Forget Your Fabric Softener, you don't need it

Hello HouseHold Tippers!

Today a tip about economizing-

"Skip the fancy fabric softener.
That doesn't mean you have to put up with scratchy clothes! 
Besides being a pain to remember, fabric softener is one of those extra expenses you can cut without sacrificing.
You can still get the soft clothes you love by using those
plastic nubbed balls they sell for your dryer. 
Simply toss the balls in with your clothes
and they'll do the work of that fabric softener for a lot less money."

Thanks to WalletPop, for the great tip!

Get That Expensive Lipstick, it's worth it!

"Ladies, don't feel guilty
about buying that beautiful new lipstick
next time you are at the department store.
Studies show that more expensive lipsticks
actually have color that lasts longer because they have more pigment in them.
To offset the cost, don't buy the fancy (and expensive) brand-name mascara at your department store.
Study after study shows that most mascaras use the same ingredients,
so use a less expensive version from your drugstore or Target.

You'll look great and pocket some savings!"

Thanks to WalletPop for this great tip!

Go Generic on Napkins

Today's Tip!

"Save money by using store brand napkins.
All you're paying for is the brand name and the pretty print on the napkins. Store brands work just as well."

Thanks to WalletPop, for the great tip!

This Makeup Remover Really Works!

Hello HouseHold Tippers!

Today, a tip for the ladies:
Have you ever done a little smear of mascara or eyeliner while you're putting on your makeup?
I have.

I saw this Revlon New Makeup Eraser Pen and thought I'd give it a try-

It's Fabulous!  Just touch it on a little smear of makeup and it's gone!

The great thing about this - is that it's a pen; you can wipe off a little spot of makeup without redoing your your face,
and it's fast, and inexpensive, and easy!


Just what I like!

It's GiveAway Time on HouseHold Tips Blog!!

YeY!  A Giveaway!
CSN Stores loves HouseHold Tips Blog and helping people enjoy their homes!!
SO, they are sponsoring this giveaway!
One lucky reader will win a $40 gift certificate good at any of their stores.  They have 200+ online stores that sell just about anything you could want or need.  They have everything from dining room furniture to the plates to go on it.  They sell a ton of cool stuff for under $40 too!

~Like this awesome railroad panoramic scene!

or mugs-

Visit CSN Stores to see all the ways you could spend that $40 gift certificate.

Rules:  This giveaway is ONLY open to US and Canadian readers.

I will choose a winner with Random.org.

* To enter you must be or become a follower of me on Twitter (just click here  or on the button in my right sidebar) and leave a comment on this post.

* For an additional entry...that means your name will go into the pot twice...blog about this giveaway!  You must leave a second comment with the link to the post you made about the giveaway.

Entries will be accepted until noon EST on Thursday, July 22, 2010.  The winner will be announced on July 23rd.  Please keep in mind that shipping charges may apply, when you are choosing your prize.

Good luck!

And Happy HouseHolds!

Don't Go Discount on these 2 HouseHold Items

Hello HouseHold Tippers!

I've told you before in my post about going discount on blenders,
not to do it.  I learned it the hard way- so you don't have to :)

Now for a couple of little tips about what not to go discount on-
in your house.

1.  Toilet Paper - this is pretty self-explanatory.

2.  Kitchen Garbage Bags - don't be lulled into discount garbage bags, they really aren't as good or strong and they will break.  Pay the little extra for sturdy bags- they'll hold more and won't tear!

Happy HouseHolds!

Get Organized- It's Sale Time!

Hello HouseHold Tippers!

I'm passing on information today- about a SALE!

First of all, The Container Store, did not pay me or ask me in
any way to pass on this information, I got their sale catalogue in the mail
yesterday.
And I do love the Container Store, because I love being organized and they help me to be organized.

And they are having their 'Happy Organized Home Sale' right now.

It's also a great time to shop for Dorm Rooms!

And now through August 1st, there will be FREE demonstrations on organizing your home on Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm and 4 pm at Container Stores.  They will be giving away a $25 Store More Card at each demonstration!  Click on this Container Store Locator Link to check about specifics on your local store!

Get Your Deal Of the Day, from Juice in The City

Howdy HouseHold Tippers!
I want to let you in on a new program for you and your 'HouseHold'.
Welcome To Juice in The City Deals!

Every Day you will see the Juice in the City Deal to the right,
simply click on it to like it and to take advantage of the deal!
When enough people like it, it then offers a discount or coupon to that establishment!
I’m a Founding Member of the DC Juice in the City! But wherever you are, you will see a deal for your closest city.
As this online community grows you will see instead of ‘like it’ change to just a coupon under the deal for you and your family, so just click on it now!
Again, DC has just launched so click on ‘Like It’,
but, for example, the San Fran Bay Area has been up and running for a month or so, so if you’re tuning in from the San Fran area, you’re seeing a discount off some activity there! Get it?
Cities are now been added all over the country and will be changing from ‘Like It’ to strictly discounts for you and your family!

So again, whenever you like a deal, please click on it to insure that a discount will next be offered from this establishment, or if you simply see a discount to print out- do it!
It’s that simple 

Enjoy!

Is Your Eye Stinging? How to stop it now!

I love when people give me HouseHold Tips to share!
So when the Fabulous Miss S, and she is
Fabulous :)


shared a real-life tip she discovered, in a hurry-
I wanted to share it here- ASAP!


~ She was making HOMEMADE (and she has 2 small children... fabulous) BBQ sauce and measured out some cayenne pepper.  She then accidentally wiped her face
(not so fabulous) and got it on her eye lid.  
She then starting shrieking, 'Ouch!  Holy burning eye!' and wiped her eye with a wet paper towel and it got worse (again, not so fabulous)! 
What to do?  
She took a fresh cucumber and cut off a slice -- placed in on her eye, all spa-like for a few minutes ..... 
And the Burn was gone!  ... And She look refreshed!  

Fabulous :)

How To Keep Toilets Clean

Hello HouseHold Tippers!

Today a nice, easy tip to help you keep your toilets clean!

I've been trying new cleaning tools
from time to time to share on this blog.  My latest, successful, discovery?
Vanish Drop-Ins (or the generic).

Simply put 1 of these in your toilet tank (drop it in- get it? :), wait 10 minutes before you flush your toilet, and that's it.  It will clean your toilet every time you flush!

My advice- you don't need these in every single toilet, put 1 of these in your toilet with the most traffic.  I put it in my half-bath right off the living room.  They are inexpensive, easy and add cleanliness to your bathroom... what's not to love?!

PooF!  That Was Easy!

How To Wash Stuffed Animals Safely!

There he is, Good Ol' Winnie the Pooh!

My son LOVES his Pooh, and has slept with
PoohBear every night since he could grasp a
stuffed animal with his hands.

There have been times, poor Pooh has been covered with food,
drink,
and... vomit.

I learned the hard way - HOW TO WASH STUFFED ANIMALS.

And I'm sharing today with you.

1.  Do not do what I did the 1st time and simply throw the stuffed animal in the washer, and then the dryer.  The stuffed animal will lose some 'fur' and after the dryer, will smell burnt and be singed (We had to throw that Pooh out and run to the store and get an exact replica, luckily, my son was too young to notice- at the time).

So, How do you clean/wash stuffed animals safely?

1.  Put the stuffed animal in a pillow case.

2.  Close the pillow case with a rubber band.

3.  Put it in in the washer, run it.

4.  Put it (still in the pillow case) in the dryer.

It will come out looking like new :)

I've done this, I know it works!

Sweet Dreams!

What to do with 'One Sock'

Hello HouseHold Tippers!
Have you ever asked, 
"What do I do with all these single socks?"


Well, here's a great tip I found on 
the Good HouseKeeping website!


'Whether they don't land in the hamper or are eaten by the washer, stray socks litter the laundry room and clog dresser drawers. Collect clean single socks in a bin by the dryer. Then host a re-pairing party (invite the kids!) to match up the stragglers. Use leftovers for dusting.'

GREAT TIP!

Happy HouseHolds!

Put Nice Hangers in Your Coat Closet!

This is another favorite HouseHold Tip of mine-

Get Nice Hangers for your coat closet!

I have Chrome Hangers in my coat closet, from the Container Store.

I bought 12 of them, they range from $2.99 to $4.99, and they make the closet look so much neater and nicer- especially when guests come over and you open up the closet to hang their coats!!

PooF- That Was Easy!

Beach Tips: Bring a Hat and Water!

One Last Beach TIp- Well 2! Wear A Hat! Most of us stay indoors a lot of the time. When we go to the beach we need the protection of sun hats with brims and beach umbrellas

Bring Water

Being in the sun can quickly dehydrate you. Bring along bottled water, enough for everyone in your family.

Beach Tips: Don't Forget Your BIG Sunglasses!

Another Beach Tip Today!
Take advantage of the trend of BIG sunglasses !!
They protect more of your face!


Use sunglasses with both UVA and UVB protection. 
It will keep you from tiring so quick 
and help save your eyes from premature cataracts.

Beach TIps: Use Sunscreen

 In honor of us being at the beach this week-
Beach Tips!


Apply sunscreen with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30 for sunblock and sunscreen. Give special attention to the face, nose, ears and shoulders.Wear a lip balm to protect your lips.

The sun's ultraviolet rays are at their strongest during the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., so limit your time in the sun during those hours!

Great Iron-On Labels

Okay- this is A FAVORITE HouseHold Tip of Mine!

Iron-On Labels: they are EASY, Fast AND

INEXPENSIVE!

Get First and Last name- OR just your last name so you can put them in ALL your kids' clothing!  It takes about 2 minutes to iron on a label and mine lasted the WHOLE SCHOOL YEAR!

I found them at Colorful Images... $24.99 for 100 labels!! Here's the Direct Link!!

Permanent Coffee Filter- Try It!

Do You Use Paper Coffee Filters?

C' Mon, don't be so 2009 :)

I use a permanent coffee filter in my coffee pot!
They are inexpensive (the one pictured is $8.88), you'll be saving money on paper coffee filters, saving trees, saving waste, and they are EASY to use.  Just put it in your coffee maker, and then when you're done, instead of throwing away the paper filter with coffee grinds- you just throw out the coffee grinds from this filter, rinse it, and it's ready for tomorrow morning when you make coffee again!

PooF... That was Easy!

Easy Lunchbox Solution- Where to find placemats

Do You put a placemat
in your child's lunchbox?
I do.
We're required to.
It's also a great idea FOR CAMP!
Where do You get just the right-sized
placemats?
I found some by accident-
at Target!
Get SMALL BATH TOWELS,
NOT WASHCLOTHS, washcloths are too small.
But small bath towels are the perfect size.
I got 5 (5 days in a school week)
and they were under $2 a piece.

WOW- That Was Easy!!!!

Recycle Paper for 'To Do' Lists

I keep a notepad in my dining room.
This pad is for keeping track of things
I want to do get done every day-
So I use a sheet of paper every day.
Usually, I go out an buy a pack of small notepads...
Well, I'm out of them now, and instead of going out and buying some new ones,
I'm recycling!
I realized my son has lots of little and big notepads in his playroom.
He likes to play school and loves to draw!
But uses up about half of the notepad and then it gets put in a stack or a pile or on a shelf... and neglected.
SO- starting today-
I'm using one of these notepads, and then another and then another and seeing how long my 'recycled notepads' will last!  I will keep you updated.

Look around Your Home.  Do you have any of these notepads or notebooks that you can use to keep your lists?  See how long you can recycle these notepads!

And let's do ourselves a favor- clean out the used sheets of paper and the cover if it's mangled... keep it nice and neat...

There- You're a Green Mama now... AND You're Organized!

PooF!  That was Easy!

Check This Out! Doesn't this Blog Look Snazzy Now?!

So, What do you Think??!!

Doesn't this blog look snazzy now?!!!

I finally got a blog designer to help me out!

I didn't do this until now for to 2 reasons:

1.  I thought the cost would be too much.

2.  I didn't know where to begin finding a reasonable blog designer.

The answer: DCR Design!

Jo-Lynne, of DCR Design is a Mommy Blogger and Blog Designer.  She is very reasonable, as you can here on her Pricing Page.  And more than that, she's nice, smart, timely and will give you exactly what you want or if you have no idea- she'll suggest different ideas!

It was truly a pleasure working with Jo-Lynne, and so easy, I wish I'd done this sooner!

I like Jo-Lynne so much, I had her snazz up my My Mom Blog, BananaBlueberry too!  Look at my cute button to the right for BananaBlueberry- click on it and look at my other blog too!

And thanks also to Leticia- TechSavvyMama for recommending Jo-Lynne to me!

Please leave a comment or tweet me with any questions-

I'm happy to help!

Look For Companies With Good Records of Customer Service

Hello HouseHold Tippers!

Today, thanks to our integrated world, you can read reviews of actual customers online- before you buy a product... use this feature!
Pay special attention to Customer Service reviews when buying a product that needs to be maintained, installed, etc.

Here's a Great Example-

My Super-Mommy friend, Kristin, who also shared with us Another Great Linen Closet Solution, saw the HouseHold Tips Blog Discount on Next Day Blinds, and she's given me the go-ahead, sharing her own story about Next Day Blinds...

Kristin ordered blinds from Next Day Blinds, they came and installed them, no problem...

A few days later, a man arrived on her doorstep, introduced himself from Next Day Blinds and asked her if he could inspect her blinds and if she was happy with them.  The blinds were installed correctly, but she told him that she was NOT completely happy with them; AND THAT THIS WAS HER FAULT, not Next Day Blinds; she said the blinds were fine, she just hadn't pictured completely what they would look like kind-a-thing.  She said that the man was very nice and then left.

She got a call the next day from her customer service contact at Next Day Blinds, and the woman informed her that Kristin had been visited by their Vice President, who makes random checks on orders, without any announcement, to make sure customers are happy with their blinds.

Kristin's contact then went on to offer her new blinds, 

even though it was not Next Day Blinds's fault.

What have we learned today?  Customer Service is super important.  Kristin thanked Next Day Blinds, and kept her blinds, she likes them now :)  And she told me that they were completely professional and wonderful, and she'll always go to Next Day Blinds in the future.

... Just passing on some good consumer info :)

Happy HouseHolds!

Tips On Measuring Your Window for Blinds- Last Day of Next Day Blinds Discount

Today we are ending our week of Tips with Step-by-Step
Instructions from The Experts 
at Next Day Blinds!


 ~Beyond color, style and design, the right measurements are key to create the perfect look to outfit your window.  Next Day Blinds has provided us with a step-by-step process to get the perfect fitting blinds. Click Here for Helpful Hints on Measuring That Window Correctly, From Next Day Blinds!~

Now for the Discount!  

Next Day Blinds loves HouseHold Tips, so they are offering readers (that's you :) the following discounts this week!!!

 Memorial Day Week/HouseHold Tips Blog Promo code is BY610

this promo code gives you the opportunity to take

$100 off $1000 or more,

$250 off $2500 or more and

$500 off $5000 or more!!

You can go to Next Day Blinds for premium quality, custom-made window blinds, shades and shutters.  And they have been around for nearly twenty years!  Next Day Blinds is available in 34 retail locations throughout the Washington Baltimore area, online and through Shop-at-Home design consultations from the comfort of your home.  All Next Day Blinds materials are custom-designed and manufactured in Maryland (woo, woo!) to ensure the highest level of quality and craftsmanship!

(I have received nothing for this promotion.  Next Day Blinds approached me with this discount and I simply want to share this with you, my readers... I have Next Day Blinds in my son's bedroom!) 

Keep Color in Mind When Choosing Blinds... Next Day Blinds Discount Continues

Hello HouseHold Tippers!
Today, another good tip from The Experts at 
Next Day Blinds!


~When deciding what color palate to use, keep in mind choosing a neutral will help you create a soothing background.  From there, it is easy to add textural elements and bright accents from your personal style to accompany any room.~

Now for the Discount!  

Next Day Blinds loves HouseHold Tips, so they are offering readers (that's you :) the following discounts this week!!!

 Memorial Day Week/HouseHold Tips Blog Promo code is BY610

this promo code gives you the opportunity to take

$100 off $1000 or more,

$250 off $2500 or more and

$500 off $5000 or more!!

You can go to Next Day Blinds for premium quality, custom-made window blinds, shades and shutters.  And they have been around for nearly twenty years!  Next Day Blinds is available in 34 retail locations throughout the Washington Baltimore area, online and through Shop-at-Home design consultations from the comfort of your home.  All Next Day Blinds materials are custom-designed and manufactured in Maryland (woo, woo!) to ensure the highest level of quality and craftsmanship!

(I have received nothing for this promotion.  Next Day Blinds approached me with this discount and I simply want to share this with you, my readers... I have Next Day Blinds in my son's bedroom!) 

More Tips on Choosing Blinds... And The Next Day Blind Discount Continues!

Here's Today's Tip from The Experts at 
Next Day Blinds!


~While trends are enticing, don’t fall into their trap; instead let the latest styles act as a guide.  Trends will help decide the direction you want your room to take, but don’t forget to tie it into the classic styles which will allow you to enjoy your blinds for years to come!

Now for the Discount!  

Next Day Blinds loves HouseHold Tips, so they are offering readers (that's you :) the following discounts this week!!!

 Memorial Day Week/HouseHold Tips Blog Promo code is BY610

this promo code gives you the opportunity to take

$100 off $1000 or more,

$250 off $2500 or more and

$500 off $5000 or more!!

You can go to Next Day Blinds for premium quality, custom-made window blinds, shades and shutters.  And they have been around for nearly twenty years!  Next Day Blinds is available in 34 retail locations throughout the Washington Baltimore area, online and through Shop-at-Home design consultations from the comfort of your home.  All Next Day Blinds materials are custom-designed and manufactured in Maryland (woo, woo!) to ensure the highest level of quality and craftsmanship!

(I have received nothing for this promotion.  Next Day Blinds approached me with this discount and I simply want to share this with you, my readers... I have Next Day Blinds in my son's bedroom!)

'Next Day Blinds' Discount Continues- and Tips on Blinds

Hello HouseHold Tippers!

Today we continue with tips about Blinds.

Lighting in very important to any space-

So why not use natural light??  Adjust how much light you have with blinds...

Here's today's tip from The Experts at Next Day Blinds!

 ~Too much light coming through from the strong summer sun?  Honeycomb shades are a great choice for blocking heat gain.  Plus, their shallow depth makes them a great choice for a door- the door knob is easily cleared with this treatment!

Now for the Discount!  

Next Day Blinds loves HouseHold Tips, so they are offering readers (that's you :) the following discounts this week!!!

 Memorial Day/HouseHold Tips Blog Promo code is BY610

this promo code gives you the opportunity to take

$100 off $1000 or more,

$250 off $2500 or more and

$500 off $5000 or more!!

You can go to Next Day Blinds for premium quality, custom-made window blinds, shades and shutters.  And they have been around for nearly twenty years!  Next Day Blinds is available in 34 retail locations throughout the Washington Baltimore area, online and through Shop-at-Home design consultations from the comfort of your home.  All Next Day Blinds materials are custom-designed and manufactured in Maryland (woo, woo!) to ensure the highest level of quality and craftsmanship!

(I have received nothing for this promotion.  Next Day Blinds approached me with this discount and I simply want to share this with you, my readers.)

Tips For Choosing Blinds- And Next Day Blinds Discount Continues!

This week is all about windows and light

And Blinds!  We're talking about how to choose the right blinds and how different blinds affect the feel of a room!

This is all courtesy of the great people at 

Next Day Blinds!  The Experts at Next Day Blinds are sharing their tips with HouseHold Tips Readers this week, and they've extended their discount to run all through this week to HouseHold Tip Readers,

so read the Tip Below, and use the Promo Code to get your discount on blinds from Next Day Blinds... just for reading this blog :)  

So here it is:

When shopping for new blinds, visualize the atmosphere in the room you want to create.  Are you looking to create a sophisticated setting?  Look for soft roman shades to compliment the space.  For a more basic look, pleated window shades won’t fail you.
(pleated window shades are pictured)


Now for the Discount!  
 Memorial Day/HouseHold Tips Blog Promo code is BY610
this promo code gives you the opportunity to take
$100 off $1000 or more,
$250 off $2500 or more and
$500 off $5000 or more!!

You can go to Next Day Blinds for premium quality, custom-made window blinds, shades and shutters.  And they have been around for nearly twenty years!  Next Day Blinds is available in 34 retail locations throughout the Washington Baltimore area, online and through Shop-at-Home design consultations from the comfort your home.  All Next Day Blinds materials are custom-designed and manufactured in Maryland (woo, woo!) to ensure the highest level of quality and craftsmanship!






(I have received nothing for this promotion.  Next Day Blinds approached me with this discount and I simply want to share this with you, my readers.)

Discount on Next Day Blinds For HouseHold Tips Readers

Discount!  Discount!  Discount!

Promo!  Promo!  Promo!


The Wonderful People at
Next Day Blinds are
Big Fans of HouseHold Tips Blog!!
So they are offering HouseHold Tips Blog
Readers a Memorial Day Discount!
Next Day Blinds is offering HouseHold Tips Readers the Memorial Day promo code- BY610
giving you the opportunity to take
$100 off $1000 or more,
$250 off $2500 or more and
$500 off $5000 or more!!

You can go to Next Day Blinds for premium quality, custom-made window blinds, shades and shutters.  And they have been around for nearly twenty years!  Next Day Blinds is available in 34 retail locations throughout the Washington Baltimore area, online and through Shop-at-Home design consultations from the comfort your home.  All Next Day Blinds materials are custom-designed and manufactured in Maryland (woo, woo!) to ensure the highest level of quality and craftsmanship!

So if you have been thinking about new blinds- use the HouseHold Tips Promo Code and  

Get That Discount!

This Promo runs through Memorial Day Weekend 2010!

ReUse Plastic Newspaper Bags

Today- a fantastic tip about recycling
and ReUsing those plastic newspaper bags
that your newspaper is delivered in every day.

I take every newspaper bag,
fold it up,
and put it in my son's lunchbox!
He uses this to put any food that he doesn't eat into,
and ties it up, and puts it back into his lunchbox.
(Our school asks that children take home any uneaten lunch so that the school dumpsters will not be filled with food and attract varmints).

What a Great Kinda-Free (you already paid for the paper, I know) Solution to supplying plastic bags for your kids' lunches!