Tag Archives: winter

Beating the Cold in My Home

This winter, the country has been seeing temperatures that are colder than normal. Even the sunny state of California has had a few days where temperatures have reached below freezing. Right now, much of the east cost is chilled with almost arctic temperatures. Although we got a little dusting of snow today that is pretty and picturesque, the low, low temperatures take away any of the quaintness of the scene and leave me wanting spring to arrive. Of course, there is still some more weeks of winter. I know that the temperatures have hit some lows when I go out … Continue reading →

How to Buy a Generator

With snow and ice blanketing or threatening to blanket most of the country, it is important for home owners to be prepared. Being without power can mean living with out electricity, water and heat, and this could be deadly in some cases. One purchase that may be a good investment, depending on where you live, is a private generator that can replace your source of electricity when your power fails. There are different types of generators, from small portable ones for a few essential services to large whole home ones that automatically switch over in the event of a power … Continue reading →

10 Fall Plants that Attract the Birds: Part 4

This morning, the kids and I hunted around the yard for pine cones. We wanted to slather them with peanut butter and roll them in birdseed as a Thanksgiving feast for the birds that visit us. Unfortunately, it looks like the squirrels might have gotten to them all, because there was not a single pine cone to be found, including the one that served outside of one of our fairy houses. Still, there are other ways of attracting the birds. I have been mentioning different fall plants that will work. We are now at the end of this list. Here … Continue reading →

The First Snowday!

The wintery flurries we experienced yesterday have overnight turned to a wintery wonderland. We have our first snow day of the season. If being anxious for Christmas wasn’t enough, my kids are about to get a huge surprise. I can hear them just beginning to stir upstairs, and in a few minutes I will hear the shouts for joy. For my daughter, as soon as she pops out of bed and sees the surprise, she will run down the stairs declaring that Christmas is here and that we must put up the tree immediately. Looking out of our windows is … Continue reading →

Using Fall Leaves as Winter Mulch

Here is a great idea for using some of those fall leaves that are falling all over your yard. By creating winter mulch out of them, you’ll protect your tender plants and bulbs, save money and feel better about having to do all of that fall leaf clean up! Winter mulch can do a lot to protect and preserve your perennials from the harsh winter that is coming up soon. Many people believe that the winter mulch acts as a blanket, protecting the bulbs and plants from the cold. While it is true that it may offer some little protection … Continue reading →

Trendy Home Made Christmas Gifts

Yes, I know Christmas is still two months away, but what better time to get started on making some great Christmas gifts. Forget the old crocheted pot holders. While they may be nice, they certainly aren’t the most requested on everyone’s wish list. Instead take a look at what the trends say are going to be the hottest requested and given gifts this Christmas season. Home made gifts are definitely in for this season, probably because everyone is so budget conscious. The best part of these trendy gifts is that you can make them yourself frugally. Give gifts of your … Continue reading →

Spend Less on Home Heating

With home heating costs going sky high, you should really take whatever steps you can now to save on the money you will be spending this winter. Oil prices are high, but so is natural gas and propane. Be prepared. Insulate your windows and doors. Drafty homes loose most of their heat through old windows and doors. Even new windows that are not properly sealed can let out precious heat. There are a number of things that you can do to insulate your windows and doors. The first is to add weather stripping and caulk around doors and windows. It … Continue reading →

This Winter Will Be a Cold One!

If you have been putting off getting new more efficient windows, caulking your window and door frames or even moving to a warmer climate, this may be the year to do it. According to the Farmers’ Almanac , which goes on sale this week, most of the United States of America will see colder than average temperatures with more snowfall than usual. This news is especially harsh considering that the cost of home heating fuel has risen so much. We kept our thermostat pretty low last year and got by, but the cost of our oil has increased for this … Continue reading →

Did You Have A Power Outage While You Were Away?

Sometimes if you are away for more than eight hours, your home may have suffered a power outage without your knowing. This could have some serious repercussions. For example, if your power went out and your frozen food thawed and then later refroze, it won’t be safe to eat. In the winter, a power outage can mean a loss oh heat and frozen pipes that burst, causing a flood. The soon you take care of a power outage, the better. It is also good to know if you had a power outage, because your electronics can be affected. Some electronics … Continue reading →

Frugal Winter Fun!

When it is cold outside, we tend to stay indoors and rent movies, buy more toys, books and stuff to occupy is indoors to visit indoor places where it is easy to spend money, such as the mall, restaurants and kids activity centers. Some of us even plan extra vacations to escape the cold. Those costs can all add up. Winter activities and entertainment should be all about embracing the season, not spending money on things to do to escape it. I’ve put together a few ideas that will help you enjoy the winter, have fun and make some great … Continue reading →