CONTAINER GARDENING~SOIL INFORMATION~ONLINE SEED DEALERS

  Well I have spent 4 days in alot of pain from a couple bad teeth.  I went in today and they pulled one no problem but the next one took about 1 and 1/2 hours to get out.  It had a round root and it just would not come out easy.  I needless to say have a very sore jaw tonight but I am very happy to have gotten that over with.  So now I have to heal up.  You know how they say no bending down, no overdoing it, Ha!!   Go home do the dishes, pick up the living room, vacuum, make a fruit salad, and much more.  Just another day being a mom.  lol

  My oldest daughter came home from work and made a salad and sloppy joes so that was good.  My younger daughters babysat so I could get my teeth out so I appreciate all of that.  Now its feet up and medicated for pain.

  I found a really good idea on the internet today for my container gardening.  It was one of those "why didn't I think of that moments".   The idea is to cut the very bottom out of plastic bottles and bury them bottom side up level with the dirt in the middle of your container so that if it rains the container fills with rain water and it slowly seeps into the soil as the plants need it. When it is empty you just go out and fill it and you don't have to worry so much.  I am so excited about this new idea that I have already started a collection of small bottles to do this with.

I LOVE LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  I am going to spend this weekend searching the internet for good deals on seeds.  I have never grown anything here in North Carolina yet so this will be a learning experience for sure.  I had a beautiful garden in Michigan.  We had bought black dirt and I made a large fenced in garden right off my kitchen.  I could see it from my kitchen window, so cool!!!  I made my own tomato cages and I had 53 tomato plants that got taller than me the ground was so rich.  Miss this so much but life goes on.  I am going to research this to death before I start so I know all there is to know about it cause I want to learn from everyone elses mistakes so I have a good growing season.

  I want to make an herb garden too.  Once you use fresh basil and cilantro you just don't want to use dried again.  When I make the herb garden I want to make it in containers that I can bring in for the winter so I have herbs all winter.

  I found another idea that I just have to do also.  You take an old metal pasta drainer and hook chains to it and make it into a hanging basket for flowers.  I found a couple of them at yard sales for 1 dollar each.  I have seen them at Goodwill for cheap.

  Another great idea and cheap is using a  shoe organizer that hangs on a door for plants. You could hang this on the outer side of your deck also.  That's what I am going to do.

 I found the cutest idea for a little bird house.  You hang a teapot without the lid bottom side against an outside wall or side of fence and the birds build nests inside.  ADORABLE!!!

  Everybody has old shoes or workboots that you end up tossing.  Well fill them with potting soil and plant plants in them and sit them on the porch.  When I met my husband 28 years ago his mom would do this because my father in-law went through workboots so fast in his line of work.  She filled hers with chicks and hens (the plants, lol) which was adorable!  Here's a picture of what it looks like.

  Here's another really cheap idea for a unique container for planting.   These would fit a couple tomato plants or a bunch of flowers  or whatever you want.  What an interesting garden you'll have if  you just use your imagination and think outside of the box!

Great idea for drainage in non-draining containers.  Plastic bottles in the bottom of the pot and newspapers layered over that and then soil over the newspaper. Such a good recycling idea!

  You can roll newspapers into a tube and tape or tie with binder twine, place them in a box or container and fill with soil and plant your seeds in each tube.

  I didn't think I would be able to plant corn but I found a really good idea for planting something like corn or beans. Tote's work perfect!  If planting beans this way you could take tall branches from the woods and stick them in and the beans would climb the branches.  Free and awesome looking!

  The more I find the more excited I get!  Here's a couple other idea's I found.

 You can search the web for soil recipes for vegetable container gardening but everything I found says that Miracle Grow Brand Potting Soil for Vegetable Growing is good, some people swear by Happy Frog too.  I am going to start now buying a large bag of Miracle Grow a week and start stacking it on my deck so I have plenty.  The one thing I seen the most said that you have to make sure it says its for growing vegetables and to squeeze the bag and make sure it doesn't clump.  It needs to be light and non clumping.   If you are more experienced than me then maybe it will be cheaper for you to make your own.  I am not that experienced right now and I want to make sure what I plant grows so I am going with the sure thing.

Vegetable Seed Dealers:

http://www.ruppseeds.com/divVegetable/default.htm

http://www.southernstates.com/catalog/c-1043-vegetable-seed.aspx?gclid=CJHq7cSiybUCFQ6ynQodYEAAQw    (free shipping right now)

http://parkseed.com/Category.aspx?c=vegetables&gclid=CILs2_CiybUCFQmxnQodsHkA2Q

http://www.edenbrothers.com/store/vegetable-herb-seeds.html?gclid=CI_w0oGjybUCFRA6nAodsUQAYQ

http://www.jungseed.com/

http://www.burpee.com/vegetables/?cid=PPC&gclid=CKXfw7SjybUCFQ4GnQodJGgA8Q

http://www.gurneys.com/Default.asp?

  I am sure there are a million other places but here are a few that I found that had deals if you ordered from them.  Some have free shipping and some have an amount off of your total.  Usually buying online is cheaper than going to the store and you have a better selection.

  If you find a super deal or if you have had really good luck with a certain place let us all know and leave a comment.  Thanks!

COFFEE HAIR RINSE RECIPE

I do not drink coffee but I do love the smell of coffee and this is a really cool way to enhance your color!

Enhance your dark brown hair color with a homemade recipe!

What you’ll need

• 1/2 cup triple strength black coffee (cold)
• 3 tbsp non-alkanized cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup leave in conditioner

30 MONEY SAVING FRUGAL TIPS

30 TIPS I USE TO SAVE MONEY! (FOLLOW TO CATCH THE NEXT LIST!)


1.  Wash out and reuse all ziploc food bags.  Chicken Nugget, Chocolate Chip, Shredded Cheese, Splenda, etc. also when freezing leftovers use a straw stuck into the bag a little ways to suck the extra air in the bag around the food out then quickly seal.  Your food will last longer in the freezer.

2.  Cut your 2 or 3 liter bottles, juice bottles, milk jugs, tin cans (all sizes), etc. to 5 or 6 inches in height and use them to do container gardening on your porch or deck.

3.  If you don't have a clothes line put your clothes on hangers while still wet from washer and hang on your deck rail or on backs of your patio furniture to avoid using dryer.

4.  Use the cleaned out covers off laundry detergent or fabric softener to start your seeds indoors for early planting.

5.  Use old glass wine bottles, glass sparkling juice bottles to fill with water and insert upside down into your outdoor planters to keep your plants hydrated so you don't have to water so often.

6.  Take a wet dish towel with cleaning liquid on it and put one end of it (leaving 3/4 of it hanging loosely) over the handle end of your mop and place a rubber band tightly over it a few times and use it to flop over your ceiling fan to clean the dust off the top of each blade.

7.  When you clean the filter on your vacuum put a drop of vanilla on it and your house will smell wonderful.

8.  Use your store plastic bags in your bathroom garbage cans.  Put a couple in the bottom of the can before you put a new bag in so when it needs changing you pull out the bag and a new one is readily available.

9.  Keep a pair of scissors (just to use in kitchen) in the kitchen to open bags, cut pizza, cut your plastic bottles down, cut up chicken, etc.

10.  Cut an old sheet into one very long 1-1/2 inch wide strip using the whole sheet and then crochet it into a rug using a very large hook.  Soft and washable.  Don't have an old sheet?  Go to Goodwill and get one for a couple dollars!  Fun use for an old sheet.

11.  Always cook double and freeze one meal then you always have a meal on hand to toss in microwave or oven when you don't have time to cook.  I line a baking dish with parchment paper so I can lift casseroles out and freeze in ziploc or aluminum foil to keep my dishes freed up.

12.  Open your blinds on whatever side of your house that the sun is shining in to warm your house so you do not have to use heat but if you are trying to cool leave the blinds or curtains shut on the sunny side and windows open on the side that is shaded.

13.  I use white vinegar mixed with just enough cheap conditioner to make it smell good for fabric softner  in my laundry.  It also keeps your washer clean and fresh.

14.  Save old vitamin, medicine, spice bottles of all kinds to use when making homemade bath salts for gifts or just for yourself.  You can also use them to carry shampoo and conditioner when traveling.  Great for carrying dressing for salads also.

  Homemade Bath Salts Recipe:

                                                    3 cups Epsom Salt 
                                                    2 cups Baking Soda 
                                                    1 cup Table Salt 
                                                   Food or soap coloring (optional) 
                                                   Scented Essential Oils (2-4 drops)

If you want more than one scent and color, separate into different bowls before adding the color and scent. Then you can have 2-3 different choices to choose from. Let the bath salts dry for 24 hours before placing them into your decorative jars.

15.  When you have grease spots on your t-shirts and they won't come out after washing take dish soap and squirt it on all the spots and wash in warm.  Most times they come out the first time but if not try it one more time.  I have never had it not work.

16.  Make your own decorations for holiday's and birthdays.  Kids love to help.   My kids get their color books out, color and cut out pictures to hang.  Take permanent markers and write or draw on balloons at birthday's.

17.  Make your own cake at birthday's and save money.   I have had my kid's friend parties be a cake making and decorating party.  They all make the cake together and while its baking they make homemade frosting and they all decorate it together then all eat it.  Very frugal party.  You could get aprons at goodwill for each party guest.  Lots of possibilities.

18.   Put all your pet friendly scraps in a bowl daily for your pet and you will save alot in dog food.

19.  I run about 6 inches of hot water with dishsoap in it in the sink every morning and we all wash our own dish from each meal right away to reduce how many times we have to run dishwasher.

20.  Send for all the free things you can and use snacks in snack bowls. Perfume, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and makeup samples add up quick in a basket in your restroom.  Its a nice treat to be able to use all the expensive things at no cost to you.  This is what I got just today.  All the green coupons are each for 1 dollar off  1 jar of Mt. Olive Pickles.  They end up being under 1 dollar a jar.  This is one of the smaller amount of things I get in a day.  I got 50 toothbrushes and 50 samples of toothpaste not to long ago!

21. Rip all the perfume samples out of "FREE" magazines (look up free magazine subscriptions, there are always some that you can get from 1 to 4 free issues then cancel and not get charged) and fold and keep in your purse so you always have a high end perfume to put on when you go somewhere special.

22.  Borax can save you a ton of money.  Here is a site with 10 uses for Borax:
http://www.essortment.com/ten-uses-borax-15865.html
(copy and paste into search bar)

23.  Wash clothes in cold water instead of warm or hot.

24.  Take cooler showers.

25.  Put night lights in bathrooms and hallways so you do not have to use lights.  I was given those lights that look like candles with the Christmas bulb in the end and I started using them for night lights in bathrooms.

26.  Turn off your outdoor lights at night and save a bundle.

27.  Buy thinner towels so it takes less time to dry them.  Hang your towel to dry after a shower and use more than once.

28.  Use coupons!  Match coupons to sale prices and save big.

29.  Make one errand day a week to save gas.

30.  Save the foam trays that your meat comes in ,wash well.  These work great for serving macaroni salad, potato salad, etc. at picnics or family gatherings.

FOLLOW BY EMAIL SO YOU DON'T MISS THE NEXT LIST OF FRUGAL TIPS!

COUPONING DEALS!

  Well its sunny here in North Carolina today, helps Monday not feel so Mondayish!  I spent the weekend couponing which I got ready for all last week.  I am by no means an extreme couponer but I do set out to only get what I have a coupon for.

    I went to the websites of each store I was going to shop at and I copied off their coupon policy and went over it a few times so I knew it well.   I checked every clearance spot in every store and matched up coupons.  I found meds that were supposed to be 6 dollars on clearance for 2.83 and I had 2 dollars off each.  I paid .83 cents for each!   Because the coupons for Gold Bond lotion did not state which kind and didn't say it couldn't be used on trial size I was paid to take Gold Bond Trial size Lotions.  I found a whole end cap with hair dyes clearanced for 3 and 4 dollars so I got out the coupons and got them for 1 and 2 dollars a box for colors that me and my daughters would use.  

   I am transforming a book shelf into a open pantry in my kitchen for overflow from the enclosed pantry I have that is not very big.  I actually like the looks of a neat open pantry.  For a wife and mother its a good feeling to gaze over all of your stockpile!

  I took a picture of all my finds to put on here (don't look at my dishes I put off to go to the store, lol).  Well I got 40 dollars worth of just shavers for 12 dollars!  I was excited about that because I hate when its time to buy razors because they cost so darn much.  My 3 store total was (and this included some non coupon items such as milk, meat, pop) 229.94 and I saved 153.00 in coupons and store rewards.  The next day I went to Lowe's and used 20 more coupons that all doubles and spent 29 and saved 57.  Since you can only double 20 coupons a day at Lowe's I decided since its only 10 minutes from my home I could go there a few times a week and use 20 coupons each time and really stock up my cupboards for not alot of money at all!

 

These are pictures of the first shopping day when I saved 153.00!   Lots of stuff and we will use it all!  I didn't get anything we wouldn't use.  All the new sale ads here start Tues. and Wed. so I will be matching sales to coupons starting tomorrow again.  My great deal on toner (52 dollar a piece toners if bought at office store) where I got two toners for 13.50 a piece on ebay, new, unopened, free shipping from someone who has sold 101 of them with no complaints should be here tomorrow so I will be up and running for printing all my online coupons. Gotta get the laundry and cleaning done today so I will have the time to do that tomorrow!  Have a great Monday!


 

FREEBIE SITES

  Another way I save money is to go on all the free sites and send for all the food, health and beauty, clothing, etc. that I can.  I use some to make goodie boxes for gifts, snack samples go in the snack basket or my purse so when we are on the road and one of the kids start complaining they are hungry I can haul out some new snack and they are happy to try it out. I get some pretty cool stuff.  I just got 27 packs of sunflower seeds to plant this spring, color books and stickers for the grandbabies, 3 granola bars, ink pens, 3 canvas bags, tshirts, key chains, candy samples, tea, hot cocoa, coffee, pencils, erasers, books, posters, magazines, cereal, dog and cat food, vitamins, drink mixes, etc.   The list goes on and on!  When the mail man comes it always exciting to see whats coming next!  Its a free way to have fun and stock your snack and gift cupboard.  You will have to copy and paste these address's.  Do a search for feebie sites, or best free sites and you will fiind tons more!

www.totallyfreestuff.com/
www.thefreesite.com/
www.nojunkfree.com/
www.munchkinsandwich.com/
www.icravefreebies.com/other-free-stuff-sites/
www.sweetfreestuff.com/about/
www.activefreestuff.com/9p1.htm
WomanFreebies.com
http://www.freestuff101.com
www.reddit.com/r/freebies/
http://www.bestfreestuffonline.com/
momanddadsfreesite.com

SITES TO EMAIL FOR GROCERY COUPONS TO BE SENT TO YOU!

I found this  list of places you can check for promotions or ask for coupons.  I received alot of coupons, some high value!


1. BirdsEye
http://www.birdseye.com/ 
2. Sensodyone
http://www.sensodyne.com/
3. Starkist Tuna
http://www.starkist.com/ 
4. Idahoian
http://www.idahoan.com/ 
5. Cole’s Garlic Bread
http://www.coles.com/ 
6. Arm & Hammer
http://www.armandhammer.com/ .
7. Windex
http://www.windex.com/ 
8. Uncle Ben’s
http://www.unclebens.com/
9. Whiskas
http://www.whiskas.com/
10. Lipton
http://www.liptont.com/
11. Zatarains
http://www.zatarains.com/ 
12. Mrs. T’s Pierogies
http://www.mrsts.com/
13. 9 Lives
http://www.9lives.com/
14.Barber
http://www.barberfoods.com/ 
15. Banquet
http://www.banquet.com/ 
16. Del Monte Veggies
http://www.delmonte.com/ 
17. Blue Diamond
http://www.bluediamond.com/
18. Florida’s Natural
http://www.floridasnatural.com/ 
19. Campbell’s
http://www.campbellkitchen.com/ .
20. Jose Ole
http://www.joseole.com/
21. Malt O Meal
http://www.malt-o-meal.com/ 
22. Haagen Dazs
http://www.haagen-dazs.com/ 
23. Tillamook
http://www.tillamookcheese.com/
24. Michelena’s
http://www.michelinas.com/
25. Kotex
http://www.kotex.com/ 
26. Luigi’s Italian Ice
http://www.luigis.co/ 
27. Thomas’
http://www.thomas.gwbakeries.com/ 
28. Hostess
http://www.twinkies.com/ 
29. Edy’s
http://www.edys.com/
30. Tyson
http://www.tyson.com/ 
31. Hatfield
http://www.hqm.com/ 
32. Hillshire Farm
http://www.hillshirefarm.com/ 
33. Bic
http://www.bicworld.com/
34. Eucerin
http://www.eucerin.com/ 
35. Farm Rich
http://www.farmrichfun.com/
36. Kozy Shack
http://www.kozyshack.com/
37. Mt. Olive
http://www.mtolivepickles.com/ 
38. Pilgrim’s Pride
http://www.pilgrimspride.com/ 
39. Healthy Balance
http://www.healthybalance.com/
40. Mrs. Smith’s
http://www.mrssmiths.com/ 
41. Helluva Good
http://www.helluvagood.com/ 
42. Perdue
http://www.perdue.com/
43. Viva Paper Towel
http://www.vivatowels.com/ 
44. Edward’s Pies
http://www.edwardsbaking.com/
45. Electrasol
http://www.electrasol.com/
46. Woolite
woolite.com
47. Kashi
http://www.kashi.com/ 
48. Schick
http://www.shaving.com/ 
49. Smart Ones
http://www.eatyourbest.com/ 
50. Georgia Pacific
http://www.gp.com/
51. Ling Ling’s
http://www.ling-ling.com/
52. Horizon
http://www.horizonorganic.com/
53. Land O Lakes
http://www.landolakes.com/ 
54. Sargento
http://www.sargentocheese.com/
55. Dannon
http://www.dannon.com/ 
56. Bolthouse Juice
http://www.bolthouse.com/
57. Hefty
http://www.pactiv.com/
58. Tribe Hummus
http://www.tribehummus.com/ 
59. 7 Up
http://www.7up.com/
60. Morningstar Farms
http://www.morningstarfarms.com/
61. Welch’s
http://www.welchs.com/ 
62. McCain’s Fries
http://www.mccainusa.com/
63. Vlasic
http://www.vlasic.com/ 
64. Stonyfield Farm
http://www.stonyfield.com/
65. Keebler
http://www.keebler.com/
66. Celestial Seasonings
http://www.celestialseasonings.com/
67. Boboli
http://www.boboli.com/
68. Entemman’s
http://www.entenmanns.com/
69. Arnold Bread
http://www.arnoldbread.com/
70. Freihof’s Bread
http://www.freihofers.com/ 
71. Tree Ripe OJ
http://www.johannafoods.com/juice.htm
72. Wonder Bread
http://www.wonderbread.com/
73. Hebrew National
http://www.hebrewnational.com/
74. St. Ives
http://www.stives.com/
75. Ronzoni
http://www.ronzoni.com/
76. Tropicana
http://www.tropicana.com/
77. Ball Park Franks
http://www.ballparkfranks.com/ 
78. Clorox
http://www.clorox.com/
79. White Castle
http://www.whitecastle.com/ 
80. PictSweet
http://www.pictsweet.com/ 
81. Lean Cuisine
http://www.leancuisine.com/
82. Olivio
customerservice@olivioproducts.com
83. Tide
http://www.tide.com/ 
84. Oust
http://www.oust.com/ 
85. Chef Boyardee
http://www.chefboyardee.com/ 
86. Propel
http://www.propelwater.com/ .
87. Bagel Bites
heinzconsumeraffairs@hjheinz.com
88. Snapple
http://www.snapple.com/
89. Clearasil
http://www.clearasil.us/
90. Rumba Juice
http://www.rumbaenergyjuice.com/
91. Luna Bars
http://www.lunabar.com/ 
92. Mott’s
http://www.motts.com/
93. White House Applesauce
http://www.whitehousefoods.com/ 
94. Natures Own Breads
http://www.naturesownbread.com/
95. Cascadian Farms
http://www.cascadianfarm.com/ 
96. Brach’s Candy
http://www.brachs.com/
97. Fast Fixin’s
http://www.fastfixin.com/
98. Carl Budding
http://www.budding.com/
99. Bar-S Hot Dogs
http://www.bar-s.com/ 
100. Hawaiian Punch
http://www.hawaiianpunch.com/
101. Bigelow Tea
http://www.bigelowtea.com/
102. El Montery
http://www.ruizfoods.com/
103. Wylers Soups
http://www.wylers.com/.
104. Nexcare
http://www.nexcare.com/
105. Sunny Delight
http://www.sunnydelight.com/ .
106. Freschetta
http://www.freschetta.com/
107. Dunkin Donuts
http://www.dunkindonuts.com/
108. Blistex
http://www.blistex.com/ 
109. Little Crow Foods
http://www.littlecrowfoods.com/
110. Promise
http://www.promisehealthyheart.com/
111. Pepperidge Farm
http://www.pepperidgefarm.com/
112. Greenies
http://www.greenies.com/
113. Crayola
http://www.crayola.com/ 
115. Gorton’s Fish
http://www.gortons.com/
116. Hanes
http://www.hanes.com/
117. Marie Calendar http://www.mariepies.com/
118. Pine-Sol
http://www.pinesol.com/
119. Foster Farms
http://www.fosterfarms.com/ 
120. General Mills
http://www.generalmills.com/
121. Rhodes Bread
customersatisfaction@rhodesbread.com 
122. Breyers
http://www.icecreamusa.com/breyers
123. Duncan Hines
http://www.duncanhines.com/
124. Sea Pak Shrimp
http://www.seapak.com/
125. Dole
http://www.dole.com/
126. Mama Mary’s
http://www.mamamarys.com/
127. IBC Root Beer
http://www.ibcrootbeer.com/
128. Dial Soap
http://www.dialcop.com/
129. Bakers Joy
http://www.bakersjoy.com/ 
130. Jennie-O Turkey
http://www.jennieo.com/
131. Barbara’s Bakery
http://www.barbarasbakery.com/ 
132. Ian’s Natural
http://www.iansnaturalfoods.com/
133. Hansen’s Beverage
http://www.hansens.com/
134. Alexia Foods
http://www.alexiafoods.com/ 
135. Brown Cow Yogurt
http://www.browncowfarm.com/
136. Ocean Spray
http://www.oceanspray.com/
137. Flat Out Bread
feedback@flatoutbread.com 
138. Rudi’s Organic
http://www.rudisbakery.com/ 
139. Mussleman’s Applesauce
http://www.knouse.com/ 
140. Skinny Cow
http://www.skinnycow.com/
141. Baker’s Inn Bread
ravindernath@bakersinn.com
142. Lactaid
http://www.lactaid.com/
143. Silk Soy Milk
http://www.silksoymilk.com/
144. Shady Brook Farms
http://www.shadybrookfarms.com/ 
145. Mrs. Dash
http://www.mrsdash.com/
146. Rice Dream
http://www.tastethedream.com/ 
147. Blue Bunny
http://www.bluebunny.com/ 
148. Sobe
http://www.sobebev.com/
149. Michangelo’s Frozen Entrees
http://www.michaelangelos.com/efamily
150. Mission Tortillas
http://www.missionfoods.com/
151. State Fair Corn Dogs
http://www.statefairbrand.com/
152. Splenda
http://www.splenda.com/ 
153. Equal Exchange
http://www.equalexchange.com/
154. Odwalla
http://www.odwalla.com/ 
155. Ray’s New York Bagels
http://www.raysnewyorkbagels.com/
156. Nissin Noodles
http://www.nissinfoods.com/ 
157. Yogi Tea
http://www.yogitea.com/
158. Al Fresco
http://www.alfrescoallnatural.com/
159. Ben and Jerry’s
http://www.benandjerrys.com/
160. Tony’s Pizza
http://www.tonys.com/
161. Asian Sensations
comments@asiansensations.com
162. Red Baron
http://www.redbaron.com/
163. Freschetta
http://www.freschetta.com/
164. Gillette Venus
http://www.gillettevenus.com/ 
165. Suave
http://www.suave.com/
166. Lady Speed Stick
http://www.mennen.com/
167. Jennie O
http://www.jennieo.com/ 
168. Downy
http://www.downy.com/
169. Glade
http://www.glade.com/
170. MardiGras
http://www.gp.com/
171. Oreida
http://www.oreida.com/
172. Durex
http://www.durex.com/
173. Trojan
http://www.trojancondoms.com/
174. Lifestyles
http://www.lifestyles.com/