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I haven’t talked about Swagbucks for a while and since we have new readers I want to share about them again. I love them! It’s the best and easiest way I’ve found to earn free gift cards. If you’re new to Swagbucks, be sure to read my comprehensive Swagbucks tutorial on how it works plus how I bought a SLR digital camera with my Swagbucks!
Investing in a new energy-smart appliance could be the best thing you could do for your energy bills, short of not using your electric at all! A new fridge for example uses 42% less electricity on average than one bought 30 years ago, this isn’t just because of wear and tear but the manufacturing process of appliances and the amount of energy used has been refined over the years. Ours is probably around 20 years old and we’re seriously thinking about making the plunge to buy a new one.
When deciding on a new appliance, a lot depends on the needs of your household. For example, if you are living with just your spouse, you can get away with a much smaller smart washing machine than perhaps a larger family could. A slimmer design means you’re not wasting any space. I’ve read that with fridges it is recommended that 10 cubic feet is a good amount of space for a couple and then an added foot for each additional person in the house.
It’s also important to decide on what features you want your appliance to have. Smart energy efficient appliances are great for saving money but they also have amazing new features offered that weren’t offered previously. For example, some fridges now have areas within that keep food regulated at different temperatures. This is a good feature for a family that eats a varied diet with ingredients that require differing environments. I also love the energy efficient pull-out lower freezer! These fridges are also very roomy inside to allow for a few leftover casserole dishes side by side, a large snack tray for a party, or even a tall cake. Can you tell what style of fridge it is that I’m leaning towards?
I’ve done a lot of research on energy-smart appliances and I was surprised that the cost of them. They are very comparable to the same appliance that isn’t energy efficient. Some of these smart appliances even come in smaller models with an even lower price. If you are looking to buy a large appliance I recommend you think about the needs of your family, look for a brand that is known to be dependable (we called an appliance repairman that we know and asked which one he recommends) and have great customer service, and lastly shop around for a great price.
I don’t know of any in my area but you could also go to an energy smart specific retailer that would be able to give you further advice on your needs and have expert knowledge in the field, a dishwasher from Appliances Direct for example, may be the same as from another retailer but the advice you get in choosing the right appliance could be very valuable.
Last but not least, when thinking about buying a new appliance you’ll want to think about the disposal of your old appliance. This isn’t a problem for us because we’re going to put our old fridge into our garage and stock it with drinks and frozen meals. However if you don’t have the room or your old appliance is broken, you may want to check if the retailer you’re purchasing from will offer their services to get rid of your old appliances for you.
That’s all the advice I have to offer from my shopping experience! Now it’s your turn! I haven’t decided on a new fridge yet and I would really like your input. Do you have a fridge that you love or hate? Is there a function that makes it worth it’s weight in gold? What about an option you thought would be great but ended up being just a nuisance? Please, please, share your knowledge! Thank you!
I never knew there were so many uses for PVC pipe. How fun! What creative crafts with PVC can you come up with?
This data in this infographic was assembled by Commercial Industrial Supply, a leading pvc pipe and fittings supplier.
You may have noticed that I’ve never talked about credit cards here on Embracing Beauty and that’s because I’m pretty much an anti-credit card fanatic. I know that’s an unpopular opinion so I’ve chosen to stay silent rather than start a debate. The irresponsible use of credit cards has destroyed the lives of many people and I just hate to promote something that could be so harmful. While my attitude towards credit cards hasn’t changed I realize that people will continue to use them anyway. I admit that there are responsible people who can pay their monthly bills with a credit card and pay them off every month. My sister-in-law uses department stores credit cards and immediately following her purchase she’ll write them a check for the amount she just charged. If you are incredibly responsible I can see the possibility of earning rewards on the purchases you would make anyway.
When not to get a credit card:
Money magazine recommends you pay special attention to the Schumer Box which is table in every credit card application. It basically tells you which parts of the credit card application that you should look for. Here’s a quick summary:
Don’t do like I did many times and sign up for a credit card just because of the sign up bonus, extra discount, or worst of all, a stupid promotional item. {I never even liked that tote bag I got from Fashion Bug!} Take the application home with you and read through the terms and conditions. Try to have the mindset of car shopping. Go looking for the best deal you can find but don’t settle for a one-time bonus. You’ll want something that you can live with for the long term.
Can I be completely transparent with you? I work for a few affiliate companies but ya’ll knew that, right? If not, you can read my full disclosure policy here. Well, one of the companies is of offering a pretty substantial amount for everyone I can get to sign up for a particular credit card through my link. At first I was appalled at even the thought of promoting a credit card! After a few days I decided to do a little credit card research and if in fact this was a “good credit card” I would write and tell you all about it. To my surprise, it actually is! I don’t know everyone’s circumstance and what they are looking for in terms of rewards but if you’re insistent upon having a credit card this is legitimately a good one to have. CardRatings.com even listed this card as having the “Best Introductory Rate Credit Card” for 2012.
Which card am I talking about? The Discover card, specifically the Discover More Card! You can apply for a Discover More Card and receive a response within 60 seconds.
Again, I’m not encouraging anyone to sign up for a credit card but if you’re looking for one anyway this is one with a low interest rate, no annual fee, 5% cash back, and I get a little bit for you signing up. You can apply for a Discover More Card here.
Thank you for letting me be so open and honest, I appreciate it. 🙂
I think this is such a great idea! ItsGravyBaby.com gives you step by step instructions on how to make a homemade water wall out of recycled materials. I can imagine kids would love to play with this!
Thanks, Money Saving Mom!
It’s that time of year again- the beginning of summer, which means lots of barbecues, graduation parties, beach trips, and of course, Father’s Day. It’s coming up this Sunday, which means you have a little less than a week to get everything together for your husband, father, or other important man in your life. So what to get Dad on a tight schedule? Here are some great last minute gift ideas!
1. Tickets to a Sporting Event
Does your Dad or husband love sports? Then tickets to a baseball or soccer game would be a perfect gift! (Bonus points if you also love sports and would accompany him to the event)! There’s nothing quite like a relaxing day at the ballpark, so give your man the gift of sports. Throw in some team merchandise, like a jersey or baseball cap, to add even more value to the gift and help Dad show his support for the home team. If you’re worried about tickets taking too long in the mail, many websites have a print-at-home option that will give you tickets in hand in 30 seconds.
2. A Solid Watch
Every man needs a versatile, stylish, yet classic watch that can be worn for both work and play. Look for a great mid-range watch that will stand up over the years yet also be affordable for you. Deep Blue watches, like the one pictured right, range in price from about $200 to $700 and are noted for their incredible durability. Invicta is another superb brand in that price range. Shop around online at sites like ShopNBC to gauge prices, read reviews, and ensure a quick delivery. No matter what watch you decide, Dad is sure to relish such a thoughtful and useful gift!
3. Golf Equipment/Attire
Got a golfing fanatic on your hands? There’s no better place to shop than a retailer like Golfsmith, where you can get golf clubs, apparel, and anything else he’ll need on the course. Indulge his inner golf pro with a unique gift. If you have siblings, see if they’ll go in on a new set of clubs with you to give the ultimate golf gift.
Whatever you choose, your father or husband will be sure to appreciate the thoughtfulness and effort behind any gift. But if you’re quickly running out of time and ideas, try one of the above suggestions for an unforgettable (and quick!) Father’s Day present.
One of my goals I have is to prepare long-term food storage for my family. I currently have about 6 weeks worth of food but I have some friends that have 3 months worth. Some families even have enough food for a year or more! There are quite a few benefits to having an emergency food storage plan and I want to share with you a few of my personal reasons with you.
Lower Grocery Bill
Using wise food storage techniques can shave a significant amount of money off your grocery bill. You can buy in bulk, divide large purchases of meat with friends, can your own food, and buy items at their rock bottom price.
Health Benefits
Personally, when I have items on hand it’s much easier to prepare meals and I’m less tempted to go out for dinner. When I cook at home I make healthier choices than I would if we ate out. I can easily implement grains, legumes, and spices that have great health benefits I won’t find in processed foods.
Emergency Benefits
It seems there are natural disasters occurring all the time in the US. Having a food storage plan in place would allow your family the resources you need in case of an emergency. I hate to say it but with the way the job market is looking it could be possible that a family would have to live off of their stockpile because of a job loss. An emergency food plan should include a variety of healthy, nutritious foods that can easily be accessed. Hopefully your food storage will remain on your shelves {as you regularly rotate products in and out} and you’ll never have to fully rely on it. I would feel at peace having a security net though just in case!
I know how to stock up on finds from “extreme couponing” trips but I would love any information you have on how to build a food stockpile. Does your family can food that you grow yourself? Do you prepare frozen meals? Have you ever bought in bulk and split it with friends? I’m excited to build my stockpile and I would love any tips you have to share!
This is a guest post from my blogging friend, Jamie! Since my baby is coming upon her 1 year birthday I’m looking back at my hospital visit with a lot of fond memories. I’ll interject a few comments of my own in teal throughout her post. If you enjoyed the post or think of another “must have” to add to the list please leave us a comment. I’ll turn it over to Jamie now.
I have a few friends who are about to be new mothers (how exciting!) and some that just became new mothers. I have been asked a few times about the best items to pack for your trip to the hospital and things to do or remember beforehand and after. I love helping new moms so I decided to put this packing list together, along with a few tips for when you bring baby home and before you even leave for the hospital. To print this list off please click on the green “Print Friendly” button beneath this post. I hope you find it helpful. *These statements are my opinions and I am in no way a professional.
Things to do before you leave:
Items to Pack for You and Husband:
If you plan to Breast Feed:
If a sibling will be present:
For Baby:
For Pets:
Tips for when you come home:
Did we leave anything off the list? If you have an questions or comments please leave a comment below!
Jamie is a mother of two boys, ages 1 and 3. She is married to her high school sweetheart. Currently she is a stay at home mom going to school and running the blog Money Saving Mommas and Poppas. Here you will find ways to stay frugal, hot coupons, frugal cleaning tips, DIY projects, giveaways, reviews and more! Everything you need to help you be a frugal Momma or Poppa!
Remember, this while in labor. The pain you’re feeling can’t compare to the joy that is coming!
The latest trend in nail polish is minted manicures. It will keep your tips looking like a million bucks and leave others green with envy. Mint can be subtle or sharp, but it’s perfect to accent your summer florals. Whether you wear an aquamarine shade or stay true to a pistachio hue, your minted nails will have you in style for the rest of the season.
If you have been thinking about starting you & your family on a shopping budget, then couponing is definitely something you should look into doing. Couponing is a great way to save a few bucks at the grocery store. Just remember, you don’t need to start out buying 30 bottles of mustard, start small, and evaluate your family’s needs. If you’re a beginner couponer, here are some tips you might find helpful:
Well, this would be the best (and obvious) place to start because without coupons you simply cannot save money on groceries. You should definitely also take advantage of printing coupons off the internet. You are allowed 2 prints per coupon per computer. There are also a few other ways you can get your coupons besides just buying newspapers. Check out Embracing Beauty’s post Where to Find Coupons for more creative ideas.
Sample – Try new things
The one thing I have learned from years of couponing is that you have to be open to trying new brands and products. First off, you will save more money and second, you will open your mind (and tummy) to products you never knew existed. For example, my household were Scott’s snobs (yes I’m talking about TP), until one week my store ran a sale on Marcal (it was during dollar days) so essentially, the Marcal TP was FREE, so I decided to try some, we used it and liked it, we saved a ton of money and tried something new! Now if someone asks if I’m brand loyal, I always say “Yes, to whichever brand is on sale that week!”
Schedule Meals – Plan ahead
Planning your weekly menu, based on the coupons you have, is another great way to maximize your savings. For Example: I purchased Chicken Thighs for $0.69 lb for a 4 lb package (when it was on sale) at that price, I bought 4 packages. Then I cut up some Onions ($1.49 Bag) Carrots ($0.75 Bag) I added some spices and put it in the crock pot. I made enough that I froze the remaining leftover for another day in the week. Total spent making that meal, $5.00!!!
Stockpiling
When we are able to purchase products for free or at a very low price we purchase multiple items of it. Sales of products go in cycles. If you’ve got a coupon for basic non-perishable items such as toothpaste, Toilet paper and paper towels, take advantage of them even if you aren’t running low on supplies yet. There’s nothing wrong with stocking up on some items if you know you’ll eventually use them.
Savings
Remember that the ultimate goal behind couponing is to save money! Just because there is a coupon, don’t feel obligated to use it. You maximize your savings by pairing up your coupons with your store’s sale cycle. Always remember, if you do overbuy (which I think all of us do when we first start out) it’s OK, you can donate what you will not use before expiration to a charity.
This is a guest post from B and V Savings. They strive to bring you the very best (and most reliable) coupons, samples and freebies around. Together they have saved their families over $6500.00+ in groceries. Their goal is to spread their knowledge and provide tools to help you save!
