tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23853439418127499822024-03-21T18:11:42.812-07:00Frugal PoochSaving and living like no one else, one milkbone at a timeFrugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.comBlogger278125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-15068420872160526002011-05-23T19:38:00.000-07:002011-05-23T19:46:46.477-07:00And now it's time to say goodbye...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5yrplElsGpkE-4P2O7ccKKCdLL-dB2U5Tgynu4b7skEoMdi6WaG3SjqJxJWuDgoEvQVe1sPnYQaGFjOoCmWkx8AWDCd7y-0Qae4tRC9gvL_404RTASURfX1v1RatMoriCcbZqTOGLuHG/s1600/th_mickey_mouse_pictures_2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 123px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5yrplElsGpkE-4P2O7ccKKCdLL-dB2U5Tgynu4b7skEoMdi6WaG3SjqJxJWuDgoEvQVe1sPnYQaGFjOoCmWkx8AWDCd7y-0Qae4tRC9gvL_404RTASURfX1v1RatMoriCcbZqTOGLuHG/s320/th_mickey_mouse_pictures_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610107907256397858" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>It's been a fun ride, but all good things must come to an end. Not to worry though, I will always be on the look out for snacks, toys, and good coupon deals! Thanks for reading and giving all your great feedback--it's been a real pleasure!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfgNHHc5-g5mrqHBFEMBLdjZ0yHHMnHo460DXJAW6DLhMmSwce3r8hFO7OgS9KnUXsUqIb_cv8e4yGk8VXCD7GlN_pY0fvQiLfHZ5DhUrK8m1M3Ob6ydYEvaZqtlwuSz0heQSp39kVdsX/s1600/photo-86.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfgNHHc5-g5mrqHBFEMBLdjZ0yHHMnHo460DXJAW6DLhMmSwce3r8hFO7OgS9KnUXsUqIb_cv8e4yGk8VXCD7GlN_pY0fvQiLfHZ5DhUrK8m1M3Ob6ydYEvaZqtlwuSz0heQSp39kVdsX/s320/photo-86.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610107902750680370" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>me on the lookout</i></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Au revoir!</i></div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-62174374149602573382011-05-22T20:16:00.000-07:002011-05-22T20:16:00.267-07:00Midway-month Fantastic Freebies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_OO5DpglzRR4BpNj1dCTErZNoyrFT4aOGvzxe9VKdBIA3p02UCzvHe40q8sUlHB8G5LBfobNDgJsvN4XLdrJiV7XMQ2NQFCiLgsW_ZjCDs31fsA0aOUfLB8x0XuCMiWL4z_WJTvuHQ-O/s1600/IMG_6557.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_OO5DpglzRR4BpNj1dCTErZNoyrFT4aOGvzxe9VKdBIA3p02UCzvHe40q8sUlHB8G5LBfobNDgJsvN4XLdrJiV7XMQ2NQFCiLgsW_ZjCDs31fsA0aOUfLB8x0XuCMiWL4z_WJTvuHQ-O/s320/IMG_6557.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609374901782144562" /></a>May still has another full week left, but I thought I'd give you a look-see at what I have so far in my freebies. <div><br /></div><div>- Full size Suave Professionals hair spray</div><div>- Full size Cottonelle moist wipes</div><div>- 1 Colgate toothbrush</div><div>- 3 Oral B toothbrushes</div><div>- 1 trial size Dove deodorant</div><div>- 1 trial size Head & Shoulders shampoo and conditioner </div><div>- 1 travel size Aveda Hand Relief</div><div>- Misc feminine products</div><div><br /></div><div>If you buy any of the Aveda products, I can't recommend enough that you put your name on their mailing list. Give them your email address and your mailing address. At least once a month I get a coupon for something free there. Plus they always give hand massages when you go in :) I got a hair product and hand lotion <a href="http://www.frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/04/fantastic-freebies-march-edition.html">last month</a>, hand lotion this month, and I just got a coupon for a free full-sized body wash for next month. You really can't beat it! </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy freebie-hunting!</div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-74140702543864609432011-05-21T20:09:00.000-07:002011-05-21T20:16:43.983-07:00Final garden update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIhpPuOtR3YN9xzEq0VD96n2mXMRB0-UyJaVKkGxXUXtzEfi438oPC56onIX5QCqNfH20fvTdr-rntbie8KI3WQsAK5Vfi_89N9Bp-NcFRfL7H2dJ9XizFhYszSZaLS3COb1-Kq1jYhyb/s1600/photo-118.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIhpPuOtR3YN9xzEq0VD96n2mXMRB0-UyJaVKkGxXUXtzEfi438oPC56onIX5QCqNfH20fvTdr-rntbie8KI3WQsAK5Vfi_89N9Bp-NcFRfL7H2dJ9XizFhYszSZaLS3COb1-Kq1jYhyb/s320/photo-118.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609372519736246770" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We're on the home stretch, and it's only appropriate that I give you a last peek at my <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-does-your-garden-grow-and.html">"garden"</a> since some tomatoes are starting to show up! I have a teeny tiny green pepper too, but it didn't photograph very well. As of my count this morning, I have 9 of these little guys between all four of my plants. Should be a good summer!</div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-29294596723439839612011-05-18T20:33:00.000-07:002011-05-19T12:42:54.981-07:00Ponderings<div style="text-align: left;">I am thinking I should go on the next space shuttle launch. Since the shuttle launch <a href="http://www.space.com/11289-nasa-space-shuttle-endeavour-launch-delays.html">kept getting delayed</a>, that gave me plenty of time to think about the reasons I should go into space.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0G-97kShp1yrkuLuxr4AC1pe5unnFsa_IRMR38nPHVsjrA6lesDKPRwyRP5jrGe2EeOf62jJrDZjVCTSyEvkzGLYRGyAeqXe8Ip0_pU9W796BmhUgZbklrZ28IS_61tYgch09qa2UJOJ/s1600/LaikaRussianDogRSA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0G-97kShp1yrkuLuxr4AC1pe5unnFsa_IRMR38nPHVsjrA6lesDKPRwyRP5jrGe2EeOf62jJrDZjVCTSyEvkzGLYRGyAeqXe8Ip0_pU9W796BmhUgZbklrZ28IS_61tYgch09qa2UJOJ/s320/LaikaRussianDogRSA.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602328567203844098" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>This is Laika who went up on Sputnik 2</i></span></div><br /><div><ul><li>I am in my physical prime. That's what my vet said.</li><li>I am the best candidate for testing the survivability of blue toys in space.</li><li>I could totally rock a space suit</li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjah0fwkme04fYUeb6JG9C9NsX-iA-33mLymVVXjHlDxIzp4sz_0rVq7WWUhWiJk8Yq-Klmn00cDfdlGLJrjx3OnjIarRKtF4PcPzqd2ehHyMGcTR3Iftgi3oA9s17aBci8phBUmqduxkH8/s320/116604main_image_feature_337a_jw4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608514497645782994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px; " /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">I mean, if these fellas look <i>this</i> good, imagine how yours truly would look?? I think the phrase you're looking for is "devastatingly good-looking".</span></div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-89448161827083731882011-05-18T14:20:00.000-07:002011-05-18T14:20:00.257-07:00Ride 'em cowgirl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEjWB7gv5nyB18hjy_cZ3HgwqBv9eLLdFjkWEMHfEbQrXFLKPWltqFgyPnE6zfd54TS4cySwvvjRfDLon2C2iBXOqPsQQRJdH8oSksr3taAEiMxzl3e5sN2jMDhrRr_yDF9biiPOcGmhJ/s1600/photo-116.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEjWB7gv5nyB18hjy_cZ3HgwqBv9eLLdFjkWEMHfEbQrXFLKPWltqFgyPnE6zfd54TS4cySwvvjRfDLon2C2iBXOqPsQQRJdH8oSksr3taAEiMxzl3e5sN2jMDhrRr_yDF9biiPOcGmhJ/s320/photo-116.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607798183538292226" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is just degrading. What do I look like? A pack mule? Dismount and hang up your tack please, young lady.</div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-11046633023666420532011-05-17T15:20:00.000-07:002011-05-17T15:20:00.558-07:00Oil-vey<div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>guest post by my mom</i></span></div><div><br /></div>Get it? Instead of "oy vey"? That's why you come here, folks. For the cheap laughs, good times, and <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2007/09/urgent-matter.html">crazy dog antics</a>.<div><br /></div><div>But I digress.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you cruise any of the big name frugal blogs on the internet, you've likely stumbled upon the <a href="http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/">oil cleansing method</a> for face washing. Since I'm gradually trying to <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/04/im-sold.html">replace things in our home</a> that contain way too many chemicals, this was perfect. It meets both of my goals: It decreases the amount of clutter in our home, and it doesn't contain artificial ingredients or chemicals. Please don't misunderstand, I haven't gone all "granola", but just trying to be more mindful of what we have in our home. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, back to the oil cleansing method (OCM). It's just what it sounds like. You use oil to clean your face. Sounds counterintuitive unless you had to sit through chemistry class--in which case you know that "like dissolves like". So, with the right types of oil, you can quickly and easily clean off dirt, oil, and makeup.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been using olive oil and castor oil, but you can also use jojoba, grapeseed, or sunflower oil in place of the olive oil. You choose the "recipe" that best meets your skin's needs*.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Normal skin - 1:1 ratio</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Oily skin - 3:1 Castor oil to olive oil</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Dry skin - 3:1 Olive oil to castor oil</div><div><br /></div><div>You mix the oils up in a small, clean bottle (I used one of the travel size shampoo bottles I had). Massage about 1/2 teaspoon of the oil onto dry skin for a minute. Wet a wash cloth with very hot (not scalding, though) water. Lay the wash cloth over your face and let the hot water steam your pores for a full minute (this part feels delightful!). When your minute is up, use the wash cloth to wipe off the oil. And you're done! You only need to do this once per day. I do it at night to remove makeup, and then just splash my face with water in the morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>The best part of this is that it removes makeup (including eye makeup) and I haven't needed a drop of moisturizer since I started using it. Talk about frugal! Prior to using the OCM, I used a combination of the products pictured below on varying days. I also needed prescription creams for my face for eczema in addition to moisturizers.</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7pTCxz9q5VLEI4aweVIfKk4B69bQMygPQxzKVOfxyssbBavAw9PSP8UqFm6NIqb0IpzQqAaV3jbHyXZNvdIdKztpHx7pHhKFZHZ3Qtta_irZZ3Xif_FIe_RST20-EmOj1pcZLUM_TAlP/s1600/photo-114.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7pTCxz9q5VLEI4aweVIfKk4B69bQMygPQxzKVOfxyssbBavAw9PSP8UqFm6NIqb0IpzQqAaV3jbHyXZNvdIdKztpHx7pHhKFZHZ3Qtta_irZZ3Xif_FIe_RST20-EmOj1pcZLUM_TAlP/s320/photo-114.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606801804414316722" /></a><div><div>Since using the OCM, I haven't needed any of those products! Just the oil and a wash cloth. It's been a great frugal, natural option!</div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhRtQV3CHlN38KUhoXBLQCgXipEsUxKaI2WV8rZRZ-lU8nz0_dh0sG8-DnstGqeSNBQqfNWU-F7n7d3J8G8AjR_E5LJlxBReBP3oHECpKZpfn5n27dXd4lpg88tO4Ro-h3AKA38PQc8Pg/s1600/photo-115.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhRtQV3CHlN38KUhoXBLQCgXipEsUxKaI2WV8rZRZ-lU8nz0_dh0sG8-DnstGqeSNBQqfNWU-F7n7d3J8G8AjR_E5LJlxBReBP3oHECpKZpfn5n27dXd4lpg88tO4Ro-h3AKA38PQc8Pg/s320/photo-115.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606801797110981970" /></a><br /><div>If you try it out, let me know. I'd love to hear what you think of it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">*I've tweaked the "recipe" for my skin to more of a 1:1.5 castor oil to olive oil. My skin needed a touch more moisture than what the 1:1 ratio provided.</span></i></div><div><br /></div></div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-84304444106200986422011-05-16T13:23:00.001-07:002011-05-16T13:33:18.308-07:00Please stay seated until the ride comes to a complete stop<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXavY55Mo-wk06BFB9UFU_od8InTzD3YQF_jrCmR7FQR4M-iveNqeq3wVZNTimzlmuIVUCsfUWfmH7u_6YE8vAmgl8cNExGRptgeg7cKpZfgD-P6FJhLhPLgOYI6Z1U2Y-IlCEqyLvyiCi/s1600/people-roller-coaster_%257EIS730-017.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXavY55Mo-wk06BFB9UFU_od8InTzD3YQF_jrCmR7FQR4M-iveNqeq3wVZNTimzlmuIVUCsfUWfmH7u_6YE8vAmgl8cNExGRptgeg7cKpZfgD-P6FJhLhPLgOYI6Z1U2Y-IlCEqyLvyiCi/s320/people-roller-coaster_%257EIS730-017.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607414679335742434" /></a><br />Yes, dear readers. The time is coming when this ride will come to a stop. My mom has decided that this just isn't the season of life for her to be keeping up with a blog, so Frugal Pooch is going by the wayside. There are about 7-10 days worth of posts left to go up, and then we'll be signing off for good. Just thought I'd give you a heads up that things are coming to a close. It's been fun!Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-35717883642078001912011-05-15T15:22:00.000-07:002011-05-15T15:46:22.316-07:00Oh the hypocrisy<div>I don't understand all the rules here. <i>Technically</i>, I'm not supposed to <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2010/05/i-can-explain.html">play with my baby sister's toys</a>. Not even <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-love.html">one</a>. She, on the other hand, is allowed to touch all my toys. Whenever she wants. I don't get it. I don't hold her toys (except for <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2010/07/proper-introductions.html">this one time</a>.....and <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2010/09/we-tradedi-swear.html">this other time</a>), why is she allowed to hold my toys?</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILzC7hRHWfSc9Chc_-xrsKW8aE3ooZWQrhCfDuF4gBpwLJKhFUVcj5IDCiitKwzAl4XYf5_9GcNMtgPRpxZ-qCQqkGkKMkFiKER_Y9XlIKm5Oby0iSGync9hWL2EZL3yfVhlgxEKBOTJe/s1600/photo-99.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILzC7hRHWfSc9Chc_-xrsKW8aE3ooZWQrhCfDuF4gBpwLJKhFUVcj5IDCiitKwzAl4XYf5_9GcNMtgPRpxZ-qCQqkGkKMkFiKER_Y9XlIKm5Oby0iSGync9hWL2EZL3yfVhlgxEKBOTJe/s320/photo-99.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607072811054683218" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I just want to hold it...</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ykwBkhSYiK4PxWNfbBoK6mEikpiqiLpGVJJxmjtjqJcvO6eBHRnJcRZluEfv_NQlsuFkS2IL4M_bQBI_cV02qKo1wTyEDQIzm-DlekXSZel1D9aZxRFuatbQ7wgx4FHOfW4DPDoqn_Fc/s1600/photo-101.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ykwBkhSYiK4PxWNfbBoK6mEikpiqiLpGVJJxmjtjqJcvO6eBHRnJcRZluEfv_NQlsuFkS2IL4M_bQBI_cV02qKo1wTyEDQIzm-DlekXSZel1D9aZxRFuatbQ7wgx4FHOfW4DPDoqn_Fc/s320/photo-101.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607072804416399298" /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">My mom made her give it to me when I used my very best posture. Thank goodness for moms!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXorPD2GNQwg1MDvAbjMNWKvKSGR5jjwi99edi9OZtDOzt7oCP4uL4JfGE4FjP0m9E-UuigiUs5-tYF8kj0weLJLQcb948JDHH9ZQ85iENVdAxXSGwh_wPyYIdgQeE9I2pKy7LhTL30T3p/s1600/photo-100.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXorPD2GNQwg1MDvAbjMNWKvKSGR5jjwi99edi9OZtDOzt7oCP4uL4JfGE4FjP0m9E-UuigiUs5-tYF8kj0weLJLQcb948JDHH9ZQ85iENVdAxXSGwh_wPyYIdgQeE9I2pKy7LhTL30T3p/s320/photo-100.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607072802333326962" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">(Meanwhile, Fod was being amused by the torment I was experiencing. Older brothers--so typical.)</div></div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-60259447852029067372011-05-14T09:13:00.000-07:002011-05-14T15:52:04.622-07:00"It all sleeps the same"<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>guest post by my mom</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/05/youre-not-that-important.html">A few days ago</a>, we talked about how you're not that important...you know, in the general sense. Of course you're important to your close friends, family, and loving, faithful 4-legged friends. But often, the material things we think we <i>need</i> are really just projections of what we think others <i>think</i> we should have. In reality, those others don't care. Having an SUV because you have 2 kids, car seats, strollers, and want to fit groceries in the car too? A full-size sedan would do the trick for a much lower price tag (not to mention cheaper gas and maintenance). Don't get me wrong, if you truly love your SUV and it makes your life exponentially better, is within your budget, and fits your family's needs, then by all means. But often times, we have our priorities a little jumbled <i>(more on that later....there's a post coming up next week on developing your priorities!) </i>and don't really <i>need</i> that SUV.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8E7FuMHWrtlFCq9-2O8ZcN-LCAsAIMWXQo0LZoSkzaBS8IGHywFUdSkuUnWZvIEFur6ZHF8SBLqcAMqosGkiCtMQkPyphK9T7d5syL-u57vUx1mxlXUfZFzU1IuDW9AekQ4Ol6I7HIyd/s1600/photo-55.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8E7FuMHWrtlFCq9-2O8ZcN-LCAsAIMWXQo0LZoSkzaBS8IGHywFUdSkuUnWZvIEFur6ZHF8SBLqcAMqosGkiCtMQkPyphK9T7d5syL-u57vUx1mxlXUfZFzU1IuDW9AekQ4Ol6I7HIyd/s320/photo-55.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606701331183989170" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Textbook specimen of "loving, faithful, 4-legged friend"</i></span></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I've given the "you're not that important" speech and "you don't really NEED" that speech to myself 100 times, so I'm well acquainted with the gist of it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Enter: Our master bedroom bedding. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>All speeches immediately fly out of window.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I hate it. I bought it <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-tacky.html">a while ago</a> with the intention that it would last for about a year until we could save up to buy some new bedding. Now, I'd really like to get that new bedding, but we have other priorities on <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/01/financial-goals-for-2011.html">our financial goals list</a>. So, I have to wait. Impatiently. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">While I was drooling over the Pottery Barn catalog the other day, it occurred to me. Who cares what kind of bedding we have? You know, other than <i>me</i>? <b><i>Who?</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> We like to have friends over...when people come over to our house, do they see our bedroom? No. When guests stay in our home do they stay in our bedroom? No. Is our bedroom used for entertaining, visiting, hanging out, or any other time other than sleeping/showering? Nope.</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Hm. Interesting.</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">So, I am bent out of shape about </span><i>needing</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> new bedding because Jack and Fod care? Not likely. My husband must care! No. He says it "all sleeps the same". Do any of my friends or family care what I am sleeping on? Um, no. So, it's really <i>just me</i> that has an issue with this bedding? Yes, because </span><i>I'm not that important</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Don't get me wrong. I still fantasize about getting under some freshly laundered Restoration Hardware 800 thread count sheets that match my newly bought Italian vintage-washed duvet. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Not that I've thought about this.</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> But now, it's much less painful to wait until we have the funds in our budget to buy the bedding. <b>I'm</b> not that important, but <b>our family</b> IS--and <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-no-pets.html">keeping us out of debt</a> is a great reason to remember my place on the totem pole.</span></span></span></b></span></div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-23618280474404019022011-05-13T11:53:00.000-07:002011-05-13T22:39:45.598-07:00Personal space?<div>My mom: "Jack, get off of me"<div>Me: <i>?</i></div><div>My mom: "Jack, please get off of me. I don't like when you stand on me in the morning."</div><div>Me: <i>?</i></div><div>My mom: "You need to work on not violating people's personal space. You're too close."</div><div>Me: <i>Too close? I'm not sure I follow...</i></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp80fatWCij9X9V7Jmm8A-KKihQbAr9legXI6KyaEEiEBpg3uHxXFQ2Yvj48DQKyJU6tmetK6Z5I1x_elZCPWvrTOnBd6LKhJt93tvTAdWzgH1CmnIJrowIOOeJtbW16ZrxUH_VuoF0pst/s1600/photo-94.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp80fatWCij9X9V7Jmm8A-KKihQbAr9legXI6KyaEEiEBpg3uHxXFQ2Yvj48DQKyJU6tmetK6Z5I1x_elZCPWvrTOnBd6LKhJt93tvTAdWzgH1CmnIJrowIOOeJtbW16ZrxUH_VuoF0pst/s320/photo-94.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606277416968462194" /></a>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-54679421322205530002011-05-11T11:07:00.000-07:002011-05-11T13:54:43.673-07:00You're not that importantReally. You're not.<div><br /></div><div>As a cocker spaniel, I am, by definition, very important. You? <i>Not so much.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Hahaha. I'm joking.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kinda.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the grand scheme of things, though, you're <i>really</i> not that important. Before you get upset...hear me out...</div><div><br /></div><div>Think about the biggest barriers to your squaring away your home, work, and financial life. Go head. I'll wait while you think. </div><div><br /></div><div>Done? Ok. Chances are, most of the things you came up with revolve around your perception of what others think you should be doing. For instance, your housekeeping may be falling behind because you think you're supposed to be devoting more time to work, or to taking your kids to activities. Or perhaps you have a really large house and it requires a lot of time to clean/maintain because you think that at your station of life you "should" have a large house.</div><div><br /></div><div>Think about the last time you went to a store. Let's say Walmart, Target...something of that sort. How many people do you think you passed in the store? Is 100 a fair guess? How many of these questions did you think about the people you saw?:</div><div><br /></div><div>- What kind of car do they drive?</div><div>- How big is their house?</div><div>- Do they use name brand laundry detergent?</div><div>- What kind of diaper is that kid wearing?</div><div>- Are they paying with cash or credit card?</div><div>- Do they take their kids to 5 extracurricular activities per week?</div><div>- Did they buy those clothes at a thrift store? What brand are they?</div><div><br /></div><div>The list could go on forever, but you get the idea. Did you think any of those about anyone you saw? Probably not. Yet, when we're in stores making decisions for ourselves, we <i>think</i> other people care about what brands we use. Of course we do--that's what smart marketing people want us to think. Otherwise, why would things like Tylenol stay in business when you could buy Equate Acetaminophen? Perceived status, that's why.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, taking it a step further...if you didn't think any of those things about anyone you saw in the store, what are the chances that any of those folks thought those about <b><i>you?</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Not likely, huh? Probably because they were too busy thinking about themselves and what you'd think of them! Irony at its best! </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I mean this post with nothing but love and encouragement, so if you hear too much cynicism as you're reading it, I apologize. I merely mean it to give you a healthy dose of something we ALL need--</span><i>perspective! </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">If you're having trouble paring down your budget to get out of debt (and this can be applied to many areas of your life), think about the types of things you honestly notice about other people. Most of us are so trained to be consumed with what people think of <i>us</i> that we don't actually think about what other people are trying to impress us with! Go figure!</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">So, enjoy the liberation of knowing you're not that important (to the average Walmart shopper) and are free to make decisions that are best for the people in your life who DO think you're important--your family! </span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-59974633878054562642011-05-10T19:17:00.000-07:002011-05-10T19:20:30.876-07:00Quickie Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9fb4t0UYeVXY26U2m-8oZG3bUSVLfW-mp1n1GPWKRxqvEL1vvnyRFxFyKpbQ7j6zEAvQFcp_BqBW5uQlBBk72b6RPk-ECOmRh_T5hokA0k1AwXELpy7dHpk-v0ntsSGZ8Qp0ZWS-jxOZ/s1600/IMG_6504.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9fb4t0UYeVXY26U2m-8oZG3bUSVLfW-mp1n1GPWKRxqvEL1vvnyRFxFyKpbQ7j6zEAvQFcp_BqBW5uQlBBk72b6RPk-ECOmRh_T5hokA0k1AwXELpy7dHpk-v0ntsSGZ8Qp0ZWS-jxOZ/s320/IMG_6504.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605277488629896450" /></a><br />Not much to report on the garden, but I thought I'd let you see the progress at least. LOTS of blossoms, so I'm really hoping for some good produce in the coming weeks!Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-66170801404762564072011-05-09T11:40:00.000-07:002011-05-09T11:43:39.063-07:00Gentleman Prefer Blondes<div><div>But I think probably everyone prefers blondes. Golden retrievers? Yellow labs? Yep, everyone prefers blondes. It seemed only natural that I give it a whirl as well. And lucky for me, I walked right into an opportunity.</div><div><br /></div><div>My mom was trying to color her hair and get rid of her roots that had grown out so that her hair would look nice for a wedding she's in. And, um, well, there was a snafoo. A really really bad, bright orange snafoo. Her hair was an amazingly bright shade of orange...but only in certain spots. You can imagine her horror. So she and my baby sister headed out to get hair dye to cover up the catastrophe. They came back with stuff that smelled so so yummy.</div><div><br /></div>Specifically "Vanilla Icing" by a candy company called "L'Oreal".<div><br /></div><div>My mom didn't eat all of the candy and then just <i>tossed</i> it in the garbage. If she didn't want that delicious-smelling stuff, I sure did! So I stuck my head in the garbage and got it. <b><i>Yep, I did.</i></b></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bIlgzOkY0IyaQbp3XmTCQaFbTXrte84brkP1CeR_uYutdb9Y_uzPoXpo32DCH5wI9fBb-eyXq6GIn3YnI-oKplRRU4Mrtn0PVvuMjhpcgWGIgNXA6axk0RKbnwZ-79S-AAa0Ik6Cx3Et/s1600/photo-93.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bIlgzOkY0IyaQbp3XmTCQaFbTXrte84brkP1CeR_uYutdb9Y_uzPoXpo32DCH5wI9fBb-eyXq6GIn3YnI-oKplRRU4Mrtn0PVvuMjhpcgWGIgNXA6axk0RKbnwZ-79S-AAa0Ik6Cx3Et/s320/photo-93.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604787840518511250" /></a><br /><div>And now my ear is a gorgeous shade of dark ash blonde. I feel jipped. I don't know what that stuff was, but I don't think it was candy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully, my mom was able to wash most of the dye out of my ear and I'm only left with one small spot. I would not recommend L'Oreal for your next candy purchase, no matter how many coupons you have.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>P.S. If the aforementioned bride is reading, all is well, and my mom's hair is now a naturally-occuring shade of auburn. Crisis averted.</i></span></div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-91810015508573627642011-05-07T20:25:00.000-07:002011-05-07T20:33:29.353-07:00I got a new bone<div>Let's cut to the chase. I got a new rawhide. And I love it.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoRW7KgMkdDnryQzFQY05DqiVehEJEo8E9tv6XYNcAA-73IcDI6PtdOQnURqCwgf9uS5Wt4za0l74EbnfEjZCNdDn2MgamAkhgXIMnIB-7HNyu4wgyWsUQZpQ55b5kDFlCI8FxrUehYDq/s1600/IMG_6503.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoRW7KgMkdDnryQzFQY05DqiVehEJEo8E9tv6XYNcAA-73IcDI6PtdOQnURqCwgf9uS5Wt4za0l74EbnfEjZCNdDn2MgamAkhgXIMnIB-7HNyu4wgyWsUQZpQ55b5kDFlCI8FxrUehYDq/s320/IMG_6503.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604181967168333730" /></a>But my mom also wants me to tell you that she's almost done <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/04/spring-cleaning-overhaul.html">spring cleaning</a>. But if you've been following her <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/p/spring-cleaning.html">spring cleaning list</a>, you already know that. She also wants me to confirm for you that our house is no longer icky (<a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/04/well-bless-her-heart.html">like it was before</a>).<br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3zLNu3eTBIusjWg451jhsVTMOwWxpOZH_WadPRPiO1KD_L_MfLlnDF29rSeOUb9CWB44J_qyahJom8JQGDGG4JbYT_O9QSDZJm4mv875JRYDglCIjA62f3VcOoCxhZ6oEKTyiVezCI2T/s1600/IMG_6497.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3zLNu3eTBIusjWg451jhsVTMOwWxpOZH_WadPRPiO1KD_L_MfLlnDF29rSeOUb9CWB44J_qyahJom8JQGDGG4JbYT_O9QSDZJm4mv875JRYDglCIjA62f3VcOoCxhZ6oEKTyiVezCI2T/s320/IMG_6497.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604181961322457746" /></a>Now back to the important part of this post. <b><i>I got a new bone.</i></b><br /><br /></div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-76005342728871971882011-05-06T11:30:00.000-07:002011-05-06T11:30:00.978-07:00Show Me the Money: April Summary<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZpsq4EOrCnh3E-4JIIE97vfGLYKw99fMhNaIe4GFh_knkKP7kqYStWIvFWcgMgs03oJrIGRWOFwZNVJKhY9H-DK0TvpOkk3du1IoISM0VplnfIoZGRRNWRIN-ZyNbGM5_e-BWRz1aqr5/s1600/low-angle-view_%257Egwil40303.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 187px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZpsq4EOrCnh3E-4JIIE97vfGLYKw99fMhNaIe4GFh_knkKP7kqYStWIvFWcgMgs03oJrIGRWOFwZNVJKhY9H-DK0TvpOkk3du1IoISM0VplnfIoZGRRNWRIN-ZyNbGM5_e-BWRz1aqr5/s320/low-angle-view_%257Egwil40303.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603456096622002578" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>guest post by my mom</i></span><br /><div><br /></div><div>April was really good. Especially considering the only ways I earned money was through selling a few items and <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/Ageerin">Swagbucks</a>. I didn't have time to do any surveys this month, so none of the income is from those avenues.<div><br /></div><div>The numbers?</div></div><div><b>Cash: </b>$284.00</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Gift Cards: </b>$5.00</div><div><br /></div><div>Between visitors and getting back into home management after <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/03/not-again.html">my shoulder surgery</a>, I just didn't have the time to visit the survey sites. I'd say $289 was a pretty good haul for so little time and effort! This brings the yearly total to <b><i>$1610!!</i></b> During April, I primarily clicked through my <a href="http://www.mypoints.com">MyPoints</a> emails, took the daily polls on <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/Ageerin">Swagbucks</a> and clicked through <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/Ageerin">Swagbucks TV</a>, and (of course) used <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=mRvdhjh%2B1Ahh5QRecHaAkA%3D%3D">Ebates</a> for all the online purchases I made. </div><div><br /></div><div>Be sure to check back regularly because I have posts coming up on <a href="http://www.mypoints.com">MyPoints</a>, <a href="http://www.cashcrate.com/1650536">CashCrate</a>, and <a href="http://www.surveyhead.com">Surveyhead</a> that you won't want to miss! These are all websites I've used for a while and gotten paid through, so they are definitely reputable. If you're looking to stretch your budget a bit, or just earn a little money to throw towards your <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/new/baby-step-2/">debt snowball</a>, these are great ways to do that.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>If you need to catch up, you can read the other Show Me the Money posts <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/02/show-me-money.html">here</a> and <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/04/show-me-money-first-quarter-summary.html">here</a>.</i></span></div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-78604918809270982482011-05-05T15:14:00.000-07:002011-05-05T15:33:02.170-07:00I'm getting a nanny<div><i><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://www.whodoesntloveagreatdeal.blogspot.com/">My friend</a> was here visiting not too long ago. I had warned her that <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2010/12/contentment.html">we live in a rather affluent area</a> even though we ourselves are not busting at the seams with money. While we were out at dinner one night, we overheard a conversation that went a little something like this:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Crazy Rich Lady: "Oh my gosh! Where do you get your hair done?"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Glitteringly Rich Gal: "Right around here."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Crazy Rich Lady: "Really? I've always gone to Beverly Hills. The girl there is super sweet and never charges me more than $450."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Glitteringly Rich Gal: "Oh honey, just stay in the Valley. My girl does a great job and never charges more than $425. It's a really good deal."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><br /></span></div><div><b>I wish I was making this up.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Approximately two weeks later, my mom heard a conversation while she was at gymnastics with my baby sister that went a little something like this:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Plastic Surgery Princess: "Oh my gosh. I can't possibly live without my nanny."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Yuppy Mamma: "I totally know what you mean. It's just easier if you get one nanny per child."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Plastic Surgery Princess: "You're right. I mean, I HAVE to see my personal trainer at least 4 days a week. And by the time you add in nail and hair appointments, it's just easier to get the nanny to take care of the mundane stuff."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Yuppy Mamma: "Uh huh. I mean, we gave our nannies off for Christmas and I could barely get my hair done in the morning with a toddler underfoot. If it weren't for our nannies, I'd never get any "me" time."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">SO, I was thinking, I should get a nanny. I mean, if we're living in the land 'o endless money....when in Rome and all that. Right? My budget for a nanny is a bit scant, but I think I found the perfect one...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><br /></span></div></i></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtn_j57wyMZtauzZAGKtDbr770jmKxI77a8TnlKkHT03bx18DHgqK3p28JtFoyb7ERaOCk3h_c5xMMUfkHfNwa04kkeQIUAG3lTaAdjrHaSmG-Vcmv4UKNHgHToUgxYiqhMMnOoX4rDkf/s1600/photo-92.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtn_j57wyMZtauzZAGKtDbr770jmKxI77a8TnlKkHT03bx18DHgqK3p28JtFoyb7ERaOCk3h_c5xMMUfkHfNwa04kkeQIUAG3lTaAdjrHaSmG-Vcmv4UKNHgHToUgxYiqhMMnOoX4rDkf/s320/photo-92.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603363139903731954" /></a><br /><i><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Contrary to what Fod would have you believe, no animals were harmed in the making of this post (though their dignity may be a bit bruised).</span></i></span></div></i>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-4375719507943863872011-05-04T18:38:00.000-07:002011-05-04T18:38:00.214-07:00Putting like things together<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDphNMvM9HKn7LLTvN2DJl-ErYMy2qdNQQ4GHPoEwjl-4xQONXz9H4RNd7PtWVPX-2nb5axMD5rWDqntKSDnGFA8LaYqlHCCMPuvGIRsX93HQVRhNg0uxbt19G3LFYpPo0zaXClNCEaelj/s1600/IMG_5158.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDphNMvM9HKn7LLTvN2DJl-ErYMy2qdNQQ4GHPoEwjl-4xQONXz9H4RNd7PtWVPX-2nb5axMD5rWDqntKSDnGFA8LaYqlHCCMPuvGIRsX93HQVRhNg0uxbt19G3LFYpPo0zaXClNCEaelj/s320/IMG_5158.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602672492093961618" /></a><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">guest post by my mom</span></i></div><div><br /></div>When we moved to our new house, we took a little bit of extra time to really think about where we wanted things and to properly organize. It really didn't take much time above what we were already doing and in the past 4 months it has really paid off in organization and preventing the purchase of unnecessary items.<div><br /></div><div>We had the benefit of doing this during a move, which I think is always a great time to evaluate your needs and what you currently own. When else do you have the opportunity to <i>literally</i> touch absolutely everything you own? During this "touching" you can have a quick mental evaluation of whether you should keep it, sell it, or give it away. <b><i>This is also a good time to properly place like items together. </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>In our last several houses, we didn't take the time to do this, but this time we did. Mind you, it's nothing major, but it's really helped make sure we don't buy duplicates or even triplicates of items. Trust me, I'm sure we're not the only ones who've done this. <i>you know.</i> Where you keep a bottle of Tylenol in the master bathroom, in the kitchen, maybe one in your purse...and next thing you know, you own 6 bottles of Tylenol. Or rolls of tape. Or pairs of scissors. Or dental floss. And the list goes on and on. Try this at your own home (even if you're not moving). It'll probably boggle your mind to discover how many pens and pencils you <i>actually </i>own. If you're <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/04/spring-cleaning-overhaul.html">spring cleaning</a>, you can do this as you work your way through each room and it'll be done in no time!</div><div><br /></div><div>This will definitely save you time <i>and</i> money in that you'll know exactly what you have and where it's located. Rather than checking 3 different rooms in your house to find hand lotion, you'll know you stashed it under the sink in the hall bathroom (or where ever). </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>What item(s) do you find you end up with too many of?</i></span></div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-18306243758879719252011-05-03T18:22:00.001-07:002011-05-03T18:26:35.741-07:00Please stop her<div>I am staying out of the way of all this <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/04/spring-cleaning-overhaul.html">spring cleaning</a>. My mom has gone nuts. Plus, my dad just left for a work trip, so my mom is full throttle on the cleaning and organization. She's already burned through 2 bottles of her <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/04/im-sold.html">new cleaner</a>.<div><br /></div><div>So, I am staying clear of it all and hanging out with my friend, <a href="http://www.sesamestreet.org/video_player/-/pgpv/videoplayer/0/218c7b50-154e-11dd-8ea8-a3d2ac25b65b/i_love_words">Abby</a>. I'm just hoping that all this cleaning, organizing, and de-cluttering means more time to shop for snacks, toys, and rawhides.</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9UHrXTiJLg1APfh0I7HRsp63zmBLfOAETo0lmG0fXi5s1pVTjJUadm3jPrnONH4b55MTljT1puz3Q6ae62FQO_OmAJnc2yBKiXS7CZmKptu9ig4bDvQPMK6IxJj-LkDLvQQDRsZHjbf5/s1600/IMG_6496.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9UHrXTiJLg1APfh0I7HRsp63zmBLfOAETo0lmG0fXi5s1pVTjJUadm3jPrnONH4b55MTljT1puz3Q6ae62FQO_OmAJnc2yBKiXS7CZmKptu9ig4bDvQPMK6IxJj-LkDLvQQDRsZHjbf5/s320/IMG_6496.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602665461632858226" /></a>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-19621475124329870662011-05-02T19:36:00.000-07:002011-05-02T20:32:05.756-07:00Fantastic Freebies: April Edition<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYGslccS3wLioG2ia_Mfm61bCRa7XTt_H1eJY92Lz2pUivocXrmjaehyphenhyphenHvw8wAc5-gAHBlApDRTa50-n2LF_s73SOgWta2VOeoroeABjfZ17y_ygse-ImJ_z0hyphenhyphenPF1X-R-mb1THL_dexM/s1600/IMG_6492.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYGslccS3wLioG2ia_Mfm61bCRa7XTt_H1eJY92Lz2pUivocXrmjaehyphenhyphenHvw8wAc5-gAHBlApDRTa50-n2LF_s73SOgWta2VOeoroeABjfZ17y_ygse-ImJ_z0hyphenhyphenPF1X-R-mb1THL_dexM/s320/IMG_6492.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601942517097589122" /></a>This was a FANTASTIC month for freebies. At this rate, <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/01/build-it-up-to-tear-it-down.html">my stockpile isn't going anywhere</a>! My only complaint is that there weren't any <a href="http://www.frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/04/fantastic-freebies-march-edition.html">dog snacks</a> in the mix...but I did get to eat some of the free popcorn, so that almost made up for it.<div><br /></div><div>Here's what my people got:</div><div>- 1 box (4 count) 70 watt lightbulbs</div><div>- Sample pack from Playtex</div><div>- Sample pack from Always</div><div>- 2 Orville popcorn pop-up bags</div><div>- 2 pack Kirkland cleaning wipes</div><div>- 1 travel size Into The Wild body lotion from Bath & Body Works</div><div>- Dove Men's Care body wash</div><div>- Dove Men's Care deodorant sample</div><div>- Baby Talk magazine</div><div>- Fitness magazine</div><div>- 2 samples Fekkai shampoo and conditioner</div><div>- 1 sample Jergan's body lotion</div><div>- 5 packets Oxy face wash</div><div>- <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/04/my-free-target-beauty-bag-arrived.html">Free makeup bag + goodies from Target</a> (this included Nivea lotion, Neutrogena lip balm, and a few other things)</div><div>- 1 travel size Smooth Infusions from Aveda</div><div>- 2 full size Post-It pads</div><div>- 1 sample Stevia</div><div>- 2 samples Cover Girl foundation</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, typing all that up made me hungry. Back to the popcorn...</div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-4185322876527015872011-05-01T19:18:00.001-07:002011-05-15T19:03:49.690-07:00Stake your claim<div>My people staked the tomato plants this weekend...</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZvtfadhZsqb8DVbml3nY3HJox291_Ir5gDqCTXsxz5CU0c-Domg98Fv2W6Mgak1V69U0RGMEldctsovGIDa0l30i2GiYzplrm4uGpC-4JufvDGQbUdeQADOlRD67MST44acCZAQtZ7fc/s1600/IMG_6481.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZvtfadhZsqb8DVbml3nY3HJox291_Ir5gDqCTXsxz5CU0c-Domg98Fv2W6Mgak1V69U0RGMEldctsovGIDa0l30i2GiYzplrm4uGpC-4JufvDGQbUdeQADOlRD67MST44acCZAQtZ7fc/s320/IMG_6481.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601939415829383282" /></a><br /><div>....while I frolicked in the yard.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDePLG0RiypM5WiGKqLh5eda9dSFBVVF1bYUAw1l0elpXkY4ucgVwGYuELw3feUxkt_bq68UjqeyMzLkWAuzIy3ypo7oFEKO5la-iizqGT6GrOUVJgR9ti5lNOIyeGTobKr-Q75kcsaCg/s1600/IMG_6482.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDePLG0RiypM5WiGKqLh5eda9dSFBVVF1bYUAw1l0elpXkY4ucgVwGYuELw3feUxkt_bq68UjqeyMzLkWAuzIy3ypo7oFEKO5la-iizqGT6GrOUVJgR9ti5lNOIyeGTobKr-Q75kcsaCg/s320/IMG_6482.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601939404008091698" /></a><br /></div><div>There are some itty bitty peppers on a few of the pepper plants (stay tuned for a picture of those later this week) and some blossoms on the tomato plants. Here's hoping for some tomatoes in the not-too-distant future! </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; ">Linked to: Frugal Gardening 101 at <a href="http://amysfinerthings.com/frugal-gardening-weve-got-plants">Amy’s Finer Things</a>, <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/05/gardening-mishaps.html">Getting Freedom</a> and <a href="http://www.smockityfrocks.com/2011/05/garden-produce.html">Smockity Frocks</a></span></div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-66049946855932048012011-04-30T12:24:00.000-07:002011-05-03T18:29:57.521-07:00Financial Goals Update: April Edition<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMn8f2-wqinXV8XKIx0tfxxnzKfv-iHyY-gaTpEww5slVpDgmtC9dKpk99i6c4MITEXo2PlUvxfik6QqEiSCHwDK7yTdrj15b7seNgBKHduNT5xrivmuIQiQMuCPJQcglrZQDb0M7LQVQ/s1600/low-angle-view_%257Egwil40303.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 187px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMn8f2-wqinXV8XKIx0tfxxnzKfv-iHyY-gaTpEww5slVpDgmtC9dKpk99i6c4MITEXo2PlUvxfik6QqEiSCHwDK7yTdrj15b7seNgBKHduNT5xrivmuIQiQMuCPJQcglrZQDb0M7LQVQ/s320/low-angle-view_%257Egwil40303.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599978518599555890" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-F86Ye3N1X_sAam1YCpKXsLeJYavAttX1jevD7596nvyPVG8QiIFJdnUc4xU_N0BFK61ub4AVPEexmta1qJ-oTICgR1N0NRKghU2VcK3DfWI1sUBTs5GCUJDBIpUzyjei_OXlvO3Chyz/s1600/low-angle-view_%257Egwil40303.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>guest post by my Mom</i></span><br /><div><br /><div>April was a great month, but not because of our financial goals. As I <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/04/financial-goals-update-februarymarch.html">mentioned in my last update</a>, we knew we weren't going to make huge headway on our mortgage like we had in the first part of the year. This month definitely proved us correct there. BUT, it was for a great reason. We had the opportunity to make donations to several good causes this month. These funds may have otherwise been used to pay down our principle, but instead went to very worthy causes. A good month, indeed.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, here's our update for April:</div><div><br /></div><div>:: <b>Tell Wells Fargo where they can shove our mortgage</b>. <i>As of the end of March, we have paid off 19.35%!!</i><div><br /></div><div>:: <b>Add to emergency savings. </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><i>Done! We met this savings goal in February.</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>:: <b><a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/01/were-not-that-desperate.html">Pay for only 50% of gifts out of pocket</a></b> - <i>This one is still a success, though I didn't have to buy any gifts this month. I have quite a few (as a result of a recent baby boom by friends!) to purchase in coming weeks, so I'll be sure to report back in May!</i></div></div></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>How did you do this month?</i></span></div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-73837682642058576002011-04-29T14:25:00.000-07:002011-04-29T14:44:47.002-07:00I'm sold<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>guest post by my mom</i></span></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdme31WImy53UKiGXu13cYITVbJMZB2snqeGo0efoMM8VLDm_KDi0U2yf9mBgWmwq20KHwwl9x4aUOb3u-mUgg0eo1WL3lDXaQm3Z3vUdxvCSRK_heuLBuW7Azfjj1vtLbf1m4ln8BcKe4/s1600/IMG_6441.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdme31WImy53UKiGXu13cYITVbJMZB2snqeGo0efoMM8VLDm_KDi0U2yf9mBgWmwq20KHwwl9x4aUOb3u-mUgg0eo1WL3lDXaQm3Z3vUdxvCSRK_heuLBuW7Azfjj1vtLbf1m4ln8BcKe4/s320/IMG_6441.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601120674293063458" /></a><div>You know <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/04/spring-cleaning-overhaul.html">I'm currently spring cleaning</a>. I am pretty sure I've also mentioned that I am trying to start replacing my conventional cleaners with more environmentally-friendly ones. This is two-fold in that I've been wanting to switch so that the cleaners used are safer around my daughter and pets, but also because it goes hand in hand with de-cluttering. Using products that serve multiple purposes means that there is less clutter in our cabinets and house. It's a win-win in my book.</div><div><br /></div><div>While reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1440302634/ref=trdrt_tipp_dp_titl_GWTB_507846?pf_rd_p=1294848862&pf_rd_s=right-3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=507846&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0H5EH3J1ZSFF415C8SBK">Organized Simplicity</a>, I was excited to try using vinegar and baking soda for my cleaning. I had been using baking soda in my bathrooms, but hadn't used up all my all-purpose cleaner until just recently. So, when I finally used up the last bits of Lysol, I took the plunge. <i><b>Unfortunately, I really didn't like the smell of vinegar and I found that using baking soda in other areas of cleaning left an icky, white residue.</b></i> Not really what I was going for.</div><div><br /></div><div>On several other blogs, I had seen folks mention <a href="https://www.shaklee.com/products.php?sku=00015">Basic H2</a>. It's an organic cleaner that literally has hundreds of uses. <i>Literally</i>. Crystal over at <a href="http://www.moneysavingmom.com">MoneySavingMom</a> uses it, and I've been pleased in the past with her recommendations, so I decided to try it. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>And I LOVE it.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>These are the products that were in my cleaning cabinet prior to using <a href="https://www.shaklee.com/products.php?sku=00015">Basic H2</a>:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBqriSjQbu-kPMP320qiDsBTUbb3PzK_VzTWGX8Z01_086e8-gzyIxo8c6Ezr3oddpvELvYGN8cqNS6z-FK1CFNBZmncb80hxbOZimhYwNjm2uoaEyNp8r6k5O_I3rlST7sIJ3wvY7GbS/s1600/IMG_6442.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBqriSjQbu-kPMP320qiDsBTUbb3PzK_VzTWGX8Z01_086e8-gzyIxo8c6Ezr3oddpvELvYGN8cqNS6z-FK1CFNBZmncb80hxbOZimhYwNjm2uoaEyNp8r6k5O_I3rlST7sIJ3wvY7GbS/s320/IMG_6442.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601120665191053154" /></a>And this is what's in there now:</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4zlIwVk8R665ctERAmSdFnJBlJ9f0nRTvEBuWvbB0HOM2DzZfD2lOvdyewC-ToluTQS6FDD_C47PPBrP7oOsWUpZLjJG69Oo6bZNJsWRKpzVN4qAKtlxXF898zaXBJvJCXd70oJYAN8Y/s1600/IMG_6443.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4zlIwVk8R665ctERAmSdFnJBlJ9f0nRTvEBuWvbB0HOM2DzZfD2lOvdyewC-ToluTQS6FDD_C47PPBrP7oOsWUpZLjJG69Oo6bZNJsWRKpzVN4qAKtlxXF898zaXBJvJCXd70oJYAN8Y/s320/IMG_6443.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601120660322060274" /></a>Notice most of what is left is actually laundry items, not cleaners. <a href="https://www.shaklee.com/products.php?sku=00015">Basic H2</a> comes as a concentrate. I bought the starter kit and so it came with 3 spray bottles. You dilute the concentrate slightly differently depending on the use (i.e. 1/4 t. <a href="https://www.shaklee.com/products.php?sku=00015">Basic H2</a> + 16oz water for all-purpose cleaner, but only 1-2 drops of <a href="https://www.shaklee.com/products.php?sku=00015">Basic H2</a> + 16oz water for the window cleaner dilution), which is where the spray bottles come in. I also added a few drops of my favorite essential oil to each bottle since <a href="https://www.shaklee.com/products.php?sku=00015">Basic H2</a> doesn't have a smell. I like it to smell "clean" after I'm done doing the work :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I think what I am most impressed with is just how many uses there is for this stuff and <i>how little</i> you need to clean. One bottle of concentrate makes the equivalent of over 5,000 bottles of Windex! It cuts grease wonderfully on my stove, and cleaned up some dirt spots on the upholstery on our couch. It can be used to dust wood furniture, clean windows and mirrors, do floors, and clean toilets. As best I can tell, it is <i>THE</i> ultimate all-purpose cleaner and best of all, it's non-toxic!</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Have you tried <a href="https://www.shaklee.com/products.php?sku=00015">Basic H2</a>? Found any good uses for it? </i><br /><div><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><br /></div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-70533565876656647842011-04-28T09:08:00.001-07:002011-05-02T20:31:26.967-07:00Nitty Gritty Details: Part 5<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMre9yK2Kbay-knHhBKr-P6L_5T4kWUSZ5UToIt8pd-R44ousPTS2Wn7g827moaOz03gwiS6KrDjMYO8uTb3e1uBNQ6F4yOCwRUqxs47cppsl4emD_nnsikOHiHWBPrABMGMvhr8wrNGF/s1600/k0178352.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMre9yK2Kbay-knHhBKr-P6L_5T4kWUSZ5UToIt8pd-R44ousPTS2Wn7g827moaOz03gwiS6KrDjMYO8uTb3e1uBNQ6F4yOCwRUqxs47cppsl4emD_nnsikOHiHWBPrABMGMvhr8wrNGF/s320/k0178352.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600667223904195746" /></a>In <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/04/nitty-gritty-details-part-4.html">my last installment</a>, I pointed you in the right direction to find some good ways to earn <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/Ageerin">Swagbucks</a>. Did you find it helpful? If you'd like to go back and read the other parts in the Nitty Gritty Details series, you can find them all under the tab labeled "Series" at the top of your screen.<div><br /></div><div>Ok, so next up is <a href="http://www.mysurvey.com">MySurvey.com</a>. This is probably my favorite survey site. The surveys are rarely very lengthy, and even if they <i>are</i> lengthy they tend to give you a very realistic idea of how much time the survey will take. For instance, when you fill out a screener survey (screener = a few quick questions to decide if you fit the demographic they need for their survey), you will then see a prompt that says something like "You have qualified to continue with this survey. It will take you approximately 20 minutes to complete. Would you like to continue?". Easy enough, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>When you sign up for <a href="http://www.mysurvey.com">MySurvey</a>, you will be presented with a <i>LONG</i> list of of profile questions. These are to make sure you are given the opportunity to take surveys for which you qualify. Blessedly, you don't have to do these all at once, because it gets a little monotonous. BUT, once you complete them (and you earn points for each one you complete) you really have a better chance of getting surveys that will earn you big points. I filled them out when I initially signed up for <a href="http://www.mysurvey.com">MySurvey</a> and then have updated my profile about every six months just to make sure I get all the surveys I am eligible for.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, so now you've filled out your profile. Now what? Now you go to "My Surveys" on your dashboard (the screen you see after logging in). That's where you'll see what surveys are available for you. When you create your account, you can also set it up so that you receive email notification every time there is a new survey available for you. I have this option set up as there are not always surveys <i>everyday</i>, and I'd rather not waste my time logging in for nothing. Plus, I will frequently wait until I have 3 or 4 surveys available and then do them all in one sitting.</div><div><br /></div><div>As you complete surveys, you will receive points. You can then use the points to cash in for various "prizes". They have actual prize items, cash (via PayPal or check), and gift cards (including my personal favorite, Amazon!). While it's not a huge selection of items, I generally stick with Amazon gift cards or cash, so it's always a good fit for me.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Go check out </i><a href="http://www.mysurvey.com"><i>MySurvey</i></a><i> and let me know if you try it and like (or dislike) it!</i></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Stay tuned for the next installment where we'll be covering on of the most lucrative points programs, <a href="http://www.mypoints.com">MyPoints</a>!</i></span></div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-26690224082389933782011-04-26T13:53:00.000-07:002011-04-27T14:09:44.888-07:00Well bless her heart<div>As I've mentioned, this joint <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/04/getting-behind.html">fell-a-part in the last 8 weeks</a>. My mom has been trying to get things back on the straight and narrow this week. You can follow also follow her spring cleaning progress <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/p/spring-cleaning.html">here</a>.<div><br /></div><div>Can't be that bad, you say? Oh but it can. It so so so can.</div><div><br /></div><div>Please let me preface this with: <i>I can't believe I'm putting these pictures on the internet</i>. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Here are my 'before' pictures:</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKon_168_4QX-JVE0sVfWAOOqv2agHQ2VCB7kwxYB9QybzJKzQLUvK-P7wE_24P_-5JnWPviHj9uLcH8EivIYXpFGso2y9dFWmYMApaZtI_SZYsPUkUntiwuPDxVTOeNWrNAr4tTYUiSZ/s1600/IMG_6435.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKon_168_4QX-JVE0sVfWAOOqv2agHQ2VCB7kwxYB9QybzJKzQLUvK-P7wE_24P_-5JnWPviHj9uLcH8EivIYXpFGso2y9dFWmYMApaZtI_SZYsPUkUntiwuPDxVTOeNWrNAr4tTYUiSZ/s320/IMG_6435.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600000954634184610" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>The kitchen after the <a href="http://frugalpooch.blogspot.com/2011/04/i-love-jesus-too.html">Easter feast</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GdR_4WgwacJmJRG2v9wfFpxBpCPJ_tntaDdG9fQeX1LmA7CFM1MTs6x7e8rKj8q1KgZ8mZphprGN30_yrEa5vFPeIF8gUmmDDqTeF5h_pJoA7aDFT_H5wK99OllNarOipw2mpUJ7DG-I/s1600/IMG_6437.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GdR_4WgwacJmJRG2v9wfFpxBpCPJ_tntaDdG9fQeX1LmA7CFM1MTs6x7e8rKj8q1KgZ8mZphprGN30_yrEa5vFPeIF8gUmmDDqTeF5h_pJoA7aDFT_H5wK99OllNarOipw2mpUJ7DG-I/s320/IMG_6437.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600000949957848226" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>The laundry disaster area</i></span></div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zmlOziXFApTSPTyTrfBFkl0gzL0QaNHf79uSUsdtqvMn42_ltwqU7BTPl2HgsKt2qXTr3vFElSUcE9RToNRMeotpnXc0byZhiz46kymE5h5ZO0DpF315pKZUNt6Vo-IdRnKtik_bBs_B/s1600/IMG_6438.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zmlOziXFApTSPTyTrfBFkl0gzL0QaNHf79uSUsdtqvMn42_ltwqU7BTPl2HgsKt2qXTr3vFElSUcE9RToNRMeotpnXc0byZhiz46kymE5h5ZO0DpF315pKZUNt6Vo-IdRnKtik_bBs_B/s320/IMG_6438.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600000939999649266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>The much-neglected master bedroom. Frightening, n'est-ce pas?</i></span></div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4cVuienikTzIOh929MyN_xr7B0oymmd_W0_4FrgW7mVD6HVGYTEub29IHpXb3oSD3Y5UtSjbcHP7lgpeT-0UTO66uPk4io6Hi6y_kveVUeukpIl4tC1kDQX0KVlsSXqxFu0FF3F_Ftjw/s1600/IMG_6439.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4cVuienikTzIOh929MyN_xr7B0oymmd_W0_4FrgW7mVD6HVGYTEub29IHpXb3oSD3Y5UtSjbcHP7lgpeT-0UTO66uPk4io6Hi6y_kveVUeukpIl4tC1kDQX0KVlsSXqxFu0FF3F_Ftjw/s320/IMG_6439.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600000935073723842" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">*cringe*</span></i></div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznY3MtcMJY3tSmn1zfvKxNcaBYEFp3Fx2ZJtnzeAqEoKkPj_mrCfUnUgF4V36FpWPgyei8aZRaa5n3hFo6rpJ7AoBEtc8T2EWvbFltQxV3Ufl-amXdQ0nVvk5YTwg7BADyV6wf8RwAJE6/s1600/IMG_6440.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznY3MtcMJY3tSmn1zfvKxNcaBYEFp3Fx2ZJtnzeAqEoKkPj_mrCfUnUgF4V36FpWPgyei8aZRaa5n3hFo6rpJ7AoBEtc8T2EWvbFltQxV3Ufl-amXdQ0nVvk5YTwg7BADyV6wf8RwAJE6/s320/IMG_6440.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600000921753812882" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>More laundry disaster</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Not to worry. There will be a huge improvement by the time I post pictures on Friday. I am not letting the woman rest until she cleans this place up. Instead, I have offered to do the sleeping for her. So, I will be laying on the couch while she cleans. I'm just that kind of friend.</span></div><br /></div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385343941812749982.post-91525605918183313712011-04-25T20:39:00.000-07:002011-05-02T20:31:56.686-07:00Spring Cleaning Overhaul!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFA0JW5op94JkagxTVUUWtFUfroeF0_0F8tjO98Bdpwa25h8CK1kpsQq9rS2pxtM104_Q8mE7XZpKzjdnspj2n-eHAD5J55_Obm-BX_gXr8SZhyfXNKvVZFc763yabQwzu-pJXNuEdRGkC/s1600/IMG_6433.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFA0JW5op94JkagxTVUUWtFUfroeF0_0F8tjO98Bdpwa25h8CK1kpsQq9rS2pxtM104_Q8mE7XZpKzjdnspj2n-eHAD5J55_Obm-BX_gXr8SZhyfXNKvVZFc763yabQwzu-pJXNuEdRGkC/s320/IMG_6433.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599361350781235666" /></a>There will be some major spring cleaning coming up this week. If you look at the top, there is a tab called "Spring Cleaning" (catchy name, huh?) where you can see the master list my mom made for herself. She'll mark things off of this list as she does them so you can see her progress. That way, as the week plugs along, if you aren't really into spring cleaning, you won't be bothered with lots of updates in the actual blog feed. But, if you'd like to follow along, feel free to check it out. I'll be posting an update about her progress here on the blog at the end of the week.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Are you doing any spring cleaning this week?</i></span></div>Frugal Poochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146371038170656071noreply@blogger.com0