photo by pretty in print Frugal living takes discipline, and long-term consistency matters. You have to reward yourself from time to time or you’ll feel frustrated and discouraged. These emotions can sabotage your efforts, undermine your goals and make you want to give up. Avoid comparing yourself to others, too. If you constantly focus on [...]
photo by mykl roventine No television. Does it seem possible? Many people are downgrading their TV channel packages or completely terminating TV services. Sure, there are options, such as watching shows on Hulu or renting from Netflix or Redbox. But what about temporarily or permanently cutting out all TV viewing? How did we ever get [...]
photo by little blue hen Lemons are available year-round but peak from April through July. That’s right about the time you look forward to enjoying the refreshingly tart taste in a variety of dishes and beverages. When selecting lemons, avoid any that are under-ripe and green. It should feel firm to the touch, have a [...]
photo by hapal DEAR SARA: Do you have creative ways to decorate with dead roses? I hope that didn’t sound morbid. I’ve put them across my china cabinet before, and it looked pretty cool until the cats got bored. My husband got me a dozen for our anniversary, and I was thinking of creative ways [...]
photo by tuchodi Coffee filters can be used for more than simply brewing coffee. If you’ve recently switched to a reusable filter or are low on paper towels, paper filters can be used for many of the same purposes as paper towels. The first tip shares one alternative use. REUSE COFFEE FILTERS: I use them [...]
photo by house of sims Frugal people cook from scratch frequently. But there are some recipes they’re not willing to make themselves regularly. If you have time constraints or don’t have health restrictions, then there’s increased value placed on ready-made and convenience foods. Homemade isn’t always cheaper, but it’s a surefire way to control ingredients, [...]
This contest giveaway is sponsored by BISSELL Homecare, Inc. Contest ends May 7 11:59pm
photo by lovelihood Replacing items is pricy. Smart shoppers will buy secondhand merchandise as a backup. When it breaks, you don’t have to run out to replace anything right away. This gives you time to save money and pay cash versus credit, research products and find it at the best price. But if you’re frugal, [...]
Rhubarb is an old-fashioned favorite. It gives and gives. The leaves are toxic, but the stalks lend themselves well to desserts. It can be chopped and frozen in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic and stored in the refrigerator crisper drawer. Enjoy the first fruit of the season with the following recipes. Easy Rhubarb [...]
photo by Andres Rueda DEAR SARA: If you were going to make a sewing kit, what items would you add into it? I do not have a sewing kit. I have one roll of black sewing thread and probably two needles. I went to sew a hole in my sock yesterday and could not find [...]
photo by starmama Cones are a practical, edible and portable container to hold snacks for kids. You can pour snacks such as trail mix, goldfish or animal crackers, dried fruit, mini marshmallows, popcorn or pretzels into a waffle or sugar cone. Or. when you make Rice Krispies treats, mold individual portions into cones to prevent [...]
photo by asha susan Frugal living is different for everyone. It’s interesting to know what starts people on the frugal path. Some people stumble onto frugality by accident, have had a specific experience, such as unemployment, that pushed them into frugality, or were born with a natural tendency to waste less. If you live a [...]
photo by unk’s dumptruck Finding a job can be tough. If you’ve been laid off, are looking for a part-time primary or second job, or are returning to the workforce after being a stay-at-home parent, it can feel as if there aren’t any jobs out there. One thing to consider is that many jobs don’t [...]
photo by tokyofoodcast My husband gave me a garlic press, and I don’t know how I went without one for so long. What was I thinking? I’ll tell you what I was thinking: I didn’t need it. Some purchases are investments in ourselves, such as items that offer comfort, knowledge, more time and sometimes just [...]
photo by ingamun DEAR SARA: I cleaned out my basement and have a lot of baby gear to sell. I want to sell this stuff quickly, so I will price it pretty low, but I’d still like to get about $100. Should I list the items together as a large “lot” or separately? — Diana [...]
DEAR SARA: What essential oils do you use in homemade laundry soap? I have sweet orange and tea tree. I don’t want to smell like tea tree, and I am afraid sweet orange might stain the clothes or cause allergy. What kind of oils do you use? — Leigh, Florida DEAR LEIGH: When I make [...]
Leftover liquid whey from making yogurt or cheese can be added to recipes for extra protein. You can use it to soak beans or cook rice or in place of water for pizza dough, biscuits and oatmeal. The first reader tip suggests a few more ways to use it. WHEY BETTER: The recipe for yogurt [...]
