Epsom salt brings thoughts of a relaxing bath. You might pour it directly into your bath water or incorporate it into homemade bath salts or bath bombs. It can be used for more than just soothing aching muscles. How have you used Epsom salt? The Epsom salt council (www.epsomsaltcouncil.org ) shares various suggested tips for [...]
D EAR SARA: In a recent newspaper article, a lady inquired about dry-pack canning. How long will flour keep using this method? Also, will this method prevent weevils from hatching out in flour, as they sometimes do? Does it matter if it is bleached or unbleached flour? Thank you. — Jim Smith, email DEAR JIM: [...]
When your pantry is low on supplies, it’s time to get creative. If you’re down to a box of lasagna noodles and don’t have any other type of pasta, don’t despair. They have uses other than to make lasagna. These tips will work if you have leftover cooked lasagna noodles, too. You can break them [...]
Frugal strategies can cost you. They don’t always work equally as well for everyone. It’s easy to justify buying or doing things when you believe it’s going to help you to save money later. You can fall into a trap and make poor decisions all in the name of frugality. Frugality isn’t an all-or-nothing lifestyle. [...]
D EAR SARA: I read your article on cornstarch and have a question. Will this work on blood that has been washed (but not washed out) and then run through the clothes dryer? If not do you have another suggestion? Thanks for your help. — Earl A., email DEAR EARL: No, this won’t work on [...]
Personal care and beauty products can help you look and feel your best. But their cost can make them one of the first things to be cut when living on a budget. Instead of sacrificing completely, you can make every dollar count by seeking out lower-cost options. For example, you can make your own home [...]
Rubbing alcohol is often shoved into the back of the cabinet. It usually gets pulled out as a first-aid item to prevent infection from minor cuts and scrapes. It’s time to move it toward the front of the shelf. It’s considered a frugal household staple because it’s cheap to buy and has multiple uses. How [...]
D EAR SARA: I read your column and was going over your dog cookie recipe, and I was wondering if the 1 egg and 1 tablespoon milk go into the cookie mix, with an additional 1 egg and 1 tablespoon milk for the wash before baking. It is not spelled out in the recipe. Thank [...]
Shower-curtain liners are fairly cheap. They can be washed and last quite a while before needing to be replaced. When ready to replace it, you can look into buying a cloth/fabric curtain that repels water and eliminate the need for a vinyl liner. You can reuse your old liner, too. Visit www.frugalvillage.com/2009/10/31/four-ways-to-reuse-an-old-shower-curtain/ for some ideas [...]
Frugal consumers are big fans of multipurpose products. Baking soda and vinegar top the list of thrifty household staples. I’ve shared tips for many other versatile products, such as baby oil, witch hazel, cornstarch, Borax, dryer sheets, and Fels-naptha, to name a few. Sometimes specific brands have more flexibility to perform a variety of tasks. [...]
D EAR SARA: I got some Berber carpet a few months ago. A jar of homemade pickles broke on it, and I can’t get the stain out. I have tried Resolve and dish soap. The pickles were made from cucumbers, green peppers, onions, white vinegar, sugar and celery seeds. They didn’t contain any oil. I [...]
Vintage items can be repurposed in your home. Old wooden highchairs, ladders or ironing boards can hold books. Old double kitchen sinks can become raised beds in your garden. Collectible tumblers and vases can hold a variety of items such as tooth, hair or paintbrushes, combs or pens. Vintage long and low ceramic planters can [...]
photo by ktylerconk You don’t have to sacrifice happiness if you’re frugal. Small pick-me-ups or indulgences can help you maintain your frugality without completely blowing your budget. You simply need to redefine luxuries. If you think about it, there are plenty of enjoyable low-cost splurges. Some can be impulsive, and others can be worked into [...]
photo by erin.kkr Pasta is a frugal staple. It’s economical and easy to prepare, and its versatility makes it a budget-friendly favorite. You can serve it hot or cold, make a meal for one or a big crowd, and dress it up for an elegant meal or toss together as a casual dish. Plus, there [...]
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. [...]
D ear Sara: How do you store your baking pans and cookie sheets? — Karen, Texas Dear Karen: I have a double wall oven with a deep drawer underneath it. I place some in there and I keep others in the lower oven that I don’t use daily. If you don’t have a deep drawer, [...]
photo by Darwin Bell Ever get onion smell on your hands when cooking? I always seem to forget little tips to remedy this. The first tip reminded me that you can use a stainless-steel knife or spoon, or used coffee grounds. I’ve been receiving a lot of requests for homemade gifts, so I have three [...]
