I had a wicked 15 day cold/sinus infection thing going on, but I feel like today that I’m coming out of it. My cough is less frequent and the running nose thing seems to be gone, but the sinus pressure/headache thing is kind of still lingering.
My house has suffered because of this sick thing I’ve had going on so ’tis time for it to be gone, I got stuff to do! On today’s agenda is cleaning of the bathroom and potentially our bedroom, I’d like to do mega floor to ceiling cleaning in those rooms so I might only get one accomplished today. And I am going to make a pot roast for dinner! I’m cooking it on the stove top because it just seems to come out better for me when it has sat simmering for hours, rather than cooked more quickly in the oven.
So I’m alive. I just haven’t been blogging lately because I wasn’t doing anything except feeling pretty miserable for two weeks. On the pregnancy front though, I have started to need to wear my new maternity tops because my regular shirts either don’t close anymore at the bottom or seem awfully short nowadays. That’s a pretty awesome new development! I’m feeling a little more like I’m pregnant. I can tell the muscles in my lower abdomen are stretching to accommodate baby.
Last week I went to Target and worked on our baby registry some more and I think I’m about finished with it. There might be a few more things I think of that we’ll need as time passes, but for the most part it is pretty finished.
Andrea,
Hope you feel better soon! Praying for you and baby! How is Angela doing?? Praying for her too!
P.S. I hope you don’t mind my saying so, but I did a double take when you used the word “wicked”! It’s a word a lot of New Englanders use especially those of us from Mass! 🙂
Instead of saying very good, we say wicked good! It’s so difficult as an adult to break myself from this habit! LOL!
Feel better soon! Take good care of you and baby!
P.S. Hope you will post some new photos soon! By the way, where can we find your registry in case *someone* who reads your blog wants to send you a baby gift? 🙂
Maria 🙂
Andrea, I found this and thought of you. Hope you enjoy it!
P.S. I have worked in daycare for twenty years mostly in the toddler room. I highly recommend Pampers for diapers, Huggies wipes, and Balmax diaper creme – those in my opinion are the best!
Frugal Tips from:
http://www.walletpop.com/economizer/your-frugal-tips/
New Use for Sandwich Spread
AOL User CINDYNEGLEY Says:
“Years ago, one of my sisters took a Vo-Tech course for cosmetology and learned that regular mayonnaise is a perfect hair conditioner. Smear a cupful through your hair and pile it all on top of your head. Wrap plastic wrap (or an old shower cap) around your head and an old towel around your shoulders, and allow the mayonnaise to permeate your hair for a half hour. Unwrap and wash well. Not recommended around pets because the aroma drives them insane and they won’t let you alone.”
Good ‘Til the Last Drop
AOL User Susanruggera Says:
“I cut short lengths of PVC (polyvinyl chloride pipes) — about 2″ — that fit over the opening of my lotion/shampoo/conditioner, etc. Then when they are almost empty, I can drain the contents into the new bottle by hooking the two together with the PVC. No more throwing my expensive beauty products out with the bottle.”-
Save Kleenex for Company
AOL User Ccdae5 Says:
“Make the home team use toilet paper to wipe their noses and save the Kleenex for the visitors. Toilet paper costs a fraction of what Kleenex costs.”
Save on Heating Oil
AOL User KATHEMOLLOY1 Says:
“I stop at my local gas station and pick up 12 gallons of Off-Road Diesel a couple of time a week. It’s the same fuel as #2 home heating oil, it’s dyed red. I use two five-gallon and one two- gallon fuel containers. They sell them at home depot and other hardware and automotive stores. At first, it felt a little [awkward] doing that, but the savings mounted up and I started seeing many more people doing the same thing when I was there. Shortly before Christmas, one guy was filling several containers and told me he had been stopping there almost every day all summer and had accumulated half a tank before he had to turn his furnace on. He had already saved $200 in heating costs.”
the Daily Grind
AOL User PoRiverat Says:
“Instead of buying ground beef in the store, buy a boneless chuck or round roast and grind it yourself in your food processor. You simply need to cut the meat into about 1-inch cubes and grind a 1/2 pound portion at a time. It’s easy, cheaper and more healthy than buying store bought ground beef which may contain more fat and grizzle. After grinding, you can cook or freeze the meat. You will find this meat is lower in fat higher in quality than most store produced ground beef. You can also do this with chicken, pork and any other kind of boneless meat.”
Every Bit Helps
AOL User Junipercanyon Says:
“I wash out all my Zip-Loc baggies in hot soapy water and hang up to dry and reuse. I also save bread wrappers for my homemade bread. I save bubble wrap envelopes when someone sends me one, and reuse them by taping it shut. If something is too expensive at the grocery store, I don’t buy it. I always buy on sale and bulk meat especially. I never buy paper towels — I went to thrift store and for $5 bought cloth napkins. I buy most of my clothes at thrift [stores], because we are a farm and most get ruined. I bought a down coat (nice) at the Good Will (GW) for $6.99. I cook extra dinner, for leftover lunch. I grind my own wheat and make whole grain breads and such. All the parts of meat we don’t eat, I cook for a stew for our cats. I do my own vaccinations for livestock and cats. We cut up all old clothes for rags in garage. We put in a new thermostat for energy savings. We always turn heat off at night. We have a down comforter. I save hundreds on clothes at GW. We buy at garage sales, etc.”
New Life for Old Flannel
AOL User CTMOMto4 Says:
“My daughter” has flannel nightgowns that she can no longer wear. Rather than just giving them away, since she needs new flannel pillow cases (at $20/2) I will re-purpose this material (the bottom of the gowns always gets much less wear than the shoulders) and make her some flannel cases for her bed. My cost: $0.00 as I have thread on hand. Good deal. The scraps of material will be used for dusting rags. I also use the larger pieces as Swiffer pads.”
Where to Shop Smart
AOL User Hawaidvr9 Says:
“We started three things a few years ago.
1. Estate Sales — I now have every Craftsman tool and I only paid pennies on the dollar. A .10 cent screwdriver here and there, a $5.00 electric sander, etc. and in the end, I have a complete workshop of quality tools.
2. Yard Sales — My daughters (both 14) found that they can buy all the name brand clothes they want for quarters and dimes. My wife still wears a .50 cent Eddie Bauer Down Jacket that we found a few years ago. We found a similar jacket and it was over $150. So this type of shopping is how we start our back to school shopping. Its a lot of fun too, get to spend the day out doors with the whole family.
3. Discount Stores — Just one example of many is that I purchased 10 Fila new- with- tags winter jackets at a local discount store. The price tag still said $189.99. After the discount store marked them down, and after the end-of-year discount of 97% off (red or navy were the only colors and only in size large) — I wound up paying only about $5 for each of the jackets. I sell these items on eBat and keep some for myself or to give away as gifts at Christmas.
I have everything I want or need for pennies on the dollar.”
My Five Ways to Save
AOL User Litengstrm69 Says:
“1. Groceries — Buy spices, soups, snacks, bottled water, shampoo, bath soap and laundry detergent at the dollar store.
2. Laundry — If you’re like me, and you don’t have a washer and dryer, you have to go to the laundry house. The smaller machines, which will fit one load, cost about $1.75, but the jumbo machines will fit up to 5 loads. And they cost about $5 bucks. That’s a savings of $3.
3. Clothes — If you don’t have the money, don’t shop!! But, if you really must, do it at the thrift stores.
4. Food — cook at home, and make enough for leftovers.
5. Utilities — if you’re not in the room, TURN OFF THE LIGHTS. Don’t let the water run while you’re brushing your teeth. And wrap a blanket around your hot water heater to help insulate it.”
Depression Granny’s Tips
AOL User Ddgast1 Says:
“I found that the day-old bread store sells a cart full of bread (30-40 loaves) for $3. On Tuesday, there is often fresh bread in the cart. Make croutons, bread crumbs or even bread pudding or casseroles. The really old bread is added to dog and cat food. Whole wheat [bread] makes glossy fur. Watch for the ‘pull date’ on products often used. Most products are safe long after that date. If I don’t save 30 to 40 percent at checkout, I’m disappointed. Salvage places have bulk goods like flour and corn meal at about 1/3 store prices. Buy rice, noodles, and beans and cook from scratch. Use a crock pot. Thrift stores have them for under $5.”
A Cleaning ‘Solution’
AOL User GPCruise Says:
“I put water in a spray bottle, almost to the top, add a small amount of bleach and 3 drops of Dawn dishwashing liquid and it cleans everything! Windows look like mirrors! I also spray it on my carpet, rub it in with a rubber bristled broom “easier than hands and knees with a brush” after I vacuum and the ‘spaniel stains’ are gone! I started that with Oxy-Clean, since it removed hair dye stains from shower curtain and one day I ran out so made up my own solution. The bleach is just enough to kill germs and the detergent is just enough not to need rinsing.”
Hair’s’ the Deal
AOL User WHENSONH Says:
“We purchase Clairol Hair Color for $6.95 at the Dollar Store. Each family member helps another family member color their hair. Last time our daughter went to Regis Salon for a haircut and color it cost $180. Yikes!!! Beauty is only skin deep. We are going with the inner beauty idea!”
Be Frugal, Baby
AOL User Nmcalandro2 Says:
“I make my daughter’s baby food — at least most of it. It is cheaper & healthier. I do not make tropical fruit because one mango is $1.50, when I can get a can for $0.44 at Wal-Mart. I also use no-sugar added/un-sweetened applesauce (store brand) for her applesauce. If you make your own food & you make pears or any fruit you can keep the juice that the pears were cooked in & freeze for baby juice (already watered down & not as sweet). Also I have a diaper genie but I only use them for poopie diapers. For the pee-pee diapers, I hang a grocery bag (which we all have tons of them) on the side of the changing table & when its full just throw in the trash can. This can save you at least $15.00 a month. Also, I use store brand diapers & wipes. They are cheaper & your child is only going to pee & poop in them they don’t need Pampers or Huggies. I have not had a single problem with them yet, and my daughter is 6 1/2 months old.”
The Wonders of Wiper Fluid
AOL User Srdonalds Says:
“I buy windshield wiper fluid and use it on windows, mirrors and glass around the house. It is the same liquid, but oh boy do you get more bang for your money!”
From Rags to Riches
AOL User JessPalumbo Says:
“You can buy four 15-packs of decent rags for 20 bucks, use them instead of paper towels and you will save hundreds in a year.”
Buy a Bargain Lunch
AOL User Daddy1947 Says:
“If I know I am going to be out and about and needing a fast food lunch, I think one of the best bargains around is the Wendy’s Value Menu. I get the Double Stack [burger] and a Value fries each at $0.99 for a total of $2.12 including tax. I bring a little ice chest with me for the day with a can of Coke. It is a satifying fast food lunch.”
DIY Dryer Sheets
AOL User Peaches3RN Says:
“I hated tossing those fabric softener sheets in the landfill, so I make my own with an old washcloth. Mix one part liquid softener to four parts water and place in an old spray bottle. Spray some on a dedicated washcloth and toss in the dryer along with the clothes. One bottle of liquid fabric softener lasts a very long time.”
Free Trash Bags
AOL User Ccdae5 Says:
“Save those grocery store plastic bags, they make great free bathroom trash can liners. Empty softner salt bags and bulk towel & toilet paper bags also make good free trash bags.”
Bag the Deli
AOL User CTMOMto4 Says:
“I pretty much gave up the deli this past year. I was limiting myself to 2 lbs. cold cuts per week (six of us bring lunch to work/school) and only buying Boar’s Head by our choice. Due to escalating prices for deli meat, whole milk, anything made with flour, eggs — I had to make some concessions. The deli was costing me at least $16-$20/week or $64-$100/month out of my $400 food budget. Instead, I [now] prepare the following: Adults take leftovers, homemade soup to work. Sandwiches are egg salad, PB& J, Fuffernutters, cheese, meatloaf, turkey/chicken salad, home roasted/broiled/grilled boneless chicken breast or turkey. Cheese is bought at $4 or less per pound and hand planed, if necessary. I have been buying 3 lbs. blocks of Land O’ Lakes American at the discount grocer for $9.99 or $3.33/lb. It retails for $15.99 at the IGA. Identical product. Deli counter asks $4.99-$5.99 for American cheese. Not happening.”
Save on Toiletries
AOL User Kscottaap Says:
“When you think that tube of toothpaste or bottle of lotion is empty, cut the tube or plastic bottle in half with sturdy household shears. You’ll be amazed at how much of the product remains in the packaging that we usually throw away. I started doing this in college and never stopped. Get your money’s worth!”
Save on Laundry
AOL User MKKTC Says:
“As soon as I get a box of dryer sheets, I cut them all in half getting twice as much use out of the box. Better yet (and my latest kick) I hang the laundry from a clothes line in the basement. I try to do one load per day thus allowing plenty of drying time. Also, wash in cold water and use very little detergent.”
t All Goes to Same Place
AOL User Susanhoney9 Says:
“Remember it all ends up in the same place! Save those little bits of food. In a few days you will have enough to add to a new dish, therefore increasing the amount of food you have at a time. Make large pot meals (ie. Goulash) and freeze part of it. Ground beef, macaroni, onion, crushed tomatoes. Find old cook books in your family or borrow one. We all need to stop eating out so much, as it costs more for less. It is hard though, with the pace our lives are set at these days. Maybe it would be a good idea if we could all just slow down a bit.”
Save Old Charcoal
AOL User Ccdae5 Says:
“When those burgers and brats are done on the charcoal grill, close the lid and shut the vents. The fire will go out and you can relight the left-over coals next time. Just shake off the ashes and add a few new briquets and light it up. I find that doing this saves about 50% of the charcoal that can be reused.”
Recycled Greetings
AOL User Sloberoveru Says:
“I save all my birthday, Christmas and any other cards I get [during the year] and use them for postcards. Most of the cards do not have anything written on the right-hand inside flap. That leaves you a place to write your own personal note to someone. Postage is cheaper for a postcard and you didn’t even buy the card to start with, but pass it on with a smile.”
Keep Worn Shirts
AOL User Ccdae5 Says:
“I keep my worn dress shirts to wear under sweaters in the winter. Only the collars show and they still look good. This saves lots of wear on my good shirts and they last longer.”
Andrea,
I am so glad you are feeling better. I have had a sinus infection too! Mine was all nose and pressure to the point of my upper teeth were all killing me!
Keep drinking water! Love you and miss you much. I will be sending along some photos by email on Wednesday. Elizabeth
Andrea and Dave, I would like to give you a blog award over at my blog. When you have a chance, please stop by my blog, pick it up, and pass it on to five more people. Enjoy!
Hope this award brightens up your day and encourages you to continue blogging! Praying you feel better soon!
May God Bless all three of you! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Maria