Help Keeping Your Home Simplyfied, Clean and Organized!,

It can be hard to keep everything in our home, as well as our lives, organized. I know this first hand. I struggle, as many do, with organizing my home. Cleaning tasks are performed daily or weekly, depending on what they are. However, I am a pack rat. I am also unorganized.

This blog is set up as a step-by-step process to help us all better organize our homes and lives. For me, some of this will be done through simplifying. Yes, this is hard for one for us pack rats. It is becoming necessary.

Keeping the Single Mom Home

http://keepingthesinglemomhome.wordpress.com/category/tips/

Have a nice day!
Shannon

Seasonal Fun: Spring and Winter

(From the site)

Spring Fun  

Walking ~ A free activity that is good for the whole family. Nature walks are great at this time of the year. You can watch everything come to life around you.

Go to the playground with the children.

Sit outside and watch the night sky.

Sit outside and tell each other the shapes in the clouds.

Talk about the changes that you are noticing outside. What signs of spring can you see.

Winter Fun

Sledding ~ We can do this free in the next town.

Ice Skating ~ We can do this free at the playground.

Have an ice skating party. Serve hot cocoa and brownies.

Have a sledding party. Serve hot cocoa and cookies.

Cook on the BBQ once a month during the winter months.

Have a snowball fight.

Make snow angels.

Take a ride and see the holiday displays. Do this during the day, then go back at night to see what they displays look like all lit up.

Have indoor picnics.

Have a regular game night.

Have a regular movie night.

Preparing for Spring

(I know this is the wrong time of the year, but I want to get it posted.)

By Shannon Buck – Copyright March 2007

                                                     

Spring is here, even if there is still snow on the ground. I cannot wait to get out there in my yard and garden. As a low-income family, it has taken me years to acquire what we have for our yard. When we lived in low-income housing, we were limited with what we could do with our little patch of lawn.

One thing that I did was to ask our landlord if I could plant a small vegetable garden out by my front door. He actually had one of the bushes taken out so I had a little bigger patch. I brought in a few bags of good soil, and some seeds and seedlings. I spent about $25.00 on my little garden, growing carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers and a few herbs. These items made nice little salads, and they saved me a little money in the long run.

I gave each of my girls a few dollars and let them choose some flowers, which we planted under the windows at the front and the back of apartment.

When we moved into the trailer park, we were responsible for keeping our own yards mowed. I purchased a (wo)man powered mower for under $80.00, and it has lasted about 4 years. My stepfather is supposed to be giving us an older gas powered mower this spring, which will make mowing a bit easier.

Here are some tips for the low-income family living in an apartment:

(downstairs apartment)

* Put planters along the outside of your apartment, or along your walkway. You can plant flowers, vegetables, berries or herbs.

* Ask about adding a nice little fence as a border to your yard.

* Add a wreath to the outside of your door. The dollar stores carry metal wreath hangers that do not attach permanently to the doors. They may also have a small wreath, or you can make one from cheap craft flowers.

* Maybe you would rather hang a welcome sign on your door.

(upstairs apartment with a small patio)

* Put a small decorative table in the corner, with a planter of flowers, herbs, berries or vegetables.

* See if you can attach wind chimes to the overhang above your patio.

* Hang a wreath on your door.

* See if you can attach planters to you patio railing. This can be done in such a manner as to have them a bit away from the railing so as not to rot it.

(for both upstairs and downstairs)

* Put a small decorative table and chairs outside your door.

* You may also have room for a small electric grill.

Spring, Summer and Fall Clean-Up

I’m sure that you all notice that people in your, and surrounding, towns often have spring clean up times. They are allowed to put things by the roads to be taken away. It sits there for a while before this happens. There is a reason for that. It is a great recycling program.

Now, notice that some of the people in your, and surrounding, towns put things out there at other times of the year as well. This is because some people do not have the opportunity to do this during spring clean-up.

I used to take advantage of this a lot. I still do when I see something that I can use. We acquired a great many things this way. For free. Here is some of what I have picked up on the side of the roads that I have traveled:

• a perfectly good grill
• a big bean bag chair for each of my daughters
• a huge stuffed animal for each of them
• other toys
• some clothes
• canning jars
• a bike
• many books for all of us
• an area rug
• planters
• lawn chairs

I have seen many other perfectly usable items as well, such as:

• refrigerators
• stoves
• washers
• dryers
• kiddie pools
• swing sets
• beds
• sofas
• chairs
• tables

My motto is, everything that I can find used is something less going into to a landfill. I have another one, free is good.

Shannon

New Name. Same Blog.

Anyone can live a frugal life, whether they have money or not. This is part of the reason the blog name was changed. The other reason is that I am tied of reading how ‘low-income’/welfare people are so horrid – when they aren’t all like that.

 

I want this blog to aid everyone in living frugally, not just those in need. I want to be able to post ideas, and not be hit with the prejudices of people against welfare.

 

Especially in an economy where this help is needed so much. Where middle class has become the “new low-income”. Where people who never thought they would need aid before – are forced into getting help just so their families can survive.

 

So, I am closing comments to this post and I have closed some older posts, and I am going to carry on with helping those who desire it. Over the next few months I will cleaning up the blog. I am not sure how yet. Maybe a new theme, mainstreaming the categories… whatever will aid in making it look better. Some guest posts may be leaving, to keep the blog in the direction I want to go.

 

So expect more posts on living frugally, and less comments degrading those in need.

 

I still find it hard to believe that this blog gets so much traffic, and has so many followers. I love it. I really do. I love the comments and emails from people who this blog helps. It is a heartwarming experience for me.

 

Know that I screen comments, so you can write about how your family is doing and what you are doing to survive. You can tell your story, and I will not allow anyone to degrade your efforts.

 

A helpful community is what I desire, not one where people put others down.

 

Have a wonderful day, and keep coming back for more advice, life stories and changes.

 

Shannon

 

P.S. The site URL is staying the same, at least for now. Only the name has changed. Visit the sister blog: Frugal Recipes: Spending Less to Eat Healthy. And be sure to check out my Examiner pages: Bangor Single Mom, Bangor Frugal Living

 

Poverty (Photo credit: Teo’s photo)

 

and Bangor Easy Meals.

 

Related articles

• How Others are not Spending Money (livingthelowincomelife.wordpress.com)
• eCookBook: Very Frugal Vegetables (frugalrecipes.wordpress.com)
• eCookBook: Fabulously Frugal Fruits (frugalrecipes.wordpress.com)

 

Shop Your Way Rewards!

Big Kmart discount store in Ontario, Oregon (USA). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Kmart has this awesome program called Shop Your Way Rewards. Not long ago, the use of this card coupled with a store coupon netted me 5 bottles of Xtra laundry detergent for about $1.88 each. I gave 2 to my daughter and her roommate, am using 1 (which will take a long while) and have two in reserve for later use.

 

This card has also netted me pants and a pajama top for $2.99 each, and a variety of other savings.

 

The use of this card not only nets me savings, it also earns me points. I recently cashed in some of the points, because I needed some personal hygiene items and had no cash. My total bill was almost $8.00, but I spent nothing. I did not even hand over cash for taxes. And I still have more points to use.

 

Because Kmart is right near walk, I do a lot of shopping there. Most of the shopping is not on full price items. I shop sales, use coupons, and <3 clearance sales. I buy what I need most of the time, and the occasional DVD of a favorite movie for $5.00.

 

Do you have one of these cards yet? How would you use one to save money on your needs?

 

Shannon

 

How Others are not Spending Money

Auckland Botanical Gardens, Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand (Photo credit: Sandy Austin)

 

It always amazes me to hear that there are people who spend so little money. People who do not buy into this need to earn and spend, earn and spend.They do not care about material possessions. Many do not need the safety net of having a permanent home. Someplace to call theirs.

 

I envy them, I really do. I often think about leaving everything behind and just walking. Spending day after day, traveling places on foot. With just a few possessions, including my camera and laptop so I can record what I see.

 

I thought I would share some links with you today:

 

Family Lives Without Money – By Choice – and Thrives

 

German Grandmother Lives Money Free – and Has Never Been Happier

 

German Bin-Divers get Connected to Wage War on Food Waste

 

The (R)evolution – in Harmony with the Earth

 

No Groceries for a Year: How one Family Saved Money, Lost Weight and Lived Well

 

Enjoy the reads!

 

Shannon

 

 

Family Giving

How does a family with little (or even no!) money give to others?

English: Beds at new homeless shelter in Portland, Maine. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Actually, there are a great many ways to accomplish this.

How?

Well, allow me to give you some ideas :

1. Volunteer to run errands for a disabled neighbor.
2. Ask elderly neighbors if they would like to join you as you run your own errands.
3. Make a plate up with leftovers for a neighbor who has been ill.
4. Make an extra casserole or two for someone who has just given birth.
5. Call the local battered women’s shelter to see if you can donate items you no longer need.
6. Ask the local homeless shelters employees if they could use the pillows and blankets you no longer need.
7. Find out what the residents at nursing homes might like: Old movies and CD’s, craft supplies, and puzzles are but a few ideas.
8. Donate other items to local thrift shops.

There is a lot you can do without spending much money at all. Get the entire family involved. Children learn from a young age how to help others, as necessary skill in today’s world. Helping others teaches responsibility and helps to fashion good character traits.

Plan of Action: Sit down with your family and come up with a list of ways you can help others. Try to do at least one thing a month. Once a week would be good.

Shannon

Low-Income and Living Deliberately

English: Homeless man, Tokyo. Français : Un sans abri à Tokyo. Español: Persona sin hogar, en las calles de Tokio. Türkçe: Evsiz adam, Tokyo. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Recently, I received correspondence from Fay Johnson, founder and editor of the new magazine deliberateLIFE. She inquired about my reading her magazine and sharing my thoughts with you, my readers. I immediately thought this was a good opportunity, and agreed to receive a free copy to read. I am pleased that I agreed.

 

I was amazed with the scope and content of the magazine, as well as with the writers. Fay has done a wonderful job putting this magazine together.

 

The magazine is geared toward inspiring readers to live life well (one of my focuses!) and to do good for others. It guides readers in making wise spending choices, living within their communities, and understanding what is going on in the world around them.

 

Of note was a series of articles based on how specific communities are deal with homelessness issues. It was very interesting to read about communities in other areas of the world, how they live with homelessness, and aid the homeless.

 

The magazine deals with some of the same issues as this blog: Upcycling and greening come to mind. There are how-to articles and ones dealing with food. Much information for someone living deliberately. I came away with some tips to help in my living low-income goals, and ones that I might not be able to afford enacting but none the less enjoyed reading about.

 

This magazine is put out every other month, and costs $4.99 per issue. A discount is given if you order for an entire year – $20.00. It is published through iPad Newsstand. This would make a great gift.

 

Shannon

 

 

 

No Money for a Vehicle?

Wizard of OZ bike at the Harris farm (Photo credit: rickjg)

 

I am not sure why it is expected that everyone will be able to afford a car, insurance, gas and upkeep. Not everyone can. I also am not sure why there are some people think they are better than someone who cannot afford one. The person without the vehicle may very well be less in debt. Not a bad thing at all. We are, after all, supposed to be living within our means.

 

The kicker is that I have noticed some of these people who look down on those who cannot afford a vehicle, complain about welfare recipients have vehicles because said vehicle looks nice and ‘appears’ to have cost oh so much money. Never mind that it likely isn’t even a new car, but a used one. Possibly even one that had been donated to a program that offers the cars to low-income families.

 

Hmmm… sometimes there is no winning.

 

I for one, do not drive. No big deal. I get to where I need to go in a variety of ways.

 

1. I walk many places. Sometimes, I will walk a number of miles in a day. It is good for me, and I am treading lightly on the environment. I walk to do my shopping, to eat out once in a while, to visit friends.
2. I take the city bus. Yup, not exactly a great way to get places when you have germ issues like I do, but I get by. Some rides are worse than others.
3. A cab is another way to get places, though it is significantly more expensive. It costs me $20.00 to get to the hospital if the need be. Obviously, I do not choose this mode of transportation often.
4. Carpooling is another option. I pay $1.00 per ride to work, and $1.00 per ride home, this way. In some cases a little more. But it is affordable.

 

A bicycle would also be a good way to get places, but I am pretty accident prone. Walking is likely the best choice for me if I don;t want to rack up hospital bills I see college students with a basket attached to the front or back of their bike. (Think The Wizard of Oz, because some of these bikes are pretty old.)

 

So, what are the benefits of alternate types of transportation? Some include:

 

1. They allow you to live more frugally.
2. They (most) allow you to tread more lightly on the earth.
3. They bring you closer to others, because you spend more time with them.
4. The money you give to someone you are carpooling with saves them money as well, especially if they go right by your home anyway. They can use that money to fill the gas tank every so often, or set it aside longer to help toward maintenance on their vehicle.

 

What alternative modes of transportation do you use? Even if you are lucky enough to own a vehicle, you may choose another mode for some of the reasons given above.

 

Shannon

 

 

 

 

 

Saving with a Coupon and Rewards Card

No love for laundry (Photo credit: stillframe)

 

On the way to work the other day, I stopped in at KMart to pick up a few things. They were having undergarments on sale at 50% off (saving me $7.50 on the two items I purchased) as well 75 ounce bottles of Xtra laundry detergent at $2.49 each.

 

I had noticed a coupon for the laundry detergent while I had some downtime in laundry the weekend before, and decided that I was going to take advantage. In order to reap the rewards of the coupon, you had to have a rewards card. I have one of these, so I was determined that I would stock up on laundry the detergent.

 

The detergent was being sold (with coupon + card) for $1.88 per bottle, with a maximum number of 5 bottles that could be purchased per transaction. I purchased all 5.

 

Living on my own, I was only two or three loads of laundry a week. This is a huge difference from washing one or two loads per day when the girls lived at home and I was taking care of other children.

 

I kept 3 bottles.

 

I gave 2 bottles to my daughter Zowie and her roommate.

 

The three bottles should last me the winter and into the spring months.

 

My total saving for this trip was $10.55. Not bad

 

Are you taking advantage of coupons and your rewards card when doing so will truly be beneficial?

 

Shannon

 

Keeping it Frugal: Goal Setting for the Low-Income Family

A card game (Apples to Apples) in progress at Anthrocon 2006. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Setting goals as a family, for the new year or any time, is an important aspect of family togetherness. You want to set goals that the entire family can work on and, after a meeting or two over dinner to work out the details, you should be able to implement your goal(s) right off.

 

Goal setting and implementation does not have to cost a great deal of money. Below find a list of goals, and how they can be implemented with little or no money.

 

Create More Family Time: Your family might not be able to afford ski’s or a snowmobile, but sleds may be purchased at fairly good prices this time of year. Keep a look out. Stores are looking to get rid of winter and holiday type items to make room for their spring lineups. If you have no budget to work with, that is fine. Build snow forts and have snowball fights. Some other ideas include having a winter picnic, getting a head start on next Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries by making gifts with materials you already have on hand, and reading together as a family. Do not forget board and card games!

 

Spend More Time with Friends and Family: You might invite a couple of friends or close family members to join you at your winter picnic, and then to play games. You can meat up with people for a winter walk on a less cold day, or you might invite people over for a movie marathon.

 

Spend More One-on-One Time with Children: Once a week, do something special with one of your children. It does not have to cost money. Go for a walk. Play a board game. Play Mad Libs (my children used to love this!). Have tea or hot cocoa and chat, or cook a new meal together.Each week, do this with a different child. Keep up the routine so you all have something to look forward to.

 

You may also find my article Set a Family Goal useful

 

Happy New Year!

 

Shannon

 

 

2012 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

4,329 films were submitted to the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. This blog had 29,000 views in 2012. If each view were a film, this blog would power 7 Film Festivals

Click here to see the complete report.

Frugal Autumn Decorating

It is hard to believe that autumn is already under way. The summer went by so quickly, I was not entirely prepared.

English: Pumpkins (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

A couple weeks back I was trying to decide how I was going to decorate the room that I rent for the autumn sabbats and holidays (Fall Equinox, Samhain, Yule and Thanksgiving). I needed to decorate for everything on a budget of $20.00, and keep in mind that I do not have any real space for things. I decided that I would decorate just once for the entire season. My main concern was to simply bring some of the autumn colors from outside, in.

NOTE: Because I rent a room upstairs in a house where no one lives on the bottom floor, I do not expect to hear trick-or-treater’s if they come to the door. I have decided to go to my daughter, Zowie’s, for a couple of hours, and purchased a bag of candy for $2.00 to add to what she and her roommate hand out to the children who knock on their door. They live in a development that houses many families. Because of this, I do not actually need scary decorations.

NOTE: What I kept for decorations when I moved are in storage, and would not fit well in my little room even if I took the time to go get them.

I decided that my main theme would be ‘autumn’, and purchased items accordingly:

5 sheets of window clings depicting leaves and pumpkins $5.00

5 autumn scented (small) candles $1.50

1 large jar candle (cinnamon scented) (clearance) $4.99

Construction paper to make pumpkins to hang in the windows $1.89

______

$13.38

tax .67

______

$14.05

I still have a few dollars to work with I want to pick up anything else. I am thinking mini pumpkins/squash to place amongst the little candles on my windowsill.

How are you decorating affordable? Are you reusing things from previous years? Shopping thrift stores? Crafting?

Shannon