Trimming the Fat: Reducing our Utilities

In the ever enduring quest to cut back wherever possible, we have recently canceled our basic cable package & replaced it with a HD antenna, a Roku box, & a Netflix subscription.  Which got me to thinking, why was I content to pay $38 a month for internet, when our current carrier had an online promo for $20 a month & a competitor was offering DSL for $14.95?

After procrastination & some serious dread, I finally got the guts up to call & negotiate our high internet bill.  The man I spoke with was so kind & helpful, so when I said we were a one income family & we were willing to switch providers to save money, he went straight to their best offer--$20 a month.  He even offered to lock that promotional price in for a year, which will amount to a  savings of $218 over the next year! (Oh my heart just sings with the savings!)

As much as I absolutely dread making such phone calls, I have found the savings handsome enough to void any feelings of embarrassment.  So there you have it, if you swallow your pride, & ask, the majority of the time you will receive.   Happy negotiating!

Hooray for Recycled Dishes!

I recently came upon these Re-Play children's dishes at our local Walmart.  They're inexpensive (approximately 5 a package), made from recycled milk jugs, BPA free, & manufactured in the USA.  The plates have deep wells, so it's easy for E to scoop her food , & the plastic very thick & sturdy.

While the plates are not microwavable, they're dishwasher safe & durable as all get out.  If you're in the market for some sturdy, environmentally friendly children's dishes, I'd highly recommend buying from Re-Play.  They're fabulous!

Increasing Food Prices

The USDA has recently stated that this summer's drought will most certainly drive up the cost of food in 2013.  In an effort to prevent feeling that increase I've been trying to stock up on non-perishables.  I've gotten a good supply of dried beans, whole wheat flour, whole wheat pasta, dried fruit, & canned (from my gram's garden) & frozen veggies.

Admittedly, reports like this make me feel a little nervous, but I have high hopes that with a little crafty shopping in the coming months we'll be in good shape.  Rather than being paranoid, I figure I'm just being prepared.  Right?!

Anyone else nervous about raising food prices?

Make Your Own Foaming Dish Soap

After seeing the exorbitant price of foaming dish soap in the store, I figured I could make the same thing for much cheaper.  I use dish soap samples, which makes the soap completely free, & a few pumps work just as well as a squirt of regular dish soap. Yeah!  Here's how to make it:  

Simply take an empty foaming soap dispenser & your dish soap. (The same method can be used to make hand soap, just replace the dish soap with hand soap.)

Fill 1/4 of the pump with soap & fill the remainder with water.  Gently mix together.

Voila, you have foaming dish soap! Just add a few pumps to a sink of dishes & you're good to go.  Look forward to long lasting bottles of dish soap & fewer trips to the store!

Natural Fever Reducer

Source

Emerson's currently sick & last night her fever spiked to103.7 & she was maxed out on fever reducers.   Feeling desperate, I remembered an article I read suggesting onions could draw down a fever, & figured it was worth a shot.

I simply cut the onion in half, put the cut side on the bottom of her feet, & covered her feet with socks to keep the onions in place.  Within 15 minutes E's fever was down to two degrees & her room smelled like a burger joint.

Of course this remedy requires a compliant patient; not one who freaks out & pulls off the sock/onion combo within a half an hour.  Regardless, if you're looking for a fast, natural way to draw down a fever, try the onion method.  It definitely seemed to work.

Storing Up For Winter

One of the many wonderful things about summer is the bounty of produce.  We try to eat seasonally, so in the summer, while produce is at the peak of freshness I like to prep & freeze as much as possible for the winter.

When strawberries were on sale for $0.99/lb I went a little nuts & bought 10 lbs to be prepped & frozen.  The frozen fruit isn't so fabulous on its own, but they're delicious in cereal, yogurt, or smoothies. 

Though it's a lot of work, it's nice when the pickings are slim in the winter to be able to walk out to our freezer & taste the freshness of summer.  Plus, the work is much more fun when it's overseen by the happiest little sous chef in town!

It's Back! Lotus Bumz cloth diapers for $8.32 each!

I don't usually share deals, but because this one is a fabulous deal on cloth diapers I figured I would pass it along.  Right now if you sign up with Keekoo (a daily deal site specializing in maternity-child products), you will receive a $10 credit.  You can then use that $10 credit toward one of their daily deals, Lotus Bumz one size pocket diapers.  After the credit is applied you can by 6 for $8.32 each, which is pretty fabulous for a new cloth diaper--especially ones this cute!

Here's how:

In order to use the $10 credit you must spend $50,  chose 6 of the diapers at $9.99, which will bring the subtotal to $59.94, enough to have the $10 credit applied, lowering the total to $49.94.

 I bought these the last time that Keekoo had them & they are FABULOUS!  I can even use them at naptime on Emerson, which is saying something because she's almost 2 1/2.  If you're interested sign up here, but hurry, the deal expires 7/27 at midnight.  

Cloth diapering & is a fabulous money & trash saver, & I just love it.  If you're looking for more information about cloth diapering check out my posts here & here & feel free to ask questions in the comments.  I'm happy to help!