Everything You Need to Know About Norovirus

Flu season typically reaches its peak between late January and March. There is a lot of focus on Influenza which can be prevented by getting vaccinated every year. The “flu” vaccine cannot prevent Norovirus. Here is a quick look at everything a parent needs to know about Norovirus. There is no vaccine for Norovirus. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent Norovirus. Part of the difficulty involved in making a vaccine is that Norovirus can mutate and that it is a virus that lives in the gut. Some companies are working on a Norovirus vaccine, but it isn’t ready yet. … Continue reading

How to Make Practically Everything Last Longer

With proper care, you can make the things that you own last longer. Here are some practical tips. Rugs, Carpeting and flooring Vacuum your carpeting and rugs frequently. This will prevent the dirt and grime from matting down the carpet. The same goes for vinyl and wood flooring. Bits of grit can scratch the surfaces of your floor. Clothing Line dry or dry flat whenever possible. You know all of that lint that comes off of your clothes in the dryer? It is parts of your fabric. You don’t get lint when you line dry. If you don’t like the … Continue reading

Make Clothes Last Longer by Machine Washing Less

I just read an article about a woman who lived on a fifth floor walk-up in New York City and does he laundry by hand to save her back. The added incentive in doing her laundry by hand (in a very efficient system)is that it costs her very little to do laundry this way. This took me back to the year that I lived in New York in a 3rd floor walk up. I also found it easier to use my bath tub as a washing machine. Not only was it less expensive than visiting the laundromat which I did … Continue reading

Make Everything Last Longer

One sure way to make sure that you spend less money is to avoid replacing items in your home, especially expensive items. Just a little extra care can go a long way to making your stuff last longer. Just yesterday, I reminded a sweet little girl from the neighborhood that she left her bicycle helmet in our garage. Her response was to leave it there, that she would just buy another one. My own kids were a little shocked by this and stopped her a few times as she was leaving to go home for the night. They couldn’t believe … Continue reading

Baby Blog Month in Review: November 2008

I hope that you had a good holiday with your little one(s). November went by so fast, it is hard to believe that december and the holidays are already upon us. Here are all of the blogs that we posted last month in the Baby Blog. November 1st Baby Blog Week in Review: October 20th Through October 26th As parents, we always worry about our children. It is so important to stay informed, whether it is an issue with BPA in plastics or baby clothing that is causing medical issues. Explore the posts in the Baby Blog for the week … Continue reading

Baby Blog Week in Review: November 3rd Through November 9th

Has your little one been having fun with the leaves? My kids have, although I don’t expect the leaves to last must longer. Soon we will be moving on to Thanksgiving and the holiday season ahead. November 3rd Baby Names: Pay Attention to the Initials When it comes to baby names, initials mean more than you might think. Keep reading to find out why. November 5th Caffeine Linked to Underweight Babies Here is one more reason to avoid caffeine, especially if you are pregnant. A new study published in the British Medical Journal found that even a little caffeine during … Continue reading

How Long Should Your Appliances Last?

When you have to repair or replace a fancy refrigerator only two years after you purchased the unit, it can be frustrating. Yet, the 1960s dryer that you inherited from your parents is still going strong. Are modern appliances not built as well? Do refrigerators die out faster than do dryers? There are a few different factors that may determine the life of your appliance. Electronic components such as sensors and computerized displays tend to be difficult to repair or replace and can also be the most likely parts of an appliance to fail. The simpler the better here. More … Continue reading

Top Frugal Blogs of 2007

I hope your new year celebration was joyous and fun! Think of all of the good things that happened in your life in 2007 and look forward to all of the good things to come in 2008! Did you save a lot of money this year? Did you put into place some frugal practices that you can keep for life? The new year is always a time for a new start. So if you have a financial goal, such as paying for a vacation, becoming a stay at home parent or just using your resources wisely, the Frugal Living Blog … Continue reading

New Uses for Blanket Plastic Bags

Do you know those zippered or snapped plastic bags that come with blankets, comforters and sheet sets? They seem so useful and a shame to throw out, don’t they? They are made of sturdy plastic and they have that convenient zipper or snaps to close the bags and protect something, right? You keep the bags thinking that they might be useful to restore those blankets and sheets, but no matter how you fold them, the blankets, comforters or sheets just won’t fit again. Well, read on to find some ways you can give them new life, saving money in the … Continue reading

Make Your Own Ball Pit

Why spend $40 or more on a ball pit. You can make your own for $10 to $20! Ball pits are a big hit for kids from six months to six years. There is just something bout jumping around in the colored balls that is just a whole lot of fun. we had a small ball pit that was given to us back when my oldest was a toddler. He had loads of fun with it, playing with it several times a day. That is until a few weeks later, when a seam split and made it unusable. When inflatable … Continue reading