Frugal wall art! For the instructions you can go here
Showing posts with label frugal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label frugal. Show all posts
8/19/11
Frugal Photo Display-Repurposing Plastic CD Cases
Do you have a stash of cd cases laying around? Check this out.I love this idea! I've seen a couple other ideas to repurpose cd cases. What's your favorite?
Frugal wall art! For the instructions you can go here
Frugal wall art! For the instructions you can go here
8/20/10
Saving You Money: Frugal Frontline Plus Treatments
Having several pets can get expensive to treat with Frontline Plus for fleas and ticks.
That is if you don't know the frugal secrets for using Frontline Plus!
My dog groomer (now ex-groomer... I do my own grooming to save money!) let me in on this great secret and my vet confirmed it.
When you purchase the 3 packs of Frontline Plus for the smaller dogs and cats, the majority of your hard earned money is going towards packaging, not the solution.
The secret is to buy the 4.02ml tube for large dogs (89-132lbs) and measure out the appropriate amount for your pet yourself.
She told me her vet told her (and I've been doing the same for two years now) to open the large tube/tubes and squeeze into a glass vial, tube or small jar that has a lid. Then using a plastic syringe (with NO NEEDLE) like that is used to give cats and babies medicine orally, measure out the correct individual dose for each pet. Store the remainder until needed.
The large tube of medication (for dogs 89-132lbs) is the EXACT medication that is found in the boxes with the smaller individual doses. The only difference is the liquid volume that you give.
All Frontline Plus for dogs formula (regardless of size of animal) contains 9.8% Fipronil and 8.8% Methoprene. Frontline Plus for cats contains the same amount of Fipronil and 11.8% Methoprene which is more than what is in the dogs and is perfectly safe for your cat. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DOSE DOGS WITH THE CAT FORMULA THOUGH!
Here is a chart showing how much (volume) solution is in each one dose tube when you purchase the 3, 6, or 12 packs and the average cost of EACH one dose tube.
Dogs 1-22 lbs. 0.67 ml solution in each tube, $11.33 per dose
Dogs 23-44 lbs. 1.34 ml solution in each tube, $12.00 per dose
Dogs 45-88 lbs. 2.68 ml solution in each tube, $12.34 per dose
Dogs 89-132 lbs. 4.02 ml solution in each tube, $12.67 per dose
Cats All Weights 0.50 ml solution in each tube, $11.33 per dose
One of the large 4.02ml tubes is enough for both my indoor cats for 4 months! Each cat gets .50ml per month of the 4.02ml tube. My vet sells these 4.02ml tubes individually for $14. Fourteen dollars to treat two cats for four months! That saves me over $76. That's not pocket change!
One large tube is enough for both my poodles (they use the 1-22lbs dosage) for 3 months. $14 to treat two poodles for three months! That is a savings of $54.
As you can see, this method will allow you to save a ton of money and throw away less waste!
If you have any questions or don't understand something, please feel free to ask!
I've even used my Amazon gift cards earned from Swagbucks to order Frontline Plus getting it FREE. If you're not signed up for Swagbucks, click here!
8/5/10
8/31/09
Living Frugal is Living Green
When I chose to start living a more simple frugal life, I didn’t realize I would be continuing my passion for living green. I’ve learned that frugal living and green living really are a lot alike.
1. Conserving electricity by during daytime, lights in my home are off. I use natural light coming in my windows. Turning up my thermostat during the summer (and wearing less clothes) and down during the winter (wearing more clothes also) I hang certain items over shower curtain bars to dry and other items are only placed in dryer for a very short period and then hung in closet to finish drying. Be conscious of phantom consumption. Saving on your electricity bill is living frugally AND reducing your consumption is living greener!
2. Conserving water by installing simple rain barrels, taking shorter showers and turning water off while sudsing up, brushing our teeth with water off, only washing full loads of clothing, and raising the water level in my toilet tanks is living frugally AND greener!
3. Don’t fall into the consumer trap! Do not buy products that require a constant “refill” or disposables and this will reduce your waste. Try making your own household cleaners. I no longer buy paper plates, paper cups, paper napkins or paper towels. Windows are washed using newspapers and my home-made window cleaner. I have purchased from thrift stores cloth napkins (.29 and .39 each) and kitchen towels (.49-.69 each), and after 6 months have a nice collection! Using a rag or string mop is more frugal, reduces your waste and therefore reduces your carbon print making you greener. I no longer purchase bottles of water. We have a few re-usable water bottles we now use. I no longer buy rags.
4. Old tshirts are cut up for dusting rags, shop rags, and used on my swiffers. Ratty bath towels are also cut up into 4 smaller towels to be used various ways. I think twice before throwing ANYTHING away. Toothbrushes are saved and used for cleaning. A lot of food containers are saved and reused.
5. Recycle as much of your waste as possible. Aluminum cans, plastic milk/juice jugs, and cardboard boxes are recycled in our home reducing our waste.
I heard someone say “It’s not easy being green if you’re poor”. I disagree with this mindset. Yes it costs a big chunk to install solar panels on your home, to buy a new electric/hybrid vehicle, to buy newer energy efficient appliances, etc. The way I am approaching these is this…. When I HAVE to replace a new big ticket item, (my car finally dies, the washer has spun for the last time, the refrig won't chill anymore) I will do my research and buy a more eco friendly product but not until that time.
The majority of the ways listed above does not cost you anything but are the most common first steps experts will tell you to do when wanting to live more frugally or green.
You can get more tips by reading my previous post: 11 Ways to be an Earth Friendly Couple. Another great article to read is Frugal Living Can Be Green Living.
I would love for everyone to share their frugal and/or green tips in comments, it just might be something that someone else has not thought of.
2/9/09
Organic Grocery Deals: Buying Green On A Budget
"If every U.S. citizen ate just one meal a week (any meal) composed of locally and organically raised meats and produce, we would reduce our country's oil consumption by over 1.1 million barrels of oil every week. That's not gallons, but barrels." ~ Steven L. Hopp,
That's really something to think about. 1.1 million barrels every week in exchange for 1 organic meal!
Would you like more organic grocery deals for your family but don’t know where to start? Do you think you can’t get organic grocery deals or it’s impossible to live green on a budget?
Then let me introduce you to the Organic Grocery Deals forum. It includes: gardening, eating in season, organic and natural product information, coupon trading, green living tips, book recommendations, organic news, deals, more. Get help and ideas for going green in a relaxing (read - non-judgemental) environment.
It seems coupons for organic foods is becoming more and more popular. And by using coupons, it makes it more affordable to go green on a budget.
Go check out the Organic Grocery Deals forum today!
That's really something to think about. 1.1 million barrels every week in exchange for 1 organic meal!
Would you like more organic grocery deals for your family but don’t know where to start? Do you think you can’t get organic grocery deals or it’s impossible to live green on a budget?
Then let me introduce you to the Organic Grocery Deals forum. It includes: gardening, eating in season, organic and natural product information, coupon trading, green living tips, book recommendations, organic news, deals, more. Get help and ideas for going green in a relaxing (read - non-judgemental) environment.
It seems coupons for organic foods is becoming more and more popular. And by using coupons, it makes it more affordable to go green on a budget.
Go check out the Organic Grocery Deals forum today!
10/30/08
Quick, Easy, Frugal Baked Ziti
I've been asked for this recipe so many times, I decided to drag it back up closer to the top of my archives. It's one of my families' favorites. For me, this recipe has it ALL. It's quick, easy and a frugal (less than $5) meal. What more could you ask for?
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 jar water
1 lb pasta (rotini, penne, ziti, elbows, shells)
8 oz shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, mexican, mont. jack)
Mix sauce, water, and uncooked pasta in 9x13 pan. Cover with foil and bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes (depends upon type of pasta used). Remove cover, stir, top with cheese, and bake until cheese is melted.
Serve with garlic toast and a salad.
Variations: add mushrooms, eggplant, zuccini, or any other vegetable you need to sneak in on your kids. It doesnt take much. Meat can also be added. 1 lb of ground beef, italian sweet pork sausage, ground turkey or 2 cups cooked chicken.
LE2
LE4
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 jar water
1 lb pasta (rotini, penne, ziti, elbows, shells)
8 oz shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, mexican, mont. jack)
Mix sauce, water, and uncooked pasta in 9x13 pan. Cover with foil and bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes (depends upon type of pasta used). Remove cover, stir, top with cheese, and bake until cheese is melted.
Serve with garlic toast and a salad.
Variations: add mushrooms, eggplant, zuccini, or any other vegetable you need to sneak in on your kids. It doesnt take much. Meat can also be added. 1 lb of ground beef, italian sweet pork sausage, ground turkey or 2 cups cooked chicken.
LE2
LE4
4/22/08
Frugal Living Tip - 11 Ways to Be an Earth-Friendly Couple
Here is an article I ran across and thought it was good information. My comments showing my hubby and I’s status on these 11 things are in red. Have you done any of these things to shrink your carbon foot-print? If so, tell me about them.
11 Ways to Be an Earth-Friendly Couple
By Alonna Friedman
Here are a few new weekend projects for you as a duo: Embark on some (or even just one) of these simple Earth-saving strategies -- you can both feel that you're helping those future generations your parents and in-laws keep talking about!
The goal here is to limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which are the big offenders in the global-warming crisis.
Strategy 1:
Change your light bulbs. We're sure you've heard this before -- and we know it's tempting to buy the four-pack of bulbs for $2 -- but compact fluorescent bulbs use two-thirds less energy and last 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs.
The payoff:
If Americans replaced just one bulb in their home, it would save enough energy to light 2.5 million homes in one year and prevent an amount of greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of 800,000 cars.
Hubby and I have done this in the three lamps that are used the most. Need to find and buy bulbs for four ceiling fans.
Strategy 2:
Bring your own mug to Starbucks. You'll get a 10-cent discount, and it's one less paper cup to end up in a landfill. While you're there, pick up some free bags of spent coffee grounds to use as "green" fertilizer in your garden.
The payoff:
The store won't create more waste when they throw away a cup, and you can start growing carbon dioxide-eating plants au naturale.
Hubby and I do not visit these type of specialty stores but once or twice a year. No help here from us.
Strategy 3:
Save water. Run the dishwasher only when it's full, and don't pre-rinse dishes (a waste of time, water, and energy). But the real water drain is the shower -- take shorter ones (and take them together!).
The payoff:
By skipping pre-rinse, you'll save 200 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released and $40 a year. And by taking shorter showers, you'll conserve 350 pounds of CO2 and keep about $100 in your pocket each year.
Look into low-flow shower heads. They still have great pressure but conserve gallons of water from each shower.
I try not to pre-rinse dishes, but living in a rural area with crappy water pressure for the dishwasher, they don’t always come clean. The dishwasher is always ran full. I also have quit doing small loads of laundry. The washer is now full anytime it’s ran. We do have a valve on shower head, so it can be shut off while shampooing, shaving, or soaping to save water.
Strategy 4:
Turn off your computer. When in standby mode, your PC is still using energy. In fact, 75 percent of electricity used in your home comes from electronics that are turned off. Stop this phantom electro rush by plugging your computer into a power strip and shutting down completely at the end of the day. Also, remove your iPod, digital camera, and phone chargers from outlets when not in use.
The payoff:
Turning off a 75-watt monitor for 40 hours a week might only save $4.38 a month, but it reduces CO2 (greenhouse gas emissions) by 750 pounds, burning 450 fewer pounds of coal each year!
We have two laptops and one desk computer. They are always off unless they are being used. :)
Strategy 5:
Cancel catalogs. Many of us have a steady flow of unwanted and unsolicited junk mail, catalogs, and magazines. Let's say everyone in New York City received 10 a month: That would make 240,248 tons of paper waste! Call 888-5-OPTOUT or get off the lists at NewDream.org. Make sure to recycle what you do receive. Find out where to recycle in your area at Earth911.org.
The payoff:
Less energy is spent on creating paper (which kills trees we need) and less trash is created when we can reuse products. The immediate return? Less clutter at home!
Our Pledge for 2008: We will recycle junk mail, magazines and newspapers. 2007 Pledge: We no longer will buy & use paper plates, plastic cups or paper napkins.
Strategy 6:
Reuse plastic bags. Instead of chucking 100 billion plastic sacks a year (wow!), try and get a second, third, or tenth use out of them. Tote your lunch to work or your groceries home, or at least use them as garbage bags. Better yet, next time you shop, try a reusable bag. Learn how at ReusableBags.com.
The payoff:
You're reducing pollution. The amount of oil it would take to make just 14 plastic bags would run your car for one mile.
Our Pledge for 2008: 4 re-usable shopping bags have been purchased and will be deligently used. 2007 Pledge: Re-use all plastic shopping bags for trash can liners.
Strategy 7:
Green your car. The next time you're in the market for a new car, check out an eco option like a hybrid model -- whatever you do, don't get an SUV. In the meantime, take care of your current ride with regular tune-ups and properly inflated tires.
The payoff:
Driving a 13-mile-per-gallon SUV wastes more energy in one year than if you left your refrigerator door open for six years! Getting regular tune-ups, performing maintenance, and having clean air filters will help you burn less gas and therefore pollute the air less. And properly inflated tires could save around 2 billion gallons of gas each year.
Not feasible at this time.
Strategy 8:
Use recycled paper...in the bathroom. Most of the TP we use is made from virgin trees found in forests previously untouched by humans. Seeing as trees absorb carbon dioxide, we'd get better use from them living than we would as a roll in the powder room.
The payoff:
If every household in America replaced one roll of toilet paper with a recycled post-consumer waste roll, 424,000 trees would still be standing. Look for eco paper towels and napkins too. If every household used recycled napkins, we would spare one million trees.
That’s a lot of saved trees! Hopefully more TP companies will start using recycled materials for their products.
Our Pledge for 2008: Will look into the brands further for more information and try to purchase greener products.
Strategy 9:
Buy energy-efficient appliances. The old fridge conked out. Great! Replace it with an Energy Star appliance (EnergyStar.gov) and you'll use at least 15 percent less energy and water in your home. It might be a little pricier to buy, but you'll be saving money on your utility bills and helping the environment.
The payoff:
If we all installed one Energy Star appliance, it would be like planting 1.7 million acres of new trees.
I thought ALL appliances made in the last ten years were energy star? I guess I took this for granted, but all our appliances are energy star.
Strategy 10:
Plant a tree. Adding green to your garden is aesthetically -- and earth -- pleasing.
The payoff:
Just one tree (native to your region) will help make cleaner air and save the environment from 5,000 pounds of hot carbon dioxide each year.
Pledge for 2008: Plant 12 trees on our property. 2007 Pledge: Plant twelve trees. We actually planted around 48 trees, but only about 12-15 survived the winter.
Strategy 11:
Give and voice your support. Contribute or volunteer with the green organization of your choice. And tell a friend to do the same. Some we like: OnePercentForThePlanet.org, SaveOurEnvironment.org, SierraClub.org, and ConservationFund.org. Sign the "Emissions Petition" at EnvironmentalDefense.org, and send the message to your local government representatives that you want to undo global warming.
The payoff:
Together time. Oh, and feeling like you're doing something about this Earth-destroying epidemic.
Will check into these organizations. No 2008 Pledge will be made at this time.
11 Ways to Be an Earth-Friendly Couple
By Alonna Friedman
Here are a few new weekend projects for you as a duo: Embark on some (or even just one) of these simple Earth-saving strategies -- you can both feel that you're helping those future generations your parents and in-laws keep talking about!
The goal here is to limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which are the big offenders in the global-warming crisis.
Strategy 1:
Change your light bulbs. We're sure you've heard this before -- and we know it's tempting to buy the four-pack of bulbs for $2 -- but compact fluorescent bulbs use two-thirds less energy and last 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs.
The payoff:
If Americans replaced just one bulb in their home, it would save enough energy to light 2.5 million homes in one year and prevent an amount of greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of 800,000 cars.
Hubby and I have done this in the three lamps that are used the most. Need to find and buy bulbs for four ceiling fans.
Strategy 2:
Bring your own mug to Starbucks. You'll get a 10-cent discount, and it's one less paper cup to end up in a landfill. While you're there, pick up some free bags of spent coffee grounds to use as "green" fertilizer in your garden.
The payoff:
The store won't create more waste when they throw away a cup, and you can start growing carbon dioxide-eating plants au naturale.
Hubby and I do not visit these type of specialty stores but once or twice a year. No help here from us.
Strategy 3:
Save water. Run the dishwasher only when it's full, and don't pre-rinse dishes (a waste of time, water, and energy). But the real water drain is the shower -- take shorter ones (and take them together!).
The payoff:
By skipping pre-rinse, you'll save 200 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released and $40 a year. And by taking shorter showers, you'll conserve 350 pounds of CO2 and keep about $100 in your pocket each year.
Look into low-flow shower heads. They still have great pressure but conserve gallons of water from each shower.
I try not to pre-rinse dishes, but living in a rural area with crappy water pressure for the dishwasher, they don’t always come clean. The dishwasher is always ran full. I also have quit doing small loads of laundry. The washer is now full anytime it’s ran. We do have a valve on shower head, so it can be shut off while shampooing, shaving, or soaping to save water.
Strategy 4:
Turn off your computer. When in standby mode, your PC is still using energy. In fact, 75 percent of electricity used in your home comes from electronics that are turned off. Stop this phantom electro rush by plugging your computer into a power strip and shutting down completely at the end of the day. Also, remove your iPod, digital camera, and phone chargers from outlets when not in use.
The payoff:
Turning off a 75-watt monitor for 40 hours a week might only save $4.38 a month, but it reduces CO2 (greenhouse gas emissions) by 750 pounds, burning 450 fewer pounds of coal each year!
We have two laptops and one desk computer. They are always off unless they are being used. :)
Strategy 5:
Cancel catalogs. Many of us have a steady flow of unwanted and unsolicited junk mail, catalogs, and magazines. Let's say everyone in New York City received 10 a month: That would make 240,248 tons of paper waste! Call 888-5-OPTOUT or get off the lists at NewDream.org. Make sure to recycle what you do receive. Find out where to recycle in your area at Earth911.org.
The payoff:
Less energy is spent on creating paper (which kills trees we need) and less trash is created when we can reuse products. The immediate return? Less clutter at home!
Our Pledge for 2008: We will recycle junk mail, magazines and newspapers. 2007 Pledge: We no longer will buy & use paper plates, plastic cups or paper napkins.
Strategy 6:
Reuse plastic bags. Instead of chucking 100 billion plastic sacks a year (wow!), try and get a second, third, or tenth use out of them. Tote your lunch to work or your groceries home, or at least use them as garbage bags. Better yet, next time you shop, try a reusable bag. Learn how at ReusableBags.com.
The payoff:
You're reducing pollution. The amount of oil it would take to make just 14 plastic bags would run your car for one mile.
Our Pledge for 2008: 4 re-usable shopping bags have been purchased and will be deligently used. 2007 Pledge: Re-use all plastic shopping bags for trash can liners.
Strategy 7:
Green your car. The next time you're in the market for a new car, check out an eco option like a hybrid model -- whatever you do, don't get an SUV. In the meantime, take care of your current ride with regular tune-ups and properly inflated tires.
The payoff:
Driving a 13-mile-per-gallon SUV wastes more energy in one year than if you left your refrigerator door open for six years! Getting regular tune-ups, performing maintenance, and having clean air filters will help you burn less gas and therefore pollute the air less. And properly inflated tires could save around 2 billion gallons of gas each year.
Not feasible at this time.
Strategy 8:
Use recycled paper...in the bathroom. Most of the TP we use is made from virgin trees found in forests previously untouched by humans. Seeing as trees absorb carbon dioxide, we'd get better use from them living than we would as a roll in the powder room.
The payoff:
If every household in America replaced one roll of toilet paper with a recycled post-consumer waste roll, 424,000 trees would still be standing. Look for eco paper towels and napkins too. If every household used recycled napkins, we would spare one million trees.
That’s a lot of saved trees! Hopefully more TP companies will start using recycled materials for their products.
Our Pledge for 2008: Will look into the brands further for more information and try to purchase greener products.
Strategy 9:
Buy energy-efficient appliances. The old fridge conked out. Great! Replace it with an Energy Star appliance (EnergyStar.gov) and you'll use at least 15 percent less energy and water in your home. It might be a little pricier to buy, but you'll be saving money on your utility bills and helping the environment.
The payoff:
If we all installed one Energy Star appliance, it would be like planting 1.7 million acres of new trees.
I thought ALL appliances made in the last ten years were energy star? I guess I took this for granted, but all our appliances are energy star.
Strategy 10:
Plant a tree. Adding green to your garden is aesthetically -- and earth -- pleasing.
The payoff:
Just one tree (native to your region) will help make cleaner air and save the environment from 5,000 pounds of hot carbon dioxide each year.
Pledge for 2008: Plant 12 trees on our property. 2007 Pledge: Plant twelve trees. We actually planted around 48 trees, but only about 12-15 survived the winter.
Strategy 11:
Give and voice your support. Contribute or volunteer with the green organization of your choice. And tell a friend to do the same. Some we like: OnePercentForThePlanet.org, SaveOurEnvironment.org, SierraClub.org, and ConservationFund.org. Sign the "Emissions Petition" at EnvironmentalDefense.org, and send the message to your local government representatives that you want to undo global warming.
The payoff:
Together time. Oh, and feeling like you're doing something about this Earth-destroying epidemic.
Will check into these organizations. No 2008 Pledge will be made at this time.
4/18/08
What do you Repurpose?
I'm trying to break free of this throw away society. I no longer buy paper plates, paper cups, paper napkins and have been trying to cut back on the amount of paper towels we use, slowly weening the family off them.
I remember when I was a little girl some of the things my grandmother, who lived through the depression, saved and repurposed. I thought, at the time, it was funny when she would wash out zip lock bags and bread bags. Some of the things she reused didnt seem strange to me, such as cool whip containers and egg cartons.
She also would cut off buttons from clothing that was too far gone to be repaired again. Zippers were saved also. The clothing was then cut up for various applications. Shirts and dresses for quilt pieces.
When my grandmother passed away there was a hat box full of buttons, a nut/screw/bolt organizer filled with string, bread ties, and pop can pull rings to name a few as well as bags of material, and bag of zippers. My uncles were laughing about how she was a "pack rat" and was throwing these things away. The buttons, zippers, material and organizer filled with various things came home with me. I've had them for years tucked away in a closet waiting for me to do something with them. I've added buttons to the collection. I love just sorting through them. The vintage buttons have so much personality.
Anyway, back to me, (I could talk about my grandmother all day long) I have been trying really hard of late to reuse anything and everything that normally goes in the trash. Here's a list of things I reuse.
1) Plastic grocery bags are reused to line small trash cans. I've done this for over 10 years.
2) I save my margarine tubs with lids.
3) Egg cartons are saved and reused. In three years I've thrown away maybe two that some how were cracked or crushed. Friends and family save their cartons for me.
4) All old clothing is either cut up to use for rags or if they are still too good for this, (such as my growing boys clothing) it is re-sold or taken to thrift stores.
5) I save bread bags and the wax bags from cereal and snack crackers. My oldest son visited last weekend and was rummaging around in fridge for food. I told him their was left over pizza. He laughed when he finally found it wrapped in a cereal wax bag. "Mom are you out of foil or cling wrap?" I replied "No, but why throw them away when they are clean and you can re-use them?"
6) My feed bags from the chicken food and large outdoor dogs. Stop and think about, they are made strong enough to hold 40-50 lbs of food. They are usually waterproof made from plastic woven material. I use these to throw away kitty litter from the cat boxes, and anything heavy that would tear a plastic trash bag.
7) I do try to use zip lock bags more than once depending upon what they had in them.
8) The plastic coffee containers (big and small) are saved for various reasons. The hubby loves the small ones in his shop for organizing nuts, nails, and bolts.
9) Heavy chip cardboard from things we buy is saved to make templates and crafts.
10) Glass spagetti jars are used for refreezing food.
Is there something you try to repurpose? I would love to hear about them. It might be something I'm over looking and could help me on cutting down on my families waste/trash.
I remember when I was a little girl some of the things my grandmother, who lived through the depression, saved and repurposed. I thought, at the time, it was funny when she would wash out zip lock bags and bread bags. Some of the things she reused didnt seem strange to me, such as cool whip containers and egg cartons.
She also would cut off buttons from clothing that was too far gone to be repaired again. Zippers were saved also. The clothing was then cut up for various applications. Shirts and dresses for quilt pieces.
When my grandmother passed away there was a hat box full of buttons, a nut/screw/bolt organizer filled with string, bread ties, and pop can pull rings to name a few as well as bags of material, and bag of zippers. My uncles were laughing about how she was a "pack rat" and was throwing these things away. The buttons, zippers, material and organizer filled with various things came home with me. I've had them for years tucked away in a closet waiting for me to do something with them. I've added buttons to the collection. I love just sorting through them. The vintage buttons have so much personality.
Anyway, back to me, (I could talk about my grandmother all day long) I have been trying really hard of late to reuse anything and everything that normally goes in the trash. Here's a list of things I reuse.
1) Plastic grocery bags are reused to line small trash cans. I've done this for over 10 years.
2) I save my margarine tubs with lids.
3) Egg cartons are saved and reused. In three years I've thrown away maybe two that some how were cracked or crushed. Friends and family save their cartons for me.
4) All old clothing is either cut up to use for rags or if they are still too good for this, (such as my growing boys clothing) it is re-sold or taken to thrift stores.
5) I save bread bags and the wax bags from cereal and snack crackers. My oldest son visited last weekend and was rummaging around in fridge for food. I told him their was left over pizza. He laughed when he finally found it wrapped in a cereal wax bag. "Mom are you out of foil or cling wrap?" I replied "No, but why throw them away when they are clean and you can re-use them?"
6) My feed bags from the chicken food and large outdoor dogs. Stop and think about, they are made strong enough to hold 40-50 lbs of food. They are usually waterproof made from plastic woven material. I use these to throw away kitty litter from the cat boxes, and anything heavy that would tear a plastic trash bag.
7) I do try to use zip lock bags more than once depending upon what they had in them.
8) The plastic coffee containers (big and small) are saved for various reasons. The hubby loves the small ones in his shop for organizing nuts, nails, and bolts.
9) Heavy chip cardboard from things we buy is saved to make templates and crafts.
10) Glass spagetti jars are used for refreezing food.
Is there something you try to repurpose? I would love to hear about them. It might be something I'm over looking and could help me on cutting down on my families waste/trash.
3/18/08
What would you do?
Let's play "What would you do?"
I bought a corn beef (on sale for $1.29lb= $4.33) and cooked it yesterday with red potatoes ($1.25) and cabbage ($0.25) for St Patty's day. Boy wonder doesnt like corn beef, therefore it's just my hubby and I that ate it. There was quite a bit left over. Hubby wanted Rueben sandwiches. I had to buy (and here is where the pain sets in) a can of saurkraut ($1.24) and a loaf of Rye bread ($3.04). The ONLY time we eat Rye bread is for rueben sandwiches. So the jest of this is the total bill for the two dinners for two people came to $10.11.
What would you have done different? Would you freeze the bread to get more for your money? How long will the bread keep frozen?
I bought a corn beef (on sale for $1.29lb= $4.33) and cooked it yesterday with red potatoes ($1.25) and cabbage ($0.25) for St Patty's day. Boy wonder doesnt like corn beef, therefore it's just my hubby and I that ate it. There was quite a bit left over. Hubby wanted Rueben sandwiches. I had to buy (and here is where the pain sets in) a can of saurkraut ($1.24) and a loaf of Rye bread ($3.04). The ONLY time we eat Rye bread is for rueben sandwiches. So the jest of this is the total bill for the two dinners for two people came to $10.11.
What would you have done different? Would you freeze the bread to get more for your money? How long will the bread keep frozen?
3/9/08
Do you throw away your Apple peelings & cores?
What did you do with your apple peelings and cores the last time you made a pie, tart, applesauce or apple butter?
Did you throw them away? SHAME ON YOU!
There are several things you can do with apple/pear cores and peelings.
Next time throw them in a pot and make some apple jelly! This is my favorite way to get the most for my money. Did you know that the most pectin (the stuff that makes jelly set up) is found in the peelings of the fruit and near the core. Apples that are tart and a bit under-ripe make the best jelly.
Apple Jelly
15-20 medium cores and the peelings from them
6 cups water
1(1 3/4ounce) box dry pectin
7 cups sugar
Cook peelings and cores in 6 cups water for 10-20 minutes. Strain through sieve,cheesecloth or jelly bag. Add water (or apple juice) to strained juice to obtain 7 cups liquid. (You want 1 cup of juice for every 1 cup of sugar you will add) Add pectin (whisk works well) and bring to a rapid boil. Add sugar, boil hard for 2 minutes.
You can add a handful of cinammon red hot candies to give it a gorgeous amber color and just a hint of spice.
Pour into sterile jars, leaving 1/8" headspace; wipe jar rims, adjust lids and rings; water bath 5 minutes.
IF for some reason your jelly doesn’t set up, it is a wonderful pancake/waffle syrup. But I have faith in you, this is very easy to make and you will love it. It looks so pretty and home-made. Great to give as gifts.
Did you throw them away? SHAME ON YOU!
There are several things you can do with apple/pear cores and peelings.
Next time throw them in a pot and make some apple jelly! This is my favorite way to get the most for my money. Did you know that the most pectin (the stuff that makes jelly set up) is found in the peelings of the fruit and near the core. Apples that are tart and a bit under-ripe make the best jelly.
Apple Jelly
15-20 medium cores and the peelings from them
6 cups water
1(1 3/4ounce) box dry pectin
7 cups sugar
Cook peelings and cores in 6 cups water for 10-20 minutes. Strain through sieve,cheesecloth or jelly bag. Add water (or apple juice) to strained juice to obtain 7 cups liquid. (You want 1 cup of juice for every 1 cup of sugar you will add) Add pectin (whisk works well) and bring to a rapid boil. Add sugar, boil hard for 2 minutes.
You can add a handful of cinammon red hot candies to give it a gorgeous amber color and just a hint of spice.
Pour into sterile jars, leaving 1/8" headspace; wipe jar rims, adjust lids and rings; water bath 5 minutes.
IF for some reason your jelly doesn’t set up, it is a wonderful pancake/waffle syrup. But I have faith in you, this is very easy to make and you will love it. It looks so pretty and home-made. Great to give as gifts.
3/5/08
Water Saver
The average toilet uses 3-7 gallons of water per flush. Save up to 10 gallons per toilet a day. Instead of placing a brick in your toilet tank (they will disintegrate over time) place a plastic pop bottle filled with pebbles and water!
1/28/08
HOW TO BE A FRUGAL GROCERY SHOPPER
SALES CYCLES: REGULAR PRICES, PHANTOM SALES PRICES, ROCK-BOTTOM PRICES
Have you ever wondered why your favorite spaghetti sauce is $2.99 one week and then
the very next week you see it's "on sale" for $2.49?
Do you buy it at that price? I USE to. But… Hold on there! That's the phantom sales price. (Years ago, most sales prices always ended in 5's and 9's, but in the '90s, most store buyers went to another price structure--multiples--which will be explained later). When you see the price drop that 50 cents that is the phantom sales price. But the store knows that a certain # of people will fall for that ploy and buy it because they think they are saving money. Patience is the name of the grocery game and you can save big bucks IF you get to know the flow of sales cycles.
Come in another time, (a few weeks later) and that $2.99 jar of spaghetti sauce is no longer $2.49, but is now at $1.99. That is the new lower phantom sales price… but it's not time to buy yet. Wait longer (usually in the 10th-12th week) and it will probably hit the rock-bottom price of 2/$3 or even 10/$10 or .99. That rock-bottom price is the one you want to wait for.
When it hits that rock-bottom price, IF you have a mfr. coupon, that is the time to use that coupon. Manufacturer coupons are the best thing going. It's free money! Usually the expiration dates have a window of 8-12 weeks and that gives you plenty of time to wait out the sales cycle. When the price hits rock-bottom, add the coupons (if possible) and stock up. If your store doubles or triples coupons (mine don't), so much the better. But you will understand by using the sales cycle, adding coupons when rock-bottoms hit, you can slash your grocery budget. You can start slow, but every time you reach for an item you have stockpiled at home you save money by not hopping in your car (less gas) and buying that item at the regular price or phantom price the store is hoping you will buy it at.
I use to go to one store twice/week and buy ONLY what was on my list. I thought that was the way to save money. It wasn't. My pantry, 'fridge and freezer were near empty at the end of every week. Then I would go back to the store and shop again, but my cycle of no food by week's end continued. It was like living paycheck-to-paycheck in groocery land.
When I realized how much I was spending, and was hearing how others were feeding families larger than mine on half as much, I knew I had to change and I've became groceryhound ever since. I’m still learning the cycles. It really helps to create a price book to refer back to. Have you started yours yet?
Have you ever wondered why your favorite spaghetti sauce is $2.99 one week and then
the very next week you see it's "on sale" for $2.49?
Do you buy it at that price? I USE to. But… Hold on there! That's the phantom sales price. (Years ago, most sales prices always ended in 5's and 9's, but in the '90s, most store buyers went to another price structure--multiples--which will be explained later). When you see the price drop that 50 cents that is the phantom sales price. But the store knows that a certain # of people will fall for that ploy and buy it because they think they are saving money. Patience is the name of the grocery game and you can save big bucks IF you get to know the flow of sales cycles.
Come in another time, (a few weeks later) and that $2.99 jar of spaghetti sauce is no longer $2.49, but is now at $1.99. That is the new lower phantom sales price… but it's not time to buy yet. Wait longer (usually in the 10th-12th week) and it will probably hit the rock-bottom price of 2/$3 or even 10/$10 or .99. That rock-bottom price is the one you want to wait for.
When it hits that rock-bottom price, IF you have a mfr. coupon, that is the time to use that coupon. Manufacturer coupons are the best thing going. It's free money! Usually the expiration dates have a window of 8-12 weeks and that gives you plenty of time to wait out the sales cycle. When the price hits rock-bottom, add the coupons (if possible) and stock up. If your store doubles or triples coupons (mine don't), so much the better. But you will understand by using the sales cycle, adding coupons when rock-bottoms hit, you can slash your grocery budget. You can start slow, but every time you reach for an item you have stockpiled at home you save money by not hopping in your car (less gas) and buying that item at the regular price or phantom price the store is hoping you will buy it at.
I use to go to one store twice/week and buy ONLY what was on my list. I thought that was the way to save money. It wasn't. My pantry, 'fridge and freezer were near empty at the end of every week. Then I would go back to the store and shop again, but my cycle of no food by week's end continued. It was like living paycheck-to-paycheck in groocery land.
When I realized how much I was spending, and was hearing how others were feeding families larger than mine on half as much, I knew I had to change and I've became groceryhound ever since. I’m still learning the cycles. It really helps to create a price book to refer back to. Have you started yours yet?
1/22/08
My Frugal May Not Be The Same As Yours
A lot of you know there are different reasons for being frugal. Some of us have to be, others don’t necessarily have to be but do so by choice, maybe because at one time they had to be, maybe because they enjoy it, whatever the reason is.
At this point in my life, I have to be. Although there have been times where I really didn’t have to be, but did so, because I don’t like shelling out top dollar when I can use different strategies to purchase things/food much cheaper.
Which brings me to one area in particular. Clothing. I am pretty good at shopping frugally in all areas but clothing. My mother is much better at finding clothing at thrift stores than I. I continue to try.
I had mentioned to a co-worker that I would like to have a couple pairs of lined pants/jeans. I also mentioned it to my mother. Mother told me she had a pair my aunt had sent to her for me, to stop by and get them. The pants fit good enough for where I work, at a trash facility. They were a little big, not bad, and a little shorter than what I normally where my pants, but like I said, I work at a trash facility and it’s cold in the office. We rarely come in contact with the public, so it’s me and my co-workers. I wore the pants to work today.
My co-worker that I mentioned that I would like to have some of these pants came in this morning and laid a catalog on my desk. She stated it had the jeans I wanted in it for $25. I told her my aunt had sent me a pair. Her response was “They’re not long enough or heavy are they? Those in the catalog are a really good buy, they are half off.”
Her statement irritated me.
True, the pants are a good price out of the catalog, but they still are not within my budget. She also considers herself a frugal person and does shop thrift stores and such.
But, not everyone’s idea of frugal is the same. Hers is since the pants are half off, that’s frugal enough for her. But they are not frugal enough for me.
At this point in my life, I have to be. Although there have been times where I really didn’t have to be, but did so, because I don’t like shelling out top dollar when I can use different strategies to purchase things/food much cheaper.
Which brings me to one area in particular. Clothing. I am pretty good at shopping frugally in all areas but clothing. My mother is much better at finding clothing at thrift stores than I. I continue to try.
I had mentioned to a co-worker that I would like to have a couple pairs of lined pants/jeans. I also mentioned it to my mother. Mother told me she had a pair my aunt had sent to her for me, to stop by and get them. The pants fit good enough for where I work, at a trash facility. They were a little big, not bad, and a little shorter than what I normally where my pants, but like I said, I work at a trash facility and it’s cold in the office. We rarely come in contact with the public, so it’s me and my co-workers. I wore the pants to work today.
My co-worker that I mentioned that I would like to have some of these pants came in this morning and laid a catalog on my desk. She stated it had the jeans I wanted in it for $25. I told her my aunt had sent me a pair. Her response was “They’re not long enough or heavy are they? Those in the catalog are a really good buy, they are half off.”
Her statement irritated me.
True, the pants are a good price out of the catalog, but they still are not within my budget. She also considers herself a frugal person and does shop thrift stores and such.
But, not everyone’s idea of frugal is the same. Hers is since the pants are half off, that’s frugal enough for her. But they are not frugal enough for me.
1/2/08
Faux Pam Spray
This faux Pam Spray Pan Release is better than Pam Spray, more eco-friendly (no can to dispose of and no fumes), and frugal.
I like the clean up, this will not leave burnt on black residue on the edges of your pans. The shelf life is great, it will keep forever in your cupboard.
When baking recipes using chocolate you may use 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder in place of white flour or 1/4 cup each cocoa powder and flour.
Yield: 1 1/2 cups
1/2 cup corn oil or canola oil or vegetable oil
1/2 cup vegetable shortening, room temperature (Crisco shortening is good)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Using an electric mixer beat until mixture has multiplied in volume, and resembles marshmallow cream.
Place in a storage container, and store on the counter, or in a cupboard.
In hot weather, it may be refrigerated, but remember to take it out of the fridge, as it should be room temperature for best results.
The mixture tends to separate slightly upon sitting so mix before using, then brush pans using a pastry brush or a clean paper towel.
I like the clean up, this will not leave burnt on black residue on the edges of your pans. The shelf life is great, it will keep forever in your cupboard.
When baking recipes using chocolate you may use 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder in place of white flour or 1/4 cup each cocoa powder and flour.
Yield: 1 1/2 cups
1/2 cup corn oil or canola oil or vegetable oil
1/2 cup vegetable shortening, room temperature (Crisco shortening is good)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Using an electric mixer beat until mixture has multiplied in volume, and resembles marshmallow cream.
Place in a storage container, and store on the counter, or in a cupboard.
In hot weather, it may be refrigerated, but remember to take it out of the fridge, as it should be room temperature for best results.
The mixture tends to separate slightly upon sitting so mix before using, then brush pans using a pastry brush or a clean paper towel.
12/29/07
Quick Easy Frugal Baked Ziti
For me, this recipe has it ALL. It's quick, easy and frugal. What more could you ask for?
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 jar water
1 lb pasta (rotini, penne, ziti, elbows, shells)
8 oz shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, mexican, mont. jack)
Mix sauce, water, and uncooked pasta in 9x13 pan. Cover with foil and bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes (depends upon type of pasta used). Remove cover, stir, top with cheese, and bake until cheese is melted.
Serve with garlic toast and a salad.
Variations: add mushrooms, eggplant, zuccini, or any other vegetable you need to sneak in on your kids. It doesnt take much. Meat can also be added. 1 lb of ground beef, italian sweet pork sausage, ground turkey or 2 cups cooked chicken.
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 jar water
1 lb pasta (rotini, penne, ziti, elbows, shells)
8 oz shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, mexican, mont. jack)
Mix sauce, water, and uncooked pasta in 9x13 pan. Cover with foil and bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes (depends upon type of pasta used). Remove cover, stir, top with cheese, and bake until cheese is melted.
Serve with garlic toast and a salad.
Variations: add mushrooms, eggplant, zuccini, or any other vegetable you need to sneak in on your kids. It doesnt take much. Meat can also be added. 1 lb of ground beef, italian sweet pork sausage, ground turkey or 2 cups cooked chicken.
12/21/07
Do You Pick Up Pennies?
See a penny, pick it up.
I am amazed at the amount of people who blog about the money, in particularly the pennies they find. I am also amazed at the amount of people who intentionally throw away all their change up to a quarter.
I have a change jar, mainly pennies, and have had for years. I have used the money in it for various reasons. It has helped me out several times when in a pinch and money was tight. I havent had to use it for quite some time and I think I will count it at the end of the year and start tracking how much I add/find in 2008.
Do you save change? Do you pick up a penny if you see one on the street, in a store, etc? Do you have a change jar? What do you do with your money in the jar and how often?
12/16/07
How Classic Games Have Changed
Growing up my sisters and I usually always got one new game for Christmas.
I'm not talking about a new game system or video game for one. I'm talking about a board game that takes interaction with other people. Monopoly, Scrabble, Yahtzee, Battleship, and Clue to name a few. My family also loved to play cards. Rook, Uno, and later we bought from our school fund raiser a card game nobody had ever heard of...Skip Bo. After several years of Skip Bo only being available through fund raisers it was bought and marketed out in the big discount stores. The last couple of years a new favorite has been Mexican train dominoes.
It amazes me how these classic games have evolved and increased in price. You have electronic Monopoly, Battleship, Uno, and Yahtzee.
I like to stick to the more basic, non-electronic versions when buying for my boys.
The game bought this year is...
It comes in a compact case. I'm hoping it will be a good down to earth game my husband, son and I can play together on the cold bleary days ahead of us. The price was reasonable and frugal compared to other games too. $9.99
12/13/07
Frugal Christmas Recipes
Chocolate Cookie Bark....
1 pkg semi sweet baking chocolate
1 pkg white baking chocolate
2 Tbsp peanut butter
10 Oreo's
Place chocoalte and white chocolate is seperate microwaveable bowls. Microwave until completely melted, following directions on package. Add peanut butter to white chocolate; stir until well blended. Crumble half of the cookies over chocolate in each bowl; mix well.
Drop spoonfuls of chocolate mixture onto wax paper covered cookie sheet, alternating the colors of chocolates. Cut through the chocolate mixtures several times with a knife for marble effect.
Refigerate at least 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces. Store in air tight container in refrigerator.
from Carol at Frugal Finds From Your Frugal Friend
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls
(from cooks.com)
16 oz. peanut butter
1 lb. confectioners sugar
1 c. butter
1 (12 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
In mixer beat peanut butter, sugar, and butter until well blended ans smooth. Roll mixture into 1 inch balls. Place on a baking sheet and chill 20 minutes. Carefully melt chocolate in saucepan. Using a skewer, dip balls into chocolate to cover. Set on waxed paper lined try until hardened. Store in refrigerator
from Amity at Home Basics
1 pkg semi sweet baking chocolate
1 pkg white baking chocolate
2 Tbsp peanut butter
10 Oreo's
Place chocoalte and white chocolate is seperate microwaveable bowls. Microwave until completely melted, following directions on package. Add peanut butter to white chocolate; stir until well blended. Crumble half of the cookies over chocolate in each bowl; mix well.
Drop spoonfuls of chocolate mixture onto wax paper covered cookie sheet, alternating the colors of chocolates. Cut through the chocolate mixtures several times with a knife for marble effect.
Refigerate at least 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces. Store in air tight container in refrigerator.
from Carol at Frugal Finds From Your Frugal Friend
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls
(from cooks.com)
16 oz. peanut butter
1 lb. confectioners sugar
1 c. butter
1 (12 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
In mixer beat peanut butter, sugar, and butter until well blended ans smooth. Roll mixture into 1 inch balls. Place on a baking sheet and chill 20 minutes. Carefully melt chocolate in saucepan. Using a skewer, dip balls into chocolate to cover. Set on waxed paper lined try until hardened. Store in refrigerator
from Amity at Home Basics
12/10/07
Learning to Live More Frugally
Living life frugally means many different things to everyone. There are many ways to be frugal.
I am always on the look out for new ways to be more frugal. I found a new site today that looks promising in helping me to cut back my shopping expenses.
couponmom.com
The registration was quick and easy. After entering your personal information there are about a half a dozen pages of other offers, if you arent interested just click SKIP at the bottom of the page.
They dont just offer coupons. The big thing I wanted to check out is the alerts you can sign up for telling you what will be on sale the upcoming week.
Make sure you download CouponMom's free ebook. It explains the cycle supermarkets put everything on sale. This concept I've heard of before but had forgotten.
I understand using coupons isnt the only way to be frugal. I used to use them quite often. I think I will incorporate into my way of living again.
If any of you have found any special deals at the big box stores, let me know.
I am always on the look out for new ways to be more frugal. I found a new site today that looks promising in helping me to cut back my shopping expenses.
couponmom.com
The registration was quick and easy. After entering your personal information there are about a half a dozen pages of other offers, if you arent interested just click SKIP at the bottom of the page.
They dont just offer coupons. The big thing I wanted to check out is the alerts you can sign up for telling you what will be on sale the upcoming week.
Make sure you download CouponMom's free ebook. It explains the cycle supermarkets put everything on sale. This concept I've heard of before but had forgotten.
I understand using coupons isnt the only way to be frugal. I used to use them quite often. I think I will incorporate into my way of living again.
If any of you have found any special deals at the big box stores, let me know.
12/8/07
Frugal Christmas Shopping
My extended family decided last year that this year we would exchange gifts that were either hand-made or second hand items.
Last night I went shopping to a favorite thrift store. Here are a couple of frugal buys!
Dance Mania Mat- Regular Price $19.99. My thrift store $4.95, All kids stuff on Friday is 50% off, so I paid $2.47!
My husband was skeptical that it would work. The thrift store I went to always checks all electronics before putting them out on the shelf. I was confident it would work. It looked brand new! I brought it home, plugged it in and played a game of pinball on it before wrapping it up and putting it under the tree for my 10yr son.
Golf Putting Hole- Regular $29.95. Thrift store price $7.99. It too was brand new.
It's also wrapped and under the tree for my son.
Two items that retail for a total of $50.00 cost me $10.50!
Last night I went shopping to a favorite thrift store. Here are a couple of frugal buys!
Dance Mania Mat- Regular Price $19.99. My thrift store $4.95, All kids stuff on Friday is 50% off, so I paid $2.47!
My husband was skeptical that it would work. The thrift store I went to always checks all electronics before putting them out on the shelf. I was confident it would work. It looked brand new! I brought it home, plugged it in and played a game of pinball on it before wrapping it up and putting it under the tree for my 10yr son.
Golf Putting Hole- Regular $29.95. Thrift store price $7.99. It too was brand new.
It's also wrapped and under the tree for my son.
Two items that retail for a total of $50.00 cost me $10.50!
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