Tag: Family Life

Start a Gift Closet

I have a nice size walk-in closet with lots of shelves. I love having an older home since there is so much space in the house. I’m actually going to move my gift closet to the spare bedroom soon. I have a box filled with body wash, lotions, candles, shaving cream (usually the smaller travel size ones), razors, and so on. These are items I collect from sales and free items I get in the mail. I give out several gift bags filled with these items for Birthday and/or Christmas presents. I usually spend less than $50 for all these items in the box. I give out close to 10 bags per year which makes them around $5 each or sometimes a little more. But never more than $8 each. The recipients love them, and look forward to getting one each year.

I also buy toys that I find on clearance for those last minute invitations to a party. All of my nieces and nephew are too old for toys so I don’t buy as many as I once did. I give all my nieces the gift bags, and my nephew will now get either a DVD or a game for his system. I also like to buy really nice picture frames that I find on clearance for wedding presents. Now that I’m selling Tupperware, then I am giving more of it for presents. I can get sets much cheaper with my 25% discount. I might break up a big set of many items, and just give a few items to one person, and the rest to another.

Having the gift closet has been a really big money saver for us. Many times we get last minute invites for something. Instead of stressing about having to shop and spend money we might not have, then all I have to do is go shopping in my closet for the right gift. I also have a couple of gift cards if all else fails. I get these from several pay to click programs I do daily. It might seem like a lot of work but it’s really not. I shop all year long so I don’t have to spend a lot of money at once. I would suggest putting even $25 a month to the side to stock up on great sales when you find one. I spend less than $400 a year on gifts and that includes presents for ourselves.

Summer is Almost Over

School starts on August 7th so our summer is much shorter for us, but we also got out of school on May 21st. I just can’t believe it’s almost August. The days are really flying. I can’t say I will miss this heat. I’m ready for cooler weather. Not cold but just not mid 90’s everyday.

TMR Frugal Living Tip #13

Today’s thrifty tip is to use vinegar as a disinfectant for cleaning counters, the sink, and even your bathroom. I also use vinegar to mop my vinyl floors. It’s safer to use and much cheaper than chemical based cleaners. There are also no toxic fumes. I find the odor usually dissipates in an hour or two.

More Than Just a Trinket

As a bride there is so much to do before the big event, but one thing that can be hard to figure out is choosing your bridesmaid gifts. You don’t want to buy them just anything, and it should be special since you asked these special ladies to walk in your wedding. If it is an accessory ,then try to consider giving them something that can be used other than on your special day.

TMR Frugal Living Tip #8- Use Grits on Ant Hills!

grits-on-ant-hills

Today’s thrify living tip is to use instant grits on ant hills. This really does work.

I only use this method on black ant hills. I am not sure about fire ants as we only get black ants in our yard!

It’s safe for pets and kids plus it’s non-toxic! So NO spraying poison around your yard!

Trust me in South Louisiana, we get a lot of black ant hills especially after lots of rain.

What happens is the worker ants will bring in the grits (thinking it’s food) and feed it to the queen which then explodes in their systems.

The best way to use this method is to wait for a dry day, and when you are expecting rain sprinkle the instant grits around the ant hills. I do not sprinkle directly on top but just around the perimeter.

I say go for the cheap dollar store brand. I seriously doubt the name brand makes any difference except for in your pocket book!

Let me know if this method works for you!

Travel Safe

I know a lot of people wonder if they should purchase travel insurance on their vacation. Airline costs are at an all time high, and having it will cover most flight cancellations plus it covers your baggage. It’s not very expensive and usually about 5% of your total trip. If you get sick or hurt on your trip, then it cover those medical expenses. You would want the most protection you can get, especially when traveling out of country.

Cold Air is a Must in This Heat!

I know many people say that cold air is a luxury but for me in this heat it’s definitely a must. I live in very humid South Louisiana so no way I could I survive these summers without my cold air in my car. I’m very frugal in many areas but having a working air conditioner is one of the things I splurge on, especially, when the temperature is 95+ on a daily basis.

The air conditioning in my husband’s truck has went out so we are definitely looking into this great site. They offer a warranty on all their parts they sell and Free Shipping! That is a great deal with the high gas prices.