helpful ideas that work or didn't

kbugmom

I also save gift bags so can reuse.

GramE

Do any of you "re gift"?   Give a gift YOU got to someone else ( new, unopened, unsued) , in the hopes they don't know the person who gave it to you?   

Use yarn, wrap a couple of colors together, to tie gift packages.   A skein of yarn cost $ 2-$3 and goes a LONG way.   Red and Green together for Christmas, for example.     

GramE

And e-cards instead of "real" ones.   Saves cost of the card and postage.  Not good for everyone, but for many of your friends.    

sheila888

Buying clothes on sale that is small, thinking you can lose the extra 7 lb you know you cant.

Makratz

Been there Seyla!!

sheila888

most stores honor the competitors coupons or prices if you bring one of their flyers.

So you save time and money.

Makratz

Buy in bulk and share with a friend.  A friend and I belong to BJ's wholesale club.  We split the membership price and occassionally shop together and split what we buy.  Also, the rotissare (sp) chickens there are only 4.99 and are twice as big as the ones in the market.  Could last a few days!  YUMMMY!!!!!

Leah_S

I buy a lot of clothes in second-hand stores. It's a TERRIFIC savings.

Well, yes, of course I wash them before I wear them.

Leah

GramE

Church bazaars sometimes have some fantastic bargains and good gift ideas (hand made things) for gifts.   My former church had  " New to You " clothing room as part of the annual bazaar and I used to get winter sweaters for $ 1 each.   

sheila888

I want those $ 1 sweaters

GramE

Magic Eraser is great for white counter tops.   This apartment has white in the bathrooms and kitchen and I was going crazy trying to keep them clean.   Thing that did NOT work so good was spray bottle of bleach - got on several pairs of slacks and of course took the color out.  Spotted britches ... !!!  

If your DH or DS are into cars, Krud Kutter, is excellent for removing grease and krud from wheel covers.  They shine and sparkle like new with very little rubbing.   I saw some "travel size" bottles that could be put in a Christmas stocking.    Good grief did I mention the "C" word, LOL.   Too early for that...   

konakat

Baking soda for scrubbing.  It's gentle, biodegradable and disinfects.

konakat

A friend of mine empties her change purse every day and puts the coins in a jar.  Once a year she rolls the change and takes it to the bank for bills -- she saves hundreds of dollars in change each year!  Then she gets a guilt-free gift for herself.  Last year she got a really snazzy digital camera! 

GramE

Thanks for the reminder for baking soda, Elizabeth.   Is it baking soda and vinegar for keeping drains clear and fresh smelling?   How about the garbage disposal?    

I am remembering one VERY bad idea when we first bought our house.  Small chips of soap put in the toilet tank to keep it clean -- major NO NO !!!.   The cold water makes the soap stick in the "drain holes" and I had to take a wooden skewer and literally dig the soap out.   

konakat

Yes!  Baking soda and then vinegar down the drain to clear them.  I also pour extra boiled water (i.e., from making tea) down the drain to help keep it clear too.  It also helps your kettle last longer by not letting water sit in it -- I've had the same kettle for 25 years and it works like new.

GramE

I am not a tea drinker, so my tea kettle is almost like new and probably older than yours !!!    

kbugmom

Use ice cubes in garbage disposal helps keep blades sharp.

sheila888

Using 60watts light bulbs

Makratz

using those spiral light bulbs in my kids rooms and playroom since they NEVER turn the lights off!