Watching Waste and Saving Money
Without a doubt, we are a nation of spoiled, wasteful creatures. I suffered a severe cut to my income at the same time my expenses went up dramatically (new baby). I am learning to stretch a penny til it screams. Remarkably, I have cut my electric bill in half...
Ellen's Tips for Conserving Water
I couldnt possibly take a 5 minute shower, but that doesnt mean I have to run 10 or so minutes of water either. After the initial wetting of body and hair, I turn the water off while I shampoo, shave my legs, etc. I have to briefly run the water during this...
Emergency Numbers
The suggestion to post pictures next to emergency numbers is an excellent one. I would think it makes sense even for somewhat older kids that are reading, but may panic during an emergency. I am fortunate that in my area, all emergency calls are dialed 911...
Rookie Moves When Baking Your First...
Cover your turkey while roasting until the last hour (then you want it to brown). If you dont, the skin will become very dry and over-brown long before the turkey is done. Dont put absolute faith in the pop-up timer - they are often wrong. Judge your cooking...
Adding Up the Savings from a Frugal Life?
I dont merely save money by being frugal - I am able to survive under nearly impossible financial conditions. In the last year, my income has dropped by $15,000 / year, and my expenses (due to a new baby) have risen by over $7,000 / year. I dont qualify for...
Uses for Bread Bags?
shake-n-bake bags, freezer bags for meat, storage bag for homemade baked goods, dirty diaper disposal bags, storage for grocery bags, trash bag for car travel, cast cover for showering, cover feet before putting on boots that arent waterproof... I never seem...
Lip Gloss in Hair?
Dish detergent (Dawn works well) instead of shampoo. Add a tablespoon or two of baking soda to it. Lather, rinse, repeat. This is harsh on the hair, so follow with conditioner. Good luck.
Faster And Less Painful Dog Nail Clipping
Great idea! Be careful to not let the nail overheat. My former nail tech used a rotary tool on my acrylic nails (gave them up a year ago) and had, on occasion, burned them. Unlike humans, dogs have feeling in their nails once you get down the nail a bit.
Maintaining and Cleaning an Old Humidifier?
Nothing beats straight white vinegar for cleaning a humidifier tank. Fill with vinegar, soak overnight (dont run it), empty, then rinse. If you have a heavy buildup, you will have to wipe out the deposits after soaking. You only have to bear the smell occasionally...
Stretching The Life Of Clothes
This will also help to reduce lint transfer from garment to garment (like when a red sweater comes out of the washer covered in black fuzzies from a different sweater)
Saving Money vs. Saving Time
I tried to post a reply but received an error message. Forgive me if this is a redundant post. I understand the point youre making. Please keep in mind, however, that many of us are in dire financial straits and absolutely MUST live frugally just to get by...
Earrings That Cause Itchy Ears
I would bet you have a nickel allergy (I do). Look for earrings labeled nickel free. A company called Simply Whispers sells only nickel-free jewelry (mostly earrings). I think their web address is simplywhispers.com (if this doesnt work, do a search on the...
Take Leftovers from Large Celebrations to Homeless Shelters
I work at a homeless shelter, and I agree that donating leftovers from a large get-together is a nice idea. Call ahead first to make sure that the shelter is able to accept the food. The families love the break from soup kitchen meals!
Reusing Spaghetti Sauce Jars
I have been using coffee cans in the same manner for 20 years. It certainly keeps the kitchan drain clear of grease clogs!
Crayons and KoolAid on a Whole Load of Clothes?
My neice recently had the same problem. I believe she called Crayola to learn the following method of removal: she sprayed WD40 on the crayon marks and washed in hot water. She had to repeat for a few items (dont dry until you are sure all the crayon is off...
Creative Uses For Empty Light Bulbs?
If theyre the clear variety, you could stuff them and make Christmas ornaments.
Creative Uses For Empty Light Bulbs?
Come to think of it, even if theyre white and not clear, you could decorate the outside and make Christmas ornaments.
Homemade Laundry Soap Blunder?
Ok, I fixed the batch, and now its gelled nicely (I re-heated the whole batch and stired it every hour or so until it cooled). Heres the recipe: 1/3 bar fels naptha laundry soap - grated 1/2 cup washing soda 1/2 cup borax Put fels naptha into a pan and add...
Baby Oil Stains on Jogging Pants?
Many years ago, I worked as a laundress at an upscale hotel. We used cheap shampoo for oily hair as a pre-treatment for oily stains. Make sure to launder in hot water (necessary for oily stains, but other stains should be laundered in cool water to prevent...
Use Less Splenda
Regarding Splendas safety record: it has been researched and used extensively in Europe for over 20 years. Its only new to us in the States. I dont care for artificial sweetners in general, but Splenda tastes the best to me, and Ive never had a bad reaction...
