photo by startcookingkathy DEAR SARA: I make bread in my bread machine frequently, but I can’t slice it thin enough to use as sandwich bread. I guess I just don’t know how to slice bread. Thanks for any help. — Tiffany, e-mail DEAR TIFFANY: I used an electric knife until I bought a decent serrated [...]
photo by bcmom I’ll admit, I haven’t tried reusing dryer lint, so the first tip is on my must-try list. I hope there’s a new frugal tip for you, too. Article continues below ↓ advertisement | your ad here DRYER-LINT FIRE STARTER: I stuff my dryer lint into an empty toilet-paper cardboard tube. I melt [...]
photo by hownowdesign I grew up in a thrifty home but didn’t know it for years. As I learned more about frugality, I realized how smart my family was about making every penny count, even when they didn’t have to. I remember wearing plastic white-bread bags over my socks and inside my boots during the [...]
photo by powerbooktrance A relationship needs glue to make the long haul. Bickering over household chores or being resentful over the little things can make us forget why we got into it in the first place. Apart from the unforgivable, many people simply need time to reconnect. Shared love is an investment. And much like [...]
Have you ever had bits of potato chips, cereal or pretzels left over after a night of munching? Maybe the chips have been pulverized into crumbs or are partially stale, or there isn’t enough cereal for a full serving. There’s no need to toss the foods or feed them to the birds. Put them to [...]
photo by jurvetson DEAR SARA: I need an idea for cheap spring party gifts for my daughter’s classroom friends. There are 28 kids in the class, and they are in kindergarten. I want to send in something different from the standard homemade cupcakes. I’m looking for something more fun. Ideas? How can I keep it [...]
photo by Abri Beluga Frugal living can be a way to reach a financial goal, but it’s also a way to make it through a rough patch. It offers you a way to prepare, conserve resources and survive. The following reader tips can help you plan for tough times.
photo by jasonjt The three R’s are in order — reduce, reuse and recycle. First, be aware of the products you bring into your home. Reduce waste by using and buying less and by choosing products that have less packaging. Buy larger containers versus single-serve containers, for example, or refuse to buy products sold with [...]
photo by kb35 Anyone who shares a home with someone else knows there are some things you simply do differently. One person puts the toilet paper over and the other under; one person turns the thermostat down and the other wants it warmer. These little things can drive you batty because you just know there’s [...]
photo by tanakawho Frugality is often about the little things. Even if you think you don’t have time to focus on details, minimal effort can have a big impact. Maybe you always meant to make those heart-shaped pancakes or bake a spectacular pie, but you got too busy. It can be discouraging to think about [...]
photo by darinhercules DEAR SARA: I read a tip that suggested strapping your purse’s handle into the shopping cart (the infant belt) when shopping. The idea is that women wouldn’t get their purses stolen. I thought this was a good idea. What do you think? — Sandi, Utah
photo by jspatchwork I’ve read, shared and used a lot of frugal tips through the years. Sometimes I read a new frugal tip from a reader and wonder why I didn’t think of it — like the tip below for sewing a simple picnic blanket. I can’t wait to make it. A special thanks to [...]
photo by aldinegirl12 DEAR SARA: One of the local stores is running a special this week on cereal, snack mixes and a couple of other things. The deal is really good — 10 for $20, with an instant $10 savings coupon. It works out to $1 a box. My boyfriend said it wouldn’t do any [...]
photo by Didts Move over, meatloaf. For a change, you can make these budget-friendly ground-beef meals. Some people stretch their ground beef by adding rice, breadcrumbs, ground turkey, textured vegetable protein (TVP), oats or beans. You can mix in grated vegetables such as potatoes, carrots or zucchini, too. Enjoy! Hamburger Calzones 1/2 pound ground beef [...]
Cornstarch is a frugal household staple. It’s primarily used as a thickener when baking and cooking (think: sauces, stews, gravies and casseroles). But much like baking soda and vinegar, it’s a versatile product that can be used daily around your home. How have you used it? Here are a few handy reasons to keep some [...]
D ear Sara: I spilled some acrylic paint on my carpet while doing a craft. (I had put newspaper down, but I dropped the bottle when I went to put the cap on.) How do I get it off? The carpet is less than a year old! — Dianne, Florida Dear Dianne: First, try a [...]
After a bath or a shower, it’s refreshing to pull open your dresser drawers or closet doors and enjoy the fragrance of scented liners, sachet envelopes, cedar blocks or candle tarts. Problem is, all of these luxury solutions tend to be costly. Why spend more when you can add scents to your home for less?
