Deal With It, Simply!

Shelly is creating again and here is one of her latest creations:

I bought a coconut cup with a flower and straw attached at a party store for
$2.99
Put Styrofoam in the bottom and add shredded white paper.
I used quilters T-pins and bought Life Savers candy (Pina Colada, Coconut and Banana flavors) Insert the pins through the Life Saver wrapper and push into the styrofoam.
Insert a cocktail umbrella into the stryofoam.

A few (2) people I had bought the TGIF Pina Colada mix and put it into containers enough for 1 or 2 drinks:) Others just got the glass and candy gift either way it’s cute!

A great summer treat!   Thanks Shelly!

Good Morning! A few weeks ago my dear friend  told me she was Spring cleaning and asked me since I clean for a living “does anyone else do Spring cleaning anymore?” I do and I think Spring cleaning  and everyday cleaning is Frugal and this is why…… You can clean and inspect your items.

Spring Cleaning is for all the down deep cleaning you don’t get to do all season…when things are clean they run more efficient.

Spring cleaning in the kitchen

• fridge the best time to clean the fridge is before you go grocery shopping. I take everything out including the bottom drawers and wipe everything down, we use Clorox clean up. While wiping down the doors inspect the gasket around the door and I bleach that too. Take off the bottom vent cover and clean with hot soapy water and vacuum the front the fridge.  Pull out the fridge and vacuum the back and underneath this will help make it run better without the dust around the compressors. Since the fridge is pulled out I sweep and mop under it.
• Stove- baking soda and water works great and run the trays through the dishwasher every so often. The front of the stove is easily wiped with window cleaner. I pull the bottom drawer out and clean and wipe and vacuum under the stove ll the tracks. I pull this out and vacuum the dust and mop the floor. It is also a good time wipe the walls behind and around the stove. If you have a self-cleaning oven the best time to use if you have to is when it is already heated up.
• Garbage disposal- I clean this with ice cubes. Fill it up ice cubes and run cold water the ice scrubs it then add hot water for it to all go down. The black gasket needs to be cleaned O use an old tooth-brush you will be amazed what you see. Some folks run their lemon or orange peels through it to freshen.
• Dishwasher- wipe with window cleaner or cleaning cloth. I clean the inside also with a cloth and once in a while I have to take the bottom apart and get all the food, glass and who knows what else is in it. A few year ago I bought a dishwasher repair kit to fix all the rusted tips on the basket it came with  rubber tips and this extends the life of the basket. Tipnut has a how to clean your dishwasher check out her site!
• Electric Can opener- Unplug and use a toothbrush and hot soapy water. A pipe cleaner works great under the blade.
• Microwave- I use a warm cleaning cloth if it is really dirty you can put a mug of water in it for 1 minute to cook while you are cleaning other things and it should wipe right up. Don’t forget about the vent covers  under the microwave if it is above the stove with an exhaust. once in a while I put them in the dishwasher to get the grease off of them. Leave the microwave open for a few minutes after use so you don’t trap moisture and odors in.
• Cabinet- Cleaning out is frugal because you can see what you have and organize your stockpile.

By cleaning you can extend the life of your appliances and see what you have and I think this is frugal!

Yesterday, I received my Kraft Kitchen email and there is a section for Budget Wi$e recipes.

What are some budget wi$e recipes you have?

I have to laugh when someone in my family says “we have nothing to eat!” What they are really saying is we don’t have convenience foods. Our budget takes a beating on all the convenience foods. 3 teenagers in the house  and Randy and I working long hours convenience seems to be what we look for.

When I plan and use my crockpot it is wonderful to come home from work and I don’t hear “what’s for dinner, mom?”

Here are some of the sites I like to find quick, easy and budget friendly recipes. If you have any tips you would like to add please do.

• Pillsbury Budget recipes and coupons you can print
• Campbell’s Kitchen has 10 recipes under $10 also check out their saving center
• Meijer Meal box budget friendly recipes and coupons to print
• Betty Crocker  Dinner made easy
  

Have a blessed day, Candy

My mom has been sending me old pictures and I thought I would share.

Deal with it, Simply home page is going through some changes this weekend and I hope to have both pages up and running next week. Have Blessed Easter! Candy

When our oldest was in the third grade I remember her talking with a friend on Easter afternoon. Her dad said “Look what the Easter bunny brought?” It was a brand new bike!  Randy and I thought how could we compete with that. We decided Right then it wasn’t a competition and didn’t  fall prey to it!

• We were always blessed because my folks have always bought our kids their new Easter outfit. With 4 children this always was something that help us and they kids looked forward to it every year. If you aren’t so Lucky and have to buy your own: For boys a new shirt and tie makes them look crisp. For girls I love the frilly socks and a hat.
• We have used the same Easter baskets and fill them every year.
• We have candy, but it isn’t just that other things from the dollar store, kids love little goodies. Coloring book and crayons,a book,  little stuffed animal, Driveway chaulk, bubbles and a jump rope.
• We love to put a cross and flowers on our colored eggs.You can accomplish this with a white crayon, draw your picture on the egg before you dye it and then like magic when you dye it appears.
• Martha Steward has some great ideas. Most are cute and frugal!
• Remember it isn’t about all the stuff. Easter is a time to be with those you love and Don’t forget the reason for the season.

Have a blessed day, Candy

Deal With It, Simply!

Promote Your Page Too

The less and more of being frugal. Reduce your cost of living by stretching what you have. Some of the ways we stretch our budget  is using less of products. This may not seem like it will add that much to your budget, but if you start you will be amazed.

USE Less…

• Shampoo- Shampoo bottles have written on it rinse and repeat you don’t have to repeat. Try a smaller amount and see what happens
• Conditioner
• Laundry soap- I have a front loader and I use about a teaspoon of soap along with some powdered washing soda.
• Fabric softener-  Don’t use it for towels it makes it less absorbent.
• Dish soap
• dishwasher soap- I only fill one of the soap cups and my dishes have been great.
• This one is more for my kids…you can wear sweatshirt hoodies and jeans more than once!

Do More of…

• Use your leftovers
• make a meal plan and eat at home
• drink water- We keep a pitcher in the fridge and I am more likely to drink it.
• Learn to cut or trim hair- We bought clippers and scissors. I figure a few hair cuts and they were paid. If you don’t want to cut hair add a few weeks in between hair cuts and save.
• Keep what you have in working order.
• My dad’s line if my car isn’t running right “did you check the oil?” Always start there when you hear a noise in the engine.
• Cut your own grass and save money- I love to cut the grass. I put my headphones on and jam. When the kids were young Randy and I would take turns because it was a way to get away for a little.
• Try using those coupons…once you are hooked you really appreciate how much you can save.
• Barter/ trade with your friends or neighbors. Maybe a car repair for a home cleaning.
• Make your own gifts This doesn’t have to be stressful. A gift of time may be appreciated.

Dave Ramsey is always talking Beans and Rice to save money.  If you do add beans, rice, noodles, bread or potatoes to your meal it is a great filler. Randy’s family always had a salad, I noticed we have more leftovers if we have a salad…Something to think about.

How are you using less? I would love to hear, Candy

Toledo Zoo Teddy Bear Care Fair

Get a check-up for your favorite stuffed pal!
Saturday & Sunday, March 20-21, 2010

“Does your stuffed pal need a check-up or repairs? Whether you have a teddy bear, a monkey, or an animal never before seen, we’ll fix him up until he’s fit as a fiddle! And if you’re ready to adopt a real live animal pal, the Toledo Area Humane Society will be on hand to help you find just the right cat or dog. With zoo keeper talks, puppet shows, activities and more, the Teddy Bear Care Fair is one event that’s stuffed with fun!”

The kids can make a free rain gauge.

This is a great way to spend quality time with your child and make something of use. Please check your local store for more details. Think Spring!

Have a Blessed day,