Three Ways to Go Green In Your Kitchen Design

Environmentally friendly design elements can greatly enhance your kitchen. Whether you are doing a complete remodel or just a little updating, consider these three suggestions for building good design and saving the planet at the same time. Some of the suggestions will help you save energy immediately, while the others will make it easier to conserve your resources. Energy Star Choose appliances and products that meet Energy Star standards, and you’ll save energy by doing the things you normally do in the kitchen. There are many Energy Star products out there, from the standard refrigerators and other appliances we have … Continue reading

Hunters Aren’t Evil and Other Things Researching Charities Taught Me

I have so many things to be grateful for that it makes me want to open my heart and wallet a little wider, especially at this time of year. However, I also want to be smart in my giving and make sure my donations are being well utilized. That’s why I spent some time researching animal rights, welfare, and service organizations, wildlife conservation organizations, and zoos and aquariums to see which ones used their monies most efficiently and effectively. Thanks to sites like Charity Navigator and the American Institute of Philanthropy I was able to accomplish my goal. But I … Continue reading

Charity Giving

‘Tis the season for charity giving…. Fa, la la la la… Whatever your religion, the holidays are the time of year that charities receive the most donations. These months can truly make or break their budgets. Whether they are a good charity or bad, the fundraising department is on high gear during this time. Donating is a necessary part of a healthy society, but how do you know who should receive a piece of your limited budget? There are a few key points to remember before you hand over your holiday donation. 1. If the donation is to someone in … Continue reading

Money Week in Review August 26th to September 2nd

The next time you leave the house for some major shopping, stop and pick up the phone first. In Debbie’s Use the Phone article she reminds us all we can save time and money by calling around. Not only do you want to check and see if the store has an item in stock, why not call a couple places and do a price check as well. Then you will be well prepared to find the best deal, saving both time and money! Ever wonder how much your neighbors make? Curious to know how that co-worker was able to buy … Continue reading

Three Things to Consider When Giving Money

One important aspect of money management is giving money to others. Many different experts all agree that giving money is important. They have a wide variety of reasons why it is important. These range from religious to karma to having a sense of empowerment when it comes to your money. No matter the reason you choose to give, here are three things to consider when giving money. 1) One of the first things that you need to decide is how much you can give. If you plan this in your budget then giving will become one of your priorities. You … Continue reading

Save on Furniture with The Three “F”s

Want to save money on new furniture? Try using the three “f”s to furnish your rooms for little cost or even for free! The first “f” in saving on furniture is “freecycle.” In case you aren’t familiar with it, freecycle is a community group in which members give away all sorts of tangible goods from toasters to computers. Furniture is often offered on freecycle. Furniture is usually large and heavy, so people are especially happy when someone comes to take it out of their home. Furniture is just one of those things that seems to always be available. Here in … Continue reading

How to Give a Special Gift to Your Spouse

One of the things that occupies most of my mind during the Christmas season is what on earth to get my wonderful husband. He deserves so much, and yet he claims that he needs nothing. This year, I think I finally found the right special gift, so honey, if you are reading this, please stop. If you need something to distract you, the handle on the upstairs toilet is still not working correctly. Okay, is he gone? Good. As I was saying, I want to get him a special gift, one that he could cherish through the years. He offered … Continue reading

Home Month in Review: November 2008

Is your home ready for the holidays and winter? Now that November is over, it is time to gear up for the December ahead. Take a look at last months articles and see if there is anything you missed! November 1st Home Blog Month in Review: October As I sit here looking out my window at the backyard, the birds are hovering in the pine tree against a strong wind and steady rain. The temperature is chilly today, and the calendar reminds me that we have left October behind. November 2nd Fall and Holiday Decorating with Nature 2 Isn’t it … Continue reading

Frugal Month in Review: November 2008

November to be is the beginning of two things. The holiday season starts with Thanksgiving, and then there is winter. Despite the fact that winter doesn’t officially start until next month, the fall seems to give way to the winter in November anyway. We had a day of snow already. Here is looking ahead to December and the end of the year! November 1st Frugal Month in Review: October 2008 “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot. November 2 … Continue reading

Frugal Living Month in Review: July 2008

July went by so quickly for us! There were so many fun and frugal activities and events for us to explore, from a science camp to free movies and sand sculpting. I hope your July was equally fun and frugal. Summer is a busy time, I know. Did you miss any frugal articles last month? If so, here is an opportunity to catch up on what you missed. There are new ways to save money on food, clothing, kids, gas and more. Feel free to leave a comment on any frugal post. I read all of the comments myself, no … Continue reading