Frugal Island

Make your own Business Cards / Affirmation Cards

2011-01-04T13:20:00.001-05:00

Handmade Business Cards are unique, creative and environmentally friendly.

Besides Business Cards, Affirmation cards can also be created using the same materials. When creating affirmation cards, write positive statements on each card such as: "I treasure each day", "I am happy", "I feel wonderful", "I am a good person". Make about 25 of these cards and turn them into a card deck. The affirmation cards can be stored in a business card holder, or a Cloth Pouch if you have a particular size pouch in mind make sure you create your cards so they will fit the pouch. You can also put the cards in a small bowl or basket and keep them somewhere that is visible each day.

Items Needed:
Tape or Laminate Paper
Crayon/Pen/Pencil
Scissors
Magazine, Newspaper, Cardboard Clippings
White paper

* For the above photo I used a tissue box, and a Twistable Special Effects Crayon
* Make sure the clear tape / laminate paper is about 3 inches wide to cover your cards

Directions: Go through a magazine, news paper, or even your recyclables and look for designs and photos that you find interesting. Cut the paper and or cardboard to a standard card size of: 3-1/2” wide and 2” high. Use a pen, pencil or crayon to draw the outline on the white paper, then cut the piece of white paper to the same size as the clipping you are using. Write your company name, and any other information you would like on your card on the white paper. If your handwriting is not that neat you might want to consider typing your business card information on the computer and printing it. The final step is using the tape or laminate paper to cover both sides of the card.

Happy Networking! - Happy Affirmation Card Making!

Monthly Bridal Gown Sweepstakes

2011-01-02T18:14:00.000-05:00

Win your gown or up to 5 bridesmaid dresses at DavidsBridal.com End Date: Ongoing Monthly Prize: (1 Winner) The monthly winner will receive a certificate for their choice of the following prizes carried by David's Bridal: either a bridal gown chosen from current season David's Bridal bridal gowns , or up to five (5) dresses including bridesmaids and mother-of-the-bride dresses chosen from current season David's Bridal gowns. Prize value will vary depending on the particular prize selected by the monthly winner. Alterations not included.

Win a $1,000 Shopping Spree

2011-01-02T13:43:00.000-05:00

Enter to win a $1,000 Shopping Spree End Date: Ongoing Entry Period: All entries must be received by the end of each month. Prize: (1 Winner) $1,000 Shopping Spree will be awarded as a Ricky's NYC Gift Card.

Cats get Bored too - Frugal Way for Cats to Play

2011-01-02T09:12:00.000-05:00

Winter months are especially boring for cats. There are not as many squirrels and birds to watch out the window.

When cats get bored they get mischievous. Whether it is jumping on tables and tossing stuff off, as they watch the items fall on the floor with the utmost of enjoyment on their faces, or finding a new place to scratch besides their scratching post. One of my cats "Lily" lets me know when she is bored by continuously circling around the living room and then meowing loudly in the hallway of the other room, wanting me go over and play with her. She refuses to stop meowing until I play with her. I guess she has me trained -- LoL - Yet I know it is her way of saying "Hello human person, cats get bored too, play with me now."

A frugal way to deal with kitty boredom is to get out a bunch of boxes, and brown paper bags. Put a ping pong ball in each box and bag. Then place them around your house or apartment. Cats tend to be naturally curious, it won't take long them to explore each bag and box. Every day, create a newness for them by placing the bags and boxes in different places. To ad to your cats enjoyment consider spraying the bags and boxes with Catnip SprayIt is a less messy option then adding traditional cat nip to the bags and boxes.

If your cat likes going in the tub place a ping pong ball in the tub for your kitty to play with this. The tub is small enough to allow the ping pong ball to bounce back to the kitty so they can keep batting the ball around without having to worry about chasing it, or the ball going under a couch.

If you are looking for: Catnip toys, plushies, bags, and clothing, follow: @Beyond_5 on Twitter, and check out her Esty Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/catcalls which has a variety of cat-themed items!

FREE Music Downloads

2011-01-02T06:20:00.001-05:00

Freebies are subject to change without notice. If you notice a free download that is no longer free, please leave a comment so I can remove it. Many Thanks.

Happy New Year ! 2011

2011-01-01T08:52:00.002-05:00

Wishing everyone best wishes in this New Year! Hope everyone had a fun New Years Eve.

For me, the last day of 2010 ended with accidentally finding a new favorite wine. It was in the champagne isle of the liquor store and everyone seemed to be picking up bottles of it. I assumed it was something pricey. Turned out it was selling for under $7.00. The wine was called Verdi Green Apple Sparkletini. So popular in the store that even people looking at the pricier stuff started researching it online on their smart phones. When I got back to the computer I noticed some fabulous reviews on it. I can understand why now. For less then $7.00 that was my last fantastic frugal find of the 2010 to welcome the start of 2011!

One of my New Years Resolutions is to (hopefully) combine both the frugalisland.com and this blog into one site. I plan on doing this in the next few weeks. Same stuff, minus the clutter. There will be a few minor changes some of which include: Sales and Printable Coupons. I will be placing those on another website (hopefully) by March. I'm working on that website now. Once it is complete I will be sending out tweets and posting a blog post here about it. In the meantime you will be noticing some gradual changes to this blog and the frugalisland.com website till the blog and website are combined.

One of my other New Years Resolutions include: Finally finish a scrapbook. Looking at the scraps all over the scrapbook box of stuff, I'm over do completing a scrapbook by many years.

I wish everyone the best of luck at accomplishing their New Years Resolutions.

Happy 2011!

Pre Wash your Dishes with Snow

2010-12-30T08:40:00.001-05:00

One winter morning after having decaf coffee with obviously not enough sugar in it to be fully awake yet, I noticed the dirty dishes in the sink. I normally rinse the dishes off before putting them in the dish washer, then I looked outside and noticed what looked to be clean fluffy snow from the recent snow storm. Out of boredom I brought some of the clean fluffy snow in and put it in the sink and used it to pre wash the dishes before placing them in dish washer. I found that because of the cold temperature of the snow, it took off food stains, from such foods as eggs, and coffee fairly well. I also liked the idea of feeling like I was going green and recycling the snow.

Tips if you decide to try pre washing with snow:

Skip prewashing with snow on glass wear or expensive dishes. When I did this test, I prewashed a pan, a few cheap coffee mugs and old Tupperware dishes.

Make sure the snow is clean of rocks, grass, chemicals, pee, bird poop, etc. It should look white, fluffy and be fresh. Choose the very top of the pile of the snow which is (normally) the newest and freshest snow.

Know where your snow is coming from. If you have to search for clean snow some where besides your own yard or your window sill one skip it. Use your own snow discretion when it comes to getting your snow.

Make sure any container you put the snow in is clean prior to putting the snow in.

As the snow sits in your dishes it will gradually pre wash your dishes. Similar to soaking dishes in water.

When the snow starts to slowly melt, use a sponge, or a soft cloth to rinse the dishes with the snow.

Place the dishes in the dishwasher afterwards, on a full wash cycle. If you don't have a dishwasher, be sure to still wash your dishes fully as normal.

Skip prewashing your dishes in the snow outside. Remember, if it is cold enough for the snow not to melt outside it is to cold to do a snow prewash outside.

If you want to get your dishes a bit whiter ad bit of lemon juice to the snow prewash.

New Year's Resolutions from the Dog & Cat

2010-12-29T18:21:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year

Here are some of our New Year's Resolutions:

Woof ) Not to be so picky when being given treats. When given a piece of an apple, if it has even a tiny bit of apple skin on it, I refuse to eat any of it. - Yuck!

Woof ) Start eating my dog food instead of trying to find left over cat food. Cat food tastes so much more yummy, yet I know it's not good for me since it does not have the nutrients I need on it. Nor does it have the word "Dog" on front of the bag.

Woof ) Go an entire year without nibbling on a piece of cat litter. I love the taste of cat litter. It smells so yummy. I guess it is similar to eating rocks and does not make me look smart or cute.

Woof ) Poop in Circles. I like to step off the wee wee pad when I poop. I need to work on that, or else I can convince my owner to put two wee pads down just in case I walk off it. Then again, knowing me I would probably walk off that too. Keeps my owner attentive to my needs by cleaning after me. It is entertaining for me watching my poop being picked up.

Woof ) Not whining every night when I go to bed. I hate bedtime. I'm never sleepy then. I am sleepy during the day, cause the cats keep me up all night.

Woof ) Realize that not everyone I meet likes me growling and barking at them non stop. It's just my way of being friendly, yet most of you people don't think that way.

Meow ) Be nicer to the other cats. I want all the attention so I tend to be catty to the other cats when they get petted.

Meow ) Try and eat my hairball treats so I don't spit up those hairballs, that one can never find until someone steps on them.

Meow ) Be less catty when my eyes get cleaned. I know they have to get cleaned so I can remain as pretty as possible, yet when ever I think they will get cleaned I go on a hissy fit.

Meow ) When my owner makes chicken for me every now and then I need to work on being nicer about it. She is a horrible cook and always drys out the chicken. So much so I walk away when she tries to give me a piece. Maybe just once this new year I can pretend to like it, even if I have to puke it up later in a hair ball.

Meow ) Realize that as much as the scratching posts are nice to look at, they should be used by me to scratch instead of the couch.

We may or may not keep these New Year's resolutions. Some that we may keep might actually depend if we can train our owner not to give us apples with skin attached and learn how to cook chicken to our desired tastes.

Wishing you all the best in the New Year! May you all succeed at accomplishing your New Year's Resolutions.

Happy New Year

Happiness Tips

2010-12-28T09:06:00.001-05:00

1) Replace negative thoughts with positives thoughts. If you don't like something about yourself focus on something you for like about yourself, if you have nothing positive to say focus on something neutral and try and turn the neutral thought into a thought.

2) Create a happiness journal. Start by writing all your positive traits and the little things that make you happy. (example: A bird singing outside, a piece of interesting junk mail, the sunset, the sunrise) Cut out newspaper articles, comics that make you smile. If you did something nice for someone write that down to.

3) Have a Brag Book. A brag book is scrap book, except with all the successes you have done in your life. Even the smallest thing could be success such as walking a mile, succeeding a making a great recipe. Place all your successes in this Brag Book. Have it handy and keep adding stuff to it. Every day take a look at it, and smile at all the things you have done.

4) Volunteer - Giving back makes us feel good about ourselves. There are both short term and long term volunteer opportunities. If you don't have a lot of time, consider volunteering for an event at your favorite non profit.

5) Look in the mirror daily and say "I love myself", "I'm a good person", and "I am happy". Do this about 10-20 times a day. What this does is reinforce a positive message to yourself.

6) Fashion magazines can be fun to read, yet many people compare themselves to the people in these magazines. Other magazines such as: how to, history, current events, cooking, self help magazines are a much better choice of reading to help boost ones self image.

7) Set goals. Dream a bit. Dreaming keeps us going. The goals should be simple and achievable at first. As one achieves the little goals they start feeling better about themselves. Have short term and long term goals. When you are making a list of goals, make sure that goals are at least somewhat achievable. When one achieves even the small of goals, they feel more positive and more motivated to try and achieve the bigger goals on the their list.

8) Find things that make you happy and do them. Time management is crucial in today's busy world. Pick a minimum of 30 minutes out of each day to focus on you. This should be an activity that is not online or on the phone. This about you, no one else. It could be as simple as listening to a meditation CD, writing a handwritten letter to someone, watching the birds, writing in a journal, taking a walk, gazing up at the stars.

9) Put yourself first once in a while. Always pleasing others when we don't feel like it, is a drain of positive energy. Remember its okay to say no. When you give your self "me" time, the time you spend with others will be more refreshing and more positive.

10) When you make a mistake, think about how the mistake could have been worse. Accept the mistake, realize mistakes happen and without mistakes one does not learn.

11) Smile. Even if you are having a bad day smile. Smiles are contagious, when you smile others will smile to. Smiles lead to the start of happiness. Someways we have to fake that we are happy to become Happy. Fake it to make it happiness happen.

12) Look at life as a mountain to be climbed. There are many valleys before we reach the peaks in life. The rainy days in life make us appreciate the warm and sunny days more so.

13) Read a new non fiction book, when we read books we learn something new. The more we know the more we grow.

14) Consider wearing brighter colors. A lot of times when people are not feeling good about themselves they where darker and more gloomy colors such as greys and blacks. Even just a bright accessory (necklace, hat, scarf, tie, belt, purse) to those colors could bring a bit a joy to the otherwise gloominess of your day. In the winter this is especially important since a lot of people suffer from Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), in the winter months when the days are shorter, and the weather is colder.

Affirmation Ball Price (as of the date and time of this blog post) is: $7.49 Need someone to tell you everything is OK? The Affirmation Ball has a smiley face on the front, just turn it over and it will share messages like Nice outfit! or Your breath is so minty! or Have you lost weight? The smiley face ball reminds one to smile.

Have a Tropical Day Everyday with Wooloot Watches

2010-12-27T10:10:00.000-05:00

The color selection of WooLoot Watches remind me of a tropical island. The greens of looking at a palm tree, the blues of the ocean. WooLoot Watches originated with the goal of combining two worlds: fashion and sports. The watches are light weight, stylish, waterproof, and reasonably priced.

Wear the Wooloot watch with your favorite outfit. lots of colors to choose from: aquamarine, ice blue, light violet, purple, green, orange, white, black and red. Each watch has a unisex sport design, many designs to choose from. Plenty of watch sizes to choose from.

Some of Wooloot unique watches include:

Wooloot Wave Sports Watch: One of the unique colors of watches that Wooloot offers is Pink. Nothing says femininity, love, and romance like the color Pink. If you are not a Pink person, this watch comes in a variety of colors besides pink. These watches contain tourmaline. Tourmaline is a semi-precious mineral stone that is a natural resource of negative ions. Tourmaline is known to aid in the detoxification process of the humane body, increases concentration and for improving sleep, mediation and relaxation. The Wave Watch has a: LCD Screen, Soft feel natural rubber, is ultra light at 10g, water resistant, has a user replacement battery as well as a 12 month guanteee.

Wooloot Dog Time Watch in Ice Blue: Is a fun idea for those that want a unique practical accessory to their wardrobe. The watch is made out of: Silicon & ABS plastic, has: a digital quartz movement and silicon jacke including your time/my time' feature, Metal ball chain length 65 cm, the colors it comes in is: Colour: White / Ice Blue / Grey / Lime Green / Purple / Orange and a 2 button cell battery is included.

Whether you are having a staycation, going on vacation, or looking for a gift, stop by the WooLoot.com website.

Follow WooLoot Watches on Twitter: twitter.com/wooloot and on Facebook: Facebook.com/wooloot .

Have a tropical day everyday when wearing watches by WooLoot.

Buying Holiday Lights - Tips

2010-12-19T19:02:00.002-05:00

► When you are in the store prior to purchasing your holiday lights ask the clerk there if you can test them out prior to purchasing them. This will ensure that they are working before getting them home and realizing that they don't work and you have to return them.

► Stick with holiday lights of a solid color. Solid colors can be used year around. Red - Valentines Day. Blue, Green, Yellow, Purple - Easter. Red, White, Blue - 4th of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day. Orange - Halloween. Orange - Thanksgiving. White year around. White lights can be placed inside year around and ads a sense of tranquility.

► Buy a strand or two more then you think you might need. Just in case if you need more when decorating a tree.

► The bigger the lights the less lights you have to buy, and the less hassle getting them to look even, the easier they are to untangle.

► The later in the season the more chance that the lights will be on sale. After the season or when the holiday ends depending on the store holiday lights can be purchased at 50% to 75% off. If you are purchasing lights then look for the neutral colored lights first.

► When purchasing holiday lights ask what the return policy is. Just in case you bought to many lights or if they turn out to be defective. Always keep your receipt, box and packaging till the the last day the return policy would apply.

► When you take the lights off your tree or window use a cardboard roll, such as a roll where wrapping paper was on, or a roll that paper towels where on, to wrap the lights on. This will ensure that they don't tangle as much as well as organizing your lights.

► Skip buying lights at the dollar store for $1.00. Lights are not something you want to go cheap on, unless they are on sale. Skip buying lights at garage sales and flea markets. Only buy lights from companies you have heard of. Reason being is lights if manufactured incorrectly can be a fire hazard. Lights with puncture holes in them can also be a fire hazard.

► Make sure you have enough extension cords for your lights. If your extension cords are old, you might want to consider buying new extension cords to ensure that they are working okay.

► When buying lights consider buying lights that are both indoor and outdoor lights. This will help to insure there is no confusion just in case if you decide to use your lights outside later on.

What NOT to give as gifts

2010-11-19T07:40:00.000-05:00

Perfume / Cologne: There are many perfumes and cologne's out there that are nicely wrapped yet once you open them they smell like bug spray, cigar smoke, or canned cat / dog food. Another thing to consider is what smells good to you, might not smell good to them. Exception: Is if you know that someone has been wanting that exact Perfume / Cologne for a while.

Animals: Even though that puppy or kitty might look cute, the reality is they are a life time commitment and have expenses associated with them. If the person you want to give the gift to does not like a particular animal getting one for them will not like them more, they might actually resent you and the animal.

Pierced Earrings: Many people still do not have pierced ears, and are allergic to metal / gold / silver. Even though the diamond earrings might look dazzling make sure the person you are giving them to can wear them. If not it will lead to disappointment for them and for you.

Salon / Spa / Manicure Gift Certificates: This may seem like a good idea at the time, yet it can come across as insult. Your significant other might start questioning his or her attractiveness to you. Also most people have their own favorite salons and hair dressers they go to. Exception: Is if you buy this as a group gift, where everyone goes at the same time, and you all make the day out of it. Then it becomes an "experience" verses an insult.

Clothing: Purchasing clothing for kids is fine, anyone else I don't suggest it. People have their own tastes in clothing and a lot of people have to try stuff to see if it fits before purchasing it.

Cook Books: If you are trying to get someone to cook more, buying them a cookbook if they hate cooking will probably make them cook less. Exception: If that person enjoys cooking, and you notice a special cookbook that suites them, such as a cook book with cooking tips from their favorite region.

Membership to a GYM: The intention might be good, the irritation by the person receiving it might not be so good. Most of people are aware of issues and don't want to be reminded of them in a form of a gift.

Restaurant Gift Certificates: Some people don't like going out to dinner, or are not open to trying new restaurants. When you buy a restaurant gift certificate the gift certificate can normally be used at one particular restaurant, this can be a waste of money for you, if the person never goes.
Shopping for gifts can be fun, it is important to remember who your shopping for and their wants and needs verses your own. If you don't know much about the person consider getting an American Express Gift Cards . Available in a variety of prepaid amounts: $25 - $3,000. These card can either be used online or off line where ever American Express is accepted. It is a nice option verses giving someone cash or a check. Another option is an Amazon Gift Card they come in amounts as low as $10.00. Because the site is so many things everyone is sure to find something they like.

Thrift Store Bargain - Baskets

2010-11-17T12:00:00.000-05:00

Instead of Christmas Stockings this year consider baskets. They don't need to be Christmas colored red and green baskets. More neutral baskets tend to be used the entire year. Baskets without handles are more modern looking, as well as practical and look less like the typical childhood Easter basket. Thrift shops are a terrific place to find baskets, depending on the thrift shop the price could run $0.50 and up. Place all your Christmas stocking stuffers in the basket, wrap the basket in plastic, an alternative to the Plastic Wrap are Food Covers they stretch to fit, easy to get on and off the basket, place a bow on it, place it in a box for an added surprise effect.

Frugal Gift Basket Stocking Ideas: Free Samples you have collected throughout the year. A free magazine you have gotten in the mail, (make sure it is either the December or January issue) , recipe cards, candy canes, and a Christmas keep sake Eco-friendly decoration made by you from stuff that would normally be tossed in the garbage.

October 30 - Mischief Night

2010-10-29T22:45:00.001-04:00

Mischief night is also known as: Gate night, Devil's Night, Goosey Night, Cabbage Night and Mizzy Night. What it is known as depends on the area that you live in. This night is an yearly tradition in England, Canada, and the United States. There is a custom is for teenagers and preteens to play pranks and do mischief to their neighbors. On this day, many cities have extra police presence and have curfews in place.

Forms of mischief this day can include: Egging cars and houses, Tossing a rotten tomatoes, Toilet papering trees, Knocking on doors, then running away

Safety: Do not answer the door if you do not know who it is. This is an obvious everyday safety tip, yet just something to be more aware of on mischief night. If your garage is full of junk, clean it before Mischief Night and park your car in the garage. Leave as many house / apartment lights as can on this night. Let people know you are home even if you are not. Stay at Home On Mischief Night. When you are home you can keep a watch on your house and property. If you see someone vandalizing your property take a few photos of them quickly using your cell phone then call the police and report the vandalism. Keep your outdoor cats inside this night. If you have to walk your dog, be very aware of your surroundings, try and stay close to home. Make it a quick walk.

October 29 - Hermit Day

2010-10-29T07:26:00.000-04:00

A hermit is a person who lives, at least to some degree, in seclusion. People who are hermits like living away from crowds, and are happiest alone.

The idea of being a "Hermit for a Day" is can be very intriguing. Even if it just for one day. One day not answering the phone, checking emails, and sitting around reading books, knitting or what ever you like to do that does not involve people. For non hermits, I look at hermit day as a good excuse to focus on ones self by yourself.

If you consider yourself a Hermit. Recognise today in the way you always do, just by being you.

Enjoy the serenity of Hermit Day today.

Potluck Christmas Party with a Twist

2010-10-28T13:58:00.001-04:00

Potluck Definition: A gathering of people in which each person or group of people contributes a dish of food to be shared among the people in the group.

Have a fun Potluck Christmas Party by Recycling what you already have.

Instead of just a traditional potluck party ad a twist to it. Almost everyone has stuff they should donate, submit to a consignment shop, sell on eBay. Instead have everyone bring all those items to the party. For every item someone brings to the party give them a ticket. For instance a small item would get a ticket that says small. A medium item would get a ticket that says medium, clothing / shoes or accessories item gets a ticket that says wearable. For each ticket someone gets to pick out another persons item of their choosing. Keep things organized have someone at the end of the room to put stuff in bags and take the tickets. What ever items are left behind the people that brought them in have the option of bringing them back with them or donating the items to a local Charity on behalf of the party goers.

As far as food, come up a list and have everyone tell you what they will bring. As each person tells you what they are going to bring, the list gets shorter and you can tell the other people what is left to bring. The food should be arranged buffet style.

Tip > Make sure to tell everyone that each item must be in like new condition.
Tip > If people are bringing clothing in, they must be either washed or dry cleaned first.
Tip > Before everyone starts picking up stuff they want, make sure everyone is their first. A number should be given to each person that comes through the door.
Tip > Make sure every thing is set up and categorised prior.
Tip > Have a small room or a closet close to the party area where people can try on clothes. If they don't want the item tell them to bring it back to where they got it.
Tip > Give everyone a Christmas stocking full of candy, oranges, and other misc. items as a party favor.

Make Coasters out of used Nylon Stockings

2010-10-14T13:02:00.000-04:00

After doing a bit of cleaning I came across some nylon stockings that I have had for years. To frugal to throw them out I started stretching them out a bit and decided they would be perfect to make coasters out of.

I cut each loop about 1 inch wide. Any shorter in width the loop would break when putting it on the loom. Average per one nylon stocking was 8 loops. Then I preceded to place the stocking loops on the plastic loom . I found that they are the perfect size. The colors are more neutral and look great on a coffee table. Even though these are considered pot holders, I prefer to use them as coasters, to prevent over heating. Rugs, wall decorations, and purses can also be made out these.

Even though a fun hobby, it would also be a fun group project. Have a bunch of friends, church group, non profit group bring in their not so new nylon panty hose in in and all sit with a cup of hot tea, coffee and coco and make a huge rug or wall decoration, bags, or coasters that could be sold at an event to help raise $$$ the organization.

TIP: Wash all stockings before cutting them and putting them on the loom. This will help to ensure that any excess dye is removed as well eliminating the smell of smelly feet if they did not get washed prior.

Things To Do with Cat Litter

2010-10-12T18:42:00.000-04:00

Deodorize Shoes and Sneakers:  Fill a couple of pantyhose or old socks with scented, clay-based cat litter, tie them shut and place them in the shoes / sneakers over night. If one night is not enough leave them a few more nights till odor goes away.

Freshen Old Books: Place bundled clay based cat litter together with your old books then place them into a sealed box. Leave them for a couple of days to freshen up the old smell of your books.

Get Rid of the Moles:  Put a some “used cat litter” down their tunnels. They don't like the smell.

Preserve Flowers: The fragrance and beauty of fresh flowers is such a fleeting thing. You can’t save the smell but you can preserve their beauty by drying your flowers on a bed of clay-based cat litter in an air-tight container for 7 to 10 days.

Clean up Fresh Grease, Oil and Paint: Get rid of grease and oil spots on your driveway or garage floor by covering them with clay based cat litter. If the spots are fresh, the litter will soak up most of the oil right away.

Deodorize Refrigerator and Closets : An alternative to baking soda, just pour some cat litter in an open-top container. Put the said container in the fridge or closets and leave it in there for several days until the odor is removed. Change the cat litter regularly.

Deodorize Garbage or Trash Cans: Pour some cat litter into the plastic liner of your garbage can before you throw garbage in it.

Absorb Fresh Spills: Cat litter can absorb small amounts of water that leak into a basement after a heavy rain or to help remove musty odors. Spread a quarter-inch deep of cat litter onto fresh spills. It soaks up the spills successfully.

Facial Mask: Use natural clay non-scented cat litter. Mix some cat litter with a little warm water to make the paste. Place the paste on your face and leave it for 15 minutes until it hardens. Rinse it off. The cat litter clay mask cleanses and rejuvenates your pores.

Traction Aid: Have cat litter in your car especially during the winter months. Sprinkle a small amount on the ground before you get out of your car for foot traction in icy conditions. When sprinkled by the tires the litter can help with traction if you get stuck on an icy, or a snowy road.

Preserve flowers: Dry your flowers on a bed of cat litter in an airtight container for 7-10 days. Or dry the flowers in the microwave by placing 4 to 5 cups of dustless cat litter in a microwave safe container. Microwave on High for approximately 2 minutes. When you take the container out of the microwave the litter should be hot when you touch it. Before you remove the flowers let it cool completely. Remove the excess clay / dust from the flowers by gently dusting them off with a small dry paint brush / makeup brush.

Tips:

Make sure your old socks pantyhose that you are placing the cat litter in have no hole or runs in them.

Scented Cat Litter might sound nice, yet some of the scents can be pretty strong and a few a bit gross smelling. Use a regular unscented clay cat litter.

Sometimes the Clay Cat Litter can be found at the dollar stores. Check there first.
If you have cats, keep them away from where you are using the cat litter.

Cat Litter is very drying to your skin have a hand cream near by to help replenish the moisture in your hands. Some fun cream scents include: L`Occitane - Honey and Lemon Hand Cream , L'Occitane Green Tea Hand Cream , Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater Hand Therapy , Desert Essence Hand Repair Pumpkin Cream,

October 1 is: World Vegetarian Day

2010-10-01T06:55:00.000-04:00

World Vegetarian Day was first observed in 1977. World Vegetarian Day is a great day to try a vegetarian diet, or just even skipping red meat for the day.
Types of Vegetarians:

Semi-Vegetarians: They limit their intake of either certain types of meat or the amount of meat. They might eat no red or white meat, but eat fowl and fish. Or they might only eat meat only a few times a week.

Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians: The is the most common type, ovo-lacto vegetarians do not eat any animals, but do eat dairy products and eggs.

Vegans: Eat no animal products. No dairy, eggs, or honey.

Fruitarians: Eat a diet that comprises fruits, nuts and seeds, without animal products, vegetables and grains. Also some Some fruitarians will eat only what falls or that would fall naturally from a plant. Foods that can be harvested without killing the plant.

Living/Raw Foodists: Eat only raw food, because enzymes are destroyed by normal cooking processes.

Legitimate Work at Home Jobs

2010-09-30T12:20:00.000-04:00

There are many work at home jobs that sound so good till you start them, then find out during that they take more hours to do then what what the employer said it would take. Or later find out the employer went out of business and wont pay you. Or somehow another the terms of employment somehow changed yet they forgot to tell you. Opps! Ughh!

Even if you are employed, consider having a hobby to fall back on. You never know when the hobby will be a way to make some extra $$$.

Appointment Setting - Gee, sounds like easy money. In reality it takes a lot of hard work and some luck. Different products take less time to make appointments for. Also it depends if the company you are setting up the appointment for insists the appointment be with the CEO, CFO or even head marketing person. These appointments can take a while to get especially if you are dealing with the larger companies. Smaller companies, or if they want to meet with a the head of a division of a company that has several divisions is a lot easier. You must love cold calling to do this.

Dog Walking and Cat Sitting - I've looked into this. One thing I have found is if you limit yourself to cat sitting only, it is much harder to make money at this. Since cats for the most part are independent and can be left alone for a few days if they are healthy. I've also found that pet sitting insurance can be pricey, over $200 a year if you ad being bonded. Then ad adverting into the mix. Initially I would suggest networking through friends and relatives to get your clientele going and go off referrals before you venture out purchase insurance and pet sit for people you don't know. As a pet owner I know if a pet sitter does not have insurance, or I'm not refereed over to someone by someone I know I'm not interested. I don't want to rely on references alone.

Ebay - As much as I enjoy buying on ebay I hate selling on ebay. Ebay and Paypal fees can be nauseating,. I know a lot of folks make money off ebay. The ones that do know the value of their products, and exactly what the paypal and ebay fees will be. I look at ebay as an equivalent ant to having a garage sale online-when you are lucky and have the right product you can make a bit more. Try and keep expectations low and hope for the best.

Esty - Is a website focused on handmade and vintage items. Items that you can sell or that are for sale are: art, photography, clothing, jewelry, bath and beauty products, quilts, knick-knacks toys and other items. Like ebay there is no guarantee your item will sell. Timing is everything. If you can list at least one item every day. Because items get listed very quickly, when at item gets listed it gets harder to find on search as others list their items as well. Listing every day will help to ensure that your shop stays close to the top in the 'Search' feature.

Sewing - If you can sew, people always need hemming done, buttons sewed on, and minor fabric repairs. Find out what the going retail rate in your area is, so you know how to price yourself competitively, give new clients a discount, as well as referral discount.

Building Things - So many times when one opens up a box assembly is needed. It takes a talent and lots of patience to build stuff. Base your fees upon the item and time you will think it will take.

Lawn Mowing - Leaf Raking - Snow Shoveling - These are services that are always in demand. Before you give someone a price find out how many trees they have, how big their yard is, or if it is snow shoveling how many feet they want shoveled.

Resume Writing - If you are a good writer this might be a fantastic way to earn some extra $$$.

Babysitting - Instead of traditional babysitting you could come up with babysitting for a set fee for 2-3 hours while the parents are out shopping. While they are out shopping, you could take the kids to the movies in the same mall, perhaps a playground and lunch afterwards. Charge a bit more for this service so the price of the movies is included for both you and the kids in this fee. Aquariums, local zoos and parks are an idea too. The American Red Cross has some babysitting and CPR / First Aid classes you might want to take. Having additional qualifications will give the parents more peace, and make your babysitting service more desirable verses those competitors that don't have those additional qualifications.

Personal Grocery Shopper - Some people don't like doing grocery shopping, whether it be online or in a store. Offer to do someones grocery shopping for them. What to charge? A flat fee of $10. + any additional $$$ you make will we be off how much you can save them in the coupons you come up with. If they give you their own coupons for some of the items, do not consider that coupon savings toward your payment. Make sure you state the $10 fee and how you will make with any additional in coupon savings in writing. So they know when they look at their receipt. A few places to look for coupons > Free Local Grocery Store Coupons and Get your 2011 Entertainment Book today! Click here!. Even though there is a charge for the Entertainment Book it is a valuable source for coupons. Before you purchase the book you can get a general idea online of what coupons in your area is in it.

Gardening - If you like growing plants and flowers, or even produce, gardening is a great hobby that could make you some extra money. Your flowers, plants and produce could be sold at local farmers markets.

Baking - If you like to bake cookies, cakes or pies consider contacting your local markets, and deli's to see if they would consider putting your products in your store. Typically their profit is 35% / 50% percent commission when they sell your item. Remember to start baking limited quantities at the beginning and gradually increase the amount you bake once sales start coming up. At that point you could also increase the price as well.

Tropical Stay At Home Vacation

2010-09-22T08:21:00.001-04:00

Fall has just begun and soon winter will be here. Many folks are planning stay vacations due to the economy being the way it is. Bring a bit of Tropics home with you without the expense of an expensive tropical vacation. Tropical Traditions has a Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil. The Coconut Oil is the highest quality they offer. It is still made by hand and benefiting families in the rural areas of the Philippines where the coconuts grow.

Virgin Coconut Oil is one of the best cooking oils you can use. It is diffeenrent then most vegtable oils because as a cooking oil, its chemical structure is kept in tact and therefore is resistant to mutations of fatty acid chains. Fatty acids found in coconut oil boosts the body’s metabolism, raises body temperatures, and helps provide greater energy which can lead to weight loss. Want to make something a bit different with Coconut Oil? Check out The Free Coconut Recipes. Some of the recipes include: Banana Coconut Shake Recipe, Banana Orange Smoothie Recipe, Cashew Coconut Creamer (Dairy Free) Recipe, Apple Chicken Stir-fry Recipe,
Apple Coconut Turkey Sausage Recipe, Atchara Bison Burgers Recipe
Best Ever Coconut Oil Waffles Recipe, Coconut Cream Fresh Green, Bean Soup Recipe, Coconut Cream Mushroom Soup Recipe, Coconut Cream Red Lentil Soup Recipe, Cream of Cauliflower Soup Recipe and many more

Tropical Traditions can be Found on Twitter: @TropTraditions Follow us for FREE giveaways, FREE coupons and daily healthy recipes.

Note: This a product I was given to review.

What to do When you find a Cell Phone

2010-09-20T11:47:00.000-04:00

Sometimes what to do is not exactly as obvious as it seems until you have lost a cell phone and been on the other end.

What to DO when you find a Cell Phone:

Do: If the phone rings pick it up. Chances are its the person looking for the phone that lost it.

Do: Check Craigslist to see if anyone posted a post for a missing cell phone in the area that you found the cell phone. You can also post the missing cell phone on there as well for FREE. Limit what you say, so you don't jeopardize the persons privacy. Post: Where Found, Date and Time Found. You can also post the condition of the cell phone, if it looks like an older model with scratches or a new model. Have the person reply anonymously with any details on the phone. Such as color, brand, at least 2 specific contacts on the phone. As well as what their screen saver is, and if they use the alarm what time its set for. This will help to ensure you get the actual person who lost the cell phone.

Do: If you notice a "NEW" text read it. Chances are it is the person who lost the cell phone sending a "If Lost" Contact #.

Do: Look around you and see if anyone is looking for a cell phone, if you are in a store or restaurant ask the employee if someone has lost a cell phone, and see if you can leave it there.

Do: Bring it to a "Verizon" store if you know if is from "Verizon. Make sure the store only sells that particular service of phone "Verizon" not any mass cell phone retailer. The same goes for AT and T, T-Mobile and the others.

Do: Drop the phone off at the local police department you found the phone at. Most police departments have a Lost and Found Section.

Do: If you are going to be mailing the phone to the owner, make sure the phone is turned off, so no battery is wasted and the ring or vibrate sound does not scare the postal worker.

What NOT to DO when you find a Cell Phone:

Do Not: Make any unauthorized phone calls, texts or do any downloads This is considered theft. Also do not receive any authorized phone calls because this also uses up the lost cell phone owners minutes. (Remember any unauthorized calls you make can be tracked to the location the call was made)

Do Not: Start calling the phone numbers randomly on the Cell Phone. This is an invasion of privacy, which ads to the cell being lost. The only exception would be is if there is a listing called " "Husband", or "Wife". Then call from your own phone and tell them you found there spouses phone.

Do Not: Start looking at the photos and previous texts that the phone may have. Resist the temptation. Phones are can be like diary's these days. Use the golden rule: Do unto others as you wish them to do unto you.

Do Not: Expect a Reward if found. It would be nice to get a reward yet, the reward alone should be knowing you did something nice by returning the phone to the owner. Not everyone can afford to give a reward.

Do Not: Try and reactivate the phone, this is considered theft. If the phone is either turned off by the person who lost it or if they reported it stolen, it will come up as "theft / lost / stollen" with any New Activation of it.

Do Not: Throw it away. Even if the person deactivate the phone, there contact list might be on the phone, photos they never printed or saved, important texts.

Lost Cell Phone Tips

2010-09-14T09:29:00.001-04:00

A lost cell phone can be an aggravating experience. So many questions arise such as: Where did I leave it? Did I drop in somewhere? Is someone going to contact my contact list on my cell phone? Are they going to look at my pictures and texts? Are they going to make unauthorized calls and texts? Will I get my cell phone back?

1) Call your phone several times to see if someone will pick up and answer it. A lot of times the call is welcome, and this will be the quickest way to get your cell phone back.

2) Many phones have a GPS tracking locator's in them. Depending on the what type of phone it is and what service provider you have you might be able to track your phone within 10 feet away. To find out if your phone has a GPS tracking system call your service provider.

3) Have someone you know send a text to your cell phone. That says: "If lost contact the # ___-____-____ you would like them to contact. If the cell phone is valuable on a personal or emotional level, mention an unspecified award if found will all information in tact in the text.

4) Contact your cell phone service provider directly after the above step, have them deactivate your cell phone, the deactivation can be done temporarily till you find the cell phone.

5) If you have cell phone insurance contact them asap. The deductible can be in the amount $50, depending on what type of coverage you have. If they don't have your phone in stock because they no longer make it, they might upgrade it to the next newest model of that particular phone. If you find your phone you might be able to get the deductible back if you mail them the new phone back. Every policy is different. Once an insurance claim is filed, if the person that finds your phone tries to activate it no matter which service provider they use, it will come up as "lost or stolen" and they will not be able to activate it.

6) Contact your local lost and found office normally located in police department. Ask the people in all surrounding stores and businesses and anyone that you notice that was around in the place that you may have lost your cell phone.

7) If you are worried about security, some of cellphone companies will let you change your cell number for free at least once when your cell phone is lost. You might want to consider getting an unlisted cell # so you are are not on any marketing lists

If you have not lost a cell phone - Things to do just in case:

► Email all important photos that are on your cell to yourself.

► Go through your phone regularly and delete all texts and photos that you consider private, and would feel uncomfortable if anyone else saw.

► Create a password to access your voice mail if you have not already.

► On your contact list first name and first last initial only. This will keep your contact list more private if anyone finds it.

► Keep a backup of all your telephone numbers on your cell phone. Consider writing everything in a phone book, even though this is a bit old fashioned it will be a blessing if something ever happened to your phone or electric if you have it saved on the computer.

► If you are outside excising consider getting a cellphone case that attaches to your belt or hangs on you neck. So often people lose cell phones that are kept in their pockets.

► At home keep get a cell phone holder and make a habit of putting your cell phone in that holder. You might need a few of them for different rooms.

September is National Honey Month

2010-09-08T10:01:00.000-04:00

Honey in other languages: German=Honig , French=Miel, Italian=Miele, Hindi=Shahad, Spanish=Meil, Portuguese=Mel,Russian=Shahad, Dutch=Honing,

Honey bees pollinate nearly 1/3 of all the food we eat, they make our life sweeter with the honey they produce. In a one day, a single hive can pollinate four million flowers, and make up to two pounds of honey.

In the USA nearly 1.5 pounds of honey are consumed per person each year.

Types of Honey range from clover and eucalyptus to orange blossom, buckwheat and sage. Lighter colored honeys taste milder, darker honeys usually have more flavor.

When looking for honey in a grocery store, look for honey with one ingredients: Honey. Many honeys are imitation honeys with other ingredient's.

Honey can help with a cough. Researchers at Penn State University tested honey against dextromethorphan—the active ingredient in most cough medicines—as a cough suppressant for kids and found honey to be more effective.

Antifungal and Antibacterial Properties: Honey has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and therefor can be used as a natural antiseptic.

Antioxidants: Honey has nutraceuticals, which are effective in removing free radicals from our body. Because of that the body's immunity is improved.

Happy Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-03T06:12:00.001-04:00

pAbout Labor Day: A federal holiday in the United States and falls on the first Monday of September. Labor Day is viewed as the end of the summer. Many schools open directly after Labor Day. In the United States there is a custom of not wearing white after Labor Day. At this time the Navy switches from their white uniforms to their Navy blue uniforms.

If you are not on vacation, Labor Day is a great day to put some of your summer clothes away and start getting some of your fall clothes out.

Many Labor Day shopping sales going on this weekend. Both in store and online. Stores have the best selection this time of the year for fall and winter clothes. They are also some great summer sales at this time.

Wishing everyone a Happy Labor Day Weekend.