Tell Me I'm Not the Only One!

Okay, so this week I was visiting with another crafty Mama, and I was introduced to a whole SLEW of new money saving directions. And what could this new multifaceted savings opportunity be centered around?
UTILITIES!

So, in my late night internet scouring zeal, last night I did some research. First I landed here. There wasn't much that I hadn't covered but for numbers 4 and 5; insurances and being energy smart. However, there was a lovely little pair of links that took me here (lowering your electric bill) and here (saving on your water bill). I stayed up too late reading all of that, but I have filled my schedule for months on little projects around the house!
These kinds of projects cost a bit up front, but they save you dollars every month. We are having a particularly squeezy month, so this month I will only do projects I can do for free, but I am exited to be resourceful!
Today, for my first project, I put a Faucet Aerator on my kitchen tap. Apparently, this reduces the flow of water without reducing the pressure, thereby saving money on Hydro. Who knew? 
And I was pleased to read that I am already saving money by saving 'grey' water for my plants! 


Did you know that you can apply through BC Hydro for a energy saving kit? You have to come in under a certain salary bracket to qualify (which they conveniently do not disclose on the brochure), but I am excited to try that this week. 


And I feel I should say I am sorry for leaving you hanging this past month with no posting - I've been all in my head and treading water, if that makes sense...

Staying Home

Today I saved money by loving my home life.
Lately I have been avoiding my house. As a stay at home mom, thats a bit of a problem.
But this morning, I dove into domesticity with nary a second thought.
I made laundry soap and scrubbing powder.
I made the best ever Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
I cleaned, did laundry and organised.
I played good music and put Cranberry Clementine in my diffuser (oh, heavenly).
I gathered props for the skit on Friday night.
I drank coffee from my favorite mug, and read "The Message" to my daughter.

Finding contentment in the Everyday is a very sure way to save money, but a bit tricky to do.
I find that if I put on music that encourages me, light a candle (or a diffuser) and have a few minutes of quiet time to order my inner world, everything lines up and my day falls into place.
What works for you?

Kids Swap - The Big Red Barn

In Chilliwack as you head west there is a big red barn. Further out there is a big yellow barn. Believe it or not, these are actual terms of direction. As in, "You know, the exit by the big yellow barn." Please, no female driver jokes.
Anyways - yesterday was my first ever kids swap at the big red barn. I've heard about it MANY times from other mom's as the IT place to pick up hot stuff on the cheap - but I am either hopelessly out of touch with current events (actually, that's a fair accusation) or the organizers are crap at advertising. I was filling up with gas early Saturday morning, when a hand written sign on poster board let me know that I was at that very moment missing the kids swap.
So I popped in later when I had a few minutes. I was warned that all the good stuff goes quick, so I can't say what I missed - but I was very pleased and tempted beyond what I expected. However, I didn't loose control and only walked out with a few things that I had been wanting to buy anyways.
So, would you like to know the score?
For the grand total of $11, I got an outdoor swing (the kind you install from a tree branch or under your deck), one of those little four wheel trucks that toddlers can ride - Pooh theme with all of the musical buttons, etc. still in good working order, and (my favorite) one of those little popcorn 'vacuums'.
There were loads of clothes and toys and strollers that ranged from almost new prices to dirt cheap.
I will definitely attend next chance I get, and I highly recommend to the local girls that they do too!