Tag Archives: vacuum

The Vacuum-Boy

When I first started staying home with my son this semester I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting myself into. In fact, I still don’t know. That said, I’ve learned a number of special talents that he is in possession of that I wasn’t aware of. While some of these talents are great other talents leave much to be desired. This is, however, the process of growing up right before my eyes. Learning new skills and exploring your environment out of curiousity is what brought all of us to adulthood so I had better enjoy the ride. I never … Continue reading →

Dyson Dreams Dashed

Another Mother’s Day has come and gone… and I still don’t have a Dyson. My dream of owning the expensive vacuum has become a running joke in my family, though there’s one person who’s not laughing-—my daughter. Whereas I would love to add the bagless upright with Ball and Root Cyclone Technology to my cleaning collection, I am content with my current Hoover and the knowledge that it didn’t suck out our entire savings to purchase. Still, my sensitive kindergartner often gets misty whenever a Mommy gift-getting occasion passes and I crack a joke about my Dyson dreams being dashed. … Continue reading →

Frugal Tips for Vacuuming

Want to save money and still keep your house clean? In the past, we’ve covered such topics as making your own cleaners, finding inexpensive cleaners, making your own swiffer refills, and using inexpensive and natural products to clean your kitchen. We even talked about using your broom to save on the expense of vacuuming Now, let’s take a look at vacuuming itself and how we can be very frugal when doing it. Skip the expensive vacuum with all of the fancy attachments and crevice tools. Instead, buy a simple machine with the basic tools. To get into tiny crevices, make … Continue reading →

Vacuuming 101

What do you think about vacuuming? Love it, hate it, indifferent? I’m picky about it, so I usually end up doing it myself. It seems like I end up re-doing it anyway if I ask someone else to do it. While I’ve been working hard over the past few years to give up some of my “nitpickier” ways, vacuuming is one thing I still have an issue with. When it’s done, I want it to look like somebody just vacuumed. Know what I mean? While for some people, vacuuming is no biggie, others may find these tips helpful: 1) Make … Continue reading →

Carpet Cleaning Tips

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to keeping carpets clean. The first tip may be inconvenient for some families, but it will guarantee a longer life for your carpet; don’t eat in rooms with carpet. While adults can generally keep from being too messy, children aren’t always as careful. Besides, adults can have accidents too. However, if your family has become accustomed to eating in the family room on movie night or on other special occasions, there is no reason you have to eliminate the routine completely. You can cover the carpet. A flannel backed vinyl tablecloth works … Continue reading →

Frugal Lessons from The Amish: Giving Up Your Vacuum

Can giving up your vacuum really save you money? Vacuum cleaners use large amounts of electricity, require the purchase of bags and filters, and eventually need costly repair or replacement. Eliminating this piece of equipment can save you money. I know, I know. You are shaking your head at me again. How on earth can I possibly recommend giving up your vacuum? While it is great being frugal, no one wants to live in a dirty house, right? I don’t know about you, but I use my big vacuum on a daily basis. I have three small children worth of … Continue reading →

My Favorite Household Appliance is…the Vacuum

Recently, one of my daughters and I were watching a television program about how appliances have changed the domestic scene and the every-day life of the average family. The program talked about which appliances save time (and how much) and how some appliances have actually added to the work load of the average Western person. It got me to thinking about my own relationship with appliances–especially since motherhood. And, I have to say that I am unusually, and perhaps unhealthily, attached to my vacuum. The fact is, I can tolerate a fair amount of dust and dishevelment in my home … Continue reading →

5 Reasons Why You Need a Food Dehydrator

Posted on by

1. Beef jerky. My husband love beef jerky but I absolutely hate the price! With my food dehydrator, I can make a pound of beef jerky for about $5. That includes the meat and seasonings used. That same pound of jerky (with a lot of extra additives and chemicals) would cost at least $20 retail. Now that’s what I call frugal living! 2. Fruit leather. This is a great way to make inexpensive and really healthy fruit rollups at home. My food dehydrator came with liners so that all I have to do is pour applesauce or pureed fruit on … Continue reading →

5 Reasons Why You Need a Seal-a-Meal

Posted on by

1. No more freezer burn. I’m one of those people who likes to cook once a week, or better yet once a month. The trouble with doing such efficient cooking is you need to find an equally efficient form of storage. I’ll admit it, I’m cheap. I buy the store brand zipper bags for everyday storage. The trouble with that, and even with the more costly Ziploc bags is that there is no way to efficiently remove all the air from the bag prior to freezing. (The air inside the bag is what causes freezer burn.) Ever since I broke … Continue reading →

Carpet Cleaning Fiasco

This is a true story, one that brings home the point that children watch what we do and mimic what they see. One day I was cleaning my home, preparing to move to the home we currently live in. I was finishing up the vacuuming when I got a whiff of a really strong odor. I couldn’t imagine what it was. I begin walking from room to room sniffing, trying to find the source of the odor. My oldest daughter was playing on the deck and I asked her if she had any ideas. Nope. I began looking for my … Continue reading →