DEAR SARA: Do you have a recipe that includes jelly beans as an ingredient? I have a half-quart of these things, and rather than eat them mindlessly, I’d like to do something creative. Thanks for any advice. — Kellie V., Arkansas DEAR KELLIE: They are good on top of frosted cakes, cupcakes (can arrange 5 [...]
photo by miheco Homemade toys can be made from the simplest materials. The first tip is a wonderful way to recycle milk cartons. Kids can decorate them with printed pictures, stickers, crayons, etc. While you’re being creative and crafty, reuse any oatmeal containers, shoe boxes or paper-towel tubes you have for this fun project. When [...]
photo by Janet Dancer Parties can be expensive. One way to combat the high cost is to have a frugality party. Typically, when you entertain, you might not consider recycling or creating less waste. These aren’t simply parties on the cheap. Frugality parties are environmentally friendly, too. One reader, Sarah in Illinois, shares: “I got [...]
Reuse it instead of throwing it away. You hear this often, but you don’t want to save too many containers and create clutter. This is why it’s important to reduce the amount of packaging you buy in the first place. You pay more for items with excessive packaging, and you create more waste.
photo by Lisa MN Many convenience foods are timesavers and often cheaper than their homemade counterparts. While many people rely on packaged foods, frugal folks know how to make their own. Some of the top convenience foods include condiments, cream-of-mushroom soup, syrup and box-mix brownies. The homemade versions can’t be beat in a taste test, [...]
photo by rizcapb One-dish meals are comfort foods, and they’ve had a makeover since retro tuna-noodle surprise. But they’re still basic enough to incorporate your favorite foods, such as melted cheese, meat, starch and vegetables. The best part is that everything you need is probably already in your kitchen. You should include a few casserole [...]
photo by cheeseroc DEAR SARA: I’d like to know what can I do to remove the perspiration smell out of clothes. Even after washing T-shirts, they still smell in the underarm area. Any way to remove the yellowness from there, too? Our family has like-new T-shirts that are already ruined. I hate to keep buying [...]
photo by Al Pavangkanan Sometimes, sales are so great you want to stock up. But you hate to wipe out the store shelves. The first tip is one solution. You can’t pick and choose exact amounts, but you can buy a lot at one time. I visited the Web site in the first tip and [...]
Frugal living seems filled with sacrifices. You can feel as if you’re alone and swimming against the current. It can be tough to convince your family to waste less and spend wisely to reach your goals if they view frugality as deprivation. It’s often through your cheerful frugality that others will follow suit. While showing the numbers — a decreased utility bill or shopping receipt — works well, sometimes more subtle proof that your frugality is working can get your point across, too. They’ll come around in time.
photo by blueyeda73 Doom-and-gloom stories are everywhere. At every turn, we’re hearing about unemployment, foreclosures, bailouts, crime and violence or the recession. It’s frustrating, depressing and downright annoying. You’re busier than ever, too. It’s important to be informed, but no one wants to become Chicken Little and it’s tough to unwind after a long day. [...]
photo by blair christensen DEAR SARA: I melted a plastic spoon onto a hard, anodized fry pan. Before I noticed it was melted, I kind of swirled it around the pan, leaving several streaks of it on the bottom. Is there a way to clean it off, or should I just toss it? It’s a [...]
photo by calmenda If you hate climbing into a cold bed, you’ll like the first tip. It’s a great alternative to an electric blanket or a Snuggie. The only problem is that you’ll want more than one set. I recommend you do research before buying. They vary considerably in quality brand to brand. If your [...]
photo by Shyald What is frugality? According to dictionary.com, it’s being economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or sparing; not wasteful. But it means something different to each person. For years, it has been synonymous with being a cheapskate or miserly or a temporary wagon to jump onto because of a setback or the [...]
photo by Robert Banh Many fruits and vegetables are available all year. But you can buy seasonal produce to save money and for the best taste. Here’s a handy guide to check the seasonal availability of produce in your area: http://www.fieldtoplate.com/guide.php. March is a good time to buy broccoli and cabbage cheaply. When selecting broccoli, [...]
photo by mwri High food prices have more people planting produce gardens. Many have decided to skip adding their usual annuals and perennials to save on costs. Instead, some people are planting fruit-bearing shrubs and trees, or they’re buying from U-pick farms, roadside stands or local farmer’s markets. Early in the growing season, rhubarb, blueberry [...]
DEAR SARA: I have many small bottles of hair conditioner, and I am sure they could be good for something. Since I do not use them on my hair, I would like to know how you suggest I should use them. — Myria, Florida DEAR MYRIA: They can make nice stocking stuffers or gift-basket add-ins. [...]
DEAR SARA: I read an article, and it discussed “shampoo bars.” What is this? — Christine B., e-mail DEAR CHRISTINE: It’s shampoo in bar form instead of liquid. Many people who make soaps make shampoo bars, too. They consist of natural ingredients — typically, glycerin, essential oils, fruit extracts and a vegetable protein. I recommend [...]
