Frugalites - Fun & Functional Frugality

Frugal recipes: Gluten free bread pudding

2012-01-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

Since going gluten free a few years ago, I've found that our grocery costs have gone up. The problem with gluten free foods are that they tend to be 2-3 times more expensive than traditional foods! There are some ways to get around this - try to use naturally gluten free foods more, instead of always heading to the gluten free section of the supermarket.

For now, I realize that I have some Udi's gluten free bread (the BEST gluten free bread around, in my humble opinion) that is sitting getting stale in my refrigerator. So, instead of wasting those slices of bread, I'm going to cube them up, and then make a custardy type mixture of milk, a couple of eggs, a squeeze or two of honey, a splash of vanilla and some frozen blueberries I have and tossing the whole mix together.

I'm going to bake it in a buttered baking dish - and see how it turns out! I love experimenting with food and creating my own recipes on the run. :) I'll post about how my frugal gluten free blueberry bread pudding turned out. Now...if only I had some ice cream to top it with...

Definition of Frugal

2012-01-07T20:06:00.000-08:00

What is the real definition of the word 'frugal'? While it might mean many things to those of us who identify ourselves as frugalites, the proper dictionary definition is as follows: "Sparing or economical with regard to money."

I like that. Economical or frugal always sounds a bit nicer, a bit friendlier than that other often used word - cheap. When you say you're frugal, people might roll their eyes a little, but if you say you're cheap, well, you're opening a whole new argument...

So, how do you frugalites feel? Are you proud to call yourselves frugal? Do you agree with the above definition of frugality? Have you always lived a frugal life, or is a new lifestyle for you?

Frugal Gift Ideas: Gift of Your time and help

2012-01-07T19:57:00.000-08:00

No matter what type of gift you need to give, many of us frugalites (whether frugalites by nature, or frugal due to necessity - ie: while paying off our debts) worry about the cost of a nice gift.

With that in mind, here is a great gift idea that costs you absolutely NOTHING, not one single penny. Instead of purchasing a gift that your recipient might or might not even need, why not give them some of your time instead?

Ideas for Gifts of Time include:

A free night of babysitting (or petsitting)

Watching their favorite movie together, when they choose. There's nothing better than a movie night!

Coupon for a 'heart to heart' conversation over coffee. Make it more frugal by having your pal over to your place and making the coffee instead of splurging on takeout coffees.

Coupons for a free errand service - offer free grocery shopping service, free drycleaning pickup, etc.

Free car wash - you'll come and clean their car when they choose!

And...with cleaning in mind, why not offer your friend or family member a day of housecleaning service for free? :) I know I'd LOVE if a pal gave me a day of their cleaning services. What a great gift that would be!

Use your imagination and come up with a valuable gift of your time that your loved one will really be able to use and appreciate. You might find this to be an easy way to take care of gifts without spending any money, but just offering a bit of your time.

Frugal Meal Ideas: Pancakes for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

2011-10-17T18:15:00.001-07:00

Pancakes are a Frugalite's Friend - Pancakes are a Fantastic Frugal meal

What could become a simpler meal than a delicious, steaming plate of pancakes? Basically just a batter created from flour, eggs, milk and maybe sugar and some leavening (baking powder or baking soda) can create a meal for any time of the day - breakfast, lunch or supper. Pancakes are not just for breakfast anymore! (Although, I sometimes crave pancakes for breakfast, I cannot deny this...)

Pancakes for Breakfast
Pancakes for breakfast are delicious when topped with fresh or thawed frozen fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries or a mixed fruit blend. Make a plate of pancakes delicious with a pat of butter and some real maple syrup. (Sure, the frugalite's choice of syrup might be those corn syrup laced concoctions, but try to buy a larger jug of real maple syrup when it's on sale or in big box stores like Costco...I think it's one of those ingredients that it's worth splurging on.)

Pancakes for Lunch or Dinner
Pancakes of any sort - the typical fluffy type, or buckwheat pancakes - make a great starchy choice for lunch or dinner too. Top with savoury fillings you would use to fill crepes, or use thin pancakes to make alternative tacos or burritos.

Freezing Pancakes
Whenever you make pancakes, make a large batch with the intention of freezing extras. Freeze with sheets of waxed paper in between so that you can just pull out as many flapjacks as you need. You can quickly re-heat frozen pancakes for a quick and delicious meal anytime!

Frugal Life - 10 Ways the Internet Can Save (or Make) You Money

2011-07-21T17:42:00.001-07:00

No, the Internet is not all just a waste of time...it's an incredible collection of resources that can help you either save or make money!

10 Ways the Internet Can Save (or Make) You Money

Make Money with Online Surveys - There are some scammy survey companies out there that really won't pan out for any extra money for you in the long run. BUT, I've had very good success with these Canadian online survey companies: Ipsos I-Reid and MySurvey.ca. You earn points for each completed survey (which I, in fact, find fun to fill out!) and gather those points up for free gift cards, or even cheques in the mail. Lovely! Fill out some fun surveys and then get gift cards to treat yourself to a nice new book, or at least that's how I spend mine...

Save Money on Travel - Oh man, how did we ever travel cheaply back in the days before the Internet? Travel research is a breeze online, and you can quickly compare prices with different companies and sites. Everything from airline tickets, to hotel rooms are marked down and revealed on the Internet - all you have to do is find the bargains and snag the deal quickly, before it's gone.

Make Money with Blogs - Blogs and websites are an incredible way for anyone who loves to put pen to paper (urm...fingers to keys, rather) and express themselves. Blogger.com makes setting up a blog a breeze even for those of us who feel technologically inept. Google Adsense and other types of advertisers make it easy to monetize your blogs. And it's a fun hobby - instead of shopping online, blog online and make a few extra dollars. (It was my websites and blogs that landed me a book deal...so very interesting things can happen when you set your mind to it. That little blog of yours might very well turn into your full-time job.)

Save Money on Groceries - I believe every major supermarket in Canada and the US has a major online presence. So, even if you don't get all the flyers delivered to you, you have no excuse but to check the grocery store's websites and create a list of all the deals to stock up on when you head into the store. And, by joining frugal forums and websites, you can network with other Frugalites and find even more best deals.

Make Money with Articles - Again, this is a way that writers can earn some more moola - you can find newspapers, magazines or major websites that are looking for fresh content, and email them a query letter. It's easy - in another post another day, I'll share some tips on how to write a simple yet effective query.

Save Money on Furniture and Home Stuff - I adore Kijiji. I used to be a lover of Craigslist, but I've had great success recently with Kijiji. I've gotten a $700-value solid wooden armoire (in which we hide away our TV and stereo) for only $180. And recently, a solid wooden table and chairs set (and lovely striped tablecloth to boot! In all my favorite colors...) for only $180 as well. Hey, that seems to be a good number for me. lol You can save incredible amounts of money by purchasing good quality second hand furniture items through Kijiji or other local classified ads sites. * Note: Please be careful when purchasing items this way. If you have a 'funny feeling', just let the so-called deal go. There are con artists out there, and weirdos. *

Make Money on eBay - Getting rid of clutter and junk in your home will make YOU feel great, will make your home look great, and will help your bank account bulge greatly! It's unbelievable how one man's junk is truly another man's treasure.

Save Money with Coupons - Certain retailers have online printable coupons you can use in-store or online when purchasing. Plus, coupon groups are a handy way to stock up on a few extra coupons, while getting rid of coupons you don't need. eBay is another source of coupons, surprisingly.

Make Money by selling your crafts - Whether you're a painter or create beautiful paper crafts, you can create a simple website to sell your handmade items, or else use Etsy or eBay to sell on.

Save Money by going online...and not relying on RETAIL THERAPY. Remember, you can get carried away spending online, too! Instead, use the Internet as a way to stick to your frugalite goals, whether that be reducing debt or saving money, or possibly paying off a mortgage early. By using the Internet for financial prudence and motivation, you can prevent shopping as a form of therapy. Retail therapy, huh? More like retail scare-apy! Oh, wow, that was bad...

Frugal Beauty and Make-Up: Natural (and Cheap!) Skin Toners

2011-07-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

The other day on the Kitchen Crafts 'n' More newsletter/blog (http://kitchencraftsnmore.blogspot.com) I shared some secrets of using rosewater or witch hazel as natural, inexpensive skin toners. Skin toners are a lovely way to freshen up your skin after you've thoroughly cleansed it with a gentle cleanser or gentle soap. Best of all, both can be purchased at the pharmacy for around a dollar or two. Now THAT is even in a Frugalite's budget.

But, even natural aloe squeezed directly from an aloe plant is another natural skin toner. You can just squeeze out a bit onto a cotton ball or on clean fingers, and rub along skin. It makes your skin feel lovely, and it's SUPER natural as it came right from the plant. Aloe plants are great to have around, anyway -- as the aloe vera is very soothing to irritated or slightly burnt skin. I received one plant from a lady about a year ago and it's growing like crazy!

* Remember, especially if you have sensitive skin - always test a small inconspicuous area with the skin treatment first - ideally on the inside of your elbow. Even if something is relatively natural, it doesn't mean that you might not be allergic or sensitive to it.

In need of a cute blog graphic...

2011-07-21T17:17:00.001-07:00

In trying to boost up the look of the Frugalites blog, I need your help! Does anyone know of a good and reasonably priced graphic designer who can make a funky title graphic for me? If so, email me at christina@happyslob.com. Thanks all!
Christina

Frugal Food - 10 Food Basics Every Kitchen Must Have

2011-07-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

Food costs are up - even on the basics we all rely on to prepare good, basic meals for our families. What can we do? Instead of relying on too many processed foods, rely on these good basic meal makers to create delicious and nutritious meals - that won't break the bank.

Rice - in all its forms! Brown rice, white rice, short grain rice. I love the nutritional value of brown rice, even though it does cost more per serving. You can use rice to create countless main dishes, including casseroles, or use plain rice as a base and different sauces - think sweet and sour chicken, or mushroom meatballs - over top. Also, rice is a handy substitute hot cereal, or can be made into deliciously creamy rice pudding.

Beans - beans, beans, a musical fruit...does anyone else remember that silly little bean song? :) Beans may make your belly more 'musical', but they're downright healthy and good for you! Combine rice and beans for an ultra frugal meal, or try using cooked black beans in brownies - no kidding! Search the 'net for black bean brownies recipes -- they're healthier, and they taste amazingly good.

Oats - I love oatmeal for breakfast, and I even whir up some oats in the blender to create oat flour, which has more nutrition than plain white flour. Add oats to ground meats to make them go farther, without alterting the taste, but meanwhile upping the nutritional value and the fiber.

Frozen fruit - Sometimes buying bags of pre-frozen fruit can be expensive, so buy when on sale or freeze your own fruit. Bananas gone bad? Cut into thick chunks and store in a plastic baggie and freeze - it's perfect to go into a smoothie! Or, when berries are on sale, freeze strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or whatever type you found and use in cakes, muffins, pancakes or more smoothies. (Can you TELL that I enjoy a smoothie or two? :) )

Frozen veggies - again, stock up when they're on sale. I love that they won't go bad, unlike the fresh vegetables that will go funny if you don't use them quickly enough. Good in stirfries, or in soups, or on the side of any dinner entree.

Buckwheat flour - I can't eat regular wheat flour, but did you know that buckwheat flour is gluten free? It's delicious, regardless, and if you buy it in a big sack you can get a much better bargain. It is absolutely scrumptious in homemade pancakes, and works well in just about any cake or muffin recipe - there's fiber and protein in it, so it's good for you.

Eggs - oh, how I love a dozen eggs! They're one food, however, that I don't mind paying a little more for to get a nicer quality. For instance - you can get free range or free run eggs, or the type enriched with Omega 3 oils - usually that just means that the chickens were fed flax seeds. Eggs are delicious whipped up into fluffy omelets filled with fresh veggies and cheese, or as a dip for French Toast- a wonderful Sunday morning breakfast.

Ground beef, or veggie 'ground beef' - either way, this is a great way to make your meat (or 'meat' in the case of veggie ground round) stretch further. Terriffic in pasta sauces, casseroles, soups and stews. Again, buy on sale and freeze. Also, obviously wonderful as burgers. Veggie ground round, if you haven't tried it, is surprisingly yummy - oh, and a good substitute for vegetarians in Mexican foods like tacos. Yummm...now I'm craving a good taco.

Chicken - but only if you aren't hooked on skinless, boneless chicken breasts alone! Nothing wrong with stocking up on those when they're on sale and freezing (since they are quick and easy to add to stir fries and other quick meals) but...in general chicken parts with the skin and bone are much cheaper. Chicken legs, for instance, tend to be a very good deal - a chicken leg includes the thigh and drumstick.

Breakfast for Supper - Pancakes, homemade waffles (or frozen), scrambled eggs and toast, bacon and eggs - all of these are not exactly a specific food, but rather a type of food we think of for breakfast. This makes a far cheaper dinner than usual, since the emphasis isn't on meat.

There, with a little creativity you can make your food budget stretch a little further, while eating like (frugalite) kings and queens. Good on you!

Frugal Food Tips - Use Smaller Plates

2011-07-20T18:15:00.000-07:00

Not only will your budget thank you, but your belly (size) will thank you too! Invest in some smaller plates - even if it's just from your neighborhood dollar store, so that the investment isn't too hefty! Smaller sized dinner plates, side plates, dessert plates and even ice cream bowls will really reduce how much you eat.

Think it's crazy? Just try it...I'll bet you'll prove yourself wrong, by having more leftovers remaining. Don't waste them - leftovers are a frugalite's best friend! Just freeze them if you can't use them up in the next day or two.

Try it: use smaller plates to cut down on how much you consume.

Getting out of Credit Card Debt

2011-07-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

It feels like just about everyone - and their Auntie Harriet - is struggling to reduce their overall credit card debt. If you have credit card debt, then take heart: getting out of this type of debt is not only possible, but it's probable! You just need the right mindset...plus, you need to take action to reduce credit card debt now. Here are some handy tips to help:

1. Stop spending now. That's right, it's an obvious one, and yet so many of us just don't apply it to ourselves. If debt has you worried to death (worried to DEBT, I sometimes like to refer to it), then you need to take drastic action. Don't make those cards easily accessible anymore. Some people keep their cards with a trusted family member, like a parent or spouse. (Not to a shopaholic please!) Plus, remember that credit card charges also include those automatic payments, so if you have a bunch of those on your card -- change to another type of payment, so that your debt doesn't continue to grow.

2. Ask for a reduced interest rate on the credit card. I've done this successfully in the past - simply called the credit card company and asked them to reduce my interest rate. Granted, this is only a doable option if you have a good standing and have been making regular payments. But, it's surprisingly easy to do. If you've received lower interest credit card offers in the mail, KEEP those and quote from them. The credit card company doesn't want to lose your business, and may lower the rate to keep you from transferring your balance to another card.

3. Add it up. Add up the actual debt that you have on all of your credit cards, including major cards and store credit cards. This sometimes shocking number can be a great motivator to keep you from spending needlessly. Keep this number posted in your wallet - possibly on a Post It note right on the card itself - it'll be like a warning to you whenever you see it!

4. Multiply the payments. Whenever you get an unexpected sum of money - from a family member as a gift, from a bit of overtime you worked, from an unexpected freelance job - be determined to use some of that money to pay down your credit card. Even an extra ten bucks here and there will add up greatly.

Frugal Food Tips: Bake Your Own Bread - bread baking tips and hints

2011-01-22T19:32:00.001-08:00

Frugal Food: Bread Baking Tips
There's absolutely nothing that smells as delicious as freshly baked bread! Slathered with butter and jam, it's a simple, old-fashioned treat that really satisfies. Here are some bread baking tips to make yummy homemade loaves that are frugal and fantastic all at the same time:

Research to find the most frugal ingredients: basics like flour and yeast might seem cheap already and they are when compared to prepared commercial bread. But, make a comparison search of the prices of bread ingredients like all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and yeast. Buy in bulk for those ingredients and really reduce the overall cost of each loaf of homebaked bread.
Freeze it: Running your bread machine or oven too often won't help with the electricity bills! Instead, bake a few loaves at a time, and then freeze the loaves, or switch things up by also baking a batch of rolls or cinnamon buns with basic bread dough.
Add Interest: Basic bread can be turned into some decadent gourmet treats - add herbs, spices, cheese, or sweet ingredients like dried fruit, sugar and cinnamon to create all sorts of wonderful treats from one basic bread recipe.
Make Mine a Pizza: Remember that yeast bread dough also makes amazing pizza dough. Just spread fresh dough in a pizza pan, making sure to grease the pan first and add a sprinkle of cornmeal to make the pizza pie just slip right out when you're ready to eat it. Pizza is a frugal meal that can be made healthful - just add more fresh veggies, less processed meats, and lower fat cheeses for a yummy meal that the family won't even realize is good for them.

Always looking for new frugal tips? Please check out my NEW book: Living Large On Less: A Guide to Saving without Sacrifice for inspiration to get you started on your reasonable new frugal lifestyle.

A Beverage that's good for you AND Your Budget - Tea - Frugal Food

2010-10-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

A delicious cup of tea makes you feel like all is right with the world, AND it's easy on your budget. It can even be good for your health: studies have shown that both black and green tea (which are, after all the same tea plant, just picked at different stages of maturity) are very good sources of antioxidants.

Make a delicious cup of regular orange pekoe tea and serve with milk, sugar and/or honey. Or, chill that same tea for a yummy - and oh yes, cheap! - glass of refreshing iced tea. Add a wedge of lemon and you have a delicious drink on a warm day.

Or, herbal teas are a great alternative to other types of less healthy (and costlier) drinks, such as soda. Try combining a few of your favorite herbal teas together, or trying them iced as well. Some of the fruit 'teas' are so flavorful it's almost like drinking fruit punch!

And the best part of all for us frugalites is knowing that tea is a very affordable treat - a box of tea can cost $2.00 or more, but usually provides 16-24 tea bags at a time. Watch for sales and then stock up on tea - so that you can have a comforting hot or cold drink whenever your thirst strikes.

A Latte A Day Wrecks the Budget, Okay?

2010-10-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

Just a crazy little calculation to ponder on:

A tall latte at Starbucks everyday doesn't seem like such an extravagant indulgence, right? Wrong! Around here, each tall latte costs $3.31. Over the course of one year (not including any lovely pastries to go on the side) that would set you back an astonishing $1208.15!! That's just about enough to choke any true blue coffee afficionado.

Watch those Bank Fees and Extra Banking Charges

2010-07-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

On your to-do frugal list today? Right on top should be to check with your bank to see how much you're paying every month in pricey banking fees and charges. If you bank online, it'll be easy to get a review of exactly how much you pay. Getting in the habit of checking your online banking accounts often will mean you won't go into overdraft and incur really high charges.

If you find your problem is lots of extra charges for using debit cards and/or withdrawing from ATMs, then talk to a representative at your bank for an all-in-one bank account that includes plenty of transactions. Our chequing account, for instance, costs us a flat fee of $9.95 a month, but includes unlimited transactions.

You could easily save $50 or more (some people save hundreds of dollars this way!) just by checking out the types of bank accounts you currently have.

Have fun saving!
Christina

Frugal Fun - Replace this Habit with That Habit - Internet Surfing

2010-07-06T07:42:00.000-07:00

Think surfing the 'net is the ultimate cheap activity? Well...think again, particularly if you love shopping online! If you tend to 'just find yourself' lingering on eBay or other online shopping sites, change that pricey habit for a new (cheaper) one.

Bookmark your favorite debt reduction sites and blogs instead, and take time perusing those. You'll be rewarded with educational fun, minus any cost at all. And, you'll feel incredibly motivated by the stories of people who have literally paid off tens of thousands of dollars of debt!

Frugal Food - Snacks - Popcorn to the Rescue

2010-07-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

If you've got a bag of popcorn in the pantry, you're set for snacks. Pop up some popcorn (an air popper or simple microwave popcorn popper makes this easy and cheap - no need to buy overpriced and ickier tasting pre-bagged stuff) and drizzle some olive oil or melted butter over top. A sprinkle of salt, or even parmesan cheese and you're set! It literally only costs pennies a bowl. Stock up on popcorn when it's on sale. Freeze it in a tightly sealed container to keep large bags fresh longer.

Enjoy your frugal snack!

Frugal Shopping - The Best Way to Save Money

2009-12-30T12:59:00.000-08:00

Have I got your attention? Fantastic! Now, I'll reveal the secret to spending less on each and every shopping trip.

Ahem...drum roll please...

__ Don't go shopping in the first place! __

The reality is, if you're just heading out to the malls or local shops to DO SOMETHING, then you're obviously going to be spending money just for the sake of shopping. If you're feeling bored, then do something else that you love: read a book you've been meaning to, call a friend you haven't talked to in a while, or do something wonderfully creative like painting. Or, just go for a walk somewhere without any temptations to spend.

Obviously, we all need to shop sometimes. We need to get groceries, and we need essentials like clothing. But, when you're shopping for all the wrong reasons - because you're bored/angry/upset/bummed out - then you're spending money for no real reason at all. It won't make you feel any better when you get the bills sent in the mail. So, if you're feeling the need for some retail therapy, try something else instead. You'll feel better and so will your wallet.

Save Money Tips - Easy Facial Scrub with Sugar

2009-11-04T15:03:00.000-08:00

A little handful of natural white or brown sugar moistened with a little water or olive oil makes a perfect, luxurious facial scrub! Gently scrub it on (the brown sugar smells especially nice and caramelly) to your moistened skin and then splash cool water to remove. A spa treat for pennies, the kind of price we love!

Today's Frugal Challenge: Lower one Bill

2009-09-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

Today, make it your goal to lower one bill. Maybe it's your electricity bill: make it a goal to see the number on that bill lower next month. You can mak a big difference on your electricity bill just by being an aware consumer. Turn lights off when you leave the room, and don't allow for phantom energy usage - many appliances use energy just by being plugged in. You can cut back by hooking all your office equipment, for instance, to a power bar. Especially when you go travelling, shut that entire power bar down.

Take any bill, and lower it.

A Seaside Haircare Secret - Frugal Hair Care

2009-06-13T11:04:00.001-07:00

An interesting, ultra frugal tip to get those seaside, sea swept tresses many of us love! Even if you're thousands of miles from the seaside, use this easy tip to get wavy hair easily and naturally.

Just pour about a teaspoon or so of table salt into a spray bottle, and then fill with cool tap water. Shake well to dissolve salt entirely into the water. Spray hair with this mixture. The saltiness of the water will work to add waves and body to your hair - just like what happens when you're lounging on the beach!

And...next time you're AT the beach, remember to grab a handful of wet sand to scrub your feet. It's a natural foot scrub that will leave your tootsies feeling soft and healthy.

Frugal Beauty - Cheap Skin Toner

2009-06-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

Witch hazel! There, I went and spilled the beauty beans, right at the get go. Witch hazel is a beautiful, natural skin toner (it's extracted from the witch hazel plant). And it's cheap into the bargain. A bottle can cost a buck or two and last a year or more. Just pour some on a cotton ball, and rub along your skin after cleansing. You'll be amazed to see it does just as good a job as pricey skin toners - for less.

And that's what we frugalites love - more for less.

Frugal Tips - Find More Money - Bank those Coins

2009-03-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

A few pennies here, a couple of nickels there. What can they all really add UP to, right?

Today, we put $30.00 in the bank! All from coins that were laying around in pockets or purses, and accumulating in jars. Thirty bucks is certainly nothing to sneeze at, and shows that doing a search for coins really can add up and be worthwhile.

Want to get a 'rollin up those coins? Here are some great places to find forgotten coins and change around your home (and other places too):

Pockets. I'm often guilty of putting change in my jeans pocket or jacket pocket. Do a thorough search of these areas.
Bags, purses, cases or luggage of any type. Again, leftover change often finds its way into these areas.
Jars, or other spots where you chuck change. We had an overflowing jar filled with pennies, dimes, nickels and loonies and toonies ($1 and $2 coins. Not as many of those as we'd have liked, though!)
Beneath sofa & chair cushions - of course, since change likes to fall out and nestle in these cozy little areas!
Outside the home...Keep your eyes open for coins when you're walking along or in spots like vending machines and payphones. You'll often find some change there!

Frugal Fun - Host a 'Swap' Night with Friends (Jewelry, Pantry Swap, etc)

2009-02-17T18:18:00.000-08:00

Need some fun new jewelry or accessories? Or, do you feel the urge to go shopping and load up on new makeup and beauty supplies, but your wallet is telling you otherwise?

Why not have a Swap Night with friends? You can choose the theme:

Pantry Swap - swap products that you don't really need for ones you do
Beauty Swap - hair care products, skincare products, perfume, etc
Fashion Swap - Clothing that you no longer wear (or maybe that no longer fits properly) can be swapped for brand new to you clothes! (You can also swap shoes that you no longer wear, jewelry and/or accessories like belts and scarves.)
Kids' Clothes and Toys Swap - Children's clothing and toys are a great theme for a swap night! You'll save a ton of money, and so will your friends.

Have everyone bring a refreshment, and your frugal swap night will be a lot of fun for a very few pennies. And, this is also recycling at its very best!

Use this Instead of That: Oil as a Makeup Remover

2009-02-17T18:13:00.001-08:00

I did a little experiment earlier today...I had run out of eye makeup remover (I often use the presoaked make up remover pads for convenience, and because they even take off waterproof mascara.) What could I use instead?

We had a small bottle of all-natural massage oil in the medicine cabinet. It had ingredients like jojoba oil, soy oil and sweet almond oil, and said it contained no irritants. Hmmm! I'd read in a woman's magazine that eye makeup remover should be a bit oily, to successfully remove all traces of makeup from your eyes, without having to tug (and cause wrinkles! Boo!)

I poured a little bit onto an oversized cotton ball and - it worked amazingly well! In fact, it removed every trace of mascara, even better than the specialty remover does. I think any all-natural oil blend (or even regular olive oil!) would work just fine too. Keep in mind, though, that if you want to use an oil like this, you'll need to take off your eye makeup first, and then wash your face as normal to remove all traces of oil.

Let me know if you try it and like this tip!

How Taking a Lunch can Save You $1600+ a year!

2009-02-06T12:15:00.000-08:00

Phew, eating out really adds up! Look at how some typical lunches can hit your bank account over the course of a year:

Fast food x 3 meals a week = $18.00 = $900
'Nice' lunch once a week with coworkers = $15 a pop = $750
Bagged lunch 1 time a week = $0 additional (paid for with grocery budget)

Let's take all of these numbers and multiply them by 50 weeks...and you get (gulp!) $1650 a year! And that's just on lunches! This is a really low estimate too, as some lunches can be a lot pricier than this.

Make a firm and determined goal for yourself to simply NOT EAT OUT AT LUNCH. Leftovers from last night's meals, or a simple sandwich and a piece of fruit are healthy options that are a frugalite's dream.

Finding Valuable Coupons Online (and Coupon Codes)

2009-01-21T19:48:00.000-08:00

The Internet is such an incredible resource for all Frugalites. It makes research and comparative shopping a breeze...and it is an invaluable way to find high value coupons, and even Free Product Coupons! How do I find these coupons, and valuable coupon codes? Here are a few ways I've found coupons online:

eBay - Free product coupons are sometimes sold on eBay. If you can find a lot of coupons that are a bargain - and allow you to get some very inexpensive groceries to fill the pantry! - it might be well worth it to buy a lot or two of coupons from eBay. This is also a way to find coupons you might never find otherwise. You can also find free product coupons and high value coupons this way...sometimes with those high value coupons, the product is nearly free after the coupon is redeemed.
Google - Get savvy with searching for coupons with Google! Try searching for exactly what you're looking for. For example, if you're looking for peanut butter coupons, search the brand name, plus the term coupon, like this: "Jiffy peanut butter +coupon." Or, try searching for printable coupons online from your favorite retailers or grocery stores.
Finding Coupon Codes - Coupon codes aren't a physical paper coupon, but rather a valuable code that can be applied at checkout to your online purchases. Sometimes these can be an incredible bargain! I've had online coupon codes for Sears and other online retailers that saved me $20 or more on a $100 purchase! Again, use Google or your favorite search engine and use search terms like: "Sears +coupon code" or "Amazon +coupon codes"

Have any more online coupon hunting techniques? Please post a comment with your ideas!

Another Handy Use for Vinegar - Vinegar for Cats Scratching Furniture

2008-09-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

A great tip for cat owners...and fellow vinegar lovers! If your cat likes to scratch, try using a little full-strength white vinegar on the area where they've been scratching. They really won't appreciate that strong acidic smell, and likely won't scratch there anymore!

(And, the frugalite in you will appreciate that vinegar costs WAY less than pricey 'Cat Scratch' Furniture sprays!)

Grocery Budgeting - Save Money on Groceries - Make Meat Stretch Farther

2008-07-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

Meat is one of the priciest items on your weekly grocery shopping list. So, make it stretch farther by using smaller amounts of it - or having at least a few meals a week without meat at all! You can substitute lentils or beans instead, which are a healthy source of protein without saturated fats.

To stretch your meat further, try these options:

Buy one piece of meat, and cut it into small pieces for use in casserole, stir fries or other dishes
Have smaller portions of meat, and make sure to fill your plate up with healthy veggies and whole grains such as whole grain pastas or brown rice
Ground meats such as chicken or beef are excellent in soups, stews, casseroles and other main dishes.
Add substance to a smaller amount of ground meat by adding cooked lentils. They're really tasty, and when added to beef they just seem 'meaty'!

Make Extra Income - Finding a Part-time Job to Fit Your Life

2008-07-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a frugal life just isn't enough, and you need to find a part-time job to supplement the family's income. Here are a few ideas to get you motivated to try!

Look around your neighborhood. Make a list of shops, offices, etc where you would like to work. I think it always helps to hit THESE places first - the types of spots where you'd really like to work.
Once armed with a list of possibilities, make some phone calls from home. You might end up with a couple of options - and talking to someone and making a good first impression (even over the phone!) can really help you off to a right start.
Do up a professional looking resume. Look online for examples of good resumes, and make sure yours is up to par. A poor resume really does leave a bad first impression. Take that resume in to the places you've contacted!
If there's nothing near home (and for frugalites - a job near home just makes sense - you can save LOADS of money on transportation costs) widen out your search and follow the same tips as above.
If you still haven't found anything ideal, be sure to ask your friends and family members if they've seen any Help Wanted signs and then contact those places.

Sometimes it helps to start with a list of your interests, and see if you can find a part-time job you'd really enjoy. One you love is one you'll stick with! And, of course the extra paycheck will be a huge help in these economically-crunched times.

Vinegar - a Healthier, Cheaper Alternative to Fabric Softener

2008-07-05T13:27:00.001-07:00

Plain old white vinegar - I love the stuff! It is useful dozens of ways around the home to clean, disinfect...and today's use is to soften clothes.

Use about 1/2 cup of plain white vinegar in the washer - just the regular wash cycle. Works great, and is a more natural and frugal option for softer clothes with less static cling.

More healthy, frugal cleaning tips - and easy to make homemade cleaning formulas all at:
http://www.happyslob.com/cleaningrecipes.html

Frugal Food of the Day - Oatmeal - Rolled Oats

2008-06-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

I love a good, steaming bowl of homemade oatmeal. And I'm not talking about those silly (and pricey!) little packets of oats that have been stripped of much of their natural nutrional value. No, I love old fashioned oatmeal - with some milk, drippings of honey, sprinles of cinnamon and raisins - it tastes like dessert for breakfast!

Oatmeal is a fantastic staple food to keep always on hand in your Frugal Pantry. Here are just a few ways to use it:

1. As a hot cereal. Delicious, nutritious.
2. As a replacement for bread crumbs in recipes like meatloaf. I far prefer uncooked oats in my meatloaf.
3. Ground up and added as a delicious, nutty-tasting flour for muffins, quick breads, pancakes, etc.
4. As a foundation for homemade granola, which is basically just oats, a bit of oil, honey, cinnamon (or other spices) dried fruit, and nuts. SO much healthier and cheaper to make it yourself than buy it pre-made!

Do you have other favorite uses for this fabulous, frugal food? Please post your ideas!

Grocery Budgeting - Paying with Cash

2008-06-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

When you're sticking to a grocery budget, paying with cash REALLY helps. Why? When you hand over your hard earned physical money, it just feels more painful! (LOL It really does, though!) It makes you more aware of what you're really spending, as opposed to just grabbing one of many debit or credit cards.

Every week, take out your allotted grocery money in cash, and put it in a grocery money jar just for that use. Put receipts in as your money is depleted, and keep careful track of where the money is going. Once the cash is gone, you need to get creative to use the groceries you already have in new, fun ways!

Have a Great Summer Vacation on a Short Budget - Guest Post by Heather P. Johnson

2008-06-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

Have a Great Summer Vacation on a Short Budget

If you're always worried that you'll return from a summer vacation with the whole family penniless then you're not alone. It's getting increasingly more difficult to take a trip with the family these days. Maybe you just spent a fortune fixing up the house or the bills seem never ending, don't let these complaints keep you from having a great getaway this summer. Here are a few tips to follow to have a great trip this summer:

- Cut the trip shorter than usual. If you're used to going away for a full week then it may sound blasphemous to shorten your traditional summer trip. But if you're serious about enjoying your getaway and not counting pennies the whole time then you should go for a long weekend. A lot of hotels and resorts will have cheaper rates if you stay longer but you still save money for a four day weekend.

- Make an itinerary on a budget. Everyone in the family will have their different ideas as to what they want to do and see on a particular trip, but you have to realize that getting them all done costs serious money. Reach a family compromise and select just a few of the long list of things on your to-do lists. What you don't do this summer can be on next year's list!

- Make it a true family trip. As much as you want to stay in the nicest resort you have to be honest with your pocketbook. Go visit friends or family and stay with them. You'll have to be sure you don't go to the same ones each summer as you don't want to wear out your welcome but this is a great way to connect with out-of-state relatives and you'll save a few bucks in the process.

- Go in the off-season. Everyone goes away for the Fourth of July so try another weekend earlier in the summer or later in August when rates aren't as crazy. Chances are you'll find a more peaceful vacation spot this way as you can avoid the droves of city slickers during the prime time. Many hotels offer deals to attract visitors during the less crowded times of the season.

- Take a train. Keep the car at home and don't spend a ton on airfare. Take a train and travel the way we used to back in the day. It will be a great experience for the whole family and probably more comfortable than a cramped mini-van or riding coach on a packed airplane.

By-line:

Heather P. Johnson is a freelance writer, as well as a contributor for Credit Card Lowdown, a site for finding credit card reviews. Heather invites your comments and freelancing job opportunities at her email address: heatherjohnson2323@gmail.com

Save Electricity - Dry Clothes indoors (or outdoors)

2008-05-14T15:24:00.000-07:00

An electric dryer is a fast and efficient way to get your clothes dry after washing. But...it can also get very expensive, especially if you have a large family! In good weather, opt to hang out those clothes on a clothesline and let the lovely fresh breezes naturally dry your clothing.

But...if you live in a small space (such as an apartment) and don't have a clothesline available (or it's not allowed on your balcony) - try an indoors clothes drying rack, such as:

A folding one like this is easy to store, even in tight spaces. You can hang a lot of clothes on this, and after a few hours your clothes will be ready to hang, fold or otherwise put away.

Save your money and let your clothes dry naturally!

Developing a Frugal Attitude - Having Frugal Friends Really Helps!

2008-03-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

Some of my dearest friends (and many of my family members, thankfully!) are frugally minded. Do you have frugal friends? If not, you'll find that there are many frugality-type websites and message boards online where you can share frugal tips and ideas on how to make your money stretch further.

I find that when I'm spending time with my frugal friends, it just makes my adventures in frugality WAY more fun! Frugality really is a lifestyle choice, and it really is a lot of fun - especially when you have dear friends who help you live responsibly and within your means.

Frugal Fun and Frugal Gift Giving - Frugal Gift Wrapping Idea

2008-02-25T17:11:00.000-08:00

Here's a simple and frugal gift giving idea - or rather, how to wrap up that gift in a frugal way! Try wrapping the gift with fabric. You might have some leftover fabric or material from a project you've finished...or, check the bargain bin at the fabric store near you. It can be an incredibly cheap way to beautifully wrap a gift!

Frugal Food - You Can Eat Rice for Breakfast, Lunch and Supper

2008-02-25T17:04:00.000-08:00

Rice is a natural, delicious and of course - frugal - food that you'll want to stock in your pantry regularly! I like whole grain brown rice - it's a bit more expensive, but far better for you nutritionally. Here are a few ways to incorporate rice into every meal of the day - even dessert at the end of your dinner!

1. Rice for Breakfast - Rice is a delicious breakfast cereal. Reheat leftover rice and serve with milk or cream, and additions such as raisins (or other dried fruit such as dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots), spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon and of course brown sugar or a drizzle of honey! It's absolutely delicious.

2. Rice for Lunch - Rice is a great base for any lunch - you can reheat leftover rice and serve with a bit of butter, parmesan cheese and steamed veggies. Add a little protein and lunch is complete.

3. Rice for Dinner - Search online for rice casseroles for an easy and frugal meal. Or, fried rice is a great way to use up leftover rice - waste not, want not after all!

Rice is delicious for dessert - as rice pudding! Again, do a basic search online for rice pudding recipes and you'll find (literally) thousands of them! Enjoy, rice lovers. Your wallet will appreciate your efforts too.

Frugal Shopping - Find Great Bargains in Bargain Bins

2008-01-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

An even BETTER way to save money shopping than using coupons? Keep an eye open in your local supermarkets for bargain bins! They might be items stacked in a grocery cart, or maybe there's a clearance section. Some of these items can have their prices slashed by up to 80% or even more! Definitely worth the effort to find these goodies...

And as always, remember: It's only a bargain if you really NEEDED the item in the first place!

Frugal Tips - Track Every Penny You Spend

2008-01-02T10:55:00.000-08:00

Frugal tip of the day:

Tracking what you spend gives you a starting point to work with when developing a new budget. If you don't know how you spend your money, how will you possibly know where to improve?

At the local dollar store you can get a packet of mini notebooks for a buck - I just got a package of five of them. I keep one in my purse at all times and write down whenever I spend (literally) a penny! Then, at the end of the week, see where your money went, and how you can improve.

Also, knowing that you have to write down your purchases in a book makes you more aware AND more accountable. That $5.00 latte looked delish when you saw it at the coffee shop, but you might feel sort of silly about it later on when you spent a fiver and have nothing to show for it.

Frugal Fun and Entertainment - Free Books

2007-12-28T17:29:00.000-08:00

Free books, you ask? Why, yes! If you're a true bookworm like yours truly, then you'll love these tips on getting books for FREE (or very inexpensively.)

Join a book swap - there are a few of them online, such as Paperbackswap. You just join up and pay postage to swap books! A great idea.
Create your own book swap by swapping your used books with friends. Get a few friends in on the action and you'll be surprised by how much reading you'll do for free.
Check out boxes of books at estate sales, garage sales and yard sales. They're often incredibly reasonable - let's say 25 cents each - or else near the end of the day the vendors will often sell for less, or even give away books for free. Just so they don't have to stash the remainders of their sale!
Take your used books to a used book store. You'll get credit (or even cash) for your books, which you can use in turn to get more books!

Any more ideas on cheap books? Post a comment!

Keep your Coupons Well Organized in this Handy Coupon Organizer

2007-12-17T08:30:00.000-08:00

Coupons are a frugalite's best friend! But, if those grocery coupons aren't properly organized, you might as well not even have them. Because if you can't find the coupon you need at the checkout, you won't get to use it! Here are some of my favorite handy coupon organizers to make organizing your stash of money saving coupons a breeze!

And the fact that all of them cost under $8 makes them a great bargain too!

Purchasing Makeup/Cosmetics and Beauty Products on eBay Saves Money

2007-12-07T17:50:00.000-08:00

I've found a great way to get awesome beauty products and cosmetics for a lower price - by scanning the auctions currently running on eBay! I've found all sorts of new, unopened goodies by brand names such as Burt's Bees (which I absolutely love - great natural products, but normally a wee bit pricey for me), Revlon and many other common make up brands.

The prices are at least a good 50% off what I'd pay at department stores! So next time you're looking to stock up on some new beauty aids, try shopping at eBay.

Another Money Maker - Sell Your Unused and Old Clothing at Consignment Shops

2007-11-11T18:05:00.000-08:00

Here's another excellent way to make money, from things around your home that you're not even using right now. Raid your closets! (And that of all your family members!) All of those unused pieces of clothing can really make you a great bundle of money, if you do a little research first.

Consignment stores can earn you a substantial amount of money, but first you need to find the right consignment shops in your area, for the types of clothing that you have. Some specialize in vintage clothing, others in high end brand names, and still others in children's consignment clothes. Also call ahead first and find out if that particular consignment store accepts out of season clothing. Some only accept the appropriate clothing for that season - for example, sweaters and heavy winter coats in wintertime.

Baby Steps Towards Frugality - Fun Frugal Tips

2007-11-10T10:01:00.001-08:00

Here's a baby step towards a more frugal lifestyle:

- Use grocery coupons to ease the strain of your wallet at the supermarket! Find a few local friends who also want to use coupons, and help each other find the greatest coupons. You can look on store shelves, and check out newspaper inserts. Swap coupons you don't need with your frugal friends who need them - and in exchange get the coupons you covet!

There are also a number of online coupon groups where you can swap coupons. It's a great way to save money on groceries - which is, after all, one of the hugest monthly expenses!

Saving on your Phone Bill - Vonage is a Good Option

2007-09-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

We're all concerned about 'out of control' phone bills. One way a lot of people are saving a LOAD of money on their monthly phone bill is by switching to Vonage. Apparently it's one of the better phone services, and for under $25 you get your home phone service plus unlimited local and long distance calling!

For more information, click on the button:

Frugal Fun for Families - Grab an Old Board Game

2007-08-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

Whether your family loves Monopoly, Risk, or Trivial Pursuit - make a plan for a Family Fun night! Not only will you have a lot of fun (therefore the name of the evening!) but you'll have time together, a rare commodity in these hectic, over-scheduled days that we find ourselves living.

Pull out your favorite old board games, make up a few frugal snacks (a big bowl of buttery popcorn literally only costs pennies...you can add homemade iced tea for just pennies more) and have a great time! You'll also be teaching your kids that fun doesn't have to come with a huge price tag attached.

The Power of Potatoes - a Great, Filling Food - and a Blank Canvas for Cooks

2007-07-28T07:03:00.000-07:00

I love a good baked potato. Come to think of it, I also love a delicious dish of cheesey Scalloped Potatoes. Oh, and a plateful of fries...and mashed potatoes are my ultimate comfort food. Hmmm, come to think of it, I just plain old love any kind of potato.

Buy a big bag of potatoes on sale, and just look at some of the amazing ways you can use them to feed your family inexpensively!

Stuffed Potatoes - basically just bake your potatoes as usual and then add all sorts of yummy fillings. It's a great way to use up leftovers. Top with cheese if you like (I do, because I'm a huge cheese fiend!) Add some extra veggies on the side and you have a meal all in one potato.
Mashed Potatoes - A delicious side dish that we all know and love, but make sure to make extras. The next day, you can make yummy potato cakes - just mix the mashed potatoes with some green onions (or regular onions if that's what you have on hand), an egg, salt and pepper, and any other leftovers. Again, some grated cheese works marvellously in this, as would some crumpled up cooked bacon. Yum!
Scalloped Potatoes with Onions - If you've never made this nourishing, filling and oh so delicious dish before, don't worry! All I do is butter a casserole dish, and then put a layer of thinly sliced potatoes (you don't even have to peel them; I often don't!) on the bottom. Follow up with a layer of onions, salt and pepper. Continue those layers, until you're nearly at the top of the dish. (I like to add seasoning to each layer, as then you have a perfectly seasoned dish when you're done.) Then, pour milk or half and half (or a combination of both) over, until the milk covers the potatoes. Dot a bit of butter on top, and bake in a 350 oven until the potatoes are tender and the whole sauce has thickened. No need for flour or cornstarch - the natural starch of the potatoes will thicken it up beautifully. Grate a bit of parmesan or cheddar over top if you like, and pop into the oven just to let the cheese melt and get browned and bubbly. Oh, so good!

Adding a bit of meat to any of these - let's say sliced up leftover ham - would make them a real meal. The ham would be especially good in the scallopped potatoes. Then all you need is a salad or some steamed veggies on the side, and you're set. No wonder I love potatoes so much!

Have a great potato idea to share? Please send it to me at christina@happyslob.com

Save on Your Water Bill - RunningToilets, Dripping Taps and more

2007-07-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

Saving on your water bill can be relatively easy and painless. Make sure to fix any dripping taps or faucets as soon as possible, and running toilets. Both of these can add incredible amounts to how much water your family is using!

And...if you can help it, try to take showers more often than a full bath. A quick, refreshing shower uses just a fraction of the water that a filled bathtub does. And, in this hot summer weather, using cool water will also help you save on the heating costs of your home!

Frugality Tips - An Inexpensive and Effective Air Deodorizer

2007-07-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

Remove smelly odors from your home with one very common household essential that I happen to love. Vinegar! Just a bowl full of white vinegar left out will absorb and deodorize even the stinkiest household odors like pet odors or cigarette smoke.

I've found this even works with tough-to-remove smells like burnt popcorn (I hate that smell!) Give it a try - just leave the bowl of vinegar out for an hour or two, and then remove and throw away. You'll be amazed by how well it works!

As I mentioned, white vinegar is one of my favorite household products...look at the list of ways to use it I've come up with at: http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/vinegar.html Enjoy - and stock up with a big jug of vinegar the next time you go grocery shopping. :)

Store Brands (Generic Brands) vs. Pricey Name Brands

2007-07-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

Did you know...that many of the 'cheap' store or generic brand products in your local supermarket are actually made with the same ingredients at the same factory? So, if you don't have a fantastic coupon to use on the pricier name brand items, definitely purchase the store brand instead. There's a good likelihood that it's the same stuff anyway!

I do find that sometimes there is a real difference between certain products - so try out some store (generic) brands and see which products are different, and which ones are practically identical.

Frugality Tips - Write down everything you spend

2007-05-24T19:44:00.001-07:00

You'll be shocked by how much money you're actually spending. Know how it feels when you look into your (empty) wallet, and wonder where that 20 went? The only cure is to invest in a cheapo notebook and start writing down EVERYTHING - and I do mean every single cent - that you spend.

After a week or so, look back and chart out where your hard earned money is really going. Make one goal a week to cut back. For instance - those super pricey Starbucks creations on the way to work everyday could be costing you $5.00 a day. Instead, try splurging on a latte once a week, as a real treat. Save the rest of the money and after only a couple of months you'll have a few extra hundred dollars! Not bad for a few coffee drinks...

Frugal Cooking - a Slow Cooker (Crockpot) is an Essential in a Frugal Kitchen

2007-04-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

If you don't already have a crockpot, then you'll definitely want to invest in one. :) Why do I think a slow cooker is so worth it? With a slow cooker, you'll have delicious home cooked (and healthy) meals ready for you and your family to eat as soon as you get home in the evening! And, thankfully, with such little effort...

There are loads of free recipes on the Internet for Crockpot meals, but here is my favorite, easy recipe for you to try:

BBQ Beef, Pork or Chicken - Just put your meat of your choice, a chopped onion, a few sliced peppers, a few tablespoons of brown sugar and a half bottle or so of good quality barbecue sauce. If you like spicy foods, add some cayenne pepper. Always add some salt and pepper too, of course. Cook on low for about 8 hours for scrumptious BBQ'd meat. You can also pull the meat apart and serve on rolls with the delicious, tangy sauce.

Frugal Tips & Hints - Housecleaning - How to Deep Clean (Steam) the Carpets Frugally!

2007-03-10T18:13:00.000-08:00

With two cats, I've noticed lately that there are some areas on our carpets that need some attention. But, I don't want to spend $40+ to rent a steam cleaning carpet machine. Of course, I searched for the best FRUGAL ways to get the carpet clean. Here's what I discovered:

If you need to clean your carpets often, purchasing a steam cleaner is likely the most frugal thing to do. (Cheaper option? Borrow your parents' machine or a friend's!) Just fill the water tank with the hottest possible tap water and a cup of white vinegar. This is the BEST way to get carpets really clean, without leaving sticky residue in carpet fibers that will actually attract more dirt. (Which, of course, was certainly not your purpose in the first place!!) After a while, the vinegar scent will naturally dissipate, and because vinegar is a terrific natural odor neutralizer, your floors will smell fresh on top of looking so fabulously clean!

I'd love to hear your tips on which carpet cleaners work the best. If you own a carpet steamer, please email me at christina@happyslob.com to tell me how you like yours...

Frugal Tips - Frugal Cleaning Solutions You Can Make Yourself

2007-02-17T07:47:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-17T07:41:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-04T09:48:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

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.

Getting Old Stainless or Copper Pots and Pans Shining Clean Again

2007-01-30T08:51:00.000-08:00

If you have some beautiful old pots and pans that you just can't get clean (and wanting to stay frugal - you want to save them!) then try Barkeeper's Friend. At the store where I work, we sell a few bottles of it everyday, and it literally gets most types of pots and pans gleaming clean again. It's available in both a powdered form and in a paste.

It's also a great way to 'deep clean' your stainless steel sink once in a while, because it's stunning how good a job it does.

Do any grocery stores DOUBLE Coupons in Canada?

2007-01-18T18:14:00.000-08:00

Doubling coupons in Canada.

This is much more a QUESTION than a posting. :) I would love to hear from any of you in Canada, if you know of ANY grocery stores that double grocery coupons. Do you know of any stores at all that do this? Please email me at christina@happyslob.com if you know of any.

I'd also like to hear about stores in the US that doubles grocery coupons. I think it's much more common a practice in the US, but I still want to hear from you guys about this!

Recycle those Glass and Plastic Bottles - And Earn a Little Money

2007-01-18T18:12:00.000-08:00

Earn a little money by recycling glass or plastic pop or beverage bottles. Cans are also a great way to earn a little extra money. This is a great tip for kids - work at gathering cans and bottles to earn some extra money. Yes, it definitely takes work, but you'd be surprised at how quickly those cents add up to dollars!

Make Your Own - Chocolate Syrup instead of buying Hershey's

2006-12-26T11:18:00.000-08:00

Homemade Chocolate Syrup
Yummeroo - this tastes better than the store bought variety AND...it's cheap to make! Use it over top ice cream for delicious ice cream sundaes, or stir it into regular milk to make it rich chocolate milk.

1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking cocoa
2 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:In a 1-qt microwave-safe dish, combine the sugar, cocoa, cornstarch and water until smooth.Cover and microwave on HIGH for 4 minutes or until the mixture boils, stirring twice. Stir in butter and vanilla until blendedThis recipe for Homemade Chocolate Syrup makes 1 cup

Need Storage Containers - Re-use the Food Containers You Already Have

2006-12-26T11:14:00.000-08:00

It seems that in our hectic and cluttered lives we need storage containers all the time. A storage container for office supplies, or crafting supplies - or whatever other goodies seem to get gathered in huge piles around our homes!

Instead of necessarily buying new containers, check out the food containers you already have. Old jam jars, for instance, washed out and dried, are perfect little clear glass containers to hold office supplies such as rows of staples or extra paper clips. Or, how about large plastic jars? They can be used to store laundry detergent, or pet food.

Look through your kitchen cupboards and you might be surprised...once the food is gone, the container left behind might be very useful to you!

Frugal Home Repairs and Money Saving Tips - Save Money every time you flush

2006-11-27T11:36:00.000-08:00

Save money every time you flush the toilet - or in other words: "Don't flush your money away!" How? Fill a medium sized soda or juice bottle with water, and place it inside your toilet tank (not the toilet bowl - just imagine how icky THAT would be!) Place the lid back on the toilet tank.

Each time you flush, the tank will not need to fill completely up with water, as the filled bottle will be displacing some of that water. Over time, this can save you a whole lot of money. And, when shopping for a new toilet, be sure to purchase one of the new water-saving varieties that use less water to begin with.

Frugal Food & Coupons - How to Take Coupons to the Supermarket

2006-11-27T11:32:00.000-08:00

I used to have a HUGE photo album with pockets that I took to the supermarket with me while I shopped, getting a few stares along the way! :) People must've thought I loved to look at old photos while looking for canned goods. Anyway, I've found an easier way to carry coupons...just use an envelope.

On the front of the envelope, you can write down your list. Inside, tuck all of the coupons you plan to use. And you can carry an additional small assortment of coupons in your purse - the high value coupons that might come in handy when you see a good sale at any given time. But, for the most part, I find that the envelope coupon method works great...and you don't feel quite as goofy as carrying around a huge box or album full of coupons!

How do YOU sort and carry your coupons? If you have an idea to share, please send it in to me at christina@happyslob.com

Getting out of Debt - Step One - Figuring out WHAT You Owe

2006-11-22T10:18:00.000-08:00

Now, this may be a very scary step to many who are deep in debt - figuring out exactly what you owe. Most of us in debt do anything we can to AVOID those harsh, cold numbers of our debt - we'll do anything to ignore it and pretend it just isn't there.

But, if you're serious about getting your debt under control, you need to face these scary numbers once and for all. :) ANd remember, it's the first step of a plan that will help you eliminate that debt, so you should actually feel empowered by doing this. (But, feeling a little overwhelmed is okay too! In fact, it just makes you human.)

So, sit down with your bills (which may have remained unopened because you were too scared to look at what you owe!) and get out your handy calculator. Getting a brand new notebook for your Debt Reduction Plan is a great idea - or you can use your computer to create a file for that.

Write down everything you owe, so that you have the hard facts right in front of you. This is the very first step to getting in control of your debt - acknowledging and viewing the real numbers. This is one of the hardest things you may ever do, so just hunker down and do it - don't procrastinate! Just keep reminding yourself that this is the first step in getting back in charge of your financial life...and that the discomfort now will be worth it later on.

I'm proud of you! Now you know the real situation you're in financially, and next we'll learn how to take that information and start working on a plan that will work for YOU and YOUR FAMILY.

Make Money Tips - Find a Need and Then Fill It

2006-11-22T10:13:00.000-08:00

When you're trying to get your debt under control - or just trying to save more money - you might often also think of ways to EARN extra money. But, where can you start?

Do your research! Find a need in your community, and then fill it. It could be something like a petsitting service, or a service to visit lonely seniors.
Online, it IS possible to make money. But, don't get caught up in get rich quick schemes, which will only leave your wallet emptier than ever before. Selling on eBay is one possibility to earn some extra cash by getting rid of clutter around your home. Read some stories of REAL people who are earning a living on eBay - these stories, by the way, are FREE. Their tips are inspiring and can help you make a go of an eBay career.
Ask around - when you come up with an idea, ask your family and friends if it's something they think might work.

Finding a real work at home job is possible, but only if you're willing to take some time and thoroughly research your options. Have fun!

Frugal Cleaning/Home/Life - Using Coffee Filters in All Sorts of Amazing Ways

2006-11-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

Coffee filters are for more than JUST brewing a great cup of Java! On my Happy Slob's Housecleaning Blog I came up with some great cleaning uses for coffee filters.

But, beyond cleaning, coffee filters are a great way to:

Portion out snacks for yourself or for your kids. They're easier and cheaper than using paper plates for things like a hot dog. Great way to portion control snack sizes too, especially if you're trying to cut back a bit and lose some weight.
Store individual servings of things you eat often, but don't always want to measure out - like your morning oatmeal! Just put out some coffee filters and measure out 1 serving size of oatmeal into each one, then all you need to do for your morning bowl of oatmeal is grab one coffee filter full of oats, pour it into a microwave safe bowl, add some water and pop in the microwave.

Have more ideas on how to use coffee filters? Please email them to me - christina@happyslob.com and I'll be sure to add them.

Frugal Food and Recipes - Make Powdered Milk Taste Better

2006-11-20T10:01:00.000-08:00

Trying to save on your milk costs, but hate the taste of powdered milk? :) No need to fear, frugalites! Just add a bit of good natural vanilla to the milk to improve the taste a whole lot, and make sure to mix up the milk the night before you're going to use it. Give it a good shake or stir before using. The vanilla adds a nicer taste than the powdered milk alone.

I have two ways to make your own good vanilla extract, posted at: http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/vanilla.html Enjoy! (This idea is also great for gifts!)

Cheap Homemade Air Freshener Recipe - Just Lemon Juice, Baking Soda and water

2006-11-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

Freshen up your bathroom (or other smelly areas in your home, like where the kitty litter box is) with a simple recipe that adds a fresh lemony scent AND naturally neutralizes odor, instead of masking it.

2 tablespoons baking soda
2 teaspoons lemon juice
About 1 cup of water

Mix together in a clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting. Shake very gently, and spray away nasty scent and odor!

(PS. Got the inspiration for this simple recipe from the show: "How Clean is your House?" I love those two ladies!)

For us frugalites, the best news of all is this - this homemade air freshening formula is literally only about 10 cents or so per bottle! If you have access to a lemon tree, it'll be even less! And you can get a fabulous little spray bottle for this to keep in the bathroom for a buck at a dollar store.

Fun Frugal Activities for Families - Take it Outside

2006-10-29T09:18:00.001-08:00

Try saying THAT ten times in a row: fun, frugal families. :) But that's exactly what you're all trying to be - you're trying to take responsibility with your money, and likely pay off excess debt.

That doesn't mean that you can't have any fun! In fact, if you want to stick to your frugality goals, you'll need to come up with a list of family activities that ARE fun, but that also won't break the bank.

One of the greatest ideas is to get outdoors - go for a hike, a walk, a stroll around a lake. Go sledding when the snow starts to fall, or get outside to make a big snowman. Take the dog for a walk, but take one of your kids with you too, so you get a chance to really talk to them. Make a bonfire with friends, and roast marshmallows and hot dogs. Or, go for a drive in the country and take snacks or a picnic to enjoy when you arrive at your destination.

Get your family's ideas written down too, and create a Frugal Family Fun binder with ideas, recipes - whatever you need to come up with meaningful family activities when everyone wants to spend some time together. This way you'll be less likely to overspend. :) Enjoy!

Fun Frugal Activities for Families - Take it Outside

2006-10-29T09:18:00.000-08:00

Yay - It worked! I got my credit card Interest Rate Lowered

2006-10-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

Hey frugalites,

:) The last post I made was about how I called my credit card company and simply asked for a lowered rate. Well, it was a bit more complicated then that - I just mentioned that I had received a better credit card offer in the mail, and that if they couldn't lower my rate than I would have to switch credit cards.

Lo and behold, yesterday my interest rate was lowered by 6% AND they told me it should be lowered even more.

So, I highly recommend that you try this - just call your credit card company and get them to lower your interest rate. You could save hundreds or thousands of dollars just by making a brief 5 minute phone call.

Reduce Debt Tips - Ask for a Lower Credit Card Rate

2006-10-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

I've learned that one of the easiest ways to get a lower credit card rate is...simply to ask for it! Just call your credit card provider (major ones like Visa or Mastercard) and say something along these lines:

Hi, I'm calling today because I've recently received a lower interest rate credit card offer from _________________ (name of Company.) I would like to stay with you, but I need my interest rate to be lowered, or else I'll have to take this other offer.

It's really that easy! Last week I tried this method firsthand and was told that I would definitely receive a lower rate. Now, this is taking into account that the credit card is in good standing, and some other factors such as not just paying the minimum amount due on the card every month.

It's worth it to give this method a try -- post a comment if you try and DO get a lower credit cards interest rate!

Frugal Fun and Frugal Shopping: Use Canvas Reusable Shopping Bags

2006-10-02T06:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a simple tip that is convenient for you and healthy for our environment. Try investing in a few good-quality canvas bags or sacks and then keep one tightly bunched up in your purse or car. It's an easy way to have a bag always at hand for groceries or other shopping, or just when you happen to find a great bargain at a garage sale and need an easy way to tote it!

For more ideas on homemade frugal crafts, visit http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/crafts.html

Frugal food: Make Your Own Hamburger Buns Recipe

2006-10-02T06:17:00.000-07:00

HOW TO MAKE HAMBUGER BUNS
Submitted by Pat

1 3/4 cup. warm water,1/4 cup honey. 1/2 cup cooking oil. 3 pkgs yeast. 1 1/2 teasp. salt5 cups flour (all purpose). 2 eggs beaten.

combine water, honey,oil,and yeast. let sit 10 - 15 minutes. or untilbubbly.. stir in salt, flour. and eggs.Sshape intothe size of a hamburger buns you desire. Place on greased cookie sheetslet rise for 10 or so---- minutes. bake at 425 'for 10minutes. Let cool and split with knife..** Much better than store bought..!

Gradually Building Your Well-Stocked Pantry

2006-09-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

I'm generally NOT one to have a lot of groceries around, but I'm going to change. :) I first of all don't have a whole lot of extra space for 'a well stocked pantry' but I've decided to gradually build up my pantry. Here's my plan:

- Each week, during my regular grocery shopping trip, I'm going to buy 4-5 extra things (non perishable) to stock my pantry.

I think this is a far easier way to stock a pantry, and then over time I'll see it grow!

Another Frugality Resource: SavingAdvice.com

2006-09-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

In my online frugal findings, I have come across an amazing new resource at http://www.savingadvice.com. This terrific website is excellent for those of us who want to stretch our dollars.

I especially love the frugal forums - you can get money advice, tips on how to live a more frugal life, and much more. A friendly, and frugal place that all frugalites will love!

Try Freecycle - Free Furniture and More

2006-09-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

Freecycle - at http://www.freecycle.org - is a worldwide network of frugally minded people! Visit to find items in your local area that you can get for free - you usually just need to arrange to pick it up.

In return, you can give away items you don't need. :) A much better alternative than having more junk end up in landfills! Definitely a Frugalite Thumbs-Up option.

Make Your Own Bread: Frugal Baking & Food Tips

2006-09-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

Whether you use a handy bread machine to do the hard work for you, or prefer old-fashioned, by hand breadmaking techniques, you will save OODLES of your hard earned cash by baking your own bread.

Buy flour in large quantities, and any other specialty ingredients - such as flax seeds, or other whole grains - in the bulk section at your local supermarket. It is usually far cheaper to do so.

Experiment with different bread recipes and find a handful that you and your family will love. When you get used to home baked bread, you'll never want to eat the commercial variety again!

Make Your Own: Hershey's Chocolate Syrup Copycat Recipe

2006-08-27T10:41:00.000-07:00

1/2 Cup Cocoa (Hershey's obviously)
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup water
1 tsp. Vanilla
dash of salt

Combine cocoa, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Add water, and mix until
smooth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil for one minute,
be careful this does not over boil. Remove from heat, when this cools
add the vanilla.

Make Your Own: Italian Dressing Mix

2006-08-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

Good Season's Italian Dressing

1 TB Garlic salt
1 TB Onion powder
1 TB Sugar
2 TB Oregano
1 ts Pepper
1/4 ts Thyme
1 ts Basil
1 TB Parsley
1/4 ts Celery salt
2 TB Salt

For Dressing Mix:

1/4 Cup Cider Vinegar
2/3 Cup Oil
2 TB Water
2 TB Dry Mix
Shake well.

One More Frugal Use for Old Socks: Dusting Devices

2006-08-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

No, it's not weird or gross to use old socks to clean with. :) Just give them a final cleaning in the wash. They're easy to slip onto your hands (sort of like those new popular Swiffer cleaning gloves) and are great dusters!

This is a fun cleaning tip for kids - give them an old (clean) sock on each hand and let them have fun dusting!

Frugal Cleaning: Don't Throw Out Those Old Socks!

2006-08-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

Old cotton socks may not look great (with holes, etc) but they can be fabulous additions to your cleaning kit! Old socks can be torn apart and used as small cleaning cloths, or if they're just worn out but don't have any holes - put some detergent inside and use as a scrubby cleaner for any area of your house!

Have any more cleaning tips using old socks? Send them to me (Christina) at christina @ happyslob.com

PS. If you'd like tips on creating a frugal cleaning kit, visit: Cleaning Kit Advice & Tips

Make Money Tips: Sell Crafts at Craft Shows

2006-08-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

Some very helpful tips from an experienced craft show pro can help you make some extra money selling your crafts. I've posted the tips on what to sell, how to present it and more at: Craft Show Money Making Tips from Pros who Know

Easy Ways to Rejuvenate an Old Scratched CD (Frugal Tips; Cleaning a CD)

2006-08-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

1. GENTLY wash CD with weak detergent, from edge to middle (NEVER CIRCULAR!) with soft kitchen or paper towel.
2. Dry from edge to middle with towel.
3. Here's the science bit --- Put a TINY spot of non-fluoride toothpaste (yes really!) on to towel and gently rub from edge to middle again.
4. Using a clean piece of towel buff in same direction.

Make Your Own Vanilla Extract - Homemade Gifts

2006-08-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

This article teaches you 2 different ways to make homemade Vanilla Extract. All you'll need is to find some good quality vanilla beans. It's worth the effort though - with vanilla extract getting more and more expensive, you'll save a LOT of money by making your own!

The great thing is - once you have a bottle of homemade extract, you'll never go back to using store bought. The taste is amazing!

Frugal Cleaning Tips: The 2 Items You Need

2006-08-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

Frugalites, you do NOT have to spend a small fortune to stock a cleaning kit or cleaning cabinet to keep your home clean. :) In reality, there are very few products you really need. Today, I'll tell you about my two absolute FAVORITE multi-purpose cleaning products that I'll bet you already have in your home:

Baking Soda
Vinegar

Baking soda is a cleaning powerhouse! Use it to:

Replace harsh commercial powdered cleansers
Reduce odors (simply place in a small open container and it will help to neutralize and remove odors naturally)
Reduce odors in kitty litter boxes - simply sprinkle into fresh litter every time you've changed the cat litter

Vinegar is another must-have for frugal cleaners. It can:

Replace all-purpose cleaners! Just pour 1 part plain white vinegar into a clean plastic spray bottle. Add 4-5 parts tap water and shake well. For a little extra cleaning power you can add 1 or 2 drops of natural liquid dishwashing soap.
Get your sink's taps and faucets shining - use it straight for extra power

These are just a few ways that you can use baking soda and vinegar to clean your home. For dozens of extra (free) uses, visit:

Dozens of Vinegar Uses

Dozens of Baking Soda Uses

Interesting Statistic to Motivate You to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

2006-08-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

Do you realize that if you owe $2,000 on a credit card with a 21% interest rate, and you only make the minimum payment each month that you will owe on this account for approximately 19 years and pay a total of $6725.64 in principle and interest?

To help pay off credit card debt more quickly, be determined to STOP USING the credit card. (Except for real emergencies.)

Frugal Food and Recipes: Copycat Boston Market Bread Pudding

2006-08-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

Cracker Barrel's Bread Pudding

Sugared Pecans: In small skillet combine 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon oil, med-low heat, with 2-oz pecan pieces. Stir only till heated and barely bubbly. Sprinkle with 4 tablespoons sugar.Stir briskly only till sugar dissolves, on low heat AS THESE BURN QUICKLY! Work fast. Dump them into paper towel lined plate. Spread out to cool while you prepare the rest.

Plumped Raisins: In small saucepan combine 1/3 cup raisins and 1 cup boiling water. Cover pan with lid 20 minutes. Drain and discard water. Add 1/2 cup packaged shredded coconut to raisins. Set aside.

Dumplings: In dutch oven combine 6 cups water and 1/2 cup sugar. Bring to boil. While you wait for that to boil, combine in medium bowl, 3 cups Bisquick, 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, stirring with fork to moisten thick dough. When water come to boil, drop dough by rounded tablespoonfulinto boiling water, making about 14 dumplings. Cover pan with lid. Simmer dumplings very gently 20 minutes. Uncover and let cook another 10 minutes gently. Baste often in the liquid, which is now becoming thickened and creamy looking. Remove pan from heat. With slotted spoon remove HALF of dumplings to greased 8" square baking dish. Sprinkle with pecans andraisins/coconut. Arrange rest of dumplings over that. Set aside. Make sauce next.

Caramel Sauce: Strain remaining liquid into heavy 2 1/2-quart saucepan. Bring to boil. Stir constantly. Add 1 cup packed light brown sugar, stirring vigorously, med-heat till it boils briskly 2 or 3 minutes or till sugar is completely dissolved and sauce drops from spoon in large drops rather than like water. It should be the consistancy of smooth gravy. Spoon sauce over dumplings filling dish right to the rim. Cool 15 minutes.Cover; refrigerate to serve within few days. Micro warm servings oruse cold with a scoop of ice cream on top of each. Serves 6 to 8.

Frugal Food and Recipes: Copycat Chips Ahoy Recipe

2006-08-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Chips Ahoy Copycat Recipe
4 cup All-Purpose Flour
1 tsp Baking soda (level)
2 tsp Salt (level)
1 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)
1 cup Granulated Sugar
1 1/2 cup Vegetable Shortening (Crisco)
1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 large Egg White
2-4 tbsp Water (warm)
12 oz Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Bring all ingredients to room temperature. Preheat oven to 325 °F. Mixthe flour and baking soda in a bowl and set aside. Use an electric mixer to mix the two sugars and shortening. When creamy add the vanilla, salt,and egg white. Add the flour 1/2 cup at a time adding a tablespoon of warmwater as necessary to mix the flour - don't exceed 4 tablespoons of water- this will make a firm dough. Mix in chocolate chips. As the dough gets thicker you may want to mix by hand and abandon the electric mixer.Roll into 2 inch balls and press down with the palm of the hand to make flat. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Frugal Food and Recipes: Award Winning Buttermilk Brownies

2006-08-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

This Buttermilk Brownies Recipe not only won awards, but is also a frugal minded baker's friend. The ingredients are common and inexpensive - enjoy with a big cup of fragrant coffee.

Debt Reduction Techniques: Pay off Credit Cards Faster

2006-08-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

Every single one of us Frugalites wants to pay off our credit card bills faster. Here is a simple technique that works to do just that!

Let's say you have three credit cards:

Credit Card A - Balance $4200.00 (Interest rate 9%)
Credit Card B - Balance $560.00 (Interest rate 18%)
Credit Card C - Balance $1500.00 (Interest rate 4%)

While Credit Card A is the one that worries you the most, don't work to pay it off entirely first. I know you might be scratching your head right now -- but you need to use the SNOWBALL EFFECT for paying off debt. It works like this:

Continue to pay the minimum amounts on all of your debts/credit cards. On the credit card with the smallest amount owing, pay as large a payment as you can afford each month, until the balance is at 0.
Let's say that after 4 months of paying $140 on Credit Card B (the one with the highest interest rate AND the lowest amount owing) you've eliminated that credit card payment. Congratulations! Now...use that extra $140.00 a month on your next lowest amount owing - which is Credit Card C. (Some people choose to pay off the highest interest accounts first. This is entirely up to you. I prefer to stick with the easy way of getting rid of the smallest amounts first.)
So, now you're paying an additional $140 per month on Credit Card C - that is, on top of the minimum monthly payment you were already paying. Continue like this until this credit card payment is also eliminated.

See how this works? :) After a while, you'll not only have a great sense of accomplishment - by ELMINATING some of your debt - but you'll also be working towards your eventual goal of ELIMINATING ALL OF YOUR DEBT!

This is an original article written by the owner of this blog. If you would like to re-publish it in whole or in part on your blog or website, please simply link back to this blog: http://frugalites.blogspot.com

Set a new Savings Goal - Frugality Tips

2006-08-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

Today, sit down and set a new savings goal. Frugality is not only about making wise choices about how to SPEND your money, it's also about putting some aside.

Even if you think you can't possibly save any money - you're wrong. Set a reasonable goal of even 5% of every check you earn. You'll be surprised by how quickly it can all add up.

And, to help those savings grow more quickly, check out the new high interest savings accounts at nearly every bank or financial institution. Compared to the miniscule interest rates of the past, these high interest accounts make every little bit of money add up quicker than ever before!

Copycat Chi Chi's Salsa Recipe - Frugal Food and Recipes

2006-08-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

Chi Chi's Salsa

2 green onions diced
2 ripe tomatoes diced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
dash of tabasco sauce
14oz. can stewed tomatoes

Dice the stewed tomatoes and combine in sauce pan with onions, fresh
tomatoes, salt and pepper. Bring to just a boil. Boil hard 1 minute
and remove from heat. Put half of the mixture through a blender,
just to mince fine but not puree. Return to remaining half of mixture.
Add tabasco to taste.
Cool and refrigerate in tightly covered container.
Use within a few weeks and it freezes up to 6 months.

Create Your Own Gift Cupboard - Frugal tips and Hints

2006-08-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, one customer in the kitchenwares shop where I worked told me about her 'Gift Cupboard' - a storage cupboard she uses to stash her frugal finds for gifts whenever they're needed.

I thought this was a fantastic idea. When you see something at an outrageous bargain, but can't think of anyone who you could give it to right away - put it away in your own little Gift Cupboard. Then, when a gift is needed, you not only spare yourself the stress of shopping for it last minute BUT you also save a lot of your hard earned cash.

One More Frugal Coffee Treat - Black Forest Coffee Recipe

2006-08-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Black Forest Coffee Recipe - Another delicious frugal coffee shop style treat - this one made extra special with bursts of cherry and chocolate flavorings. And a big dollop of whipped cream - because why WOULDN'T you add that? ;)

Make Your Own Gourmet Coffee Drinks This Summer

2006-08-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

Why pay an arm and a leg for pricey gourmet coffee beverages at places like Starbucks, when you can easily use your own coffee at home to whip up a treat. Try some of these recipes to get started:

Coffee Soda Recipe
Coffee Shop Recipes - Including Starbucks Copycat Recipes

Enjoy, all you fellow coffee lovers!

Make Your Own Boboli Pizza Crust (Copycat Recipe; Frugal Recipes)

2006-08-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

Boboli Pizza Crust

1 pk Dry Yeast
1/4 cup Water
2 1/4 cups Warm water
6 tb Olive oil,+ extra for pans
6 cups Flour
1 ts Salt

Dissolve yeast in warm water (105F is perfect). Let it sit for two minutes.Add the rest of the ingedients and mix well. Turn out onto board and kneadfor ten minutes. Place back in bowl covered with a damp towel and let rise 30 to 40 minutes. Divide dough into 3 parts and place in 3 olive-oiled pie pans.Dimple dough with fingers. Place on top the following mixture: Coarse sea (or Kosher) salt, fresh ground pepper, chopped rosemary and thyme. If herbs are dried, soak them in water for 10 minutes and then pat dry on paper towels. Let rise 50 to 60 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes.May dip in olive oil.

Delicious Pie Recipes: A Frugal Dessert Anytime

2006-08-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

Pie is not only delicious (and one of my all-time FAVORITE desserts to chow down on) but it's also inexpensive! For tons of delicious pie recipes, visit the Pie Recipes Blog . If you have a favorite to share, please send it to me at christina@happyslob.com