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I get almost giddy when we launch a new website, and it is painful for me to wait to announce it!  I’m happy to let you all know that our newest blog was launched over the weekend:

And Freebies For All 

It’s our freebies, free samples, and coupons division at HB World Media and will allow us to bring you the best free offers as they become available. That’s right – no more waiting!  I’m very happy to move the freebies off of Homemaker Barbi, because they don’t really fit in our home and how to magazine.  I got so tired of having to delete all the wonderful free offers and not being able to bring them to our readers in a time frame that made sense.  That’s all fixed now!

Check out the site here: And Freebies For All. 

Also, subscribe to the freebies RSS feed or freebies email updates so you get these time-sensitive freebies delivered (for free, of course!).

Related Articles:

• Free Samples and Freebies 6/5/09
• Does Free Stuff Really Ever Come in the Mail?
• Frugal Free Samples in the Shower
• Freebies, Pampers Gifts to Grow Code & Free Chocolate Friday
• Freebies and Free Samples: Bomshell Fight Like a Girl & More

Free Samples and Freebies 7/10/09

Freebies and free samples are a relief of fun little luxuries for those of us frugal moms who have cut down the budget to the bare necessities.  These freebies are really free, with no hidden catches or shipping charges.

Did you find a freebie we missed?  Email us at tips(at)homemakerbarbi.com.  If we use your freebie, we’ll thank you by name and link to your blog!

Free Magazines and Free Music Downloads

• Free 1 year subscription to Dog’s Life magazine from Purina / Beneful.
• Free 1 year subscription to Golf Digest magazine.
• Free 1 year subscription to PC World magazine.
• Free 1 year subscription to Color Source magazine from Clairol (contains coupons also).

Free Samples

• Free samples of Viva paper towels (from Walmart)
• Free samples of Kotex Overnight (from Walmart)
• Free samples of Bodycology hand and body lotion (from Walmart)
• Free samples of Nivea for Men Active 3 shampoo, shave, body wash (from Walmart)
• Free samples of Carefree Ultra Protection + $1 off coupon (from Walmart)
• Free samples of Stayfree (from Walmart)
• Free samples of Murad Acne Complex (must register for free)

Free Items

• Free chocolate Friday at M&M Mars. Go get your free candy bar coupon ASAP (Friday 7/10/09 only)!
• Free Pampers Gifts to Grow code for 1 free point.  Use code FREECODE0712EXP after you sign in.

Related Articles:

• Freebies and Free Samples: Bomshell Fight Like a Girl & More
• Free Samples and Freebies 6/5/09
• Free Denny’s Breakfast 2/3/09 Only
• Does Free Stuff Really Ever Come in the Mail?
• Our Free Samples & Coupons Blog is Live: And Freebies For All

Free Samples and Freebies 7/5/09

Do you love getting free products with no strings attached?  We sure do, and that’s why we bring frugal homemakers the current list of freebies and free samples available!  Here are the samples for this week, 7/5/09.

Did you find a freebie we missed?  Email us at tips(at)homemakerbarbi.com.  If we use your freebie, we’ll thank you by name and link to your blog!

Free Magazines and Free Music Downloads

• Free 1 year subscription to Vegetarian Times magazine.  Type in UPC Code 092325333369 or 092325333444, do not copy/paste. For purchase store list Whole Foods.
• Free 1 year subscription to Motor Trend magazine.
• Free music download of Anuhea – Right Love Wrong Time.

Free Samples

• Free samples of Free Hugo Boss Orange Sample Perfume.
• Free samples of Limited Edition Ice Cream Parlor Truffles Godiva chocolates, taking place at selected Godiva stores from 7/3-7/9.
• Free samples of ZunSpot sunspot eliminating cream.
• Free samples of Degree Men Absolute Protection deodorant.
• Free samples of Pomology Anti-Aging Formula (must register for free).
• Free samples of Dove hair shampoo and conditioner.
• Free samples of Oxyfresh Toothpaste Sample.

Free Items

• Free Pull-Ups Potty Print Kit from WalMart (Disney Princesses or Cars).
• Free Farmers Market Cookbook.  The request link is on the right hand side of this page and requires you to email them.
• Free Nabisco/Kraft Smile Savings Booklet & Calendar (must register for free).  Includes 2 $20 rebates &$15 coupons on  Nabisco, Planters, Capri Sun, Ritz Bits and Easy Cheese.
• Free electric toothbrush from Colgate.  Each of your children will earn a free toothbrush when they fill in the toothbrushing chart and get 45 stars (they can get a max of 3 stars per night).

Related Articles:

• Load Up on Freebies and Free Samples!
• Freebies and Free Samples: Bomshell Fight Like a Girl & More
• Free Samples and Freebies 6/5/09
• 12 Free Magazine Subscriptions and Free Redbox Movie Rentals
• Have a Bumble Bee Tuna House Party with Free Stuff!

While we can’t eliminate laundry from your list of necessary housework items, we can help you save money on laundry with these frugal laundry tips.

Laundry can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you want it to be, depending on what measures you take to cut the costs.  Not all tips are right for every family; just choose the ones you can work into your current system today and enjoy lower utility and laundry supply bills!

Here are 13 different ways to save on the cost of doing laundry, ranging from quick and easy to long-term solutions. 

13 Ways to Save Money on Laundry Costs

1. Buy Energy Star rated appliances.  That Energy Star emblem means they use less energy in a more efficient manner and will cost you less to  use.  When replacing old or worn out appliances, check first for the Energy Star on your replacement choices.

2. Cut dryer sheets in half.  One box lasts twice as long when you cut the sheets in half.  As soon as you open the box, break out the scissors and enjoy cutting your dryer sheet expenses by 50%!

3. Dilute laundry detergent in the bottle with water.  Save your empty laundry detergent bottles.  When you open a fresh one, pour half into the empty bottle.  You now have 2 bottles half full of detergent waiting to be filled with water.  You can fill water all the way to the top or 2/3 full, depending on the savings you want.  Diluted detergent will get your clothing just as clean, and if you’re used to filling the cap (or your family members are), this trick will save you.  Most of us use more detergent than recommended or necessary anyway.

4. Use less detergent and liquid fabric softener.  Are you strong enough to skip the diluting and just use less?  More power to you!

5. Clean the lint trap before every load of laundry.  A clean lint trap lets your dryer work more efficiently and dry clothes faster.  Spend the extra 20 seconds and empty it before you start the dryer.  Plus, a clean lint trap cuts down the risk of a dryer fire – how about that! 

6. Line dry your clothes.  String up a line, buy some cheap wooden clothes pins, and you’re in business.  Zero energy use and it costs exactly $0 to use.

7. Create a hybrid drying routine.  Maybe you don’t like line drying because of the possible clothing stiffness.  Maybe you can’t use a clothesline because of space limitations, like living in an apartment with no yard.  If you can’t convert wholly to the clothesline method for whatever reason, create a hybrid routine that still has you using your electric dryer, but only half as much.  Hang items to dry over shower curtain rods, hang from ceiling fans, or clotheslines for part of the time, dryer for the rest.  Get soft clothes with half the energy use.

8. Do less laundry. Wear jeans more than once, use bath towels more than once.  Sweaters and jackets can also be worn more than once if you wear them layered with a shirt underneath.  Make sure you hang up clothes that can be worn again so that they’re not washed by mistake.

9. Double up 1/2 loads of laundry and only dry full loads.  Put your half load of washed whites in the dryer and let them wait until your next half load is complete.  Dry as one full load and cut the energy cost in half.

10. Dry loads back to back if possible to keep the dryer from heating up again (save time and energy).

11. Double spin clothes in the washer.  After your washing machine is done, turn the knob to “Spin only” and spin the clothes a second time.  The centrifugal motion (spinning) helps to get extra water out of the clothes, which in turn take less time to dry in the dryer.

12. Use vinegar in the wash instead of fabric softener (1/4 cup).  Smaller loads need smaller amounts, unless you want to smell vinegar on your clean clothes!  This cheap alternative to liquid fabric softener will save money on your laundry supply budget for certain.

13. Wash in the coldest temperature recommended for your clothes.  Save your water heater from firing up to heat the water when possible.  Cold wash temperatures will also help to preserve the fibers in the material of your clothing, meaning it won’t wear out as fast.

Frugal challenge:  Choose a few of these great money-saving frugal laundry tips today, and see how much you can drive down your laundry expenses!  Subscribe to the Frugal Living Department today to get more money-saving articles delivered to your for free.

Originally published June 26, 2008.  Photos courtesy of MorgueFile.

Related Articles:

• 13 Ways to Save Energy and Cut Utility Bills
• Top Energy Wasters in Your Home
• Unexpected Guests? How to Stretch a Meal at the Last Minute
• Frugal Friday: What I’m Willing to Give Up
• The Truth About Your Laundry Cap

Welcome to our summer series on Family Vacation Road Trip Planning with the best travel tips from a mom of four!  If you missed the last two family vacation articles, you can check them out here:

• Family Vacation Road Trip Planning: Departure Time
• Family Vacation Road Trip Planning: Kids’ Entertainment

Road Trip Breaks & Stops

Road trip bathroom break detours are inevitable, but you can decrease the number of times you need to pull over for food by packing a cooler before you leave. In addition to filling it with juice boxes, water, some sandwiches and the kids favorite snacks, you may want to add in a few specialty snacks that are normally off limits.

My children always follow a healthy diet and have come to appreciate the ‘vacation food’ they are allowed to eat whenever we travel. With that said, be careful not to overdo it. A car full of kids in sugar overload will definitely back fire.

Plan on stopping for one full meal during the road trip. If possible, opt for a nice rest area that offers outdoor space for the kids to run around and stretch their legs.  Making a detour from the highway is also a good idea if you are not pressed for time. Once off the main interstate you should be able to find a full service family restaurant where you can all unwind and enjoy a decent meal.

Hotels

If you will be making an overnight stop during the road trip, try to plan for it in advance. If you know you will be traveling for 30 hours and stopping halfway through, you can go online, map out your route and locate kid-friendly hotels along the way. Check availability the day before you leave and if there are ample rooms left then you can just wing it without a reservation. Otherwise, it may be a good idea to reserve a room in advance.

If possible, stay in a hotel that offers a pool for some midway relaxation and family fun time. If you can coordinate your arrival to be around dinner time, you may all be able to enjoy a nice swim after dinner, a good night’s sleep and a nice breakfast before you hit the road.

Try to take advantage of specialty perks offered by hotels to attract families, such as kids stay free, kids eat free and free continental breakfast. This is a great money saver and if planned correctly, can even serve as a little mini-vacation before the vacation!

What are your best tips for breaks and stops during family vacation road trips? Let us know in the comments below!

Family Friday: Time to Share!

Now it’s time for you to share your Family Friday post with the rest of us!  If you’re not sure how it works, read the directions and guidelines for Family Friday here.

Please add your family-related blog post below in the Mr. Linky. Remember, you MUST link your post back to HomemakerBarbi.com. (If your link was deleted, email us.)

Related Articles:

• Family Vacation Road Trip Planning: Departure Time
• Family Friday- Family Vacation Road Trip Planning: Kids’ Entertainment
• Family Friday: Summer Vacation Tips From a Mom of Four
• Family Friday: How to Choose a Preschool
• Family Friday: Fun Free Outdoor Games for Kids

If you’re just getting started with budgets and thriftiness, it can be hard to know where to begin. Or maybe you’re a frugalista already and could just use a little reminder of little things that make a big impact on our budgets.

No matter which scenario best describes you, here are 5 things you can do right now to live a frugal life (and cut unnecessary spending):

1. Don’t Pay for Things You Can Get for Free.

We wrote previously about Top 13 Free Things to Stop Paying For Now  and How to Save Money by Getting Almost Everything for Free.  You’ll want to read these 2 articles for tips on free things you could be getting now.  Samples and freebies are plentiful and ready to be requested and used.

If people offer you hand-me-downs, always say yes.  This way they’ll get in the habit of asking you first. Hand-me-downs are great for baby supplies, kids’ clothes, small kitchen appliances, etc. You never know what someone else can’t wait to get rid of that may be on your shopping list. Free entertainment is all around you, just monitor your newspaper for community activities. Finally, don’t rent movies or buy books when you can borrow them from the library for free.

2. Get Magazine Subscriptions Instead of Buying at the Store OR Get Free Magazines.

To some people this is a no-brainer, but I didn’t fully subscribe to the idea (get it- subscribe?!?) until a few years ago. I bought every issue of Parenting Magazine at the store, spending $47.88 for 1 year. Then I subscribed for 1 year and it cost me only $12. I could have spend $35.88 less for the same magazines, gotten them before they hit the stores, and delivered to my door!

I only buy subscriptions when I can’t get the magazines I want for free.  Watch for our freebies lists to get listings of the latest free magazine subscriptions.

3. Make a Menu Plan and Stick to it.

Menu planning is SO important. If you don’t believe me, visit OrgJunkie on a Menu Plan Monday and you’ll see what I  mean. You’ll buy only the foods you need to make meals, which means less food will be wasted (no rotten unused produce in the refrigerator).

Since you’ll only be buying what you really need, your grocery bill will go down dramatically. If the menu doesn’t say “McDonald’s”, chances are you won’t go there.

If you’re just getting started with menu planning, visit us each Sunday to print out a ready-made Take & Make Menu Plan just for you. It has a week’s worth of meals listed with recipes and a printable grocery shopping list.

4. Don’t Pay Retail Prices Unless You Have to.

This goes for books, movies, clothing, household goods, and many more things. Learn to keep a list of things you want, then be watchful for them at garage sales, thrift stores, flea markets, eBay, Amazon, consignment shops, etc.  Check out used book stores, trading in old books if you can.

Buying kids’ clothes 2nd hand makes sense when you realize that they grow so fast that it will be worn only for a short time. To find out how we pay next to nothing for clothing, read How to Save 90% on Kids Clothes.  This goes especially well with our guide on Buying Cheap Kids Clothes: Store Sales and Clearance Schedule.

5. Go for a Walk Instead of Driving.

Remember the old saying, “Getting there is half the fun”? It’s true, especially when gas prices fluctuate greatly and you want to spend gas money on other necessities instead.  If you can find alternatives to driving, take them: walking, carpooling, bicycling, public transportation. You’ll help the environment and your checkbook at the same time.  For when you can’t avoid driving, follow our 13 Tips to Save Money on Fuel.

There you go – 5 quick tips you can use to spruce up your frugality right now!  What are your favorite frugal tips?  Let us know in the comments.  Check out Thrifty Thursdays at Amanda’s Cookin and Frugal Friday at Life as Mom for more frugal tips.

Originally published May 4, 2008.

Related Articles:

• 13 Easy Ways to Save on Groceries
• When Budgeting Gets You Down
• Wait – That Bottle of Cleaner Isn’t Really Empty!
• Thrifty Thursday: Rubber Bands From Asparagus
• Let’s Hear it for Frugal Husbands!

Free Samples and Freebies 6/26/09

Free stuff is always exciting, especially to us frugal homemakers who love getting little treats in the mail!  Here are the latest freebies and free samples for this week, 6/26/09.

Did you find a freebie we missed?  Email us at tips(at)homemakerbarbi.com.  If we use your freebie, we’ll thank you by name and link to your blog!

Free Magazines and Free Music Downloads

• Free 1 year subscription to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine.
• Free Forbes Investor’s Guide magazine.
• Free 1 year subscription to Surfing magazine.
• Free music download of Mandy Moore song at Walmart
• Free music download of Bomshell “Fight Like a Girl” song at Walmart (click link, songs will show up. For the $0 sond, click “get”, then “cart” in top right corner, then “checkout”).

Free Samples

• Free samples of Kiss My Face Aromatherapeutic Anti-Stress Shower gel
• Free samples of tanning butter
• Free samples of Emeril’s original essence

Free Items

• Free Johnson’s Baby Soothing Natural Gift Set (Must confirm the email to receive set.)
• Free pet safety kit (Bark Buckle Up)
• Free history of pirates book
• Free crave case from WhiteCastle (must take coupon to restaurant)

Related Articles:

• Load Up on Freebies and Free Samples!
• Freebies, Pampers Gifts to Grow Code & Free Chocolate Friday
• Freebies and Free Samples: 4th of July Weekend
• Freebies and Free Downloads on Groundhog Day
• Free Samples and Freebies 6/5/09

Not everyone who applies can be selected, but the hosts will receive a pack of free goodies to use at their house party.  In the pack of freebies:

• Bumble Bee wooden spoons
• Bumble Bee Albacore Tuna pouch
• Menu cards with “MyCookbook” recipes
• 3 flavors of Bumble Bee Easy Peel Sensations Seasoned Tuna Medley
• and a gift card

Good luck!

Related Articles:

• Freebies and Free Samples: 4th of July Weekend
• Free Samples and Freebies 6/5/09
• Free Ice Cream at Walmart 5/30/09
• Free Comic Book Day is May 2nd at a Comic Shop Near You!
• Free 60 Day Pass to BJ’s Wholesale Club