The Frugal Life News

14 Ways a Notebook Can Save You Money

2009-11-14T08:20:00.000-05:00

Melinda writes in:

You constantly write about how having a notebook in your pocket all the time helps you in life and saves you money. I get that you can write down your ideas in it all the time, but I’m not a creative type. I don’t see how having a notebook on me at all times can save me money at all.

Aside from the fact that I’m able to use the notebook to write down my ideas – my career’s bread and butter – a pocket notebook constantly comes in handy for many other financial reasons as well. (FYI, I usually just keep a simple small Mead reporter’s notebook in my pocket, along with a good pen that doesn’t run out of ink.) Here are fourteen ways I use that notebook to directly save money. ... Read about the 14 ways.

Make Your Own Fitted Diapers

2009-11-13T16:48:00.001-05:00

Learning how to make homemade cloth diapers, even fitted ones, is probably a lot easier than you think. If you have minimal sewing skills and can follow simple instructions you can finish one in less than two hours. Once you get the hang of it you can finish one in forty-five minutes or less. View the Slideshow How-To.

Healthy Stuff - Finding Non-Toxic Products

2009-11-12T16:58:00.001-05:00

A nonprofit environmental research organization released results today on over 900 common products tested for toxic chemicals including lead, cadmium, mercury, bromine, chlorine (PVC) and arsenic. Using an XRF analyzer, researchers at the Ecology Center analyzed the ingredients of pet products, cars, women's handbags, children's car seats and more, creating the largest database yet of independent tests of toxic chemicals in consumer goods.

The results can be found on the user-friendly website: www.HealthyStuff.org. Visitors can look up products by manufacturer, brand, or product type and easily generate lists of highly rated and poorly rated products.

HealthyStuff.org tested for chemicals based on their toxicity, persistence and tendency to build up in people and the environment. Such chemicals have been linked to reproductive problems, developmental and learning disabilities, liver toxicity and cancer.

"The more we test, the more we find that the presence of toxic chemicals is widespread in everyday consumer products," said Jeff Gearhart, Research Director at the Ecology Center, who created the site. "It should not be the responsibility of public health advocates to test these products. Product manufacturers and legislators must take the lead and replace dangerous substances with safe alternatives."

For the past several years the Ecology Center has spearheaded groundbreaking research on toxic chemicals in toys, cars and children's car seats at HealthyToys.org and HealthyCar.org. HealthyStuff.org is a compilation of all of these findings and more.

New Key Findings From HealthyStuff.org:

Pet Products – HealthyStuff.org tested over 400 pet products, including beds, chew toys, collars and leashes. Since there are no government standards for hazardous chemicals in pet products, it is not surprising that alarming levels of toxic chemicals were found. One quarter of all pet products had detectable levels of lead, including seven percent with levels higher than 300 ppm – the current Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard for lead in children's products.
Automobiles – HealthyStuff.org tested nearly 700 new and used vehicles, from 1980 to 2010 model year vehicles. The US-made Pontiac G5 and Chevy Cobalt rated best overall 2009 vehicles. Levels of some chemicals found in vehicles are 5-10 times higher than in homes or offices. Since the average American spends more than 1.5 hours in their car every day, this can be a major source of toxic chemical exposure.
Children's Car Seats – Infant and child car seats contain chemical additives that can have adverse health effects on babies and young children. Over half (58%) of car seats contain one or more hazardous chemicals, including PVC, BFRs and heavy metals. Three examples of car seats that had none of the chemicals tested for are: Baby Trend Flex-Loc; the Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat; and the Graco Turbo Booster. Despite the toxic chemicals, it is vital to use a car seat for your child because they do save lives.
Back-to-School Products – HealthyStuff.org screened over 60 common back-to-school supplies, including backpacks, pencil cases, binders and lunchboxes. Far too many of these supplies are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and 22% contained detectable levels of lead. Overall nearly 90% of back-to-school supplies contained one or more chemicals of concern.
Women's Handbags – HealthyStuff.org tested over 100 women's handbags and detected lead in over 75% of the bags analyzed. Sixty-four percent (64%) of the bags contained lead over 300 ppm – the CPSC limit for lead in children's products. Over half of the handbags contain more than 1,000 ppm lead.

Reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act

In response to increasing consumer demand for safer products, Senator Frank Lautenberg and Representative Bobby Rush are expected to introduce a new bill this Congressional session to reform the outdated Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) – the current federal law for regulating chemicals. These reforms would phase out the most dangerous chemicals from the manufacturing process; require industry to take responsibility for the safety of their products; and use the best science to protect vulnerable groups. To date the EPA has required testing on only about 200 of the more than 80,000 chemicals that have been on the market since the law was passed 33 years ago.

"A Made in the USA label should be a guarantee, not a warning," said Charlotte Brody, National Field Director for Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, a coalition working toward toxic chemical policy reform. "This database of products is further proof that our system of testing and regulating toxic chemicals is broken. We have an opportunity to reform federal law this year and start putting common sense limits on harmful chemicals to protect the health of Americans."

"HealthyStuff.org is an invaluable resource for busy parents who are concerned about toxic chemicals in children's products," said Mom's Rising President Joan Blades. "But it shouldn't be up to parents to look up every single item to find out if toxic chemicals are used. We need reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act now."

For a summary of key findings, click here (PDF download).

Green Living Saves Green

2009-11-11T19:58:00.002-05:00

Nancy Sleeth is the author of Go Green Save Green, a book that reminds people that taking care of the environment is actually about respecting God and your neighbor.

She and her husband Matthew, a former ER physician, are the co-directors of Blessed Earth, a non-profit organization that draws attention to the issue and the practice of creation care. It’s been a long journey for this eco-friendly couple, one which Nancy says was both environmental and spiritual in nature.

Now, Nancy has published her own thorough guide to the green life. Go Green Save Green includes chapters on everything from transportation to church, with practical tips and charts on how one can begin living a conscious and communal life. “My main goal is to have people love God and love their neighbors by taking better care of creation,” said Nancy. “That’s absolutely it. It’s about my journey, and sharing it with other people. Read the entire article.

Free Natural Health Webinars

2009-11-06T19:51:00.001-05:00

The next ABC+D Approach to Natural Healing Webinar is offering the first two sessions of this class absolutely FREE. In these sessions Steven Horne talks about the difference between treating disease and building health, by explaining the ABCs of natural healing (Activate, Build and Cleanse).

This is valuable information is enough to get anyone started on the road to helping themselves be happier and healthier. And, it's all free!

The preview sessions will be held December 8th and December 15th. There is an early session at 7:00 Eastern, 6:00 Central, 5:00 Mountain and 4:00 Pacific and a late session at 9:30 Eastern, 8:30 Central, 7:30 Mountain and 6:30 Pacific.

Register for these sessions by using either of these links:

Click here to register for the ABC+D Preview EARLY Session
Click here to register for the ABC+D Preview LATE Session

Shop at The Herbs Place for any products mentioned that are of interest. Wholesale prices every day and fast shipping from 4 warehouses.

This website is maintained by TheHerbsPlace.com. What's On Sale Now?

Improving Your Water Logged Soil

2009-11-01T16:47:00.001-05:00

I want to ask if any of you know what to do with soil that is holding water. I planted a dogwood tree 3 months back and saw it was doing poorly and when I removed it I had to 'ring the roots out.' Everytime I watered it and fed it the liquids were choking the roots. I want to put a dogwood in the same place but I really don't know what to do with that much standing water except to build it up with a berm. Do any of you have any ideas on the subject?

A. I'm in Australia (southern) and I would suggest planting tea-trees (melaleucas species), willows, gum trees, iris, anything that thrives on being in boggy conditions. (its called 'puggy' where I live ) because its like a sponge in winter (soaks up the water) and cracks in the very dry drought like conditions (not very often) Dogwoods, in Australia at least, seem to like dry conditions, build up a hill like formation of soil and then plant so that it drains really well and keeps the roots out of damp. Gail in Australia

A. Most problems with water and trees and bushes start with too small a hole dug with a shovel thus packing the outside edges as the next shovelful is levered out. The water has a hard time getting past this wall of packed dirt. BUT, first you need to determine if the surrounding area just plain holds water due to hardpan soil or a high content of clay. OR is ... Read the entire article.

Growing Plants from Mango Seeds

2009-11-01T16:38:00.001-05:00

Q. Can anyone tell me how to grow a plant from a mango seed. I love mangoes and buy a lot of them and it would be nice to get the seeds to grow.

After cutting all of the fruit from the seed I take a stiff brush and scrub the rest off and put the clean seed in a small cup of water---yogurt cup will do---and fill with water The water does not have to cover the seed but at least 3/4 of it . I set it in the window over the sink and rinse it a couple times a week. Even though it is scrubbed good it will need the water changed regularly or it will get smelly and will attract fruit flies. When the seed opens and starts showing signs of growth I move it to another container and start adding potting soil until it is growing in full soil like any other plant . As it grows it increase the size of the container. I have rooted and grown several but I cannot keep them living through the winter. When I bring them in they go into shock and no matter how hard I try they are compost by the next spring. I have two very pretty ones now but I need help to keep them living. Gloria

I have rooted Mango seeds by washing the seed and putting it in between a dishrag and ... Read how to grow Mango from seed.

Credit Cards To Charge Good Behavior Fees

2009-10-19T18:14:00.001-04:00

In what could ultimately be a game-changer in the credit card industry, it appears credit card companies are considering charging customers a new sort of annual fee – for paying off your balance each month. The information is coming slow, but I did find a good article by USA Today, Latest Bank Fee is for Paying Off Credit Card On Time Every Month, that runs down a few of the cards and their new tactics.

Credit card companies, and their defenders, will of course point to the new Credit CARD Act, which will limit ... Read the entire article.

10 Non-Secrets About Grocery Shopping

2009-10-18T18:19:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday I went grocery shopping, one of the best tips I got from my mother was to take a calculator with me. There are two reasons, one, to keep myself on budget and two, for figuring out cost per… whatever. As I walk around the store and pick up items I enter them into my calculator and round up to the nearest dollar when I do (I’d rather be over than under).Secret #2 is to make sure that I jot down on a piece a paper (back of a junk mail envelope) a list of food that I need to buy. I also include junk food as well and exactly what I am going to buy so that I don't get carried away. Did you know that shopping without a list can cost you up to 40% more with the ... Read the entire article.

When Should You Fire Your Real Estate Agent?

2009-10-17T05:08:00.000-04:00

Lately several couples I know have been trying to purchase real estate, and it seems that none of them are too happy with their real estate agents. Some of them have been working with their agents for months without any positive outcome. The fact is that some of these poorly performing agents should have been fired long ago. Here are some signs that you should fire your real estate agent.

1. You know the agent is being unethical.

One person reported that his agent sent multiple buyers to the same houses, and subtlely encouraged the buyers to bid against each other. This agent is basically pitting his own clients against each other and that is not in the interest of any of the clients. If you suspect your agent of being unethical then it is probably best to cut off that relationship because these agents could bring you more trouble down the road.

2. The agent seems to have no basic knowledge of the local real estate market.

A good buyer's agent should know the general condition and trends of the real estate market he or she works in and provide some advice to buyers as to how much money to ... Read the entire article.

Get Rebate Checks - Shop Thru eBates

2009-10-14T06:02:00.001-04:00

Since we work from home, we do much of my shopping online. Years ago we signed up for eBates to get rebate checks for shopping through the eBates website. Since March 2008 we've earned $321.86 in rebate checks. It's free. No commitments. Signup and shop through it. Your rebate percentages will accrue and you can cash those checks to spend for a special family day. Check it out.

What Is a “Good Job”?

2009-10-14T05:05:00.000-04:00

During my senior year of high school, after I had learned that I had received enough scholarships to attend a major university, I sat down and studied all of the majors that were available to me. Two of them really stood out, due to my personal interests: English and mathematics.

Unfortunately, as soon as I told anyone about my goals, they’d almost always tell me the same thing. “You’ll never get a good job with an English degree.” “A math degree? The only way you’ll get good work with that is with a Ph. D.”

And I believed them. Instead of paying attention to my natural interests, I started focusing instead on which majors offered high paying jobs and, from there, I picked a major in the hard sciences that seemed to interest me the most. It was a ... Read what a "good job" consists of.

Some Thoughts on Moods and Spending

2009-10-14T05:02:00.000-04:00

For me, September is the unhappiest month of the year.

Sarah, after being off all summer, returns to work at the end of August, leaving me alone at home many days with my thoughts and my work. This also means that the children’s daycare attendance increases as well.

The house goes from noisy and happy to empty and quiet. Even as I attempt to fill it with music and NPR, it still feels somehow vacant and still. The liveliness is gone – no more children’s laughter floating up the stairs to cheer me while I’m working and no more occasional interruptions by Sarah just to let me know she’s ... Read the entire article.

Got Powdery Mildew? Get Milk!

2009-10-11T16:45:00.001-04:00

Less than 3 years ago, researchers in South America discovered a new alternative to controlling powdery mildew. Wagner Bettiol, a scientist from Brazil, found that weekly sprays of milk controlled powdery mildew in zucchini just as effectively as synthetic fungicides such as fenarimol or benomyl. Not only was milk found to be effective at controlling the disease, it also acted as a foliar fertilizer, boosting the plant's immune system.

Powdery mildew in the cucurbit family is caused by the organism Sphaerotheca fuliginea. It is a serious disease that occurs worldwide. For decades, organic gardeners had to rely on making a spray from baking soda to control the disease. Now, instead of measuring out the baking soda and combining it with a surfactant (a 'sticking' substance) of either oil or soap, gardeners need only head for their refrigerators.

In his experiments with zucchini plants, Bettiol found that a weekly spray of milk at a concentration of at least 10% (1 part milk to 9 parts water) significantly reduced the severity of powdery mildew infection on the plants by 90%. While some gardeners may be tempted to increase the concentration of milk for more control, Bettiol found that once concentrations rose above 30%, an innoccuous fungus began ... Read more about how milk helps with mildew.

Energy Tax Credits

2009-10-11T16:41:00.001-04:00

Planning on changing out some windows and doors, hot water heater, HVAC system? Check out the government website that will tell you about tax credits, so you make the right choice for savings on your purchase. Energy Tax Credits.

Local Yard Sale Mapping

2009-10-11T16:38:00.001-04:00

Yard Sale Treasure Map (YSTM) allows you to search for yard sales in your area. There are countless websites today that claim to be the “place to go” on the web to find and post garage sales. But let’s be honest … there is only one globally accepted online source for garage sale ads … Craigslist!

Not only is Craigslist a wonderful resource, it is also absolutely free! So honestly, why bother posting your ad anywhere else online? Craigslist ads feed into YSTM so you can see where the sales are on the map. Visit Now.

Essentials For Stocking Up Your Pantry

2009-10-08T07:28:00.000-04:00

When you’re trying to come up with a meal in a hurry, there’s nothing like having a fully-stocked pantry. There’s no limit to the things I can whip up when my pantry is full. If you’re new to the idea of stocking a pantry, though, you may be a little overwhelmed trying to decide what things are essential to have. Grocery stores are full of things that look good, but may not work well as stock items.

To be honest, no one can tell you exactly which items you should include in your pantry stockpile. Some of these choices have to be made based upon what your family eats. If you’re into pasta, for instance, you’ll definitely want to include some different types of pasta. On the other hand, if your family likes sweets, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of baking supplies on hand.

Although you have to decide for yourself what things you have to have in your pantry, I thought I’d tell you about the things we keep in our pantry. This list should get your mind working to help you create your own list. Read the entire article.

Stop Drinking Bottled Water

2009-10-08T04:38:00.000-04:00

From "The Good Human.com" Website

It is a common misconception for many people that bottled water is safer than tap, plastic bottles get recycled, and no harm is being done to the environment in the bottling process. Unfortunately, that could not be further from the truth!

So in case you either needed more reasons to stop drinking bottled water, or a few extra talking points when discussing with your friends, I have assembled 12 solid reasons to kick the bottled water habit.

Trim Fat From The Family Budget

2009-10-08T01:34:00.000-04:00

Small changes have reduced electrical charges in my home. On a year-over-year basis, we have used 20 percent less electricity due to two minor adjustments. We have switched most of the light bulbs to compact florescent bulbs (CFLs), an energy-saving option. Additionally, during the day and vacations, we turn off the water heater, a move that generates cool savings.

Those are just a few of the ways of finding additional space in a tight budget, according to the Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Palm Beach County, Fla., and the Treasure Coast. How do you cut the fat if your budget is already lean? A reality check will help you write smaller checks for household bills, according to the folks at CCCS.

'Successful saving starts with a realistic look at how you are spending money now and what changes you can realistically make,' said Jessica Cecere, president of CCCS.

For example, consumers can cut electric bills by $50 or more by washing clothes in cold water, using energy-efficient bulbs and installing a programmable thermostat, Cecere said. Here are other recommended changes: Read the entire article.

Nasal Vaccine Has Live Swine Flu

2009-10-07T15:53:00.001-04:00

The first doses of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine are NOW arriving at clinics around the United States, and many people are lining up to get their vaccine. Is the media accurately informing the public what they are taking?

Most Americans do not realize that the early batches of the H1N1 swine flu nasal vaccine contain live swine flu. If you are trying to avoid the swine flu do you really think that it is a good idea to have live swine flu injected up your nose?

Many health experts are expressing a great concern about the safety of FluMist, and many hospitals are rejecting this nasal spray vaccine all together. Several Denver area hospitals are rejecting the FluMist swine flu vaccine because "they don’t want to endanger patients".

The media reports that the live swine flu within the vaccines has been "weakened", but according according to Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, between 10 million and 100 million swine flu viral particles will be forcefully injected into the nostrils when FluMist is administered to a patient. Read the entire article

Our proven defense against viruses is Silver Shield, EPA approved as non-toxic with patented technology.

Getting Your Yard Ready For Winter

2009-10-05T19:18:00.001-04:00

Fall typically means cooler temperatures, more dependable rains, fewer pests and disease problems and an amazing burst of foliage color.

If you're lucky enough to live in an area where fall color can be spectacular, you get to watch how deciduous plants can go from solid green to an amazing array of yellows, oranges and reds.

Keep in mind that a plant's ability to produce vibrant fall color depends largely on genetics. Weather plays a minor role, but unless a plant is genetically hard-wired to produce color, there's nothing you can do to change that.

So enjoy the color for as long as it lasts, knowing that as fall turns to winter, more changes will take place. Here are some tips on getting your yard ready for the chilly season.

How to Weather Strip Your Home

2009-10-05T19:12:00.001-04:00

Weather stripping and caulking your home will not only keep the elements out, but it will help reduce your energy costs. Here's the best advice and instruction for weatherproofing your home. Read the entire article. Get step-by-step instructions.

How to Recycle Tennis Balls

2009-10-05T16:10:00.001-04:00

Do you know that this year over 557 million tennis balls will be manufactured globally. And do you know what happens to these tennis balls when you are finished with them? Not much!

The majority end up being dumped in landfills. To date very little recycling of tennis balls has been done, but now you can discover the many ways you can recycle tennis balls and help your environment.

If you love tennis then find out how you can recycle your tennis balls easily and efficiently. Visit RecyleTennisBalls.com.

10 Life and Money Lessons Learned

2009-10-02T10:09:00.002-04:00

My parents were both born in Southern Italy where unemployment is high and quality of life is superb. My mother, Annunziata, made it to the 7th grade and my father, Tommaso, has the equivalent of a technical high school diploma. Both of my parents immigrated to the US in 1975 and are currently debt free, own their own two-family home, and have plenty of cash in savings. They are, in many ways, leading the American dream – by not adopting the principles of American consumerism.

My parents have taught me many lessons about saving money and leading a high quality life via being practical, but the following ten lessons were most influential in shaping how I lead my life as a thirty-something today. Some of the lessons are what would be described as old school and some may be overly ... Read the 10 money lessons.

Free Music Online

2009-10-01T10:28:00.002-04:00

Looking for free music that you can listen to online or download to your MP3 player? Here are several great sites to check out, starting with the best:

1. Pandora.com
Enter a favorite artist, song or composer; and the site will create a custom radio station featuring your favorite music, plus other music like it. You can create up to 100 radio ... Read about the other 7 sites.