Frugal Tips - Frugal Cleaning Solutions You Can Make Yourself

The simplest and most effective all-purpose cleaner for around your home is my Very Vinegar Cleaner (You can find out more about that & my Happy Slob Housecleaning methods at http://www.happyslob.com/buythebook.html) Here it is:

• plain water
• white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar if you really hate the aroma of regular vinegar)
• a drop or two of dishwashing liquid soap

Use about 1 part vinegar to 2 or 3 parts plain tap water, adding a drop or two of dishwashing liquid soap. (For washing dishes in the sink, not dishwasher detergent.) Shake it all together in a clean plastic bottle with a spray attachment. Use to clean just about everything!

I have a lot more free homemade cleaning formulas at http://www.happyslob.com/cleaningrecipes.html

Peroxide Tips - Uses for 3% Over the Counter Hydrogen Peroxide

Uses of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide

This was written by Becky Ransey of Indiana
and submitted to me by Jeannie V.

"I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little old bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide, or they would lose thousands of dollars."

1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe) No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash. (Small print says mouth wash and gargle right on the bottle)

2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of "Peroxide" to keep them free of germs.

3. Clean your counters, table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.

4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. I had fungus on my feet for years - until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.

6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine, but was healed by soaking in peroxide.

7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.

8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold, or plugged sinuses. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria . Hold for a few minutes then blow your nose into a tissue.

9. I f you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.

10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually so it's not a drastic change.

11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.

12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, Pour directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors with, and there is no smearing which is why I love it so much for this. I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should be without!

With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad there's a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner. Send on to others who might need to know the benefits of 3% peroxide

Buy Store Brands vs. Pricey Name Brand Products at the Supermarket

Generally, buying store brand (or generic brand) products at the supermarket will save you a lot of money. Plus, often times you can barely tell a difference between the two.

Of course, some favorite snacks and foods will be worth the extra money to buy the name brand that you love. But, at least give the generic or store brands a try, so that you can learn which ones you and your family don't mind at all. You'll be able to save 30% or more when you choose these rather than the pricier name brands.

Savings Tips - Have a New Attitude toward Saving Money

Ask most people if they save enough of the money they make in a savings account (or investments) and they look sort of sheepish and admit that they don't.

By adopting a new attitude about saving money, you'll find that your savings account balance will grow.

Instead of thinking of saving money as an OPTION, think of it as just another bill that you pay. So, when you get a paycheck, put a specified amount directly into your savings account. Let's say 15%. (The amount you can realistically afford is up to you.) Put it right into your savings account and then FORGET ABOUT IT, just as you would do with a bill you had just paid.

If you had paid a bill, you would know that money was no longer yours. Think of your savings account in the same way - that the money is no longer yours, and that it's out of your hands. Of course, it IS still your money, but adopting this kind of thinking will help you save a lot more - and KEEP a lot more of your savings in the savings account where they belong.

Do you have some savings and frugality tips to share? Please email me at christina@happyslob.com with your favorite tips and I'll post them here on the Frugalites blog!

Frugality Tips - Save on Filtered/Bottled Water

Tap water isn't always that yummy to drink, but you'll often find that by using a Brita system (or another filtering system) that you can get safe and better-tasting water to drink. It's still far cheaper to do this than to buy bottled water all the time.

Or, if you prefer bottled water - check around to find the best deals. Pricey brand name bottled water can easily be $2 a bottle or more! But, you can get delicious spring water at a fraction of the price if you check stores in your area and compare prices.