Honey - Do Lists and Frugal Vacations

My husband has a lot of leave this month, so we've been busy getting the house cleaned out and minor repairs done. Freecycle.com is my new best friend. I've been downsizing our stuff, and you can get large pieces picked up in 24 hours. We don't have a truck or large cars, so this has been so convenient! People are always willing to take away your junk for free, and it saves it from being dumped in the landfill. Craigslist.com is good as well, and I probably should have sold the stuff there, but it was hardly worth the effort for me ... low energy this year.

I can see more of the floor now, and I like it this way. I think I've entered my minimalist period. ;) It's much easier to clean without so much furniture. We got rid of our early 90's bulky style chest of drawers in our bedroom. Everything fit in the closet with organizers, so this was just a waste of space having it.

The living room has been cleared out with just a couch, side table, a large floor plant, and entertainment center. My preschool daughter has taken over this room, so it's more preschool friendly now. She can spread out with her toys, while my son has the den. It's so much easier to vacuum in there now! Less furniture and other stuff means less dusting as well.

Then there are the little details with the house like cleaning out gutters, carpet cleaning, mulching, repairing holes, cleaning windows, trimming shrubs, adding gutter extenders, etc, etc. Both cars needed repairs this month, so it was good my husband was home.

I also planned a last minute trip to the Jersey shore. We(I!!!) needed a little vacation, and the hotel rates are very low this year. I was able to find a decent hotel not far from the beach and boardwalk for about $59.00 a night(weekday) with a frig and microwave. I used Cheaptickets.com, found an inexpensive hotel, then compared the rates online. I was able to find a better rate via the hotel's website, $20.00 less expensive. Cheaptickets will match this rate, and they are running a special for 15% off with no booking fees. Click through to Cheapticket.com via Ebates.com(free sign up) to earn 1% cash back.

I'm also planning two trip next year to Disney and Amish country, Pennsylvania. Both places offer wonderful off-season deals. I am hoping Disney will still be offering the 2 nights free next year.