I am constantly searching for ways to save money.  Lately, my biggest pain in my side money wise has been my phone bill.  So, I’m on a mission to save yet again.  The latest option I’ve been looking into is the Skype phone.  However, I didn’t want to be tied to my PC everytime I wanted to use the phone, since Skype is a calling service available online that can be used via your personal computer.  Read more here.

So, I am excited to find that you can purchase a SKYPE phone that will allow you to use your computer and the Skype service but without having to be sitting at your computer.  Much like your ordinary cordless phones that work through phone lines this will allow you to make phone calls for a fraction of the cost.

That’s a money saving option that I could sure use, what about you?

I recently purchased a desktop after my beloved laptop died on me.  I had several reasons for buying a desktop over another laptop at the time,  one was it was affordable, and then I thought it would help me manage my computer time more.  Both were true, but I can’t help but wish for my laptop these days, however I really can’t afford another computer, or can I?  I recently began seeing alot of online moms raving about the Acer Mini Laptop .  Not only is it functional, small and packed with power, but it is also “affordable”, retailing for under $500 in most stores online and off.

Now, I don’t know about you, but for me this sounds like an affordable alternative that I can not only afford but enjoy.  It won’t have to be my main computer, but since I spent less on it I can feel okay about getting it and using it when I want the freedom that a laptop gives from being tied down to my desk.  Also, it will be handy to have when we travel too.

So, if you’re needing an alternative to a desktop or to a more pricey laptop then you should check into the mini varieties.

Kindle: Amazon’s Wireless Reading Device, it’s definitely on my wish list this holiday season, what about yours?  Not sure what the Kindle is?  Think a book without the paper pages, a computer without the cords, it is a handy device that you can use to electronically read books, ebooks, or other electronic text.   It’s wireless, holds over 200 titles, and gives you the ability to take your emails and other Word documents and pictures with you when you’re on the go.  It is a portable library in the palm of your hand.

So, reinvent the way you enjoy a good read and get yourself a Kindle this holiday season.  It would also make a great gift for any avid reader on your list.  You could even include a few titles to go along with the gift to make it extra special.

I just got the amazing little camera known as the FLIP and it truly makes me want to do flips.  It is so easy to operate, small, cute, and makes super digital videos.  I was so surprised by its size and sleekness and that it could be so small and produce such a great little video.  Then, I could pop it right into the computer via USB and it would upload so quickly. 

The particular FLIP that I have has 2 GB of storage space and will record 60 minutes of video.  It is small, black and silver and comes with a cute little carrying bag.  It is literally point and shoot with the click of one little button.

I think this little camera is perfect for a mom because it is so easy to use, small enough to carry with you anywhere and capture those fun memories of your children that you can never recreate.  Plus, as easy as it is to upload them to your computer you can have them saved on to DVDs in no time, securing your memories forever.

Instead of sending my kids online where I don’t know what they will click on and where they end up, I decided to download Tux Paint for them. At first, I was a little concerned that my youngest will not be able to use this but that flew out the window the moment we launched Tux Paint.

This is a free drawing software for kids. It is quite a bit of fun - even for me as an adult. On their web site, you can view a gallery of what kids have done with it. The older kids really create beautiful pictures. For the younger ones like my PK’er, it is just entertaining. She loves using the different brushes and shapes, but by far, her favorite tool in this program are the stamps.

Available for Windows, Mac, Linux and a host of other operating systems. My kiddos love to draw on it and that makes mom happy especially when I need a few quiet moments.

Wouldn’t you like to know what electronics are cost you the most money? Did you know all plugged in electronics still drain watts while turned off? Kill A Watt PS allows you to see what each electronic device is costing you. Plug your electronics into the built in surge protector then Kill A Watt PS will determine how efficient they are. Living in an area where hurricanes can hit, surge protectors are a must for all electronics, but to know which ones to un-plug when you are done using them is a bonus.

You will now be able to know how much your computer or home theater system is using. The Kill A Watt PS checks the quality of your power, monitors line frequency, the amperage, KWH, and if there is any current leakage. It comes with a 6′ Foot cord, with six regular outlets and two wide outlets.

This is the perfect gadget that will end up saving you money!