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.

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. 

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.

Green Cleaning—Uses for Vinegar 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 vinegar in the kitchen.

• Wipe down your cutting board with full-strength vinegar to deodorize and degrease.
• Run through your coffee maker to remove lime deposits, or boil with water in your tea kettle.
• Used a diluted solution of vinegar and water to clean and deodorize plastic containers.
• Wipe the inside of your refrigerator with a vinegar solution to deodorize and kill bacteria.
• Clean work surfaces with full-strength vinegar.
• Vinegar is a good degreaser for deep-fryers and exhaust hoods.
• Boil water and vinegar in your microwave oven to loosen built-on foods.
• Dampen a cloth with vinegar and wipe out your oven.
• Boil water and vinegar, let it cool a little, then pour into ice cube trays to freshen them.
• Add vinegar to the rinse compartment of your dishwasher for a clean, cost-effective rinsing agent.

Green Cleaning—Uses for Vinegar in the Laundry Room

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 vinegar in the laundry room.

• Run water through your iron to clear out residue build-up. When the iron is still warm, run it across your ironing board to freshen the cover.
• Rub a paste of vinegar and baking soda into cuffs and collars to get rid of stains.
• Add vinegar to loads of dark clothing to keep colors bright, prevent colors from running, and also to deodorize the clothes.
• Soak shirts in vinegar to remove underarm stains and odors.
• Use to remove stains—cola, grease (from suede), tar from jeans, grass, coffee, tea, fruits and berries.
• Use to remove odors, such as bleach or smoke.
• Add vinegar to your rinse cycle to soften the fabric and reduce static cling.

Next week: Using vinegar in the kitchen.

Green Cleaning—Uses for Borax

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. The first of these is borax.

• Put 2 teaspoons in a spray bottle with very hot water to use as a general purpose cleaner.
• Use to clean aluminum, as it is non-abrasive. Rinse thoroughly.
• Soak filters from hoods in a strong solution for 15 minutes to loosen grease and odors.
• Put 1 tablespoon in four cups of warm water to use in your refrigerator or freezer to wipe up food spills.
• Mix one tablespoon with one tablespoon of baking soda as a detergent in your dishwasher.
• Sprinkle borax on carpets, dog beds and other areas where there might be fleas.
• Mix one gallon warm water with six tablespoons borax and a teaspoon of liquid detergent for cleaning your floors and walls.
• Sprinkle it at base of walls to deter mice.
• Sprinkle in your toilet and let sit overnight for easy cleaning of grimy build-up.
• Sprinkle 2-3 teaspoons into your garbage disposal and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with hot water to deodorize.
• Sprinkle in stinky shoes and let them sit overnight.
• Add a tablespoon to your washing machine to deodorize your clothes.

Being Frugal with Electricity

Frugal Friday

As the cost of electricity and other utilities continues to rise, we are looking for ways to save on our usage, as well as cost. There are some things you can control, and others you can't. For example, if your city or town has only one supplier for electricity, you are stuck with their rates. But some towns are now allowing competitors to supply the energy.

So how can you save? First, let's look at the above example. If your state or town is deregulated, you can shop around for suppliers and compare rates, rather than rely on only one company. (Do a search on the internet for "deregulated electricity" in your state to find providers near you.) You won't have to change any of your equipment, and you will still be billed through your current provider.

If you can't change your supplier, then look at ways to save at home. Have an electrician install a power-saving device on your meter. This will conserve energy, help appliances run more efficiently, and help protect from power surges.

Another way to save energy is to have your air conditioning and lights controlled remotely by your computer or smart phone. If you have a security system installed, some companies, like Devcon, have apps that allow you to turn your air up/down, or your lights on/off when you are away from home.

If you are shopping for new appliances or electronics, look for those with a good energy rating. And those you already have? Unplug them when not in use. They still draw energy even when they are turned off.

Purchase CFL bulbs for your light fixtures. And finally, turn those lights off when you leave a room.

What are some ways you've saved on your electric bill?

Should I Stock Up on Sale Items?

Frugal Friday

We all like to save money, so when something is on sale, why not save even more money by buying more of the item on sale? It seems to make sense, but is it really saving you money? That depends.

There are several factors to consider when stocking up on sale items.
First is storage space. If paper towels are on sale, and you decide to buy five cases, where will you keep those cases until they are used up? If you buy ten tubes of toothpaste, which are small, will they fit in your linen closet?

Second, will you use it up before the next time it goes on sale? Perhaps the tomato soup is a really great deal, but will you use 24 cans before the next sale? If you watch the ads regularly, you can follow how often items are on sale. Some are seasonal, some are as often as monthly. If you know it will be on sale again soon, by just enough to last you until the next time.

Third is perishables. Yes, the orange juice might be a great deal, but will you use everything you buy before it spoils or expires? The same goes for anything perishable. If you are able to freeze the item, then consider purchasing more. But always keep in mind how much you will use, and whether or not you have the room to freeze it. And don't forget, food goes bad in the freezer, too.

Fourth, don't buy super-sized items or mega packages unless you know you like the product. If it's something new on the market, or a new flavor, don't buy it in a large size. You may not like it, and it's wasted money when you throw it away.

Finally, is it worth the drive? If you have to drive several miles to buy one item (sometimes the store limits quantity), is it worth the cost of gas and your time?

Be frugal, but be smart.

What items have you stored up on recently?

Frugal Uses for Kitchen Items

Frugal Friday

As the cost of groceries and gas continue to rise, we are looking for more and more ways to save money elsewhere. Coupons can save money. Purchasing second-hand can save money. Another way to save money is to use everyday household items for purposes other than for what they are intended. It's called "Re-purposing." Here are some ideas:

• Use an empty egg carton or ice cube tray for earrings or rings in your dresser drawer.
• Use an empty egg carton to hold paperclips and other small items in your desk drawer.
• Use empty checkbook boxes (or other small boxes) for dividers in your kitchen drawers.
• Use a muffin tin to play sorting games with your children.
• Make a funnel from the top of a soda bottle.
• Empty baby food jars can hold screws, nails, beads, or buttons.
• Large glass jars can be filled with candy, topped with fabric and ribbon, then presented as a gift.
• Glass jars can be used as vases—with or without decorating.
• Cut the bottom off a plastic bottle and use it as a scoop for bird food or dog food.

What have you re-purposed in your kitchen?

Frugal Gift-Giving

Frugal Friday

The year is fairly new still, with many months ahead. Months of holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, etc. And with these events, you may get invited to parties and need to bring a gift. If you have a large family and circle of friends, you might be attending several parties a month. If your budget is tight, how can you afford all these gifts?

One of the best ways to save on gifts is to make homemade items. If you are crafty, this works especially well. Knit a scarf, sew a t-shirt quilt, or embroider an apron. If crafts aren't your cup of tea, then go for home-baked goodies. Bake some bread, can some jellies, or make chocolate covered treats. Wrap them in colorful cellophane or wrap a ribbon around a box, and it makes for a pretty, but inexpensive gift. For bridal showers or weddings, add a few inexpensive items like mixing spoons, and tie on some recipes for the new bride.

Jewelry and soap are other items you can easily make. There is an initial investment for tools and supplies, but you will save money in the long run from buying these items retail.

If you love to take photos, why not enlarge and frame some for the family? Look for frames on sale, and make a nice collage for grandma. Or put together a photo album of the honored guest.

The ideas are endless. And the most valuable gift you can give anyone is the gift of your time.

Saving Money on Kid's Clothing

Frugal Friday

We love our children, but they can really put a drain on our bank accounts. It costs a lot of money to raise them--food, clothing, education. So we try to save money wherever we can. One way to save money is on their clothing. Here are some tips to keeping them clothed and still have money to spare.

• Buy clothes slightly larger than their size. You can hem sleeves and pants, then let them down when your children grow.
• Find friends and family with children older than yours. Ask for hand-me-downs. Then find a family with children younger than yours and return the favor.
• Dress them for the occasion. If your children will be outside playing, dress them in darker colors to hide the dirt/stains.
• Don't wash their clothes as often. They will last longer. This may mean not letting them change their outfit several times a day, and not letting them throw something in the hamper that they only wore for a few hours.
• Bleach will wear down fabrics. Use detergents with non-chlorine bleach instead.
• Don't cave into the pressure of designer clothes. They are overpriced.
• Search clearance racks at the end of a season and purchase clothes in a larger size for the next year.
• Shop at consignment stores. You can find great deals on nice clothes.

Couponing to Save Money

Frugal Friday

One of the best ways to save money while shopping is through coupons. There are even television shows about extreme couponing and how to save as much as 100% on your purchases. While some of their practices are controversial (using coupons on alternate items, buying 20-30 items at once, taking coupon inserts from the garbage, etc.), there are sensible ways to save money. Here are some tips for the grocery store and retail shops.

• Sign up for newsletters and mailing lists (email). Often there are better savings than advertised if you are a member of their club.
• Watch for sales to coincide with your coupons.
• Take note of expiration dates and use your coupons accordingly. Check with store policy about expired coupons, as some stores (Bed, Bath & Beyond) will accept any coupon.
• Check store policy on matching prices. Some will not only match the competitor's price but also give an additional amount over that.
• Search for coupons in the following places: Newspapers, magazines, in the store.
• Look online for coupons before heading out to the store, either on the store's site, or at sites like Coupons.com.
• Before shopping online, visit RetailMeNot.com for retailer coupons (often for a discount or free shipping).
• Check product packaging at the store. Some manufacturer's put coupons on the item.

Being Frugal in Your Home Office

Frugal Friday

With the cost of everything rising, we are always looking for ways to reduce our bills. Over the last few months, we've been covering many different areas of our lives where we can do exactly that. This week, we're looking at how to be frugal in your home office.

• Don't throw away stamps that are stuck together. Put them in the freezer for a few hours to see if they unstick. Use glue to fasten to an envelope. Never tape stamps, as the post office will not accept them.
• Use both sides of the paper when taking notes.
• Use the back side of paper when you aren't printing important documents.
• Save whatever paper comes into the house for draft or other printing that isn't formal.
• Cut up ads or other paper with a blank back side to use for note-taking.
• Shop for supplies when it's back-to-school time, even if you don't go to school. Prices are better then.
• Ask you local stationery store for any items they may be discarding like orphan envelopes or incomplete marker sets.
• Shop the discount/clearance section of the store.
• Buy economy-size printer cartridges.
• Have ink cartridges refilled rather than buying new.
• Choose a printer that allows you to replace one color at a time.

Being Frugal with Finances

Frugal Friday

With the cost of everything rising, we are always looking for ways to reduce our bills. Over the last few months, we've been covering many different areas of our lives where we can do exactly that. This week, we're looking at how to be frugal with your finances.

• Pay someone to do your taxes for you. Yes, the initial outlay will cost you, but the increase on your return will more than pay for it.
• Avoid ATM fees. Don't use ATMs that are out of your network.
• Ask your credit card company to reduce your interest rate. If you've had the card for a while, and have always paid on time, chances are they will offer you a lower rate.
• Contest any and all bank and credit card fees that you think are unreasonable. Many will give you a pass on the first one or two infractions.
• Consolidate student loans,
• Purchase all your insurance through the same company for multi-policy discounts.
• Keep a record (video, photo or list) of all your possessions in case you need to make a claim.
• Pay your insurance premiums on an annual basis to avoid finance charges.
• Consider increasing your deductible to lower your premium.

Saving Money in the Garden

Frugal Friday

Yes, there is snow on the ground. But we can dream of spring, can't we? In fact, nurseries and landscapers are already gearing up for the busy growing season.

We all want beautiful yards, with colorful flowers and shady trees. But this all costs money. Sometimes a lot of money. So where can you cut down on your costs? here are some ways to have a beautiful yard without dipping into your savings.

• Take good care of your garden tools. Clean them when you are done and store them dry so they don't rust.
• Convert your lawn into a garden. Flowers and vegetables are less money to maintain and produce food for you.
• Use plants indigenous to the region so they require less water.
• Soot, sawdust, coffee grounds and banana peels from around the home make great no-cost fertilizers.
• Garlic cloves buried in the soil will deter pests.
• White vinegar sprayed directly on weeds will kill most of them.
• Don't throw away old seeds. Test their viability by soaking them in water. Good seeds will not float.
• Don't water your lawn unless absolutely necessary. It will just go dormant in a drought. Only extreme heat and drought will kill it.
• Water your plants in the early morning or late evening so the sun doesn't evaporate the moisture.
• Longer grass holds moisture better than short grass.
• Make your own compost with your household waste.

Saving Money on Your Kids

Frugal Friday

Raising children is a commitment and an expense. Once they are born, there is no turning back. There will be clothing, housing, toys, food, schooling, etc. And as prices start to rise, and income starts to shrink, the challenge of affording it all grows.

But whether you have one child or eight, there are ways to save money while giving them a healthy, fulfilling life.

• Instead of buying new toys, host a toy swap with other mothers. Children get 'new' toys that will hold their interest, you you get them for free!
• Share babysitting costs by sharing the babysitter. Have the kids all at one house, and pay the sitter a little extra per hour for each extra child.
• Start a baby-sitting co-op where you trade babysitting with other parents at no charge.
• Use cloth diapers and wipes instead of disposable diapers or baby wipes. Launder in hot water and bleach.
• Use glass baby bottles instead of disposable liners.
• Sign up for free samples (baby powder, vitamins, wipes, etc.) with manufacturing companies.
• When your little ones outgrow their footsie pajamas, cut off the feet and use socks instead.