It's summer!... Posted by karin on Jun 22nd, 2010.

Summer is here! That means more time outside enjoying the sunshine. It also means that you probably have an air conditioner running so that you can cool off once you go inside. Do you keep your filters clean? If you have a window unit, make sure you give the vents a cleaning while you are vacuuming your floors. And, don't forget to use your draft dodgers in the summer..it keeps the cool air in! Close your blinds or drapes during the heat of the day. Did you remember to reverse your ceiling fans? Just a few tips on how to stay cool frugally this summer.

Summer also means the kids are home and probably bored by now! Our moms share their experiences with keeping the young ones entertained and out of their hair! It can be done frugally!

The summer heat also means more time grilling and eating outdoors. Learn some new ideas on things, like pizza, that can be cooked on the grill so you are not heating up your kitchen. Don't forget, crockpots are great to use in the summer...they also keep your kitchen cool. Tried any new crockpot recipes? Our members sure have and they love to share!

With the price of food these days, more of us are starting to grow our own veggies. Do you know when the right time to harvest is? Do you know how to preserve, freeze or can your bounty? Our members do and we always enjoy learning new tricks and helpful hints.

Most of all we have fun while trying too help each other be frugal. That means that we offer advice, share personal experiences, give hugs when need and a swat when necessary! Most of all, we just have fun sharing being frugal. If you would like to join our wonderful group just head to www.fractured.net/joinusand sign up today.You can even ask us questions at our Guest House!

Come discuss this on our forums by clicking THIS LINK!

Spring!!!... Posted by karin on Apr 27th, 2010.

Oh My Gosh, have I ever been lax in keeping this updated! So sorry but it seems like my life took over and the winter blues set in and then spring popped up and I got so occupied with thoughts of daffodils, tulips, mint, etc. that I completely forgot! EEK!

Well, spring did arrive and so did the storms that accompany this time of the year.. Do you have an emergency plan set up with your family? Would you know where to go when a tornado siren goes off? If you had to stay in your shelter space for a day do you have enough water, food, batteries and something to occupy the kids? Our members are from all over the world and they offer suggestions on what you should have available just in case of an emergency. It pays to be knowledgeable about spring weather!!!

Spring also brings us to the thought of planting our garden so that we can reap the harvest rewards this summer and fall! Tried any new seeds? Need some advice on how to keep your compost pile sweet?? Maybe you just built some raised beds and want opinions on what to plant in them...we can help!

Most of all we have fun while trying too help each other be frugal. That means that we offer advice, share personal experiences, give hugs when need and a swat when necessary! Most of all, we just have fun sharing being frugal. If you would like to join our wonderful group just head to www.fractured.net/joinus and sign up today.You can even ask us questions at our Guest House!

Come discuss this on our forums by clicking THIS LINK!

Go away winter!... Posted by karin on Feb 22nd, 2010.

I keep hoping that the winter months are almost over, but no such luck. As soon as I see sun and some snow melting it just comes back again! So, what do you do with the kids when they are home for school for days on end? Our members have come up with some great ideas that beat pulling your hair out. Lol How about feeding your family while they are snowbound? It sure makes you glad that you followed some of the hints and tips that our members have shared about stocking that pantry!

But, the good news is...spring is almost here! That means we're sharing seed buying tips and our favorite veggies to grow this year. Seriously, a cucumber is not just a green thing that you slice into a salad! And, green leafy vegetables are so easy to grow and soooo loaded with good for your body stuff! We all have our favorite tomatoes but maybe you're missing out on a really great producer. Think canning and freezing for us next winter. Can't believe I just said that dirty word again! EEK

Many of our members have teens that are about to enter college. They still can't figure out where the time went but now they are faced with having to pay for that education...that is another EEK! Yes, there are scholarships out there and they can help you locate them!

Most of all, we just have fun sharing being frugal. If you would like to join our wonderful group just head to www.fractured.net/joinus and sign up today. You can even ask us questions at our Guest House!

Come discuss this on our forums by clicking THIS LINK!

2010 and Frugal Is In!... Posted by karin on Jan 4th, 2010.

It's 2010 and Frugal Is In!!!!

Yup, that's our motto for the new year. It just means that we are all going to do our best to be frugal in anyway possible!

Need to find a way to save on your grocery bill? How the heck can you reduce your utility bill? Can I really save at the gas pump? Okay, I have a freezer full of vegetables, what do I do with them? Heck, I do not want throw out those itty bit scraps of fabric that I have been saving for ages, so what do I do with them? Can I really save $$$ by growing my own stuff?

More importantly, can I do all of this and still have fun? Yes you can!!! Granted we all have a lapse in our trek down the frugal road but that's what makes us so much fun, we support each other no matter what! Believe me, it's not any easy road and we all need a pat on the back or a big shoulder occasionally. That's what we are here for...frugality but fun while we're trying to achieve it!

If you would like to join our wonderful group just head to www.fractured.net/joinusand sign up today.You can even ask us questions at our Guest House

Come discuss this on our forums by clicking THIS LINK!

What's Happening at FFF!... Posted by karin on Dec 22nd, 2009.

Happy Holidays to all!

Everyone has been so busy trying to get ready for the holiday season, myself included, which is the reason I have been so lax in getting an update out. I promise, my one resolution for the new year is to do a better job keeping the What's Happening At Frugal Friends up to date! Of course, that is a resolution and we sometimes break them so no wet noodles beating me up if I fail! lol

I asked some of our members to give me their thoughts on what to write this month and here are some of the result...

The Fractured Frugal Friends forum is bustling with activity to prepare for the holiday season and year end. Tis the season to be scouring the stores, thrift shops and your own gift closet for frugal gift ideas this holiday season, but it's also the time to be considering what last minute steps you can take to save on your taxes next year. We're also sharing recipes for Christmas goodies and continuing our efforts to simplify our lives. You'll find ideas galore for frugally creating the best possible life for you and your family!

Ring in the new year with us, as we continue work together to wring more out of our money! Our forums are full of resourceful, friendly folks who love to exchange ideas and encourage each other in our frugal journeys.

Looking for a group who share your ideas of saving money? Or a group who will congratulate you when your electric bill is lower this month than last month? Well, you have found that group! Here you will find a great family of people who is ready to congratulate you, urge you on and be that friend for you when needed!

Is your heating bill out of sight? We've got an entire forum dedicated to lowering your utility bills. Come and browse through the hundreds of posts for ideas. You're bound to find some great tips that will help you reduce your costs this winter.

My favorite spot is the Golden Needles & Silver Threads where all of us sewers get to talk about what we are sewing and share patterns. I love seeing the pictures of what everyone else is making. It's not stealing if the pattern is given to you by a friend.

We learned that this is the best time of the year to search through those seed catalogs. You are stuck inside during the winter months, so why not make the best of it and search for some new veggies to try this spring! We've got plenty of tried and true examples that our members have posted.

As you can see, we talk about a bunch of different subjects but they all come back to the same thing...saving money, time and energy! And, of course, living in a frugal way!

If you would like to join our wonderful group just head to www.fractured.net/joinus and sign up today.You can even ask us questions at our Guest House


Come discuss this on our forums by clicking THIS LINK!