Mai Garden!

I'm going to be honest and tell you that I sat down about 3 times this week to post, but I've been in a cranky funk all week (which you may already know if you talked to me via in-person, the phone or email).  I'm very sorry to everyone.  I'm done being in a funk.  Do you want to know why?  MY GARDEN!

Purple carrots, tomatoes of all kinds, bell peppers, cucs, beets, lettuce mix, and radishes. All are NO-GMO (aka no genetically modified food)

4 pumpkins, 1 candy roaster winter squash, 6 snow peas, and 1 onion (to see if its too cold).  Much more to come in this box.

Linky-Loo Friday

Today's post is from Leah Ingram at the Suddenly Frugal Blog.  

11 Tips for Prepping Your House for Summer Energy Usage

There are simple steps you can take to get your home ready for summer energy usage–specifically checking your home’s heating and air-conditioning system. These 11 tips come courtesy of Solarday.com, a solar energy and green lifestyles portal.

1. To begin, change your filters in your heating/cooling system. Change them regularly – at least monthly.

2. Next change your thermostat over to “cool” and test the system by turning the temperature down. If the air conditioner does not turn on, first check to make sure no breakers are tripped. If you can’t figure out the problem, call your heating and air-conditioning repair person. (Don’t have one? Try ServiceMagic, which has always treated me well.) Calling early may keep you from making an “emergency” call when the temperatures are soaring and the repair people are super busy and expensive.

3. If your cooling system turns on, make sure it is putting out adequate cooling. If it’s not, and you can’t figure out the problem, call your heating and air-conditioning repair person. Set the thermostat at 78 degrees.

4. If your air conditioner needs replacement, do it before the hot weather hits. This way you’re not wilting because the heating and air-conditioning repair people are very busy.

5. Your air ducts may need testing for leaks and then sealed. Your attic insulation probably has compacted, so you need to add an additional 5 to 8 inches. Your windows and doors and other parts of the building envelope may need caulking and weather stripping. Think about solar window film to keep out the heat.

6. Consider changing your old thermostat to a programmable one. You can save up to $100 a year by using a new set-back thermostat. If your thermostat is really old and uses a mercury switch (a glass tube filed with yes, mercury, a silvery substance), call your local public works department to find out how to dispose of this toxic material–or log onto Earth 911 to find out where you can dispose of it locally.

7. Installing a whole-house fan that uses cool air in the evening to cool the entire house and push hot air out of the attic area can keep your house comfortable for less cash.

8. If you cover your air conditioner’s condenser unit (the part that is outside the house) for the winter, take off the cover and clean the coils. Clear areas around the condenser unit so that it has full air flow.

9. Ceiling fans can help reduce your need to use the air conditioner. (Make sure you give them a good dusting before turning them on for the first time.)

10. Take down the old storm windows (if you live in areas where you need them) and get those screens cleaned and ready to put up.

11. And don’t forget your car’s heating and cooling systems.  If you haven’t turned on your car air conditioner for months it may be out of coolant, so check it before taking a long, hot, summer drive.

What other tips do you have?  Leave a comment below :)

I paid how much?

It's been pouring buckets most of the day with the usual gray skies to go along with it.  Late last week I got a flyer from Kohls with a $10 gift certificate attached.  I told myself that I'd post it on my Facebook and see if any of my friends could use it, we didn't need anything.  The days went by and I kept forgetting.  This morning my youngest grabbed it and started to put it in his mouth and I took it from him.

After I looked at it more closely I saw that you didn't have to spend a minimum.  So, I could get something for free.  Then it hit me!  Some of the Hubbs' undies are looking less than appealing these days and I had just pulled a load of them out of the dryer.  I took it upon myself to throw 3 pairs away (yes, he'll be mad once he realizes).  Are you following me here?  I took the kidlets to Kohls this morning and bought him 2 new boxer briefs for 43 pennies!

I sure hope Kohls and other department stores send me more free money to buy us undies/bras and shoes, woot!

What would you have spent that $10 on?

Reel lawn mower

So, this past weekend Dave went to start up our Craftsman lawn tractor to cut down the proverbial forest in our back yard.  Well, it didn't want to start.  He started tinkering with it and pulled the starter and it's a mess.  He called Sears and they want $130 for a new starter *cough*.  Yeah, um that's a lot of money for 1 part, especially for a LAWN MOWER.

(Ours looks like this one but it's green)

So today as I was outside with the kidlets and I decided I want to get a reel lawn mower.  It won't need parts (well, likely) and it's free to use besides the initial investment.  There are 2 nice ones on Craigslist that I've emailed about.  This will allow me about 2 hours each week to myself with my iPod plugged in.  I need some alone time and this will be the perfect excuse, plus I'll get plenty of exercise.  Did I mention that Dave laughed/scoffed at the idea at first?  Well, he shut his yap once I told him that I would be cutting the grass from now on if we could buy one of these.  He liked the idea of that :)

So, what kind of lawnmower do you have?  Do you like it?  If you don't like it, what would you rather have?

Linky-Loo Friday

I'm starting a new segment every week with just links. They may be links to sewing patterns/tutorials, interesting articles, posts from other blogs I read, or anything with a link ;)

This week I'm focusing on sewing:

Soft soled shoes
http://www.family-centered.com/life/wp-content/uploads/babyshoetutorial.pdf

Baby/toddler/girls dresses and skirts
http://fromanigloo.blogspot.com/2010/02/one-hour-sundress.html
http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorial-shirt-dress.html
http://plumtickled.typepad.com/plumtickled/2007/08/tutu-tutorial-t.html

Recycled wool/fleece longies/shortes/soakers
http://www.cafepress.com/thatskindacool/864331

Baby carriers
http://wearyourbaby.com/Default.aspx?tabid=121
http://www.thebabywearer.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=76

MISC
http://www.marthastewart.com/article/good-thing-t-shirt-bag
http://ohsohappytogether.blogspot.com/2009/07/rag-quilt-letters-tutorial.html
http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/Blog/baby_blocks.pdf
http://goodmama.typepad.com/goodmama/2008/05/make-your-own-wool-dryer-balls.html
http://www.marthastewart.com/article/polarfleece-hats
http://thelandofka.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/stacyck-tankini.pdf

Great post from Angela at My Year Without Spending

http://myyearwithoutspending.blogspot.com/2010/04/why-are-you-frugal-or-semi-frugal-or.html

"Why are you frugal?" Because there's no point in being frugal for the sake of being frugal. There needs to be a reason, which ranges from sheer necessity (for example, you live on a fixed income or you're trying to support a family on minimum wage or you've been laid off from your job) to all manner of lifestyle goals and ideals.

One of my readers suggested that if I was uncomfortable with the term "frugal," perhaps I should substitute "resourceful." I like that. It brings to mind a sensible person, cheerfully making do with their circumstances. Creating a gourmet meal out of forgotten pantry items, making a cozy home in the wilderness, sewing stylish clothing out of burlap bags. Sort of a cross between Marmie from Little Women and MacGyver (ingenious uses for everyday items).

So WHY am I resourceful? There are many reasons, but they mostly revolve around wanting to create a lifestyle that meshes with my values and goals. The values have to do with non-consumerism and protecting the environment and trying not to use more than my fair share of the earth's resources. The goals involve wanting to work less, while at the same time doing work I enjoy and having control over my own schedule.

It all comes down to priorities. Mine have just never been to have a big house, an expensive car, lots of jewelry, or STUFF. They've always had more of an experiential element, and include doing work and activities I love, having time for my husband and friends, and not being tied down to a schedule. Also, living on less lets me feel more in control and less panicked if my husband or I get less work or if the economy takes a turn for the worse. Having money for an emergency and not living on credit means that we're not so dependent on jobs or the economy.

If I gave the impression yesterday that I was frugal just so I could spend money on travel, boots, and spas, that's not the case. I do splurge on some things, but they're not the overall point of a frugal or resourceful lifestyle. Joining The Compact was an extension of the way I was already living rather than a radical experiment, and I've realized that even more because nearly five months later, I've had hardly any challenges or temptations to wrestle with.

I'm not trying to recruit members for The Compact, but I guess in a way I AM trying to relate how simple it is to live on less. Maybe give a little hope to people who are doing it by necessity. How it can actually be creative, invigorating, and yes... fun! Because believe me, if you saw our lifestyle, I don't think anyone would call it deprived. Except for maybe someone like Donald Trump, who I would consider the exact opposite of me. It's hard to believe we're the same species, really. The only thing I can think of that we have in common is a thick head of hair. But then again, his is probably fake.

Why are you frugal, or semi-frugal, or resourceful? Or do you prefer another label entirely? Please tell us your thoughts in the Comments section.

Cloth Diaper Foundation's Green Mama Benefit

The Cloth Diaper Foundation (formerly Miracle Diapers) is having a benefit starting April 22nd aka Earth Day.  It combines Earth Day and Mother's Day and ends April 30th.  I encourage you to bid on items to support this wonderful organization that provides cloth diapers to those in need.  If you have any spare cloth diapers lying please donate them to this wonderful cause.  They also have a retail store here, if you're looking to buy :)