I have something to admit. I hate my mouth. I hate my teeth and have so since I was a child. I have never liked my smile. I find it the most unattractive part of me. With that said, I have never taken proper care of my mouth or teeth. I know! EW!
Not taking care costs you: it can cost you big financially and more importantly it can impact you overhaul health.
The past few week have seen me paying big because of my negligence. I spent 3 weeks in pain as an abscess was dealt with and then I had to have a tooth pulled. I am now facing about $5,000 in needed dental care. Ouch, right?
I am thankful that I now have dental coverage through work but it does have a cap. So how can I take care of my mouth and still be frugal?
Here in Halifax there are some options like the dental school at Dalhousie. If you are like me and have not taken care of your mouth I know how you are feeling and may I suggest you check out your local college or university.Check if they have a dentistry program. If they do you may want to use them. It may take a few more appointments and a bit more time in the chair, but it could end up saving you big time in the long run.
Do you need a clean mouth? Do you need a cleaning. Most cities have a dental hygiene school. Check out your local one. From experience I know you can get a good cleaning. Again you may have to spend more time in the chair but it is well worth it.
One of the major things to note if you go this route, you will still be under the care of a trained dentist and there is always one on site. For me that made me feel more comfortable.
So next time you need to take care of your mouth you might want to check out what is local to you.
I would encourage you to look after your mouth if you are like me and have not been doing so, there could be major consequences ahead otherwise.
I am off to read what others are tackling today at 5 Minutes for Mom.
Well it is that time of year. We are starting to get T4’s and I was out shopping for tax software when I came across Studio Tax Enterprise on Frugal Shopper.
You can download it here. You can use it to file your first 20 returns.
When I think of taxes and having to file really I don’t want to have to pay more then I have to. From the reviews of some of my frugal friends this software makes it easy for us Canadians to efile for free. How great is that?
It is that time of year and for some romance is in the air.
For me I am single yet again this Valentine’s Day but that is ok with me. I still have lots of love to share and I love to share it with my family.
What are some frugal ideas that have worked for me over the years?
1. I find words make for a great show of love. I get red construction paper and write out the character attributes I love about my daughter. I think it is a cool and specific way to show your love, and think it could be done for under $2
2. I have created cards many times over the years. I have used my scrap booking supplies or even Rachel’s art supplies. A handmade card shows effort and you care.
3. Another one I have used in the past are love coupons. I printed off coupons that could be used for many things that showed my love. For coupons for my sweetheart: a massage, a bath, control of the remote were just a few of the ones in my book.
4. I always love a single flower. I think a well chosen single flower can make a big impact.
5.Music is something I have always loved sharing. If they are an exercise hound how about creating the perfect workout CD or if you are doing it for your sweetie I love LOVE songs.
6. Lipstick notes on bathroom mirror are another way to show your love.
7. My last idea I used years ago when married. Table for two..after kids asleep or occupied, a late night dinner just for 2. Make your spouse a nice spaghetti dinner or how about doing a simple fondue?
Sometimes the simple things can have a big impact and show you care without stretching your wallet too much. I
Now I am off to see what is working for you this week at We Are THAT Family.
You may of noticed I didn’t post last week for Menu Monday.
I have been battling dental pain for the last 10 days. I have to have a tooth or two pulled and we have to wait for a bad infection to clear before they go.
My menu has been basically soft food that are made in one pot.
Soups with crackers have been my mainstay and have scrambled eggs, and oatmeal.
This week I am trying to get back to some good food. We will see how it goes.
Monday- Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Veggies
Tuesday- Breakfast for dinner- Cheese Omelet
Wednesday- Left over Roast, Salad, Curried Rice
Thursday- Hamburger Skillet Supper
Friday- Chicken Noodle Soup ( dental surgery day)
Saturday- Split Pea Soup
Sunday- Best Crockpot Chicken
Now I am off to Organizing Junkie to see what is on the menu elsewhere.
Want some great workout music with songs like Umbrella, Stronger, 4 minutes, Bleeding Love and more.
Right now Subway and Pod Workout Music bring you a great mix of music to keep you moving for your next workout.
You can download the free mix here.
This weekend it was finally Bustamove time here in Halifax and what a weekend! What a success! For Me the weekend started on Friday as I volunteered for the set up. I got there Friday morning at 8 am and found I was one of only 3 volunteers who made it through the snow and wind. We got working on setting up tables, and by noon there were about 15 of us work placing the 800 registration bags, getting the signs in place, lines were created and then there were 800 towels to fold. 
Here is a shot I got of the bags that each participant was to get. It was there swag bag. For us volunteers we got some left over swag.
One of the last tasks I worked on was the folding on the towels on Friday night. There was some 800 to fold! and here is what you were welcomed to when everyone was arriving Saturday morning.
Think each of those towels represents someone who raised $1,000 or more simply to be there to sweat for 6 hours of exersice!
On Saturday I was again volunteering but this time I was back stage as part of the production crew. I acted as one of the Production Assistants for the day. What does a production assistant do? I wrangled the talent and made sure they were ready to go on stage for their time cues.
Being backstage I met all of the talented people who took to the stage. I had great conversations with Maria, Neville, Bill and the bands. I learned all kinds of fitness tips from the instructors who lead all day long. I was able to watch all the action from a great location.
One of my favorite parts of the day was when the crowd set 2 world records. One for the most people holding a 10 second hug and the longest massage chain. It was awesome!
My final highlight of the day was when Richard Simmons, the zany wonderful fitness guru hit the backstage area before he went on stage. I was able to meet him and even got a hug and a kiss. My purple volunteer shirt now wears his signature.
For me it was wonderful to be part of this great event that raised over 1 million dollars for a new state of the art mammography machine. I am thankful for the chance to give back in the community just a little and am thankful for all those from the #halifaxchicks who worked hard to reach their goal of over $10,000. Those gals made it look easy. Maybe next time I will do much better at fundrasing.
Tonight is the telethon hosted by CTV,CBC and Global here in Canada. So it got me thinking I have already given both to the Red Cross and World Vision and I wanted to do more but I am a mom on a budget. So how could I give a little bit more?
Well today I was at Zellers and they asked if Iwanted to donate my points and since it was a way to give that would not effect my pocket book it was a big YES for me. It got me thinking how else can I possibly use points I have accumulated for Haiti
Both Air Miles and Shoppers Drug Mart have partnered with charities to help support in the Haitian relief efforts.So if you are like me, a little low on cash there are ways that you can give.Shoppers has partnered with Yele. I watched Yele on Oprah this week talk about what he saw on the ground and what they are doing, as well many Haitians I know really have seen Yele do some amazing things with his NGO. I think it is a good way to make use of your points. Air Miles has teamed with the Red Cross, an organization known for its emergency response. They have already on the ground the largest contingent on aid workers flown in to help.I sometimes you need to think a little outside the norm.
Now I am about to watch Canada for Haiti and the American telethon. If you can dig deep and give more I encourage you to do so.
I have been blogging as the Common Cents Mom for about a year now and well I have come across WAY too many blogs that well use Cents or Common in their title. As well I feel restricted by the title that it has to be about everything frugal. Sometimes I want to write about other stuff more related to being the mom of a tween. For me I will be tackling the relaunch this month.
So I have decided to host a contest here at Common Cents Mom.
I want to rename my blog.
I will relaunch with the new name Mid Febuary
so with that said I need your help and suggestions.
What are you going to get out of it $25 to your paypal account or a $25 donation to the charity of your choice.
So here are the rules:
In the comments suggest a name.
if you have done the first and tweet the contest I will throw your name into the hat for a $20 gift card to amazon.ca
This contest will run till February 1. at 12 am EST
Now things to know about me that might help you make a cool suggestion:
- I am the mom a tween daughter
- I am FRUGAL
- I am an internet tech
- I love learning about social media and how to use it.
- I love twitter.
so suggest away! What are thinking of tackling in your neck of the woods?
As I sat and watched the news this week that came from Haiti, at first all I could do was cry and remember. I remembered what is was to lose every thing. I remember what it is like to lose everything or almost everything you physically owned ( home and everything in it) and to know even though your family is safe there was loss of life just feet from where you were. I also know what it is like when a hurricane damages your home so bad that it takes months to recover. First I was over come with emotion..Those emotions turned into a desire to help. I have lived through homelessness, a hurricane, and a fire.
I gave immediately at first to the Red Cross. Why the Red Cross? When I was going through the fire literally literally they were there within minutes. When it comes to emergency responses they are well trained and get the job done. They work with other agencies and see that needs are met. Six years ago my daughter and I lived in Hamilton and lived through the experience of being rescued by fire fighters in the dead of the night and then watched as the 30 unit apartment complex next door burned . A young woman died just 5 feet from where my young daughter slept and the other side of the wall. We got out. She did not. I have always been thankful we did. It was in the immediate hours after our little disaster I saw how fast and efficiently the Red Cross can work. Within hours we were being taken to a hotel where we stayed for the first 72 hours after the fire. Clothing came. Food came. We were taken care of. They helped us rebuild quite quickly.We were able to go back in. Our neighbors could not. Some on the lower floors were allowed in to get some things out. The 30 unit complex left families homeless and it was the Red Cross who came to the rescue. For us we went in and cleaned up the broken windows, threw out many smoke filled things, covered windows and had to move weeks later to a safer place.
I saw the work the done in conjunction with other agencies when living in Toronto and volunteering with the Salvation Army’s emergency response team. When 900 people were displaced due to an explosion and fire the 2 agencies worked together to see that the immediate needs of the people where met. When it was known that they would not be able to return to their homes for months. These agencies worked with others to make sure each person had shelter.
If you are Canadian and can give please do give. The Canadian government is matching our giving up to 50 million dollars.
There are many agencies you can give to, and many ways to give.
Here is a list of some:
To donate just $5 you can text:
Wireless companies are providing a way to donate $5 by texting.
• “Yele” to 501501 to donate to Wyclef Jean’s Yéle Foundation;
• “Haiti” to 85944 to donate to Rescue Union Mission and MedCorp International;
• “Haiti” to 25383 to donate to the International Rescue Committee;
• “Haiti” to 90999 to donate to the Red Cross in the U.S.;
• “Haiti” to 45678 to donate to the Salvation Army in Canada (Canada only).
Now here is a list of charities with WELL known ties and established ties in Haiti. Consider them please:
The Red Cross ( this agency already has a team of 50 of its best emergency response personnel on the ground and they are working tirelessly with other agencies to get needs met)
The Salvation Army already had and has personel on the ground in Haiti and a team of Canadian volunteers are enroute today to help distribute aid.
Doctors Without Borders/ Medicins Sans Frontieres is another agency on the ground. Many of their doctors and nurses who were in Haiti are missing. They are in need of medical supplies.
World Vision is another agency that had been working in Haiti. I have been following them on Twitter. I am a World Vision sponsor. So this one is near and dear to me. We will be giving more to them in the weeks ahead.
The Humanitarian Coalition. Oxfam, Care, and Save the Children have teamed together to offer assistance.
This is just a small list of agencies who are on the ground already. They are working to get help to the 3 million Haitians effected.
Now the blogging community is also giving in there own way and Money Saving Mom has complied a list of bloggers who have posts about how to help and what they are doing. Some bloggers are saying leave a comment and I will give. So if you can do check out some of them.
Well I am already giving and my daughter and I will be giving more in the months ahead as the need will be there for a very long time.What are you doing?
Remember if you can not give , you can still do something: You can pray. So what are you doing? What have you done?
I have read bits and pieces of the bible for almost all of my life. Really over my life I must of read the New Testament at least a thousand times..I have read the Psalms and Proverbs..I have read a few books of the Old Testament but never read the bible in full.
When I started this journey 11 days ago I was reading not only the bible every day but the Koran and Book of Mormon as well. Let’s just say some things have changed..I have put down the other books. Infact they are not even on my bookshelf. Why? As I read I find myself drawn once again to the bib
So here I am tackling reading the Bible in 90 days. I am in Numbers now and as a friend of mine put it if you can get through Duetronomy you can make it through it all.
So far I am amazed at the hands on approach God took with his people. He was there leading them every day even when they were mired in sin. He still worked in them and through them. He also had to tell them things more then once and still sometimes they just did not get it. I had to stop and think of my own life and how spiritually I have been just like them and how I have felt in a desert for a very long time. I needed water. I am getting that water now. Now because the Israelis were so stubborn there were consequences..and I wonder what are the consequences of my uncertainity? Will it be that I had no faith to pass onto my daughter? I pray that she will believe in God. Right now she does not and for me that was one of the reasons I started this challenge.
Where are you in your reading? I am starting Numbers 21 this morning. I am headed over to Mom’s Tool Box who is leading the charge when it comes to reading the Bible in 90 days. I am also checking in to see what you are tackling today at 5 Minutes for Mom.
