Cloth diapers (the original rectangular ones) are not just for babies. Although we used them as actual diapers for our second child and saved a fortune in diapering expense, we also discovered multiple uses for them after the need for diapering. When the children were still in diapers, we used these as spit-up rags, changing cloths, and anywhere we needed a "clean" spot for the kids. Once the kids no longer needed these things, we discovered that cloth diapers make excellent cleaning rags and make amazing shoe polishing rags. We, also, discovered that they work very well for a cool cloth compress and they work well as a catch-all for sick people. They are very good seat covers (when that is needed) and they make great hand towels. They are so versatile that I buy at least one pack for everyone I know who is expecting, even if they are not planning to use them as diapers.
Until tomorrow!
When redecorating, or moving in somewhere, using flat sheets as curtains is much more economical than buying curtains, most of the time, and there is much more variety. You can either invest in clip rings or just cut a rod sized slit in the back of the top (folded portion) of the sheet. These work nicely, especially if your curtains need to be long. You can cut and hem them if you need shorter coverage. We have used this often, especially when the kids were younger, it made life and room theme redecoration much easier and cheaper. We currently are using this as curtains on two oddly shaped windows in the house we have recently rented and used it in the house that we rented last year which had four windows we needed to cover.
http://www.hartman-group.com/hartbeat/private-label-a-consumer-perspective-on-store-brands
If you like to use mechanical pencils, then buying lead to refill them is the cheapest method unless you find them on sale. Make sure that you get the correct pencil lead size for your pencil and your preference. Wooden pencils are generally the cheapest, but if you prefer mechanical, then buying a nice one that you like and refilling the lead and eraser is the cheapest way to keep them.
We rarely use disposable cups, plates, etc. We have had friends who use paper plates and cups for every meal, the cost of this is much more than the cost of washing actual dishes. We do use plastic spoons, forks and knives; however, we wash them and reuse them (we have found that for packing lunches plastic-ware is less likely to be missed if identically thrown away by a kid).
It is getting that the time of year to begin your own garden. If you have space in your yard or in containers growing your own produce is a healthy and less expensive way to have great food. Growing your own food can save a lot of money. You can start a raised bed garden if your soil is not conducive to growing, or you can create a soil enriched area in your yard.
Here are some links to help you find out more on creating your own garden:
This tip came out of the book Tightwad Gazette, by Amy Dacyczyn
We began by finding a crust recipe that works for us. Crust is one of those personal things, some people like thick crust, some like very thin crust, some like buttery crust; there are so many options, you really have to find a recipe that works for how you like your crust. The main thing that we like is that we can add whatever toppings we want. We purchase the toppings that we like and end up with enough for making two of each type of pizza, so we are able to make two different pizzas and then save the rest for next time. Our pizza actually ends up tasting better than most pizzas we have purchased, either from a restaurant or some other pre-made version. We, also, get exactly the toppings that we want on each pizza.
These can be found just about anywhere. We have this type for sandwich, fruit and crackers; we, also, have some for soups and some for salads. You will have to get containers that will work for you.
At one time, we joined a gym. We opted to pay for the contract year in advance instead of letting them do the automatic billing from our account. Our entire family was signed up, they had a pool, children's exercise classes, adult classes, machines, personal trainers, all of the bells and whistles; we all went exactly 3 times. What a waste of money. We decided that perhaps a gym membership was not financially viable for our needs. So, we have moved on. We now exercise at home. We have purchased a treadmill and a bike, we have acquired multiple weights, yoga equipment and we have a variety of videos. It has been a challenge to carve out space for our Exercise Room, but we have continued to manage. We find a lot of equipment available on Craig's List or at yard sales. It seems that a number of people purchase exercise equipment with the best of intentions, however, they do not use it for long. Figuring out what exercise program will work best for you is imperative, for your health and your wallet.
We currently live in a two story house and one of the things that works for us is to close a number of the vents upstairs, because heat rises. This way we are pumping most of the heated air into the lower level and it rise up naturally. We close vents in rooms that we do not need additional heat in and we, also, have a couple of radiator type heating units to warm up our bedrooms before bed. We have found a couple of different methods to reducing our heating bill, you have to see what works best for you.
Until Tomorrow!
If you have ever had a pre-teen or teenager want to hang crazy posters on their walls, you will understand this tip; if not, and you have kids, you will understand eventually.
When we discovered "Sticky Putty" we were able to allow our kids to decorate their own rooms. No more worries about the tape that peels off paint, or nails(tacks) creating holes everywhere. Now, your walls are saved. There are multiple varieties available and most work very well. This has saved us through multiple interests and our kids can decorate their walls with whatever posters they are currently interested in without fear of having to repaint. 
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| Step 1: cut the paper in half lengthwise. |
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| Step 2: fold the paper in half along the short edge. |
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| Step 3: cut evenly spaced slits on folded edge stopping approximately one inch from the top edge, on both sheets. You may have to use the scissors to even out your cuts. (You want to make certain that your cuts are long enough to incorporate the width of the other paper.) |
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| Step 4: begin weaving- the first strip will go around, then inside, then around, then inside, continue until the strip is completely woven through. Repeat with the next strip, working the strips to the next spot until all strips are woven. This can be frustrating, so stay calm and move gently so as not to rip the paper. (I have also found that felt and other non fraying fabrics work well for this and are more difficult to tear.) |
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| Step 5: even out all of the strips to create a woven pocket. |
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| Step 6: your woven heart should be a pocket to hold your Valentine's treats. |
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| Step 7: Add decorations as desired! |
