simplesahm | July 16, 2008 Do you Freecycle?
If not, you should.
I heard about Freecycle.com about a year ago and assumed it was a glorified garage sale "free box". You know what I am talking about. The box filled with crap like stuffed animals and broken Happy Meal toys that no one wants....
Boy was I wrong. A friend reminded me of Freecycle the other day. He loves to cook and wanted to purchase a pressure cooker but couldn't afford it. He joined Freecycle and posted a message..."Wanted: Pressure Cooker" - within two days he was trying out his brand new (to him) pressure cooker recipes.
I wasn't completely sold, but joined anyway. I am trying to downsize a bit so I figured I could at least use it to declutter a bit.
Part of my downsizing plan means getting rid of the gym membership so I posted...."Wanted:treadmill"..."If it is collecting dust at your place, let it collect dust at mine instead". =)
Within 24 hours, three people responded. This morning...instead of driving to the gym, I ran for 20 minutes on my new (to me at least)...and surprisingly nice treadmill.
This weekend someone was giving away a trampoline....
This morning, someone was giving away a plethora of baby items including a crib, bassinet and car seat.
Tonight...I am going to give away a computer monitor, keyboard, kids' games and mouse.
It is an absolute blast. I love reading the posts. I am anxious to grant wishes...and I am really excited to share my pile of pre-pregnancy jeans with someone who may actually be able to squeeze into them!
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simplesahm | June 12, 2008 In the News: FDA: Bisphenol A Bottles are Safe
If you are a new mother or expecting mother you are probably aware of the controversy regarding Bisphenol-A or "BPA" for short. This is a chemical found in some plastic baby bottles that could increase cancer risks or cause brain abnormalities (according to some reports).
I am the guilt-ridden mother of two young children who used Avent bottles exclusively when they were babies. Needless to say, I was thankful to read this recent news article - but somewhat skeptical.
Knowing that this was even *somewhat* of a concern (at least concerning enough to get stores to pull BPA bottles off of the shelves) I am not so sure I would risk using them ever again.
Here is the rest of the article...
What are your thoughts? Post them in the comments section.
You can get alternative baby bottles (BPA-free and glass) at www.discountorganicbaby.com.
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simplesahm | November 15, 2007 20 Extraordinary Uses for Old Pantyhose
I don't think I've worn pantyhose since I left my job in 2002. (I prefer skirts, tall black boots and sweat socks now). =) Oddly enough, I still have piles of pantyhose cluttering up my drawers. Check out this article that offers some fantastic uses for the dreaded pantyhose.
When your pantyhose have runs and tears in them, don't throw them away. Someone somewhere will have a use for them. Here are twenty useful ways to recycle them.
- Cut the legs off and use to keep all those odd bits of soap that tend to get left in the bathroom. Tie the end and keep it beside the sink for hand washing.
- Put mothballs into a leg and tie it to the rail in your closet
- Fill a leg with lavender and use to scent your closet
Technorati Tags: homemaking , cleaning , crafts , pantyhose , recycle , recycling , recycling pantyhose
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simplesahm | October 31, 2007 I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas
Green is the new black. Eco-friendly is always in style. Here are a few ways that you can have a green Christmas - and save a little "green" in the process.
* Trim your tree, fireplace and centerpieces with biodegradable decorations like popcorn or cranberries. Warm up some cocoa, pop in a movie and enjoy an evening of family time while stringing your holiday decor.
* Purchase LED Christmas lights. LED lights use 80-90% less energy and can be used year after year. Using less energy has a positive impact on the environment AND the seasons' energy bills.
* Package your presents with recycled newspaper or popcorn (vs. peanuts).
* Buy a live tree that can be re-planted in your yard (or a friends' yard) after the season.
* Don't use disposable plates, cups or napkins. Grab a friend and do dishes the old fashioned way to save money and protect the environment.
Click here for additional ways that you can enjoy a GREEN & Frugal Christmas.
Tags: green living, simple living, christmas lights, frugal living, save money, environment, go green
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simplesahm | October 19, 2007 Asthma, Allergies and a Few Frugal Cleaning Solutions
My two year old son recently spent a week in the hospital after suffering a severe respiratory infection. While he had been a healthy baby, now we suspect that he may be suffering from both asthma and seasonal allergies too. 
During the week of his hospitalization, I had a meltdown. I sent my husband to stay with him at the hospital while I frantically cleaned our home. I hadn't slept for days and I was determined to kill whatever virus landed him in there in the first place. With my bottle of three-in-one cleaner in hand, I sprayed everything from his bedding...to the walls. (I think I even sprayed the dog). As I looked at our sparkling clean bathroom I took a deep breath. My entire home smelled like bleach.
Suddenly, I stopped in my tracks. "What if the chemical smell irritates him?" "What exactly did I just cover my home with?" "Was I doing more harm than good?" When we returned from the hospital, I began to rethink my cleaning and air-freshener choices.
I remember reading Nicole's post about frugal air freshener choices. This was exactly what I was looking for. I threw out many of the intense, chemical-laden freshener sprays I'd been using along with the "stick up" I'd placed in his room. (He's only two and his room *already* smells like boy).
Continue Reading at Families.com
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simplesahm | September 2, 2007 Sustainable Living and the Work/Life Balance
Enjoy this wonderful video about thrift shopping and green living.
"Quality of life is not about money - time is the key to it all and it is never to late to build a bridge to the ones you love".
Amen, sister! Enjoy.
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simplesahm | September 1, 2007 Are You Willing to "Spare a Square" to Save a Buck?
There's been a big buzz on the news and internet about rock-singer Sheryl Crow's recent blog posts about conservationism and global warming. In one post she wrote, "I propose a limitation be put on how many squares of toilet paper can be used in any one sitting." She also suggested that she's invented a line of clothing which includes a removable "dining sleeve" that would replace the need for paper napkins. 
While some reporters are suggesting that Crow was being a bit "over the top" on purpose to draw attention to the issue, I personally don't think her ideas were too outrageous. While I will not go as far as to use only one square of toilet paper "per sitting" if you will, this is one of the few times I've actually paid attention to the amount of toilet paper my family uses. How much would we save if we limited our "squares" to three? What if we doubled a single roll of toilet paper by separating the plys of thicker papers? (Mary Ann wrote a wonderful blog earlier this year about saving money on toilet paper).
While I don't plan to purchase a "dining sleeve" (because frankly, it grosses me out), I may pay more attention to the amount of paper napkins, baby wipes, and tissues I use to wipe spills, noses and other cleaning chores. Would you be willing to use a good ol'fashioned hankie again to save some money (and help conserve trees?)
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simplesahm | August 30, 2007 America’s Cheapest Family
A Family of 7 Lives Debt-Free on $35,000 a year. How is it possible? Let's watch...and learn! =)
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