Grandma's Frugal Inspiration

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My Grandma Esther is my inspiration for contentment and frugal living. She was born in 1921 and started out her life during the Depression. Her family didn't have much and they lived in the country. It was a hard life but they somehow managed.

I sometimes wonder if this is why she was always so frugal or maybe it was just her nature. She got married during WWII to Grandpa Sonny (Aaron).

They bought 30+ acres in upstate New York, where my family had lived for generations.

My grandparents had 3 children- Karen (my mom), Aaron and Jo Anne.

I always felt that they must have been the luckiest children in the world, to grow up with the forest to run around, swim in the pond, and have a wonderful childhood. They learned a lot about responsibility, helping my grandparents with gardening and taking care of the property. My grandpa worked in construction, while my grandma stayed at home, raising the kids and taking care of the home.

By the 70's and 80's, my grandparents had 4 new grandchildren, myself, cousins Lisa and Mark and my sister Emily. They were definitely doting grandparents and always treated us like their children.

I spent a lot of time there and learned a lot about responsibility. Here are some of the ways my grandma inspired me.

INSPIRATION 1: BAKING, COOKING AND CANNING

Grandma loved to bake and cook and did things out of not only necessity, but out of love. Because they lived in the country, she was used to making three square meals a day. They did go to the grocery store for necessities they couldn’t grow or hunt themselves.

She learned from her mom how to survive in the country, especially during the bitter cold upstate New York winters. Grandpa and Grandma, up until their 80s, kept gardens, growing corn, giant pumpkins, peas, raspberries, carrots, potatoes and more. They were always canning and freezing food for the fall and winter. I remember helping her shuck corn and peas for canning. It was tedious work, but looking back now, I am so happy I had that experience to help her.

INSPIRATION 2: SEWING, DECORATING, KNITTING

My grandmother was an expert seamstress, which was how she paid for her college tuition in the 1940s. She made clothes for her children and grandchildren, knitted blankets, pieced together patchwork quilts, decorated her home and cooked meals every day for years. She found knitting and crocheting not only practical, but relaxing.

 

INSPIRATION 3: FRUGAL FUN

I remember going to the library with Grandma Esther and picking out a few books. She loved to read and was always reserving the next great book on her list. She also loved reading the New Yorker magazine, and when I got a subscription for her, she was thrilled. She also enjoyed taking walks outside, visiting family and friends, and listening to music. She rarely watched TV as they didn’t have cable. Though I do remember watching Wheel of Fortune and Dukes of Hazzard with her as a child! Those were the good old days!

INSPIRATION 4: A PENNY SAVED IS A PENNY EARNED

My grandmother’s generation didn’t believe in debt, and therefore, she never got into debt or even had her own credit card. For whatever she needed, she paid cash. She saved her change and dollar bills and only bought things when she had the money. She saved up for what was important to her. She also used coupons when she went shopping, which wasn’t very often.

More ideas from Grandma that I have implemented into my life:

1. Use cloth instead of paper.  My grandma had a bucket of clean rags, that she used to wipe down everything. She rarely used paper towels. Microfiber cloths are also a great option, washable, durable and reusable.

2.  Buy and use green cleaning products, or make them yourself! Just search on Pinterest for eco-friendly green cleaner recipes. Plus, shop for eco-friendly beauty products,  eco-friendly fashion lines and eco-friendly home decor. I really like Green Works and Method.

3.  Laundry.  Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot.  Line-dry when you can. There is nothing like line-dried clothing, that has dried in the sun! You will never forget that clean air smell.

4.  Conserve Energy - Turn off the lights when you leave the room, or open the curtains and blinds and rely on the sunlight to cut down on electricity use. Only run the dishwasher when you have a full load.  Shut down and turn off your computer completely at night.

5.  Change your light bulbs.  Switch a few of your light bulbs to CFLs , which use about 75 percent less energy and last seven to 10 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs, until eventually you have all of your house switched over. This was a hard one for me because I love my old-school bulbs. Now that they are phased out of most stores, I have had to bite the bullet and buy the new bulbs. Six years ago, my 90 year old grandfather, was light years ahead of me because he used CFLs and preferred them!

6.  Repurpose glass jars as leftover containers, bulk storage or even pretty vases. I love mason jars for this.

7.  Buy used and donate.   Shop thrift stores and craigslist for clothing, home items and more.  Grandma was a thrift shopper, she loved a good deal. She also loved to knit, sew and crochet. While I'm not much of a thrift shopper, I donate a lot to Goodwill.

8.  Stop using disposable bags.   Purchase reusable bags. They are more durable and don't clog up land-fills! I love, love, love my Target reusable bag. I keep one in my car and one in the kitchen.

9. Quilting/reusing material/reusing old clothes and sheets for material. Grandma was an expert seamstress and could make all kinds of clothing, Halloween costumes and more.

10. Gardening. Grandma was known for her beautiful gardens. She grew not only flowers but rows of corn and raspberries, potatoes, green beans and much more.

11. Canning food. I remember every fall growing up, Grandma would can food. This was a long procedure, from picking the food, preparing it, and then canning it. It paid off- all winter, they had fresh, homegrown food on their table.

12. Baking your own bread-- Really, is there anything better than homemade bread? Grandma didn't think so either. Homemade bread, with a bit of homemade jelly or butter was always a special treat at Grandma's house.

 

One snowy night in November of 2003, my Grandma Esther passed away at age 83 in her bed. Grandpa passed away 4 years later, working outside on his tractor. Up until the end, they both had lived the life they wanted to, one of love, contentment, happiness and peace.

How to Build a Backyard Ice Skating Rink

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    Here is how to build a backyard ice rink!
  1. Use snow to make little walls around the perimeter of your rink. These need to be about four to five inches high and nicely packed. You can also use boards, but snow works just fine and you don't have to worry about picking it up and finding a place to store it when spring comes.

  2. Pack down the snow within the perimeter. You can do this with the back of a shovel, or you can ask a few kids to play on it for a while. Make sure it is packed and as level as possible.

  3. To add the water, pick a time when the outside temperature is a few degrees below freezing. First gently run water over your rink's snow walls. Move the hose back and forth, and if you can get a gentle spray going, that's even better. If you leave the hose running in a steady stream in any one spot for too long, you'll get holes. Once the walls are wet, resist the urge to keep going. Let them freeze well overnight. The next day you can begin your rink.

  4. Lay down a thin layer of water. Wait a few hours or, better yet, overnight and repeat. Your rink won't look great all at once, but just keep on being patient. Remember not to put on too much water at each session and remember to bring that hose inside after each session so the water left inside doesn't freeze.

  5. Flood your rink for two or three or more nights. Be very sure each time that the water has frozen completely before you add more. Before long, you'll begin to see the beginnings of a real rink. Don't stop flooding and don't start skating too soon. Thicker ice will be smoother and much nicer for the kids to skate on and it will also be easier for the adults to maintain.

  6. Once your rink is ready, bring on the kids! Use a snow shovel or scraper to keep the snow cleared off the rink's surface and continue to flood every couple of days, more often if usage is heavy.

  7. If you want to get really creative, you can paint lines and designs on your rink, add a layer of ice, and keep them there all winter. Want to make your rink into a hockey rink? Or decorate it for a skating party? (Skating parties are great for kids' birthday celebrations.) Use tempera paint, which you will find in the craft section of almost any department store.

  8. Remember to be safe. Make sure all of the children wear proper fitting helmets when they skate. Brain injuries are not fun.

Build-a-rink kits can also be purchased in many stores, but if you've got snow, freezing temperatures, and access to a hose and water supply for flooding, these kits aren't necessary. Proper-fitting helmets, however, are essential, and in most cases, it's the law. Don't let your children step onto the ice without them

7 Ways to Prep Your Car for Winter

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Keep yourself safe on the road with these 7 car prep tips!

1. CHECK THE BATTERY

Your vehicle's battery loses 33% of its power when the temperature dips below freezing and as much as 60% of its juice when the mercury falls below zero. So it's wise to give the battery and its charger a once-over to ensure they're performing optimally. A quick trip to your local car technician will quickly reveal whether the battery is winter-ready, or corroded and otherwise not performing well.

2. SWITCH TO WINTER WIPER BLADES AND COLD WEATHER WASHER FLUID

Windshield wipers are crucial to a clear view from the driver's seat — but a nasty winter storm makes their job many times harder. That's why you should consider investing in a pair of winter blades, which are built to withstand precipitation and freezing cold. Most winter blades are encased in a protective rubber shell that prevents ice and snow from hardening on the wiper. The going rate for a pair ranges from less than $20 to about $40, depending on size and quality.

While you're attending to windshield issues, car safety experts also suggest switching over to cold weather washer fluid, or any brand containing antifreeze.

3. STORE A SHOVEL IN THE TRUNK

You're driving down the road when your tires hit a patch of ice that sends you sliding into a snow bank. It's a gentle spinout that causes no injury or damage, but now your front tires are sunk in a heap of fresh snow. You're not going anywhere for awhile — unless you packed a shovel and have the muscle to dig yourself out. The shovel needn't be a humdinger, just something sturdy that fits in the trunk.

4. CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE

For every 10 degree change in temperature, car tires lose a pound of pressure. That's why it's wise to make sure the pressure in all four tires is in check at the outset of the winter season. In cold weather, any pressure imbalance will be made that much worse.

5. EVALUATE THE TIRE TREAD DEPTH

Car tires in any season need a tread depth of at least 6/32-inch to get adequate traction, according to Tire Rack. If yours fall short, you're going to need to go tire shopping. Wintry road conditions necessitate even more depth than normal to help the tire grooves compress and release snow as they roll. Without sufficient tread depth, spinouts are more likely.

Should you opt for new winter tires, be sure to get a full set. Mounting winter tires on the front of a front-wheel-drive car can prompt sliding while putting winter tires only on the back of a rear-drive car will make turns more difficult.

6. SWITCH TO THINNER OIL

Cold weather thickens the engine oil, which forces the car battery to work double time to get your car running smoothly. But you can give your battery a break and prevent potential engine trouble by switching over to a thinner oil. Most vehicles are served well by a 5W-20, 5W-30, or 10W-30 oil formula, but be sure to check your owners manual for notes on compatibility. It's also wise to have the oil filter changed to maintain fluidity.

7. PACK A BLANKET

Should you get stranded on the side of a highway during a temper tantrum by Jack Frost, you'll be much less likely to run the risk of frostbite, hypothermia, or plain old cold weather discomfort if you've got a warm blanket stowed away in the trunk. While you're at it, it's not a bad idea to add a set of hand warmers, gloves, a wooly hat, a flashlight, bottled water, and a non-perishable snack to your winter weather emergency survival kit. Here's hoping you never have to use it.

Source: Wisebread.com

50+ Uses for Magic Erasers

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Here are great ways to use Magic Erasers:

  • clean inside the crock pot
  • remove melted plastic on a glass top stove
  • clean swimming pool steps
  • remove baked on brown spots on cookware
  • clean antiques & collectibles
  • clean & shine things up before you sell them in a yard sale
  • remove dried paint from door hinges
  • remove tarnish from silver
  • remove mold & mildew from anything plastic
  • clean & polish gold jewelry
  • remove soap scum in the tub and shower
  • remove marks on walls
  • clean splatters inside the microwave
  • remove marks on vinyl siding
  • clean mirrors in the bathroom (keeps shower mirrors from fogging)
  • remove adhesive residue after removing stickers
  • remove waterline mark around the pool
  • remove hair dye from countertops & floors
  • clean light-colored suede
  • remove black scuff marks from baseboards (where the vacuum cleaner hits)
  • clean the outdoor side of window sills stained from leaves, dust and dirt
  • clean plastic coolers inside and out 
  • remove rust spots & stains on countertop
  • remove cooked-on stains in pots and pans
  • remove soot off the walls near the fireplace
  • clean within the grooves of lawn ornaments
  • clean sticky/dusty range hood over the stove
  • remove nail polish spills or stains
  • clean airbake cookie sheets & bakeware (the kind with all those tiny grooves)
  • clean oven shelves & the grates on the grill
  • remove wet nose marks from pets on the windows (even car windows)
  • remove toothpaste splashes from bathroom mirrors
  • remove melted plastic on the side of the toaster oven
  • remove grimey green algae from cement (bird baths, steps, ponds, etc)
  • clean stained elbows from dirty work
  • remove green mildew from siding and gutters
  • remove paint spills & oversprays
  • remove toilet bowl rings (cut a piece off & let it set in your toilet overnight; don’t flush it; doesn’t always work)
  • remove built-up algae, water deposits, etc from ceramic flower pots
  • clean dish drainers that are gunked with lime and build-up
  • remove bird poop from concrete bird bath
  • remove coffee & tea stains that remain inside a mug, caraffe, thermos even after washing
  • clean the plastic agitator inside your washing machine
  • clean window screens (even when they are still in the window)
  • remove built-up baked on grease inside the deep fryer
  • clean boat & outdoor furniture upholstery
  • clean vinyl striping on motorhomes, vans, boats
  • clean car tires, including white walls
  • clean pebbled surfaces like the outside of plastic coolers
  • remove pet & child vomit from carpet or clothing
  • remove scuff marks on motorcycle & ATV helmets
  • remove grass stains from shoes after mowing the lawn
  • remove scuff marks from hangers/shoes in the walk-in closet
  • clean oven door
  • remove pollen from patio furniture, cars, etc.
  • remove soap scum and gunk from around the bathroom faucets
  • remove hairspray build-up on countertops and vanities
  • remove soap scum inside porcelain & utility sinks
  • clean stained caulking along the kitchen sink & countertop
  • clean your bicycle, even the tires & rims
  • clean tile & grout
  • remove mildew from tents, vinyl canopies, awnings, fiberglass items
  • remove paint overspray that has dried
  • remove shoe marks from the kickplate of house doors & car doors
  • clean inside your car (along the handles, window ledge, arm rests, dashboard)
  • remove scuff marks and dirt from linoleum floors
  • remove stains on leather seats, purses, chairs, etc.
  • remove food stains inside plastic food containers
  • remove brake dust from tire rims
  • remove dirt and grime on a vinyl convertible top
  • remove nail polish from walls, carpets, wooden objects, plastic
  • remove soil or scuff marks from ceramic tile flooring
  • clean non-skid surfaces with tiny grooves (bathtub floors, refrigerator handles, pool steps, cooler lids)
  • clean & shine bathroom faucets & fixtures
  • remove magic marker, permanent marker, and ballpoint ink from virtually any surface
  • clean doll faces
  • clean textured handles on major appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, stove)
  • remove fingerprints and dirt on light-colored kitchen cupboards
  • clean inside of the refrigerator
  • remove crayon marks from walls
  • remove dirt from plastic trash cans
  • remove dark paint on light-colored carpet
  • clean soap scum and oils from hot tub
  • clean a car’s vinyl interior (gets into the tiny crinkles in the vinyl armrest, etc.)
  • clean white porch railings, columns & pillars
  • remove bugs from car windshield, grille, and bumper
  • remove paint scratches on your car from minor fender benders
  • remove rust and corrosion that’s built-up on the outside of pipes (kitchen/bathroom)
  • clean & shine hubcaps
  • remove built-up grime on the car steering wheel
  • remove finger prints & build-up on the keyboard and mouse
  • remove oxidized paint from an old car
  • remove built-up gunk from vinyl seats
  • remove tar from your car’s paint
  • remove set-in stains inside glass and plastic pitchers
  • remove scuff marks from the back of car seats (from kids’ shoes)
  • clean kids’ plastic toys
  • remove dirt and grime from athletic shoes and shoes with leather uppers
  • remove stains on the underside of the toilet seat
  • remove fingerprint & handprints from light-colored doors & walls
  • remove scuff marks from your patio furniture

How to Make a Pretty Pincushion

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Create a Pincushion

Using some fabric, poly stuffing and hot glue, your teacup can become a pretty little pincushion.

Instructions

  1. Take a scrap of fabric and place it around the poly stuffing, making sure it’s nice and tight
  2. Fit the ball snugly in the teacup
  3. Hot glue the fabric together where the bottom (unseen) of the ball will be
  4. Place a band of hot glue about 1 inch from the rim and the bottom of the teacup
  5. After pressing the fabric-wrapped stuffing into the teacup, place your pins in it and enjoy

How to Make Tea Candles

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MATERIALS

  • Nested pans
  • Partially burned candles
  • Candy or candle thermometer
  • Tongs
  • New wicking
  • Teacups
  • Wick sustainers
  • Wooden skewers

STEPS

  1. STEP 1

    In a small pan set over a larger pan of simmering water, melt down old candles; clip the thermometer to the upper pot, and keep temperature at about 185 degrees. Remove old wicks with tongs.

  2. STEP 2

    Cut a piece of wicking to the cup's height plus 2 inches. Clamp one end to a wick sustainer; tie the other end around a skewer. Dip wicking and sustainer into melted wax to coat them. Remove and stick sustainer to cup's bottom.

  3. STEP 3

    Pour in the wax, stopping 1/2 inch below the cup's rim. Allow wax to set, about 1 hour. The candle will harden with a well in the center. To even it out, use another skewer to prick a circle of holes about 1/16 inch deep around the wick. Pour in melted wax until surface is 1/4 inch below rim. Cut wick.

17 Places to Test Free Products

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I've worked with 2, 4, 5, 12 and 15 and can tell you that they do send the products they promise. I'm definitely going to be signing up for more of these.
  1. Tomoson - Product Review site for Bloggers. You will need to have social networking accounts as well since there are requirements set from different advertisers. I have gotten my foot in the door of product testing with this site.
  2. BzzAgent – Fill out easy one page surveys and qualify for campaigns.
  3. Influenster - Receive random Vox Boxes if you qualify from the surveys they send out.
  4. MomSelect - In-home parties to test kid products
  5. House Party - Test products and have in-home parties.
  6. PinchME - Get new samples to try out every 2 weeks
  7. Smiley360 - Free samples of various items
  8. Kraft First Taste - Try new Kraft food products
  9. Vogue Insiders – Try new beauty products
  10. Tide Team - Try new Tide products
  11. Pillsbury Mills Advisory Panel - Try new Pillsbury Products
  12. Ebates – Free cash and gift cards
  13. Nike Product Tester - Apply to test shoes and apparel
  14. Generation Mom - Test kid/baby toys
  15. Moms Meet – Test kid products with a group of your friends/family
  16. InStyle Trendsetter - Evaluate brand-new products!
  17. Marie Claire -  Exclusive access to special offers, insider events, sweepstakes, and more.