Best painless "stretching things" budget tips?

[rottiemom]

I looked at the barkeeper towels - they looked great, but bought a bunch of their 2 for $1 microfiber towels instead. They are 15 x 15 inches (the size of a paper towel square?) and are in really bright pretty colors.

The microfiber towels are GREAT and I use them for just about everything. Washing the floors (no more swiffer wets), dusting (they hold a ton & never seem to shed it back) cleaning the counters & de-streaking the windows. I keep one in my bag for wiping off damp slides or benches. Just make sure that when you wash them you wah them all together and try not to wash them with anything sawdust-y or it'll stick to the towels.

 

[PoohsHubby]

I'd like to add a tip of cutting out dry cleaning costs:

We purchased a professional garment steamer a couple years ago and we love it. I use it every week to steam our suits, our shirts , pants, etc and it works great (especially for the suits). It gets all the wrinkles out and doesn't take as long as ironing (you won't be able to get your shirts crisp, but you will be able to eliminate all wrinkles). This has saved us alot! I can't even imagine dry cleaning 5 suits a week, 10 dress shirts, etc. Every few weeks, I Dryel DH Suits so it gives them a fresh fragrant scent.

 

[magiclj]

This came from my Taste of Home email newsletter. I haven't tried it yet, but thought it loooked interesting.

Save on laundry softener with a reusable fabric softener cloth. Soak a wash cloth in a non-metallic bowl filled with liquid fabric softener for 30 minutes or until it soaks up the liquid fabric softener. Wear plastic gloves and take the wash cloth out of the bowl and squeeze out the excess liquid. (Pour the excess fabric softener liquid in the bowl back into the original fabric softener bottle to use another time.) Hang up the cloth to dry for 24 hours. You’ll have a fabric softener "sheet" that will last for 100-plus loads of laundry. When the fabric softener cloth stops working, just repeat the whole process.

 

[IluvKingLouis]

I like to make Impossibly Easy Pies (recipes at the Bisquick site). Just put Impossibly Easy in the search box. These recipes are *good*, easy, quick and a great way to use up leftover chicken, meat, veggies, etc.

Recently I started making my own Bisquick mix from scratch so now these meals are even more affordable.

Also been making alot of things from scratch. Started using my Betty Crocker cook book from the 70's since these recipes really stretched meat....2-3 ounces per person in a recipe was more the norm back then.

Buying rice, oatmeal, pasta's in bulk.

I'm going to try some of the washing/drying tricks...they sound good!

 

[MELSMICE]

This came from my Taste of Home email newsletter. I haven't tried it yet, but thought it loooked interesting.

Save on laundry softener with a reusable fabric softener cloth. Soak a wash cloth in a non-metallic bowl filled with liquid fabric softener for 30 minutes or until it soaks up the liquid fabric softener. Wear plastic gloves and take the wash cloth out of the bowl and squeeze out the excess liquid. (Pour the excess fabric softener liquid in the bowl back into the original fabric softener bottle to use another time.) Hang up the cloth to dry for 24 hours. You’ll have a fabric softener "sheet" that will last for 100-plus loads of laundry. When the fabric softener cloth stops working, just repeat the whole process.

This one is really interesting. I might give it try. I am one who cuts the sheets in half & it really works. You don't get an overpowering scent from a 1/2 sheet but it takes care of static.

 

[Kycha]

This came from my Taste of Home email newsletter. I haven't tried it yet, but thought it loooked interesting.

Save on laundry softener with a reusable fabric softener cloth. Soak a wash cloth in a non-metallic bowl filled with liquid fabric softener for 30 minutes or until it soaks up the liquid fabric softener. Wear plastic gloves and take the wash cloth out of the bowl and squeeze out the excess liquid. (Pour the excess fabric softener liquid in the bowl back into the original fabric softener bottle to use another time.) Hang up the cloth to dry for 24 hours. You’ll have a fabric softener "sheet" that will last for 100-plus loads of laundry. When the fabric softener cloth stops working, just repeat the whole process.

Ooooh! This is a fantastic tip. I am so gonna try this one. Thanks!

 

[Kycha]

I think this probably fits here...I am in the process of switching all our light bulbs over to the CFL light bulbs. As I replace with the new CFL bulb, I write the date on the bulb. I want to see if their claim that the bulb will last 5+ years is really true.

Anyway, one of the cfl bulbs in my bedroom has burned out. The date on the bulb is 7/10/07. So, this bulb only lasted me about 10 months. Not much better than a regular bulb. There is a limited warranty on the bulbs, but I have to provide the UPC and register receipt to get my money back. Well, It's been 10 months...I don't think I have the receipt anymore. So, I contacted GE, gave them all my information and the product information. And in response, I just received a $10 coupon in the mail. It was definitely painless...it only took about 10 minutes to find the e-mail address and send my info.

 

[sunnyday123]

I think this probably fits here...I am in the process of switching all our light bulbs over to the CFL light bulbs. As I replace with the new CFL bulb, I write the date on the bulb. I want to see if their claim that the bulb will last 5+ years is really true.

Anyway, one of the cfl bulbs in my bedroom has burned out. The date on the bulb is 7/10/07. So, this bulb only lasted me about 10 months. Not much better than a regular bulb. There is a limited warranty on the bulbs, but I have to provide the UPC and register receipt to get my money back. Well, It's been 10 months...I don't think I have the receipt anymore. So, I contacted GE, gave them all my information and the product information. And in response, I just received a $10 coupon in the mail. It was definitely painless...it only took about 10 minutes to find the e-mail address and send my info.

ok, is there a tip of any sort attached to that picture in your sig line??!!???

 

[bdcp]

I think this probably fits here...I am in the process of switching all our light bulbs over to the CFL light bulbs. As I replace with the new CFL bulb, I write the date on the bulb. I want to see if their claim that the bulb will last 5+ years is really true.

Anyway, one of the cfl bulbs in my bedroom has burned out. The date on the bulb is 7/10/07. So, this bulb only lasted me about 10 months. Not much better than a regular bulb. There is a limited warranty on the bulbs, but I have to provide the UPC and register receipt to get my money back. Well, It's been 10 months...I don't think I have the receipt anymore. So, I contacted GE, gave them all my information and the product information. And in response, I just received a $10 coupon in the mail. It was definitely painless...it only took about 10 minutes to find the e-mail address and send my info.

The CFL bulbs do not last substantially longer and are not budget friendly. I don't like them, but DH swears he's not changing bulbs as often. Sorry, I think he's convinced himself that they're worth it, they're not.

 

[Kycha]

ok, is there a tip of any sort attached to that picture in your sig line??!!???

Hey! Hands off! He's mine.

The CFL bulbs do not last substantially longer and are not budget friendly. I don't like them, but DH swears he's not changing bulbs as often. Sorry, I think he's convinced himself that they're worth it, they're not.

You are probably right. I do know that I am replacing bulbs less frequently as well. But, not enough to justify the high cost of the cfl bulb. I probably got an extra 2 months out of the cfl in my bedroom than if I had used a regular lightbulb. I guess the real savings is on your electric bill.

One thing I did learn...the type of light fixture you use can impact the life of the bulb. If the bulb is in an enclosure(especially if it is upside down) the bulb cannot dissipate the heat. If you look at a cfl bulb, there is a little vent in the center of the base top. The heat is supposed to vent from there. But if the bulb is upside down, since heat rises, the heat has no where to go. And this would make your cfl bulb last significantly less than what they claim. Unfortunately, 75% of my household fixtures are upside down enclosures.

 

[disneychrista]

Aren't most lights socks "upside down?" I have just don't put the light fixtures on and have the CFL's bare. Doesnt look as nice but all in the name of "saving the planet"

 

[Gina]

Does anyone have the GT Xpress 101? I have one that I did use quite a bit and I put it in a cabinet and forgot it. I saw a infomercial and fell in love with it again. I'd buy it all over again. I was remembering all the great omlettes and wrap sandwiches I made. LOL. I mainly used it in the summer. Great to make food "to go". I pulled it out for omlettes in the morning!

Yay, I finally found this post again! That'll teach me to be in a hurry and not bookmark things.

DS and I have been wanting one of those for I swear two years. I was *thisclose* to ordering one, then decided to go find reviews on it. I could find very few people happy with them -- and so many complaints! The chief complaints seemed to be cheap design and too small to do half the stuff they show on the infomercial.

But we just saw the informercial again yesterday, and want one worse than ever! It's just the two of us, and I stink at cooking (or having time to cook) but think I could whip us up some yummy stuff in that and save some money on convenience foods. And I trust a DIS'ers opinion about a million times more than some random reviewer. So what pros and cons could you give me for the GT Xpress? I really appreciate it!

-gina-

 

[MKCP5]

The CFL bulbs do not last substantially longer and are not budget friendly. I don't like them, but DH swears he's not changing bulbs as often. Sorry, I think he's convinced himself that they're worth it, they're not.

Watch Bj's and Costco. I got 8 for 3.99 after the in store rebate. Well wroth it and I changed everything over

 

[OceanAnnie]

Yay, I finally found this post again! That'll teach me to be in a hurry and not bookmark things.

DS and I have been wanting one of those for I swear two years. I was *thisclose* to ordering one, then decided to go find reviews on it. I could find very few people happy with them -- and so many complaints! The chief complaints seemed to be cheap design and too small to do half the stuff they show on the infomercial.

But we just saw the informercial again yesterday, and want one worse than ever! It's just the two of us, and I stink at cooking (or having time to cook) but think I could whip us up some yummy stuff in that and save some money on convenience foods. And I trust a DIS'ers opinion about a million times more than some random reviewer. So what pros and cons could you give me for the GT Xpress? I really appreciate it!

-gina-

Hi Gina!

Uh oh. Don't get me started!!! I love mine! I haven't had any trouble at all. None. I bought the Deluxe version with 4 wells, but I think it's just called "Deluxe" because it has 2 more wells. I got mine NIB & sealed from E-bay. I've been very happy with it! I've started keeping it on my counter to remind myself to use it! It will stand on it's side and doesn't take up a lot of room. I call it, "The spaceship". It looks like one.

It was especially useful at the beach! I was so glad I took it. We rented a cottage and spent most of our days on the shore. I'd make omlettes before we left, wipe it out and make wrap sandwiches for a beach picnic. I'd wrap those in aluminium and put them in an insulated bag. Perfect.

The pros are: quick, portable, tasty food! Using less electricity. Provides quick ways to use up leftovers.

The cons are: Sometimes food will stick to the surface (even being non-stick). But, I have a tip to keep that from happening. I spray a little non-stick spray on a paper towel and wipe the wells with it. Ensures easy clean up. Don't spray the machine because you don't need that much spray and it will get drippy.

I used it last night! I was in a pinch. Didn't know what to do about dinner. I remembered seeing the recipe for corn dogs. So I tried it. It was good! I had the longer hot dogs on hand (but no buns). I cut them in half and placed them side by side (two halfs in each well). Poured the mix over them and they cooked up great. The corn muffin mix was about .48. (I had a bunch on hand). Some mornings I make quick easy muffins for the kids. Love the no clean up!

I need to watch the infomercial again. I have the cookbook, but something about watching that lady whip up stuff is just fascinating! I'm mesmerized. The ideas stick with me and I don't have to look up the recipes.

 

[Chelley00]

but bought a bunch of their 2 for $1 microfiber towels instead. They are 15 x 15 inches (the size of a paper towel square?) and are in really bright pretty colors

Ours doesn't have the microfiber towels I may have to try another Dollar Tree!

 

[StillPinballFamily]

Ours doesn't have the microfiber towels I may have to try another Dollar Tree!

The microfiber towels were with the automotive and hardware supplies in the DT store near me. They are rolled up. Hope you can find them.

I may have to check out that Xpress sandwich thingie...it sounds interesting and yet another way to creatively use leftovers. Also, I LOVE corndogs and NEVER get them!

 

[Gina]

Hi Gina!

Uh oh. Don't get me started!!! I love mine! I haven't had any trouble at all. None. I bought the Deluxe version with 4 wells, but I think it's just called "Deluxe" because it has 2 more wells. I got mine NIB & sealed from E-bay. I've been very happy with it! I've started keeping it on my counter to remind myself to use it! It will stand on it's side and doesn't take up a lot of room. I call it, "The spaceship". It looks like one.

(snip)

You're awesome! Okay, I think I really do need one now. Thanks so much for your thoughts!

-gina-

 

[OceanAnnie]

You're welcome! I know you will love it!

 

[DisneyShannon]

I was in the store today and could not believe how much things have gone up. I went to two different stores. One store I did not buy anything. Orange juice was almost 4.00. I liked to have died. I am going to find me a pitcher and make my own from the cans. I used to buy the 4 pack of ice cream cones. They were 1.99 now they are 2.50 for 4 of the suckers. They had the off brand store brand soda for 2 for 1.00 so I got two of those. I cook breakfast every morning biscuits and sausage. Keeping my fingers crossed they do not go up to much.

One thing/tip I have is if you have a dog or cat like I do I have both I used to buy them wet food the cat especially I cut all that out no more wet food. I started taking my lunch to work usually a left over biscuit and a piece of sausage. I work at a hospital where they have their own cafeteria. They used to have 3.00 dinners where you got meat and two sides for three dollars and change, and now they have gone up to 5.00 dollars for a meal. forget that.

I am afraid I may not make a trip to Disney this year. I guess I just needed to vent UGGGGGGG.

 

[StillPinballFamily]

Save on laundry softener with a reusable fabric softener cloth. Soak a wash cloth in a non-metallic bowl filled with liquid fabric softener for 30 minutes or until it soaks up the liquid fabric softener. Wear plastic gloves and take the wash cloth out of the bowl and squeeze out the excess liquid. (Pour the excess fabric softener liquid in the bowl back into the original fabric softener bottle to use another time.) Hang up the cloth to dry for 24 hours. You’ll have a fabric softener "sheet" that will last for 100-plus loads of laundry. When the fabric softener cloth stops working, just repeat the whole process.

Love this idea! One bottle of fabric softener will last about ten years this way!!! I'm going to try this idea, but will make 3-4 cloths at the same time (seems like even LESS work), since I'll have to get out the gloves, etc. These should last our family a loooooong time (a year?).

Also, I've been recently researching the costs of running an electric dryer. I need inspiration to keep hanging the clothes outside on the line during the warmer months. It seems that generally it costs about 40 cents just to dry one load (depending upon how much your local electric rates are). At the dinner table last night, I mentioned my findings and that hanging things outside and not using the dryer would save our family about $5 a week. I thought my family would sort of sniff and say "Big deal...", but the 10-year-old actually said "Wow, more money for our next Disney trip!" (Gotta love it!!! What a kid!!! I guess I've been saying that A LOT - nice to know someone's been listening...)

I was surfing around looking at different budget guru sites and was stopped at Clark Howard's site when I read about him drying his 17 cent razor blade which lasted a year. Since my kids and I (all girls) all have been shaving now with our Schick Quatros, replacing blades for 3 is expensive, so I figured what the heck. I use the Howard method and simply blot the blade on a towel and put it away. I've had the same blade in for a couple of months now, works great! Getting the kids on board has taken some nagging, since they like to leave their razors in the shower. But mama ain't buyin' no blades, so that's an inspriation to start.

I also have put the drying the razor/razor blades tip into practice. Again...a winner suggestion for us - thanks for that one. Those blades are darn expensive and this tip alone will save my teen big bucks!