Hi all, Just watching the grandson and got to thinking on the way home I am stopping to pick up some starter veggie plants.
I think it is going to help to not get a big garden like I use to, but put a few plants in: Tomato, cucumbers, snow peas, pepper plants.

I know the one year I put in cantalope, and they were delish!

I reduce trips out. I hate driving anyway, but I will not go down the mountain unless I am there already watching the grandson, or going to work. Before we use to just take the ride to grocery shop at will. Now a careful list is made to avoid running out trips.

I am viligent about the lights on. I keep the chargers for phones, cameras, Ipods, vcr's etc all on power strip and unplug it.
Last winter I put tape over the thermastats at one temp and my heat reduced a lot. Even the budget from the gas co. went down $25 a month although rates went up.

I can't hang clothes but I put them on hangers and hang those on the deck canopy to dry instead of dryer. Reduced the hot water temp.

I should recycle more, but it seems difficult. I do soda cans and get money, newspapers to the township, but that is it.

Every little bit helps. Anyone else have some ideas we could use?
di

every day is a new challange, face them knowing someone cares.

Good idea,

We made a simple greenhouse for our heat loving plants and I hope we can use it to grow our own fresh lettuce/spinach thru most of the winter.
I planted tomatoes, peppers, cukes, zucchinis, radishes, corn , beans, potatoes, rutabaga, lettuce, spinach

Car trips - me too cutting down one the running around and making better lists to group trips. The bad thing is takes longer to make all the stops LOL and more tiring...

Hi Jo,
I read the millions of bucks UPS saved making their drivers route their trips making all right turns not any lefts.
Oh, I would always enjoy the cleaners store bought fresh scents.....now I use vinegar or clorox.
di

For the environment too - those basic cleaners are much better than all the chemical concoctions.
another good safe cleaner is baking soda

more formulas/info I found -

[Homemade Substitutions

There are many inexpensive, easy-to-use natural alternatives which can safely be used in place of commercial household products. Here is a list of common, environmentally safe products which can be used alone or in combination for a wealth of household applications.

* Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.
* Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.
* Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.
* Borax - (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.
* White Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.
* Washing Soda - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.
* Isopropyl Alcohol - is an excellent disinfectant. (It has been suggested to replace this with ethanol or 100 proof alcohol in solution with water. There is some indication that isopropyl alcohol buildup contributes to illness in the body. See http://drclark.ch/g)
* Cornstarch - can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
* Citrus Solvent - cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains. (Citrus solvent may cause skin, lung or eye irritations for people with multiple chemical sensitivities.)
* Trisodium phosphate (TSP) - a mixture of soda ash and phosphoric acid. TSP is toxic if swallowed, but it can be used on many jobs, such as cleaning drains or removing old paint, that would normally require much more caustic and poisonous chemicals, and it does not create any fumes.

&
Today's modern home is loaded with toxic and polluting substances designed to make domestic life easier.

The cost of these commercial, chemical-based products can be high -- long term health concerns for the family, and environmental pollution caused by their manufacture and disposal. In the US, for example, 1 in 3 people suffer from allergies, asthma, sinusitis or bronchitis (US National Center for Health Statistics). Treatment for these conditions should include reducing synthetic chemicals in the home environment.

For many home-cleaning chores, you can make your own cleaning products using the formulas listed below.

A growing number of commercial non-toxic home cleaning products are also available, as healthier and environmentally responsible alternatives. Your use of these products helps promote the growth of green businesses which are contributing to a sustainable economy.

Homemade Substitutions

There are many inexpensive, easy-to-use natural alternatives which can safely be used in place of commercial household products. Here is a list of common, environmentally safe products which can be used alone or in combination for a wealth of household applications.

* Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.
* Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.
* Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.
* Borax - (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.
* White Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.
* Washing Soda - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.
* Isopropyl Alcohol - is an excellent disinfectant. (It has been suggested to replace this with ethanol or 100 proof alcohol in solution with water. There is some indication that isopropyl alcohol buildup contributes to illness in the body. See http://drclark.ch/g)
* Cornstarch - can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
* Citrus Solvent - cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains. (Citrus solvent may cause skin, lung or eye irritations for people with multiple chemical sensitivities.)
* Trisodium phosphate (TSP) - a mixture of soda ash and phosphoric acid. TSP is toxic if swallowed, but it can be used on many jobs, such as cleaning drains or removing old paint, that would normally require much more caustic and poisonous chemicals, and it does not create any fumes.


Formulas

Combinations of the above basic products can provide less harmful substitutions for many commercial home products. In most cases, they're also less expensive. Here are some formulas for safe, alternative home care products:
Note: These formulas and substitutions are offered to help minimize the use of toxic substances in your home, and reduce the environmental harm caused by the manufacture, use and disposal of toxics. Results may vary and cannot be guaranteed to be 100% safe and effective. Before applying any cleaning formulations, test in small hidden areas if possible. Always use caution with any new product in your home.
Make sure to keep all home-made formulas well-labeled, and out of the reach of children.

All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
Another alternative is microfiber cloths which lift off dirt, grease and dust without the need for cleaning chemicals, because they are formulated to penetrate and trap dirt. There are a number of different brands. A good quality cloth can last for several years.

Air Freshener: Commercial air fresheners mask smells and coat nasal passages to diminish the sense of smell.
• Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house.
• Having houseplants helps reduce odors in the home.
• Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.
• Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter.
• Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal.
• Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove.
• Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room.

Bathroom mold: Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common problem and can be a health concern. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using shower.

Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.
For a heavy duty carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax and vinegar. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.

Chopping block cleaner: Rub a slice of lemon across a chopping block to disinfect the surface. For tougher stains, squeeze some of the lemon juice onto the spot and let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe.

Coffee and tea stains: Stains in cups can be removed by applying vinegar to a sponge and wiping. To clean a teakettle or coffee maker, add 2 cups water and 1/4 cup vinegar; bring to a boil. Let cool, wipe with a clean cloth and rinse thoroughly with water.

Deodorize:
• Plastic food storage containers - soak overnight in warm water and baking soda
• In-sink garbage disposal units - grind up lemon or orange peel in the unit
• Carpets - sprinkle baking soda several hours before vacuuming
• Garage, basements - set a sliced onion on a plate in center of room for 12 - 24 hours

Dishwasher Soap: Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda, but increase the washing soda if your water is hard.

Dishwashing Soap: Commercial low-phosphate detergents are not themselves harmful, but phosphates nourish algae which use up oxygen in waterways. A detergent substitution is to use liquid soap. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of vinegar to the warm, soapy water for tough jobs.

Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use non-aerosol spray bottle.]

more-
http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm
http://www.healthyhouseinstitute.com...emade_Cleaners

I too have been pinching pennys! Everything is so expensive here where I live anyway, so its hard. But in light of the new failing economy, I have made some changes and stuck with some of my old money saving ways.

Im not a big fan of Wal-Mart, but I have started shopping there for non food items. Funny, but I dont buy impulse items at Wal-Mart like I do at Target. And their prices are so much lower.

To save on gas, I make one trip to the grocery store a week, instead of two. I plan ahead, make a list and use coupons if I have them. I have always brought the store brand when possible. That same day I will run all my errands - the bank, etc. Doing all my errands in one day also saves much time too! Sadly, I have to have a 4 wheel drive in order to get around up here in the winter, but what I wouldnt do for a little Toyota these days. Thankfully, I have a jeep and not a big SUV that seats 8, or somthing like that!

When you cook, make extra for left overs for the next day or to freeze for a quick meal some other time. Thanks to me doing this, we only eat out about once a month and again it saves time.

I keep my wardrobe simple and shop at outlet stores/malls. A good black or white t-shirt half price from the Gap outlet goes with everything. I have only two pairs of jeans, they were expensive but fit well, so they were worth it. I buy work clothes at Old Navy - they make decent black dress pants for 30.00- match it up with a nice blouse from the Ann Taylor outlet store and your good to go.

One more thought on eating out vs. cooking at home... resturants have only taste in mind, not your health. You can save so much money and probably a couple of inches on your waistline by not eating out. For example, I eat quick cook oatmeal every morning - good for your heart and takes two minutes to nuke in the microwave, I put some berries, or applesause and cinnamon, or a banana, or just some maple syrup in it. So breakfast costs me about 4 dollars a week (more now that produce is so expensive). One McDonalds value meal breakfast would cost me the same thing.

I do splurge on good coffee and beer for at home, and often invite friends over to my house for coffee and a muffin in the morning or beer and chips and salsa in the afternoon instead of meeting them out somewhere. Keep it simple and casual and save money.

Wow great ideas! Hope more share too.
Jo thanks for finding the cleaning hints. I went from memory and did use the baking soda for cat odors. Gee, remember brushing our teeth with it?
Now if only I could find a maid.....I would have to declutter for anyone to help me though!

Scrub power is not a great feature anymore, but those that do help at home don;t do such a great job. But, I keep my mouth shut glad to have things done for me.
I see where everyone cutting gas purchases has influanced the supply and demand and barrel cost dropped by $3.

I stopped taking my asthma meds when I had to cut cost, so the PCP gave me sample of one that replaces the two I took and she will keep me in samples, that saved $20 a month.
I have been breaking meds in half too, the Lexapro and returning alum for the cash.

Anyone changing trips this summer or vacation plans? I really want to keep plans for a few days at Rehoboth beach, well Hennalopin Park is where we go to the beach one day, and then for the outlets and econolodge pool. I am keeps some fo the stimulas money for that.
di

interesting- i stopped making one trip to the grocery store because it was so tough to get a weeks worth of food/supplies in one trip. Now i go out and get a few things here and there...i don't feel the need to buy stuff "just in case" cause i'll probably be out tomorrow, and i can deal with one or two bags of groceries without wiping myself out for the rest of the day. Of course, TJ's is about two blocks down the street, and Vons a mile or so in the other direction, since everything is so close it isn't a huge thing to drive.

and oh yeah, we were going to try to fly home to visit family, but then decided it was too $$$ to fly with all 5 of us.

then my mom decided she wanted us to come so much that she bought the tickets.

so now we're going

the good thing about not working is that no one cares what i wear, so not too much involved in clothing budget...just the problem of the effexor induced expanding waistline to deal with. The little kids' stuff mostly comes from a great 2nd hand store or target, so pretty good there, and the teenager depends on presents unless she has to be presentable for some event, then i usually shop with her.

I'll have to mull over the walmart doesn't encourage impulse buying thing. I am really bad in target, and there are two targets closer to me (within 2.5 miles) than any other big store (5 miles or more).

I saw some references to lemons in these posts and we have one huge, gigantic lemon tree that simply refuses to go to sleep for the winter and is chock a block full of lemons, with hundreds of flowers and green lemons still forming and ripening.

My question is how can I use some of these fresh lemons around the house? I love the smell of lemon but how can I preserve it into say a room freshener?

The lemons are wasting away on the tree because we can't use them fast enough. We give bags away every week, but the tree continues to produce fruit really quickly.