frugal living

Explore a wide way of keeping your spending down, beyond just clipping coupons and being "cheap". Whether it be ways to cut out excess spending, or how to tighten up your budget, how to get by during the holidays or holiday flights, tips to a frugal Disney trip, or even if you just want to keep your kids cool during the summer - I've got it all covered!

Top Reasons to Join Sam’s Club

05/30/2017 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Savings.com. Please know, however, that all opinions, anecdotes, and bad puns are 100% my own.

Have you ever thought about joining Sam’s Club? Or have you joined in the past, but let your membership lapse for one reason or another. Well, I’m hoping to convince you why you should join Sam’s Club. It’s not like it was even ten years ago. They’re doing a great job of keeping up with the times, and listening to the needs of their customers.
I decided to do the most scientific thing possible when researching for reasons why folks should join Sam’s Club: I crowd-sourced my Facebook friends. With no further adieu, here are the (un)official top reasons why you should join Sam’s Club:

Why Should You Join Sam’s Club? [Read more…]

Keep on saving! :o)
--Barbara
**Remember, y'all, this post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Filed Under: frugal living

How to Save More Online

02/28/2017 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Groupon Coupons. However, all opinions, experiences, and bad puns are completely my own.

Let’s face it, online shopping is becoming a firm reality for day-to-day living as more and more brick and mortar establishments close up. There’s plenty to gain from shopping online these days, and it’s becoming quite easy to find ways to save.

I think y’all know by now of my deep love for Groupon, right? I mean, I frequently score cheap movie tickets, and even get a good deal on an annual parking pass for Stone Mountain! As if their deals on local attractions, goods, and getaways weren’t enough, now Groupon has gotten in to the coupon game, too!

So here are three sure-fire ways to save more online with Groupon Coupons:

Promo Codes – Groupon Coupons has become a hub for online promo codes. You know how when you’re checking out online, there’s usually that little box that says “promo code”, and gives you the opportunity to add a discount – but only if you know the code! The easiest way to see if there’s any good promo codes floating around out there is to head over to Groupon Coupons and search for your store.

Here’s an example I did with an American Eagle order recently. First, I searched for promo codes:

Then, I applied the codes at checkout for further savings:

Free Shipping – Utilize the Groupon Coupons to see if your store is offering a deal on free shipping, just like I did on the order above. Sometimes stores will have free shipping specials, lowering their total amount spent before it kicks in. Sometimes a promo code is required, so make sure you search and snag when you can! Paying for shipping? Pfft! That’s SO 2016!

Price Compare with Promos – Ok, this is going to get a bit complicated, but if you’re searching for an item, and you don’t need to be brand dependent, then this is a good option. Say, for example, you’re looking for a 3/4 sleeve top for a special occasion. Compare not only what it would cost from store to store, but factor in promo codes and any shipping fees.

Filed Under: frugal living

4 Budgeting Mistakes to Avoid to Quit Being Broke

08/14/2016 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Keeping a budget is one of the most effective ways to save money and be more mindful about your spending. However, there are budgeting mistakes that you may be making that are hindering your saving progress. Once you stop these errors, you will notice you have more money to work with each month.

Read on to find out four common budgeting mistakes to avoid if you want to stop being broke! [Read more…]

Filed Under: frugal living

8 Ways to Beat & Treat Winter Weather Dry Skin

01/07/2016 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Winter weather = dry skin. Fewer things make me feel itchy all over! Ok, so living in Atlanta all my life, I know I haven’t been subjected to super-harsh sub-zero winter weather. But I’ve spent many a-winters with cold enough weather to dry out my skin. For thirty-something years, I’ve lived through dry, itchy winter skin – some years worse than others. Along the way, I’ve learned a few tricks to keep the dry and “itch” to a minimum. (I’ve also got a few tips to naturally treat and prevent eczema, for those who deal with that.)

Frugal Tips to Beating the
Winter Weather Dry Skin: [Read more…]

Filed Under: frugal living, health and fitness

Create a Flower Garden for Under $30

05/09/2014 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

How to create a Flower Garden for Under $30: No Gardening Skills required

Do you ever wish you could have a beautiful flower garden in your own backyard but feel like you have absolutely no gardening skills? Maybe you feel like you don’t have one ounce of green thumb talent? Turning an empty space in the backyard into a beautiful flower garden can be done without spending a ton of money. Here are 3 tips that will help you create a flower garden for under $30: no gardening skills required.

Use what you have.

Some people think that flower gardening has to cost a fortune. But there are definite ways to keep the cost down. Sure, it would be nice to buy all the pretty potting soil, mulch, fancy edging and garden accents, but these things are not essentials. Look around your backyard and home. You probably already have the things you need to get started.

Decide where you want to put your flower garden and start digging up the dirt. You want to get the dirt as soft as possible. If your friend has a tiller, then ask them to come turn the ground for you. If not, just use your shovel and a hoe to get rid of the grass and turn the area into fine brown dirt. Don’t worry about whether it is rich enough. You can always add new potting soil and improve the dirt next year.

Most people like to have a pretty edge around the garden. You can purchase various styles of edging stones at most home improvement stores for about $1-$2 each or you can use rocks from a local creek or seashells from a recent vacation. Be creative and don’t stress over the right edging.

Add Flowers

The cheapest way to get color in your garden is to plant seeds. But that’s not the fastest way. You can buy small flats of annuals like marigolds, impatiens or petunias for a couple dollars. These little flowers are super hardy and give you instant color.

If you have a friend or family member with an established garden, ask them for small starts of perennials that will come back every year. Every gardener needs to thin out their iris and lily bed periodically so their flowers will continue producing.

Be ready to Grow.

Most gardeners who are successful started out as completely brown thumb amateurs. You learn by doing. Plant a few seeds or starts this weekend and then watch to see what happens. Stop by local yard sales and find some pretty garden accent pieces. If you don’t like it, then keep adding something or change it up.

Gardening for less than $30

There are many supplies that you can spend money on when you start gardening but here are the basics most people typically purchase. If you really want to save money, then skip the potting soil and edgers. Borrow a shovel from a friend and go cheap on the garden gloves.

Potting Soil = $2.00 a bag typically
Shovel = $10-$20
Gardening Gloves = $3.00-$5.00
Seeds = less than a dollar a pack
Flower starts (annuals) = 6 pack typically cost around $3.00
Garden edging stones = $2.00 each
Gardening Hand tools = $5-$10

What are you waiting for? Let’s go start a beautiful garden in our backyard. I can’t wait to see what you create! And if you’re feeling really confident, or if you’ve got a gardener in your life check out the great Mother’s Day gift guide for the gardener in your life.

Filed Under: frugal living

Dirty Secrets: My Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine Review + giveaway

08/19/2013 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

I was recently given a complimentary use of the Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine, in exchange for this review. All opinions, and nasty carpet pictures, are completely mine.

I have a terrible confession to make: in over six years living in our home, we’ve never cleaned our carpets. For over four years, they’ve been riddled with little kid grime; yet, we somehow just never got around to getting the carpets cleaned, even though it was always on our long list of things to do. *sigh*

I digress.

When I was approached with an opportunity to try out the Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine in my home for a trial period, my husband and I both eagerly jumped at the chance! Tanya from Fizz Word of Mouth Marketing dropped it off, and that very weekend, we got to cleaning!

Well, actually, I was putting the kids down for their naps, and my husband took over the carpet cleaning duties. To be honest, I never got to even TOUCH the Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine during the entire trial period — my husband was in. the. zone. So, to be perfectly clear, this review is really a second-hand account of HIS use of the machine. But I assure you, it was an incredible experience. 😉

The Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine proved to be light weight, even when full of the sloshy water and cleaning fluid. I’m not sure if you were supposed to vacuum the carpets before hand -remember, my husband took control and you know men and directions…. In any case, we didn’t, but the dirt was just effortlessly pulled away from our carpets, rugs, stairs (all three flights!), and couches.

The day we did this, it was overcast outside (imagine that, during this summer in Atlanta!), so it was difficult to get great pictures contrasting the clean and dirty carpets. But I managed to capture a few, mainly the rugs in our den. First, my husband did the big one, so I put the runner OVER it afterwards, for comparison purposes. You can clearly see the difference! This is in a super-high traffic area, but those filthy rugs didn’t stand a chance against the Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine!

With enthusiasm -and the “help” of our daughter, dressed as Princess Merida- we tackled the whole house: all the carpet upstairs (including four bedrooms and a super long hallway), all the downstairs rugs, our carpeted dining room and formal living room, the finished basement (half carpeted), as well as front stair case, back stair case, and the basement stairs.

All in all, each time we poured that nasty water tank in to the laundry room sink, we were assured that we were successfully lifting the grime out of our house. Okay, and we were equally disgusted with the level of filth we’ve been walking upon, and our KIDS had been playing in! With each dumping of the water tank, we felt a little -um- relief knowing that the grimy layer of disgust was literally going down the drain and OUT OF OUR HOUSE!

Enter for a chance to win a rental of the
Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine!

Would you like a chance to try out this bad boy? I’m offering five vouchers each good for a 24-hour rental period (a $24.99 value) of the Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine. It’s super simple, just comment below on which room(s) you’d most love to tackle with the Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine, then fill out the entry form here.

And even if you’d don’t win, grab this coupon, good for $5 off your rental. Your local Lowes Home Improvement store offers rental of this machine, as well as the Bissell Pawsitivity Clean Machine, which is designed for pet owners. …..now, go enter to win a free rental trial!

Entry -Form

Filed Under: frugal living, giveaway, product reviews, sponsored post Tagged With: evergreen

Easy Puzzle Storage Solution (and CHEAP!)

07/28/2013 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Easy puzzle storage solution: YES! It is possible to find a clutter-free way to store all those wooden puzzles your toddlers and preschoolers love. A friend of mine came up with an ingenious way to store toddler/preschooler’s puzzles in an efficient manner: a file folder box! She used hanging file folders to separate each puzzle, and the clear storage container allows you to easily see each puzzle, and contain them in a small space. With a lid, you ensure pieces won’t spill, and it won’t take up too much space. She was able to put this together for under $10.

In addition to hanging file folders, you could also use large plastic baggies. Can you think of other creative solutions for storing your child’s bulky toys?

Heaps of thanks to Dr. Cassie B. of Connected Family Chiropractic for sharing this wonderful idea!!

Also, check out this nifty storage solution for your kitchen:

Filed Under: frugal living, Frugal Parenting Tagged With: evergreen

Share Your Laundry Tips and WIN!

06/24/2013 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

If you’ve read my laundry tips before, then you already know by now about my love/loathe relationship with laundry, right? So I’m always up for tips to make the task simpler. I’ve shared some of my favorite tips for laundry in general before, but what about for stain removal? Do you have some great tips and tricks for beating those tough stains? Got a “secret formula” passed down from generation to generation? It’s time to spill the beans!

Now you can score big, jut for sharing your favorite stain tips! Check it out: click ‘share a stain tip’ and login with Facebook for the chance to win a weekly prize from Resolve.

Along the same lines, you can also sign up for Cascade’s #MyPlatinum Instagram Contest for a chance to win a KitchenAid® Kitchen Makeover. You must have an Instagram account to enter this sweepstakes and you must submit picture to show how Cascade makes your dishes, glassware, and silverware sparkling clean. It may not be laundry tips, but it’s your clean dishes — and that’s got to be worth $10k, right!? 🙂

Filed Under: laundry

Holding a Successful Garage Sale

06/21/2013 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

holding a successful garage sale

Holding a successful garage sale takes a little planning, and a little thought. If you expect to just throw your stuff out on the lawn the morning of, with no price tags, and sell everything like hot cakes, then you’ll likely be sorely disappointed. Unless you actually have hot cakes to sell, in which case, let me know; I’ll bring my own fork. 😉

As a self-proclaimed veteran garage sale goer and holder, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks along the way. And with it being “garage sale season”, I know many of you may be looking to unload lots of your loot.

So, here are my (sometimes rather opinionated) tips to making the most of your garage sale:

Holding a Successful Garage Sale: Before the sale (Prep work)

Take the sentimentality out of your pricing. So you’re ready to part with that adorable costume your kid wore for Halloween? Great, but keep in mind what someone would actually PAY for it, not what you think it was worth to you.

It doesn’t matter what you paid for something new. This is a garage sale, and people expect reasonable prices for goods being sold. You may have paid $100 for that lovely purse when it was new, but if you’re selling it at a garage sale, expect to let it go for less than $20. If you think you could (should) get more for it, try posting it to a Facebook yard sale group, Craigslist, Amazon, or eBay. Remember, this is a garage sale; people are looking for cheap finds on used goods. You just won’t see many high-end items at a garage sale, and there’s good reason for that.

Have prices clearly marked or posted. My biggest pet peeve, and the quickest way for me to exit a sale, is to not find prices on anything. Yes, this takes time and preparation before hand. You’ll want to start pricing things at least a few days ahead of time, and put price tags on as much as you can. If you have a group of like items all at the same price (clothes, books, etc), you may be able to get away with just posting a sign for that group.

Advertise your sale. Utilize free tools, like Craigslist and Facebook, to get the word out about your sale. If you don’t have any, create (or buy) signs so people can know where you are. Make sure your signs are EASILY readable from the street, and your address is clearly shown.

“Display” as much as possible. Don’t make me dig through a box on your driveway to find something worthwhile. Set up multiple tables, shelves, and other areas on which to display what you’re selling. The more visible your items are, the easier people can spot them, the more likely they’ll be to come over and browse! This is especially critical for big-ticket items or any items you really wish to MOVE! Selling clothes? Take two ladders, and run a pole through the rungs, and voila! You’ve got a rack to display clothing on hangers. Or if you’re really lucky or fancy, utilize one of these. Books — show as many of them with their front covers showing as possible. Group series, and/or same authors together — people may wish to “bundle” them.

Holding a Successful Garage Sale: During the sale

Be prepared for haggling. This should go without saying, but I’ve been to many garage sales where people seemed shocked that I suggested a lower price on items. Along those lines, see my next point:

Keep your goal in mind. Are you selling items to help make ends meet? Are you simply looking to purge clutter in your home? Are you raising money for a charity? (If so, you definitely advertise that it’s a fundraiser — it’ll be certain to drive customers your way.) What will happen with unsold items: will they be donated, or will some items come back in to be sold at future garage sales or online? If you’re looking simply to lighten your load, then flexibility in price is key. However, if you are looking to make money, then stay firm with your (reasonable, well-thought-out) prices; but be prepared for some items to not sell that day. Consider an online sale via Craigslist, eBay, or in a Facebook group. There are TONS of Facebook groups just within the Atlanta area dedicated to this purpose.

All in all, if you take a little time before hand to prep and tag your items at reasonable prices, but are prepared to wiggle on them; have things displayed well for folks to peruse through; and can let that sentimental item out of your tight grip — you, too, can hold a successful garage sale!

Filed Under: frugal living, make money from home

Egg Breakfast Muffins & Frittata Muffins

04/01/2013 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

I finally got around to making an easy, convenient, AND healthy breakfast meal last week. Actually two variations of the same thing: egg breakfast muffins and frittata muffins! And to run the risk of tooting my own horn, I must admit, they turned out pretty darn well!

First, my flubs: I learned that there’s a reason refrigerated biscuit dough has an expiration date! lol So, I improvised and used breadstick dough instead — with delicious results! Second, I did not brown the potatoes beforehand for the frittatas, and they came out a little mushy; still tasty overall, but I would prefer a little more frittata-like crunch.

Also, search for coupons for these ingredients here. (I didn’t link to them because they’ll change too frequently!) 🙂

Ingredients (makes both egg breakfast muffins AND frittata muffins)

1 can refrigerated breadstick dough (or any dough of your choosing)
~ 1 c. frozen diced potatoes (I used potatoes o’Brian, for an extra kick)
~ 12 eggs (I used egg substitute: 3/4 egg whites, 1/4 “regular” egg substitute)
~ 1 c. shredded cheese
1 c. spinach, finely chopped
1/2 c. frozen onion and three pepper mix
salt and pepper, to taste

Egg Breakfast Muffins:

Preheat oven to 450. Spray muffin tins, and press thin layer of dough in to each spot. (I just used enough to cover bottom and sides — you’ll have to mold a little bit, and make sure there are no gaps or holes in dough.) Whisk eggs together in bowl, along with salt and pepper. Stir in chopped spinach and cheese. Spoon (or pour) in to muffin tins, about 2/3 full. Top with additional cheese if desired. Bake for about 13-15 minutes, until tops are gold and bubbly.

Frittata Muffins

Preheat oven to 450. Spray muffin tins, and place a thin layer of potatoes* on bottom of each muffin tin cup. Pour egg mixture, in to each cup, about 2/3 full. Place about 1 tbsp onion and pepper mixture in to each cup. Top with shredded cheese. Bake 17-20 minutes, until tops are gold and bubbly.

* – I did not cook the potatoes beforehand. However, I may opt to brown them in a skillet next time, as I think it’ll add a little more crunch to the muffins.