Re-Use It Before Discarding It

Frugal Friday

Our society is so quick to throw things away.  And I don’t mean garbage.  We toss shirts missing buttons, or socks with holes or old electronics we’ve replaced with a newer and better model.  While this is good for the economy, it is destructive to the environment.  There are so many items we use in our everyday lives that can easily be re-used and kept out of the landfill--for a while at least.

Here are a few ideas for re-using everyday items:

• Butter wrappers - Use empty wrappers to grease baking pans.
• Opened envelopes - Use as scratch paper for your “To Do” lists, or for a grocery shopping list.
• Inner envelopes - These are the ones that come in your bills, and are left over if you pay bills online.  Buy large stick-on labels and cover the window or pre-printed address and write the new address on the label.  Or use them to sort coupons.  Write the coupon category on the outside of the envelope, then put the envelopes in your glove compartment so you always have them when you are out shopping.
• Plastic grocery bags - Use as liners for small trash cans, or to wrap paint brushes and rollers in the middle of a paint job.
• Plastic bread clips - These make good cord corrals or small scrapers.
• Styrofoam peanuts - Keep them to store fragile holiday items or to pack and ship holiday gifts.
• Cereal liners - Clean and cut them, then place between meat patties before freezing, or covering food in the microwave.
• Toilet paper rolls - Use upright to start seedlings in the spring, cut down and place in storage boxes for separating small items like beads, or use to protect small, fragile items when packing.
• Shredded documents - Use for packing materials, whether moving or storing. This is especially useful for odd-shaped items.
• Business cards - Turn over and use the back as a label for cartons or storage boxes.
• Plastic bread bags - Use for liners in children’s boots to keep feet dry, or use to store your own home-made goodies.
• Newspaper - Use to line bird cages, or as filler when packing.

How have you re-used some of your “trash”?

Hanging Door Organizers Not Just for Shoes

Frugal Friday

I am a big proponent of using vertical storage.  One product that is great for this is Over-the Door pockets.  They come in a variety of materials and sizes.  Some have large pockets for shoes, some have smaller pockets.  They are plastic, canvas or fabric.  And their uses are endless.  While these organizers used to be for shoes, now we can find many other uses for them.  Here are a few:

·        Bathroom--use for shampoo, toiletries, face cloths, hair accessories, etc.

·        Bedroom--use for small accessories like bracelets, scarves, bulky necklaces, and belts.

·        Bathroom--use for hair accessories like headbands, elastic bands, barrettes, and bows.

·        Pantry--Use for spices, small packages, small appliances, and appliance attachments.

·        Linen Closet--Use for medications, first aid supplies, and extra toiletries.

·        Bathroom--Use for cosmetics, brushes and nail polish.

·        Craft Room--Use for crafting supplies like scissors, glue, tape, and markers.

·        Use for toy storage, organizing pieces by toy, color or size.

·        Bedroom--Use for socks and tights.

·        Laundry Room--Use for cleaning supplies such as spray bottles, scrub brushes and rags.

·        Bedroom--Use for small stuffed animals.

And don’t forget to label the pockets so everything goes back where it belongs, and you know what to buy when the pocket is empty.

Doing It Yourself

Frugal Friday

We’ve all been there—the furnace goes out, a pipe bursts, a tree limb breaks in a storm.  So you call out the experts and have them take care of the situation.  Then they hand you the bill.  Often, it’s sticker shock.  And you think to yourself, “I could have done that myself for less.” 

But realistically you know that there are some repairs that are past your level of expertise.  There are, however, many things you can do yourself to keep repair bills down.

·         Maintain your equipment—furnace, hot water heater, car, etc.  If you take care of it and have it checked on a regular basis, odds are you will avoid major problems that cost large amounts of money to repair.

·         Learn how to make minor repairs yourself.  Anyone can change a washer in a leaky faucet or install a new belt in a vacuum cleaner.  Not only will you save money on repair bills, you won’t have to purchase a new item to replace one that is fixable.

·         Make your own cleaning solutions and supplies.  These will be natural, ecologically-friendly products, rather than harsh chemicals that will ruin pipes, countertops, etc.

·         Inspect your own house on a regular basis.  Look for signs of water seepage, cracks in the foundation, uneven floors, loose tiles, etc.  Handling these issues at the early stages will keep them from getting more serious.

Take care of your home and your home will take care of you.

Being Frugal With Your Time

Frugal Friday

If it's anything I've learned over the years, it's that there is no such thing as 'normal.'  We wish for a normal life or a normal day.  For me, that means a day when everything goes as planned, and nothing goes wrong.  And I have to say, there are a few of those.  Unfortunately, there are more that don't.

How many times have you looked at your schedule and thought—this looks like an easy day.  Then, the dog throws up on your carpet as you're leaving for work, there's an accident on the highway with traffic backed up for over a mile, and you realize you forgot your lunch, so you have to run out and get something instead of making up for lost time by eating at your desk.

The next morning might go more smoothly.  But then you get a call from your mother that she ran out of her prescription medication, your husband calls and asks you to send flowers to his boss's wife who had emergency surgery, and your son 'reminds' you there is an Open House at his school that evening.  

You had your days all planned out to the minute, from errands to cleaning to cooking to laundry.  Then these emergencies happen.  Your life is anything BUT normal.

So how do you cope?  I call it being frugal with your time.  Just like you put away money for a rainy day, or are very attentive as to how you spend it, you should also do this with the minutes and hours in your day. 

Never plan out every minute of every day with something that needs to be done.  Odds are, these emergencies will creep up, eat up your time, and before you know it, nothing is checked off that list. In fact, the list keeps getting longer, not shorter.  So leave cushions in your week for these emergencies.

Allow more time for appointments and tasks than you know they will take.  For example, you have a dentist appointment with a 15 minute drive each way.  You know the appointment is only for a cleaning—30 minutes tops.  So you allow yourself an hour.  But then traffic and lights slow you down, the dentist is running late, and they discover a cavity that needs filling.  Suddenly, that hour appointment turns into two hours and the bathroom doesn't get cleaned as a result.  

Finally, don't take on any more tasks than you are sure you can handle.  It's much easier to say no at the beginning than handing it back mid-project.  

Be frugal with your time, and you will find you have more of it than you think.

Unusual Uses for Household Items

Tips for Tuesday

While we buy specific products for specific purposes, like a colander to strain pasta, we never think about other uses for that item.  Who goes into the kitchen section to purchase a colander with the intent of using it to drip-dry your delicates after hand-washing.  Yet there are many items that can be used for something other than their intended purpose. 

·         Use old fabric softener sheets to quickly dust your dresser or wipe the front of a tube TV.

·         Use baby wipes for a quick clean-up of light switch plates or telephones.

·         Clean empty cans to hold small items in your garage or basement.  Be careful of sharp edges around children.

·         Place coffee filters between fine china when storing.

·         Use ice cube trays as drawer organizers.

·         Use shower caps to protect your shoes when traveling.

·         Use toothpaste to clean chrome fixtures.

·         Use wine glasses as candle holders (tealights only).

·         Use plastic bowls as organizers in your kitchen or bathroom cabinets.

·         Use paperclips for electronic reset buttons

This can help you save money and space in your home, by multi-tasking what you buy.

Handling the Heat Without Breaking the Bank

Frugal Friday

This has been a summer of record-breaking heat and drought.  It has been a struggle keeping flowers and trees alive, and keeping cool, especially if you lose power during a storm or don't have air conditioning.  Here are some tips for keeping cool, while still keeping money in your pockets.

·         If the air outside is dry, hang a wet sheet in your window to cool the breeze as it comes in.

·         Close blinds and drapes.  Line drapes with white fabric to reflect heat.

·         Place a shallow bowl of ice in front of a fan to cool the breeze.

·         Keep your furnace and a/c unit cleaned and well-maintained.

·         Close your fireplace damper so the hot air isn't pulled in.

·         Keep windows and doors shut if the air outside is over 77 degrees.

·         Run a window fan when the temperature is cooler so you can trap the air inside.

·         Spritz yourself with cold water.

·         Run ceiling fans with your a/c.  The a/c removes the humidity and the fans make you feel cooler.

·         Shut off appliances or electronics that generate heat, like computers, when you aren't using them.

·         Skip the drying cycle on the dishwasher.

·         Remove your shoes.  The sweat evaporating on your feet will cool them.

·         Eat spicy meals. Perspiring will cool you down.

·         Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, which causes your body temperature to rise.

·         Use the microwave or barbecue grill to cook.

·         Shut off the lights-they generate heat.

·         Dry your clothes outside or hanging in your laundry room.

·         Place rice in an old sock, tie the ends and freeze it.  Then place it in your bed to cool the sheets.

·         Read stories about cold places.

Spend Less on Groceries

Frugal Friday

Whether or not you have a large family, it's always nice to save money on groceries.  With the cost of gas and utilities rising, it's more important than ever to save money elsewhere.  Here are some ways to save money on your next trip to the grocery store.

·         If you find yourself going through a large amount of items quickly, ask your local grocer if they will give you a deal on buying by the case.  We used to purchase ten bags of dog food at a time to save $5 on each bag.  We shared the discount with other pet-owners.

·         Don't dilly-dally through the aisles.  Get what you need, then get out.  The longer you linger, the more impulse items you will purchase.

·         Shop around.  Comparison shop at wholesale stores and dollar stores for the items you usually purchase at your local supermarket.  Look at unit cost ($$ per ounce, or $$ per pound, etc.).  Where can you get the best price for the items you buy?

·         Use your cell phone.  You can comparison shop on your phone for best prices.  You can also use it to download store coupons.  Many supermarkets run special deals for loyal customers and offer special pricing on items you purchase on a regular basis.

·         Check online.  Visit Amazon.com and Drugstore.com for deals on non-perishables.  You usually have to buy larger quantities, but the savings are better than any sale price you can get in the store. 

How have you saved money on groceries?

Green Cleaning—General Uses for Lemons

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health.  They are also expensive.  So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives?  Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home.  This week, we'll look at general uses for lemons.

·         Wash your hands in lemon juice to remove odors from bleach, garlic or onions.  Rinse well.

·         Mix one part lemon juice to two parts honey for a cough syrup.

·         Cure dandruff by rinsing your hair with one to two tablespoons of lemon juice every day until gone.  Shampoo in between rinses.

·         Drink lemon juice in water to aid in digestion.

·         Soak your fingernails in lemon juice for ten minutes to whiten and brighten.

·         Add one tablespoon sugar and two tablespoons lemon juice to water for fresh cut flowers to lengthen their life.

·         Add a spoonful of lemon juice to your rice while cooking to prevent it from sticking.

·         Pour lemon juice on a cloth, add cream of tartar, then rub into shoe stains.  When stain is gone, rinse well and buff.

·         Add pieces of lemon to your ice cube trays for lemon-flavored beverages.

·         Apply lemon juice to skin affected by poison ivy to alleviate the itching and rash.

·         Rub lemon juice into rough skin, rinse, then massage with olive oil.

·         Drink tea with lemon and honey to relieve a sore throat and cough.

·          Store lemons in a jar of water in your fridge to produce the most juice.

·         Add to vinegar when cleaning to lessen the odor of the vinegar.

·         Use on weeds between your paving stones.

Green Cleaning—Uses for Lemons in the Bathroom

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health.  They are also expensive.  So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives?  Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home.  This week, we'll look at using lemons in the bathroom.

·         Cut a lemon in half and place it cut-side up in a bowl in the bathroom for a natural, fresh smell.

·         Squeeze lemon juice on bathtub rings for easy cleaning.

·         Squeeze lemon juice onto grout and scrub with a toothbrush to brighten it.

·         Spray a solution of water and lemon on your mirror, then wipe with newspaper for a streak-free shine.

·         Spray a mixture of water and lemon juice on your shower doors, scrub with newspaper and rinse.

·         Soak a paper towel in lemon juice, wrap the towel around your faucet and let it sit for an hour to loosen the build-up.  Scrub with a stiff toothbrush.

·         Make a paste of lemon juice and borax, apply to the stains in your toilet bowl, let sit for a few hours, then scrub clean. 

Fun Things to Do on a Fixed Income

Senior Thursday

 

Many seniors are on a fixed income. Living expenses come first—rent or mortgage, food, medication and utilities. Then there's clothing and transportation, and maybe pet expenses. Before long, their monthly income is used up, leaving little, if anything, for entertainment.

That isn't to say that seniors can't be entertained on a fixed income. There are events and places to go that are free or very low cost. There are options to Broadway plays and gourmet restaurants. Here are a few ideas.

Become a Volunteer – By volunteering at film festivals, sporting events and other venues, one can experience the entertainment, and sometimes even get a free meal. Other places to volunteer are community centers, gardens and local parks. Not only do these places provide fun things to do, they are great opportunities for socializing.

Check out Your Local College or University – They often have cultural events or access to free/low cost college-level classes. Auditing classes is a way to have access to the college library and performances.

Use Your Library – Your local library contains a wealth of free entertainment. In addition to thousands of books, there are magazines, newspapers, movies and CDs. You can also access the internet for free to keep in touch with friends via email.

Check Out Community Events – Many communities have neighborhood concerts, and plays at colleges and in churches. Scour your newspaper for notices. There are also seasonal festivals, like music festivals in the summer and harvest festivals in the fall.

Enjoy Nature – So many adventures out of doors are free. Hiking, biking, picnics, etc., are all for you to enjoy at no cost. Find trails in your area.

Watch for Free Days at Museums – Many museums have one day a week that is free or very low cost for entry. Find out what these days are for the museums in your area. Arrive early and be prepared for long lines.

There's lots out there to do! Enjoy!

Green Cleaning—Using Baking Soda in the Kitchen

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health.  They are also expensive.  So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives?  Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home.  This week, we'll look at using baking soda in the kitchen.

·       Baking soda in various strengths can be used in the kitchen for cleaning.  The more dried on the food, or the greasier the spot, the stronger the solution should be.  Baking soda can be used in a food processor or blender, the garbage can, oven, stovetop, dishwasher, or coffeemaker.

·      Baking soda is also good for deodorizing.  Use it in baby bottles, your refrigerator, your drain, water bottles, vacuum flasks, garbage disposal.  Always wash and rinse thoroughly with warm, soapy water after deodorizing.

·        Make a paste to clean coffee stains from mugs.

·        Wipe stainless steel appliances with a baking soda mixture to remove stains and spots. 

·        Combine with vinegar to clean cast iron skillets/casseroles.

·        Remove melted plastic bags from counters or appliances with a water/baking soda solution.

·        Do NOT use on non-stick pans.

·        Note:  Make sure all appliances and pots/pans are cooled off before cleaning.