Thinking twice before we spend money on things that aren't needed in our lives. Thinking twice about how we can save money on a day-to-day basis. Helpful hints on ways to trim expenses in a time when money seems in short supply. How to live on a fixed-income by keeping ahead of the rising costs in all our lives. Just plain common sense and a bit of planning (as well as discipline) as we tackle the cost of living in the 21st Century
When all seems wrong with your life, think again - look again at this courageous dog who's walking on his hind legs; no front legs. Standing up straight - it's an inspiration to me.Posted by HAPPY IN NEVADA at 6/29/2008
Think Twice before you pay nearly $10 for that fancy 'room spray'; I buy the $1.00 spray colognes they sell in the Dollar Stores, and use that. Spray not only your potpourri, but lightly on the lamp-shade; any silk flowers you have in the room - on your pillow - ever so nice....
Think Twice before you throw out that $15 candle that is 'so pretty', but it burned down the center, and now all you've got is a hunk of pretty wax.
Put in a votive candle (I get a big bag @ $2.99); slip one of those votives down in the center - it will 'glow' again, at much less the cost.
Think twice before you buy spices and herbs in tiny containers; buy in large sizes - about 333% savings in some cases.
Think twice before you make that expensive meal; that recipe that's long on ingredients - see what you can 'cut out', and save on cost. Many times, some of the seasonings are redundant; most of our 'palattes' aren't discerning enough to notice the difference.
Think twice before you buy those expensive, large blanket bags - a see-through garbage bag does the trick for much much less the cost!
Use those 3 for $1.00 sponge paint brushes as diposable basting brushes in the kitchen - or wash thoroughly, and use several more times before you toss (and you don't get any bristles in the turkey either).
Set up your printer to print a photo @ 4x6 - then fold, and make your own custom note-cards for about 13 cents - more personal too....
Recycle those Priority envelopes by turning inside-out. Use the inside to 'send again' - good for the environment, and saves printing costs when the USPO has to replenish its supply.
Use those same Priority envelopes that you've received, to store monthly receipts - mark in the upper right-hand side what the contents are; put in the file drawer or box, and save on folders/waste not, want not...
"Ever-ready" for me, are those empty jars that I get my red grapefruit in - lovely large canning jars with screw-on tops.
I keep vinegar in one - 1 part vinegar; 1 part water - about 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol - stuff a nice soft cloth in there, and clean/wipe up everything - rinse, and put it back.
Another jar holds Witch Hazel and a bit of Lavendar oil - I 'blend it' to start with; once it's emulsified, it stays 'suspended' - I put it in the refrigerator; keep another lovely 'lavendar'-colored cloth in it (I buy them 2 for $1 at the dollar store), and 'wipe my brown' - or just refresh myself throughout the day, with one of these 'chilled fragrant' cloths. No one touches it - that cloth reminds them it's for 'foreheads only'.
Store your perfume in the refrigerator; use a small side-shelf; keeps the smell for months longer - refreshing when you spray it 'chilled'.
I keep a large inexpensive plastic bowl for 'soaking my feet' in epsom salts while working on the computer; often, my legs would swell - this stopped it quickly.
When I'm out of hair conditioner, I swipe my fabric softener - works great!
I shake baking soda through my hair when it's dirty; it saves a day or two of washing - you can see how 'lazy' I am.
Mix cornstarch and baking soda together - equal parts; put in a shaker that you use for pepper flakes - then put it through your hair; it gives a 'lift' - some bulk; you 'dry-clean', and fluff your hair without hair-spray.
I only use men's hair-spray; it's lighter - less costly, and brushes out easier.
I only use men's body wash - usually cheaper; more effective in removing body odor.
I pick up my lottery tickets; ask for those plastic envelopes that we use; then I slip in my grocery list facing on one side - easy to read; doesn't tear - when I'm done shopping, the receipt goes in with the list. I staple the list to the receipt - it's easier to see what I've spent; when I spent it, and if I have to return anything, 'both' are handy - and I replace the returned item that's comparable to the one I put on the list to start with.
