities you have coupons for
  21. Go on a bike ride (if weather permits). If you don't have a bike, check the classifieds for a great deal! You could even pack a lunch!
  22. Treasure hunting. Head to the ATM and get out $10-$20. Drive around to some local yard sales and see what you end up with! There are tons on the weekends!
  23. Go to a local sporting event. Luckily, sports are going on year around! Grab some snacks and head out to the ball game!
  24. Make ice cream sundaes. Head to the store and buy some vanilla ice cream and your favorite toppings. Relax and enjoy your tasty treat!  
  25. Have a "crazy dinner." Each person gets $5 (or whatever amount you decide) to spend on any food item at the grocery store for dinner. Come home and prepare your meal! You might end up with some random food!
  26. Check out a local museum. They usually don't cost much, if anything, to get in!
  27. Go to a park (if weather permits). Swing on the swings, play frisbee, or feed the ducks!
  28. Have a picnic. If the weather doesn't permit, lay out a blanket on the floor and eat in the living room!
  29. Be a tourist in your own city. Find what tourist attractions are in your city and spend the night acting like tourists, which includes taking cheesy pictures!
  30. Make your own fondue. Use a fondue pot (or crock pot) and dip fresh fruit, cake, cookies, marshmallows, and pretzels in melted chocolate. Try this delicious recipe!
  31. Camping. Find a state park and take a 3 day camping trip
  32. Bake. Bake something together, like cookies or a cake.  Anything.  I have some recipes located in my kitchen blog
  33. Cloud Gazing. Go to a local park, lay a blanket down and hopefully you've got clouds passing by.  See what you can see.  Tell you SO (significate other) what you see and ask what they see.  This could get interesting!
  34. Surprise night out.  Take turns planning a date night.  Don't disclose to the other what the plans are and just take them out.  

How To Fix Dents in Wooden Floors & Furniture (With an Iron!)

dent22812.jpg
Many years ago a teacher told me that you could steam out a dent in a piece of wood (one where the wood fibers had been compressed, not a where they had been removed) using a wet rag and an iron.

This technique was meant for unfinished wood, but unfortunately, most of the wood we deal with in our homes has some sort of finish on it. With some research I learned that this technique can work with finished wood but it depends greatly on the type of finish you are dealing with. So I decided to do a couple of tests to see the results for myself.
NOTE: BE CAREFUL! SOME FINISHES MIGHT TURN WHITE WHEN EXPOSED TO STEAM. PLEASE TRY THIS IN A HIDDEN AREA BEFORE DOING IT IN A VISIBLE PLACE.
The first test was a on a birch table from IKEA. Although this technique works better on new dents I decided to try to steam out a dent that had been there for quite a long time.
Here is what I did:
1. Wet the dent
2. Apply a wet cloth or paper towel
3. With the iron on High apply the iron to the wet paper towel or cloth and make a circular motion, don't keep it in just one position as this might burn the surface of the towel. Make sure there is a lot of steam being generated. Do this for a few minutes and check your results. In my case I did this for about 3-5 minutes.
Birch 1.jpg
Birch 2.jpg
Birch 3.jpg
The dent came up almost completely and there was no damage to the finish!
My second test was on our hardwood floors. I found a dent that was pretty deep. I followed the same steps as above.
Oak 1.jpg
Oak 2.jpg
Oak 3.jpg
Although the dent came up, the surface of the finish had been broken and some dirt had gotten in side the cracks. If you know what type of finish you are dealing with you might want carefully sand the area and reapply the finish.
Oak 4.jpg
In the spirit of this experiment I tried sanding and got most of it out. Then I applied some Tung Oil that I had at home. It's probably not the same as the original finish but the area certainly looks better than before. Here is my result:
Oak 5.jpg

How To: Make an Inexpensive, DIY Reed Diffuser

How To: Make an Inexpensive, DIY Reed Diffuser

By: Chrisjob
created at: 03/15/2011
You can pick up all you want, but the true indicator of how clean a home really is? The way it smells. During spring cleaning season, we wait for the days where it's warm enough to open the windows and air out the house, and do some serious scrubbing to get rid of the worst odor offenders. And when all's back to
neutral, it's time to fill your home with a fresh, clean scent.

Most chemical-based air fresheners are 1) bad for you 2) bad for the earth, and 3) don't actually make your house smell better, they just add more pollutants to mask the smells and trick you into thinking they're doing something

I love the idea of making my own diffuser oil, cause I can whip it up in small batches, and eventually, during produce season, I'd like to experiment with making my own essential oils. Until then, mixing up my own solution using a purchase essential oil is still way less expensive.
created at: 03/15/2011
  • Small vase or glass bottle
  • Mineral oil 
  • Vodka
  • Diffuser reeds
  • Essential oil
Any container will work. The best have wider base and a small openning at the top to discourage evaporation. Mineral oil can be found at the pharmacy, and the vodka can be as cheap as you'd like, just make sure its not diluted. Although they may look similar, diffuser reeds are not the same as bamboo skewers. They might work in a pinch, but you can find the reeds for a dollar or two, and they're much more efficient.
created at: 03/15/2011
The mineral oil is used as a non-evaporating base to hold the essential oils. Start by pouring a 1/4 cup of oil into a measuring cup. Then, add 2-3 tablespoon of vodka. This won't mix naturally, so stir throughly to emulsify them. The vodka thins the oils to get it to the right consistency to move up the reeds.
created at: 03/15/2011
Next, add the essential oil to the mixture. Your ratio should be around 75% base to 25% essential oil. Stir thoroughly.
Then just pour everything into your container, and insert 5-6 reeds. After a few hours, flip the reeds over, and continue to flip every few days.
With the cost of the vase, reeds, and oil, I spent maybe $5.00, and I'll be able to keep whipping up refills for just a dollar or two. Excellent!

Jewelry Cleaner

 

 

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. 1
    Heat water in the microwave for 1 or 2 minutes.
  2. 2
    Cut a piece of aluminum foil that roughly covers the bottom of a small bowl (like a cereal bowl).
  3. 3
    Pour hot water into bowl. Place salt, soda, and dishwashing liquid into bowl. Place jewelry on top of foil and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse jewelry in cool water and dry jewelry completely with soft cloth. Discard solution after use and make a new batch next time.
  4. 4
    According to wire-sculpture.com, "this works well for gold-filled, brass, german (nickel) silver, and sterling silver. I have even cleaned jewelry with freshwater pearls, shell cameos and mother of pearl with no problem.".

Clean Slate: Deep Spring Cleaning

Clean Slate: Deep Spring Cleaning

Spring has just begun.  For many that means time to throw open the windows and blow the funk off of the place a little.  Typically this includes some deep cleaning.  No matter how neat and tidy you are, things can use some extra attention occasionally.  In the kitchen, particularly, food finds its way into places that might not be part of your daily cleaning routine.
If you are like me, you need a little direction to keep you focused.  This could help1

Deep-Clean
PDF version
What to use:
  • Dust mop (preferably with a long handle)
  • Step-ladder
  • Cleaning cloths
  • Small bucket with handle
  • Sponges
  • Vacuum with attachment
  • All-purpose cleanser, dishsoap, or mild cleanser of choice
  • Oven Cleaner
  • Glass cleaner
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Shelf or cabinet liner and drawer dividers
  • Broom and mop or towel
  • Baking soda solution for fridge/freezer
  • A broom stick with an old sock for under the stove and fridge
Finally, don't let yourself become overwhelmed.  Only take on what you can manage and plan according to the time you have.  Be sure to factor in your REAL level of commitment.  Don't be ashamed to hire someone for the really tough stuff or tasks you just don't want to do

The Homemade Brown Sugar Scrub

The Homemade Brown Sugar Scrub

Brown Sugar
This is one of my favorite brown sugar scrub recipes simply because of how quick and easy it is to make and how great it exfoliates my sensitive skin, leaving it silky smooth.  I prefer brown sugar scrubs over white cane sugar scrubs most of the time due to the sensitivity of my skin and the smell of brown sugar is much better in my opinion.  There are many varieties to this basic recipe and you can play with it until you get the sugar scrub just right for your skin type.

Ingredients You Will Want For Your Brown Sugar Scrub

  • 1 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Sweetened Almond Oil (Don't have any? Try this one)
  • 1 tsp Vitamin E (I cut open a couple Vitamin E liquid gel caps)
  • 1/2-1 tsp Vanilla Extract
&nbps;

Optional Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions

  • The amount of almond oil you use will depend on your personal preference and skin type, experiment with more or less oil until you get your perfect mix.
  • You can substitute the almond oil for pure sesame oil (not roasted). extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil or any other oil you like that is suitable for the skin.  I prefer almond oil due to the many benefits of almond oil on the skin.
  • In place of the vanilla extract you can use your favorite essential oil or fragrance oil.  Or if you are in a pinch you can leave it out altogether as it's mainly included for added aroma.
  • The Vitamin E is also not a necessity but it adds some skin nourishment to the brown sugar scrub.
  • You can add a little honey for extra moisturizing on dry skin.

Homemade Baby Wipes

Homemade Baby Wipes

I found this on another site and thought it was a great idea! As a bonus to making your own, is that it saves a lot of money.  When i start having kids of my own, this is one of the things I will plan to attempt to keep up on to save us some money! 


Ingredients:
1 roll Bounty Select-A-Size paper towels
1 1/2 tablespoons baby bath
1 tablespoon baby oil
2 cups water

Start with 1 roll of Bounty Select-A-Size paper towels.  They really need to be Bounty.  I use off brand paper towels for general use, but I tried them once as wipes and they fall apart and don't clean baby bottoms nearly as well as Bounty. 

 Pull the wrapper off and place on a cutting board.

 Using a sharp non-serated knife, cut the roll in half.


They will look like this.  Keep one and put the other one away for next time. 

You need a container to place the wipes in that is big enough to fit the paper towels.  The cover also needs to seal well so they don't dry out.  I found this one at Target.  It's a ClickClack 2.9 quart. 

Measure out 1 1/2 tablespoons of baby wash.


Then 1 Tablespoon of baby oil.  Add both to the container

Add 2 cups of water to the container.

Mix together

Place the roll of paper towl in the container.  I place the cut side down.

Place the cover on the container and turn the container upside down.  Keep it upside down until the paper towels are soaked through.

Open the container.  Pull the cardboard center out of the paper towels.

This is how they look!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Check this site!

http://www.thisiswhyimbroke.com/

 Neat site for a bunch of random crap!

Homemade Microwave Popcorn

Make Your own microwave popcorn
To make this yummy and thrifty popcorn all you need is:
  • 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
  • 2 tsp Olive oil, or other healthy oil. (teaspoons)
  • 1/4 salt (optional)
  • one lunch sack size brown paper bag
In the paper bag, add the popcorn, pour the oil over the popcorn in the bag. Next add the salt, and fold over the top of the bag at least twice. Shake the bag to coat the popcorn. Place the bag on a paper plate, or napkin. Cook on high for 2-3 mins, or until there is a 2-3 second pause as the popcorn popping is slowing down.
Carefully pull out, and pour into a bowl… and enjoy healthy and thrifty Do It Your self popcorn in a microwave!

Easy Baking Soda Air Freshener

Easy Baking Soda Air Freshener
1/2 cup baking soda (per jar)
Essential oil of your preference (8-12 drops)
Mason jar (I love the 8 oz wide mouth Elite Collection for these!)
Scrapbook paper
Tapestry needle 
Scissors and pen
This is seriously so easy, no lie!  I have a few books of Amy Butler Scrapbook paper that I love to use for  random odds and ends type projects like this.  I've had them forever and no matter how much I have used them the pages never seem to get depleted, yay me!
All you do is grab some scrapbook paper and trace the lid part (not the ring part...basically not the one in the picture above!) onto it with a pen or marker.  Then just cut out your circle....are you still with me?  I told you this was easy!

Then grab your tapestry needle, it's one of those long needles similar to an embroidery needle (which would probably work just as well!).  It has a large eye as you can see in the picture above.  I like using these needles because they are much thicker than your average sewing needle, they pierce through the scrapbook paper with ease, are much easier to hold, and make a nice sized hole.

Then go to town punching the needle all over the scrapbook paper.  You are basically making a way for the pretty essential oil smells to waft throughout your home.

Then pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into the mason jar and add in 8-12 drops of essential oil of your choice.  Start off by adding less oil and if you find it's not strong enough to scent your room add in a bit more.  A bigger room will need more oil and a smaller room like a bathroom will use less.

Place the scrapbook paper inside the mason jar ring and tighten it onto the jar.  Gently shake up the baking soda/essential oil mixture and there you go...presto!  Easy Baking Soda Air Freshener!

You could make one for each room in your house in lots of pretty scents.  I personally like Lavender in the bedrooms and cinnamon in the bathrooms but anything goes with this fun project!

How To Clean Your Bathroom Like A Pro!

 another good tip!

How To Clean Your Bathroom Like A Pro!

Saturday, January 7, 2012
Earlier this week I talked about my efforts to “throw in the {paper} towel” in 2012. It got a lot of people talking! I was surprised at how many people were already doing this…and had been for some time.
Denise from Ark was one of them and left some very interesting insights in the comments section. You should read them… after this of course. :-)
But the thing that made me sit up and take notice was her comment that she had cleaned houses for 20 years followed by her detailed “how-to” clean a bathroom quickly and efficiently, using only THREE paper towels! Sign me up!!

I was so impressed I asked her if she would mind if I shared her routine with all of you, and she was kind enough to agree. As I told her, I’ve never quite known how to go about EFFICIENTLY cleaning the whole bathroom at one time. I usually end up deep cleaning one area at a time because I don’t REGULARLY clean the whole thing.
I won’t even try to improve on what she wrote (not that it’s even possible…AMATEUR cleaner that I am)….except I am going to put it into list form for easy reference later. :-)
“How To Clean A Bathroom Like A Pro” by Denise in Ark….who, before beginning a well-deserved retirement, cleaned 15 to 20 bathrooms a week for 20 years!
Step 1. Swish the toilet with the toilet scrub brush, then prop the brush under the seat to drain. (Brilliant!)
Step 2. Spray the toilet (and brush) top to bottom with disinfectant. Let sit. (She doesn’t mention what kind of disinfectant…I personally use 1/2 water; 1/2 vinegar in a spray bottle. Vinegar is a great natural AND CHEAP disinfectant and deodorizer.)


Step 3. Using the same disinfectant, spray the sinks, faucets and counters.
Step 4: Spray the mirror and use a wet (but not drippy!) microfiber cloth and wash the mirror well. Leave it wet while wiping and rinsing the sinks and counters. (This is like the 3rd time this week someone has told me about cleaning with microfiber cloths! Must look into this further.)
Step 5: Wring the rag out really well and wipe up the excess water. First from the mirror, then from the sink. At this point everything should be dry enough that a wad of about 3 of the cheapest possible paper towels will buff a shine on everything (starting with the mirror and working down.)

Step 6: Go back to the toilet. Use some toilet paper to wipe anything crusty, nasty or hairy (her words! not mine!) and drop it back in the bowl. Then use the same now-damp paper towels to wipe the toilet, starting at the tank lid and moving down from “cleanest” to dirtiest. Flush. Drop the towels in the trash can and set the toilet brush down on top of them to let it drain some more.
Step 7: By the time you finish washing the shower (repeat steps 4 and 5), the brush will be dry enough that it won’t leave disgusting drippy water in the brush holder. (According to Denise, she has YET to clean even the *cleanest* house and not find a disgusting toilet brush holder. GUILTY!)
And there you have it…
how to clean a bathroom like a pro!


I don’t know why…but for me it’s so helpful for someone to spell it out step-by-step like that. According to Denise, this technique goes so quickly that it’s what she does as regular daily housecleaning, which means that the bathroom doesn’t get counted on “housecleaning day” because it’s always in good shape.
One final tip from Denise: She keeps an old towel hanging in the bathroom to be used solely for wiping down the shower. When she gets out of the shower, she uses this towel to soak up most of the water and then grabs a hand towel to finish drying the walls. It takes about 30 seconds; dirt, minerals, and soap scum that might otherwise build up never get the chance, and the shower is never *not* clean. The towel then gets hung back up and used again until it’s time to wash a load of towels.
I’m tellin ya…this lady has got this whole thing dialed in! Thank you Denise! My family and bathroom thank you as well. :-)

ONE MORE….ONE GOOD THING…….
This was probably the tenth time I’d heard someone mention microfiber cloths for cleaning. Wait a minute….aren’t microfiber cloths for washing and drying your car?? Or wiping off your computer screen?
Not anymore!
I did a little research tonight…and you lucky readers are about the find out what all the hype is about!
Fabrics made with microfibers are exceptionally soft and hold their shape well. They clean and dust like magic. The miracle fibers pick up everything leaving your glass, mirrors, counter tops, furniture, etc., instantly clean and shiny! Microfiber towels can hold up to eight times their weight in water plus have an exceptional ability to absorb oils. (No wonder they are so popular for car maintenance!)
In many household cleaning applications (washing floors, furniture, etc.) microfiber cleaning fabrics can be used without detergents or cleaning solutions!