In today's economy everyone is trying to pinch a penny. In groceries, in gas, even in the utilities that we use in our home. I'm sure that you have heard every possible way to save. From energy efficient appliances, car pooling and even the good old fashioned put the rock in the toilet to reduce water usage. We have heard it all! I'm sure you don't mind finding yet another way to save more than a penny but rather a dime. Here are a few innovative ideas to not only help you save but to also help you be a little greener in some areas.
Jars, cans. You know how you have been itching to buy an organizer for the bag of cotton balls, q-tips and do dad's that you have all over your bathroom? Well that won't be necessary. Simply save the old spaghetti jar's and use them for that purpose. To make it tad bit fancier purchase a dollar can of spray and add your own since of color to the lids and there you have it. you have given the jar's a second life, fixed your clutter problem and saved mother earth all in one thought.- Unconventional Furniture covers. Those drapes that you purchased before sizing. The sheet's that you lost the receipt to both can be used to reupholster that hideous couch that you can't stand to look at. Simply use the pattern, which you obviously love and drape it over the cushions. To hold them in place tuck some velcro in place or seal with safety pins or old broom stick that fits snugly under the cushions. It will add some much needed character to the room.
- Do you really need cable. Guy's if you work 45 hours a week, and the kid's are at camp, school, and when you get home your preparing for the next day do you really need cable? Your on the Internet, your playing your Wii, PS3 or Xbox (purchased from the pawn shop) do you really need cable. When you surf the channels and it takes you 15 minutes to find a movie or something you actually want to watch do you really need cable. This is not a necessity. Save.
- Trade out your curtains. Simply switch one from the bedroom to the living room and see the difference in the atmosphere and how just a slight change of color or texture adds life. You can also use those curtains to spice up the bathroom. For this thrifty fix be sure to apply a shower liner so that they are still in tip top condition when your ready to send them back to the room.
- Eat your center pieces. When you go to the grocery store the same lemon's or oranges that you make that delicious summer drink with will add loads of color to your dining room, living room or even kitchen area. But don't stop with just oranges and lemons, add apples and melon's go wild with your choices. Simply place them in a glass bowl or vase and watch an instant splash of summer color enter into the room, all while adding a healthier snack choice for the family.
- No bleach, thank you. While your at it, take a break from the harsh chemicals that many detergents and household cleaning products possess. Simply grab an orange or lemon from your center piece and use it as a cleaner. Squeeze 1 whole lemon or orange, 2 cups of warm water and 3 tbs. of baking soda into a spray bottle. This solution can be safely used in your bathtubs, sinks, stainless steel kitchen, appliances and more. Be sure to shake vigorously to mix and you not only have a chemical free cleanser but you also just deodorized, cleaned and decorated all for the price of a sac of lemons or oranges.
- Skip the dryer. Why purchase fabric softener with the scent of outdoors when you can actually hang your clothes outdoors. Even living in an apartment can allow this to be done. Now for this you may have to purchase a dollar line of rope to hang your garments. If you choose not to, use chairs that you already own to drape several pieces of your wardrobe to air dry and reduce your utility bill. Now you have fresh outdoor scent with minimum utility used.
- Facial cleansers/Moisturizers. Using baking soda, measure a dime size into your palms and apply to a wet damp face. Now slowly using circular motions massage into your skin. Do not scrub because it may burn your skin and cause irritation. This will clear up black heads, white heads, and your overall complexion. After this step use an avocado or honey mask for 15 minutes to add moisture. Be sure to use a ripe avocado for easy application and either item can be used generously. These items will counteract the dry affect that baking soda can have on your face. This is an application that I would use once a month and alternate months if your prone to breakouts.
- Bag's are my favorite. Reusing them to grocery shop is not the only way to save. Grocery bag's or your local retail bag can be used as trash bag's, shower cap's, hot oil treatment caps, food covering's, shoe protector's in the rain (be sure to double up on this one), paint covers, and small paint project tarps. My son who is prone to nose bleeds often ends his night with a morning stain. To reduce this I put a thicker bag over his pillow and then simply apply his pillow case and save the pillow. Using plastic bags for food preparation such as flouring of chicken or marinades also reduces clean up time.
- Old worn out clothes. Old tattered t-shirt can be re purposed into a rag for cleaning purposes. Simply tear a shirt into 4 equal parts and use it for just about any clean up needed. Also if you have children, save those old ratty flat sheets for art project, nail polish session etc. This will save the furniture and carpet as well from those accidental spills. Be careful with shirts with heavy dye. These shirts will leave streaks when used on white walls.
- Toothbrushes. Yes, a toothbrush can be used to save those old worn out shoes that need just a little elbow grease. Using a detergent of choice and a little water can revive those favorite gym sneakers in no time. So for the price of a toothbrush you can save a very pricey pair of sneaks.
- Stocking and Tights, Oh, My! You may never have thought of the elasticity that many pantyhose have and they are ridiculously inexpensive. Often they are the same price as head bands and scrunchies. By simply snipping the waist area of a pair of stockings you can create a cool and inexpensive alternative to your headband dilemma. If you venture a little further, a pair of tights (the opaque kind) can securely handle your tasseled strands. By simply cutting the foot out and then cutting a piece of the tight to about a half of an inch you can get a quite a bit of scrunchies. Solving the need for hair ties everywhere.
- Bar-B-Que. Yes, this is the best time to get on that grill and cook. You save gas, and electric in one blow and it always feels like a party when a grill is in action. Now we can't stop at bar-b-quing, we have to extend to a neighbor. Encourage your neighbor to grill with you and not only will you reduce the utilities in your home you will also reduce the cost of food by sharing and bringing a meal together. Can anyone say Par-Tay!
- Give your dog a treat. If you have to have a dog at all, go small. This will save on nearly everything you have to purchase for your pooch. Believe it or not your animal can eat properly prepared food. Often this includes unprocessed chicken, eggs, brown rice, peas, lean cuts of beef, carrots, and noodles. Not only will you pinch in the area of Canine cuisine but your dog will love you for it. But don't go crazy with it, little to NO seasoning is the best for their tummy's and coats. During the summer month's a piece of ice as a treat will relieve them just as it relieves us.
- Name Brand Toilet Paper. REALLY? Let's make this short and sweet. You spend 2 minutes in the bathroom going and cleaning after. Do not spend your money on these name brand entities only to throw them down the toilet. I don't care how soft it is, your flushing money away. Enough said.
- Gadget Smadget. I love the newest gadget as much as the next person, but I also know the minute I purchase the newest, greatest, bestest gadget the next model will be out in stores in no time. To stop this, must have gotta have, I have made the local pawn shop my go to spot on technology. I had the pleasure of purchasing a 42 inch screen t.v. for $265, and a 2010 Gateway laptop with web cam and all the newest software for the measly price of $350 in my favorite color I might add. Don't try to keep up with the Jetson's get what you need, not what gives the most speed. If your profession does not warrant it don't get it.
- Buy it, ALL. Okay, don't be to snooty to purchase those lamb chops that have the sale sticker in red. It doesn't mean that they are spoiled it simply means that the FDA regulated date that the store can keep it is fast approaching. Instead of losing their entire profit they would rather lose a couple of cents. This is where we can rack up so buy it and buy them all. Store these pieces in your freezer for later in the month. While your at it buy those veggies on sale and bread to and fruits. Go ahead ask the produce associate for the bruised fruits they work great for frozen smoothies and pies. Nearly all food including bread and milk can be stored via freezer losing no nutritional value so store it and grab them while they are on sale.
- The baby. That bundle of joy seems to need everything from a teething ring to a college fund. Don't fall for it. With or without the walker, the bouncy, the jogging stroller or the heating pad that warms up the wipes, they are going to grow at their on pace. An old fashion pair of white walking shoes is all that is needed to get little "snooker" to the next level. Even the 1st birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese is an unnecessary amount of money down the drain. Evaluate if these things are for you or the child and then way your purchases. Even more importantly if you know that you are not going to have another child in the near 2 to three year future don't allow yourself to turn your home into BABY'S R US. Trust me they won't remember any of it and it truly is a waste.
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