Frugal Island

Storm Preparation Tips

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:21:00 +0000

Preparation Tips:

• Check batteries for radios and flashlights
• Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts
• Secure outdoor law furniture, toys, garbage, cans, umbrellas and anything else that could
become a projectile.
• Check supplies of special medicines and drugs
• Learn the location of official shelters (Local shelters can normally be found on your town website or county website)
• Learn safe routes inland
• Learn storm surge history and elevation of your area
• Trim back dead wood from trees
• Stock up on canned goods
• Know where you will go if you have to evacuate and plan your evacuation route
• Find out your community’s hurricane preparedness plan
• Have disaster supplies on hand in the event of a storm or if you have to evacuate, make
sure that all family members know how to respond after a storm
• Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water
• Teach children how and when to call 911 and which radio station to tune to for
emergency information
• Protect glass windows and doors
• Develop an emergency communication plan
• Take pictures of your home and property to create an inventory of what you have

Emergency Kit:
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable battery operated radio
• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Generator (outdoor use only)
• Small cooler
• Candles
• Matches
• Names, addresses and phone numbers of relatives, friends and other important contacts

Important Papers and Valuables:
• Birth certificates
• Diplomas
• Marriage certificate
• Social Security cards
• Passports
• Immunization records
• Bank account and credit card numbers
• Photos and video of your home and valuables
• Vehicle titles
• Military service papers
• Wills
• Insurance policies including vehicle and homeowners
• Deeds, stocks, bonds and titles
• Irreplaceable photographs
• Computer back up of important electronic data

Other Tips:
*Consider drugstores for water, and food. A lot of times these stores have more water then food stores.
*If you are female, now is a good time to get tampons, pads. If stores are shut and it's that time of the month, it will make menstal time more irritating.
*Even though individually wrapped items are pricer, they also tend to be less parishable since you can open one packet, without opening a box.
*Don't forget about Pet Food when you are doing your shopping. Cat Food / Dog Food / Cat Litter / Wee Wee Pads (during a storm noone wants to walk their dog outside and a dog might be to anxious to go).
*Stock up on plastic containers and try and place as many items as you can in them. If possible place items in a plastic bag first and then place plastic bag in plastic container. This will provide extra protection for your items.
*Stock up on paper tals.
*If you know a storm is coming, wash all your dishes and do all your laundry and cleaning prior.
*Refrain from by items that need to go in fridge or freezer - If the power goes out these items will be affected.
*Instead of using a cooler, put ice in your washer. The ice will last a long time and keep your stuff cold.
*Stock up on wet wipes and paper tals.
*Make sure you have all yout towels,washclothes andcleaning supplies in one place
*Stock up on cat litter even if you don't have a cat. Cat litter can absorb the excess water.

Thift Shop Bargain - Buttons

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:23:00 +0000

A few months ago, I was in a craft store looking for buttons. The button I was looking for was a particular type of button for a piece of semi designer clothing I purchased years ago. I was suprised to see how expensive buttons where. I was also suprised to see some of the nicer buttons almost out of stock, with none left in the stock room when I asked. After seeing the price for buttons which can run around $2.50 for the lower quality buttons to over $10, I now look for buttons in the dollar bins at thrift shops and yard sales. Even if a piece of clothing has defects, a lot of times the buttons are just fine. The remainder of the clothing could be washed (depending on the material) and used as rags to scub floors or wash the car with. Or even create a rug made out of rags. Making Rag Rugs: 15 Step-by-Step Projects , How to Make Hand-Hooked Rag Rugs , and Twist and Twine: 18 Ideas for Rag Rugs and Home Decor are just some of the books that can show you how to make Rag Rugs. Plus by purchasing the difficult to sell clothing (with buttons) that are normally in the bargain bin, you will will be helping the thrift shop with the extra dollar or two, and doing your part in recycling.

I'm Just a Cat and I'm Doing Cat Stuff (Music Video)

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Appreciate Your Cat Tips

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Wed, 25 May 2011 22:07:00 +0000

Consider your cat when watching TV, or watching a DVD. As you are watching tv, pay attention to your cat, see which shows he / she seema to watch more of, and which shows they walk away from. If you and your cat do not like the same TV shows, or movies consider dvr'ing your cats favorite shows, or placing cat dvd movies on when you are away, or doing other household chores. Your cat will appreciate your kindness.

Some DVD's your cat might like are:

DVD For Cats: While You Are Gone
The Purrfect DVD - Cat Entertainment Video
Mewvie, The Motion Picture For Your Cat: Episode 2 Birdland Bonanza Cat Sitter DVD

Another alternative to movies for your cat is music. Soft, soothing music they can help keep cats calm and happy. You might want to consider music for your cat when introducing a new pet, when taking your cat to the vet so he / she can listen to it in the car to relax, when someone your cat does not know is coming to the your apartment ot house.

Below is some music your cat might enjoy:

Cats - The Musical (Ultimate Edition)
Music Cats Love: While You Are Gone
Mood Music For Cats (And Cat Lovers) - A Ball of Twine
Music for Pets (Ocrd)

Compliment your Cat. Compliments can help your cat's self esteem and increase your cats confidence. Cats have feelings to. When you compliment your cat, your cat will appreciate it.

The Powerful Kitten In You - watch more funny videos

Kick Litter: Nine-Step Program for Recovering Litter AddictsProduct Description: RECOVERING LITTER ADDICTS Moxie and Cooper guide you through nine steps to leaving litter behind. Combining a funny, visually stunning book with an utterly practical guide, Kick Litter features two photogenic cats (and the big guy who feeds them) taking their message of recovery from litter addiction to the masses. Conceived and written by Hollywood web designer (and reluctant cat whisperer) Perre DiCarlo and lushly designed and packaged by the prestigious San Francisco firm Chen Design Associates, Kick Litter is a great gift book for comedy and cat lovers alike.

Cat toys don't have to be loud. Cats have just as much fun playing with quite toys as they do loud toys. Quite cat toys are the perfect nighttime toy since most cats are up at night, because they sleep most the day. The Two Tone Sponge Ball Cat Toys 4-pack as shown in the photo are nice and bright, yet are quieter at night then the ball with the bell. @beyond_5 (on twitter) makes some cat toys: http://www.etsy.com/shop/catcalls her Snakey Mouse cat toy is a favorite among cats. These cute cotton plushy-catnip toys are about 18" long with a 5" braided tail and felt or fleece mouse ears sewn in. They are made AFTER you place the order to ensure that the catnip (which lives in her frig!) is fresh!

A happy cat = A happy owner

Some Ways to Save While Traveling

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Wed, 18 May 2011 14:05:00 +0000

Sea Shells you can find on the beach make cheap trinkets. To make that seashell even more special go to a jeweler while you are there or even your local jeweler, see if they can make the seashell into a pendant. Maybe they even can ad a clear gloss or dip it in gold or silver plate for you.

If you are traveling within the USA, do a search online before you go for thrift shops and consignment shops. You never know what you will find at these places. While you are there bring a few items t drop off at the thrift shop. This will give you a bit more room for souvenirs in your suitcase, help clear out your closet, plus making you feel good that you are donating something.

Accommodations: Consider renting a condo or a house, a lot of times renting a condo is cheaper then renting a hotel room. If you rent a house bring a few friends with you and split the cost. Consider a Home For Exchange their site contains over 13,000+ listings worldwide in over 85 countries. For non-commercial exchanging of houses, campers, rv's or even yachts. Offer your home for exchange and save on accommodation costs. Home For Exchange is an alternative for renting a holiday property.
Bed and Breakfast's can at times be cheaper than some of the chain hotels. They might not have some of the ammenities that chain hotels have such as pools and gyms. Yet the charm of bed and breakfasts make them worth looking into. There are all sorts of Bed and Breakfast's. From ones that are like a hotel yet have more unique rooms, to the traditional b and b that are more like renting a room with a bathroom in someones home. As far as breakfasts if you are not chatty and don't want to talk to strangers in the morning, some b and b's even have tables for two for breakfast.

Pack some of your grocery's. Some items you might want to consider are: Crystallized Ginger great for motion sickness, Saltine Crackers, perfect with Skippy Peanut Butter In-a-Cup, 0.5-Ounce Cups . Some other great snacks include: Beef Jerky , Smoked Kipper Snacks which is an easy to carry great source of protein. This item it is best to pack in your checked luggage. Salted Peanuts bags , Granola Bars , Wet Ones Moist Wipes , Charmin Travel Toilet Tissue since a lot of public bathrooms have cheaper toliet paper. The great thing about bringing these items, is once you have used them you have extra room for sovieners. Try and pack most these items in your carry on bag, which will help with weight limitations on baggage when you fly.

Consider getting Trip Insurance. Trip insurance is an upfront investment. Yet you never know when it will be a benifit. The small investment can make for a more relaxing and worry free vacation. If you are planning a vacation abroad, consider getting a health insurance can travel with you. One company that specialises in this is: MultiNational Underwriters. Other companies that specialize in trip insurance are Access America and Travel Guard. Access America provides travel insurance and assistance to millions of travelers each year.

Last minute vacations can be fun and a great way to save money, especially if you are flexible when it comes to desired destination. A few sites to check out are: Hotwire and Site59 . For last minute Cruise Vacations check out: Cruise Direct .

How to Sew : Basics

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Fri, 13 May 2011 18:13:00 +0000

How to Sew: Basics [Kindle Edition] FREE! Freebie Expiration Date: Unknown Product Description: This brilliant little guide covers all the essential basics of sewing, including how to choose the best fabrics and threads for projects, in clear and simple points. Learn skills in amazing sewing crafts such as cross-stitch, patchwork and quilting. This book provides all you need to know to start your own projects today, including indispensable advice for inserting zips and making and using bias bindings.

How to Make Money Marketing Your Business with foursquare

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Fri, 13 May 2011 18:08:00 +0000

How to Make Money Marketing Your Business with foursquare [Kindle Edition] FREE Freebie Expiration Date: Unknown Product Description: Discover foursquare social marketing–and achieve powerful bottom-line results with less than an hour’s work per week. Social media marketing has many advantages, but it ain’t easy. Dollar and capital investment costs are often low, but time and resource costs can be very high. How can you find energy to do all this stuff? foursquare is different. With less than one hour of work on foursquare, you can see bottom-line results that are immediate and measurable.

Vintage Muppets "Make Earth Day Every Day"

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:49:00 +0000

Synchronized Maine Coon Kittens

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 12:44:00 +0000

Reusable Shopping Bag Mail In Offer

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 11:33:00 +0000

Mail in Offer Printable Form Expires: September-30, 2011

To receive your REUSABLE BAG:
1) SEND: • Completed Official Order Form
2) 2 UPCs from any Kellogg’s cereals (10 oz. or larger)
3) $1.75 check or money order for each item ordered
4) Make payable to KELLOGG’S REUSABLE BAG OFFER
OFFER AVAILABLE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. LIMIT 5 BAGS PER HOUSEHOLD.
KELLOGG’S REUSABLE BAG – TONY
KELLOGG’S REUSABLE BAG – TOUCAN SAM
KELLOGG’S REUSABLE BAG – DIG’EM

The promotion and the bags can be found here .

Toothbrush / Suncare / Pet Products Sales!

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:49:00 +0000

Instant Coupon: Save an additional $10 off select Philips Sonicare Electric Toothbrushes at drugstore.com! Offer ends 04.23.2011.

Buy 1 Ocean Potion kids sun care item and get the 2nd 50% off at drugstore.com! Offer ends 05.03.2011.

Get $5 off your order of $35 or more, or $10 off your order of $70 or more when you shop the Green and Natural category at drugstore.com! Offer ends 04.24.11.

Save up to $8 on Allegra - now available over the counter - at drugstore.com! Offer ends 06.05.11.

Save up to 50% on FURminator pet products at drugstore.com! Offer ends 06.22.2011.

Save up to 40% on PUR water filtration at drugstore.com! Offer ends 06.22.2011.

Have Fun at the Mall for Free !

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 20:49:00 +0000

Exercise: Find out when the mall doors open, and be one of the first few people in to Mall Walk. A lot of times the doors open about an hour before the Mall opens. This is a perfect time to walk as may laps around the mall as you can, before the stores open and the crowds get in your way.

See if there are any paid surveys you can do. Normally the paid research surveys pay between $1-$5 a piece and are in the customer service area of the mall.

Get your jewelry cleaned. A lot of stores are happy to see a potential customer, so they are happy to clean a ring, bracelet or necklace for free. The key is ask how much a simple cleaning would be. If they say free, give them a piece or two, not an entire bag of 20 pieces. If they offer to polish your jewelry. This might not be free. Ask them how much it would be first, before you say yes. When you get your cleaned jewelry back, thank them, take their business card and tell them that you will definitely come back when you are looking to buy another piece of jewelry.

Get your makeup done. Many makeup counters inside the larger retail stores will be more than happy to do your makeup with the latest cosmetics for free. The only drawback is they will probably try to sell you cosmetics during your makeover. When this happens, tell the person doing your makeover to write down which cosmetics he or she recommends for you as well as their name and you will come back when you want to make a major purchase. Or consider buying the cheapest cosmetic they recommend at the end of your makeover.

Get Free Samples. A lot of times salespeople tend to hound patrons to purchase perfume. This is the perfect time to ask for free samples. The samples you can always try on later, and if you like one of the samples come back to store to purchase the product, or purchase the product online.

Get Free Food. Frequent the food court? Around meal times there are frequently people passing out free samples. When you get a free sample, ask at that time if they have any coupons to go along with the samples.

Free Stuff on your Birthday: Go to your favorite retailers or malls website and sign up for their birthday club or their email list. ( Some) stores and restaurants give coupons for free stuff on your birthday, no purchase needed. Tip: When signing up for birthday clubs, make sure you read the stores privacy policy, to make sure your information is not given to any third parties.

Light Up Fan

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:11:00 +0000

Can You Imagine Animated Convertible Light Up Fan Sale Price: $11.29 Was: $22 About: Switch this fan on for the breezes--keep it going for the cool lights. As the foam blade spins, LEDs create ever-changing patterns to captivate you. Set it on a desk or pop the handle from the base for easy portability. From Can You Imagine. Sale Expiration Date: Unknown

Free Degree for Women Deodorant Sample

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:55:00 +0000

Free Degree Women Deodorant Sample first 12,000

Tie Dye Kite

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 21:46:00 +0000

Fringe Delta - Tie Dye Kite Description: The kite of choice for many first time flyers, our deltas are easy to fly and have the ability to stay aloft in a broad range of wind conditions. Because deltas require so few struts, they are a cinch to assemble and break down. And with one tail loop, deltas are perfect for accessorizing with a variety of graceful tails to make each flyer's experience unique Sale Price: $8.25 Sale Expiration: Unknown

Dog Kite

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 21:42:00 +0000

25 Inch Diamond Buddy Kite Sale Price: $8.49 Sale Expiration Date: Unknown

3 Pack Essentials Tops

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:40:00 +0000

3-Pack Essentials Top Description: 3 colors, 3 silhouettes! Black tank, purple short sleeve and blue 3/4-sleeve tees. 100% cotton ribbed knit with flattering fit. Machine wash and dry. Imported. Sale: $12.99 (Reg. $29.99) Sale End Date: Unknown

Tie Dye Butterfly Towel Duffle

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:49:00 +0000

Tie Dye Butterfly Towel Duffle Sale Price: $12.60 with 40% off coupon Enter code 740 at checkout! Coupon Code Expires: March-28

Coconut Scented Parfume Nail Enamel

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 01:08:00 +0000

Revlon Scented Perfume Nail Enamel, Coconut Crush Price: $4.79 Frugal Note: They have many more colors and scents available.

Frugal Review: I ended up purchasing this product from the link above, because I could not seem to find it in the stores I went to. The coconut I would describe as a white frosty color. I was pleasantly surprised that the smell was light when the polish dried. Initially I was reluctant to purchase the product because of thinking it would either smell to strong or not at all. The nail polish quality is good and what I've found to be typical for Revlon. What would have been great is if they made a bunch of these in mini sizes. Also it would have been nice if they could have made a clear scented nail Polish. Over all its a Fun! product.

Disclaimer: This product was not a gift, it was a product I purchased, and liked enough to write about.

Hello Kitty Sitting Pretty Throw

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:21:00 +0000

Hello Kitty Sitting Pretty Throw Sale Price: $9.98 (Was: $20)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Plush Backpack

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:11:00 +0000

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Michelangelo Plush Backpack Sale Price: $11.98 (Was: $24) About: Cowabunga! Michelangelo has your back wherever you go with this awesome plush backpack! Mikey measures 15" tall Pouch measures about 7" x 9" 100% polyester

Hello Kitty Red Balloon Tote

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:02:00 +0000

Hello Kitty Red Balloon Tote Sale Price: $9.98 (Was: $20) Frugal Note: This is a final sale.

Hello Kitty Sanrio 50th Anniversary Friends 4 Ring Set

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 13:56:00 +0000

Hello Kitty Sanrio 50th Anniversary Friends 4 Ring Set Sale Price: $5.98 (Was: $12) Sale Expiration Date: This is a final sale, these will probably go quickly.

Toilet Seat Applique with Spring Lady Design

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 22:37:00 +0000

Whimiscal Toilet Seat Applique with Spring Lady Design Price: $9.95 Price Expiration Date: Unknown About: Size: Round Pictured with Round Tattoo; Toilet Seat Not Included - ATT1030: Features: -Toilet seat applique. -Available in round and elongated size. -Spring lady design. -For those who don't take their bathroom too seriously. -Modern style. -Reusable electrostatic vinyl. -For use on smooth toilet lids. -Not for use on cushioned vinyl or decorative brown wooden seats. -To clean simply wipe using non-harsh or non-abrasive chemicals. -For best results, store flat. -Hygienic. -Wipes clean. -Easy to install. -Round toilet seat dimensions: 12 W x 13.5 D. -Elongated toilet seat dimensions: 12 W x 15 D. -No adhesive.
Frugal Notes: A fun way to decorate without buying a new toilet seat.

Go Fish Beach Fun Gift Set - Cherry Bubblegum Octopus

noreply@blogger.com (frugalisland) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 21:39:00 +0000

Go Fish Beach Fun Gift Set - Cherry Bubblegum Octopus Sale Price: $20.69 Sale Expiration Date: Unknown About: Go Fish kids' bath products are fun, bold, and make bath time fun! ■Gift set for kids ■Contains a bath mitt, bubble bath, fizzing bath sand and bubble bath gel in a beach pail with shovel ■Made with gentle, kid-friendly ingredients that are all safe for everyday use. ■Made in Canada