Profile For MtnWmn - Love to Save - Money & the Planet
I have always loved saving money (often out of need), but have a true passion for caring for our planet so that it will be the amazing place it is now for future generations. The great thing about being frugal is that it can be a very 'green' way of living too!
So very true! If a person will work at searching for a job that hard, they will likely find one + plus avoid getting down on themselves by sitting home and just feeling bad. It is also important to just get up and get dressed and eat a good breakfast each morning - just like you should when working. And, be positive - each person is special and talented in their own way, worthy of good employment and a bright future! ... View related article.
You are absolutely right! I used to buy a membership each year when my kids were growing up. The price is generally just a little bit more than the cost of one full admission and entitles the family to unlimited visits, as well as special events. It would be a great family gift! And, it is true, some other zoos around the country will accept the membership card for free admission too - you have to check your membership to see what zoos provide reciprocity.
Memberships are also good things to purchase at amusement parks too, if you live close by. Thanks for the great reminder! ... View related article.
Another great idea that costs very little is one I gave my husband last year (doesn't hurt to help them out a bit, ladies ;). I reminded my husband that I LOVE romance novels and that our local second hand store has them for 50 cents each. I received three books (all nicely wrapped) and they only cost my hubby $1.50 and a little bit of thought as to which ones to choose. This was a perfect gift for me! I made him a nice dinner and he was happy too. ... View related article.
That sounds like SO much fun and I am sure your grandchildren will have such a great time! What great little ideas to keep them having hours and days of fun! Thank you for sharing! ... View related article.
Awww - my home town. I don't miss the hustle and bustle of this busy area, but I do miss sights like that. I agree - that would be a winning picture in a contest. Thanks for sharing! ... View related article.
The great news is, there are so many ways to live green. Here are a few:
Anytime you decide that you need or want something, first determine if it is something you REALLY need. How long and how will it bring joy and beauty to your life? Is it just going to create clutter? Maybe force yourself to wait a day or even a week before buying the item. If you decide that you really do need the item, make every effort to purchase it second hand. I rarely buy clothing that has not been preowned and people frequently compliment me on how I am dressed. I have also purchased (or been given) most every piece of furniture I own. I update or modify it into whatever I want it to be or look like. It is such a fun and GREEN way to be creative. If you have FreeCycle in Paris, take a look there and see what people are giving away AND give away items that you no longer want. Being green is a way of giving back to others and to the planet.
Another way to be green is to consider the cleaning products you use in your home. There are so many environmentally safe household and laundry cleaning products on the market (plus baking soda - as mentioned previously, vinegar, citrus juice, etc.), there is no longer a need to use those harsh chemicals any longer. The great thing is that, while the items cost a little more typically, they go a lot farther. For example, you use less laundry soap than you would with the other brands. Try some of these items for yourself and I think you will be happy with them - and so will Mother Nature!
Eating foods that are organic whenever possible is another way to be green. Supporting 'green' farmers helps us to have a healthy supply of food in our world. Farming by using pesticides and herbicides is neither healthy to people, animals or the planet. Again, foods are often a bit more pricey, but I find that I am more careful about the amount of organic food I buy and consume - good for the planet and my waistline :).
Finally, you have taken a huge step just by asking and researching. Learn as much as you can. Try new ways of going green a little at a time. With the holidays coming up, strive to make them green. Don't use paper gift wrapping - instead make some usable gift bags or buy containers at a second hand store for your wrapping. AND, let your loved ones know that you are doing this in order to go green, because you care about your planet, and all of the people and other creatures in it.
First, it is great that you want to recycle, rather than just tear them down and toss!
When we built our little cabin in the woods, we decided to go with two sets of older cabinets and make them our own. We actually had them in pieces, which you may not want to do. I sanded, primed and painted each cabinet a navy blue (denim-type color). All of the cabinet doors had a panel in them, which we removed. I then painted the doors a bright red (going for the Americana theme). I purchased sheet metal, which I cut the size of the panels (be very careful doing this - you need tin snipes and good gloves). I drew designs on paper and then used an ice pick and small hammer to punch the designs into the metal. I attached the panels and they are magnificent. I did use chicken wire on two cabinets with double doors, so that I could display my good dishes. I was given a Home Depot gift card, which I used to purchase matching silver cabinet handles and spraypainted the original hinges silver to match. I am so proud of my cabinets and no one else has them! The cost was approximately $300.00 for everything - much better than the $11,000 quoted to us for having them built. ... View related article.
Something that I did one year for my grown and married kids was to create a box full of things that everyone tends to need, but can never find. I decorated baby wipe boxes that I got from friends who have little ones and placed the following items inside: scissors, scotch tape, pens & pencils, velcro pieces, small sewing kit (homemade), small first aid kit (also homemade with bandages, antibiotic wipes, Pepto tablets, aspirin, etc.), postage stamps, paper clips, tiny stapler and staples, whiteout, small post-it note, a Sharpie, matches, a small candle, and much more. I bought everything in bulk and divided them, so I spent about $15.00 for everything My kids LOVED them and keep them in their 'junk' drawers. They say they have used the contents many times and love that they are right there where they can be found. ... View related article.
