A Frugal Life

Kid Friendly Backyard Design Ideas on a Budget

2012-01-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

Every parent nowadays struggles with the idea that their children may be too dependent on the internet, television and cell phones, while neglecting the joys of exercise and physical activity. Parents who are raising their kids in urban landscapes and metropolitan centers are especially vulnerable to this growing sense of detachment from fitness and outdoor exploration, simply because there aren’t many open spaces left. If you have a backyard that goes unvisited even on sunny days, there are many options available to you if you would like to transform the area into a kid friendly refuge. The backyard used to be the center of a young child’s daily life, from running around the grass playing cops and robbers to tossing the ball around with the gang. Today, the expanded role of video games, high definition TV and smart phones has increasingly given rise to an increasingly distracted and detached generation of young people. With some simple renovations based on kid friendly backyard design ideas, you can create a fun filled play area for your children while sticking to a reasonable budget.

A few gallons of colorful paint can go a long way in turning a drab backyard into a vibrant, imaginative center for your childrens daily activities. A few well placed cartoon characters, cowboys or clowns painted on your backyard fence can provide your kids with an outlet into another world, one similar to the virtual reality of websites but one that is tangible and stimulating. If your children have expressed an interest in a particular sport, a weekend of do-it-yourself improvements can create a stadium experience for them and their friends from the neighborhood. A scattering of white lines etched across the grass or strategically located cones can create a miniature football field or baseball diamond. Encouraging your kids to play sports outside fosters a healthy competitive spirit, builds stamina and physical fitness and helps them meet teammates that may become best friends in the future.

Every child’s favorite memories from their early schoolyard days come during the glorious few minutes known as recess. Playing with friends on the jungle gym, heading over for a session on the swing set and finishing off with a rousing ride down the slide are classic experiences of youth which shouldn’t be restrained to school days. You can find affordable pieces of playground equipment to place in your backyard at local school district auctions or through online sales websites. Your kids will light up with delight the morning they discover a personal playground sitting in their previously boring backyard. You can also use a bit of resourcefulness and craft an impromptu playground by arranging some tires on the ground and hanging swings from strong tree limbs. As long as your kids look outside and see an opportunity for fun and enjoyment, you have done your job as a responsible parent in the digital age. Technology will always have its place, but children playing outside until they fall down laughing should never become outdated.

Free Independent Movies

2012-01-27T21:24:00.000-08:00

Free Independent Movies

Inexpensive Ways to Promote Your Home Based Business

2012-01-27T21:12:00.000-08:00

As the owner of a home based business, you must be financially flexible and constantly able to devise creative ways to promote your enterprise without breaking the bank. Operating a successful and profitable business out of your own home is extremely demanding and requires a natural marketing ability to continually attract new clientele. The accessible modern technology and increased connectivity of today’s modern age has made it easier than ever before to inexpensively promote your home based business. From advertising your products or services on social media networks to increasing your search engine optimization, the online realm provides small business owners with and endless array of options to aggressively market their ideas.

The idea of running a website in conjunction with your home based business may sound intimidating, especially if you came of age in the pre-internet era, but today’s convenient web hosting services make the process a cinch for almost anybody. By comparing the services and rates of popular web hosting firms like GoDaddy.com, iPage.com or FatCow.com, you can design, build and operate a legitimate website to enhance the web presence of your home based business. These services allow home based business owners to launch and run company websites for as low as $10 per month, and many hosting services offer complementary training programs to help you learn the intricacies of internet promotion. By setting up a sales based website, your company can partner with other sites to share web traffic and build a worldwide base of customers and clients. Online resources like PayPal have made it easier than ever before to facilitate payments, sales and the running exchange of funds which is so integral to a flourishing operation.

If you are more of an old fashioned marketer, the tried and true method of advertising your services with newspaper classifieds and neighborhood fliers is always worth a shot. If you are running a home based business in a small town that you have lived in for a long time, you can build on that sense of community by partnering with other local business owners for special cross-promotions. Customers are typically very loyal and will offer repeated patronage to those they know and respect. Do everything you can to develop an unblemished reputation within your own community, because one of the biggest factors in determining the success or failure of a home based business is word of mouth. If your friends and neighbors are satisfied with your services, they will tell their friends and neighbors about the positive experience, and soon you will have a thriving customer base throughout your local area.

The age old method of promoting your business with distinctive imagery and vibrant logos is still highly effective today. Consider installing a series of unique, eye catching signs to attract attention to your home based business. Proper management of your company’s signage, through the construction of tall road signs or highway billboards to spread your message, you can create thousands of potential customers every time they drive by.

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2012-01-25T07:44:00.000-08:00

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2012-01-24T07:41:00.000-08:00

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2012-01-19T07:27:00.000-08:00

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Should You Borrow Money from Family?

2012-01-18T17:44:00.000-08:00

There will be many occasions in life where you need a little extra help to pay for things, whether you are attending college, purchasing a home, or starting your own business. And while there are plenty of ways to get the cash you need (applying for bank loans, using credit cards, or seeking out partners or investors), you may find it necessary to turn to your family and friends in a bid to get the money required to meet your personal goals. After all, these people are invested in your future, so why wouldn’t you ask them for help? There are certainly a lot of benefits to borrowing from your family rather than other sources. But there are also drawbacks to such a proposition, and you need to consider both the pros and the cons before you hold out your hand.

For starters, there are a lot of reasons why you may want to borrow money from those that are closest to you. For one thing, they won’t do a background check (although most of them are probably aware of your spending and saving habits). So if you find yourself saddled with bad credit and unable to secure a loan by normal means (through a bank, for example), this could be an attractive option. In addition, your family may be willing to give you money (if they have it) with fewer restrictions. Although family members will certainly want to be paid back, they may not demand any interest at all and they are sure to be more lenient when it comes to a repayment schedule than most other types of lenders or investors. And of course, there is the fact that your family and friends love you. Because they likely want to continue to have a relationship with you, they are bound to be more flexible with the conditions of any loan.

All of these are great reasons to borrow from family and friends. Unfortunately, there could be some very big drawbacks associated with such loans, as well. Have you ever heard the phrase “never mix business with pleasure”? Well, borrowing money is a business proposition and borrowing from your family falls decidedly under the “mixing business with pleasure” category. When you take a loan from a friend or family member you are tempting fate, especially if you don’t know if you can pay back the money. Any failure on your part could result in angry feuding, family members that find themselves in financial trouble (because they were counting on you to pay them back), or even a rift in the family because of your broken promise. So unless you want to risk destroying close relationships, you need to think twice about going this route in order to get money.

Plus, there are so many options for loans these days that you should never have to approach your family for a handout. Homeowners can look into home equity lines and others can try to secure personal loans or even payday loans in a pinch. And while the terms of these funding options may not be favorable, at least you’ll have a couch to crash on if you default (because you won’t have burned all your bridges by borrowing from family and friends).

New Girl by Paige Harbison Book Review

2012-01-18T17:20:00.000-08:00

New Girl (Harlequin Teen)

New Girl by Paige Harbison is a modern take on Daphne Du Maurier's classic Rebecca. Although it's been quite a while since I read it, I did love the spookily romantic novel Rebecca.

In Du Maurier's novel the new Mrs. De Winter comes to her husband's home unaware that she will be haunted by the ever presence of the shadowy character of Rebecca, the first wife, gone, but not forgotten. It's chillingly and romantic and suspenseful. Mrs. De Winter must endure loneliness and confusion and constant comparisons while trying to assert her own prescense into the creepy estate of Manderly.

Paige Harbision does try hard to add some of these same elements to New Girl. We have the new girl to "Manderly", in this adaptation a castle like boarding school, being haunted by the shadow of her predecessor Becca. A girl to whom the whole school things she's trying to live up to. There's a sinister roommate taking the place of the sinister housekeeper and a young stud named Max taking the place of Du Maurier's character, the husband Maxim.

Although New Girl tries hard to live up to the story of Rebecca, with an ultra-modern twist, I felt it fell short. It strived hard to mix the teen elements with elements of the classic, but it never quite lived up to the quality of the classic. I love teen books and I love classics, but somehow these two just didn't mix well enough.

FHA Loans for the First Time Home Buyer

2012-01-18T16:09:00.000-08:00

If you’re looking at buying your first home, you probably have a lot of information to sift through. For example, you are likely learning about the real estate market and how to choose a suitable property, from the appeal of certain neighborhoods, to the issues that come with “charming fixer-uppers”, to the frustrations of finding the size and amenities you want in a price range that you can afford. But if you haven’t yet gotten pre-approved for a loan, you could have a lot more trouble in your future. If you have a low income, an insufficient down payment, or a poor credit history (low FICO score, a past bankruptcy, etc.) you may not even qualify for a loan, especially in this economy, when lenders are being particularly careful. So one more thing you may want to put on your radar is the possibility of an FHA loan. Here’s what you’re looking at.

Loans backed by mortgage insurance from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) have been around since the 1930s, when the program was implemented in an attempt to stop the flood of foreclosures that hit the market during the Great Depression. The result of government backing for home loans was that lenders could once again start approving loans for less-than-perfect applicants, knowing that they would get their money one way or another. Since then the FHA has doled out literally millions of home loans (an estimated 30 million plus). This is not to say that you can just walk in and get approval, but if you meet the criteria you could end up with a favorable lending situation. And for many first-time buyers, the benefits associated with an FHA loan make it a desirable alternative to private mortgage insurance.

So what do you need to qualify? There are basic guidelines for qualification that you can shoot for, although depending on your particular situation, there may be additional criteria for eligibility. For starters, you must have a stable job with the same employer for two years prior to application for an FHA loan; and your monthly payments (including mortgage, interest, and insurance) must not exceed 31% of your gross income.

Next, you need a credit score of at least 620, although if you simply lack a credit rating (as in you’ve never held a credit card, taken out a loan, or leased an apartment, for example), you may still qualify. You must also have a fairly clean credit history (generally no more than two 30-day overdue payments in the previous two years). And even if you’ve had a bankruptcy, you could still be eligible if it was two or more years ago, you’ve paid court ordered restitution, and your credit history since is clean.

In truth, FHA loan requirements aren’t that stiff considering that these loans are made to help people with credit or other financial issues. And they could help you to secure a better loan, on top of offering you the lowest insurance rates on the market. So if you have any concerns about your ability to secure and pay a home loan, this could just provide the help you need to get into your first home, despite any prior setbacks with your finances or credit report.

Don't You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire Book Review

2012-01-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

Don't You Wish

Typical teen novel, done really well.

Annie Nutter is the typical band geek, the lowest of the low in high school hierarchy. She's used to being a nobody at school and with her peers. Like any typical teen outcast, she gets picked on by the popular kids, obesses over her beauty or lack there of and wishes for a better life.

The stars align for Annie when the her Inventor father creates a magic mirror and her mother learns of the life that she could have had with an old boyfriend. One thing leads to another and Annie and her mother are transported to an alternate universe, where Annie is rich and popular!

This novel is fun and quick paced and although you probably know from the beginning that Annie is to learn a big lesson in the end, it's really fun watching her get there.

Where to Find Money for Your Child's College Education

2012-01-18T15:32:00.000-08:00

Almost everyone goes to college these days. Even if you have been saving for your child’s education, what you’ve put away into a special college fund may not be enough, which means you are undoubtedly looking for other alternatives to help pay for your child’s future education. Here are a few places you can go to dig up extra funding:

Student loans. You and your child should fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (better known as FAFSA) to find out which federal loans or grants they are eligible to receive. They will probably receive a Perkins Loan, which can dispersed up to $4000 for undergrads, and a Stafford Loan, which comes from a private lender or from the government. You and your child might also look into applying for loans from a private lender. Just remember that they have to be paid back, usually starting six months after your child has graduated from college.

Free money (grants). Federal Pell Grants are one of the most common federal assistance grants given to students who have yet to earn their bachelor’s degree, and are usually awarded to families who make under $20,000 annually. You might also look at applying for the Federal Supplement Educational Opportunity Grant (or FSEOG), also for students in need who have not completed their bachelor’s, as well as the Academic Competitiveness Grant, available to first year students who graduated from high school after 2006 and can maintain a 3.0 grade point average.

More free money (scholarships and fellowships). Scholarships are probably your best bet for free money for your future college student. They can be found almost anywhere, for large or small amounts, and must be applied for. If your child has some special ability or is an outstanding scholar, you should research scholarships that are offered for people specifically like them. Students with technological interests may have an easier time finding free money. Your child’s guidance counselor should be able to point you in the direction of several scholarships that can benefit them.

Work study. This is free money only in the sense that you actually have to work for it, though the money goes toward paying for your education. Businesses on campus, such as the student bookstore or the cafeteria, usually offer work study jobs.

The military. The military is more than happy to help out needy students who cannot afford college or are not eligible for student loans. There are army scholarships that you can apply for that will help your future student with their military education. Usually they have the option of attending college first and then fulfilling a three to four year service contract, or they can serve on weekends throughout the year and then attend college. The military is also interested in people with special skills or services, so if your child is interested in nursing, they may be offered a bonus at the beginning of their program and another at the end (these bonuses may be as high as fifty thousand dollars).

The Wolf Gift by Anne Rice Book Review

2012-01-17T15:39:00.000-08:00

The Wolf Gift

Yes, I am only 33 years old and about to say those dreaded words… ”In my day…”

So here we go,

In my day… Vampires didn’t sparkle, or date high school girls or order blood out of bottles at the local bar. Well ok, there was Angel who was probably a little hold to be dating Buffy, but allow me a little artistic license here. Although I do enjoy some of those fluffy supermarket trash vampire novels out today, in my day, the Queen of all paranormal novelists was Anne Rice. Does anyone even remember Lestat and Louis people? Come on now, those weren’t just vampire books, those books were true art.

And for the love of all that is truly dark and broody, the Queen is back! Anne Rice is about to release a new paranormal novel, The Wolf Gift. I was truly blessed to be able to get an advance copy to read, which I devoured eagerly in only two days.

The Wolf Gift made me remember why I started reading paranormal fiction in the first place. I’m sorry to disappoint people, but there are no sticky high school love triangles in this one. Instead there is a whole lot of thoughtful, brilliant writing by one of the best authors around. Anne Rice has given us intelligent adult werewolves and realistic situations (well, as real as they might be should a man wolf be traipsing the night of your neighborhood).

Rice has written this in her style, giving us an incredibly good story interspersed with theology, philosophy, science and emotional thoughtfulness, with a touch of romance thrown in. The Wolf Gift comes out on February 14^th, 2012 and is truly a valentine’s gift of love to Anne Rice fans everywhere.

Inexpensive Ways to Learn a New Language

2012-01-13T16:54:00.000-08:00

With the job market becoming more and more crowded with every passing day, it is essential that you find an effective way of setting yourself apart from the rest of the pack. Employers place a premium on unique skill sets and one of the best ways to increase your appeal during the hiring process is to learn a new language. Today’s marketplace is increasingly interconnected and globalized, which means those applicants with the ability to converse in multiple languages are far more likely to be hired than those confined to English. While learning an entirely new language might appear to be a daunting concept, the fact is that modern technology combined with traditional immersion techniques can have you speaking French, Spanish or Japanese in a matter of weeks.

The method you choose to teach yourself a new language depends on what exactly you are hoping to learn. If a greater knowledge and grasp of Spanish is your goal, for example, demographical data clearly indicates that you likely already know a fluent or native speaker. Conversing on a real level, even a rudimentary level initially, is a tremendously effective manner of acquiring a new language because as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Spanish is by far the most desirable language in the eyes of employers, simply because the need for competent communication between workers and Spanish speaking customers continues to grow. Fortunately, you will soon find that a great number of Spanish speakers take pride in assisting curious Americans with learning their native tongue, and many offer very inexpensive private lessons or group classes through local community centers.

For other languages, primarily European and Asian languages, it may not be as easy to locate a native speaker to work with and you will have to be creative. Make use of the internet and scour the online landscape for interesting opportunities to learn a language on the cheap. Anyone interested in speaking German, perhaps in advance of a business trip, would be pleased to discover that the Deutsche Welle group offers intensive, interactive and entertaining German lessons through their website.

The best part is, this extremely effective service comes with no costs and no strings attached. Another great way to learn a new language inexpensively is to utilize the innovative Rosetta Stone line of language aid software. These wildly popular programs can be ordered online or through television ads, and among the language instruction community Rosetta Stone is recognized as a giant in the field.

Technology is a wonderful thing but for many of us learning a language is best done the old fashioned way: repletion and memorization. It might not be exciting, but simply holing up at the local library with a few instructional texts and an English translation dictionary can yield surprisingly successful results. If you are the studious type and don’t mind wading through a few hundred flash cards, this cost-free method of learning a new language will have you saying Ciao and Adiós to the monolingual life.

Carol Montrose is a contributing writer for Übersetzungsbüro Deutsch Englisch (translation service German English).You can also find out Übersetzungen (translation) costs at Froschweb.

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2012-01-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

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Educational Gifts for Kids that Don’t Cost a Fortun

2012-01-12T17:28:00.000-08:00

It’s not that strange to see even young kids running around with smart phones these days, texting their friends, playing games, and even browsing the internet. Yikes! And although the worldwide web is an amazing tool that brings the power of the world’s largest virtual encyclopedia right to your fingertips with one small device, kids that aren’t supervised can get a lot more of an education than you bargained for when they go online – and the data fees could sink your budget. So if you’re looking for some appropriate educational gifts for kids that won’t cost you an arm and a leg to support, here are just a few that are bound to please both your children and your wallet.

Let’s start with one that could be considered a bit on the pricy side, but is actually relatively affordable when held up next to the competition. The Kindle is an incredible e-reader that could open a world of imagination and information to your kids. While you can certainly load them up with books galore, this device will allow them to tote an entire library with them wherever they go. And at under $80 for the standard version, it’s really not terribly expensive (especially when you consider that you can find many books in free PDF versions online, and some libraries are even starting to offer Kindle versions of classic books). If you want to go a step further, you could go for the upgraded Kindle Fire, new to the market, which will also allow them to play music, movies, and games, as well as access the internet for free with a WiFi connection. It’s a bit more expensive at $199, but considering that Apple starts their iPad 2 at $499 (and goes up from there), Amazon’s tablet is practically a steal.

However, not all educational gifts have to be technologically advanced. There are plenty of board games out there that will help your kids to sharpen their skills of memory and deduction (Clue, Pictureka), hone their spelling and vocabulary (Scrabble, Bananagrams, Apples to Apples Junior), and even learn about math and money (Equate, Monopoly). With a bit of searching you can find all kinds of fun games that will supplement your kids’ education without them even knowing. You can also get puzzles and erector sets that will your kids play creatively and think outside the box.

But of course, the best educational gift out there is still the internet.

The possibilities for learning opportunities are just limitless. And considering there are ways to block certain types of sites so that your kids are never exposed to them, there’s really no reason not to take advantage of all the amazing benefits the web has to offer kids. There are even low income internet options out there for families that would like this amazing communication and information tool at their disposal without the high cost of DSL! So if you’re looking for a great educational gift that just keeps giving, a monthly subscription for internet service cannot be beat.

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2012-01-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

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5 Ways to Make Christmas Feel Like Christmas – For Cheap

2012-01-10T18:04:00.000-08:00

I apologize, this is a guest post, posted a little late since it's for Christmas. If you see any good tips, put them in your Holiday file for later!

5 Ways to Make Christmas Feel Like Christmas – For Cheap

We’re only a handful of days away from Christmas, and if you’ve bought, baked, cooked, and otherwise prepared everything you and your extended family might need this holiday season, then this blog is probably not for you.

On the other hand, if you’re stressed, way over budget, and having a hard time remembering what the point of Christmas is, you should read on. For starters, I’d like to offer you a simple reminder: the best ways to save money this Christmas will also be the best ways to build great memories with your family.

Christmas trees. I bet you’ve seen pre-decorated Christmas trees before. You’ve noticed their spindly limbs and complete lack of piney fresh scent – and you’ve probably avoided them. But if you were armed with evidence that you were making a frugal and eco-friendly decision, would you give it a shot again? It turns out that there’s no obvious ecological advantage to buying a Christmas tree (and artificial trees have the edge if you’re not getting a tree from a local producer). It’s also way more affordable to buy a nice, big artificial tree and reuse it year after year – it will pay off after only a few years, depending on the size. And the decidedly unpiney smell? You can deal with that burning a pine-scented candle. One final tip: try to buy a fake tree that’s been made closer to home than China, if only because of the high levels of lead paint on Chinese artificial trees.

Holiday meals. The smell of a cooking turkey is sure to boost appetites and holiday spirits. Even better, it’s an opportunity to save your wallet from further plundering as well, and that’s not just because hungry consumers are likely to buy more. Cooking is cheaper! It’s fun, more nutritious, and it tastes way better – grandma’s famous baking isn’t store bought for a reason.

The key to keeping your holiday feast budget under control is to cook the right amount. When you’re picking a turkey, know how many people you’re cooking for. Here’s a handy tip: the bigger the bird, the higher the meat-to-bone ratio, so if you’re cooking for fewer than eight people, aim for about 2 pounds a person, and drop that to 1.5lbs a head when you’re dealing with bigger groups.

Just remember that cardinal rule of all family get-togethers: if you’re so busy that you can’t sit down to cook and eat a family meal, then you’re probably missing the point. You’re also spending even more money, and that probably won’t help make what’s supposed to be a vacation feel any less stressful.

Outdoor fun. There is no shortage of recreational winter activities to try and fail at, so lace up those skates, strap on those snowshoes, hop on a sleigh ride, etc. etc., and get outside. The holidays provide you with a once-a-year infusion of free time and good cheer, so make the most of it. Try something new! How about snowboarding? Snow is like a big cold carpet that just wants you to fall all over it.

Christmas Music: free on the internets! As I wrote this, I was listening to one of the countless hundreds of Holiday-themed mixes on 8tracks.com. You can skip the songs you don’t like (I’m looking at you, Paul McCartney), fave the playlists you like the most, and even get a cult following by sharing your “Music for Wrapping Presents” mix. Sound fun?

Gift-giving. Don’t give gifts, give experiences. Pledge your time, not your money. Buy something that keeps on giving. There’s a lot to be found if you can leave the rat race behind, because bigger and better presents hide the whole point of the holidays: to connect deeply with the people in your life. Turn off your cell phone, put down your work, and think hard about what will put a smile on the face of someone you love. It might be something risky, but unless you’re giving to royalty, getting something that really works for them won’t cost as much as you think.

About the author:

When he’s not working at ApplianceHelp, Andrew is probably cooking up a storm and waiting for snowboarding weather to come.

Money Saving Small Business Tips for 2012

2012-01-10T17:50:00.000-08:00

As a small business owner, you are likely feeling the crunch of these economically difficult times. Let part of your New Year’s resolution be financial: help yourself and your profits by cutting out unnecessary expenditures this year. Follow these tips to find out how:

Technology. You don’t need to break the bank on expensive software. You can often find shareware online for office documents, and many businesses as well as private individuals are using communication software such as Skype to make free or inexpensive phone calls around the world. Laptops are less expensive and use less energy than desktop computers. If you go paperless and only use technology, you will save on paper costs as well as stamps and postage (as an added bonus, this is a “greener” solution that helps the planet!). In this vein, instead of purchasing new ink cartridges every time you run out, have them refilled or buy them recycled. A dark office costs more money to illuminate, so redecorate with lighter paint and furniture to save on energy in the long run.

Supplies. Shop online to find killer deals on office furniture. Shop in bulk for office supplies such as staples and paperclips at warehouse stores or those that require memberships. Utilize the power of coupons to help you save what can amount to big bucks, especially on computer software. Most of these coupons are available online.

Marketing. Though word of mouth is the most successful advertising, you can also market yourself by increasing your visibility in your community. Attend local events, functions, and trade shows, all the while talking about your business and trading secrets with other local small business owners. Facebook and Twitter are free social networking sites that allow you to offer special deals or discounts for your followers that are not available to the general public (and as an extra bonus, they allow you to track customer traffic). You should also consider starting a blog for your business or producing an online newsletter that offers valuable information and creates loyalty in your customers. Encourage your customers to write reviews in a comment section.

Budgeting. Create a budget so you can track your spending. Allow it to remain flexible, however, but be sure to keep an eye on it so you can cut spending in one area if you have spent too much in another. By keeping track of your spending, you can decide what is necessary and what expenditures need to go. Budgeting also allows you to be certain that you aren’t making poor investment choices, such as putting money into high risk merchant accounts.

Staffing. For the times when your business is heaviest, look into hiring students for seasonal help, as there is an understanding that they will be let go when business dies down. You can also offer internships for college students that pay far less or not at all, giving them the experience or college credit they need, while making sure that you are able to save a fairly sizable chunk of money by reducing your payroll expenses.

Finding the Best Travel Deals in 2012

2012-01-10T17:09:00.000-08:00

It seems as though people are finally finding ways to cope with the recession, because apparently travel bookings were up this holiday season (from the last couple of years). And you can make 2012 the year you get back on track with annual vacations by simply finding the best travel deals on the market. But if you’ve discovered that travel sites that have been around for a while (Expedia, Hotwire, Orbitz) simply aren’t delivering the lowest prices anymore then perhaps it’s time to look for some alternatives that will help you save when you hit the bricks. So here are just a few tips that will get you on track with the greatest travel deals around.

1. Priceline. Is there any better way to get the price you want than to set it yourself? Rather than wasting your time slogging through endless comparison sites, you can simply cut to the chase and set your own prices for airlines, hotels, and rental car agencies. Of course, you may not end up with listings for five-star resorts or morning weekend flights, but if you’re willing to compromise on a few points, you should be able to get pretty close to a reasonable budget when you plan your vacation.

2. Try an agent. Most people think that booking through a travel agency is going to cost an arm and a leg, but this may not be true. Although you will have to pay for the service that an agent provides, these professionals often have the contacts and credentials to get you amazing deals on travel bookings, especially if you’re on the lookout for package deals. So going with an agent could save you both time and money in the long run.

3. Join a vacation club. While you will almost certainly have to pay some kind of annual fee to join a vacation club, you stand to get a lot of benefits, and the biggest is monetary savings on travel bookings that could completely cover the cost of membership. Although most clubs are affiliated with a particular hotel or resort chain (which is how you get the best prices on rooms), you will get access to their website for booking, which means you could save on every other aspect of your trip concurrently, since they may partner with certain airlines and other tourism companies to provide amazing package deals. As a bonus, you can book for everyone in your party (family and friends) so that they get a deal on travel, as well.

4. Travel rewards. If you have yet to sign up for any kind of travel rewards program, now is the time. You can get a membership with an airline or hotel chain you prefer and you’ll likely get a major bonus for joining up, plus extra “miles” if you opt for a credit card linked to the account (especially when you use it at preapproved outlets). Or you can check a best credit card guide to find regular credit companies (Visa, MC, Capital One) that offer some kind of rewards program along with your account (although you may not earn as many points).

5. MileWise. Once you’ve got a bunch of rewards programs on your plate, let this handy website juggle them for you. Membership is free and all you have to do is enter your many travel rewards account numbers. To redeem them, simply book travel through the site. When you punch in your destination and travel dates you’ll get a list of the cheapest options in concert with your current rewards.

The House on Dirty-Third Street by Jo S. Kittinger Book Review

2012-01-10T16:50:00.000-08:00

The House on Dirty-Third Street

A little girl and her Mom purchase a down old house on a run down old street and eventually fix it up with the help of friends and neighbors. Meant to be full of faith and friendship but falls short.

I found this book to be sad all around. Even though it attempted to show faith and friendship and an upbeat positive ending, it just kind of failed all around.

The illustrations were not interesting enough or bright enough for children and they evoked depression and despair. The plot line would have been interesting enough if it was a little more upbeat but it led off too depressing and didn’t get upbeat enough through to the end. I wouldn’t read it to my kids

Low Down on Denim by Tanya Llody Kyi Book Review

2012-01-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

The Lowdown on Denim

How do you make Denim exciting? Seriously, it’s denim. We use it to make a million different things, frequently clothing. You would think of it as necessary, comfortable, possibly fashionable, but never interesting right? Well, Low Down on Denim by Tanya Lloyd Kyi aims to change that. Unless you’re a fashion design student, seamstress or merchandiser, you’re probably not on the search for books on the history of a fabric right? Well, Low Down on Denim aims to make the history of Denim interesting to almost anyone.

Low Down on Denim is a quick 113 page look at the history of Denim in America. The historical content is broken up into eras and colorfully illustrated with cartoons and characters created to lead the reader through the timeline. Start out in the wild wild west and learn how denim became and working mans staple and progress through the years in quick succession until you reach the point today where denim jeans are an everyday fashion staple for everyone from babies to Grandmas. The book is short and to the point and Tanya Lloyd Kyi keeps it interesting enough to hold your attention through until the end.

Facebook Friends VS Real Friends

2011-12-31T18:09:00.000-08:00

Realizing how many friends I really have out of all my “Friends”. A Facebook Friend is not a friend. A Friend is not someone who just comments on your rant or picture of your cat. A friend is not someone who just asks you send loot in Farmville or plays scrabble with you on your mobile phone.

A real friend calls you when you’re sick or when you’re sad, and they know what you’re sick or you’re sad because they called you the day before. A friend is someone you share memories with, not comments. A friend is someone who moves far away, but still scrimps and saves to visit you. Or a friend is someone who refuses to move too far away from you despite their plans or desires. A friend is someone who buys you a Christmas gift and gives it to you on Christmas, not someone who sends you an e-card. A friend is not a digital text but a face and a hug and tears and smiles and real laughter not LOL’s. A friend is someone that wants to stay your friend, even when you lose common interests or common geography or common ground.

A friend is someone you can chat with about movies, because you just saw it the night before on at the theater together, not because you both watched it alone on your Netflix miles apart. A friend is someone who asks how you are before telling you about themselves, not someone who posts their daily minutiae on your “wall”. A friend is someone who gives everything and asks for nothing. Not someone who only calls or emails when they want something from you. A friend is someone who’s happy to sit side by side with you and do nothing for hours just to hear talk.

A real friend is something you’re really lucky to have. A friend is someone you know with your heart, not your keyboard.

I’d rather have one real friend then a thousand digital “friends”. If you have real friends count yourself lucky and don’t lose them to your computer monitor

The Hangman in the Mirror by Kate Cayley Book Review

2011-12-30T21:58:00.000-08:00

The Hangman in the Mirror

What is a poorer life than a lady’s maid? How about the daughter of a washerwoman and a solider? What if that washerwoman started out a poor prostitute and her husband a destitute drunken solider? What if that poor woman was also a drunk? A wife too depressed to work and the husband gambling too much to hold onto his pay? This is the household that Francoise grows up in, a sad poor and lonely place.

So it’s no wonder that when her parents die she insists on dragging herself out of this household and pushes her way right into the position of ladies maid to one of the richest merchants in her village.

And it’s from this highly sought after position that she falls even father than she’s ever been, to a prison cell waiting for hanging. For such a sad story, this novel actually is extremely enjoyable. It’s written well and the characters draw you in. I could see Francoise throughout the story, her poor patched clothes, her bleary eyed parents, her horror loving friends pushing their way to the front of the crowd to watch a hanging. I felt that I could hear her whispers as she lay on the floor of her prison whispering to her neighbor in the next cell through a hole in the stones.

The best part is that I didn’t even realize until the end that the main character is based on actual records of a woman’s experiences in 18th century France. I’ve always loved the way writers bring to life small characters of the world and flesh out their story until you wish you’d known them. Just a tiny line in history can bring a whole story to life with the right writer.

And as to where the hangman in the mirror comes in, you’ll have to read it

Makeover Your Bedroom on a Budget

2011-12-30T21:49:00.000-08:00

Of all the rooms in your home, it is your bedroom’s decor which speaks most about your personality. Warm color schemes and inviting furniture arrangements can turn the place you lay your head into a designer’s dream, while also contributing to your own overall comfort. No matter how you define your personal style, renovating your bedroom’s appearance and design is a great way to reinvigorate your everyday living situation. A bedroom overhaul may sound like a pricey endeavor, but fortunately for today’s cash strapped American public, there are plenty of ways that you can make over your bedroom on a budget. By searching diligently for savings in creative places, while also making sure never to sacrifice style in the name of slashing prices, you can begin transforming your bedroom into the most attractive room in your home.

The bed is obviously the centerpiece of every well designed bedroom, so it is important to build your bedroom’s new décor from the bed up. Pay attention to the details when putting together your bed, including pillowcases, bed skirts and other accoutrements which serve to enhance the overall theme of the bedroom. You may enter the renovation process with the mistaken belief that you need a brand new bed, a very costly expenditure, only to discover that a new comforter set and a few monogramed pillowcases do the trick. To complete your new sleeping space, consider adding an antique headboard to complement the rest of your furniture. By matching an old oak headboard with other pieces of wooden furniture, like a pastoral standing desk, during your makeover you can easily lend your bedroom a rustic, natural atmosphere. An antique headboard might seem like an expensive addition, but you will find that estate sales and consignment stores will often have just what you need at a significant bargain.

If your bedroom walls are lacking a certain sense of flair, you might want to shop around for inexpensive pieces of artwork to spice things up. Local artist galleries, art walks and even garage sales are great places to hunt for unique, beautiful paintings or drawings which would look wonderful hanging from your bedroom walls. If artwork is not up your alley, woven rugs and tapestries make great wall coverings for a fraction of the price, and with a little looking around, you can easily find bold, colorful and intricately designed patterns to adorn your walls.

Your bedroom’s ambience can be accentuated by paying close attention to seemingly minor design details. An array of scented candles twinkling around the room can provide that often elusive romantic spark in a spontaneous way. Placing artistically designed mirrors near your closet is a simple way to blend form and function in the mid century modern fashion. Even a simple repaint or wallpapering can transform your tired bedroom décor into an exciting expression of your personal style. With a little imagination and dedication to savings, you can easily make over your entire bedroom while staying true to a limited budget.

Running of the Bride by Rachel Eddey Book Review

2011-12-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

Running of the Bride: My Frenzied Quest to Tie the Knot, Tear Up the Dance Floor, and Figure Out Why My 15 Minutes of Fame Included Commercial Breaks

Writer Rachel Eddey gives Jen Lancaster a run for her money as she races with sarcastic wit and whine all the way up to the Altar in Running of the Bride. Like, Lancaster, Rachel Eddey is funny, smart and an excellent writer. She holds her own in this book though with her own style, a little bit sweet and a little bit sassy.

Rachel paints one vivid satirical vignette after another of her trip to the Altar. From her Hollywood proposal in front of the Sex in the City Cast to her mad dash for a dress at the annual Filene's blow out sale, to her blow ups on reality TV. Running of the Bride is a whirlwind of Bridezilla whine. I found it completely hilarious.

How to Find a Great Tutor that Won’t Break the Bank

2011-12-30T20:43:00.001-08:00

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to ensure that your kids succeed academically so that they can parlay their education into successful careers as adults. It is not only your responsibility to give your kids the best chance in life; it is also the fondest desire of your heart (after all, someone’s going to have to support you in your old age!). So if you’re children seem to be struggling with their subjects (or facing some other difficulties in the educational arena) you might end up deciding that a tutor is necessary to help them get back on track. Unfortunately, most parents simply don’t have the extra cash on hand to pay a service like Sylvan Learning Center or a highly-rated private tutor such as a retired professor. However, there are alternatives that can deliver the help your kids need when it comes to academic pursuits, at a lot less cost.

For starters, you don’t necessarily need a rocket scientist to tutor children that are elementary through high school age. And in fact, there are all kinds of people, including older students, that could provide the help your kids need. The best place to start your search for a worthy tutor for less is on local college campuses. Many students are working their way through college with the money they make from tutoring, so you could look specifically for students that are earning teaching degrees or you might want to search for students that are tutoring (and majoring) in specific core subjects like math, science, English, or other languages. In some cases, universities have tutoring programs designed to help students earn credit towards their degrees. These could provide inexpensive or even free tutoring services for your child.

You might also look at local high schools or community centers. Often, there are programs in place for older kids to help younger kids in some way. These programs tend to be offered free of charge to students in need and those that provide tutoring do so on a volunteer basis (usually in exchange for a reference for college applications). Further, they are generally monitored by trained teaching staff so you know that your kids are getting the help they need. In truth, the schools your kids attend may even offer after-school programs with free tutoring.

But if you’re worried that these types of tutoring might not be up to snuff, there is another option to help you save: online tutoring. There are literally dozens of sites where teachers and other certified professionals join up with the intent of tutoring kids across the globe, and you can take advantage of their expertise remotely. Most of these sites require tutors to hold degrees in either teaching or in the subjects in which they will instruct. And often you will pay a monthly fee for unlimited access to tutoring services, although some employ a pay-as-you-go system, so the less you need it, the less you pay. A few that you might want to check out are Tutor.com, and e-Tutor.com and TutorVista.com.

Carol Montrose is a contributing writer for Home Tuition Singapore where you can find quality one on one home tutoring for all subjects and levels.

Mooshka, A Quilt Story by Julie Pashkis Book Review

2011-12-27T16:02:00.000-08:00

Mooshka, A Quilt Story

When I was little I grew up with my grandmother who sewed. Sewing was part of our daily life so I knew what a quilt really was. I had a quilt that was my blankie from the time I was little until I was practically married. My grandma made my quilt with hand stitched alphabet letters and hours and hours of love. I have a quilt of hers now that she made when I my mom was little. The quilt is over 50 years old and it’s still just as beautiful as ever.

Because of this I’ve always loved quilts. I have grand ideas of making them for my kids. I keep my grandmothers quilt in protective bag that I guard with my life. I love books on quilts and quilt making.

I don’t think there are many kids in this generation that understand what a quilt really is. That a quilt that is something made from scraps of memories and love and hours and hours of time. Now a quilt is something that your mom bought at a department store, if you even have one in the house at all.

That’s why I adore this new children’s book called, Mooshka, A Quilt Story by Julie Pashkis. Mooshka is the blankie and constant companion of a little girl called Karla. Mooshka brings to life for this generation of kids what a quilt is, including the scraps of love and memories. The fact that Mooshka brings together Karla and her new baby sister in the end of the book is just precious.

The book is written in engaging three to four sentence pages. It’s perfect for reading aloud at night or good for a little one to practice reading themselves.

The artwork in the book in itself is homage to quilts with a lovely piece in the middle of each page featuring Karla with her Mooshka surrounded by a border on every page of colorful patchwork.

Throwing a Lavish Holiday Party for Less

2011-12-25T22:38:00.000-08:00

In years past, you may have become well known amongst your group of friends for throwing the biggest holiday bash on the block, complete with over-the-top decorations, five-star catered food service, and the hottest entertainment in town. Your parties were, in a word, lavish. Unfortunately, they were also expensive. And with the recession ongoing and everyone looking for ways to tighten the belt, you would probably rather cancel your yearly holiday soiree than have one that doesn’t measure up to previous parties. But you don’t have to turn into Scrooge this season, opting for a “Bah humbug” instead of a cheery “Come in!” You just have to remember that holiday entertaining isn’t about spending money; it’s about being with the ones you love. And on that score, you can still throw a fabulous party without spending a ton of dough. Here’s how to get it done.

For starters, you must be willing to swallow your pride and accept that a little help simply means that everyone can have an enjoyable evening (you included). Now it’s time to get cracking. The first and easiest way to dispel the cost of entertaining is to host a potluck. Tell the catering company goodbye, pull out your best holiday recipes, and then start calling family and friends to ask them what they can bring. In most cases, people are busy baking anyway, so it’s not too difficult for them to whip up an extra batch of this or that. And if you make a point of asking them to prepare a signature dish, you can make them feel special in the process.

You could even ask people to bring their own set of dishes so that you don’t have to provide plates, cups, and flatware (or worse, use non-recyclable paper or plastic goods). If you want to make it fun, you could host a plate swap (instead of gifts). Each person will arrive with a lovely set that includes a plate, a cup, and silverware, they’ll swap before dinner, and then each guest goes home with a complete new set. It’s a neat way to help others save, as well, since they’ll probably spend less than they would on an actual gift. Or if you want to provide the dinner service, consider going to a second-hand store, picking out an eclectic assortment, and tying a ribbon around each one. It’s not totally inexpensive, but it’s a lot less than renting or buying everything new.

From here on out you’re going to have to get creative and embrace a DIY spirit, especially when it comes to décor. But that doesn’t mean your space has to look any less extravagant. Instead of contracting to a company that hangs lavish light displays, skip the eye-searing light show this year and go for something a little more natural. Head to the woods with a basket to collect fallen branches and pinecones, and then take them home to create rustic wreaths and centerpieces. Add a few ornaments or some festive ribbons to complete your look. And when it comes to linens, get yourself some holiday fabric to create your own tablecloths and napkins.

Finally, you need to look into entertainment options. Although you may have hired out from Aerialists Las Vegas or a traveling circus sideshow in years past for entertainment, that kind of expenditure is out this year. Instead, think about how you can get your guests to entertain themselves. While a game of charades is always fun, you might get more applause by setting up a karaoke machine (complete with holiday classics) or even getting a game of Rock Band going on your kids’ Xbox 360. Or you could ask musically talented friends to perform. The point is, you can still have fun and enjoy the company of the ones you love this holiday season without spending an arm and a leg. And you might just be surprised to find that your guests don’t notice the difference.

Revealing Eden by Victoria Foyt - Book Review

2011-12-20T17:24:00.000-08:00

Revealing Eden (Save the Pearls Part One)

Eden Newman is a minority. She’s oppressed, abused, half starved, living day to day on government sponsored happy drugs, just trying to stay out of the way and out of sight. Her only hope for survival is to find someone willing to mate with her before her 18^th birthday.

It’s hard being Eden, in this futuristic dystopian fantasy. It’s hard being white. Yes, that’s right. In this new future, white is wrong, the minority, the segment of the population least likely to survive on an over radiated planet and therefore the segment doomed to be the underclass. The darker your skin, the more power you hold in the world, as a revered Coal. The paler your skin, the more likely you are to be a never mated Pearl, cut off from government resources and left to die on your 18^th birthday.

Revealing Eden by Victoria Foyt stretches the limits of the Sci-Fi genre, all at once trying to be dystopian fiction, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, sultry romance and a coming of age novel. Luckily Foyt has the writing skill to make it work.

Eden comes across truly a product of her environment, scared, distrusting and desperate for love. Yet, she grows up, finds love, connects with family and skirts danger and lives for adventure once she connects with who she really is. And she does all of this growing up in a world that wants her dead.

This book was really enjoyable and sets up a good storyline and environment for future novels in the series. I’m looking forward to the sequel, Adapting Eden.

How to Improve the Resale Value of Your Home in a Recession

2011-12-13T19:44:00.000-08:00

It can be difficult to think about pouring money into home improvements when you’re already underwater with your mortgage. And yet, if you want to get the most out of your home when it comes time to sell, you need to make sure that your house is in good shape. So at the very least you should perform regular maintenance and attend to small issues before they grow into major problems. Plus, you can enjoy any upgrades until such time as you’re ready to sell, and you could even end up making back more than you spent on upgrades, especially if you find ways to add value while spending very little. Here are just a few ideas that could help you to vastly improve your property value in a recession economy without breaking the bank.

Curb appeal. The first thing any buyer will see is the front of your house. And if the paint is peeling, plants are overgrown, and the lawn is dead, you’re not going to garner much interest up front. So there are a few things you can do without too much expense to ensure that buyers find your home inviting before they ever set foot inside. You can start with landscaping. Consider drought-resistant plants that are easy to care for and require less water (this will help you to save on utilities). Then keep up with maintenance like weeding, seeding, and replanting for a yard that always looks great. And consider painting your house every few years as a summer project. If you can manage it yourself, the cost is minimal (for a big payoff).
Energy-savers. Anything that makes your household less expensive to maintain (in terms of utilities) is going to be great for your family and provide a major draw for potential buyers. Certain things will cost you (alternative energy, insulated windows, and so on), but there’s a lot you can do for limited cost. When you’re ready to replace appliances, get energy-saving models that are comparably priced. And think about installing aerated faucets to save on water usage, a tankless water heater to cut back on gas bills, and a thermostat that allows for better controls (like timed usage).
Extra storage. One thing that many home buyers are looking for is adequate storage. So if you’re handy with a carpenter’s tools, you may be able to beef up storage solutions with some truly spectacular built-ins. Buy lumber remnants to further reduce costs. And if you simply can’t tackle this project on your own, get bids from contractors. Like everyone else in a recession economy, they may be willing to reduce prices in order to get your business.
Targeted overhaul. There are certain upgrades that are proven to show a better return. So if you only have a limited budget for renovations, put it into the kitchen or the master bath. These can be expensive rooms to overhaul, but you’ll get the most bang for your buck.
Open floor plan. It seems like everyone wants an open floor plan that turns common areas like the kitchen, dining room, and living room into one big gathering place. Luckily, knocking down walls is pretty easy. You may want to consult with a contractor first to ensure that you’re not taking out load-bearing walls or swinging a mallet at an electrical junction, but you’ll likely find demo to be fun and relatively easy. Drywall is a bit messier, but still doable.

Carol Montrose is a contributing writer for Lima One Capital, the leader in Atlanta loans and hard money lending.

Create a Holiday Spending Budget

2011-12-13T19:42:00.000-08:00

The holidays are a difficult time for most families for a variety of reasons, but one of the biggest causes of heartache and stress is the financial burden incurred via holiday spending. Each year you vow to spend less, but somehow find yourself entering the New Year with a mountain of debt that you’ll be paying down until the next holiday season. It’s a vicious cycle, but now is the time to break it. So stop feeling like the gifts you bought aren’t good enough and start thinking about what’s good for your finances; you know your family and friends would hate for you to go into debt on their behalf. And here are a few tips that will help you to formulate a workable budget for holiday spending.

For starters, you need to sit down and look at your financial situation. If you can’t pay the gas, electric, or mortgage this month, there’s no way you should be spending money on extras for the holidays. And yet, you don’t want your family to be disappointed (especially if you have kids). So if you’re one of the many that find yourself in dire straits this year thanks to the ongoing recession, look into programs that will provide you with food for a holiday feast and possibly even gifts for your kids. There are many charitable organizations that offer these services to families in need and you shouldn’t be too proud to seek them out if you want to stay on track for a better financial future.

That said, many families will have some money set aside for the holidays, albeit a limited amount. But there are options here, too. You need to begin by looking at what you’ve managed to set aside and make a decision to leave the credit cards at home and truly stick to the budget you set yourself. Of course, this could require a plan of action, so you should further set yourself limits for individual gifts. For example, a very restricted budget could mean that you’re only purchasing gifts for immediate family and close friends. That’s okay; for the most part, people outside your immediate circle (kids’ teachers, coworkers, etc.) won’t be hurt if you fail to give a gift because it means they don’t feel like they have to reciprocate (and give gifts that they can’t afford either).

On the other hand, you may have enough to spread around. This is okay as long as you track everything to ensure that you don’t go over budget. One good way to stick with the program is to give gift cards. You can get them from stores that you know specific people would prefer, get them all from the same place, or even give teen debit cards from Visa that are prepaid and reloadable (perhaps taking care of future gifts). You could even consider simply donating to a charity in the names of friends and family as a way to remove the pressures of gifting and really stick to your budget. But whatever you do, remember that it is possible to create a working budget for the holidays that keeps your finances stable into the coming year. And if you think it through and plan a course of action you should have no problem sticking to it.

Carol Montrose writes for Get Debit where you can find a huge selection of debit cards like the mPower card, and even look at customer feedback and ratings.

High-Tech Home on a Budget

2011-12-12T20:36:00.000-08:00

There’s no denying that the scope and availability of consumer technology has increased to the point that we now NEED it to live our daily lives. Do you even remember a time when you didn’t talk on a cell phone multiple times a day or turn to Google for directions, the weather report, or to find some random tidbit of information that you used to need a set of encyclopedias to look up? It’s not that it isn’t useful to cook an entire dinner in three minutes in the microwave, open your garage door without ever setting foot outside your car, or call ahead to have the house turn on lights and air conditioning, but there is certainly an element of expense involved in making one’s life easier through technology. And while we may have done okay without these items in the not-so-distant past, the fast-paced modern world makes at least a modicum of home technology appealing. So what can you do to make your house a little smarter on a budget?

Thanks to the high demand for better, faster, and cheaper consumer technology, you can do a lot with just a little cash these days. Take for example entertainment, an industry in which technology is prevalent. Suppose you want a flat-screen TV. Not only has the price on these gorgeous monitors come down significantly in the last decade, but the expense is totally justified thanks to the fact that they use so much less energy than an old-school tube television (saving you on utility bills). And if you spring for a PS3 to go with it (no small expense), you can get a state-of-the-art media center that not only provides for gaming and playing Blu-ray discs, but can also pay for itself within months thanks to the ability to link up with services like Hulu and Netflix (why pay a hundred bucks a month for cable when you can get your favorite movies and TV shows for less than $20?).

That’s not even the tip of the iceberg. You can still drop a couple Gs on a new computer setup if you want to, but decent home PCs (and even laptops) can be had for far less cost. Dell, for example, lets users build machines that are suited to their needs and their price range. If you want a computer that you can do professional video editing on, then you will almost certainly pay more, but for the average consumer the “build your own” method means saving money by saying no to unneeded bells and whistles. And with so many free or discount program downloads available online, it’s easy to get the security you need (antivirus, anti-spyware, etc.) and the functionality you want.

Of course, you could do a lot more, and thanks to the internet, comparison shopping is a cinch. And it’s not like you have to turn your home into a Silicon Valley or Santa Clara data center in order to enjoy the quality tech that’s going to make your life easier. You simply need to stay abreast of new developments in technology so that you can determine what interests you (in terms of time-saving technology for the home) and then wait for the price to drop so that you can integrate it into your home and your lifestyle.

Inexpensive Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Employees

2011-12-12T19:57:00.000-08:00

Most offices discourage personal fraternization outside the work environment, and for supervisors, this often applies to inter-office dealings, as well. After all, respect for authority is more important than friendship when you have to lay down the law and motivate people to do things they may not want to. The flip side, unfortunately, is that when the holidays roll around you may have no idea of what to get employees as a symbolic gesture of the season and a token of your appreciation for all the hard work they’ve done throughout the year. And if you’re running a small business, major cash bonuses may be out of the question. So here are just a few generic and inexpensive gifts that are sure to please just about every employee.

1. Company product. Your employees may handle your goods all day and know your product lineup like the back of their hands, but probably they don’t often get to sample the goods. So one great way to save money while giving your employees an appropriate gift is to offer them the latest off the assembly line. The bonus for you is that if your products are fantastic your employees may act as brand ambassadors of their own volition, touting the goods to friends and family as a trusted and knowledgeable source (rather than just because your company pays their bills).

2. Floating holiday. No employees is going to turn down paid time off, so consider offering each of your workers a couple of extra paid days off in the coming year that they can cash in whenever something comes up or they need a long weekend to make up for the overtime they put in during a particularly heavy production cycle. You may, however, want to specify that only a certain percentage of employees can use these floating days simultaneously.

3. Gift cards. Is there any better gift than a gift card? A nearby coffee shop, juice bar, or café that many of your employees frequent (or that you’d like to trade some business with) is the ideal solution to your spending conundrum because you can set an amount per employee and make your purchase quickly and easily (no shopping around!).

4. DIY gift baskets. While you can certainly contract out to a business that specializes in gift baskets, you could opt to do it yourself for less if you’re handy with the crafts (and you have few employees). For the ladies you can’t go wrong with an assortment of bath goodies (bubbles, lotion, loofah, etc.), and men will no doubt enjoy a fresh supply of fancy shaving products (the starter and travel kits from The Art of Shaving start at about $25 and they’re surprisingly manly).

5. Baked goods. You just can’t go wrong with baked goods, whether you hit up a local bakery to purchase an assortment for the whole office (or individual boxes) or you make them in your own kitchen. Of course, the latter will save you a lot more money.

6. Picture frames. Absolutely everyone can use a photo frame and it’s an extremely office-appropriate gift simply because so many people like to display family photos at work. If you are willing to spend a little more, a digital photo frame is both thoughtful and timely.

Carol Montrose writes for Midwest HR Chicago Human Resources Outsourcing. Midwest HR offers innovative HR solutions to organizations that are focused on productivity, profitability, and growth

Duggar Tips for Frugal Living

2011-12-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

Hi Frugal Life Readers! We are Lily and Ellie, authors of the Duggar Family Blog. The purpose of our blog is to provide factual, encouraging information about Jim Bob and Michelle and their nineteen children. We are delighted to share a post with you.

Raising kids costs money, and lots of it, but can you imagine providing for nineteen little (and big) ones? Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are doing just that, but not without sacrifice and careful planning. Let’s take a look at some frugal living tips from one of America’s largest families:

1. Early on in their marriage, Jim Bob and Michelle went through Jim Sammons’ Financial Freedom Seminar and purposed to get out of debt. They sold their home and rented for several years, eventually saving up enough cash to purchase a fixer-upper. “It was such freedom getting completely out of debt,” Jim Bob explained during our February interview. If they do not have the cash to pay for something, they do not buy it.

2. To stay within their budget, the Duggars shop secondhand whenever possible. Ever since they were “1 and Counting,” Jim Bob and Michelle have stayed true to their motto: "Buy Used and Save the Difference.” They are frequent thrift-store shoppers and are always on the lookout for garage sales, auctions, and clearance items. With the advent of the Internet, the Duggars began purchasing secondhand goods on websites like eBay and GovSales. Whether they are searching for an oven, an SUV, or a pair of jeans, the Duggars always look to buy used and save the difference.

3. While building their house, the Duggars paid for the supplies as they went along and carefully considered each step with a frugal mindset. They saved money by purchasing a Kodiak Steel Home Kit and by heating their home with a wood-burning stove, powered by tree branches from their property. The entire family worked together for nearly four years to construct their dream house.

4. The Duggars also look for ways to save on everyday items. Michelle and the girls make homemade laundry soap, which is $60 cheaper than buying a month’s supply of conventional detergent. The older girls have learned how to give each other perms, saving salon fees of over $100. The Duggars also use homemade baby wipes, a recipe passed on by fellow parents of “19 kids and counting,” Gil and Kelly Bates.

5. How does one stay debt-free while putting kids through college? Several of the older Duggars have graduated high school and signed on with CollegePlus!, an organization that guides students through the process of earning their accredited bachelor’s degree at a fraction of the cost of traditional university. Twenty-year-old Jill Duggar is well on her way to becoming a registered nurse and is expected to save about $20,000 in tuition. The flexibility of CollegePlus! allows the Duggars to provide their children with an economical, quality education while maintaining a close family relationship.

The Duggars believe that becoming debt-free was critical to preparing for a large family, but they also understand the importance of continuing to live frugally. To stay in the black, they look for ways to cut costs, even when purchasing small items. While modern society cringes at the cost of raising more than a few children, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their nineteen kids are surviving, and even thriving.

How to Save Money on Car Insurance for Teens

2011-12-10T20:01:00.000-08:00

You might have thought your own auto insurance rates were astronomical, but once you start to put your teen drivers behind the wheel you’ll get an idea of just how truly ludicrous insurance coverage can be. There’s no denying that teen drivers pose a greater risk than just about anyone else, but since you’re probably footing the bill for their policy, it behooves you to find ways to pare it down to a manageable sum. So here are a few options that will help you to insure the teen drivers in your household without breaking the bank.

1. Good grades. Most insurance providers want to do their part to help hard-working teens that have earned the right to drive. For this reason, many will offer discounts to teens that uphold a certain grade point average. In short, good grades could net your teen drivers a significant discount on their insurance. And frankly, if the teens in your household aren’t acting responsibly and pulling their weight in school, do you really want to reward them with the freedom (or give them the added responsibility) that comes from operating a motor vehicle?

2. Bundling. One of the easiest ways to save on all of your policies is through bundling. Rather than holding your home, auto, or other insurance with a variety of carriers, approach one or all of them to see what kind of discount they’re willing to offer if you make them the sole provider for all of your insurance needs.

3. Cash for clunkers. No, we’re not talking about the ill-conceived buyback program the government instituted a couple of years ago to stimulate the economy. The idea here is to lower insurance rates by choosing cars that are less expensive (but still safe). The cost of insurance is based on a couple of factors. One is the possibility of an accident and there’s not much you can do to lessen that since teen drivers are pretty much the highest-risk group on the road. The other factor is, of course, the value of the vehicle being driven, so it naturally follows that a car that is less expensive to replace is going to require less insurance. Whereas you’d have to pay the maximum for full coverage on a new car (with a bank-held title), you can definitely cut your costs by purchasing an older, used vehicle outright. In fact, you’ll save all around with this option.

4. Discounts. Although your teens might not be eligible for discounts like safe driving (since they have no record to judge by), there are still many discounts that you may be able to secure on their behalf. Added safety features in a vehicle can reduce rates, and technological advances like Ford’s MyKey system (which allows you to set top speeds and stereo volume through your teens’ car keys) can be a real boon. Anti-theft devices like Lo-Jack could also come with attendant discounts.

5. Compare rates. Performing an auto insurance comparison is a must when insuring high-risk drivers. With due diligence you can secure the best coverage at the best rate so that when your teens have accidents (and they will), you won’t find yourself paying through the nose.

How to Lose Holiday Weight without Joining a Gym

2011-12-10T19:55:00.000-08:00

Everyone gains some weight at the holidays. Who can blame you? With all the family and friends to visit and multiple celebrations that require your presence, not to mention the appetizers, special drinks, and chocolate in your stocking, you’ll be hard pressed to lose the weight after all the fun is done. So how can you do it without shelling out for a gym membership? Follow these tips for some ideas how to lose weight fast.

Extra walking will help out, so add to the amount you do on daily basis whenever you have an opportunity. Park as far as you can from the entrance to your job or the grocery store. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. You may want to add extra weight to help out with toning, so consider carrying a few extra bags. You don’t need to join a gym to exercise. Pick up jogging a few days a week or, weather permitting, ride your bike instead of driving. Daily cardio, which you can do at home, will take you far down the path toward combatting post-holiday weight gain.

Over a month of overeating takes its toll on your psyche. Once the holidays are over, you will probably feel compelled to eat out of habit, not because you’re actually hungry. Help convince yourself that you aren’t really hungry (and you probably aren’t) by drinking water. Since water raises your metabolism, the more you drink of it the more satisfied you will feel, which will steer you clear of situations that may tempt you to eat more than you should. About eight cups a day should do it.

Cravings only last about ten minutes, so if you can hold out on the urge to eat when you don’t really need to the craving will fade. You can set a timer and focus on a mini-chore or some small project to occupy you while the time passes. That way, not only do you avoid overeating, but you are left with a pleasant sense of accomplishment as well.

Learn to substitute appropriately. Instead of soda, which gives you only empty calories and is consumed far more than water or fruit juice by American shoppers, substitute healthier alternatives, like unsweetened iced tea or no calorie, flavored waters. Remember that beverages are not as satisfying as solid foods, which can often lead you to over-indulge in calorie-packed drinks. Avoid candy after the holidays, snacking on fruit or carrot sticks instead.

Try to keep your self-esteem as high as possible, which can be a difficult chore. Remind yourself that you are trying. Set a reasonable goal weight to achieve in a reasonable amount of time (like two to three pounds the first week of your post-holiday regime). Cut yourself some slack if you backslide. You can help yourself feel better and stay more on track by starting and maintaining a food journal. This tactic shows you what you eat, when you eat it, and allows you the opportunity to plan for the future and to make smarter, healthier choices.

Carol Montrose is a contributing writer for Get Prograde where you can find articles and tools to help you lose weight and keep it off.

Save Money by Carpooling

2011-12-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

This is not a time to test out the possibility of a loner lifestyle. As the economy has yet to recover, millions of everyday Americans are seeking out ways to cut down on their daily expenses. If you commute to work, are responsible for getting your kids to and from school, or venture out to the grocery store once a week or so, then you should give up your independent ways and consider carpooling as a viable way to save you money and stress on your own vehicle.

Most people commute between twenty-five to forty miles one way to work every day, which can average as much as 560 miles a week and 29, 120 miles a year, not counting any other driving that you might do. You probably already figured that gas prices aren’t looking to fall any time soon. With the cost of gas at roughly $3.50 per gallon, and if your car gets twenty-five miles to the gallon, you are looking to spend $11.20 a day on an eighty mile round trip. That’s about $3000 a year in gas just to get to work and back. Sobering, isn’t it.

Now consider carpooling as an option. The more people who split the drive, the more ways you can split the costs. If four of you drive to work in the scenario described above, you pay only $750 a year, a savings of $2250 a year. Think of what you can do with an extra twenty-five hundred dollars! That’s a lot of car and insurance payments.

Commuting isn’t limited to the workaday world. You can form a carpool with local parents who send their kids to the same school you do. This is an especially handy solution as private and charter schools grow in popularity, which ordinarily do not provide bus service.

Carpooling also saves wear and tear on your car since you are using it half as much if you split with one other driver, or a quarter if you split with four. You will pay for oil changes less frequently, brake jobs, or any other maintenance issues that crop up.

You can reduce your stress levels as well if you aren’t driving every day. You will also save some time getting to work since you and your party will be able to legally use the carpool lane, which you may have noticed is frequently empty when regular lanes are backed up. As an added bonus, many employers are offering incentives if their employees carpool together.

When selecting your carpool buddies, you can be specific about with whom you share the space. Many online sites support advertisements from people seeking carpool opportunities, which allows you to ride with people who are as chatty – or as quiet – as befits your situation.

Ultimately, carpooling saves you time and money that you can invest in other ways. It also saves your car, which will keep you from making costly repairs or investing in used GEO engines if yours goes bust. And who knows? You’ll be spending lots of time with your fellow carpoolers: maybe you’ll make some friends!

How to Save Money during Allergy Season

2011-12-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

Whether you have suffered from seasonal allergies your whole life or it is a recent development, you are probably well aware that the seemingly innocuous pollen and dust particles drifting through the air can not only cause annoying side effects like coughing, sneezing, congestion, itching, and watery eyes; they can also completely disrupt your life and your ability to function normally. In severe cases, these allergens can even be life-threatening. As a result, most people are willing to do just about anything to get back on track. But if you’re tired of paying through the nose for prescription allergy medications, you may be seeking less expensive ways to get the same benefits. Here are just a few that could save you beaucoup bucks.

1. Buteyko breathing. This type of calculated breathing is probably best known because of the positive results it has had for people suffering from sleep apnea or asthma, but the exercises can also be useful for those dealing with breathing-related allergy symptoms. If you have hives it probably won’t help, but it can definitely be used to alleviate congestion.

2. Neti pot. You’ll probably think this little pot looks like it was made for brewing tea or hosting a genie, but in fact it is made to clear your sinuses. All you have to do is fill it with warm salt water, tilt your head sideways over a sink, and pour the fluid in through one nostril (and out the other). If you’re worried about doing it right, just watch one of the many tutorials on the web. Proponents claim it is better for clearing the sinuses than any OTC medication.

3. Medication. This can be the most expensive option, but it can also be the most effective for seasonal allergy sufferers. However, you can cut costs by trying comparable brands that your insurance covers and opting for generic versions if possible. And you can certainly try OTC meds, which may work fine for you at less cost. But if you really need the pricy stuff, look into prescription assistance programs, which may pay for part or all of your necessary medication.

4. Desensitization therapy. Okay, if you’ve looked into this option you are probably aware that it can be expensive. But here’s the thing: you have to think of it like an investment in your future. You’re going to have to pay for regular injections for a couple of years, although they frequency will taper off over time, and your insurance may or may not cover these fees and the associated costs of supplemental medication. But when you’re done, you won’t have allergies anymore (at least that’s the theory). Think about what you shell out in a year for your allergy treatments now, and multiply it by the many long years of your life, keeping in mind that most allergies worsen over time. It could be worth nipping it in the bud, not only for financial reasons, but to alleviate your long-term suffering.

5. Keep interior air clean. If nothing else, you need your home to be a sanctuary from allergies. But since you’re not likely to hermetically seal your house, consider getting an energy assessment (to see where leaks are occurring and seal them). You could also consider using an allergy specific vacuum (like the Miele S6 Vacuum, which claims to trap 99.5% of allergens), installing air purifiers, and placing HEPA filters in your HVAC system. Although these items all come with a cost, some could end up being less than your seasonal medications over time so you can breathe easy, at least on the home front.

House of Hope Book Review

2011-11-29T17:19:00.000-08:00

The House of Hope: God's Love for the Abandoned Orphans of China

100% of the proceeds of the book go to support the work of Hope Foster Homes

House of Hope is small little book about a lot of really big hearts. It's really a book of hope. It's about some incredible people that just can't help but to dedicate their whole lives, their hearts, their faith, everything they have, to some children that everyone else just seems to overlook. I found it inspiring and a little sad and joyous and inspiring all at once.

House of Hope is the story of the House of Hope Foundation and the House of Hope Foster Homes in China. It's about the children that live in those homes and the incredible couple that made it possible.

The children are all children that would die without House of Hope. They are the sick and disabled orphans of China that just wouldn't make it with the limited resources most Chinese Foster Homes have. House of Hope takes them and gives them love and attention and incredible medical resources to help them live or if necessary, to help them die out of pain and with dignity and love.

The amazing couple that have given their lives to found and run these homes are Robin and Joyce Hill. But this book is not just their story, it includes the stories of all of the angels that help run these homes and care for these children.

I would definitely recommend this book and because the proceeds all go to House of Hope, I would recommend that you buy this one, not just borrow it! And buy one for a friend too please.

Sponsorship Disclaimer: The book for this review was provided free of charge for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own as always.

Free Printable Christmas Cards from Hoover Designs

2011-11-27T09:17:00.000-08:00

Free Printable Christmas cards from Hoover Designs

50¢ off when you buy any TWO Pillsbury® Crescent Dinner Rolls

2011-11-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

50¢ off when you buy any TWO Pillsbury® Crescent Dinner Rolls

6 Ways to Save Money on Movies or TV

2011-11-26T17:13:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite ways to decompress and relax at home is to watch movies. I watch movies while lazing on the couch, while working at home, while writing, while blogging, while hanging out with the dogs. I pretty much enjoy movies or TV's in the background all the time. In order to save money I have a number of ways I save tons of money on Movies and TV shows.

Hulu - Hulu.com is a website that shows TV and movies completely free. You do have to watch commercials but they're short and not very distracting. Hulu does have a paid service but I tried it out for several months and I wouldn't recommend it. The free service works perfectly fine and provides more than enough choices combined with other methods.
Xfinity - Xfinity.com is the online site that comes with our cable service, Comcast. If you have cable TV service through Comcast, you have the option to watch TV and movies anytime on your computer by logging into Xfinity.com. Xfinity is one my favorite sites for entertainment. Because of my work schedule, I never have time to watch TV shows when they are actually on. Xfinity gives me the ability to watch whenever I have time, I can watch new movies, catch up with my TV shows, even watch news shows and documentaries. And there are no extra charges, it comes free with my cable service.
Documentary Heaven - Speaking of documentaries, if you like them, I have the best site for you. Documentaryheaven is completely free. It brings together links to over 17000 documentaries that you can watch, completely free.
Redbox - If you have a specific movie that you want to watch that just came out and you can't find it on the online choices above, you can try Redbox. Redbox allows you to rent the movie or movies of your choice for only $1 a night. You can even avoid this fee though. Key "redbox codes" into your google search box and you'll get dozens of sites that post promotional codes for free redbox movies weekly.
Netflix - Netflix has been all over the news lately for their bad decisions on changing their pricing structures. Even with the change however, they are one of my faves. I just changed to the online only access. Now my husband and I can both access hundreds of movies and shows on our computers or on our living room TV, for only $7.99 a month.
Public Library - An other free option is the public library. You can either stop in once a week and pick up DVD's by the dozen or if you're lucky your library has a good online selection. Many big city libraries have large selections of movies you can check out and watch right on the computer without ever going to the library.

These are just a few of my favorite ways to save money on entertainment. By mixing and matching these options throughout the week, the whole family can watch as many movies as they like, for the smallest hit possible from the family entertainment budget.

Frugal Flight Tips

2011-11-26T16:14:00.000-08:00

If you've ever taken a flight or even dropped someone off at the airport, you know the truth about airport convenience. You can buy almost anything at an airport, but its going to cost you, big time. Just by packing smartly in your carry on, you can avoid going broke while waiting for your flight. Here are some thigns you should pack yourself to avoid the convenience fees.

Snacks - purchase a variety of pre-packaged snacks from our local dollar store and save a bundle. Nuts, chips, cookies, and dried fruit will all make it just fine through security.
Earbuds - bring your own and forget about buying the expensive and often uncomfortable one airlines offer.
E-reader for books and magazines - yes, you can buy the latest best sellers and magazines at the gift shop, but why bother when you can bring themselves. Bring your e-reader loaded with free books or if you don't have one, just download the free kindle app to your smart phone.
Pills and toiletries - pack a small toiletry or make-up bag with the essentials like tissues, motion sickness medicine, Tylenol and band-aids. All of these things will cost you a fortune once you get past airline security.

Just by thinking ahead before you fly you can manage your travel budget much more effectively. Remember, anything you can take with you through airport security will be a big savings to you. And i twill give you more funds for things you can't bring through, like bottled water, soda and razors.

Carmex Healing Lotion Review and Blog Giveaway

2011-11-26T15:48:00.000-08:00

Yummy! I love being on the Carmex Blog Squad. Every so often I get these great packages of new Carmex products to try out. And I get to giveaway the same package to one lucky reader!

The current package is full of these great new lotions. My favorite is the Carmex Healing Cream. I just got a new tattoo, while it was healing I used tattoo approved a & D cream. But after it healed I still wanted to keep my skin on and around the tattoo soft.

I used the Carmex Healing Cream and it's been working great. The cream smells good and is not greasy at all. I like the cream the best. It also comes in a good size for the price. Great value!

Enter the giveaway below to get a great Carmex Lotion package to try yourself.

This giveaway is now over. Congratulations to Trudy Z!

Winner will receive
1 Carmex Healing Lotion
1 Carmex Healing Cream
1 Travel size Carmex Healing Lotion 1 Travel size Carmex Healing Cream In order to enter, please leave a comment below.
If you're not signed in to the form below, be sure to include some way to contact you, email etc.. If you don't want to post your email in the comment form, comment and then send your email to afrugallife@yahoo.com Bonus Entry Methods (Choose any or all methods for bonus entries) :

Follow me using the Google Friends link on the right. If you already follow, please comment with, "I already follow via Google" (1 Bonus Entry)

Follow me on Twitter. If you already follow on Twitter, please comment with, "I already follow via Twitter) Like me on Facebook. If you're already a fan, please comment with, "I'm already a facebook fan)

Please enter before December 6th. Winner will be announced here. Leave a comment for EACH bonus entry in order to get credit for your bonus entries. Thanks!!

Note: (Giveaway open to US residents only, age 18 and over)

Sponsorship Disclaimer: The product for review and for giveaway were provided free of charge. However, all opinions are 100% my own, as always.

Free Printable Christmas Stencils

2011-11-26T09:13:00.000-08:00

Free Printable Christmas Stencils from Fashion Frog

$1.85 off when you buy any FIFTEEN Beech-Nut® Stage 2 1/2™ Baby Food Glass Jars

2011-11-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

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Free Printable Spongebob Invitations

2011-11-25T09:09:00.000-08:00

Free Printable Spongebob Invitations

$1.00 off when you buy TWO PACKAGES any variety Pillsbury® Refrigerated Cookie Dough

2011-11-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

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How to sell frugal to your family

2011-11-24T21:35:00.000-08:00

The following is a guest post by Mark, written on behalf of ClearDebt. Visit the ClearDebt site to find out what a debt management plan is and other ways to clear your debt.
The decision to break bad news is never easy. No-one likes confrontation or argument. Knowing how to manage our audience and what to expect from them can help us to a resolution. The way humans deal with bad news has been categorised into five stages. These are Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. Even if we don’t experience them all it’s almost certain we’ll experience two or three. Different family members will have different responses which will be based on their expectations and their understanding of the problem.

Getting partners or spouses on-side is key. It may be that the denial stage has been shared for a while. There may have been arguments - we argue about money more than anything else. The starting point for partners is to agree on change. We have to remember that our consumption patterns are visible to other family members, who may be sternly critical if we demand sacrifices from them while making none ourselves. By visibly going without we prepare the ground for discussions about new trainers, games, winter holidays, ponies, iPhones and trips to the shops. It’s an opportunity for a family to become stronger if excess expenditure is declared an enemy.

Everyone can help. Start with the fridge. If everyone’s snacking at different times food bills can be astronomical. Eating together more often is a way to cut down on expense while making the family a bit more solid. It can also significantly reduce the amount of food we throw away.

Being able to splash out can lead us to make easy decisions regarding family members. If we’ve been working hard and not seeing much of the kids then it’s natural we try and make up for it with big presents. Dads can be particularly guilty of this. It’s important to understand that the best present you can give any child is time. It’s the most valuable thing in the world and it’s free.

There’s a library in every town. As well as movies and games, they also have things called books, which children find fascinating. If you haven’t visited a library in a while you’ll find they’ve changed a lot. You can arrive home on Saturday with a bundle of new things to try, and all of them free.

Older children and teenagers can be more difficult. Kids of this age need to fit in and conform to their peer group. This is the age when brands and labels and must-have technology have become important to ideas of identity. Negative reactions to the prospect of less expenditure aren’t necessarily selfish; they often represent a fear of being excluded. They may be couched in the form of a teenage tantrum but can indicate a real insecurity.

Once the bombshell has been dropped, it’ll take time for everyone to adjust. Remember, self-esteem can be based on more than stuff and spending habits. Above all, families are more than shopping machines.

$1 Holiday Cards

2011-11-24T21:26:00.000-08:00

$1 Holiday Cards

Free Alaska Travel Guide

2011-11-24T21:24:00.001-08:00

Free Alaska Travel Guide

DIY: Eliminating Bed Bugs from Your Home

2011-11-24T21:08:00.000-08:00

Although there is a stigma attached to those who suffer a bed bug infestation, to the effect that bed bugs thrive in a dirty household, the truth is that bed bugs can take root anywhere that there are, well, beds. In fact, the ideal habitat for these blood-loving parasites is anyplace plush, so carpeting, clothing, and other furnishings work just as well. And they can also survive on hard surfaces (like the back of a headboard, for example) if it means they go undiscovered. So with bed bug infestations on the rise, it simply won’t do to adopt an air of superiority. These pests can show up in any home, even yours, and you need to be prepared if you want to stop them from spreading.

First you need to know how to tell if you have bed bugs in your home. And you don’t necessarily need a professional exterminator to tell you. Your first sign will be waking up with itchy bites on your body (like mosquito bites). One or two could mean you’re dealing with a rogue spider or some other lone insect, but as bed bugs breed (and they will do so rapidly), you’ll quickly begin to notice more and more bites. From there you’ll need to undertake a search. You may find them hiding in mattress seams, under the box springs, behind headboards, or even at the edges of carpeting (one place you will rarely find them is on people and pets since they retreat to a hideout after nighttime feedings). The bugs can grow up to 5 mm in length, but if you don’t actually see them you can still recognize the signs of their inhabitance; the waste they leave behind looks like pepper sprinkled on your mattress.

But once you’ve identified these little beasts as the source of your skin irritation, what can you do about it without spending an arm and a leg on exterminators? First of all, if you do happen to find one on a person or pet, you can most easily get rid of it with rubbing alcohol (lethal to insects but safe to put on your skin). As for wiping out a rapidly-growing colony, you’ll need to take more aggressive measures. If you have a handheld steam cleaner, that’s a good place to start, since extreme heat and cold can both kill the buggers. Simply use it on areas that you can see infestation, as well as all around those areas. Wash bedding and other exposed linens (including your clothing) in hot water. Then vacuum every plush surface thoroughly.

After that you can consider using a chemical treatment to kill adults and eggs alike. No bed bug is safe when you opt for bed bug IGRs (insect growth regulators), which interfere with their reproduction cycle so that they can no longer breed. While other methods may kill them off faster, this will ensure that their numbers don’t grow so that you can stop them from returning. Without larvae, they will soon die off, leaving your household bed-bug free.

Carol Montrose is a contributing writer for bedbugs.org where you can find information on what causes bed bugs and how you can eliminate them.

Free Printable Garden Gnome Paperdolls

2011-11-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

Free printable garden gnome paperdolls, I love these ones, so cute!

$1.00 off when you buy TWO any flavor/variety Betty Crocker® Box Muffin Mix or Fiber One® Box Muffin Mix

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

$1.00 off when you buy TWO any flavor/variety Betty Crocker® Box Muffin Mix or Fiber One® Box Muffin Mix

Dr. Remedy Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deal

2011-11-23T21:10:00.000-08:00

If you've read my last Dr. Remedy review, you might be interested in their Black Friday Deal

Free Holiday Gift Tag from Vale Designs

2011-11-23T09:21:00.000-08:00

Download a free holiday gift tag from Vale Designs.

$1.00 off when you buy any FOUR 7.5 oz or larger packages of HOT POCKETS® Brand items

2011-11-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

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10 Free Printable Business Card Templates

2011-11-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

10 Free Printable Business Card Templates

$1.00 off when you buy any TWO LEAN CUISINE®

2011-11-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

$1.00 off when you buy any TWO LEAN CUISINE® varieties

How to Save Money on Branding for Your Home-Based Business

2011-11-22T03:49:00.000-08:00

If you’re currently operating your business out of your home, chances are good that you don’t exactly have a budget set aside for advertising, much less branding. And yet, if you want to grow your business you need to give some serious consideration to how you’re going to get your name on the lips of the public. You might not think that you’ll ever attain the size and status of a business like Coca Cola, for example, but remember that the brand started in a small drugstore in Georgia. Over the course of the last century it has grown into the colossal institution that we know today. Okay, so not every brand will follow the trajectory of Coca Cola, but unless you want to work out of your house forever, you need to think about ways to increase your exposure through branding efforts. Here are just a few ways you can do it on a shoestring budget (or with no money at all).

You should start with ad sharing. Participating in an ad-sharing service is one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to spread your name all over the web. In truth, most of these sites don’t charge anything. You simply submit your ad, which will be shown on member websites, and then allow for the service to post ads for their other members on your site. It’s a pretty fair trade that provides for smaller businesses to advertise online for free. In most cases, you can even select the type of ads you’d like so that visitors to your website are not bombarded by unrelated content.

Next you’ll want to work on increasing your web presence. This is something that’s easy in theory but a bit more difficult to pull off in reality. There are many, many ways in which you can expand your presence on the web for little or no cost, but all of them require some effort on your part. You can start with an on-site blog. If it becomes popular, it will bring more traffic to your site. And if you submit your website and/or blog for listing on Google or other search engines, your page rank will go up, ensuring that you are listed higher for particular searches. Of course, you can also guest post on other blogs in exchange for links, utilize keywords for search purposes, and learn about search engine optimization (SEO) on your own (try SEO for Dummies to start). All will help to increase your web presence.

Finally, you should look into designing a logo. You may not think that logo design is particularly important for a business that you run out of your house. But don’t fool yourself; a logo has the ability to reach an audience more surely than any bit of dialogue or text. Consumers and clients will come to associate your logo with the quality of goods or services you provide, and the symbolic nature of a logo can have a decided influence on how people feel about your brand before they even connect with you on a business or personal level. So creating this graphic representation of your business should be a key component of your branding strategy.

Carol Montrose is a contributing writer for LogoMojo, where you can create the perfect logo design for your business. Click here for more information on LogoMojo.

Free 2012 Printable Calendar Pages

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Dozens of Free Printable Calendar Pages

Customize this printable calendar 2012 to show the creativity in you.

50¢ off when you buy any FIVE YoCrunch® Cups

2011-11-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

50¢ off when you buy any FIVE YoCrunch® Cups (Parfait, Granola or Candy/Cookie Crunch)

Free Christmas Fireplace Wallpaper

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A beautiful Christmas wallpaper for you. Totally free.

Silver Jewelry Review

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Biker Stainless Steel Bracelet

My favorite kind of jewelry is sliver jewelry. Gold is pretty, just not on me. So I was really pleased to receive a selection of silver jewelry to try out from 925Silver4u.com. My favorite is the one above. I actually ordered it for my husband because it looks like a man's piece. However, it' much too small for him, both in size and style. It's a medium weight silver piece but much too delicate for a man. Gorgeous on me though. I wear it all the time. It is a little loose and dangly on my small wrist but I really like it.

Chinese Symbol

The next item I received was this delicate, lightweight Chinese symbol bracelet. It's really lovely. It's a bit tight on my wrist but would fit nicely on a young girl.

Black Enamel Earrings

These earrings are awesome! They are even nicer in person. They are rather heavy for my ears but they are so high quality and pretty I'm going to give them to a gift. My ears are just not used to dangly earrings.

The best part of 925Silver4u.com is that they are super cheap! Much cheaper than any of the local places I shop and their selection is huge so you can definitely get something really unique as a Christmas gift for that someone special.

Sponsorship Disclaimer: The products for this review were provided free of charge for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own as always.

Free Care Bears Color Pages

2011-11-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

Free Care Bears Color Pages

Free Thanksgiving Woodstock Wallpaper

2011-11-15T10:00:00.000-08:00

Free Thanksgiving Woodstock Wallpaper

Free Spongebob Printable Craft

2011-11-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

Free Spongebob Printable Craft

Free Printable Annie Kershaw Paperdoll

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Free Printable Annie Kershaw Paperdoll