It’s that time again! I want to hear from you! These anonymous reader surveys (100% anonymous!) help me not only understand and get to know a little bit about who checks in here every day, but it also guides the content I provide.

If you wouldn’t mind taking just a minute to fill out the survey, it would help so much. There’s also a place where you can add comments and suggestions if you’d like, that I look forward to reading.

TAKE THE SURVEY HERE.

Alright, I feel like I need to talk about money for a minute. 🙂 Most of us will be financially impacted by the global events. It is affecting Simply Frugal too.

On that note, here are three things I would encourage you to do to protect your family financially:

1. Stop spending money. How we are feeling about the events (anxious, bored…etc) is a huge trigger for needless spending. Don’t shop needlessly. Just don’t do it. Unsubscribe from emails and social media accounts that entice you to spend.

2. Go through your bank statements. Take a look at all the money you spent on “extras”. Dinners out, that new pair of jeans, movie tickets… Stop spending money on those items and find alternatives. Cancel any monthly subscriptions that are not essential. (Prime, Disney+, Spotify, for example.)

3. When you have time, put Pinterest to use. Use Pinterest as a search engine to find recipes using your pantry ingredients, DIY cleaning recipes and more. Create a special secret board to hold all the ideas you find.

Finally, I will not be promoting things that will entice you to spend needlessly. It doesn’t feel right. However, when you visit SimplyFrugal.ca and read the articles I have available, you are supporting Simply Frugal without spending a dime. <3

If you do ‘need’ to purchase something, the links I have on the site are mostly affiliate links so I do earn a small commission with your purchase at no extra cost to you. (But please only buy if you need!) I will not be posting new deals for the foreseeable future though. <3

One final thing, I’m always looking for ways to help you, so if you have any suggestions for articles or resources, I will gladly try to tackle them!

I’m so very thankful for you and the visits you do make to Simply Frugal! We’ve got this!

You know, I don’t think I’ve ever told you all about the Simply Frugal Community Group that is over on Facebook!

So on that note, I invite you all to join us over in the group on Facebook! It’s a perfect place for Canadians wanting to be notified quickly of any deals I find. It’s also a great place to share frugal ideas, ask questions, share meal ideas and more!

Interested? Join the Simply Frugal Community Group here.

I’ve got a quick three question survey that I’d be thrilled if you could fill out! Thanks so much!

—->> https://goo.gl/forms/UnLQho5Id8rai8F72

I’ve got a silly survey I’d love if you could fill out for me! It’s only two questions so it should take no time at all to complete!

Silly Survey here.

Thank you so much. I hope you’re enjoying the first day of Spring!

Hey guys! I’ve got some questions running though my head these days that I’d love for you to answer! They’re of course, in regards to Simply Frugal.

I really value what you have to say so I love to see what you write. All answers are anonymous.

Thanks so much for taking the time!

Fill out the survey here.

Once again, behind the scenes of Simply Frugal, I’ve been doing some thinking and planning. Without going into too much detail (because I simply don’t know anything yet!), you would help me greatly if you could spend a few minutes filling out my newest survey. It’s three questions. That’s it! So it really shouldn’t take you long, unless you have a lot to tell me. Which I don’t mind 😉

Take the Survey here.

Thanks so much guys, I really appreciate it!

I thought it would be fun to have a look back at what the top 12 posts for 2016 were on Simply Frugal!  Some of these posts were not written in 2016, but thanks to Social Media, they’re still popular!  I’d love to know what your favourite post was in 2016? Or what sort of post would you like to see become popular in 2017? Let me know in the comments!

1. 20 Ways to Refashion Your Clothes
2. Free Apron Patterns
3. 52 Things to Learn for Free
4. Whipped Shortbread Cookies
5. How to Get Started Container Gardening
6. 7 Frugal Living Tips for Single Income Families
7. 10 Uses for Old Magazines
8. The Best Time of Year to Buy Anything in Canada
9. Delicious Puffed Wheat Squares
10. 4 Things to Do When Your Home is Overwhelming You
11. Easy Freezer Friendly Shepherd’s Pie
12. My Favourite Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

I’ve got a ton of ideas going on in my head and really, I could be working so many “good” projects. However, I only want to work on the ones that matter most to you!

In order to do that, I have to ask a few questions. Would you mind taking a super short 7-question survey? You can do that right here.

The 2016 summer survey will be open for the next week (that’s through August 12, 2016).

Thanks so much!

7 Ways To Create A Baby Schedule For Better Sleep

Don’t wake your baby to change diapers. This is one thing that many new moms do because they are told to check the baby diaper regularly. A baby schedule works when you stick to it, but moving your soundly sleeping baby around to change a diaper is something that can only interrupt their sleep and make them struggle to settle back down later. If the diaper is truly dirty it will wake them. A slightly damp diaper won’t usually wake them and can be okay to leave on your baby long enough to continue their nap.

Don’t always wake your baby to feed them. There are some times when you should definitely wake your baby to make sure they eat, but in general it will not hurt your baby to go for a 4-6 hour stretch getting quality sleep. When they are newborns you can expect them to wake every 3-4 hours at least for food, but if they happen to sleep a solid 5-6 hours in the first month of life that is okay. Follow your doctors recommendations for a premature or underweight baby since those are times when this rule would not apply. Otherwise, if your baby sleeps 5-6 hours at a time don’t wake them to eat. If they are sleeping 8-10 hours right away however, you will want to talk to your pediatrician and make sure something else isn’t going on. Most babies will sleep in 3-4 hour stretches for at least the first 6-8 weeks of life. After that point, they may begin sleeping longer periods of time.

Co-sleep if breastfeeding. One of the best ways to create a baby schedule for better sleep is simply to co-sleep. While this doesn’t work for everyone, and some believe is a health risk, it can be beneficial especially when breastfeeding. I like having my babies beside me in a playpen or bassinet.

Utilize white noise at nap times. Your baby has been inside your womb for many months and the sounds of your heart are white noise for them. Sometimes the quiet in your home may make it difficult for them to sleep easily. Invest in a womb bear that plays womb sounds, or utilize a sound machine or fan for white noise.

Use blackout curtains. Sometimes even babies require darkness to rest better. Blackout curtains in the nursery or bedroom can keep sunlight out and help them to stay asleep easier and longer.

Feed more prior to nap times. Sometimes it may be hunger that wakes your baby earlier than you would like. Feeding extra prior to nap times may work well. You don’t want to over feed your baby, but you may want to adjust your schedule so their nap time comes right after your regular feedings so they are warm, full and content prior to naps or bedtime.

Be consistent with nap times. A schedule for your baby to nap and go to bed at night is really important. Consistency helps them to learn to not fight sleep. While some things can happen where naps don’t happen right when you want them to, overall you’ll see they sleep better when you are consistent. This means planning errands and events around the baby schedule instead of the baby around them.

These tips to create a baby schedule for better sleep will help your first months with your new child to be much easier to manage since you won’t be as sleep deprived.

I hope you aren’t getting frustrated with all my recent surveys lately!  I just love hearing from you all and I find this is a great way to do it!

Today’s survey is all about grocery shopping! So, if you’re particularly frustrated with the amount of money and time you’re spending getting groceries and even putting them to use, this is for you! I want to help solve some of your biggest frustrations so your answers will be very valuable. (As always, your answers are 100% anonymous.)

Thanks again!

Fill out the Grocery Shopping survey here.

Hello all! Happy May the 4th (be with you)! 😉

I have a survey I’d love for you to fill out! I’ve been brainstorming a lot these days. Probably because I’m away from the computer a lot holding a fussy, needs mommy a lot, baby so my mind tends to wander.

I’d say that this survey is geared towards those of you that have not so good spending habits and/or debts.

It’s 100% anonymous. 🙂 I appreciate the time you take to fill it out!

Fill out the form here.

An emergency supplies checklist isn’t difficult to compile, but I have thought of some important items for you to consider, below. Start checking off your list and start building an emergency supply kit that will help you get through anything that may come your way. Especially power outages that can last for days.

Emergency Supplies Checklist

1. Water.

This is one of the top priorities. You should have a gallon of water per person, per day. Store water gallons in a dry and cool area where they are protected from the elements. You can even add some water purification tablets or the popular Lifestraw Personal Water Filter to your supply just in case you need to clean additional water.

2. Waterproof matches.

Matches will be vital in building a fire should you need to They are also what you may need for lighting your light sources such as gas lanterns and for cooking food. Be sure you have plenty of waterproof matches should the need for them arise. You can also include other heat/fire sources for back up such as lighters.

3. Non perishable foods.

Have plenty of non perishable foods or foods with lengthy expiration dates. Canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, pastas, juices, broths, and soups are all advised. Choose plenty of high in protein foods as well such as beans, granola, and supplements.

4. Manual Can Opener

To go along with your non perishable foods, you’ll want to have a manual can opener on hand so you can actually get access to your food!

5. Clothing.

Since you don’t know what the weather will be like, or if you will have heat, you want plenty of clothing options to keep you warm and dry. You should allow for several changes of clothes per person, along with extra socks, blankets and outdoor gear such as gloves and hats. Opt for waterproof clothing if possible and always choose durable pieces that will last.

6. Medications.

You should always have extra prescription medications on hand or at least the prescriptions for them. You also want general pain killers, antacids, bandages, and plenty of purified water for washing wounds. Look at the medicinal needs of your family and pack a medications kit accordingly.

7. Pet supplies.

Do you have a pet? You will want to include them in on your planning. Be sure you have an ample supply of pet food, medications, first aid items, blankets, and other items they may need. You will also want a list of any medications they are on as well as the vet’s contact information.

8. Light sources.

Gas lanterns, battery operated flashlights, and candles are all wonderful light sources. You can also opt for solar lights, but you don’t know what weather conditions will be like. Be sure you have at least one light source per person and plenty of batteries to back them up.

9. Power sources.

As mentioned above, power sources are important. This would include fuel for your lanterns, gas for gas operated stoves and lighters, batteries, and of course chargers. You most likely won’t be able to use the chargers via traditional electricity, but charged battery packs could prove helpful.

10. Entertainment items.

This seems frivolous, but entertainment items can prove useful and help everyone stay calm. Books and magazines, a deck of cards, board games, and other simple entertainment items are all great. They can help keep kids calm, develop a sense of normalcy, and help the time pass a bit quicker. You might want to consider a battery powered or crank radio as well.

11. Contact information.

Should you lose the power on your phone and have no way to charge it, would you have all of the contacts you need? Be sure you keep a good old fashioned contact book with important numbers and addresses. They may prove to be more useful than you think!

Preparing for an emergency doesn’t have to be expensive, time consuming, or scary. With this checklist you’ll definitely have some helpful ideas.

What else would you put in an emergency supplies kit?

From Globalnews.ca:

Walmart Canada will begin to charge customers for plastic bags as part of its strategy for cutting the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills.

Beginning on February 9, customers will be charged five cents each for plastic bags, with reusable bags available for a discounted rate of 25 cents each.

The company – headquartered in Mississauga, west of Toronto – said that the introduction of a small fee in other countries has helped Walmart to reduce the number of plastic bags by more than half.

Walmart says some of the proceeds from the new charge will go toward supporting recycling initiatives for grocery bags and other thin plastic objects.

The company said it’s also going to improve in-store recycling and collection programs and work with suppliers to find ways of removing plastic from its packaging.

What do you think about this latest development? I don’t mind, I usually have a few reusable bags in my car or purse anyways.

Here are my tips for making an easy transition to to Reusable Bags:

• Buy enough bags: I have found that having at least 5-6 bags is a good number for me. Especially if I’m stopping at more than one store.

• Make sure you have bags in both vehicles and your purse: There have been a few times when I’m in my husband’s vehicle and it’s convenient for us to stop at a store, but I’m without reusable bags! I’ve learned to keep a few in my husband’s car and my purse because of this.

• Keep the bags in the car: Keep your bags in the car at all times as you never know when you are going to need to run a quick errand.

• After you unload your purchases in the house, take the bags right back out to the car:  Or, at least put them right by your keys, wallet, or purse so you don’t forget to take them back out to the car the next time you go somewhere.

• Have bags that are for produce and meats and other bags for items like clothes, shampoo etc:     Different colors or designs on each bag helps with telling which bag is for what purpose.

• Don’t forget to wash the bags once in a while: Reusable bags can pretty yucky after only a few trips to the store. So in order to stay healthy, make sure to wash them every week or two!
• Invest in some good quality bags: I did this years ago and I haven’t had to replace any of my bags yet! They also wash up really well and fold nicely, saving space.

Sonja posted a question over at the Simply Frugal Facebook page that that I thought you could help her answer!

Hi everyone – I have a question regarding Costco toilet paper and paper towels. Has anyone done a cost comparison to see if both can be purchased elsewhere for cheaper than the Costco brand? Taking into consideration size of rolls etc? Thanks!!

So, do you think you can help Sonja out? 🙂

Thanks so much! I appreciate it!  Your answers will help me with some brainstorming I have to do.

(If you can’t see the form below, click this link to fill out the form)

Jeni has a question that she’d love to know the answer to.  Can you help her? 🙂

Newly frugal and after cruising many blogs (love yours), I noticed that there are (seemingly) no posts regarding the benefits of hosting a direct sales party. I am curious who has the best perks…and I am sure others are as
well!

So, what do you think?  Can you help her out?

I have a one question survey I’d love for you to answer! It’s a weird one, but it’s 100% anonymous. I promise it has something to do with my intentions for Simply Frugal 😉

Please answer here.

Can I bother you once again with a couple of really quick and simple anonymous surveys?  Your answers help me immensely in my planning! 🙂

First, What Keeps You Up at Night:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mH7o-dDO2HuzTkt-ZxyWnyC4IzqJpbBkdGxBaAl1aB4/viewform?usp=send_form

Secondly, What Do You want to Learn from Simply Frugal:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1CexVRmrWTIEeGC5n4kYQ9wHSfXJmoyw0EeUNJqVPz48/viewform?usp=send_form

Thanks sooooo much!

Would you do me a favour and fill out this anonymous survey?  It’ll be quick and painless, I promise.  As I hope you’re all aware, I like to be helpful to you by providing content that will help you live a “Simply Frugal” life.  So this is just another one of my tactics for determining the content you would like to see. Thank you!!

You can simply fill it out here on this page:

Or, here’s the link to the survey if you’re reading this somewhere where you can’t see the form above: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yyCAsgkK3fqWbhGARFa36CrggiWBoSQ7uidAJhn3LeY/viewform?usp=send_form

The survey I have today is really easy.  I don’t think it will take much thought at all!  Basically I want to know which series of posts were your favourite in 2013 and what you’d love to read about in 2014!

Thanks again, I really do appreciate it! (if you’re reading this in an email, you may have to click this link.)

Click here to answer the survey if you’re reading in an email.

I thought I’d address one small detail you may be wondering about.  What exactly are you going to do with 97 new ebooks?  That’s a lot of books!  If you’re anything like me, you probably already own other ebooks, making your collection pretty substantial.

In an attempt to actually read the ebooks I purchase, I’ve found it mandatory to have them organized.

Here’s how I organize my ebooks:

1. First of all, as soon as I receive the email to download the ebook(s), I do just that.  I download the book(s) right away.
2. Once it’s downloaded, I sort each book by category on my computer.
3. To do this, I created a folder with the library’s title (eBooks), then I created a folder for each category within the ebook library.  Here’s a screenshot for an example:
4. In each category I’ve created, I’ll find all the ebooks I own relating to that topic.  As an example, here are some of the ebooks I have in my In the Kitchen category:
5. Create as many subcategories as you want.  In my “Homemaking” folder, for example, I have subfolders for “Cleaning” and “Organizing.”
6. I also created a folder called “Not Needed.”  These are ebooks that may have been part of a package, but they don’t fit into my life at this particular moment.  I may keep them for future use, or I may gift them to someone who can use them. (This is only allowed as long as I don’t keep a copy for myself.)
7. Be sure to store duplicate copies of your ebooks on other electronic devices.  Computers crash unfortunately, so it’s important to store your ebooks (or other important files) in more than one place.  Some options are:  your spouse’s computer, a jump drive, or a file hosting website like Google Drive or Dropbox.  In the case of ebooks, you may also print each book to store in binders, if you like.

How do you keep your eBook library organized?

I’m finally getting myself out of the stone age blog wise, and offering advertising!

This would be a great thing for you, if you would like to get your business or website out in front of thousands of Canadians!

Check out my Advertise page for some more details to see if this might be something of interest to you.

Since February is nearly halfway over, I’m offering a discount for the rest of the month.

Sign up for one month (or three) starting March 1, 2013 and pay only $20 for the remainder of February!

The awesome email service we use to provide you all with free email updates, Feedblitz, has an amazing feature that I’m sure many of you will enjoy!

Previously, we only offered one email subscription option.  That was to receive every single post that popped up on Simply Frugal in one daily email.  Now, you can subscribe to get only the posts you want to read via email!  For example, if only the freebies interest you, subscribe to get emails with only the newest freebies!

Here are the subscription options:

Daily Full Feed –  This is for those who don’t want to miss a thing. You’ll receive an email every afternoon with all the deal posts and content posts found SimplyFrugal.ca in the last 24 hours. There are usually 10-15 posts per day in this email. Perfect for those who don’t want to miss any great deals.

Daily LITE Feed – This is for those who don’t want to receive the store deals, coupons or freebies, but who are looking for money-saving tips, DIY Projects, household tips, and articles. You’ll receive an email once a day with all the non-deal posts found on SimplyFrugal.ca in the last 24 hours. There are usually 1-3 posts per day in this email.

Coupon Match Ups – This is for those who would like to only receive the weekly coupon match ups.  You’ll receive this email Friday mornings.

Canadian Freebies -This is for those who would like to only receive the posts with the newest freebies.  You’ll receive an email once a day with all the freebies found on SimplyFrugal.ca in the last 24 hours.

Canadian Coupons – This is for those who would like to only receive the posts with the newest coupons.  You’ll receive an email once a day with all the coupon posts found on SimplyFrugal.ca in the last 24 hours.

Store Deals – This is for those who want to keep up to date on all the latest sales happening online or in-store at Canadian retailers.  You’ll receive an email once a day with all the store deal posts found on SimplyFrugal.ca in the last 24 hours.

Get Organized – This is for those who are bound and determined to get organized.  You’ll receive an email once a day with all the Get Organized in January posts as well as any organization tips found on SimplyFrugal.ca in the last 24 hours.

NOTE:  If you subscribe to the Daily FULL Feed, you’ll receive all of the subscription options in one email.  There’s no need to sign up for each option separately.

Click here for the exact details of the recall.

Have you been affected by this recall?

Thanks, Cryssylit!

Is the Costco membership worth the $50 a year and can you split it with another family?

**We’ve gotten some great feedback already, but we would love to hear from more of you, if you could fill it out! 🙂

So I’m feeling as though Simply Frugal needs to do some changing.  Liven things up a bit, if you will.

But of course, we couldn’t make any changes without hearing from you guys first.  I’d really like it if you could help us out by giving some suggestions on what you’d like to see at Simply Frugal.  Tips on how we can improve or new features we could implement.  Or even if you were the one writing for Simply Frugal, how would you overhaul it?  Go nuts with your suggestions!

I’ve created a document that will make it easy for you to answer anonymously.  If you’d please click here to fill it out, that’ would be great!

Thanks so much for helping us!!

Do you know the best Canadian website to buy a Vitamix blender?

Sharon is preferably looking for an online site that offers free shipping.  Since she lives in Nova Scotia, she’s thinking it may not be easy to find one in a local store.   Do you have any suggestions for her?

Added:  Take a look at Amazon.ca!  They seem to have a nice selection of Vitamix blenders!

Have you got a question you would like Simply Frugal readers to help answer?  Send your question along to us here and we’ll post it at a later date!

Are you wondering how long the food in your freezer will last?  Here are some guidelines I found on Real Simple:

• Chicken or turkey pieces, uncooked: 9 months
• Fruit pies, unbaked: 8 months
• Fruit: 6 to 12 months
• Steaks, uncooked: 6 to 12 months
• Butter: 6 to 9 months
• Lean fish: 6 months
• Roasts, uncooked: 4 to 12 months
• Chicken or turkey, cooked: 4 to 6 months
• Chops, uncooked: 4 to 6 months
• Shellfish, uncooked: 3 to 6 months
• Hamburger: 3 to 4 months
• Bread and cake: 3 months
• Cookies, baked or dough: 3 months
• Meat casseroles, cooked: 3 months
• Fatty fish: 2 to 3 months
• Soups and stews: 2 to 3 months
• Ice cream and sorbet: 2 months
• Ham, cooked: 1 to 2 months
• Bacon: 1 month

According to Real Simple:

Times are based on a freezer set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Storing and eating frozen foods past these deadlines isn’t dangerous, but flavors and textures will begin to deteriorate.

Image from here.

If you’re looking to stay up to date on all the latest Health Canada advisories, warnings and recalls, you’ll want to check out this page.

It’s updated all the time.  I noticed that just last week there was a recall on Junior and Children’s Strength Acetaminophen Tablets.  Go check your supplies!

I sort of have a funny recall story.  One day while my sister in law was visiting from out of town, funny noises started coming from our fridge.  My husband thought I was doing something weird with my hair dryer so he kept yelling at me to figure out what I was doing.  Soon though, smoke started pouring out from under the fridge and my husband realized it wasn’t me after all!

He ran over and pulled the fridge away from the wall (so he could unplug it) and noticed flames shooting out!  Crazy!

The fridge ended up not being functional after that (surprise, surprise!) so we headed into a local fridge repair shop to mention that our fridge had caught on fire and we were hoping they’d be able to replace it.  Sure enough when they did more research, our fridge had been part of a recall a few years earlier.

The part that caught on fire ended up being replaced, free of charge. So far, we’ve had no other fires! 😛

(I chose the picture above because the website is reminding consumers to wash their reusable bags to avoid cross contamination)

Now, I’m not entirely sure if we’ll get the results we’re looking for as I couldn’t figure out a way to combine the family size with the grocery budget question. (If you have any brilliant ideas, let me know!)  Since most families budgets vary a great deal and one family of four may spend $200 and another may spend $1000 a month. 

I imagine the poll will still be insightful!

[polldaddy poll=5039436]

[polldaddy poll=5039444]

The other idea I had was to create another poll in Google Docs and then share the results with you all after a couple of days.  Let me know what you think.

Please feel free to leave a comment about your grocery budget and family size if you feel so inclined!

Below, you’ll find an anonymous survey that should only take a few minutes of your time.  (if you can’t see the survey below, click here.)

You’ll find the survey below, but if you can’t see it, click here.