Wallpaper and borders can be bought cheaply. You can find some that are samples, remnants or discontinued and on clearance. You might come across some at garage sales or thrift stores, too. These are perfect to complete a small room project, but you can put them to use in other creative ways. How have you [...]
D ear Sara: I want to make a large batch of pizza dough and freeze it for later. Would I fully bake the dough, then freeze it? Or would I just flash freeze the dough? — S.C., Ohio Dear S.C.: You can freeze homemade pizza. You can freeze it cooked or uncooked. If it’s uncooked, [...]
Frugal people sometimes get teased for reusing items. For example, you might save aluminum foil to reuse later. While some may find that idea silly, frugal people know there are plenty of ways to put foil to good use. How have you reused aluminum foil? Here are a few suggestions. DRYER BALLS: Wad foil into [...]
D EAR SARA: I had a longterm house guest, who was an abundant user of hairspray. When she moved out recently, I noticed that the bathroom door, which she always stood in front of to do her hair, is coated with the sticky residue from her hairspray. The door is a stained polyresin door, and [...]
Keep a few snack or appetizer recipes on hand. You can whip something together in no time rather than ordering takeout. For example, you might want pizza or donuts. Try making cinnamon tortilla strips. Cut tortillas into strips (a pizza cutter works well) and spread a small amount of butter on top, or spray with [...]
It can be tough to find more ways to save money. Members on my community forums shared ways to save at least $5 a month. Here are some of the highlights to help reach your savings goals. MAKE YOUR OWN BREAD: Making your own bread usually costs less than buying it from your local grocery [...]
D EAR SARA: I’m looking for a way to dispose of self-stick address labels without gumming up my shredder. I saw a really simple way of doing it and made the mistake of thinking I would remember how. Guess what? I don’t remember what to do. I hope you can help. — Karen J., email [...]
Homemade pizza is frugal and delicious. You can add your leftover tidbits of meat and vegetables for toppings, too. Microwaving leftover pizza can sometimes cause it to get rubbery. One reader, Karen from Iowa, shares: “Instead of microwaving leftover pizza, melt a little butter in a frying pan. Place the pizza in the pan on [...]
Old wooden ladders can be found at garage sales, estate sales and flea markets. It might be too old to be used for its intended purpose, but if you see one (folding or straight) marked low or free at the “curbside mall,” it can be creatively used in your home and garden. Ladders can be [...]
D EAR SARA: I have quit buying magazines, so what could a magazine rack be used for? –Piney, Arkansas DEAR PINEY: You can use one in the bathroom to store rolled towels, loofahs, shampoos or body wash. Or use it in the kitchen to hold your favorite cookbooks, plastic storage container lids, rolls of foil, [...]
Summer is the ideal time to plan ahead for holiday gift-giving. You can find deep discounts in retail stores and there are plenty of secondhand deals at thrift stores, garage sales, Freecycle, etc. Start gathering items to add to your gift closet. If you don’t have a gift closet yet, visit www.frugalvillage.com/2005/03/23/planning-a-gift-closet/ for tips to [...]
Small appliances and kitchen gadgets have a way of entering our hearts and emptying our wallets. Plus, they clutter up our counters and kitchen cabinets. How often do you use them? Where do you store them all?
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 jams_123 DEAR SARA: How do you handle the mess of winter boots? Ugh, already the entryway is a mess from winter boots dragging in the snow, dirt and mud. I have a small carpet at the door, but it’s not helping much. — Cindy, e-mail
D EAR SARA: I have a question about plants. I guess I should not complain. I had great germination, so what do I do with too many broccoli plants? Same with tomato plants. I can’t bear to toss them. — Meg, Missouri DEAR MEG: I sure hope you don’t toss them. You can plant them. [...]
photo by n1nj4 If you have a cat or dog, you’ve probably encountered water spills whenever it drinks from its bowl. Or maybe your pet tips the entire bowl over. Small spills are easy to wipe up with a towel. But maybe you want to keep the floor dry. You can place the bowl on [...]
