Old Cell Phones

You can recycle your old cell phones and get paid. There are a number of sites out there, and this is just one, but try yourenew.com.

They provide a shipping label so you don't have to pay to send it to them.

Obviously, the more you paid for the phone in the first place, the more it is worth after you've beat it up for a year or two.

Cleaning the Microwave

Easily clean the microwave with 4 T of lemon juice and one cup of water.

Boil this mixture for 5 minutes in the microwave (in a microwave-safe bowl) and allow the steam to condense on the inside walls.

Wipe the microwave's interior clean!

Books as Frugal Gifts

We've been invited to lots of weddings over the past few years. We haven't always had much money to purchase a gift. Instead of giving a gift card (a good, easy gift) we have often purchased a book we enjoyed for the couple. We sometimes have written notes to the couple in the front of the book.

I feel like that makes a really great gift which conveys our thoughts and wishes yet doesn't leave us bankrupt.

What are some other frugal, yet thoughtful gift ideas?

Deodorizing Carpet

Our carpet took quite a few hits over the course of the first 10 months of our baby's life. In other words, he spit up a lot. His doctor assured us it was normal, just in case anyone out there was wondering.

We could pay a carpet cleaning service $150+ to remove the odors. We may have to have them come eventually to remove the stains...more on that in another post.

But using baking soda is a far less expensive option for odor removal. Simply dust it onto the carpet before vacuuming, leave it for an hour, and then vacuum it up.

Another great way to keep dirt and toxins out of your home is to take off your shoes!! I don't like wearing shoes in my home anyway. Think about all the stuff on your shoes...tar, oil, antifreeze, salt, lawn chemicals...we have a crawling baby, so I sure don't want that stuff on his hands and in his mouth!!

Road Trip Savings

1. Don't pack extra stuff. Every 100 pounds of gear can reduce fuel efficiency by 1-2%. That adds up.

2. Do pack a cooler with food. Plan your meals on the road to be picnic-style and pack sandwiches, fruit, pre-cut veggies, and yogurt. Drink water. (Or drink coffee as needed.)

3. Bring along a travel coffee mug. Most coffee shops give a $0.10 discount if you have your own mug. That can add up depending on your coffee requirements!

4. Check gasbuddy.com for gas deals along the way.

5. Consider camping out at a public campground along the way instead of staying in a hotel.

6. If you do go to a hotel, find out if they offer free breakfast.

7. Rent books on tape from your local library.

8. No GPS? Borrow one from a friend.