Monday, December 20, 2010

Santa wants to know what's on your list!


Hellooooooo.....Anyone out there? I am working full-time and preparing (as you no doubt are) for the holidays and would love to post amazing suggestions for you but am looking for topic suggestions...Please help!!! What are YOU looking for? Grocery deals? Great inexpensive ways to entertain? Amazingly easy, inexpensive recipes? Fun, cheap ways to entertain your family during the holidays? I will search out ideas and post them, but I need to know how to meet your info needs!
Please post comments or e-mail your requests to me at HBEdm@aol.com. Thanks and Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Gifts that will make a "Cool Yule"!!!!


Ok, so I admit it...I am a sucker for nostalgic gifts...If you are looking for a gift to evoke memories of Christmases past, check out The Vermont Country Store at www.VermontCountryStore.com (or call 1-802-776-5710). You will find board games from your childhood, perfume scents you thought had long since faded away, toys for kids of all ages that will bring back memories! It was truly a walk down "Memory Lane" going through their catalog...Check it out! (and the prices are reasonable too!)....
HO HO HO!!!!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Kids' Wardrobe for $13? Check this out!


A recent issue of "Redbook" magazine suggests checking out thredup.com, a site that allows parents exchange boxes of good quality clothes for hand-me-downs from another family. Via the site you can arrange home pickup and delivery...all you pay is shipping (about $13/box)!

This sounds even more efficient than consignment shops...anyone tried it yet? Please let us know (my kids are beyond this age-wise, but wish it had been available years ago!).

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Mending SOS


A few hints from "Good Housekeeping" (10/10) magazine to keep things in "one piece!"

* Keep dental floss on hand for sewing buttons - much stronger than thread and you can get the right shade using a permanent marker!

* Save hotel sewing kits that you get in your bathroom accessories for quick mending at home or on the road.

* Use emery boards to buff stains from suede items in your wardrobe (is suede even still an "in" material?)

* Utilize garment tape or craft glue to quickly repair hems, accessories or broken shoe heels...at least as a temporary solution!

Any other suggestions from our road warriors? Please share!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Happy Belated Thanksgiving


Alas, I missed almost a month of blog posts, but all with good reason. I have been busy being a penny pincher! (surprise!). First, all of my Christmas shopping and cards are done (though even I have my limits...can't postmark them until Dec. 1st!). And we had a houseful of guest for Thanksgiving dinner...must say I tried a "Martha" craft...bought Ferraro Rocher (sp?) candies...added googly eyes, feather tails and little orange paper beaks for nameplates on the table...I really need to find an outlet for my Band Mom/Sunday School teacher/Girl Scout leader alter-ego!!

Any holiday excitement, mishaps, fun, etc. to share? Feel free to comment!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Be scared, very scared!!!


My kids are grown and there are few young trick-or-treaters on our street, so decorating for Halloween loses its appeal these days! I have found, however, that JibJab.com allows me a way to express my inner child for all occasions (sometimes free or $4.99 if I really love it and need to download it for posterity...) Due to PC issues, I couldn't find my file to post but check out the site for very scary deals!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Cheesy yet elegant!


Invariably I am searching for unique treats for my family for Halloween (the kids are in college...candy no longer cuts it!) or for family and guests on Thanksgiving (pumpkin pie is great, but something out of the ordinary is called for now!)...

I spotted a recipe "a la" spreadphilly.com for spiced pumpkin cheesecake:

Makes 16 servings.

Ingredients:

38 Nabisco ginger snaps (finely crushed)
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup butter, melted
4 pkgs (8 oz. each) Philadelphia cream cheese , softened
1 can (15 oz. pumpkin)
1 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (I recommend allspice as substitute)
1 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs
1 cup thawed Cool Whip whipped topping
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Directions:
Preheat oven t 325 degrees F.
Mix crumbs, nuts and butter and press onto bottom and one inch up side of 9-inch springform pan. Beat cream cheese and sugar with mixer until blended. Add pumpkin, spice and vanilla and mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each just until blended. Pour mixture into crust.

Bake one hour and 20 minutes to one hour and 30 minutes or until center is almost set. Loosen cake from rim of pan and cool before removing rim. Refrigerate 4 hours. Serve with a dollop of Cool Whip and a dusting of nutmeg!

Preparation time = 15 minutes! Amazing and yet so simple! :D

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Toasting the holidays!


Martha Stewart (yeah, I know...I bemoan her perfection but still cite her suggestions...go figure!!)
suggests buying wine by the case for your holiday celebrations...in particular, she lauds the wisdom of mixed cases to allow for a variety of wines for your guests' enjoyment. "House" wines provide you an economical way to serve a mix of palates, while adding in one or two special bottles to set aside for host/hostess gifts is a sensible way to go!

Check out MarthaStewart.com for details on how to balance your vineyard selections!

A votre sante!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Outer Space (I mean in your garage!)


USA Today's Sunday insert last week provided some great ideas for organizing your garage (and mine could really use it!)

1) Determine "zones of function" - separate places for laundry, tools, your car(s), etc...
2) Think vertically - use walls to create storage - shelves, cabinets, etc...
3) Go "above and beyond" - store bikes, etc...overhead (hanging from ceiling).
4) Organize "tool" kits - in separate bins put garden tools, oil change supplies, dog wash stuff...you get the idea!
5) Keep toys within reach...make it easily accessible for kids to get their bikes, game equipment, etc.

Voila...instant garage organization!

Monday, October 25, 2010

What are you looking for?


Alas...I am sadly lacking input from my followers...! (no offense intended!). I have a wide range of topics which I am considering covering but not sure what will interest my "bleaders" ( yeah, blog readers is what that stands for!).

I am busy researching tour group deals for a recent contact...any other requests? Please let me know! Thanks!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Fall for fall with some easy crafts...


Ok, so admittedly I am not usually a Martha Stewart fan, but I do occasionally find myself falling (no pun intended) in love with some of her ideas (and recipes!). In this case, her most recent issue (also available on marthastewart.com) provides an easy, yet classic, decoration for your Thanksgiving table! She calls it "Flaming Foliage" and here are the easy (3-step) instructions:

Materials:
*Spray adhesive
*Assorted dried leaves
*Glass candleholders
*Candles

Steps:
1) Apply spray adhesive to backs of the leaves.
2) Wrap leaves around candleholder, letting the stem of each extend slightly past the base.
3) Cut off leaf over-hang along bottom of candleholder and put candles in holder - leaves look like flames when candle is lit!

Thanks, Martha...my table will look amazing!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

On the right track...!


USA Weekend (10/15-17/10) published an interesting item for family members/friends of Alzeheimer's patients. Apparently there is a new GPS-tracking shoe that allows you to keep your loved one safe. It suggests that "wearing shoes is part of the 'procedural memory' that most still have during Alzheimer's wandering stage" The GPS chip embedded in the sole of their shoes allows tracking of the patient through cellular networks! Check Foot.com and/or GPSShoe.com for details. Note that security and peace of mind do not come free! Expect to pay up to $300 plus monthly connection fees of $25 to $49 for this service which will be available in stores in 2011.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Too much info?


The Oct. 15-17th issue of USA Weekend covers a very important issue given the fact that so many of us are job-hunting (yes, including me!) in this tough and very competitive economy! I am a regular user of FaceBook and LinkedIn, but it's easy to forget that prospective employers (or your current employer) may be checking your posts...don't post anything you wouldn't want them to see or take the wrong way! Your future may depend on it!

The article suggests a few ways to help with this image-building:

* Sign up at google.com/alerts to get e-mail notifications whenever your name appears on line. And if Google doesn't show anything, try technorati.com to see if any blogs out there are mentioning you!

* Generate more positive information about yourself (create a blog, sign up for LinkedIn, etc.) to create a more professional reputation.

* Put privacy settings on your FaceBook or MySpace pages to be sure you only allow people on there that you want to see your posts!

Monday, October 18, 2010

De-stress to avoid Distress!


"Redbook" magazine recently provided an advertising insert (thanks to Lean Cuisine) that provided what they referred to as "10-minute health fixes." Here are a few of my favorites from that list:

* Can't live without coffee? Don't!!!! 2-4 cups of coffee/day protects your heart...YAY!!!

* Unplug your gadgets for awhile...lower your stress by turning off your phone and computer for awhile...Sounds logical to me! :)

* Spend some time every day walking around barefoot...I live in AZ...that makes sense to me!

Check out redbook.com for more suggestions!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Hey, I met some other penny pinchers today!


Yes, I am behind on posting, but meeting 3 women today prompted me to get back in gear again! I was an hour early (yes, I did plan that!) to wait in line for a free "Culture Pass" for the zoo from my local Phoenix library branch...in hand I had my CDs to return...(free iPod music...score!)and a free coffee from Starbucks (courtesy of turning in my empty coffee bean bag)...But stories from the 3 ladies I met in line remind me of why I write this blog...

Joanne took her grand-kids on a tour of Northern AZ gathering "junior ranger badges" as they traveled...an inexpensive yet fun and educational trip! Check out: http://www.juniorranger.info/Junior_Ranger_Program.html (This program is for all national parks in the US!)

Yvonne knew all of the "ins and outs" of the Culture passes and other deals to get into metro area museums and events...

All four of us (and yes, 4th member of the crew...I apologize profusely for not recalling your name but I do remember YOU!) shared bargain ideas from Goodwill deals to grocery shopping to movie and book deals and favorites...

We are all in this together and don't forget that!!! Please feel free to share on any topic and request topics for me to cover (shout out to Yvonne...I will be looking for great travel/tour deals soon)!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Be the blogger...no, really!


I often post my insecure need for inputs on this blog (what, you hadn't noticed...?)
I have some new posts in the works, but meanwhile, if you have any great deals, money-saving hints or just interesting ideas for posts, please e-mail me at HBEdm@aol.com. I promise I will credit you with the ideas (or not, if you prefer to be mysterious and anonymous!). Help me survive what is currently a minimum of a 50-hour work week...I don't have as much writing time as I would like, but, hey, I've got to make a living too! Thanks!!!!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Cheap drugs!


OK, now that I have your attention...(not seriously though!)...You probably already know that generic prescription drugs can cost 80% less than their brand-name equivalents, but not all generics are available at all pharmacies.

Check out "medtipster.com" and enter your drug name and zip code to locate pharmacies in your neighborhood that carry your generic version! Just a spoon full of sugar...

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Great bulletin board idea!


Create an attractive, personalized bulletin board for your home or dorm room (see "redbookmag.com"). Use a cheap yet spiffy-looking picture frame (a Goodwill or garage sale find??!), an Exacto knife and a role of adhesive-backed cork (check out office or craft stores for this!). The "how-to's" are fairly self-explanatory...a project that is both quirky and corky! :D

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Nail some savings on your next manicure!


The Sept.10th issue of "Redbook" recommends taking your own bottle of polish to your next manicure appointment. Apparently salons frequently add thinners to old enamels to extend their lives. This practice can cause bubbling and peeling and you still end up paying the same exorbitant price for their polish! There's something to think about!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Happy 60th Snoopy!


Celebrate Snoopy's 60th Birthday (that's a lot of "dog years"!) by purchasing a vintage tank or t-shirt at "welovefine.com" It will be $22 well-spent as a percentage of every sale will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (and you will look really cool too)!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Free Museum Day!


Free Museum Day is Saturday, Sept. 25th. The key word here is "free" - Smithsonian Magazine's annual museum day allows free admission to hundreds of participating museums and cultural institutions nationwide. Check out "Smithsonian.com/museumday" to download your free tickets!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Budget Fitness


In a budgeting frenzy, I've recently canceled a number of things that no longer seem quite so necessary - my home phone, a lot of channels on my satellite TV service and, unfortunately, my gym membership. But there may be hope for me to get some much needed exercise without the gym. Check out "fitorbit.com" to connect with a virtual trainer. You get your own personalized plan with meal plans and workouts for only $10 per week. Admittedly this is more than I actually paid for my LA Fitness membership, but at least it allows me a bit more flexibility with my crazy schedule as I never seemed to get to the gym often enough. And the last time I used their trainer, it cost $100/month! This seems like a pretty good deal...let me know if any of you try this!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Kibble and (trivia) bits!


Over the past year, I've made it quite clear that I love dogs and am always looking for ways to help shelters and dogs in need. "Redbook" (6/10) suggests playing trivia at "freekibble.com". Each day that you play, the site donates 10 pieces of dogfood to an animal shelter. (And yes it does appear that a LOT of games are needed to provide the greatest benefit!)

Monday, September 6, 2010

Feel good by doing good


Here is an opportunity to help women in developing nations build better lives. Check out "madebysurvivors.com" to shop, host a "Shop for Freedom" party or sponsor a child.
A note...I have not tried this site yet and would recommend checking it out well before putting money into it...I am very trusting but want to be sure where the money goes to first!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Get your just "desserts!"


Looking for a decadent and yet diet-ready dessert for guests or just for you? Here is an amazing and super-fast solution from "Redbook" (6/10). Use frozen phyllo shells (most grocery stores stock them) and spoon low-cal pudding (from pudding cups) into each shell...yum! And it even looks fancy!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Forever young (and cheap)!

Penney's may be catching on to me! They, like Kohl's, are now sending out coupons via the newspaper that require a $25 purchase to use their $10 off coupon...OK, admittedly this is still a deal as there are few limitations on the promotion (though "FREE" seemed a lot better to me!). But I can still justify this change in "bargain" by using the coupon for holiday shopping...but heck if I will use it for myself now...not just a penny (Penney?!) pincher...just cheap in general... HA!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010


So this post may be viewed as shameless, but then I admit that I have no shame!
JCPenney consistently has sent out mailers (and newspaper inserts)providing coupons that boast $10 off any purchase of $10 or more...Yes, I admit it...I take my coupon, buy items off the 75-80% off rack and pay sales tax, walking away with a nearly free item...shame on me (???) or not (!!!!). My daughter actually took one of these coupons into Penney's...found a dress (not tagged...oops!) on the 80% off rack and got it for $2.36 (+/-) and couldn't even use the coupon because she didn't spend enough! That is my kind of shopping trip...a $50 little black dress (and ladies, you all want one!) for next to nothing! I am so proud! :D

Help...I am in need of input!!!!!


I know, I know...I've requested ideas at least 5 times (or more?) since I began this blog, but since I am diligently trying to meet your needs as "penny pinchers" it would be very helpful to know what topics most interest you! Coupons? Saving money on entertainment? Ways to shop for gifts/clothing/etc. for less? How to get a good deal on a major purchase? You name it, I will research it and cover it, but PLEASE let me know what you'd like me to cover! Many thanks in advance (and if you don't make suggestions, don't blame me if I seem boring...heh heh!)...

Monday, August 30, 2010

Adopting a furry friend for life...



Some time ago I mentioned how you could help rescue dogs via the "Save A Dog" application on FaceBook...I must admit (and if you read my blog regularly, given my dog adoption history you will understand!) that having "virtually fostered" Wayland, a now 9 year old basset, that "virtual" is not an adequate solution. You still become attached (and not just virtually) to these pups! My son, James, and I drove 7 hours to LA and back the same day to bring my virtual pup home with us 2 weeks ago...Wayland is settling in nicely...don't ever doubt what love and contentment an adopted pet can bring to your home! Special thanks and a "shout out" to "Beagles & Buddies" in El Monte, CA!!!!!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

P&G Savings...go for it!


OK...check this P&G link out for some great savings (and, yes, I realize I am extremely delinquent in my posts, but, hey, a girl (and I use that term VERY loosely!) needs to earn a living!):

http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/pgeverydaysavings/index.jsp?utm_source=GP&utm_medium=email&

Cut and paste the web address and get your savings now!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Apple bobbing (or should I say dipping?)


My regular readers know that I begrudgingly admire Martha Stewart (though secretly I think she's a bit over the top...really...matching towels? homemade everything? her own paint colours?? Like women don't have enough to do without being domestic goddesses from the 1950's??!!!)

Personal grudges aside, her most recent magazine issue had a great idea fit for parties, holidays (especially in the Fall) or simply for kids' snacks. Hollow out McIntosh apples, brush the inside with lemon juice and fill with honey (or, might I suggest Martha, carmel, chocolate, yogurt or peanut butter?) and dip other fruit (yes, apple slices included!), graham crackers (my idea!), etc. for a unique snack! And also consider an idea I found while looking for the right picture for today's post...hollowing out apples to use to serve cider (don't forget the cinnamon sticks!)

From one dip to another...

Monday, August 9, 2010

Smile and help kids too!


Trident gum is supporting Smiles Across America...help give 250,000 underprivileged kids get dental care by buying Trident! Get your coupon today at facebook.com/tridentgum

Monday, August 2, 2010

School supplies...how low can you go?!


Back-to-school time is fast approaching...whether or not you have kids, you may want to consider donating school supplies to help keep education afloat in your community.
A local columnist (thanks to Joanna Allhands of the AZ Republic!) issued a $10 challenge for buying school supplies! Take $10 to shop with and check out all of the Sunday paper circulars, coupons, etc. and see how far you could stretch it when purchasing school supplies. Joanna says she went a bit overboard this year, but only spent $15 and purchased the following:

24 pencils
4 big pink erasers
10 glue sticks
48 crayons
40 markers
48 colored pencils
10 red-ink pens
10 black-ink pens
4 rulers
16 one-subject wide-rule notebooks

Just think how this can help your local schools!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Magnetic personality!


Looking for a cute way to post messages and your kids' masterpieces on your fridge? Collect unbent metal bottle caps (off soda or beer bottles). Using patterned scrapbook paper and a one inch round craft punch, make paper circles. Coat both sides of paper with sealant (i.e. "Mod Podge") and put in the caps to dry. Superglue small flat magnets to the backs of the caps and allow to dry...These make cute gifts too!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Recycle and make your organizing simple


"Good Housekeeping" (6/10) suggests some great ideas for recycling readily available items in your home while organizing your life! Here are a few:

* Use paper-towel cardboard rolls to keep extension cords, holiday lights and garlands from getting tangled...just wrap around them and voila...!

* Old belts can manage rolls of duct tape, masking tape, etc...slip the rolls on the belt, buckle it and hang it near other fix-it items!

* Use cardboard wine caddies from grocery stores to hold utensils, napkins and/or condiments for dining on the patio or on a picnic...you can use contact paper to give them a nicer look too!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Traveling with Sole Mates!


No doubt my readers are vacationing this summer...Here is an interesting packing tip...
Use the "freebie" shower caps you find in your hotel rooms to cover your shoes (or possibly swimsuits?) before packing them in your suitcases for the trip home...They will help keep things from getting even dirtier! (is that really a word?!) If those are not large enough, try the freebie drycleaning service bags from your hotel closet!
Happy trails!!!!!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Ants Begone!


Short and sweet! Have you ever struggled with anthills in your yard? Good Housekeeping (6/90) advises putting cucumber peels on an anthill to ensure that the ants will go away! Let me know if this really works, ok?

Saturday, July 24, 2010

This will bowl you over!


I recently read a magazine article about making paper bowls...very artsy looking so think about this for gift-giving occasions! Steps as follows:

* Wrap a bowl with cling wrap and place it upside down
* Place shredded cardstock (check at Michael's, JoAnn's or similar craft shops!) into a 2nd bowl and sprinkle it with water
* Brush bottom of the cling-wrapped bowl with a solution of 2 parts glue and 1 part water
* Add small clump of paper shreds to the bowl randomly and brush with more glue solution until all of them lie flat and stick to the bowl
* Repeat at least 3 times until you are about 2 inches from top of bowl
* Let bowl dry and remove it from the cling wrap
(For all details check out womansday.com/bowl

This is very artsy, art-deco and gift-worthy...enjoy and let your friends think you thought it up all on your own! :)

Friday, July 23, 2010

"How To" info for the older email bunch


My mom is forever having email issues...and yes, I am convinced it's due to user error, but that's an argument for another time! For those of you with similar issues (or relatives who are technophobic...is that a real term?), have them check out the Floh Club at flohclub.com (created by Florence Henderson). There non-geeks of a certain age can join for a mere $25/month fee and have on-call support and remote help for all problems from loading software to opening attachments...slow and easy is the format! I am considering a 3-month membership as a Christmas gift for a certain someone (shout-out to Mom!) to save my sanity and get her e-mail ready!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

I keep hearing this echo...


Hello...? Hello...? I keep hollering but no one replies (not even the darned echo! Give or take a few lapses (hey, this isn't my day job, ok?) I've been pretty devoted about posting deals and ideas for you...any you'd like to send in for posting? Please do...either post a response to one of the recent posts or e-mail me at HBEdm@aol.com and I will answer your questions or post your suggestion in an upcoming post! Thanks!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Will you deal or are you chicken???


So this particular post is specific to my Phoenix friends, but I wonder if this might not catch on in your area as well?

We have a site called dealchicken.com that "hatches" a new Phoenix area local deal and if you are signed up with them, you receive a chance to commit to the deal...if enough people sign-up for the deal you get it at the price offered! Sounds simple though I can say I have yet to try it...will do so this weekend and let you know how it turns out...(oh, and the ad suggests you "tell all your peeps"!)

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

What are the odds?


So just for fun check out www.Bookofodds.com !

This "odd" (yep, that was a pun...just checking to see if you are paying attention!)
site calculates the odds for various events. How likely are you to win the Powerball jackpot...uhh...I think I will keep my job and continue clipping coupons! What about you?

Monday, July 19, 2010

Gift card philanthropy?


Here's a thought that helps you and others too...don't you just love a "win/win" situation?

If you have gift cards that you've received but can't use (or refuse to!), visit:

www.plasticjungle.com to donate the cards and donate the monetary value of the cards toward your choice of charities on the site. Really, a Lane Bryant gift card? Even if the clothes do fit, it's a touchy kind of gift! And how about that card for Macaroni Grill...? Hmmm...come to think about it that's probably how I earned the Lane Bryant card...Donations are sounding like a good option!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

The New Age Buddy System


I often bemoan the fact that today's kids (yes, mine are at the top of the list), have "electronic" friends rather than deep, lasting friendships. Texting has become their primary means of communication and if that fails, FaceBook is soooooo much more personal! OK, so I do use FaceBook, but at my age it's more to reconnect with friends I met along the way before texting and e-mail were even a glint in some engineer's eye!

Along these lines I present what may be the cheesiest idea yet! There is a site that matches women up with "gal pals" to "expand their social circle"...

www.girlfriendcircles.com matches you up with women with similar interests (only $30 for a 6-month membership)...I stand corrected, I guess money and technology can buy friendships! Yikes! Your thoughts on this?

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Party invitations in a flash!


With the world revolving around the Internet, consider a few quick options for party invitations - for a casual event try online invitations (americangreetings.com or Paperless Post...as well as numerous others. For a more formal touch try print-at-home cards using Shutterfly.com or MyCardMaker.com. Save on printing and maybe even postage costs while keeping up with current technology...very chic!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Some "green" suggestions for you!


One of my favorite resources for savings and "green" living tips is Redbook Magazine.
Here are a few of its more recent links to save you time and potentially money:

redbookmag.com/speedclean (shortcuts for cleaning)
redbookmag.com/getorganized (tips for organizing your busy life)
redbookmag.com/naturalcleaners( cleaning without the chemicals!)
redbookmag.com/greentips (eco-friendly ways to save money and the environment)

Think green and save green...simple and easy! Please post your own suggestions...they are always welcome!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

In the grocery checkout line...


Yesterday I was subjected to a VERY long wait in the grocery checkout line as an elderly woman handed over a stack of coupons over an inch thick (no, really!). Some were expired, others were for the wrong product, but you had to admire her tenacity and thriftiness. Afterward, I caught up with her and she shrunk back a bit thinking I was upset with having to wait for her to finish. Instead, she grinned broadly and thanked me when I congratulated her on her ingenuity and thriftiness! As she commented, it is difficult to make ends meet these days and to not use the coupons is the same thing as throwing your money away! Take note, dear readers!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010


I ran across a suggestion that resonated with me given my daughter's messy closet and cluttered room! Consider putting a cheap laundry basket in kids' closets to allow them to toss shoes in at random...it clears shoes off the floor and allows them to readily be seen when the morning search begins!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Use it or lose it!


I saw a recent item in "Good Housekeeping" that seemed worthy of repeating. I always have a stack of magazines and newspaper sections to read through (specifically when in search of blog material!)...but you probably do the same, right? GH recommends using a 2-pocket folder to same individual articles, clippings, etc for further review (I do this in a multi-pocket folder to file coupons, recipes and blog-worthy items!). Read and keep/toss materials accordingly when time allows. Other suggestions? Let us know!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Picture perfect parties!


Good Housekeeping magazine celebrated its 125th anniversary in May, so they had some cool suggestions for kids' birthday parties as part of their celebration issue! My absolute favorite idea was setting up a photo booth with a tripod in front of sheet-covered wall. Provide props such as feather boas, hats, wild sunglasses, etc. and let the party-goers pose for a picture. Print the pics and give them to guests as party-favors (or later with thank-you notes)...And honestly, I think this would work for adult parties as well as those for kids...how cool is this?!

Friday, June 11, 2010



"Denny's Father's Day Card Maker - Make your own custom Father's Day card with Denny's and send to Dad along with a coupon for a free Ice Cream Float. Because you love Dad, and Dad loves Denny's." Search FaceBook applications for Denny's Card Maker and get some free treats!