photo by thesoftlanding DEAR SARA: What do you use to clean the kids’ bath toys? Recently, I noticed that the bath toys had residue on them from shampoo and bubble bath. They almost feel kind of greasy when wet. What have you found that cleans them quickly and efficiently? — Kelly, Canada DEAR KELLY: I [...]
photo by evelynishere Shoeboxes are great little organizing solutions. They stack well, come in a variety of sizes, are sturdy and are easy to label. You can reuse them to hold household items such as mail, first-aid materials, CDs, coupons, odd small toys, school and office supplies, photos, socks or as gift boxes. How have [...]
photo by aldon Easter is almost here, and many parents put together Easter baskets for their kids. You might reuse the basket each year, place goodies in a different reusable container such as a tote, sand pail, shoebox or clay pot, or find alternatives to candy to fill it. But what about Easter grass? Are [...]
You can cut your spending and save money. But if you’re in a relationship and only one of you is frugal, you have a new set of challenges to face. Often, one partner is resistant because he or she doesn’t want to feel restricted, deprived or treated like a child. In order to live more [...]
photo by lindspetrol Gelatin is a tasty ingredient to add to desserts. It’s cheap and comes in a wide variety of flavors and colors that make it festive for any occasion. Everyone should have at least one gelatin recipe that’s a hit with family and friends. Gelatin Milkshake 1 cup milk 1 package (4-serving size) [...]
photo by suavehouse113 DEAR SARA: I had to buy fresh parsley for a sauce I recently made. I have a bunch left over. Can I chop it and freeze it? — Lisa, Georgia DEAR LISA: Yes, you can freeze parsley. Chop the parsley and place it into an ice cube tray. Top each ice cube [...]
photo by flavous It’s easy to use too much of items that are in squeeze bottles. One way to combat over-usage is to put liquids such as shampoo, dish liquid, hand soap or condiments into pump dispensers. This will distribute a pre-measured amount each time you use it. The first reader tip shares a way [...]
photo by starmist1 This year can be your year. Change can start today. If you buckle down now, you’ll see progress by year’s end. Don’t simply have the best of intentions. It takes effort to reach your goals, so get moving and work little-by-little because nothing changes if nothing changes. There’s always room for improvement [...]
photo by Jenny Downing Dining out is costly. It tends to be the weak area in a family budget. Curbing over-processed or fast food and eating out at restaurants has become easier for a lot of people, but for some people, nothing seems to work. If you continue to eat out frequently and tend to [...]
photo by alibree No-bake recipes are quick and easy. Their simplicity makes them ideal for kids to create (very little wait time) or on days you’re in a hurry or don’t feel like turning on the oven. Best of all, there’s minimal cleanup. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter 2 cups sugar [...]
photo by aspaonline DEAR SARA: We used to have a hot-air popcorn maker back in the day, and its long since been history. Now I’m looking around for hot-air popcorn makers, and they’re kind of overpriced, around $50. I’m trying to make popcorn without the oils/butter, etc. Some of the reviews I’ve read have said [...]
photo by hlkljgk Frozen bananas are a tasty treat. Dip a whole frozen banana on a stick or frozen chopped banana into melted chocolate, then roll it into toppings such as sprinkles, crushed cookies or nuts or shredded coconut. You can use frozen bananas in smoothies, added to a bowl and topped with yogurt and [...]
photo by Nick Bramhall It’s time for a frugal year in review. Financial gurus always encourage you to pay yourself first. This is important. All of the debt-reducing, money-saving strategies and ways to increase your income won’t mean much if you don’t take care of yourself first. When you reflect upon the past year, what’s [...]
Are you preserving your garden harvest? Maybe you’ve already “put up” dozens of jars this year. Whether you’re looking to add to your canning supplies or are just starting out, now is a good time to buy them. Check garage sales, thrift stores and clearance shelves at your local discount and grocery stores. Remember to [...]
photo by zorilla Frugality and decluttering can sometimes conflict. You don’t want to save everything, but you don’t want to toss a useful item that can be reused or be left without anything when something breaks. You might want a spare item for work, the car, when you travel or if something is lost, too. [...]
DEAR SARA: I went into a local salon this evening to donate 12 inches of my hair. When I was talking to my mom, she told me that when my sister donated her hair, they didn’t charge her for the haircut. I’m mad that I was charged. Is this normal? I’d do it again in [...]
Frugal families often buy items that can multi-task. For example, you can use a blender to make butter, mayonnaise, frosting, peanut butter or barbecue sauce (for recipes visit www.frugalvillage.com/2008/05/29/blend-with-the-times) or use your waffle iron to make brownies or cornbread. The first two reader tips share more ways to use your George Foreman grill: USES FOR [...]
