Keeping mosquitoes away from your backyard is probably an annual battle, isn’t it? We’re in Central Illinois and looking for mosquito repellent solutions about half the year. If you’re like me, you don’t want your yard sprayed with chemicals that might hurt bees and other pollinators (not to mention the cost!) This presented us with … Read more
With the increasing prevalence of identity theft, the importance of safeguarding your personal information cannot be overstated. You certainly don’t want to be careless with your sensitive documents. Consequently, you find yourself constantly searching for effective methods to dispose of your confidential waste securely. One such method is the use of shredders. However, you might … Read more
Congratulations on your recent acquisition of khaki pants and perhaps some shorts – great choice! You’ve invested in your wardrobe and want these pieces to stand the test of time. Achieving that longevity, as you may already suspect, requires a little extra tender loving care, especially when it comes to laundering. Yet, amid your enthusiasm, … Read more
Chipmunks may be some of the cutest rodents you’ll encounter, but they can also pose a significant threat. These omnivorous creatures, native to North America and Asia, have a voracious appetite and will consume everything from beneficial insects to buds, bulbs, and other garden plants. Furthermore, their deep burrows can potentially damage the structure of … Read more
Lizards are often looking for ways to access your garage because these dimly lit areas provide ideal hiding places where they can thrive. For many people, encountering a lizard in their house is a less-than-pleasant experience, often leading to startled screams. Managing these reptiles can be challenging due to their swift movements and the fact … Read more
Are your neighbors constantly parking in front of your house? If so, you’re likely feeling frustrated and annoyed. While it’s understandably aggravating, it’s essential to remember that the area in front of your house is typically public property, not your own private space. However, you can employ several effective strategies to discourage or prevent your … Read more
The belt is one of the most used fashion accessories for both men and women, young and old. As well as holding things up, belts are a fantastic addition to ANY outfit. But sometimes, you need to secure your pants, and your trusted belt is nowhere to be found! It could be that your pants … Read more
If our taste buds could speak for themselves, they would undoubtedly confirm that few things leave a more lasting impression than curry dishes. However, there’s one aspect we don’t appreciate when using curry powder or spices in our cooking: the lingering aroma it imparts throughout the house. So, if your cravings for spicy food have … Read more
In recent times, electronic appliances like washing machines have been designed with features that enable them to send signals when encountering various issues. For instance, Maytag washers are equipped with the ability to display error codes when faced with different problems. One common error code is E01 F09. So, what does this code mean and … Read more
Are you faced with the challenge of concealing a cat from your landlord? Here, we present you with a range of suggestions to keep your feline companion hidden from your property manager effectively. As a tenant, your landlord holds the reins when it comes to decision-making within your rented space. They determine rental rates, tenant … Read more
Mama Say What?! is the new name for Thrifty Guardian.
Putting together a child’s birthday party is a lot of work. Even if you’re not being super extra with the decorations, you still have an exhaustive list of stuff to plan. One of the things I dread most is goodie bags, and maybe not for the reason you’d think.
Mama Say What?! is the new name for Thrifty Guardian.
If you’re like me, your grandparents had at least one chest or deep freezer or a spare fridge/freezer combo in their basement. My grandparents had both – a 30-year-old fridge/freezer and a newer chest freezer, and they were both stocked ALL the time. I believe it’s a byproduct of growing up in the Depression and not knowing if you’d have food at a later date. However, in any case, it was good economy to keep these simple appliances on hand.
Garage sales are great, provided you know how to hold a successful one! Whether you call it a garage sale, rummage sale, or otherwise, they’re such a great way to make extra cash when you’ve got stuff on hand you’d hate to donate.
In these super challenging economic times, gas prices are only going in one direction, UP! It might feel like there is nothing you can do – putting gas in the tank is a must for everyday life. But there are ways you can save money on gas and even get it for free. Read on … Read more
It is no secret raising a child is extraordinarily expensive. According to a report from the USDA, it will cost parents around $233,610 to raise a child to age 17. Food and housing top the list for the highest expenditures throughout the years; however, clothing is an expense you shouldn’t ignore. At 6% of the … Read more
Self-confidence can be challenging for many people. Positive affirmations are crucial when building confidence and self-worth. For kids, it can be a powerful tool to teach confidence at a young age because they will learn to respect themselves early enough that it will build a strong foundation for life! If a child is confident in … Read more
Do you feel like a broken record, constantly nagging everyone to pick up their clutter over and over? Instead of wishing the family would pitch in and help with the chores, why not take steps to get organized and make a family chore chart? It’s just like a cleaning schedule, except it’s a great visual … Read more
Parenting has always been challenging, even for experienced parents. Each child comes with new traits that make parenting a learning journey. While some days are fun, other days can be overwhelming. God knew some days would be more challenging than others and provided inspirational Bible verses about parenting. As a parent, you’re likely to wage … Read more
Speaking to your child in a positive and uplifting way is an essential part of raising happy and mentally healthy kids. Using words of encouragement for kids is a great way to ensure your child feels loved, listened to, and validated. It will also teach your child how to use encouraging words towards themselves and … Read more
The debate is still out on the best time for teenagers to wake up in the morning, and though studies do link later waking times with more robust academic performance, it’s not an option for most of us. So we must ensure they’re up and ready for school. The new school year is starting, and … Read more
As social animals, humans are prone to deceive and trick others to get what they want. Sadly, little lies encroach on all aspects of our lives, especially friendships, and relationships. Fake friends are everywhere, and we often don’t even know who they are. We get surprised when someone backstabs and betrays us. It can hurt … Read more
We are in a digital world, and a large percentage of children have access to smartphones. With the convenience and accessibility of technology, more parents are allowing their kids to use phones at an early age. While this can be beneficial in many ways, there are risks to indulging young kids with unrestricted screen time. … Read more
As a pet owner, I know firsthand the struggle of finding suitable toys for your furry friend. Not only do you want them to be entertained, but to stay safe. It’s also nice if they do not destroy the toy within minutes of playing with it(!) After testing numerous dog toys with my pitbull, I … Read more
Dealing with kitty litter can be the bane of a cat owner’s existence. However, owners have more options now than ever. While a significant investment, automatic litter boxes offer several benefits to cat owners and cats. An automatic litter box can improve the life and even the long-term health of your kitty and make your … Read more
Many people are turning to a minimalist lifestyle to help improve their mood, boost their productivity and build stronger relationships with their family and friends. Minimalism is a wide-ranging concept that doesn’t have a rigid set of rules but instead uses guiding principles to challenge people to question their purchasing behaviors so that they can … Read more
Have you ever thought about living a more frugal lifestyle but feared it would mean becoming a cheapskate? The truth is, there are many ways to save money and still maintain your sense of style and personal values. From learning what to do with discounts when they arise, finding creative cost-cutting solutions for home decorations, … Read more
If you’re like most moms, you’re constantly on the go and frequently use your smart phone in the car, if you’re like me, I always use Google Maps for directions! So, having a smart phone holder for your car makes makes it a lot safer while driving. Here’s a great, cheap DIY phone holder that … Read more
Making your own bubble solution is a fun, easy, and cheap way to keep your kids entertained. My son loves playing with bubbles and I do as well. This is an outdoor activity that we enjoy almost any time of the year. Many years ago, I worked as the arts and crafts director at a … Read more
Halloween is a scary, fun time for many families across the country. This year though, it won’t be the severed limbs, vampires, or ghosts that give me a fright. Instead, it will be the contents of my son’s treat bucket after going door-to-door around the neighborhood. My 3-year-old son, P, has several allergies and intolerances … Read more
As a mom, you never stop worrying about your kids. And one of the biggest fears is that something would happen to them when you’re not with them. That’s where the emergency car seat label idea came in. With this, emergency responders are better prepared and know who to contact if your child is in … Read more
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