Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Posting Schedule

Starting 5/1/2013 my husband will be on vacation for nine days. We have family coming to visit and then we are going out of town to visit more family. Needless to say we will be very busy. So for the next nine days I probably will not be posting anything. I hope to resume a regular posting schedule sometime around May 10. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Smartphone Cases

If you have a smartphone you know how expensive they are. Sooner or later, you will drop it, bang it, or knock it down. My daughter knocked my phone right out of my hand one day and if it wasn't for the case I had around it, I'm certain there would have been some damage. Smartphone cases are pretty cheap. I would rather break the case and buy a new one then break the smartphone. Big difference in price, right? So as soon as you get a smartphone, get a case to protect. One day you'll be glad you did.

Used Kids Clothes

Last night, my husband came home with a huge bag of used kids clothes from a coworker. The clothes are too big for my daughter now but we will certainly use them in the future. If you know someone with kids ask them if they have any used clothes they like to share. I think most people would be glad to hand them over. Whatever you don't use just donate. It doesn't hurt to ask. I would also ask if they had any used toys too. Kids grow out of clothes so quickly and are not very expensive so why not give them to someone else. Same thing with toys. One day it's their favorite toy, the next day it's not. Give it away to a friend or coworker or donate it to someone in need. There's always someone who can use it.

Good Day! Three Samples In My Mailbox

Yesterday in my mailbox I got three really good free samples. I got a roll of toilet paper, a razor, and a small bag of dry cat food. It felt like Christmas! Sometimes signing up for all those free samples really work. Plus, every sample came with a coupon. Bonus! So, sign up for those free samples. You never know what you might get. Google free samples at least daily to see what's out there. You may not get every one but it's worth a shot.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Generic Medicine

My husband has terrible allergies and brand name allergy medication is expensive. Today instead of getting the brand name he got generic instead. He had to pay a dollar more but he got twice as many pills. If you use medication always ask if there is a generic brand available. Either ask your doctor or the pharmacist. At the store, the generic version is usually right next to the brand name medicine. Compare the ingredients, how many pills you get and then compare the price. Most times you'll find the generic is the better value.

Menu Monday 4/29/2013

Here are a few ideas for dinner this week-

stuffed shells
chicken or eggplant parmesan
pork marsala
salsa chicken
orange chicken
chicken and rice
honey chicken
shrimp fried rice
coconut chicken
kielbasa, potatoes, and sausage
pizza casserole
buffalo chicken wraps
kung pao chicken tacos
baked ziti
sloppy joes
salsa verde
chili
tacos
fish tacos
chicken tenders
spaghetti
hot dogs
sweet and sour chicken

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Make Coffee at Home

If you like to drink coffee make it at home and try to keep it as simple as possible. Walking around with a coffee cup from a fancy coffee shop has become a status symbol. People think it's a accessory like a phone and a purse. It doesn't make you any smarter or better than bringing in your own coffee. Some of those fancy coffee drinks are just as expensive as a meal and just as fattening too. If you consider it a treat that's fine but if you do it everyday it's a waste. It's just coffee, people. I know someone who travels with their own coffee because they won't drink any other brand. Really?! Is coffee that important in your life that you travel with it? I know some brands of coffee sold at the store are better than others but don't spend more than you have to. Coffee is coffee. Drink it and move on. Put down the fancy labeled cup and pick up a regular coffee cup and save yourself some money.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Get to Know Your Neighbors

It is always helpful to know at least one neighbor in your area. Whether you live in a house or apartment, neighbors can be extremely helpful. Not everyone will want to be friends but if you talk to enough people hopefully you can find one person to connect with. When you find a friendly neighbor get to know them by name and exchange phone numbers. Neighbors can watch your home if you go on vacation, collect your mail, give you a ride if your car breaks down, borrow milk or sugar if you run out, etc. It is always nice to know someone in the neighborhood. So next time you see a neighbor don't put your head down or run into the house, smile and wave and see if you can start a friendship today.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Menu Monday 4/22/2013

Here are some ideas for dinner this week-

(Sorry this is a day late, husband called in sick yesterday and didn't get to it)

stuffed shells
chicken or eggplant parmesan
ribs
pork marsala
salsa chicken
orange chicken
chicken and rice
honey chicken
shrimp fried rice
coconut chicken
kielbasa, sauerkraut and potatoes
taco pasta
pizza casserole
buffalo chicken wrap
kung pao chicken tacos
baked ziti
chicken cordon bleus
sloppy joes
chicken piccata
California roll wrap

Friday, April 19, 2013

All You Magazine Coupon

Go to coupons.com for a .50 cent coupon off All You magazine. This is only good at Walmart and expires 5/24/2013.

Walgreens 15% Off 4/19 & Water Filter Deal

Today only (4/19/2013) Walgreens is having 15% off in store and online with coupon. Go here for more details walgreens.com. Also, Brita filters, pitcher and faucet mount refills are on sale plus use your 15% off coupon for a great deal. Take a look around online or in store today to match sales with 15% off for some great deals.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

How to Find Free or Cheap Activities

Looking for something to do that doesn't cost a lot of money? Here are some places to look for free or cheap activities in your area. First, is you chamber of commerce. Each city or county has one and they usually have a website filled with local events. Second, check your newspaper. If you don't buy a paper check their website instead. Third stop is your local news station. You can either watch the news or check out their website. Most websites will have a community calendar or an events page with a list of events by date or city. Check it out and find something free or cheap to do today.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Menu Monday 4/15/2013

Here are a few ideas for dinner this week-

stuffed shells
chicken or eggplant parmesan
ribs
lasagna
pork marsala
salsa chicken
spaghetti
orange chicken
chicken and rice
Cajun fish
honey chicken
ginger orange pork
shrimp fried rice
coconut chicken
kielbasa, potatoes, and kraut
taco pasta
pizza casserole

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Life Is Full of Choices

We all have choices to make in life and our choices have consequences both good and bad. What works for one person may not work for another and that's okay. We're all different but we shouldn't judge. You can choose to spend your paycheck or save it. You can choose to eat healthy food or unhealthy food. You can choose to sit all day or exercise. You can choose to watch a sport or play a sport. You can choose to eat out or eat at home. The choice is up to you and what kind of lifestyle you want. Do you want to retire early or work until you're 65? The choice is up to you. Are you willing to sacrifice now or later? It's entirely up to you. Life is full of choices, now go out and make a good one.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Pay Yourself First

Whenever you get paid or get extra money don't forget to pay yourself first. Take a portion of that money and put it away in a savings account and forget about it. Then don't touch it unless you absolutely need it. Before you know it you'll have a nice sum saved away for a rainy day.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Consignment Stores

I love consignment stores. You can get gently used, name brand clothes for really cheap. Consignment stores will only sell items that are used but in great condition. I went to one store the other day and got a Calvin Klein top for $7.99. It doesn't even look used. If you saw me wear it you would never know. Consignment stores are a great bargain if your looking for name brand clothes at discount prices. Find one today and go check it out.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Learn to Cook

Knowing how to cook a decent meal can save you money. Cooking at home is healthier than going out and cheaper too. Plus, you might have leftovers you can use for another meal. The more you cook the better you will get. If you need help or inspiration try watching a cooking show, or get a cookbook, or find recipes online. My favorite cooking shows are on the food network, the cooking channel and PBS. My favorite place to find recipes online is allrecipes.com Start with basic recipes and work your way up. Don't be afraid to experiment. Don't look at cooking as a chore, look at it as a skill you can use for the rest of your life. In the end, your wallet and body will thank you.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Menu Monday 4/8/2013

Here are a few ideas for dinner this week-

stuffed shells
chicken or eggplant parmesan
ribs
chicken teriyaki
lasagna
pork marsala
salsa chicken
spaghetti
orange chicken
chicken and rice
fish and veggies
tacos
Cajun fish
honey chicken
jambalaya
ginger orange pork
shrimp fried rice
coconut chicken
bbq peach pulled pork
bratwurst
taco pasta
kielbasa, potato and sauerkraut

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Google for Deals

If you need an item and want a deal just Google it. I googled paper towel deals and found a deal on Amazon through a blog. Then I went to Amazon, signed into my account, and placed my order. I also was able to clip an e-coupon for a dollar off. Next time you're looking for a deal or a coupon do a web search before you leave the house. You may find that you don't need to go to the store after all and you can have the item shipped right to your door. That's what I call stress free shopping.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Online Banking

If your bank has online banking sign up for it. Just today I got an email from my bank telling me that one of our accounts had been overdrawn. I caught it just in time and saved myself a $35.00 fee. My husband had made the mistake of thinking a bill had cleared when it was really still being processed. It was our mistake but the email notification saved us money. Online banking is free. I check my account almost everyday online. I like to actually see it than hearing my balance over the phone. You can also do transactions like balance transfers and pay bills. Online banking is free, easy and convenient. It may also save you from expensive fees when you make a money mistake.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Free Samples

I love free samples, don't you? I get most of my samples from the Internet. Just google free samples and start from there. There are actually websites devoted to free samples. Not only do I send samples to myself but sometimes I send them to my parents also. If you know someone who is interested in a certain product and you know their address, send them a sample. Also, sometimes free samples will come with a coupon. Free sample and a coupon-sounds like a deal to me!

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Online Coupons

If you need a coupon for something and didn't get it from your local Sunday paper, don't worry! Just go online and print coupons. Of course, you will need access to a computer and a printer. My favorite site for online coupons is coupons.com. It's free and you don't have to sign up for anything. Just go to the site, find a coupon you want, "clip" it, and print. So easy! 

Monday, April 1, 2013

Menu Monday 4/1/2013

Here are some dinner ideas for this week-

stuffed shells
chicken or eggplant parmesan
ribs
chicken teriyaki
lasagna
pork marsala
salsa chicken
spaghetti
orange chicken
chicken and rice
fish and veggies
salsa verde
tacos
chili
chicken tenders
Cajun fish
sweet and sour chicken or pork
honey chicken
lemon butter fish
jambalaya
pizza
ginger orange pork
shrimp fried rice