Category: Frugal Living Tips

It’s common for people to turn to fitness accessories to help them lose weight and generally get healthy. But these accessories can not only be expensive; some of them won’t help you reach your fitness goals at all.

Stop wasting your money! Here are 10 valuable fitness accessories that are also affordable.

Smart Watch

Smart watches are very popular fitness companions. They help you keep track of your progress for the day, like how many steps you’ve taken, your average heart rate, and how many calories you’ve lost.

Some of them can even connect to your smartphone for even greater technical capabilities. But the problem with many smart watch offerings is price. Many of them are marketed as mini-computers and can cost hundreds of dollars.

Luckily, there are many affordable smart watch options out there. These watches offer the basic features that you need to reach your fitness goals and won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Many of them, like the Fitbit, even offer Fitbit accessories!

Wireless Headphones

Like smart watches, many wireless headphones on the market can be astronomically expensive. Obviously, some of these more expensive options are very high-quality. But great headphones at a lower price point are easy to find.

Many people love listening to music or podcasts while working out because it allows them to pass the time and focus on reaching their fitness goals. You want to get headphones without wires that might get in the way.

Jump Rope

Do you find it difficult to get an adequate amount of cardio during the day? A jump rope may be exactly what you need! Jump ropes are lightweight and portable and can fit inside any gym bag or purse.

If you don’t have time to hit the gym, go outside and work up a sweat during your lunch break. Not only can a jump rope help you get your heart rate up, it can also help you with coordination.

Fitness Applications

Part of the problem with reaching your fitness goals is staying on track and maintaining your focus. Luckily, there are many fitness apps available that can keep you on track.

Some apps allow you to input your meals and snacks so you can keep track of your calories consumed. Others try to make your workouts more fun by introducing games and rewards.

Take advantage of the technology at your fingertips to get healthy in no time at all!

Grip Strengthener

You probably don’t think of including hand exercises to your daily workouts. But if you work a desk job and sit at a computer all day, you run the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Working on strengthening your grip can help prevent this. It can also help prevent cramping and stiffness associated with continuous finger movement.

Yoga Mat

A yoga mat is one of the most versatile and affordable pieces of exercise equipment out there. Yes, you can use it for yoga poses, but it’s even useful for those who don’t practice.

No matter what your exercise of choice is, you should always stretch before or after. A yoga mat provides a comfortable surface for you to stretch while avoiding any potential injuries.

Although some yoga mats can be expensive, there are definitely affordable options available that provide the same amount of comfort. Make sure you do your research and don’t splurge for a more expensive mat if you don’t have to!

Free Weights

Although some people try to stay away from weight training as a part of their workout, free weights can help you burn more calories, even if you just want to stick to cardio.

Holding two five-pound weights when running on a treadmill or other cardio machine can help you use your exercise time wisely. The heavier the weights you want to purchase are, the more expensive they will be.

But if you want to purchase a full set of weights and turn part of your home into a personal gym, there are a ton of deals out there! Look out for affordable rates online or at your local sporting goods store.

Shaker Bottle

A major aspect of getting healthy is maintaining good nutrition. A lot of people turn to protein shakes to make sure they are reaching their macro goals. But many shakes on the market are loaded with sugar and can hinder your progress.

The best way to make sure you are getting your daily nutrients is to make the shakes yourself! Shaker bottles can be a very convenient way to take your homemade shakes on the go.

Just load the bottle up with your powder of choice, mix in water, and shake it together before or after a strenuous workout.

Running Belt

Many people prefer to run outdoors rather than feel constricted by the limitations of cardio machines. But most athletic wear makes it difficult to load your pockets with necessities like wallets, phones, or keys.

However, it can be very unsafe to leave your house without these things, especially if you live alone or are embarking on a long run away from your home. That’s where a running belt can be especially useful.

A running belt secures all your important belongings to your waist, so you don’t have to be afraid of losing them while on a run.

Workout Ball

Perhaps the most underrated of all fitness accessories, a workout ball can take your workouts to the next level. You can purchase a stability ball that can help you push your body to the limit during stretching.

You can also purchase a medicine ball to help you with your core strength.

Fitness Accessories Don’t Have To Break The Bank

The right fitness accessories can seriously upgrade your workout. But it’s possible to find quality equipment without having to shell out the big bucks.

For more information on how to save money for you and your family, check out the rest of our blog. Living healthy and staying under budget is a lot easier than you might think!

So you’re ready to buy a piece of real estate.

Or maybe you have property to sell. Whether you’re a buying or selling, you should work with a real estate agent. Here’s why.

Negotiation skills matter a lot. Great real estate deals are only available to powerful negotiators. If you buckle too easily, you risk being taken advantage of by knowledgeable buyers or forceful sellers.

Here are 8 tips that you need to master before you negotiate your next real estate transaction.

1. Hire A Good Real Estate Agent

A bad real estate agent can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

Spend time choosing your agent. A strong choice will pay off your investment tenfold. The person you choose should have shark-like negotiation skills needed to secure good real estate deals.

Interview your choices, preferably in person. A seasoned, experienced agent will be able to answer all of your questions.

2. Understand the Neighborhood

Real estate deals depend on the neighborhood. If you don’t know how much the neighbor’s house sold for, you won’t know how much your house is worth. Become an expert in the neighborhood.

If you’re selling your house, you’ll get a better deal if you price the home to suit the neighborhood. Your Realtor(R) should be able to help you.

If you’re buying a property, become an expert in its location. Visit at all hours of the day. The charming neighborhood may seem quite different at night when most of the partying residents are home.

Are there any good schools nearby? Even if you don’t have kids, your proximity to quality schools affects your home value.

Your real estate agent should be able to answer most of your questions about the neighborhood. Choose someone who is well-respected in the area.

Searching for a vacation home near Disneyland? Choose Jeeves Realty. Looking for a fabulous loft in Cancun? Choose a Realtor(R) who’s based nearby.

3. It’s Not Real Unless It’s In Writing

In real estate, words are meaningless until they’re put on paper. Don’t depend on verbal contracts. If you haven’t signed your name to it, the agreement doesn’t exist.

Sellers sometimes lure buyers by feeding them false hope. Once offers start flying in, the seller manufactures a bidding war to entice desirable buyers. Don’t get your hopes set on a single property.

4. Don’t Be Discouraged By Friction

Negotiations only end quickly if one person is making a mistake. If buyers leap at your price, you’re probably asking for too little. By the same reasoning, buyers should be wary if the seller is too eager to close the deal.

If the entire negotiation goes smoothly, it might mean you could have gotten a better deal. Be cooperative but don’t bend over backward to make the other party happy. It’s ok if there’s a little friction

5. Someone Has to Get the Last Concession — Make Sure It’s You

Here’s a simple rule to remember during the negotiation process- always get the last concession.

A concession in real estate is anything that sweetens the deal. You might be able to convince the seller to repaint the property’s walls or perhaps install new flooring. Realtors(R) often negotiate for the seller to cover entire closing costs.

If you always demand the last concession, the other party will quickly learn to stop trying to get extra goodies. She’ll realize that nothing that she wants is free. If she’s going to ask you to give something up, you’re going to do the same to her.

For example, during the last round of negotiations, instead of announcing that you’re happy with the proposed price, say that you agree, as long as you can have one last thing.

Perhaps you want the contractor to finish sooner. Maybe you want a couple of appliances thrown into the deal. It doesn’t matter what it is.

6. Remember: You’re Buying a House, Not Choosing a Life Partner

If you’re buying a house, focus on what you’re trying to do. Great real estate deals aren’t made based on emotions. You might be in love with the cozy breakfast nook or the spacious backyard, but don’t let that blind you.

Real estate investments are tricky, so you need to go into them with your eyes open. A bad financial decision can take years to recover from.

7. Real Estate Deals Depend On The Market

The type of deal that you’ll be able to negotiate depends on the market conditions.

Buyer’s Market

A buyer’s market means that there are more homes on the market than homebuyers. It’s the best time to be a buyer, so push your advantages.

If you’re trying to sell a house in a buyer’s market, you need to be flexible. Properties may take longer to sell. Buyers might demand that you lower your listing price.

Seller’s Market

In a seller’s market, buyers fight for a limited number of homes.

If you’re trying to buy a house, understand that the seller has the advantage. If you’re tangled in a bidding war, trying to convince the seller to cover the closing costs or take a couple thousand dollars off the final price probably won’t work.

8. Get a Home Inspection

Hire a home inspector. It’ll cost a couple hundred dollars upfront but it could potentially save you thousands. A home inspector will give you an unbiased opinion about the property and any issues it has.

Here’s what you need to do if you’re the buyer:

• Research your inspector
• Attend the inspection in person
• Read the inspection report

If you’re the seller, you should:

• Prepare your home
• Get a presale inspection

Thinking About Buying Or Selling A Piece Of Real Estate?

Everything is negotiable. Choose a real estate agent with fearsome deal-making skills and you might walk away with a great deal whether you’re buying or selling.

Practice before you come to the negotiation table. Prepare yourself mentally for battle. If you don’t fight for what you want in real estate, you’re not going to get it.

There are others ways that you can prepare to make a great investment. Poke around on our site to discover more tips.

Are you on the hunt for the best air fryer?

Air fryers are a wonderful way to bring all those tasty foods you crave right into your kitchen. You can cook up crispy chicken wings, potatoes, and vegetables in the comfort of your home.

What’s more, air fryers are a healthy alternative to fried food, because they enable you to get your fry on without all that added oil!

Air fryers are feasible for any budget. In this post, we’ll take a look at the top air fryers on the market today!

1. Big Boss Oil-Less Fryer

Are you ready to ooh and ahh when you start frying food? Then you should check out this boss of all fryers.

Big Boss has an elegant, ergonomic design, operating on a hefty 1300 watts to fry your favorite foods without all that oil. You’ve got two cooking racks with this fryer, too, for maximum exposure.

We love this fryer because it’s energy efficient, using infrared technology to get your foods from frozen to sizzling in a matter of minutes. What’s more is that you can put anything in it, from toast to stir-fry vegetables.

The Big Boss comes with a recipe book for oil-less frying and a two-year limited warranty.

It’s affordable too, clocking in at $60-$70 at most department stores. Check out this Big Boss Oil-Less Fryer review.

2. French May Air Fryer

If you’re willing to spend a bit more on your fryer, check out this stylish creature from French May. Its sleek black design will look good on any counter — plus, it’s got a touchscreen control panel!

The French May comes with preset frying preferences, AirFlow technology, and a 3.7-quart capacity.

The best part about this fryer is that it’s dishwasher safe, so cleanup is always easy. It also comes with a recipe book for frying inspiration.

Find the French May on Amazon or in other department stores for just under $100.

3. The Dash Compact

If your frying needs aren’t massive and you’re on a tighter budget, check out this compact frying machine.

The Dash has a 1.2-liter capacity for frying, but don’t let that deter you. It’s highly energy-efficient — more so than your oven! — and has an easy slide-out drawer for fast afternoon frying.

It’s great for families, as The Dash has an auto shut-off mechanism for maximum safety. Like the others, it comes with a recipe book.

You can purchase The Dash in a lovely aqua, red, white, or black color. Find it online for around $50.

The Best Air Fryer for Your Budget

You can’t go wrong with any of these three fryers. We love them for their power and energy efficiency.

Choose The Dash for more compact frying needs. Larger families or spaces will find a true companion in any model by French May. The Big Boss Oil-Less Fryer is topping the charts when it comes to efficiency and frying capacity.

At Thrifty Momma Ramblings, we’re all about saving you money and helping you live the life you long for. Check out our blog posts on frugal, nutritious kitchen living here!

People have used essential oils since 2,000 BC for their medicinal benefits as well as to enhance spiritual health. This makes sense, given that the ingredients for these oils are all around us.

Today, women are opting for holistic alternatives to over-the-counter and prescription medications to help with common health issues. These issues include everything from depression to stress to hormonal imbalances.

Essential oils offer a wide range of benefits, though you need to learn which ones are right for you. What works for one woman may not have much effect on another.

In this article, we’re going over ten essential oils for women so you can decide which ones you’d like to try first.

1. Clary Sage

This is one of the best and most commonly used essential oils for women. Clary sage is a great option if you suffer from bad menstrual cramps or headaches. It can even help ease symptoms related to menopause.

Clary sage is also known as a calming agent. It helps with depression and stress. Women have also used it during childbirth to aid in relaxation.

Try adding two or three drops to your bath. Or, you can add it to a carrier oil and massage directly on areas where you’re feeling tension or pain.

2. Geranium

Regardless of your age, geranium is great for hormonal imbalances. This oil works like a tonic for your adrenal cortex, which produces hormones.

Geranium helps with symptoms of PMS such as fluid retention. It’s also great for fatigue, nervousness, and depression.

Add it to your bath or even directly to your moisturizer, as it can balance oil production in your skin. This essential oil is also known as an aphrodisiac and is great for use during massages.

3. Jasmine

In addition to helping alleviate the negative side-effects of menstruation and PMS, jasmine can help reduce stretch marks and can even heal acne.

Jasmine can also reduce postpartum depression along with anxiety and fatigue. During childbirth, it helps lessen pain.

Because jasmine is known as a mood-enhancer, it can help boost energy levels and increase your sex drive.

You can add it to carrier oils to apply to scars or stretch marks. Or, add it to an oil diffuser and enjoy the aroma.

Because it takes so many jasmine blossoms to produce the oil, it’s typically rather expensive. Check out Rich Minerals for a great deal on this and other essential oils.

4. Lemon

You’re probably already aware of the health benefits of consuming lemon. It’s a great source of Vitamin C and helps with cleansing and detoxifying the body. But it’s also one of the great essential oils for women.

Lemon helps promote healthy skin and can also relieve stress. You can add a single drop to a cool glass of water for an energy boost. Remember, just one drop is enough.

Or, try using lemongrass oil in a diffuser and enjoy a calming atmosphere as you start your day.

5. Lavender

If you have trouble sleeping, this is the essential oil for you. Lavender has a reputation of calming the central nervous system in order to promote relaxation.

If you’ve had a stressful day, add a few drops of lavender to a warm bath. You’ll probably notice its tranquilizing properties right away.

When it’s time to turn in, add a drop or two to the soles of your feet. You can also apply lavender oil to minor skin blemishes or irritations.

6. Basil

You know basil as a very common ingredient in the kitchen. But as far as essential oils for women, it has a number of benefits.

Basil is a great oil for muscle aches and soreness. Add it to a carrier oil and massage tired muscles. You’ll also probably notice it helps with relaxation as well.

This oil is also a great remedy for digestive issues, constipation, and even helps improve your memory. You can also add a little basil oil to insect bites to help soothe them.

7. Tea Tree Oil

If you want to ensure your skin and nails remain healthy, this oil works great. You can apply it directly to skin blemishes or areas of bad acne.

Tea tree oil is perfect for skin issues because it has both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. In addition to applying it directly to problem areas, you can add a small amount to your bath.

You can even add tea tree oil to your detergent.

8. Ylang-Ylang

Added to a diffuser, ylang-ylang gives off a beautiful, floral scent. It’s commonly used in aromatherapy treatments.

This essential oil is known for its ability to enhance libido. It’s also great for relaxation.

The intoxicating aroma of ylang-ylang is quite strong. You may try mixing it with another favorite oil, as some people find it too powerful by itself.

You can add it to your bath, use it in a diffuser or simply inhale straight from the bottle.

9. Eucalyptus

Of all the essential oils for women on this list, eucalyptus contains the most impactful health benefits. The primary one is circulation. This oil helps relax blood vessels, so if you suffer from circulatory issues, you need to give it a try.

It also has cardiovascular benefits. It’s commonly used for clearing sinuses and helping with congestion during illnesses like the common cold and flu.

You can also use it during allergy season to keep your sinuses clear. Add it to a diffuser by your bed like you would a humidifier.

10. Peppermint

If you suffer from frequent headaches, you might want to try peppermint oil. It’s great for taking the edge off and can also keep you alert during menstrual periods.

Peppermint is also a popular essential oil for aiding in digestion and other stomach issues. It can also combat respiratory problems and relieve tightness in the muscles.

You can find this essential oil in a roll-on applicator. Simply apply it to your forehead when you feel a headache coming on.

Try Your Favorite Essential Oils for Women

After you’ve nailed down which of these oils you think will work best, try several and narrow down your favorites. Keep the best ones on hand and enjoy a healthier alternative to medications.

If you’re concerned about using essential oils, talk to your doctor first. They’ll likely give you the green light.

For more great articles about women’s health and fitness issues, check out our blog.

Thrift shopping isn’t just for hipster college students and extreme penny pinchers. Getting clothes and accessories from thrift stores can be a fun scavenger hunt that will save you a significant amount of money.

But not all thrift store clothes are going to be gems or ones that are going to save you much in the long run. There are certain items, however, that are almost guaranteed to save you money in both the short and the long term.

Keep reading to learn about the 5 types of clothing that you should look out for when you’re thrifting if you’re looking to save money and look stylish.

1. Brand Name Clothes

High end and brand name clothes are usually quite expensive if you buy them new. Thrift shopping for brand name clothes can save you hundreds of dollars if you can find the brands you’re looking for.

Certain brands are quite trendy nowadays, like Ralph Lauren and Adidas for example. However, brand new clothes from these brands can start at $50 for a t-shirt or even hundreds of dollars for sweaters and jackets. You just can’t justify those prices if you’re on a budget.

These same brands can be found in thrift stores for a fraction of the price. Usually, t-shirts can be as little as a few dollars and even jackets can cost less than 20.

Looking for and buying brand name clothes while thrift shopping can save you hundreds of dollars while still giving you the high-quality and trendy brands you want.

2. Jewelry and Accessories

What outfit is complete without some jewelry or an accessory like a watch or a hat? But nice accessories, especially jewelry, are expensive.

Thrifting for jewelry and accessories is a great way to elevate your style while staying on a budget. While the jewels and metals might not be super high quality, it is often hard to differentiate. That means you can stock up on cheap jewelry and accessories without anyone really knowing that they came from a thrift shop.

Thrift shops usually have huge stocks of jewelry, which gives you access to a wide variety of styles and products. The jewelry at thrift stores is also exceptionally low priced because of the high stock they have.

You can find necklaces, bracelets, watches, vintage pins, brooches, hats, rings, and more all at one location. Take your time sorting through the large selection to find pieces that really stand out and that can add an element of style to any outfit.

3. Men’s and Women’s Clothes

A mistake a lot of beginner thrifters make is only looking in either the men’s or the women’s section. Women tend to avoid the men’s section and men definitely steer clear of the women’s section.

But the fact is, each section has certain gems that would be missed if you didn’t look in both places.

The men’s section is usually home to many interesting graphic t-shirts, sweaters, and athletic wear. The women’s section, on the other hand, is usually much larger than the men’s section, which might give you a wider variety. It is also home to what’s seen as “women’s only” clothing items like skirts, dresses, and more form-fitting and feminine t-shirts.

Check out this website to learn more about women’s t-shirts and clothing items.

4. High-Quality Fabrics and Materials

Besides brand names, another thing you can save big on by thrift shopping is clothes made of certain expensive materials. Real leather, cotton, denim, wool, and linen are all durable and high-quality fabrics that can be expensive if you buy them new.

Getting thrifted items made of these materials will save you a lot of money while also giving you items that will last. Buying cheap, thrifted clothes made of cheaper material might be good in the moment, but chances are those clothes won’t last very long.

You’re better off buying clothes from thrift stores that are made of good quality materials. You’ll save money on the price of the item and you’ll save by getting a product that will last a long time instead of needing to be replaced soon after it’s purchased.

5. Shop Seasonally

This tip is true for both thrift shopping and “regular” retail shopping. You’ll usually get great deals and discounts on seasonal items at the end of that season.

For example, the end of summer would be a good time to go shopping for shorts, t-shirts, and swimwear. The end of winter will be the perfect time to look for thick winter sweaters, winter boots, and jackets.

If you think you get great seasonal deals at retail stores, then you’ll be amazed at the types of deals you’ll get at thrift stores. You’ll be getting huge discounts on already discounted items. You’ll be paying a fraction of what you would at a retail store and getting even more of a break because of the seasonal discounts.

A word of caution on this tip: the end of a season usually will bring a lot of people looking for seasonal deals. You want to get out to the thrift stores sooner rather than later to avoid everything being cleared out by other thrift shoppers.

Thrift Shopping Can Save You Money

Living on a budget doesn’t mean that you can’t have great style. Thrift shopping means that high-quality and brand name clothes can be yours for a fraction of the retail price.

Thrift shopping isn’t always easy. You’ll probably have to go to a few different thrift shops many different times in order to find some things that are name brand, high-quality, and your style. It can take some dedication, but getting high quality and stylish clothes for a low cost is definitely worth it.

Check out our blog to find more tips on frugal living. You can also find lists of helpful deals, freebies, giveaways, and coupons on our website.