Get a Head Start on Spring Cleaning

Spring will be here before we know it and with all of the yucky weather lately, I’ve gotten quite the head start on my spring cleaning. We have two hairy dogs so I feel like I am always vacuuming, but I enjoy doing a “deep clean” each spring to get our house ready for warmer weather. Here are some of the things I’ve learned over the years that make things easier.

Get rid of “junk” one room at a time

Kitchen – De-clutter your fridge. If you’re like me your fridge is full of artwork from the kids, reminders and maybe even a leftover Christmas card. Take down anything that’s not important and throw away old takeout menus. Next check your “Tupperware” cupboard and do the same. We seem to end up with a million Glad / Ziploc brand containers that are great for leftovers and call themselves “dishwasher safe,” but need to be replaced after countless uses. If they no longer look clean or the lids have warped and they no longer seal tight – throw them out.

Bedroom – Go through your closet and get rid of old clothing, shoes and accessories. If things are in good condition you can try a consignment shop or simply donate the items to your local Goodwill Store or Salvation Army. I also like to do a thorough purge of my sock / underwear drawer. Match up the socks that lost their partners over time and get rid of any strays (keep in mind you can repurpose an old sock as a whiteboard eraser or rag!).

Basement & Garage – Go through kid’s sports equipment, dad’s work boots and other items that may have been outgrown or replaced throughout the year. If things are in good condition try consignment, if not create a “junk” pile.  Because we have dogs I also like to take inventory of toys and treats, getting rid of damaged items and ruined tennis balls.

Get in all the nooks and crannies!

If you haven’t moved your furniture recently, there’s probably a million little dust bunnies hiding behind things. As the weather gets warmer we like to open windows, prop the door open for fresh air and a little breeze will send the dust bunnies flying all over the place! Stay on top of dust bunnies by vacuuming underneath couches, beds, dressers and bookshelves. Our vacuum has an extension that slides right underneath things but if I can I’ll pull the furniture out from against the wall to make sure I’ve gotten everything.

If you’ve got kids or pets be sure to pull the cushions off your couch and vacuum up all the crumbs and pet hair.  You may be surprised at what you’ll find under there!

Remember the little things

Sometimes we forget about the things we touch most often which are probably full of germs or fingerprints.  Disinfect household doorknobs and use a Magic Eraser to get rid of finger prints around doorways and handles. Wipe down railings, microwave and fridge handles and appliances that are used by everyone in the family.  I also like to give my dog’s dishes a good cleaning every so often. Regardless of how “clean” they may lick them, dogs get colds too and it doesn’t hurt to put their dishes through the dishwasher to disinfect them.

Our house is far from spotless, but with a little extra time and attention to detail I try to keep things in order.  A little goes a long way so get a head start on your spring cleaning today and remember to shop Good Buys All the Time for the best prices on your favorite everyday items and for more great tips and DIY ideas follow us on Facebook!

Practical Ways to Save this Spring

In the months following the holidays, families are often looking for extra ways to save. Bills can begin to add up, the kids have spring activities starting which means money spent on sports equipment, gas and weekend trips, plus the family dog needs a check up which is never inexpensive. Things can seem overwhelming, but these practical tips can help you save on everyday expenses so you've got more money for your family vacation this summer!

1. Buy in Bulk

Little trips to CVS or the grocery store for toothpaste, paper products, makeup, soap and shampoo can add up.  Instead of purchasing one or two items at a time, make a list and plan a trip to your local wholesaler or try finding your favorite products online! At Good Buys All the Time, we carry a variety of soap, body wash, toothpaste and more at wholesale prices - and chances are you'll qualify for free shipping! 

Great Products to Buy in Bulk

Shampoo

Soap

Razors

Paper Plates, Cups, Napkins

Paper Towels and Toilet Paper

Household Cleaners

Baby Wipes and Diapers

2. Don't Just Donate - Try Consignment for Name Brand Clothing

If you've got kids, you understand the struggle of going through clothes and pairs of shoes too quickly to count! If you don't have younger children to wear hand-me-downs, clothing often gets sent straight to Goodwill or Salvation Army without a second thought. As you begin your annual purge this spring, set aside gently used, name brand clothes and shoes and try your local consignment shop instead. If you've spent good money on things, there's no shame in trying to make some money back. 

Another idea is to have a good old fashioned yard sale. Get some friends together to make it worthwhile and tell them products and clothing must be high quality - no one wants to come sort through your junk! Find out when other neighborhoods are having their yard sales and plan for the same weekend when more people will be passing by. 

3. Save on Sports Equipment

As an elementary schooler I remember trying countless sports until I found the ones I wanted to excel at. Luckily, I had a big sister to pass me her hand-me-down baseball gloves, hockey sticks and shin guards. If you've got an ambitious athlete and hand-me-downs aren't an option, try a re-use-it shop for basic equipment until you know the sport is going to last longer than one season. Hockey and lacrosse sticks can cost upwards of $200 so there's no point in spending an arm and a leg if your little athlete isn't sure they want to keep playing.  

Another way to save during spring sports is to car-pool. It's a great way for your kids to make friends with their teammates and a fun way to meet other team moms!

Money Saving Tips for a New Year

Lot’s of New Year’s resolutions have to do with saving money. Maybe yours is one of them! One of the ways I've decided to save this year is by cutting out fast food and sugary drinks but I found out saving money here and there can be a lot easier than you think – it just takes some planning ahead.

8 Tips for Saving Money in 2015

1. Start meal planning – You’ll be surprised to see your grocery bill shrink when you go to the store with a specific list because you've planned your meals for the week. This is also a simple way to cut back on fast food and eating out.  Casseroles make great leftovers, especially if you’re only cooking for two.  Plan ahead so that on your busy nights you can simply reheat something from the night before instead of ordering take out.

2. Stock up when you find a deal – You don’t have to shop at Costco or Sam’s Club to find great savings on everyday items. When you see a special deal on paper products, condiments or pasta sauce, take advantage! You can even find great deals online.

3. Buy produce from the local farm stand – This may not be possible if you live in the city, but try shopping the local market or produce stand instead of the big box stores for produce during spring/summer. You’ll find great savings on sweet corn, tomatoes and seasonal fruit like strawberries.

4. Grow a garden – If you've got the space and a green thumb, try growing your own herbs and veggies. Tomato plants are super cheap and easy to maintain. It’s also fun to grow your own pumpkins and gourds in the fall!

5. Cancel your home phone – Save on your TV / Internet / Telephone bill by cancelling what you don’t use. Maybe for you that’s going from a million channels to basic cable. With apps like Netflix and Hulu you can still watch your favorite shows. Not sure how you can cut back, call your cable or internet provider and ask about any recent promotions or deals - they want to keep your business and may be able to offer you a better price. 

6. Stop wasting plastic bags and switch to reusable food containers – How cute are these Disney Princess sandwich containers for lunch at school?

7. Save manicures and pedicures for special occasions – There’s tons of affordable options that look just as good as a professional manicure! Check out Impress Press-On Manicure and Jamberry Nails - both offer stick on nails that adhere to your natural nail and cost just a fraction of the price you'd pay for a regular gel manicure. Plus, they last just as long!

8. Shop online for great deals on everyday items – Good Buys All the Time has bargains on the brands you love like Seventh Generation, Burt’s Bees and Tom’s of Maine. When you shop online you're not distracted by in-store gimmicks and end of aisle sales so it's a lot easier to stick to a list. Give it a try!

The Perfect Gourmet Gifts this Holiday Season

One of my favorite holiday memories is watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas while drinking coffee or tea and having dessert with my family.  Despite the joy of opening presents and the chatter around the dinner table, it's those little moments when we get to relax and take it all in, that I am most thankful for.

At Good Buys All the Time, we understand the holidays can be stressful and the cost of gifts and decorations can add up, which is why we offer a variety of gourmet treats and gifts at the best price. We don't want to be rushing to the supermarket when we could be spending time with family, so we know you don't either. Stock up on your favorite chocolates and treats this year before the big rush so that you can relax and enjoy time with friends and family over a hot cup of coffee or tea. 

Gourmet Teas for the Holidays!

Gourmet coffees, teas and chocolates also make great gifts this time of the year! What's better to bring as a hostess gift than Timothy's Christmas Teas to share with friends and guests. We'll even save you the gift wrap because these teas come in a beautiful Christmas box. With flavors like holiday blend, silent night, peppermint ginger and breakfast special, there's a tea for everyone to enjoy!

Looking to spread some Christmas cheer around the office? Why not purchase some gourmet chocolates or treats to share with coworkers this holiday season. Godiva chocolate truffles or some fancy chocolate dipped pretzels also make a lovely gift for the boss!

Yum!

Each year we do a gift swap with extended family and we're asked to bring a $10 gift.  Our "now you have it, now you don't" game includes everyone from my grandparents to my nieces and nephews so it can be hard finding something that's unisex and age appropriate. I've learned that you can never go wrong with candy or treats - in fact, those are the gifts people are "swapping" for! This year we'll be bringing our favorite Lambertz Chocolate Covered Gingerbread Cookies!

Another one of my favorite gift-swap ideas is a festive mug filled with goodies or treats! Hershey's kisses always look pretty in their festive colors or if it's a business party you can fill the mug with pens, highlighters, and your coworker's favorite office supplies.  At Good Buys All the Time, we have a variety of treats and fun themed mugs to choose from, like this set of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mugs.

TMNT Mugs - Great Holiday Gift Ideas

Whether you're looking for gourmet coffee or something fun for the kids this holiday season, be sure to stop by Good Buys All the Time on Amazon and browse our selection of gifts.

We also have a variety of natural remedies and cold medicine to keep you healthy this winter so you can enjoy time spent with family and friends!

For fun holiday gift ideas and savings, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!