When every penny counts in your household it helps to save on the little things. Home offices are the first place in the house that clutter seems to build up in.

Disorganization can increase steadily. So do not ask yourself “where is this months’ energy bill?” any more. So prepare yourself and prepare your home office for easy access and convenient bill locations.

1.) Get those important papers together. With all of the bills and other important papers in the office it is necessary that they are kept well organized. This can be done with some time and no money. Use those cardboard boxes or egg crates as a file cabinet if you do not have one. Stack them on top of one anther on their side and it creates the same concept as a filing cabinet without the draws. There is no need to waste the money on a file cabinet. Use manila folders to label different document folders. Another great idea to help keep you organized is to use an old napkin holder. I’m sure you have a few that are rarely used in your cabinets. Use this napkin holder to put in recent bills or other mail that you need or need in the near future. This keep a small stack of important papers right on your desk to see and it’s for free.

2.) Tackle desk disarray. If everything has a place in your desk think about how easy it would be to find things when you need them. Here are some quick tips to help organize your desk. Use everyday items that you can find around your house to help.

a.) Hair bands or twist ties – Use these items to tie that bulk of cords together at your desk and get them out of the way. This will help keep the desk tidy and help keep dangerous wires away from children.

b.) Use an egg carton – Usually this is trash but if no eggs were broken in it use it to store pins, paper clips erasers etc.

c.) Shoe boxes and old check boxes – These can help organize t he drawers in your desk and separate papers or supplies in the drawer.

3.) Why buy a calendar when you can get it for free? An office and a calendar go hand in hand, especially if you’re getting organized. So instead of going out and buying a calendar wait until the beginning of the year when business and organizations trying to raise money send them out. Businesses do this to help advertise or raise money. If every penny counts, save on the small stuff. So keep your eyes open for a pretty wildlife calendar or one with animals—it is sure to come.

It’s the typical catch-22. In order to establish your good credit, you have to have a credit card or some type of loan. BUT, you can’t obtain a good credit standing if you can’t receive credit in the first place. So, what’s a girl to do?

Apply for a secured credit card. The amount of credit you receive is based on the amount of money you deposit into a checking or savings account. The credit card company issues you a card (which is actually like a debit card, but carries the Visa or Mastercard symbol) and the amount used is deducted from your checking or savings account. After you’ve had this card for some time, you can ask the credit card company to issue a regular credit card.

Apply for a department store card. Generally speaking, credit companies behind these cards have less strict acceptance policies. Once you have your card and continue to pay your bills on time, you credit rating will begin to rise.

Word of Warning: However, do not attempt to apply for too many cards, as the credit reporting agencies may determine you cannot handle the line of credit based upon your salary.

Tips: If you have to start with a higher rate, once you’ve established your good credit and account standing, you can contact the credit card company and ask for a lower rate. Depending upon your payments, line of credit, and usage; they will ascertain whether or not you qualify for a lower rate.

Avoid running your cards over their credit limit as this can adversely affect your credit. If you do carry a balance, always attempt to pay more than the minimum payment as this can help your credit.

Whether you need to organize the your bedroom or hall closet, we’ll get you through it. Yes, we’re talking those deep, dark pit with no visible floor is your closet. It is time to see your floor again and see the light of an organized closet. So uncover your closet floor without uncovering your savings.


1.) Use those extra shower rings – Don’t know what to do with all your hand bags? Hang extra shower rings on the bar in the closet. You then can hang bags, scarves, ties and much more. This is a cheap way to get things in order in the closet and hang things that might otherwise be a mess on the floor.

2.) Maximize space with boxes and shelves – Unless you’re lucky, most closets come equipped with a standard bar to hang clothes on and maybe an upper shelf. To make more space you can create more compartments and shelves with minimal money. You can buy mesh closet compartment shelves that hang from the bar in your closet for $9.99 or less. This gives you about 5 shelves to put the kids’ toys, folded clothes and shoes. Use milk crates or even cardboard boxes to create compartments on the upper shelves. Organize sweaters, sweatshirts and other clothing by stacking boxes on top of one another on the floor. This will create the organization of a dresser but take up less space in your closet. Cardboard boxes may not be so pleasing to the eye but no one said organization had to be pretty.

3.) Get hooked on hooks – To maximize space in your closet, put hooks on your closet walls. You can buy them at your local hardware store for next to nothing. You can then hang small baskets. These baskets are great storage for jewelry, small toys or socks. Maybe you could use the hooks to hang your bulky bathrobe, hats or belts.

4.) Double hang – Double hanging has two meanings. The first solution is free and you will save on unneeded hangers. Double hanging clothes allow you to hang more in your closet, especially if it is lacking in size. Hang things together like shawls, scarves and tank tops. Fewer hangers mean more space for clothes. The other meaning for the term is to install double rods, which will allow you to hang more clothes. Install a rod that only takes up half or less of your closet underneath another rod. This allows you to hang twice as much than before in the same space. Rods range in prices, so buy the one you can afford. No matter if it is plastic or wood it will do the job just the same.

If shopping malls make you crazy with the hassle of parking, line ups and crowds – not to mention the aching feet – online shopping can take away all of the stress. It doesn’t matter if your shopping for clothes, gifts or household items, there are definite advantages to online shopping.

You can find any product from any store; you can compare prices without the runaround; find fabulous deals; and have the items shipped to your home within days. Many online stores offer free shipping, depending on the size of your order.

If you’re shopping for a gift, many stores offer online wedding, baby and other registries. Find out where the recipient is registered and complete your shopping, all from home.

Online shopping is really easy, but be smart about it. Make sure the website you are buying from has a secure server when you enter your personal details (which can be seen as a little lock in your browser if you are using Internet Explorer). Look for other recognizable symbols of security like the use of Veri-Sign, PayPal, etc.

Say goodbye to long lines. Worried about returns? You don’t have to be – the company will send the appropriate labels for returning items. As long as you are careful and know the company you are dealing with, online shopping can be such a wonderful and stress-free way to order just about anything.

Looking for an easy, quick, yet delicious meal for one or or a crowd? A wrap sandwich is always a casual eating hit. Each time you make it, you can try different vegetables for new flavor. You can also try adding flavored cream cheese or looking or variety in flour tortilla flavors readily available at your grocery store.

(For more help with your family meal-planning click here)

The Ingredients:

• 1/2 c. (fat-free — if you’re fat conscious) cream cheese
• 4 8-inch flour tortillas
• 2/3 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
• 2/3 cup red cabbage, shredded
• 1 red tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup red onions, sliced
• 1/3 cup carrots, grated
• 1/4 cup blue or light cheese
• 1 cup alfalfa sprouts

The Process:

Spread cream cheese on one side of tortilla. Divide remaining ingredients evenly and add to tortilla. Roll tortilla closed and cut each diagonally in half.

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Luvs Premium Stretch Diapers offer extra leakage protection, but at a lower price than the more premium brands. The diapers are backed by “Luvs Leakgaurd Guarantee” that promises your money back if you’re not satisfied with the diapers. To qualify, you need to mail in your receipt, UPC label and one unused diaper. Luvs will refund the cost of the diaper, but charge $1 for shipping.

Product Features:

• Bear Hug Stretch premium elastic sides stretch to fit
• Contoured shape gives great leakage protection without the bulk
• Cottony soft with original fresh scent
• Blue sides and leg cuffs are stretchy to fit your baby
• Blue Leakguard absorbent core and quilted backsheet design

Learn more: Luvs Premium Stretch Diapers

A home is meant to be lived in, but when you’ve got a new carpet or have a freshly cleaned one, it’s easy to go into a panic trying to keep it pristeen. But we all know, there will be the occasional spills and for day-to-day accumulation of dust or other foreign matters, here are tips for cleaning your carpet:

• Vacuum frequently. The more often you vacuum, the quicker the job.
• If you spill anything on the carpet; take a paper towel and apply pressure on the spill until it is absorbed onto the paper towel. Do not rub the towel on the stain.
• Use door mats and wipe your feet to avoid tracking onto the carpet.
• If you choose to have your carpet shampooed; make sure the process won’t remove any scotch guarding.
• Keep snacks and mealtimes in the kitchen and away from the carpet.

Get back to the basics. Before you get started with your organization adventure take some time to read these tips. They will help you in the larger picture of organizing on a budget. These are some basic ideas to make sure you do not over withdraw at the bank while trying to organize your home.

1.) De-clutter – Before you even start to organize go trough your home thoroughly. Get rid of everything and anything that you do not NEED anymore. Think about what has not been used in the least a year. This makes room in cabinets, dressers, closets and draws and will prevent you from having to go out and buy more storage. Have a garage sale with all the things you do not use anymore and actually make money in the process!

2.) Plan ahead – If you want to be conscious of your budget you should create your organization plan ahead of time. Think about what furniture can be recycled at home and where it can go to create more storage. Consider only the necessities of what storage needs to be bought. What rooms need to be organized? If you do this first you will not find yourself overwhelmed or overspend on unnecessary things. Do you really need a new larger dresser to fit all those clothes? Or can you utilize your old dresser and closet to make room?

3.) Do things yourself – If you follow a plan you can do everything on your own. Some Hardware stores and other places you may go for references may try to talk you into hiring someone to help you out. Why waste the money if you have the creativity and brain power to do it yourself?

4.) Save Boxes and Containers – While you are planning your strategy and preparing your home to get organized, do not forget to keep all containers. A cheap way to organize your home can be found in cardboard boxes, kitty litter bins, jewelry boxes, empty film dispensers, shoe boxes and baby food jars. So keep your eyes open and an open mind as to what can be re-used and used to help organize your home. You can even go to your local liquor store or other stores to collect boxes. Many stores are more than happy to give them away.

Apple stuffing always makes a great poultry side dish. This ones add the crunch and flavor of pecans, making it a hit with everyone at your table. Simple ingredients make this a snap to put together.

(For more help with your family meal-planning click here)

The Ingredients:

• 1 package dry bread stuffing mix; 6 oz.
• 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
• 2 apples – peeled, cored and thinly sliced

The Process:

Prepare stuffing with package directions and mix in apples and pecans. Stuff the poultry and cook; or bake uncovered for 35 minutes at 325 degrees, or until lightly browned.

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Window washing isn’t likely your household chore, but take heart, it’s just much easier than it used to be.

Long gone are the days when washing windows involved taking some soap and water and cleaning the windows, frames and sills; the top and bottom of the casing. Then you had to fully rinse and dry to minimize residue and streaking. Then came the convenience of glass cleaners and window cleaning became much easier. But now that we have become environmentally aware of toxins and chemicals; we are returning back to the old days but with a slight twist — and it’s still not too complicated.

Vinegar and water is one naturally way in which you can clean your windows. The process begins with removing window shades, blinds and curtains. Use a clean rag to wipe away any dirt or grime from the frame and sills. Use a wet rage to rid your windows of dirt and grime as well. Then using water and vinegar; clean your windows from top to bottom. Go over the glass with a clean cloth; then proceed to wash the frames and sills with a damp cloth. Dry and you’re done!

Vinegar leaving streaks? Add a small drop of dish soap to the vinegar and water and that should clear up your problem.

To make things even easier, you can purchase a window washing kit. Just like using a squeegee on your car windows, the same process applies. Using a few drops of liquid soap, water and vinegar; proceed by using a sponge to wash the windows. Then dip the squeegee into clean water, and beginning from the top of the window to the bottom, just run the squeegee down.

Remove the wash from the squeegee with a paper towel, and repeat the process as you complete washing the entire window. To finish the window off, run the squeegee along the bottom of the window horizontally to remove excess water than has dripped down to the bottom surface.

If you buy a full window washing kit, read the manufacturer’s instructions.