Posted on 03/23/2008 11:36:40 PM PDT by nw_arizona_granny
Americans finding soaring food prices hard to stomach can battle back by growing their own food. [Click image for a larger version] Dean Fosdick Dean Fosdick
Home vegetable gardens appear to be booming as a result of the twin movements to eat local and pinch pennies.
At the Southeastern Flower Show in Atlanta this winter, D. Landreth Seed Co. of New Freedom, Pa., sold three to four times more seed packets than last year, says Barb Melera, president. "This is the first time I've ever heard people say, 'I can grow this more cheaply than I can buy it in the supermarket.' That's a 180-degree turn from the norm."
Roger Doiron, a gardener and fresh-food advocate from Scarborough, Maine, said he turned $85 worth of seeds into more than six months of vegetables for his family of five.
A year later, he says, the family still had "several quarts of tomato sauce, bags of mixed vegetables and ice-cube trays of pesto in the freezer; 20 heads of garlic, a five-gallon crock of sauerkraut, more homegrown hot-pepper sauce than one family could comfortably eat in a year and three sorts of squash, which we make into soups, stews and bread."
[snipped]
She compares the current period of market uncertainty with that of the early- to mid-20th century when the concept of victory gardens became popular.
"A lot of companies during the world wars and the Great Depression era encouraged vegetable gardening as a way of addressing layoffs, reduced wages and such," she says. "Some companies, like U.S. Steel, made gardens available at the workplace. Railroads provided easements they'd rent to employees and others for gardening."
(Excerpt) Read more at dallasnews.com ...
http://www.sugarmountainhome.com/crafts/craftprojects.html
If you have time, take a look at her crocheted baskets and bear...Using cloth strips.
http://www.thefrugallifenews.com/search/label/cooking-recipes
Fruit Flies and Weevils
Isn’t it amazing how fruit flies appear out of nowhere when you’ve got fruit that’s getting ripe on the counter? Where do they come from? Who knows? Add a comment if you do!
There’s an easy way to not have your fruit bowl swarming. Basil! You can pick some leaves and put them in the fruit bowl, or you can sit a potted plant of basil on the counter by it. You can also get basil essential oil and mix it with water to use as a spray. Put 40 drops in a cup of water in a spray bottle.
If you’ve have problems with weevils in your pantry getting in to grains, there’s a solution to that also. Bay leaves. Yes, the ones you toss in homemade spaghetti sauce (you are making homemade pasta sauce, right? :-)
Weevils don’t like the smell of the oils in bay leaves. You can so get bay essential oil and mix the same way as above, but what we’ve done is buy a bag of bay leaves each Spring and toss them in and around the food items in the pantry. It’s a great way to share the tip with a friend when you pull something out of the pantry and a bay leaf drops to the floor. I’ve got a lot of friends who now use bay leaves on their kitchen shelves.
http://www.thefrugallifenews.com/search/label/cooking-recipes
Gnats in the Kitchen
From a subscriber: vlozano
I don’t know why but this seems to work and I’m glad it does! I’ve had a horrible problem with those little gnats that hang around the kitchen. I cleaned every possible surface, didn’t keep fruit out, used Clorox wipes ... I just don’t know what they’re still after!
Then I read somewhere ... mix equal parts of lemon scent dish detergent and apple cider vinegar. Since doing so, I’ve seen ONE gnat! And it was dead in the cider/soap mixture! If this is an issue at your house - try it! You’ll be amazed!
http://www.thefrugallifenews.com/search/label/cooking-recipes
Recipe: Oriental Cabbage Salad
Contributed by a Frugal Life News subscriber
Here’s my fave. I’ve been eating this daily for the past few months, I just crave it! Plus, I’ve lost 15 lbs because I snack on this all the time!
1 head napa or savoy cabbage
1 package oriental noodle soup (I use Sapporo Ichiban original flavor)
1/4 cup olive oil (or any light salad oil)
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted
Use a clean, recycled glass bottle with screw top to mix and store the dressing. Pour oil and vinegar into bottle and add the package of soup base from the noodle soup mix. Shake well.
Slice cabbage thinly and place in large bowl. Crumble dry soup noodles over (I leave some big crunchy chunks, too.) Sprinkle with almonds. Dress salad just before serving.
TIP: You can slice cabbage and make dressing ahead of time...I’ve had good success with storing the sliced cabbage in a clear plastic veggie bag from the grocery store, leaving plenty of air space and closing with a twist tie. This keeps in the fridge this way for about a week and is handy for single servings.
Recipe: Homemade Shake and Bake
Shake and Bake coating mix is handy but way too expensive for what it is. The other night, I made my own and it worked beautifully! Measurements are approximate and spices can be adjusted or substituted as desired. (I made this batch for chicken...when I try it for pork chops, I’ll use finer bread crumbs and more sage.)
1 cup bread crumbs
1/8 cup flour
3/4 tsp. garlic powder
3/4 tsp. paprika
1 tablespoon parsley flakes
1/2 tsp. each sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, celery salt
1/2 tsp. pepper (next time I’ll use a pinch of cayenne, too)
Place all ingredients into a sturdy plastic bag and shake. Wet chicken pieces, place in bag and coat, shaking off excess crumbs. Place on baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes (depending on how much chicken you’re using, increase bake time accordingly).
I plan to make big batches and store in mason jars.
MissSuzy’s contribution in the Recipes Forum.
http://www.thefrugallife.com/costof.html
The Cost Of Meat
Q. I was looking around for information about buying meat at cost-per-serving as opposed to cost-per-pound, and I didn’t see anything in your tips about it, and wonder if any stories were written about it. I come across vague statement about how one “should” purchase meat this way, and no explanation of how to do it!
Cost Per Serving? What’s that?
How many web sites and thrifty living books have you encountered that give vague statements about buying meat in cost-per-serving as opposed to cost-per-pound?
I found the answer: http://ianrwww.unl.edu/pubs/foods/g947.htm This site contains a chart for quick and easy comparisons while in the store. I highly recommend you add the chart to your price books. Why all the fuss? Price per pound does not exclude waste—bones and fat.
I e-mailed my Agricultural Extension office here in Corpus Christi, Texas, and got this response: Boneless and ground meat (flank, tenderloin, boneless loin, sirloin butt, sirloin strip, round, liver, heart, kidneys, brains, sweetbreads, tongue, sausages, and wieners) will yield approximately 3-4 servings per pound. If you take the half-way point (3 ¸ servings), just divide the cost of the meat per pound by 3.5. Meat with a medium amount of bone (rib roasts, rump roasts, chuck, chops, steaks, ham slices, loin roasts, and leg of lamb) will yield 2-3 servings per pound. Again, I would take the price of the meat per pound and divide it by 2.5. Meat with a large amount of bone (short ribs, neck, breasts, brisket, shank, or shoulder cuts) generally give 1and ¸ servings per pound. Divide the cost of the meat per pound by 1.5 It is very possible that although these cuts of meat may appear to be inexpensive when compared to other cuts on a per pound basis, when you calculate the cost per serving, some of these cuts may be quite expensive. Note: A serving size is 3 ounces. Reference: Foundations of Food Preparation, 6th edition
I recently visited my local health food store and discovered a produce called TVP natural meat substitute. It comes in both chunks and flakes. Mix the flakes in meatloaf or with ground meats and chunks in soups and stews. It mimics the flavor or the dish and has the consistency on meat. You can stretch the meat you buy while giving your family a healthy (sneaky yet delicious) dose of soy protein. I tried it on my family and not one of them had any idea that it wasn’t meat! I bought a 12oz bag for only $1.49! Laura in Arkansas
My husband is a meat cutter, so I think I can relate some professional authority. The chain my husband works for (as all are supposed to) reduces all meats the day before the expiration date on the package. The meats are still good!
You can get some great deals, bring them home, package them and freeze for use. I’ve purchased $6.00 steaks for $2.50-$3.00, and ground round & sirloin for .99 a lb. Also, a darker color on beef doesn’t make it bad. This occurs when the meat surface reacts to oxygen in the air.
Thanks so much.
Love you.
BTTT.
Help I can’t afford Christmas
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homemade giftsThe less money you have to spend on Christmas the earlier you have to get started. Bargains go quickly as we all know. Firstly, make sure you get along to any car boot/garage/yard/tag sales in your area, looking out for baskets that you can package gifts in, pretty china, toys in excellent condition with all the pieces present, inexpensive hand made crafts and second hand books that look brand new.
Also keep an eye open for children’s videos and puzzles - count the pieces, board games - check the contents, and potted up houseplant cuttings that you can grow on and put into a pretty pot.
Don’t worry too much about toys for tinies being boxed- they won’t mind if it’s wrapped in gift paper as long as all the bits are there.
Baskets can be washed in warm water and dried outside or in the airing cupboard, then filled with items especially chosen for the person you’re giving to.
For example, for a friend who loves sewing, make up a patchwork basket, containing a template for the shapes, ready cut squares or hexagons of fabric, threads, needles, pincushion or scissors.
Two mugs, special tea bags, mini pots of honey and marmalade make a breakfast basket, similarly mugs, sachets of hot chocolate, and a lavender sachet to aid peaceful sleep make a goodnight basket.
Crumple tissue paper into the basket first, then arrange the items prettily before covering with cellophane and tying with crinkly ribbon and gift bows.
A variation on this theme is a gardener’s flower pot. Half fill a flowerpot with crumpled paper or straw. Arrange packets of seeds, inexpensive hand trowel/fork, plant labels/ties, notebook, green string and budget gardening book or magazine.
Haunt the cut price shops for presents that may just need some creative pairing with another inexpensive item to make a lovely gift.
Consider pairing:
— A scented candle and bubble bath
— Recipe book and mixing bowl or cookery utensils
— Joke book and whoopee cushion
— Video, cola and popcorn
— Pack of cards and six pack of lager/beer
— Paperback book and box of chocolates
— Houseplant and plant care guide
— Calendar and diary
— Hair scrunchies and hairbrush or shampoo
— Disposable camera or film and photo album
Once you start thinking along these lines you’ll probably come up with lots more ideas of your own.
Use the skills you have to make presents. If you can cook make cakes, cookies or fudge. If you can sew make frilled cushion covers to match your friend’s room scheme from remnants of fabric. If you can arrange flowers fix a piece of florist’s foam to a piece of bark or charity shop shallow bowl and make a Christmas arrangement with berries, cones and foliage that you can pick up for free.
Grandparents are usually more than happy to receive framed photographs of their precious grandchildren - the collage type are often particularly welcome.
Or what about printing out an inspirational piece of poetry or prose such as Desiderata in an antique type font. Paint it with a solution of tea to “age” it a little and frame it for an unusual gift.
Help to pack out your own children’s stockings by making a whole videotape of their favourite television programmes, icing cookies with their initials and making up little craft boxes containing paper, glue, sticky shapes, oddments of wool for hair and felt cut into shapes for eyes, mouths, noses etc.
Finally if you have no cash at all write or print out some gift vouchers offering your time for babysitting, housework, gardening, decorating, car washing - whatever you can manage. You will be surprized at how well they will be received.
And remember none of your friends or family would want you to go without essentials or get into debt just to give them a present. It’s very easy to lose sight of this fact as we are seduced by all the advertising hype.
About the author: Colleen Moulding is a freelance writer from England where she has had many features on parenting, childcare, travel, the Internet and lots more published in national magazines and newspapers. She has also published a variety of women’s and children’s fiction. All That Women Want.com a magazine, web guide and resource for women everywhere. http://www.allthatwomenwant.com
photo by wordridden
Saving Dimes By Frugal Gift Giving
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Shopping on a budget may seem difficult to some, but there are so many things you can do that will cut your costs in half and the gifts will still be great! It’s easy to whip out your credit card and charge all the gifts you find, however you’ll be dreading the day your statement arrives in the mail. Well its time to take charge and buy only what you can afford and you’ll be saving dimes for sure!
There are also those few who save a little every month to cover holiday expenses but before you do, why not consider giving a gift from the heart, which can still be special to the gift getter.
Let’s start off with greeting cards. Instead of purchasing expensive cards for friends and relatives why not write a letter that wraps up what the purpose of the greeting is. If you are sending a lot of cards for the holiday such as Christmas you can design your own letterhead with a computers design expertise or make own design. This way you can create a lot of letters and it’s less expensive. If you are sending one card you can also personalize e-cards which you can send to all your friends and family if you have internet access and an active email account as well as them having both internet and email. There is a lot of e-greeting card websites that allow you to personalize a card for free. This is the short and quick way to get your message out and it means no stamps or licking envelopes!
Take time to think about each person you are shopping for and what he or she would like as a gift. It will be easy to think of great gifts that anybody might want such as a new car but that isn’t being realistic. Think about what each person does, their hobbies, and other interests. Do you know anyone getting ready to go to college? Why don’t you put together a “care package”? Fill it with basic necessities a college student might need. Such as cookies, snacks, toiletries, socks, college guidance books, etc.
Are you gift-giving to someone at work or who has an office? You can create an “office pack”. The key is in how well you present it. Find a fitting container and fill it with office supplies, mouse pad, personalized pens or coffee mugs, magazines, a calendar, etc. Baskets are a great giving idea, because you can fill them with so many different things. Don’t spend money at the mall buying one filled with overpriced goods, instead make one yourself. You can find baskets at any discount store. Then, simply put something to cover the bottom of the basket, whether it is cloth, tissue paper, or something creative. Then just organize whatever items you have and put a bow on it or decorative piece.
If you don’t know what to put in the basket you can find all types of arts & crafts ideas in books at your local library or on the Internet. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Cookie Basket
Homemade cookie variety, toppings, napkins, cocoa mixes
Coffee Lovers Basket
Assortment of coffees, mugs, stirrers, crème assortments, something to read
Traditional Jelly Basket
Small jars of homemade jelly, muffin/cornbread mix, spatula, butter & knife
Sweet Tooth Basket
Brownies, cookies, small jars of candy, cocoa mix, chocolates
Pasta Lovers Basket
Jars of various pastas and sauces, parmesan cheese, pasta ladle, strainer
Fire Starter Basket
Pinecones, long stick matches, starter blocks, candle scents/oils, ash shovel
Some other Great Gift Ideas
Brownie/Candy Jars
This is an attractive gift, perfect for friends, co-workers, and neighbors. A large sized jar filled with either brownies or candies. Attach ribbons or bows to the lid and decorate with puffy paint or be creative. Homemade Decorative Cookies Homemade cookies are a great teacher or babysitter gift. Use a fun cookie cutter pattern; add some colorful icing and a few ribbons. Add a nice card and its a special holiday gift.
Framed Collage
This gift is perfect for any occasion, and is great for friends or family. Gather pictures of the person you’re making the collage for. Look for pictures of various places you’ve both been and good times you’ve shared. Once you have your pictures, organize them to make an eye-catching display. Glue them in place, decorate the frame and you have a gift that’s a lasting memory.
Homemade Ornaments
Get a recipe for hardening clay from any holiday crafts book or use a burnt out light bulb and paint it. If using clay, a child’s’ foot or hand imprint decorated makes excellent gifts for grandparents or relatives. Family/Children Portraits Pictures with a nice picture frame always make a great gift and are lasting memories.
Magazine Subscription
Magazines are reasonably priced so find one that fits the gift getter’s interest and get a subscription. All too often, the holidays and special occasions seem to come and go in a flash. Take time to visit with others with whom you do not see very often. Start a ‘tradition’ like grab bag gift giving at Christmas time where everyone puts their names in a hat and everyone takes a name out. Then everyone is getting a gift from someone opposed to having to buy for everyone. Moments like these will create memories of the loved ones in your life that no gift can replace and you’ll be saving dimes left and right! For more information please visit http://www.holidaydebtresource.com.
Kelly Kennedy is the Communications Specialist for MindComet Corporation, a full service marketing agency for Fortune 500 companies and international conglomerates. Kelly specializes in public relations strategies focused on personal finance. Kelly has been author to hundreds of articles focusing on finance. She also acts as a contributing author for a wide variety of websites and newsletters. Kelly holds a Bachelors degree in Marketing from the University of Central Florida.
Dumpster Diving
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dumpster diving/dump’-ster di:’-ving/
1. The practice of sifting refuse from an office or technical installation to extract confidential data, especially security-compromising information (”dumpster” is an Americanism for what is elsewhere called a “skip”). Back in AT&T’s monopoly days, before paper shredders became common office equipment, phone phreaks (see phreaking) used to organise regular dumpster runs against phone company plants and offices. Discarded and damaged copies of AT&T internal manuals taught them much. The technique is still rumored to be a favourite of crackers operating against careless targets.
2. The practice of raiding the dumpsters behind buildings where producers and/or consumers of high-tech equipment are located, with the expectation (usually justified) of finding discarded but still-valuable equipment to be nursed back to health in some hacker’s den. Experienced dumpster-divers not infrequently accumulate basements full of moldering (but still potentially useful) cruft.
Source: dictionary.com- dictionary jargon Do you dare to dumpster dive? You have heard folks talk about it, so now you want to read more about it. Let’s begin with are you willing?
Scenario 1: You are driving down the street and see a perfectly good object on the curbside. Are you willing to stop and toss it in the trunk?
Scenario 2: Your neighbors toss out their newspapers in the recycle bin. Are you willing to pick up extra coupon inserts from their bins?
Scenario 3: You are bored one night and looking for something fun to do. Are you willing to venture into dumpster diving for cheap entertainment?
If you are still reading this, you have either done this before, or are considering trying it out.
Here are some tips:
What to bring:
Comfortable clothes
Baby wipes
Flashlight
Milk crate (for stepping stool)
Pocket knife
Grocery bags/trash bags
Gloves
Large enough vehicle (don’t want to find you don’t have enough space for your stash)
First aid kit
Unger or poking stick
Friends
Twine
Tape
When to dive:
Each person has their own preferable time to dive, but I recommend early morning or late night. Don’t dive after midnight to avoid confrontations. Dive consistently. Remember, you may not find something each time you go. It’s the thrill of the hunt. You never know when a dive will be a lucky one.
Where to dive:
You can start by mapping out or scoping the following areas-
Florists
Thrift stores
Strip malls
Grocery stores
Department stores
Residential (apartment/condo)
Video stores
Bookstores
Toy stores
Electronic stores
Craft stores
Recycle bins
Hotels
What to do if confronted:
It’s a good idea to say that you are looking for boxes. Most store personnel are more concerned with you dumping your trash into their dumpster vs. taking items from their dumpster. This is not the time to be defensive. Be polite and leave as soon as possible. If you know your area’s law, then you can always come back later. You may want to consider not diving in your immediate area, if you are concerned about being recognized.
Is it illegal:
You can check for your local area ordinances or call your police department to inquire. Most areas consider trash public domain. Be sure to check that it is not a breach of privacy in your area. Do not dive in fenced area dumpsters or where any do not trespass signs are posted.
How long per dive:
Do not dive in one dumpster over ten minutes. The longer you are there, the higher your chances are for being confronted. Be as quick as possible. Be discreet. Keep in mind small things like not parking your car directly next to the dumpster.
Warnings:
Beware of sharp objects/broken glass etc and use common sense.
Remember some dumpster lids slam shut.
Never leave a mess.
Avoid food or foul smelling dumpsters
Do not take personal paperwork
Don’t vandalize/break locks
What treasures have you found?
Email me at webmaster and tell me about your treasures. I will list your finds.
Dumpster diving book:
People who dive:
Many people find it gross to dumpster dive. There are many folks other than the homeless or desperate that dumpster dive. Here is a list of types of people that also dive.
Kids/teens/college students
Antiques dealers
Interior designers
Environmentalists
Artists
Anyone that wants to save money, make money, clean the community, and have a fun adventure.
http://www.frugalvillage.com/dumpster-diving-othermenu.html?start=1
We had the most compliments EVER on our Christmas cards that year.
http://www.frugalvillage.com/make-it-yourself-othermenu/36-homemade-cosmetics.html
Skin Spray Toner
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4 ounces Witch Hazel
2 teaspoons 190 proof Ethyl Alcohol
55 drops Tea Tree Oil
Dissolve the Tea Tree Oil in the ethyl alcohol and then stir into the witch hazel. Pour into a spray bottle. Shake well Spray on minor scratches.
Peppermint Milk bath
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1 tbsp. dried peppermint leaves
1/2 cup powdered milk
Small glass jar with a cork or regular lid
Crush the peppermint leaves into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. Mix with powdered milk until well blended. Store in the glass jar in a cool, dry place.
Herbal Milk Bath
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1 cup Cornstarch
1 cup Dry Milk Powder
2 teaspoons of your Favorite Herbs
Combine ingredients in food processor or blender. Add herbs and blend. Directions for use: Add 1/cup of mixture to hot bath water
http://www.frugalvillage.com/make-it-yourself-othermenu/36-homemade-cosmetics/71-oatmeal-soap.html
Oatmeal Soap
Ingredients:
4 ounce bar castile soap
1/4 cup dried oats
1/4 sup distilled water
1 tablespoons dried chamomile
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
Shred castile soap. Grind the oats in to a fine powder.
Boil water in pan. Remove from heat and place chamomile and rosemary in a tea strainer in the water, letting it steep for 35 minutes. Remove herbs and reboil.
Turn the heat down to low and add the shredded castile soap a little at a time and stir. It will become sticky. Remove the pan from heat and stir in oat powder and jojoba oil.
Pack into molds and let set until hardened.
Facial Mask for Dry Skin
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1 Tablespoon of Rose Clay 1 Tablespoon of Instant Oatmeal 1 teaspoon of Honey 1 teaspoon of Almond Oil 2 drops of Rose Oil 1 drop of Lavender Oil Use enough water to make a paste.
Mask for Sensitive Skin
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1 Tablespoon of Rose Clay 1-2 teaspoons of Avocado Oil 1 drop of Rose Oil 1 drop of Roman Chamomile Oil Use water, if necessary, to make a paste. Use a little more clay if too runny.
Foaming Vanilla Honey Bath
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1/2 to 3/4 cup oil (vegetable is fine)
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup liquid soap
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
Mix together all ingredients and pour into a clean bottle with a tight fitting stopper or lid. To use: Shake before using and pour 1/4 cup into the bath under running water. Yield: 16 oz, enough for 8 baths.
Cranberry Bubble Bath
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1/4 Cup Foaming Concentrate
3/4 Cup Distilled Water
2 Teaspoons Glycerine
20 Drops Cranberry Fragrance Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
3 Drops Red or Burgandy Food Color
Stir concentrate and water until concentrate is completely dissolved. Add glycerine, Cranberry fragrance oil, food color. Mix well. Add salt 1/4 teaspoon at a time, stirring well between each addition. If 1/2 teaspoon doesn’t make it as thick as you’d like add another 1/4 teaspoon.
http://www.frugalvillage.com/make-it-yourself-othermenu/36-homemade-cosmetics/79-exfoliant.html
Exfoliant
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2 Tbl. Powdered Milk
1/2 c. Ground Oatmeal
1 tsp. Cornmeal
Water
Mix dry ingredients. Combine 1 Tbl. of scrub mix with enough water to form a spreadable paste. Allow to thicken 1 minute. Massage onto face and throat. Rinse
LOL, she has half the idea, they are beautiful, except that I thought the inside of a pomander had potpourri or some even things like rose petals or lavender flowers in the center...maybe I am wrong.
granny
http://blog.betzwhite.com/2008/10/pomander-tutorial.html
Pomander Tutorial
I’ve got a little treat for you today...a tutorial for making a felted wool pomander! (Remember these little rosettes? I’ve been staring at them trying to envision them in a project. I was thinking how cute they would look all bunched up close together.) I’ve used felted wool sweater scraps, but I think it would also look nice with wool craft felt and other fabrics. Great for ornaments and holiday decor! Cute. Plus easy. Nice combo.
Coupla’ things to mention here. I’m trying out the tutorial in a slide show format to help eliminate a looong post with excessive scrolling. I had to add the text to the actual images, so I hope you can read it all ok. Let me know what you think of this format!
(edit: I just discovered that you can’t actually SEE the tutorial if you are subscribing to the feed, so please visit me over at my blog...its cool!)
She has the instructions and good photos at the link.
http://www.frugalvillage.com/lifestyle/frugal-living/124-tips-for-the-truly-frugal.html
Tips for the Truly Frugal
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baking sodaWhether you are frugal by choice or by necessity, here are some tips for saving money when money is very tight. RECYCLING
In the Kitchen
*When you boil potatoes, always save the water. Use it in soups and stews, or cool it and use it to fertilize your house plants.
*Empty plastic liners from cereal boxes make good freezer bags or wax paper. Use for lunch bags also.
*Save plastic mesh bags to hold small items you want to run through the dishwasher, use to scrub dishes, or place items in to drip dry.
*Save the packaging from convenience food and make your own. Fill tv dinner trays with your own leftovers; jello and pudding cups with similar food, etc.
*Use old TV dinner trays to reheat food in the microwave.
*Cut off the tops of empty plastic milk cartons to use as funnels.
*Pour old baking soda from the refrigerator down your drain to freshen.
*Use pantyhose to hang onions and potatoes in your pantry. Store in leg section, with knots in between vegetables. Hang from the ceiling.
GARDENING
*Roses love crushed egg shells. They help keep snails out of the garden.
*Save money growing your own food. Get a jump on the gardening seasons by starting your plants indoors in potting soil placed in empty egg cartons.
*Use old garden hoses to drip irrigate your garden. Cut holes along the length of the hose, and lay along plants.
*Be creative when it comes to containers. Some possibilities:
-Egg cartons; use to start plants.
-Old shoes, cute for ornamentals.
-Plastic milk and ice cream containers; cut to size and add drainage holes, or use to transport soil, rocks, or water. Cut tiny holes and place by plants for drip irrigation.
-Cracked mugs and bowls; use on the bottom of containers for good drainage.
- Cardboard boxes; use on a temporary basis for short-lived plants.
-Old tires; stacked them up, and filled with straw to grow potatoes.
CLEANING
*Use old newspapers for cleaning glass and windows.
*Use old dryer sheets to dust. Place them on the bottom of garbage cans and other areas of the house to eliminate odors.
*Cut up old, worn clothes for cleaning rags. Use old socks for washrags. Place them over your hand for easy dusting.
*Cut the top off empty milk jugs, and use to store bathroom cleaning accessories. Use to hold your toilet brush cleaner, and then just discard when dirty.
STORAGE
*If you can, buy your ice cream in big 2 gallon buckets. They can be used for all kinds of storage, from food to toys, as well as sand buckets for children.
*Use empty soda bottles to store water. You can also use them to water house plants when you are away. Cut small holes in the bottom, fill with water, and set inside the plant pots to slowly drip.
*Cut off the top of empty plastic milk containers to desired height to make storage containers to fit in drawers.
*Use ice cube trays for storage of small items.
*Use baby food jars to store small items. Screw the lid to the top of a shelf to save space.
*Use film canisters to store small items (like sewing notions) and small amounts of paint.
*Use empty luggage to store blankets, seasonal clothes, or gift items purchased in advance during sales.
*If you have items in storage areas with empty space, fill them with smaller items, and label them. Try to group things in a logical manner. Keep a master list on your computer.
*Store extra blankets in pillow shams that you can set on sofas and beds.
*Decorate large oatmeal containers and other similar empty containers with contact paper, pictures, etc., and use for storage of smaller items.
*Save empty plastic eggs that come out of bubble gum type machines: They can be used like plastic Easter eggs at Easter or to store small pieces of jewelry and keep earrings together.
*Use old shower curtains to cover wood stored outside.
LINENS & SEWING
*Make potholders out of old ironing board covers.
*Make kitchen towels or table runners out of soiled tablecloths and towels. Make drapes out of tablecloths.
*Cut off the unworn part of old sheets to make pillowcases.
*Store sets of buttons on diaper pins, or keep organized in egg cartons. Take of the lids and stack to save room.
*Use scraps of fabric to make quilts.
HOME OFFICE & COMPUTER
*Make your own postcards from heavy junk mail. Use the lighter pieces for notes.
*Use both sides of printer paper, whether it is to run through the printer again, or other purposes.
*Use unwanted CD’s as coasters, hang as shiny decorations for festive occasions, or use them to decorate the wall in your computer room.
*Decorate empty tin cans, and fill with pencils, pens, markers, scissors, etc. and place in each room as needed.
*Before you discard plastic gloves, make large rubber bands by cutting the top at 1/2 inch intervals.
DECORATING
*Use the tabs on aluminum cans to hang pictures. Just tack them to the back of the frame, or glue on with a hot glue gun.
*Use worn out sewing machine needles to hang pictures.
*Use the plastic bags you get at the grocery store to stuff your drapery toppers. Keep extra plastic bags stored in another plastic bag.
*Use plastic bags for trash. Great for wet items.
*Use colorful toy building blocks as handles on children’s dressers.
*Use old shower curtains as drop cloths when you paint.
GIFTS
*Save old Christmas paper and shred for use in gift bags.
*Make postcards, gift tags, or ornaments out of Christmas Cards.
*Save leftover wallpaper to wrap presents.
*Save empty glass jars for gifts and storage.
MISC
*Use empty plastic milk jugs, filled with water, in the freezer to fill dead air space.
*Save and Recycle plastic peanuts.Use them at the bottom of planting containers instead of rocks or gravel for water drainage.
*Use old diaper pins to hold socks together when washing.
*Save the plastic bags that come with your newspaper for packing items for trips and camping.
HOUSEHOLD
*I know they say not to do it, but I’ve been known to empty my vacuum bags and reuse them.
*Re-route your washing machine hoses so that your water drains outside for use in watering your landscaping.
*Never dry clothes completely in the dryer. Take them out while they are still damp and let them hang dry. With 100 percent cotton, don’t put them in the dryer. Hang dry and they will have less wrinkles.
*Install a Furnace temperature regulator, and turn the heat down 10 degrees while you are sleeping.
*Turn your Water Heater down to 120 Degrees. If you know when you will be using your hot water (showers, dishes, laundry, etc.) put an appliance timer on your hot water heater.
*Check the lighting in your home. Lower the wattage when possible.
*To keep your drains running smoothly- in addition to any chemicals you might put into them, fill up the basin with hot water periodically, and then let it run down all at once. The pressure from all the water will help clear the drain.
KITCHEN
*Never throw away a plastic tray. Use them to store leftovers in the freezer, gift giving, and to carry food to social events.
*Save small plastic containers for children’s drinks. Glass breaks and can be dangerous.
*East less meat. Not only is it less expensive, it is more healthy.
SHOPPING
*Always do your grocery shopping alone. Keep the husband and kids home. You will spend less money.
*Don’t trust the scanners at check-out counters. They make mistakes.
*When possible, know the price of what you are buying, and watch it scan.
*Many stores have the policy to match their competitor’s prices. If you see something in the newspaper that you want, but don’t want to travel to that particular store to get it, cut out the advertisement and take it to your local store. {mosgoogle}
*Shop the thrift stores with regularity. Know which ones have the best prices. Be on the lookout for candles (for emergencies), dishes, wallpaper remnants (for wrapping paper), patterns, yarn, sewing supplies, wool pants for winter outings, classic clothing, and other versatile items.
*When buying a non food item, always look in the back to see if you can find the identical item marked at a lower price. Often when prices increase, it doesn’t apply to the items already marked.
*When buying food, look for the expiration date and buy the newest item.
*Join a discount warehouse. If you don’t qualify to join, buy one share of their stock. Be sure and hold the stock certificate yourself. If a brokerage holds it for you, they will charge you for that service.
*If you must buy name brands- consider setting up an extensive filing system for coupons and rebates.
Organize cardboard boxes and save not only the UPC code, but the rest of the packaging. You never know what part of the packaging they are going to ask for. Be sure and not create a fire hazard.
*When you buy a car, pick one that combines low price, low gas mileage, lower insurance premiums, and low maintenance and repair costs. Your will save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the car.
*If you are buying from a dealer, check out a half dozen of them, and be sure and let them know you are looking around. When you leave the first time, they won’t expect you to come back. When you do come back, they will think they have a sale. They will not offer you the best deal until you start to walk away again.
*When you need new tires for your car, try and find some that are marked as blemished. They are considerably cheaper. They are just as safe as new ones, and usually carry the same warranty.
*Pump your own gas. Use the lowest octane your car manual recommends.
*Keep your engine tuned and your tired inflated for the best mileage.
*Find a good mechanic for your car before you are in a crisis situation. Find someone who you can trust. Take a recommendation from a friend and see how long they have been in business in your community. Check their certification, and ask how they will communicate with you about repair costs and options.
*When it comes to your auto insurance, shop around. Call the State Insurance Department for a list of comparison prices charged by different companies.
*Keep your deductibles as high as you feel comfortable with. If you have an old car, you may not want Collision coverage- just Liability.
*Be sure and take advantage of Homeowner Insurance Discounts for alarm systems, fire extinquishers, non-smokers, good driving records, good grades for students, and carrying multi-line insurance with the same company.
SEWING
*Use leftover candle stumps as pincushions. Needles slide into fabric smoother.
*When your child’s pullover sweaters becomes to tight to wear, turn them into a cardigan by cutting them straight down the front and binding the front edges with an attractive trim.
*Keep your fabric remnants. Even if you can’t think of a use for them now, new projects will come along. You may end up using them in a quilting project or perhaps making a doll. They may become a collar or a piece of bias trim.
*Use leftover denim from cutoff jeans to make garden gloves. Simply trace around your fingers for the pattern.
BEAUTY
*Take advantage of Beauty Schools. They are always looking for people to practice on. They usually do a good job, as they are watched carefully by their supervisors.
*Save money on make-up by letting your cosmetics do double-duty. Mascara can be used to line eyes with a small eyeliner brush. Depending on your coloring, it may also be used to line your eyebrows. Or use earth tone eye shadow. Lipstick can be used as blush.
*A tube of lipstick should last for 6 months. Buy it where you can take it back if you don’t like the color.
*Use baby powder underneath your make-up if your skin is greasy.
*Make your own facial powder by combining mashed inexpensive compact powder with twice as much baby powder.
*Remember to discard your makeup every 6 months for safety reasons. It is hard to do, but easier if you don’t have as much
of it.
*Don’t waste your money on expensive facial creams. Many a woman gets by with a plain jar of cold cream.
*If you wear contact lenses, shop around. The prices differ dramatically for the same lenses. Check out mail order companies.
*Consider wearing glasses. They are cheaper.
DECORATING
*Old fashioned Doilies in good condition make great artwork, Frame them on a colorful mat board, and hang them on your wall.
*Surround yourself with the things you love. Things that have sentimental value are of far more worth than any art objects.
*Anything looks good in a frame and mat board. Display your children’s art work.
*Make collections of rocks, shells and other things you can collect together or on trips.
*When you buy your furniture, try to buy items that can be used in several rooms. Certain tables, chairs, lamps, etc. will never be wasted if you can move them around.
*Be eclectic. Things like plates don’t have to match. Put interesting colors and textures together, and enjoy the variety.
MANAGING YOUR MONEY
*Find a bank where you don’t have to pay account fees.
*If you must use your credit card, keep a running total of everything you’ve charged during the month. Subtract each purchase from your misc. money in your budget. That way you will always know if you are on budget or charging more than you can pay off when the bill comes.
*If you can’t afford a 15 year mortgage, try and at least pay a little extra to the principal each month. Extra principal paid at the beginning of a mortgage will save thousands of dollars in interest as well as knock several years off the loan.
*If you are shopping for a mortgage, or refinancing your home, look for the lowest rate with the smallest amount of points and closing costs.
TRAVELING
*Purchase your tickets in advance, and always come home on a Sunday.
*Watch out for airfare wars and be flexible in order to take advantage of them.
*If you use a travel agent, always double check the rate. Call the airlines and ask them what the lowest fare is to your destination.
*Do not let your undeveloped film go through the new x-ray machines. It will ruin it.
*Compare the cost of traveling by air with renting an RV. The money you save on motels and meals may make it worth renting an RV if you have the time.
*If you have the time, also check the cost of traveling by train.
*If you need to rent a car at your destination, call around. There is a big difference in rates with different companies.
*Avoid buying duplicate insurance coverage for your rental car. Check your personal auto insurance policy before you leave home, or call your agent to see what is covered. You may also have some benefits from a credit card.
MISC
*Buy Term Life Insurance. It’s just as much protection, but cheaper.
*Never buy your checks from your bank. Their prices are outrageous. Purchase them through the mail. Take advantage of first time customer prices from several companies.
*Avoid using calling cards. Check the rate. It can be MUCH higher.
*If you must use these cards, hang up and return the call immediately.
*Both Long Distance Carriers and Credit Cards will usually lower their rates if you tell them you are leaving.
*Avoid buying stamps. Use automatic withdrawal from your checking account, bill pay, or drop-off centers for local bills if convenient.
*Send your mail to friends and family by e-mail..
*Buy your prescription drugs through a discount mail order company.
*Ask your doctor and/or pharmacist if there is a generic brand for your medication.
ENERGY SAVINGS
*Lower your thermostat temperature a couple of degrees and wear sweaters around your house. For every degree you lower your thermostat, you save 2-3 percent on your energy bill.
*When you use your dishwasher, stop it before the drying cycle, and open the door to air dry your dishes.
*Make sure all your appliances are running smoothly by cleaning the filters regularly.
*Unless you are baking, put your food in your oven when you first turn it on.
*Close your drapes at night to help cold air from getting in.
*Open your drapes wide when the sun is shining to warm your room.
*Keep your windows shut as tightly as possible. Locking them will make the seal tighter.
*Close doors to rooms that don’t need to be heated, like closets, storage rooms, etc. Close the heating vent in unused rooms.
*Turn you lights off when you leave a room. It is cheaper to turn them on and off than leave them on, and the bulbs last longer.
*Use the lowest wattage possible and still have adequate light.
WATER SAVINGS
*Take showers instead of baths. You will save money on your water bill as well as your energy bill.
*Use less hot water. Washing your hands can use 2 gallons of hot water a week.
*Get in and out of the shower quickly. A five minute shower takes about 20 gallons.
*Always run your dishwasher with a full load. The dishwasher uses around 12 gallons each load.
*Run full loads in the washing machine, and use cold water when possible.
*Run your drainage hoses from your washing machine outside, and catch the water to use for washing your car and watering your plants.
*Stop water leaks immediately. A sink dripping one drop of water per second wastes 60 gallons of water if you let it go a week.Nikki Willhite, mother of three, and an Interior Design Graduate, is the editor of The Pennypincher E-zine and Tightwad Tidbits Daily. For more money saving ideas, visit the website at:http://www.allthingsfrugal.com
photo by blair christensen
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