Author Archive

Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by juju_mommy on October 14, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

On my way to work this morning, I saw an advertisement on Walgreen's lighted board for hydrogen peroxide for only 29cents! Now, this stuff is usually really cheap to start with but even cheaper is even better! I think everyone knows that it's good to have a bottle of this stuff lying around for minor cuts and things like that. But this got me to thinking: what else can we use this frugal item for around the home?

Please note that hydrogen peroxide comes in different strengths. Therefore, for these uses and for safety reasons, stick to the pharmaceutical grade 3% found in the first aid section.

Also, did you know that hydrogen peroxide is NOT harmful to the environment like so many other chemicals are? Though this stuff in the bottle is man-produced, it's a copy of what is found naturally in nature (including the human body!). So, it's a "green" item. That's an added bonus!

I already keep 2 bottles in the house. But perhaps I'll stop and grab a few bottles on the way home…

Tags:
Categories: Tips

The Importance of Preparing for Hard Times

Posted by juju_mommy on October 13, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Gary Foreman of The Dollar Stretcher posted a blog titled What You Should Do Now. Read it. Think about it.

I'm a worry-wart by nature. Anybody that knows me personally will say that without hesitation. It's something I'm always working on. I know that most things I worry about are not within my control anyway and that the proper way to handle this is to just give it to God. Matthew 6:34 says "Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." What does this mean to me? Well, though many disagree with me, I DO NOT think it means that you should not think about or prepare for things that could happen. I believe that it is just telling us not to dwell on these things and not to make ourselves sick with worry about all the "what if's?". God blesses each and every one of us. It's up to us what we do with those blessings (i.e. tithing, giving to others, staying out of debt, living simply, etc.). There are times when we have a little extra and there are times were we are barely keeping a shelter over our heads or food on the table. But during those times of abundance, even if it's just a little, that's the time to squirrel away some things for the down times. This doesn't mean hoarding. This doesn't mean being greedy. And this doesn't mean go into panic mode. It's our first "duty" to prepare ourselves spiritually for the things that may happen and the things that the Word warns us will happen. But I believe it's also important to make wise use of God's blessings to prepare our homes. Proverbs 6:6 says "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise." I don't mean to get off on a Biblical tangent for those of you who many not be believers. But it's to address the many Christians who respond to topics of "preparation" by saying that we are to rely on God for our needs. Well, if you are earning a paycheck right now then count your blessings and use them wisely. God IS providing for you - but it's your responsibility to make the best use of those provisions. And those preparations in your home should not only be for your family but also for others who may be in need. If you have a well-stocked pantry, that enables you to put a box together of non-perishables to bring to a neighbor in need or to donate during a food drive. SOMEONE has to prepare. If you aren't preparing (and if your excuse is that "God will provide") then that means that you will be relying on the generosity and ability of others who DID prepare. It's my personal belief that God calls us to prepare hearts, our family and our homes for the rough times ahead. And, as Christians, God does not tell us that we will be free from hard times. He promises us that we will indeed face them. But he promises also that he will be there by our side and will not abandon us.

I love this story. It gets send around in email chains all the time:

A man was trapped on his roof during a flood. As he sat and waited, he prayed to God for help. When one of his neighbors passed by in his boat and offered a ride to safety, the man refused because he wanted to wait on God.  The neighbor left and the water continued to rise. Later on in the day, a life-raft came by and offered him a ride, but again, the man decided to hold off for God’s rescue.  Finally, a Red Cross team arrived in a helicopter. As they lowered a rope to save the man, he waved the rope away because he knew God was going to save him. Not long after that, the flood water swept over the top of the house and the man drowned. When he arrived in heaven, the man asked God why He never answered his prayer and saved him from the flood. God answered, “I sent a boat, a life raft, and a helicopter and you refused each one – what did you expect?!”  

It's just a story… but think about it in realisitc terms: chances are, the man heard a flood warning on the radio or tv, weighed his pros and cons and choose to stay anyway. Chances are he knew whether or not he was in an area prone to flooding but didn't prepare for that possibility. Perhaps he is disabled or financially unable to get out of dodge when the warnings were known. Well, once in that situation, he asked for God's help. God works in so many ways and one of the main ways he helps us get through tough times is through others. God's blessing to others prepared them not only to get out of harms way, but it also enabled them to reach out a helping hand to a neighbor in need. God's financial blessings to some enabled them to donate to the Red Cross who was able to help those in need during a crises. Well, if God has provided a little extra for you NOW, then use it wisely so that you are at least somewhat prepared for what may come… not only to help yourself and your family but to also reach out a helping hand to others.

There are tons of commentary out there, both on the internet and on the television, attempting to "predict" what's going to happen to the economy in the near future. I tend to have negative feelings about the direction things are going. I personally believe they will get worse before they get better. But I'm absolutely no expert (even typing that makes me want to laugh). And my understanding of economics and the current situations our country (and the world) are facing is soooo limited. But I at least try to keep up with what is going on, am careful where I get my information from, and make sure that I'm doing what I can to prepare my home while I can afford to do so. We are working to pay our unsecured debt off and I add to my food storage each and every time I go grocery shopping. I buy clothes and shoes on clearance for us and the kids (mostly by shopping after season) and store away in a big tupperware bin (about half or more of my kids' Christmas and bday gifts are clothes!). I stay well stocked up on toiletries and household goods through my shopping trips to CVS and Walgreens (get almost all of it for free!) and through buying some items in bulk. Those are just some examples. You can read more about my thoughts and advise on Family Emergency Preparedness. But my point is that I always try to stay ahead while I have the ability to do so. That way, when hard times come, I am at least somewhat prepared.

We can speculate, but we won't know what will happen with the economy until it happens. And sometimes we know that a job loss may be a possibility in the near future and other times we (and our pocket book) are caught completely by surprise! But if we don't prepare at least for the likely scenerios then by the time we know for sure that      (fill in blank here)    will happen, it'll be too late to prepare then. So, if you are financially able to even put aside $20 a month towards prepareing your household for what may lie ahead in the future, do it! It's worth sacrificing eating out or a movie to have that small bit of peace. Pay off what you can now and now is definitely NOT the time to build up any more debt. Consolidate bills now; eliminate those unecessary ones. Don't depend on the grocery store down the street for your food for the next 6 months. Get an in-home supply yourself! It's easier than you realize. Buy a few extra can goods during your next shopping trip (and especially load up during and after the Thanksgiving holiday!). Beans are cheap, a protein source and store a long time. Stock up and start experimenting with them now (be on the look-out for a post about this in the near future). Our local mom-pop stores had hot dogs on sale last week for really cheap, along with shredded cheese. And I found bacon on clearance for next to nothing. I stocked up these items and my freezer is full! If times got tough or the grocery store shelves are empty, I could make the food in my house stretch for 6 months comfortably.

So, what's my point for this blog? My point is that preparing for hard times is a very important to-do for any home. But I find that so many have an all or nothing approach. Either they don't do anything at all because 1) funds are lacking or 2) they don't beleive that    (fill event in here)    will happen. Or they have the "end of the world is around the corner" mentality to the T and spend too much time living in fear of what MAY be around the corner. People on this end of the spectrum often go into debt buying food storage they don't know how to use, probably wouldn't eat any way and don't even know how to store properly. They buy gadgets they don't know how to use and spend more time worrying about what the future may hold instead of enjoying the abundance they may have at that moment. But it's important for every household to find a happy medium. Some may not have an extra dime each month for preparing their homes. But I'm speaking to those who do: those who, if they budgeted and prioritized properly CAN prepare.

You may believe that it's a slim chance that something will interupt the delivery of the groceries in the 18 wheelers to the local grocery store tomorrow. You may believe that the chance of our country getting bombed is just something for a movie. You may believe that a horrible virus killing off a large fraction of our population is an exggaeration. You may believe that you and/or your husband's job is secure. You may believe that you've saved well and you have a nice fall-back in your retirement and/or bank account and the chance of it evaporating over night is slim. You wouldn't expect the electrical grid to go down overnight. You may think that the chance of your child getting sick or serious injured, causing you or your husband to have to take a break from the work force at the same time that you are flooded with medical bills to be a "it's not going to happen to me" situation. But the chances of AT LEAST ONE of these things happening is pretty good! Are you prepared? It's recommended that all households have at least a 3 month food and water supply on hand. Do you have it?

I can't prepare for everything. And the chance of this, that, and whatever happening may be slim when looked at on an individual basis. But what is certain is that most (if not all of us) will face rough times ahead. It can be tomorrow, next year or 10 years from now. But it's my opinion that IF you are able to, use the extra you have now (even if you think it's just a little) to prepare for what tomorow may bring. Change your way of thinking. Spend wisely. Shop thinking long-term. Use what you have wisely. If you are blessed enough to be employed, have a decent income right now, and over all are doing at least "ok" then don't take it for granted!

Stretching Dollars is about making the most of what you have… whether by necessity or by choice.

Even if it's not a necessity, MAKE it your choice. Make it a priority!

Tags:
Categories: Tips

“Baking Day” on the Weekend

Posted by juju_mommy on October 11, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

I have several blogs that I read and something that seems to be a really popular theme lately is what is referred to as a "Baking Day". This is a day where you make a to-do list of items to bake for the freezer, to be taken out later when you want to eat them. Items such as pancakes, muffins, quick breads, etc. are perfect for this. It's a great idea because, in the long run, it saves you a lot of time in the kitchen and the items end up being a lot cheaper than any other on-the-go breakfast item (not to mention much healthier!). Here is an example of a Baking Day at one of my favorite blogs Money Saving Mom. I think this is an excellent idea, especially for those with kids and those who work during the week (outside the home).

I don't necessarily do "Baking Day" but I do a general "Cooking Day" pretty much each weekend. My main method of meal preparation is to do freezer meals. These are meals that I cook in large batches and then freeze in individual portions (enough for a meal for a family of four) to be taken out later for dinner. I started this while in preparation for maternity leave with my first child and have been cooking this way ever since! It's saved me tons of money, time and stress! My typical freezer meals are: spaghetti sauce, gumbo, taco meat, various kinds of soup, beef stew, BBQ pulled pork, red beans, white beans, lasagna, muffins, pancakes, banana bread, etc. Another bonus of cooking in bulk is that I get to purchase in bulk! And I can purchase things cheaper in season and cook for the next few months. If you want to give freezer meals a try slowly, then just get in the habit of cooking larger meals and freezing the extra. If you do this at least a couple times a week, you will fill your freezer quicker than you'd realize!

On Sunday, I make my menu for the week. I USUALLY write it down on a menu pad I have on the fridge but will admit that sometimes I just make a mental menu. I then go to my freezer and take out the items that we will eat for the week. I put them all in a pan and put in the fridge to defrost. Having a menu plan for the week helps me to remember to defrost things in time, eleminates the constant "what are we having for dinner?" question and it helps me to make sure that I am using things before they expire and rotating my food storage.

This weekend I've "cooked" a couple of things. Yesterday (and I'm finishing up today), I dehyrated two large batches of mushrooms. I've dehydrated many things but never mushrooms so this is a first for me. I also have a large basket of apples (they are on sale for $1.00 per pound at Walmart right now) to dehydrate but I don't know if I'll have time for that today (I may do them over night and just put up in the morning before I go to work). I cooked a large breakfast casserole this morning and once it cools I will wrap individual servings in plastic wrap and put in my freezer breakfast bin (a tupperware container just for breakfast things). Tonight I plan to do some blueberry pancakes too.

So, you get the idea. Why don't you give it a try? Schedule a Baking Day or just a general Cooking Day and save yourself some time during the week! If your kids are old enough, get them involved!

Happy Cooking!

Tags:
Categories: Tips

Tips of the Week: October 11, 2009

Posted by juju_mommy on October 11, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Great Deals

CVS Weekly Deals 10/11 thru 10/17

View Ad Here

*** Note: CVS is advertising that if you go in their store and inquire about their flu shots, you can get a free coupon book! According to the advertisement, you don't have to actually get the flu shot.

Brach's Candy Corn  Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Only!

4-in-1 Carving Tool (Limit 2) Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Only!

Halloween Nylon Treat Bag (Limit 1) Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Only!

Kashi Go Lean Cereal

Schick Disposable Razors

Clean and Clear (trial size)

Walgreens Weekly Deals 10/11 thru 10/17

View Ad Here

Campbell's Cream of Chicken or Mushroom Soup

Witch Hazel Natural Toner (16 oz.)

Healthy Choice Cafe steamers

Monthly Deals

Crest Baking Soda and Peroxide Whitening Toothpaste (6.4oz)

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion (6.8 oz.)

Gillette Fusion MVP Manual or Power Razor System (until 10/24???)

Halls Refresh Sugar-Free 20ct

Chapstick Fresh Effects

Robitussin DM To Go 2pk

Emergen-C Booster

 

Cool Coupons

75 cents off No Yolk or Wacky Mac pasta

$2.00 off Bic Soleil Razors or Cartridges

 

Awesome Freebies

Playtex Sport

Kotex Ultra Thin Overnight w/ Wings

Bare Escentuals BareMinerals SPF15 Foundation 10-Day Trial and Mini Brush at Sephora

Astroglide X

K-Y Intrigue Personal Lubricant

Tags:
Categories: Tips

Tips of the Week: October 2, 2009

Posted by juju_mommy on October 2, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Great Deals

CVS Weekly Deals 10/4 thru 10/10

View Ad Here

Bayer Breeze 2 Blood Glucose Monitoring System (Limit 2)

Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 4oz or 360* Acti Flex Toothbrush (Limit 1)

Dial, Tone or Coast Bar Soap 2-3pk (Limit 1)

Revlon Nail (Limit 6)

 

Walgreens Weekly Deals 10/4 thru 10/10

View Ad Here

Campbell's Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup

Gillette Fusion MVP Manual or Power Razor System

Playtex Gloves

Trident Xtra Care or Layers Gum

Hersey Bars (Limit 4)

 

Cool Coupons

It's the beginning of a new month and that means new coupons! Yay! Be sure to visit Coupons.com, SmartSource and Redplum to see what new coupons are up.

Quiznos Buy One Sub and Drink and Get Another Sub Free

$1.50 off 3 boxes of Dreamfield Pasta

$1.00 off Coffee-Mate

$1.00 off Yo-Plus Yogurt

$1.00 off True North 100% Natural Snacks

$1.00 off Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls (Hurry! These will go fast!)

 

Awesome Freebies

Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Hair Products

Nutri-Dog Chews

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (Sam's members only)

Quick and Thrifty Crochet Free PDF Book Download

 

Other Tips/Deals

Blockbuster Express Kiosks Free Rental Code

I'm not sure if this is today only… but go to any Blockbuster Express kiosks and use rental code GW99A5 to get a free rental! Go here to find out more details and to find a kiosk location near you.

RedBox Free Rental Codes

Take these codes to any RedBox and receive a free DVD rental. Each code can be used once per credit card. Promotional codes are: KRJX6M3, RXGVGMV, 9H2VEE27 (this code is valid at Hy-Vee locations only) and DVDATWAG (This code is valid at Walgreens locations only). For a location near you and more about RedBox, visit their website here.

Cheap Clothes at Aeropostale

Aeropostale offers an additional 30% off their already-reduced Clearance Items when you enter code FALLCLEAR at checkout. Shipping is a flat-rate $7 for your entire order. There are some great deals to be had and many items look like they'd make great Christmas gifts, especially for pre-teens, teens and young adults. So get an early start on your shopping! Visit Aeropostale here.

Tags:
Categories: Tips
Previous Page
Next Page