Used Fabric Softener Sheets

Save them for:

~Deodorizing shoes
~Dust cloths
~Deodorizing cars

Avoid Antibacterial Soap

Antibacterial soap and other antibacterial cleansers have a whole list of health problems associated with them. Just buy regular soap. It kills a fraction less germs, but who wants to risk immune system problems over .2% more germs?

Save Money on Soap

My husband always leaves soap remnants in the shower. I always throw them away. It's like a game now. But this is what we SHOULD have been doing with them to make new soap!

1. Collect the pieces of soap. Put them in a zip-top bag. Store them in a cool, dry place.

2. When the bag is full, put the pieces into a double boiler and slowly melt them.

3. Pour the melted soap into a nonstick baking dish.

4. When cool, cut into rectangles and wrap them in plastic wrap.

Now that is frugal.

A Clothing-Purchasing "Diet"

I just saw this article in the NY Times. It outlines two different plans for clothing oneself:

A) Don't buy new clothing for a year (with exceptions of socks and underwear)
B) Only wear six items from one's closet for a month. This will help compulsive shoppers realize that they don't need all the items they own and buy.

I am by no means a compulsive shopper, but I do enjoy purchasing new clothing. Since having a baby, I've been focusing on acquiring clothes for free or low cost (ie the clearance racks at Target or online from Land's End, from a friend's cast-offs, or by using gift cards from saved-up credit card points).

Some behaviors that have helped me stay under my clothing budget this year:

1) I leave the tags on as long as possible to determine if I really wanted the item or if I just wanted the experience of buying the item. If it is the latter, I return it.

2) I avoid buying clothing with prints. I'd rather purchase basic items. (I wear lots of black).

3) I don't buy things that need to be dry-cleaned. This eliminates a lot of clothing purchase options! (However, I don't work outside the home right now so I'm really not wearing suits or dresses which would likely require dry cleaning.)

4) Price adjustments at Target. Twice in the past 3 months have I purchased something and a week later it went on sale.

5) Asking myself, "Do I really need this?" Most often, the answer is "NO", so I keep my money. What a great way to be frugal!

6) Coupons! Target had a coupon in a magazine I frequently read...Famous Footwear had an online coupon I used...Macy's, Penney's and Kohls often have coupons. I save them in case I need them. Coupons are most useful when you can use them on clearance items.

7) Borrowing maternity clothing from friends. I also loaned out my maternity clothing to these same friends.

White Vinegar

Make sure your white vinegar says "Made from Grain" on the label.

In some countries, white vinegar is made from petroleum.