miss frugally

Outrage!

2009-07-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Really can you believe this? Really????

Fantasy is out the window!

2009-07-10T03:50:00.000-07:00

Well today I read that Smith & Hawken is closing all its stores. Not really shocking considering their prices, but there things were beautiful and high quality. I always dreamed I would buy something here or there from them when I got money. Of course those were in the great days when the economy was good and people were buying!

They are no longer taking orders online so get to the stores quick if that was a dream you wanted to fulfill!

Great quiz it made me younger!

2009-06-06T05:52:00.001-07:00

Quizzes Girls Games

Ha Ha! Someone sent this to me to take and it made me younger!

Woman gets running water

2009-05-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Wow this woman had no running water.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

What a waste of money

2009-05-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

Incredible! The bank is now demolishing BRAND NEW homes!

Read more about it here

Living Simply

2009-05-02T06:10:00.000-07:00

Real Simple magazine gives some tips for saving money.

Cheap Make up video

2009-05-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Someone put together this video to show that you can get very inexpensive make up that works as well as the expensive brands. Just shop Target, Walmart, etc! Gotta love the cheap!

Time to bring these back?

2009-05-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

Perhaps we should bring back ladies gloves from the 1960's?! In fact why don't we just quit shaking hands with everyone everytime we meet? Isn't a hello nice to meet you enough?! I for one never really liked shaking hands with people anyways.

I am kind of like an episode of "MONK", I am a bit of a freak about other peoples germs.

Thinking of renting one of these

2009-05-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

To save some money I am thinking of renting one of these! I took a look at it today and the guy said they are easy to use, as long as you follow the instructions! I would like to hire one of my friends to give me a hand, and also it gives him some extra money. It is cheaper than having someone come and do it, I have found after a few quotes.

The bonus is I probally can get more work done too for a lot less money!

Peter Walsh

2009-04-22T01:30:00.000-07:00

This looks like a book that I should read!

Here is a quote from an Oprah interview:

O:One of the unnerving things about physical clutter is that it's stealthy. You clean the house, but two days later it's a wreck again, and you don't know how it happened.

Walsh: Ah, that's the cycle problem. If you put a load of clothes in the wash, and halfway through you turn the machine off and leave it for a few days, you will come back to a mound of smelly laundry. You have to finish the cycle. When you have a bowl of cereal, does the box go back in the cupboard? When you bring in the mail, do you immediately open and sort it? At night, do your clothes go in the hamper or on the floor? We have a choice: to be mindful and complete the cycle, or to end up with a stinky load of washing in the metaphorical machine. Inside we're all 8-year-olds expecting someone to pick up after us. Those days are gone.

Isn't that so true? I guess I just want someone to pick up after me too!

Fence on my property

2009-04-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

I had some trees cleared on my property that really needed it. Now that I have opened up this area a bit, my neighbor is bothered by the lights from the cars and wants to install a few panels of fence that would basically benefit him, not really me.

So now there is a gap between fences, since I still have a chain link fence on part of my property line and then the gap and then my neighbors fence begins. I would love to install a privacy fence there but if would probably cost about $5,000 dollars. And probably not where I should be spending my money. I would even be happy with a chain link fence right now but that would still be expensive!

This fence company I talked to said they can always do it in sections which I was thinking was an idea to my neighbors issue and possibly work a bit for me. The section I was thinking I could start with involves a gate that I want to put up as part of the fencing.

I think it would block the lights for my neighbor and then it would be a start for my fence. I am going to see about showing this to my neighbor as an idea. Who knows, perhaps he would split the cost!

Spending money

2009-03-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

One thing I guess I have known all along is that you do have to spend money sometimes for important things that you really should not blow off!

Like the dentist. I can't tell you the last time I had my teeth cleaned and even if I did, who would really want to know! So I had my teeth cleaned today. I also had x rays done which again has been awhile. So there goes about $400.00. But I need about $2000.00 more dollars worth of work done. The big expense is a crown for the root canal that I had done about 5 years ago. I just could not afford it after the root canal and I was in major credit card debit of around $14,000.00 ( I am happy to say I don't have the credit card debt at this point kind of, read on!).

So I had to put the $400.00 on my credit card along with another $400.00 of a bill I found out my insurance does not cover for allergy testing. I also found out I have another bill of around $500.00 on the way, again for the second part of the allergy testing. As far as the dentist, maintenance is very important and I plan on going to get my teeth cleaned regularly from now on. I am going to have to slowly work on getting cavities done, one wisdom tooth pulled and of course the big crown! Yikes! What I really want is my teeth whitened so people will say I have a pretty smile :)!

But for now I have to settle for this I guess. At least I am taking some action.

I think I have been so involved in my legal battles, I have just put everything off thinking things would be finished soon etc. I can't wait for that anymore. I have to move on with my life the best I can. I just hope I have some money left after all the legal business is done with!

My house

2009-03-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

This could be a picture of the inside of my house. I kid you not. I was reading this story online about it happening in a neighborhood in Detroit, MI.

It makes me wonder what my house is really worth and if I am in an upside mortgage right now. This is still something I should look into. The frustrating part is that this house was paid for almost when I inherited it, but do to the problems and legal issues with my sibling I had to refinance it just to save the rest of the real estate we inherited. It really makes me mad.

I have a bedroom that looks just like that photo with the lathe all exposed. I also have that happening on my ceilings.

The $69.00 cup of mocha!

2009-03-03T22:00:00.000-08:00

My microwave broke. I am not sure if I am going to get it fixed. It was very expensive back in 1977 when my parents bought it! I am wondering if it is something simple though. In the meantime, I went and bought a new microwave for $69.00 at Lowes. I really only use it to heat up water for mocha drinks and also I make my breakfast in it. I guess I do use it more for other things like frozen dinners too.

I really was thinking of getting a convection oven before this broke. I spotted one at Lowes for $49.00 and I think I am going to get it as well. I haven't had a toaster in years and I really don't cook, but I think I would get good use out of one of these, and save a bit of money too!

For example, I buy the Lean Cuisine dinners and eat them for lunch, but if I had this convection oven I might just make a grilled cheese sandwich. The food would also not be so processed which would be healthier! They also use a lot less energy than a regular oven. I really don't use my regular oven anyways though since it is really old and I am concerned about the wiring.

House Assessment

2009-03-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

I got my house assessment. It is alot lower. The S.E.V. is now 130,000. Which means they think my house is worth about $260,000. Yikes! The S.E.V. was at about 155,000.
The great news is I'll save about $900.00 on taxes this year. But now I don't know what that means for refinancing.

I want to talk to a good friend of mine who owns a mortgage company and get his advice on if I should try to get the assessment lower if I can or not. I know that the housing market is going to come back up in my neighborhood eventually. I live in a great area with a lot of people who are very wealthy (I am at the poorer end of people around here!).

Sewing

2009-02-26T15:10:00.000-08:00

I am starting to think I should learn to sew, then I can make slipcovers for all the furniture that is falling apart. Although, the price of fabric is not that cheap either. It seems to me, and I could be wrong about this, but it used to be cheaper to sew something than buy it, now I am not so sure. Maybe it is because a lot of things are not made here anymore.

When you start to factor in your time, cost of materials etc., sometimes it is easier just to buy something. If you already have what you need to make it, then it probably makes more sense.

Real Housewives of Orange County

2009-02-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

OK I have to admit this is funny! Bravo is selling this t-shirt promoting "The real housewives of Orange County". The t shirt by the way is currently sold out!

Below the Oranges it says the word "Real". Somehow I doubt most of these woman on the show can honestly wear this t shirt! There are a lot of things that don't seem "Real" about them!

Here is a video from the show.

Made in the U.S.A.

2009-02-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

www.stillmadeinUSA.com

www.usstuff.com

www.buyamericanmart.com

www.madeinusaforever.com

With the economy doing what it is doing here a lot of people who are losing their jobs. The topic of what is made in the U.S.A. comes up, since a lot of things are no longer made in the country. So here are a list of a few places that sell products that are made in the U.S.A.

Freebies!

2009-02-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Here are a few freebies. I have not signed up for these yet, but I thought I would share for anyone who would like them!

Free reusable grocery bags

Free ohshot.com t shirt

Free Quiznos sub, yum!

Free 10 night supply of face cream

Free Victoria secret lotion

Be happy

2009-02-23T09:51:00.000-08:00

I remember when I was a kid and life seemed so easy. I am going to try to get back those feelings and not take on all the worries of the world. Even if it is only for 10 minutes a day, after all that kid is still in all of us! I am going to get some crayons and a coloring book and color for 10 minutes. Or draw. I used to do this when I was a kid and I loved it.

Cheapskate!

2009-02-23T01:33:00.000-08:00

Here is a book that I think I would like to read. It is the ultimate cheapskate's road map to true riches: A practical (and fun) guide to enjoying life more by spending less.
Probably a great lesson for all, since everyone these days has to tighten their belts. Even when I don't want to spend money, I still want nice things! I want a nice home, a nice car etc. I think that is only normal for most people.

I want these things I guess I just don't want to spend the money on them sometimes (I guess that is me being cheap instead of frugal!).

Sometimes the best things in life are really free!

Earn Money & Home projects

2009-02-21T06:53:00.000-08:00

Well now that things are slowing down I am going to have to find a way to earn some money! (yes me and the rest of the world!)
I am going to keep organizing though and if I don't find extra work, I am going to use this time to keep organizing and cleaning.

When I make some progress with that, and the weather gets a bit nicer where I can open up windows etc. I am going to possibly do some painting inside the house. Only on parts that I know are worth doing right now. Parts of the house need wall and ceiling work, but I can't do that till I get electricity and plumbing done!

With that I should make an announcement: (ha ha)

If anyone reading this works for HGTV, OPRAH, Home Improvement shows, This OLD house, Nate Berkus or Carter Oosterhouse (Nate and Carter are both hot by the way!)

My house would be a great show for you! It was built in 1926 and was once part of a wealthy man's (there is some history to this man who owned it) summer home estate. All the other buildings are still here. I live in the gatehouse. It is a decorators dream!

I would like my house to be decorated like Pottery Barn or IKEA. I have simple tastes and want it to be cozy. I also like a bit of Shabby Chic.

Ho hum well I guess it is back to reality!

Progress!

2009-02-20T18:00:00.000-08:00

I have made some progress orgazining. Yeah for me today! It really feels good. I watched OPRAH yesterday and she had a show on about clutter again. Not really any new information, but it's fun to see the before and after. Besides that, you can tell that the people feel happier when their house is clean. After all who wants to come home and take care of a lot of junk everyday?

It is stressful to look at, knowing that you have to go through and clean it. Each time you start and fail again I think it makes a person more stressed.

I like the advice of two trash bags everyday in 10 minutes. One to throw out and one to give away. Seems like a great way to tackle it for the busy person!

OPRAH and the container store are offering a 20% coupon till March 1, 2009, click here or visit OPRAH's website for more info.

Lower standard of living

2009-02-19T06:00:00.001-08:00

I was watching a video where Chairman Howard Davidowitz of Davidowitz & Associates, says that a lower standard of living may be permanent.
That is going to be hard for many people who through the years have been able to just go out and buy what they wanted, when they wanted. I really don't think that is is such a bad thing at all for some people who were clearly out of control with their spending.
When you look back to even the 1970's there was a lot less pressure to keep up with the Joneses. Most house's you would drive by just had bushes outside and perhaps a few flowers in a pot. Now it seems if you don't have a huge landscaped garden with a waterfall (I'm exaggerating a bit here) you are the loser of the neighborhood! Same with home entertainment systems. When I grew up we had a TV and only one color TV in the house. Later we did get basic cable and a VCR but that was after everyone else had it for a while already. And outside, most people don't even cut their own lawns anymore ( I do cut my own lawn).

It seems to me that people say they have to have these things because they don't have anytime to do it themselves. So they work harder to earn more money so they can pay these people to do these things for them. Perhaps it would be good for their children to cut the lawn and make some money so they can see how hard you have to work to buy something.

I see teenagers coming out of Starbucks with their lattes and cell phones and think to myself there is no way my parents would have ever paid for those things for me as a teenager! For these kids this is normal. Of course I am sure our parents thought we had it easy as kids too. After all we rode the school bus and did not have to walk miles to school everyday like they did!

Need or a Want?

2009-02-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about things I want or need to buy with much more thought these days. It really is interesting when you ask yourself a few questions.

1. Do I NEED this or is it a WANT?
2. I worked hard for my money, do really want to spend it on this?
3. Do I already have something like this at home?
4. Is this all I would have to buy or would I need more accessories to go with this item?
5. Am I buying this item for myself or just to keep up appearances with everyone else?

I have put a lot of things back on the rack or shelves at the stores!

Grateful

2009-02-18T17:00:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about this today. Even if the economy sucks right now there are many things to be grateful for. These are in not in any order and are just off the top of my head!

1. taking a shower everyday in clean water
2. putting on clean clothes
3. drinking clean water
4. a warm house
5. food anytime I want to eat!

Saving money at Walmart

2009-02-18T09:40:00.000-08:00

Doesn't it seem like a good gage of how the economy is doing when Walmart is doing better than most retailers?

Really, how can you resist when you know that you can get something at Walmart for so much less? I know I save money when I go grocery shopping there, compared to my regular grocery store.

I heard an interview today that said even Target was not doing as good as Walmart. I think that says a lot right there. I mean most people think of Target as getting some pretty good deals. Now I would not say that I love Walmart, but if I can save some money, than I guess that's where I am going shopping!

Where's my home bailout?

2009-02-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

I am one of those people who pays my mortgage on time every month. My mortgage is going to reset in 2010, but now I don't know if I am going to be able to refinance because it has become so hard to do. I sure hope that Obama is going to help people like myself out!

I get that we have to somehow fix the problem for everyone, because let's face it, the problem is here already and we the taxpayers are going to pay for it one way or another. But I really do think that there are probably a lot of people out there like myself who should also get some sort of relief with their mortgages too. Nobody wants to have foreclosed homes in the neighborhood because it lowers everyones home values. It is really a shame that people are losing their houses. I don't get how it works when the mortgage is now higher than the homes actual value. How can they fix that?

I had to refinance a few times and each time my appraisals kept going up. One was a ridiculous amount that I didn't even believe! I am glad I did not take money out based on that appraisal otherwise I would have been out of luck right now! Right now I still have equity in my house.

I am still waiting for my assessment in the mail. Perhaps it is going to come in the next day or two.

Economy and a man who lost his life savings

2009-02-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Look out Dust Mites!

2009-02-17T13:00:00.000-08:00

I bought a mattress cover to keep out the dust mites today. It is made by a company called allerease, it says on their website that a used mattress can have anywhere from 10,000 to 10 million dust mites in it! YUCK! Who counted all those anyways?! So I have had my mattress now for about five years or so how many are living in there?!

I hope that mattress cover helps. I also bought some covers for the pillows, and bought one new pillow too. Kohl's is having a great sale on things like that. The next thing I need to do is get a new comforter, the one I have is down and it was recommended to get rid of that to see if that helps my allergies. I bought all those things when I got my new bed and they are falling apart anyways. I looked at Target also but they didn't have much. IKEA has some really great prices right now and I might just have to like what they have because of the price! IKEA has a lot of queen size duvet covers for $19.99. I think if I bought the down alternative comforter at Target and the duvet cover from IKEA that would be a pretty good price for me. It is worth it if I have a better nights sleep and it improves my allergies!

Another Project and Cleaning again

2009-02-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

WORK
Yesterday I finished another freelance project and dropped it off at the office. Things are really slowing down though. I do have some money owed to me from previous projects and I can only get a small amount at a time every payday (which is this week). It is probably just as well, at least I'll have a paycheck coming in for the quiet times. It is not a lot of money but I'll take it!

ORGANIZING
I have not been as successful with the cleaning and organizing. I am once again overwhelmed! I know I just need to start small and just do it! I seem to find an excuse one way or another to get out of the house, whether it is going grocery shopping, or Walmart, Target or one of those. I am a time waster! I am living in a fantasy world! I know these things about myself. I have big plans to do things and then when I start to do it I get bored or something. Then the perfectionist neat freak side of me gets mad at the procrastinator side of me and I give up! It really is just a matter of making decisions for me and I am avoiding it that's all. It is sooooo much easier to put things off to another day sometimes! The great thing is I know this and it really does give me a start to identify why I act this way.

Spring is on its way, and I am not going to want to be inside on those gorgeous days cleaning YUCK!

Saving money

2009-02-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

How do you store your loose coins? Do you have a piggy bank? Many people use the trick of just saving all their change every month. The only money you spend is paper money and the rest goes into a jar, or piggy bank, whatever you decide to use. Of course some banks now offer this with their debit cards. I have even heard of people who write checks (does anyone do this anymore?!) rounding up their check and just making it an even number.

If you really want to get fashionable you can go to www.banksbanksbanks.com and buy almost any kind of bank. Of course it is going to cost you some change!

Or if you are into crafts you can make one your self with an old bleach bottle!

I think anyone of these is a great idea. It is such a small way to save money and you don't notice it at all!

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-14T06:10:00.000-08:00

Are you one of the one billion people getting a Valentines card today? The greeting card association estimates that's how many cards everyone sends out, making it the second largest card sending day behind Christmas. Men also spend twice as much as women.

Allergies and Bed Linen

2009-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today I was going to take a break from working and go to IKEA for the sale on bed linens. We go a few inches of snow overnight and now I am not sure I am going to go. IKEA is about a half and hour or so from were I live and I am not sure I want to be out there with the crazies!

I think I might have to get some allergy mattress covers for my bed and see if that gets rid of some of those dust mites. I was reading one article and it said that dust mites can appear on your pillows in as little as six weeks! Yikes! I remember a story OPRAH did a few years ago and they showed all the bugs a person most likely has in their pillows, and yuck!

This is a video from CNN and OPRAH that aired years ago

I thought this video was funny at the end, when they interviewed a lady about having dust mites in her bed and she didn't want to be seen on camera!

Federal Reserve

2009-02-12T13:30:00.000-08:00

The Federal Reserve today announced that the recession had cut many of Americans' net worth by about 20 percent, as the value of homes, stock portfolios and businesses have plummeted! Wow I am so glad they told us that! As if we didn't know already!

I was looking on Zillow.com and it said my house had dropped about $9,000.00 in the last 30 days! I know that is not a figure I can totally rely on, but still nobody wants to see their assets losing value!

I am not an expert but I think the housing market has a year or two to go before it stabilizes. At that point I think the housing is going to go back to what the house is truly worth. The prices have been over inflated for many years, but even still I would not have expected this happen.

House Dust

2009-02-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Today was part two of my Allergy testing, and this time it included dust mites. It turns out that I am very allergic to them! So even more reason to get some new sheets and now remove my inexpensive down comforter. Of course the carpet and anything like that that holds dust is also contributing to it as well.

If I knew what the floors were like, I would probably rip the carpeting out, but sometimes trying to fix one problem turns into another! I guess I'll try to find away to have the dust mites move out though.

Property taxes

2009-02-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

I am waiting anyday now for the township to send my house assessment. Property values are really falling everywhere these days and it is a good idea to find out if you are being overassessed on your home. There are a few websites that can tell you how much similar homes are selling for in your neighborhood. One is called Zillow.com.

From MSN
"The National Taxpayers Union estimates that as much as 60% of taxable property in the United States is overassessed. But despite the growing tax bills, only half of homeowners protest their assessments. That means many may be paying more property taxes than necessary."

The first year I appealed my taxes, I did get a reduction. This was way before the crazy housing mess. But the last few years I was not able to get a reduction so I think it is about time!

HGTV Home Giveaway

2009-02-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

I think I should try entering the HGTV home giveaway

I walked around the outside of my own house today and it really needs paint, I also need roof work done. The list goes on and on! Am I fooling myself? (probably).

Perhaps I should start practicing the look on my face when they (HGTV) comes knocking on my door to tell me I have won!

Sounds like a deal!

2009-02-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

IKEA is having a few one day only sales, and one is just right for me! I really need some new queen size bed sheets. Mine have a few holes in them and my lovely rusty well water has made the white not so white anymore. So any size you buy for $9.99 includes 2 pillow cases, 1 flat sheet, and 1 fitted sheet. They are 400 count sheets and regularly sell for about $40.00!

Warming Up!

2009-02-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

What a warm up in weather we have had! My heating bills have been enormous this year. I have been trying to keep the heat down when I can. I put up some of that plastic on my windows but I don't think it did too much. The one I put up outside fell off a few times and I tried to keep putting it up but gave up.

I still think about getting a wood stove or something like that, but I was told it is better to insulate your house and safer of course. Who knows, they both sound like a great idea to me though. I am not in that position yet anyways! But I would rather make an investment like that, instead of it just getting out through all the cracks in the walls! Oh well......!

Organizing Today

2009-02-07T10:01:00.000-08:00

So I have done a bit of work in the garage today, trying to clean! I really have realized why I have not had any success before. I think I have felt that I was not in control and can't make the decision to throw things out. I have been letting the clutter control me. I am just getting tired of it really and I think I am realizing that the junk, and believe me alot of it is junk, is just not worth it.

How am I ever going to have that "Pottery Barn" house?

Even if I can't afford to fix my house up yet there is no reason I should be so messy! The messiness I am in control of, the new wiring and plumbing at this point I am not. Ok there was my pep talk to myself!

Mocha drinks

2009-02-06T15:50:00.000-08:00

If you want to save some money and like Mocha drinks, try this! I have tried this and it is just as good if not better (IMO) than most of the hot drinks out there. It is sweeter than McDonald's, I think and not bitter at all. There are 5 individual packets for about $2.99 at Walmart, a bit more money at the grocery store. If you live in the cold, you are going to want to get your favorite blanket and a watch a good movie and stay in! And think of the money saved!

Lottery Ticket

2009-02-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hmm, Where did I put that winning lottery ticket? I wish! I need big work done on my house and I wish I had the money to get some of this done! The money I do have is tied up legally and not available to me and I don't know when it is going to be available. I would love for my house to look like Pottery Barn or IKEA.

I just love the look, it is so inviting and comfortable!

The great thing about IKEA is they have a lot of things that look like Pottery Barn but they are less expensive.

Blonde at the library

2009-02-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

A bit off topic here, but I could not resist!

Economy

2009-02-05T06:56:00.000-08:00

Reading the finance section on YAHOO everyday can be, well, kind of a drag. I am looking for the positives in the economy but they just keep printing article after article that makes a person not want to spend ANY money at all. Which in a result just takes the economy down even more! Even people who have money to spend are not going to want to spend!

Do you find it takes the wind out of your sails when you read or watch these reports on TV?
Sometimes I go to the store and make a purchase and feel guilty and take it back.
That must be the frugalness (is that a word?) coming out in me! I am also a
practical person too! I am not perfect though I have my moments of "Throwing frugality to the wind"!
I have to go shopping now, let's hope that doesn't happen today at the store!

Miss Frugally

Shopping

2009-02-04T06:00:00.001-08:00

I went to Target today and the store seemed so empty! I only was there to buy a heating pad for my back and that is all I bought.
I did walk around and look for awhile. There were some good sales on some throws, I never went over to the clothes department but perhaps I'll go back.

I also went to Bed, Bath and Beyond and saw they are selling the "snuggie" blanket for $14.99 just in case anyone is interested!
If you don't know what it is here is the commercial.
value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TqHSIiAXdSU&hl=en&fs=1">

Someone is laughing all the way to the bank on this one!

Can you tell if someone is frugal?

2009-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

I was thinking today, can you tell if someone is frugal just by looking at them? I don't think you can, I think you really have to know somebody. We all know that the word cheap and frugal can be used in the same sentence! I can be cheap and I can be frugal. I also can spend money, but I usually have guilt after. Some of my neighbors are frugal, some are frugal because they have to be and for others it is a way of life. I know that they are millionaires but they don't act like it. They drive cars that are a few years old. Their house's are modest perhaps not in size but in the way the are decorated.

In the town that I live in most people seem to have to flaunt their wealth. It makes it hard for people who really do want to be frugal but feel they must go along with "The Joneses"! Isn't it funny how we always are concerned about how we are perceived even if it means getting in way over our head?

If you really want to buy something you should do it because you want too not because you feel you need to, just to impress someone. Be different show people you don't need to spend alot to be cool!

Your bailout what would you do?

2009-02-03T15:00:00.000-08:00

So money.cnn.com figured out that if all the bailout money went to us the taxpayers we would each get $9,718.49. If that money landed in your pocket right now what would you do with it?

I think I would pay off my car just to get it out of the way. It would be nice not to have a car payment every month!

Starbucks Habit

2009-02-03T06:49:00.000-08:00

Do you have a Starbucks addiction? Look at this calculator to figure out how much you spend at Starbucks or any other place for getting coffee. Wow what an eye opener!

Walmart, Kmart, Target, Sears

2009-02-03T06:40:00.001-08:00

OK I admit it, I shop at Walmart sometimes. I know a lot of people can't stand Walmart, and I am not sure what I think of the store, except that it is hard to shop somewhere else sometimes when you know for a fact that you can get it at Walmart for less!

Their clothes are really inexpensive and that is obvious in how well they wear. But for me that is OK sometimes because I always seem to wreck my clothes by spilling something on them, or wearing them outdoors to do work, or my water ruins them because I have well water.

Their groceries are usually less at Walmart, and I know I save money there as well. I used to shop at Kmart alot but not so much anymore since the store by my house moved to a new location. Then they did a store make over and the place just seemed kind of dumpy after that.

For better clothes I like to shop at Target. I bought some really nice colorful long sleeve tshirts for 50% off the other day. Really can you beat $5.00 for a nice shirt?

The store that has baffled me lately is Sears. I must admit I have not shopped there much through the recent years, although in my childhood we did. And I always loved looking at the Sears catalogs! Now Sears is having financial problems (who isn't right?) But I don't want them to fail! I want to be loyal to Sears and shop there but their prices are just too high! Sears is trying to compete in a higher end market in my opinion. They need to lower their prices so they can be somewhere in the middle of Walmart and Macy's for instance.

Come on Sears listen up! This is your time to make it again!

I'm just saying.

Work is slowing down a bit

2009-02-02T15:00:00.001-08:00

Well work is slowing down a bit, it is slow this time of the year, but it could also be the economy. I am a freelancer so I get paid by the project. This is also a good time to work on some things that I have been putting off. So my plan is this:

1. Clean the house up

2. Organize, Organize, Organize!

3. Learn not to make excuses!

4. Throw out and give away what I no longer use.

5. Follow through with everything I have just written!

Does this sound familiar?!

I think that part of being frugal sometimes is not wanting to throw things out because you don't know if you need it again, or you feel like you are being wasteful. It seems that way for me anyways.

How to be really frugal!

2009-02-02T15:00:00.000-08:00

Ok so this is one way I am really frugal. I use dishwashing detergent for my laundry. You can buy it at the dollar store and do loads of wash with it. Don't put in to much or it would be like that episode from the Brady Bunch when they put in to much soap in the washing machine.

By the way I also did this for the dishwasher when I didn't have soap for that, and it did spill out all over the floor!

Highlight and cut your own hair

2009-01-30T18:00:00.000-08:00

How to cut your own hair

Ok this might not be a tip for everyone to use! But I cut my own hair and I also highlight it myself. I have been to have my hair cut professionally only twice in the last fifteen years at least!

I am not just saying this really, you must believe me but my hair looks great! People compliment me all the time on it. Again this is not for everyone, but think of all the money I have saved! So how do I do it? Well I can get away with it because my hair is thick and shoulder length, I part it in the back and cut it on each side. Because my hair has a wave to it, I can get away with it being crooked sometimes. There are books on this that explain it better. And if you can get a friend to do it, all the better. Now if you don't want to go that route, look up beauty schools in your area. You can get great deals there from students who are learning. Don't freak out just yet, they have to have some skills before they let them cut your hair!