patndoris' blog

Often times, we use more than we need to of products simply because manufacturers make it easy to do so. Prime examples are shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and liquid dish soap. Manufacturers put these products in containers that are easy to squeeze, so we tend to use far more than we need. Laundry detergent is another product it’s easy to use too much of. The cap we use to measure the product with is generally far larger than what is required to do the job.

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We all have things around the house that can do double duty…triple duty…and more! Here are a couple of links to check out the incredibly large number of uses for both Baking Soda and White Vinegar. They can both be used in many different areas of the home as well as for cooking.

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The cost of a good computer can vary depending upon the uses you plan for it. However, in general, the cost of a computer for the average user has come down over the years. If you’re not obsessed with having the biggest and best machine out there, you can get deals on some very adequate laptops and desktops. Many people see these as an extravagance, and don’t stop to think about the full frugal potential of computers.

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I had a conversation the other day with a friend regarding uses for old CD’s. Seems such a shame to throw them away. I did a quick Google…I mean really…how much is out there on this subject? Would you believe over 2,000,000 search results? I ran through the first ten or so & perhaps one day I’ll do a page dedicated to this very intensely technical issue. But for today I’d just like to share my absolute favorite of all of them. This photo is awesome! Imagine the patience it took to do this project.

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I’m not sure where I first saw this idea. I’ve done a Google search and can’t turn up any formal instructions, so I’ll give it my best shot and embellish with a few of my own ideas.

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Getting organized can be a real chore. A good step in the right direction is a household organization notebook. This is simply a notebook where you have pages with the important information you need to help you be more organized. I’ve seen them in bookstores selling for way too much money. It’s so easy (and inexpensive) to make your own.

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Gifts for different occasions can add up to lots of dollars spent. Gift baskets you put together yourself are a fantastic cost cutting alternative. Recipients are likely to enjoy them, as the contents were selected specifically for them. Commercial gift baskets can cost quite a bit, but a homemade frugal version is easy to do.

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You may find you go through shifts in how and why you practice frugality at times. This year, I had some unexpected large expenses (which I was able to cover since I saved enough money) but they left me a little short as far as my comfort level for money in the bank. So, I've taken a step back and analyzed my tightwad tendencies, shifting them into slightly higher gear.

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