http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/ Frugal Mom Forums for frugal recipes, frugal living tips, work from home ideas, frugal menus, once a month cooking and much more. en Fri, 24 May 2013 13:29:31 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/images/misc/rss.png http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/ http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30283-Gas-prices!&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 20:29:03 GMT Our gas prices jumped from $3.68/ gal to $3.99/gal overnight. (BTW, I'm in central IL)

What's prices like in your area? What are you doing to keep the cost under control? ]]> Dollars and Sense sunshine http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30283-Gas-prices! http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30282-Article-10-Things-We-Don’t-Spend-Money-On&goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 23:31:29 GMT What about you ? Agree with these? Disagree? Have your own list of things you don't buy?

http://www.mrsjanuary.com/personal-f...pend-money-on/

Although you probably don’t want to, spending money is necessary sometimes – but you do have a choice about where your money goes.

Living a frugal lifestyle has not always come naturally to me, but after making the switch from being a spender to a saver almost 4 years ago, my life has become much less stressful.

I no longer worry about coming up with the money to pay bills, I can always buy a pair of shoes once mine are worn and need replacing and there’s always money in our emergency fund in case something bad were to happen to us, financially.

The reason that we no longer struggle with money is because refuse to spend it on things that aren’t completely necessary.

“Happiness is making the most of what you have.” Click to Tweet this!

These are 10 things we don’t spend money on:
1. Warranties: I don’t think I’ve ever actually used any warranty that I paid for, so for the past 4 years now I haven’t paid for any at all. In my opinion, they’re a waste of money for most things.

2. Books: We get most of our books from the library these days. They have so many books (and movies, music and magazines!) available for FREE. If I find a book that I really enjoy, I will “buy” it – through Amazon. I redeem most of my Swag bucks for Amazon.ca credit and usually spend it on books that I like – and kitchen gadgets.

3. Magazine Subscriptions: Is it just me, or do most magazines just consist of ads? I haven’t read a good magazine in years (except “Real Simple” – I love that one!). My husband has a magazine subscription for The Economist, but we got that for free with some WagJag credit that I had.

4. Family Outings: We take advantage of all of the free activities we can do locally, such as parks. Luckily, there are a lot of nice places around us that we regularily visit for free.

5. Water at Restaurants: It’s not often that we go out to eat at restaraunts, but when we do, I always order a water to drink. Most restaurants make the majority of their profit from beverages because they are priced so high, so I never buy them and just stick to water.

6. Cleaning Supplies: I get most of our cleaning supplies for free with coupons, so it’s very rare that I will buy them while out shopping. I have also been trying to make more of our cleaners at home, usually from vinegar and baking soda (you can clean pretty much anything with those 2 items alone).

7. Gym Membership: Not only do I not have the time (or the discipline!) to go to the gym on a regular basis, I am simply not willing to pay the outrageous prices to join one. We stay active by going for long walks. I also really love my 30 Day Shred DVD for days that I am not able to get outside.

8. Car Payments: We decided a few years ago that we would never take on a loan to get another car. When the time comes that our current vehicle needs replacing, we will pay cash. Since we are not saving for a car right now (and are instead saving for a home of our own), we would use our emergency fund if we needed to replace our van in a hurry (if we were in a car accident and the car was totalled, for example).

9. Fancy Home Decor: With a toddler in the house that wants to grab everything he sees, it’s been awhile since I’ve had anything nice in the house. All of my favourite decor pieces are packed away for when the kids are older. Our couches are more than 5 years old and in dire need of replacing, but I refuse to get anything new until we move (so we can get the perfect size for our home).

Plus, it’s just not worth it to have nice things that will just get ruined by messy toddlers!

10. Store-bought Baked Goods: I make most of our baked goods from scratch, so I never usually buy pre-made baked goods from the store. Not only are they usually very expensive, but I personally find that baking (and cooking) usually results in much tastier food.

The list can go on and on, but those are the main things that we don’t spend our hard-earned cash on.

There are certain areas that we splurge, but for the most part, right now we are focused on saving as much of our money as possible – so we avoid the items on this list in order to do so.

I’d much rather sacrifice now to live a better life later. ]]> Dollars and Sense sunshine http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30282-Article-10-Things-We-Don’t-Spend-Money-On http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30281-Almost-free!!!&goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 16:50:06 GMT We have 4 work days this week and 4 work days next week and then we are off for summer!! Yay!!! :spin::spin::spin: We have 4 work days this week and 4 work days next week and then we are off for summer!! Yay!!! :spin::spin::spin: ]]> Girleymom3 http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30281-Almost-free!!! http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30274-Kind-of-embarrassing&goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 16:11:16 GMT When Dh got his pay cut by 15% and then got laid off we got behind in our house payments, we tried to get caught up but it seemed one thing after... When Dh got his pay cut by 15% and then got laid off we got behind in our house payments, we tried to get caught up but it seemed one thing after another kept happening up until my car accident, then we just couldn't do it anymore, we were too far behind. We finally got our modification paperwork yesterday.....thank you Lord!!! We will have trial payments from July-Sept and then the lower payments will be permanent. I am feeling so blessed right now!! Such a weight has been lifted and I feel like we have been given a fresh start! ]]> Dollars and Sense Girleymom3 http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30274-Kind-of-embarrassing http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30266-Mini-heat-wave&goto=newpost Mon, 13 May 2013 13:04:39 GMT You all know how much I despise the heat! Mid May and already 100*+ bleh!!! Lol! It should cool off to the lower to mid 80's by the end of the week....thank goodness!! Moving North sounds better and better every year! :happy: ]]> Girleymom3 http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30266-Mini-heat-wave http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30265-Happy-Mothers-Day!&goto=newpost Sun, 12 May 2013 20:41:25 GMT Happy Mothers Day my fellow Frugal Mamas!:clap::thumbsup::spin: Happy Mothers Day my fellow Frugal Mamas!:clap::thumbsup::spin: ]]> Girleymom3 http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30265-Happy-Mothers-Day! http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30261-Thinking-outside-of-the-box&goto=newpost Wed, 08 May 2013 16:56:55 GMT What things do you/could you do to bring in some extra cash? Like my dd is teaching a class on gluten free living, doing power point presentations... What things do you/could you do to bring in some extra cash?

Like my dd is teaching a class on gluten free living, doing power point presentations for funerals, and bartering teaching for classes at karate. Her full time job is preschool teacher.

What about you? ]]> Dollars and Sense sunshine http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30261-Thinking-outside-of-the-box http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30260-Gluten-free-recipes&goto=newpost Tue, 07 May 2013 22:59:26 GMT I thought I'd start a thread with our tried and true recipes/tips for living gluten free (now that dd has moved out, dh and I don't maintain gluten free, but we did have a gluten free household for over 7 years).

I'll start with a recipe for gluten free ranch dressing:

Gluten-Free Ranch Dip or Dressing
Makes 1 1/2 cups

1/2 c mayonnaise*
1 c sour cream*
1 Tbl chopped dried parsley (or 2 Tbl fresh)
1/2 tsp dry dill (or 1 tsp fresh, chopped)
1/2 tsp sea or Kosher salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 Tbl white vinegar
*For dairy-free, use 1 1/2 cups of a soy based mayonnaise



Note: make sure the mayonnaise is gluten-free. Some people are sensitive to dried herbs, especially those in bulk.

To make dip, mix all ingredients. Place in the fridge and wait at least 30 minutes before using.

To make dressing, mix all ingredients plus 1-2 Tbl milk to make it more pourable. Follow directions above. ]]> Frugal Recipes sunshine http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30260-Gluten-free-recipes http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30259-She-IS-her-mother-s-daughter&goto=newpost Mon, 06 May 2013 20:04:35 GMT First a bit of background - dd is 23 yo celiac, who moved to MO last month, with the intention of her boyfriend of 7 years, moving in with her to... First a bit of background - dd is 23 yo celiac, who moved to MO last month, with the intention of her boyfriend of 7 years, moving in with her to help with expenses, etc. . . only she got a new job, moved, etc. . . he didn't, wasn't able to transfer his job, and was unwilling to look for a new job. . . so she broke up with him last week and is now going it alone, in a strange town, strange state, etc.

dd has been working out her budget, which is squeaky tight. She'd like to continue her karate classes, but her budget doesn't have room for the $40+ / month. . . she talked to the dojo in Hannibal, told him she was a preschool teacher currently, used to be a dance teacher, etc. . . offered to teach the "little dragons" in exchange for her classes. . . the dojo was bit taken aback - said he'd never had anyone offer to barter for classes. He seemed to like the idea but had to think over the logistics of it.

She's also been asked to teach a class at the church where she works on "Gluten Free Living" . . . will be discussing some of the logistics like not sharing a toaster, peanut butter jars, etc. . .as well as some gluten free recipes. She's going to serve a completely gluten free meal for the class as well - including dessert. The dietitian at the day care will be doing most of the cooking.

Yes, I do believe ddwill be just fine ]]> sunshine http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30259-She-IS-her-mother-s-daughter http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30258-Update-on-us-)&goto=newpost Sun, 05 May 2013 01:40:14 GMT What a crazy busy few weeks this has been!! This is the first weekend since the beginning of April that we have been anywhere near home! Dd2s team... What a crazy busy few weeks this has been!! This is the first weekend since the beginning of April that we have been anywhere near home! Dd2s team was in the State Cup tournament again this year (same tournament where they ended up going to Denver for Regionals and came in 2 last year!!) they fought through the first round with 2 wins and a tie, then on the the knock out rounds and survived that! It was so stressful! Last weekend were the semis and I they won that they would move onto the Championship game.....they won the semis on Sat and then went on to take the State Championship for So Cal on Sunday!! It was so exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time! Now they get to go to Boise, Idaho to represent So Cal!!
She will be going to High School next year (unbelievable!!) and will be playing soccer for the HS and is thinking about tying out for volleyball as well! She was also jut accepted into the AVID program there too.

Dd2 was asked to be in a music video for a competition she was in, we went to Phoenix yesterday for that!! As soon as I'm given the ok I will share the link :) it was a great experience for her! She also competed in a dance comp last weekend and was chosen to be in the fashion show and also finished in the top 6 of the "dancedown" as well as winning a prize pack with a gift certificate in it for Capezio! At another dance comp last month she won entrance to several workshops at Nationals, this seems to be her year! She also found out today that she made the Varsity cheer squad for school!

Dd3 is going to science camp on Tuesday and is getting ready to go to Middle School next year, doesn't seem possible! She is still playing soccer and is loving her new coach (who happens to be dd2s coach as well) she has a tournament in Las Vegas at the end of the month that she is looking forward to.

These girls sure keep us busy!!!

Dh has lost a total of 110 lbs since his surgery in January! He is doing great! I've lost just over 25 lbs too! Our whole lives have changed! We are actually going on a hole tomorrow morning, something we never would have thought about soon 6 months ago! We are both feeling great!

I am almost off work, May 30 is our last day until until August 1. Looking forward to that time off!! Not that I'll get to relax much! I will be shuttling kids to all their activities!! Lol! We do have some beach days scheduled in there already though, can't wait for those days!

I think that's about it for now! Just busy as usual! I'm not on here as much as I'd like to be but I think of you guys all the time! I hope you are ll doing well!! ]]> Girleymom3 http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30258-Update-on-us-) http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30257-Free-Download-Dave’s-Guide-to-Budgeting&goto=newpost Sun, 05 May 2013 01:37:19 GMT http://www.daveramsey.com/blog/free-download-budgeting-guide/ http://www.daveramsey.com/blog/free-...dgeting-guide/ ]]> Dollars and Sense sunshine http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30257-Free-Download-Dave’s-Guide-to-Budgeting http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30256-Busy-weekends-in-May&goto=newpost Sat, 04 May 2013 14:01:48 GMT April showers (well not here.....but...) brought busy busy May weekends!! Hope you guys take some time to recharge! :yes: April showers (well not here.....but...) brought busy busy May weekends!! Hope you guys take some time to recharge! :yes: ]]> Dustrag Divas Girleymom3 http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30256-Busy-weekends-in-May http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30255-Time-for-Thursday!&goto=newpost Sat, 04 May 2013 13:59:13 GMT Share your plans for today with us! Happy Thursday! Share your plans for today with us! Happy Thursday! ]]> Dustrag Divas Girleymom3 http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30255-Time-for-Thursday! http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30254-Teeeeerific-Tuesdays!&goto=newpost Sat, 04 May 2013 13:57:02 GMT What's on tap for your Tuesdays this May?:spin: ]]> Dustrag Divas Girleymom3 http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30254-Teeeeerific-Tuesdays! http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30253-Only-4-applications-seriously-WARNING-rant-ahead&goto=newpost Fri, 03 May 2013 04:03:27 GMT Just a bit of background . . . my parents both graduated from our local HS, my dad in the VERY 1st class, my mom in the 2nd. . . my mom then went to... Just a bit of background . . . my parents both graduated from our local HS, my dad in the VERY 1st class, my mom in the 2nd. . . my mom then went to college, got her teaching degree and came back to teach at the same school for the next 46 years. . . even after she retired , she remained involved in the school activities through her grand kids, etc.

So after she died, 3 years ago -I decided to establish a scholarship in her memory. $500 to on graduating senior. Not necessarily the top grades (mom felt education was more than grades) , not the most popular, etc. . .

There are 30 kids in the senior class this year - today I picked up the applications and only 4, yes FOUR!, kids bothered to apply.

After reading the applications - my dh and I have already decided to give it to a kid who is 26th in his class of 30, but we liked the rest of the application. . . AND we decided to also give $100 to each of the other kids who took the time to fill out the short 5 question application.

I guess my rant is this --- are kids so lazy that they can't be bothered to fill out the application? Are they so "entitled" that feel they don't need the measly $500 (mind you this comes out of my pocket)? I don't get the entire mind set of not even trying. $500 for probably less than 30 minutes of filling out the questions, doesn't seem like too much to ask. ]]> sunshine http://www.frugalmom.net/forums/showthread.php?30253-Only-4-applications-seriously-WARNING-rant-ahead