What did you do to save money this week (2/4/07)?

[liveforthemagic]

So what is Happy Shine? I looked at Walmart, couldn't find it. Is it a hair color/highlights, or sometihing to preserve the color between color jobs? Because you said to use Happy shine then wait 3-4 weeks to recolor. If it preserves color I might get it now to extend my last color job at the salon, it does dull over time. But the biggest expense for me is getting my roots touches up--I'm about 50% gray and my hair grows fast. The colorist i go to has the right formula so the touched hp roots blend with the rest of the hair. However, I just can't justify the expense anymore when we have other, more pressing needs. I could comprimise and let the beauty school do the coloring, since its an ongoing, somewhat complicated process. They could do the whole thing for about $50 every six weeks, as opposed to ~$150!

Its either Happy Shine or Shine Happy, made by Clairol. It doesn't add any color--it just puts a nice shine on the color that is there. My roots start to show around 4 weeks out (not bad though cause I'm pretty close to my own color) and the color goes dull. This stuff makes it shiny so the roots seem a little less noticable--and also perks up your hair too--you know how it kinda goes a little limp when its time to recolor? I love it--you should try it. I have never seen it at Target, but they do have it at Walgreens, although its more expensive.

 

[carissanboys]

I've been spending most of the day reading through this thread and the week before (still haven't finished that one and then I have the original thread to read!). I love reading everyone's ideas and how they're saving money.

I decided yesterday that it was time to crack down and pay off our credit card debt. So I've made a strict budget (but one that shouldn't be difficult to stick to) and I am going to make it happen!

Today I used vinegar in my dishwasher. I'd never heard of this until I read this thread today. I was about to buy some more Jetdry because our dishwasher is awful. Dishes don't even come out very clean. I ran a load with the vinegar, but haven't seen the results yet.

I just fixed our dryer hose. I had been noticing for a while that our laundry room was becoming extremely wet whenever I ran the dryer. Our dryer hose is not a great setup...it connects in the ceiling and it makes it hard to get a good fit. We use a lot of duct tape!! I finally pulled the dryer out and saw that the hose had come completely off of the dryer. Duh!!! So I fixed it up. Now...this really doesn't save me a lot of money. We live on base and our electricity is paid for, but of course, it's also about the environment and helping out in whatever way we can. I was having to run the dryer twice to get the clothes dry and now I realize why. So it's a time saver for me too. Not to mention the room was getting covered in lint!! I can't believe it took me so long to figure out what was wrong.

I cut out coupons today. I was doing really good a while back about using coupons, but then I stopped. So today I went out to the trash can and dug out the ones I'd thrown out. I find that when I make up my list at home and go through my coupons before I hit the store, I'm much more likely to use them. If I just go to the store, I'm too lazy to look through them before I check out.

I know there are a few military families on this thread...do you all shop at the commissary? I'm just wondering if it's ever cheaper to shop off base?

I was very tempted today to purchase some gc from restaurants.com because of the good deal, but I stopped myself. I want to try and not go out to eat at all between now and our Disney trip in a few short weeks.

Tonight we're having leftovers!

 

[bettyann29]

well today is left over night so we wont be using food that I bought for another night..

Just got back from CVS and I spent $50.06 but will be getting back $30 ECB in a few days and will be sending receipt in for $12.28 back from Flexible spending since I bought some over the counter medicines.. After I get all money back it will have cost me $7.78! I used $17.50 worth of coupons so basically it cost me $7.78 in the end for $67.56 worth of stuff.. Wont need toilet paper, dish detergent, soap or cleaner for months.. I know it cost me this money up front but over the next 3 months it will have saved me...

 

[bettyann29]

Here's one from my Mom: For SAHMs, use only one glass for the day and just rinse and keep it in the fridge. My son and I drink at least 3 times before anyone comes home from school and that could make us run the dishwasher more often.

I seriously thought about each of us getting a plastic cup and writing each of our names on each and we have to use our own cup all day long.. and just wash that one glass.. This would save a bunch cause I dont know how many cups and glasses I wash each day..

 

[minnie1928]

I just found these coupons and I know several of you have kids that are sick, or getting over being sick. Perhaps these can help...

http://www.wyeth.com/specialoffers?rid=/wyeth_html/home/user_group_landing/for_pc/coupons.html

It's coupons for stuff like Advil, Robitussin, Alavert, Centrum, etc.

 

[Chickysmom]

When my kids were smaller I used different color cups for each kid...it was easy to remember who was what color, even if they can't read yet!

 

[carissanboys]

One other thing that I wanted to mention...

I read on the other thread a lot of people talking about pizza. It's really easy and fast to make your own pizza dough. I think homemade pizza is so much tastier than frozen. Besides, making your own dough is super cheap! I just use spaghetti sauce or even tomato sauce (you really don't notice the taste difference). And I buy cheese in bulk. I like to cut up hotdogs to put on our pizza or use ham. Lots of options. If anyone would like a pizza dough recipe I'd be happy to post one.

 

[Chickysmom]

Called United Visa card today and added DH to get 500 miles posted to my account...not really money but saving the miles to get free airline tickets!

 

[carissanboys]

Another idea...

Lately I've been buying the individual puddings for dessert (dh and I are doing South Beach and it's one of the sweets we can have). From now on I'm going to buy the boxes and make up my own to save money. But I thought I could save all of the plastic cups the puddings come in and wash them and use those to put the pudding I make in. I can cover them with a bit of plastic wrap and then everyone has their own serving.

 

[Chickysmom]

One other thing that I wanted to mention...

I read on the other thread a lot of people talking about pizza. It's really easy and fast to make your own pizza dough. I think homemade pizza is so much tastier than frozen. Besides, making your own dough is super cheap! I just use spaghetti sauce or even tomato sauce (you really don't notice the taste difference). And I buy cheese in bulk. I like to cut up hotdogs to put on our pizza or use ham. Lots of options. If anyone would like a pizza dough recipe I'd be happy to post one.

POST...POST...POST....PLease!

 

[Chickysmom]

Another idea...

Lately I've been buying the individual puddings for dessert (dh and I are doing South Beach and it's one of the sweets we can have). From now on I'm going to buy the boxes and make up my own to save money. But I thought I could save all of the plastic cups the puddings come in and wash them and use those to put the pudding I make in. I can cover them with a bit of plastic wrap and then everyone has their own serving.

When you put plastic wrap on top, gently push it into the pudding just a little...the contact will prevent air getting int htere and making that thick film.

 

[rkwells]

One other thing that I wanted to mention...

I read on the other thread a lot of people talking about pizza. It's really easy and fast to make your own pizza dough. I think homemade pizza is so much tastier than frozen. Besides, making your own dough is super cheap! I just use spaghetti sauce or even tomato sauce (you really don't notice the taste difference). And I buy cheese in bulk. I like to cut up hotdogs to put on our pizza or use ham. Lots of options. If anyone would like a pizza dough recipe I'd be happy to post one.

Please post the pizza dough recipe! I would love to try making pizza with my kids.

 

[carissanboys]

Ok

I have about 3 different ideas...

The first one is fun for the kids, but isn't as cost effective unless you can pick up the english muffins at a thrift store. But my kids love english muffin pizzas! Just use the muffins as your "dough". They only take about 10 minutes to cook.

Next is the traditional pizza dough:

2 3/4 to 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 package active dry yeast
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons cooking oil

In a large bowl combine 1 1/4 cups of the flour, the yeast, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Add warm water and oil. Beat (either by hand or with electric mixer) until well mixed. Using a spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic. Divide in half. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Then spread out onto your baking sheet (I usually put a little oil down on the sheet to help with the spreading).

I also like to add some herbs to my dough..like italian seasoning. Just gives it a nice flavor.


The other "pizza" I like to make is called skillet pizza and it's from Saving Dinner.

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 cup oats
1/2 small red pepper, chopped
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup skim milk
1 egg
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Cook your beef and onions. Add the oats and mix well. Add the pepper and spaghetti sauce and simmer on low for about 4 minutes.

In a bowl whisk together flour, milk, and egg. Add 1/2 cup of the cheese to the mixture.

Pour your meat mixture into a baking pan and then sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Spread your batter on top of that. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes at 350. This is really yummy!

I recommend doubling the "dough/batter" part. It never seems to make enough for our liking.

 

[minnie1928]

Another idea...

Lately I've been buying the individual puddings for dessert (dh and I are doing South Beach and it's one of the sweets we can have). From now on I'm going to buy the boxes and make up my own to save money. But I thought I could save all of the plastic cups the puddings come in and wash them and use those to put the pudding I make in. I can cover them with a bit of plastic wrap and then everyone has their own serving.

I've done a variation on this, I purchased about 6 of the ziploc containers...you know, the littlest size. Then I made individual jello cups w/ them and would take them to work. Much cheaper than the jello brand cups at the grocery store. And then all I had to do was throw the containers in the dishwasher to clean them for the next time. I haven't done this in ages...maybe I'll do this tomorrow?

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I know there are a few military families on this thread...do you all shop at the commissary? I'm just wondering if it's ever cheaper to shop off base?

I shop at the commissary. There are a few things that you can get cheaper off post, sometimes diapers are cheaper at Walmart, or they have a good sale at another store that can be useful with coupons. Overall, I find that trying to shop at different stores for these items costs me more because I'll go into the store for just those items and come out with 20 other things that would've been cheaper at the commissary so I stick to the commissary. If you're good at sticking to a list, then it can be cheaper, but if you're looking for someplace to do all of your shopping I don't think you can beat the commissary. The exception to that would be Aldi's.

Minnie1928--Thanks for the coupons, I'm sure I can use them

 

[Pooki]

I'm so proud of myself, and this board inspires me so much!! Thank you guys so much!! After I turned 18, I got my first credit card, and though I didnt really get in debt, I was pretty stupid about it using it and had late fees all the time, which skyrocketed my interest rate all the way up to 25.9%. I never use this card, and when I do, I obviously pay it off because of how high the interest rate is. Still, that number bothered me so much, and I am such a pushover and I have been to afraid to call to see about getting it changed, thinking that my stupid decisions years ago would still haunt me. I finally got the nerve and called, and knocked it down by half!! I still will not use this card, and I am proud that I havent in so long, but I still feel proud that my interest rate is muuuuuch lower, and that I could potentially save money in interest fees in the future (but then again...paying interest isnt saving money, now is it? hehe)

 

[ducklite]

One other thing that I wanted to mention...

I read on the other thread a lot of people talking about pizza. It's really easy and fast to make your own pizza dough. I think homemade pizza is so much tastier than frozen. Besides, making your own dough is super cheap! I just use spaghetti sauce or even tomato sauce (you really don't notice the taste difference). And I buy cheese in bulk. I like to cut up hotdogs to put on our pizza or use ham. Lots of options. If anyone would like a pizza dough recipe I'd be happy to post one.

I make my own sauce! I use POMI brand tomotoes--no added citric acid or sugar, but any tomato puree will work, or I puree my own from fresh tomotoes when I've got them. About 16 ounces of that with a couple TBSP of olive oil, garlic, onion, oregano, majoram, salt, paper, and basil to taste, stir onver medium heat for five minutes, done. I can definitely tell the taste difference with my sauce over a jar sauce.

I put nothing but the sauce, cheese, and fresh basil snipped from the plant on my windowsill on my pie. Cost is under $5 for a good sized pie.

Also, if you've got a bread machine, making the dough is sooooo easy. It's actually less effort than finding the correct bills to pay the delivery guy!

Anne

 

[vhoffman]

When my kids were smaller I used different color cups for each kid...it was easy to remember who was what color, even if they can't read yet!

I like this idea! Even though mine are 9 & 10, they still get their cups mixed up, then don't want to risk drinking out of the other's cup--might get cooties! I'm sick of all the milk poured down the sink, not to mention the extra dishwasher loads we run. So now I'll buy color-coded cups--its pointless to try to use cups we already have, they'll just fight over who's cup is who's, regardless. I'll look for something unique in the kitchen they can't argue over!

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

same song, different day.

I went to Target and bought steaks -- they were $6 and had a $3 off coupon attached, I had a $2 coupon from the Target site so I got them for $1.


I think the potatoes I make to go with them tonight will have cost more than the steaks.

I'm so thankful. I know it's not a big deal like some of these deals have been, but for me, I am excited.

Atleast for today, steak was less expensive than chicken!

 

[vhoffman]

Ok

I have about 3 different ideas...

The first one is fun for the kids, but isn't as cost effective unless you can pick up the english muffins at a thrift store. But my kids love english muffin pizzas! Just use the muffins as your "dough". They only take about 10 minutes to cook.

Next is the traditional pizza dough:

2 3/4 to 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 package active dry yeast
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons cooking oil

In a large bowl combine 1 1/4 cups of the flour, the yeast, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Add warm water and oil. Beat (either by hand or with electric mixer) until well mixed. Using a spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic. Divide in half. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Then spread out onto your baking sheet (I usually put a little oil down on the sheet to help with the spreading).

I also like to add some herbs to my dough..like italian seasoning. Just gives it a nice flavor.


The other "pizza" I like to make is called skillet pizza and it's from Saving Dinner.

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 cup oats
1/2 small red pepper, chopped
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup skim milk
1 egg
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Cook your beef and onions. Add the oats and mix well. Add the pepper and spaghetti sauce and simmer on low for about 4 minutes.

In a bowl whisk together flour, milk, and egg. Add 1/2 cup of the cheese to the mixture.

Pour your meat mixture into a baking pan and then sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Spread your batter on top of that. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes at 350. This is really yummy!

I recommend doubling the "dough/batter" part. It never seems to make enough for our liking.

Can you make the dough ahead and freeze it? We usually order pizza because we want something are don't feel like cooking, not because we're in love with pizza! I found the remedy to that is have a few frozen pizzas, some extra toppings on hand like shredded cheese, pepperoni, etc. But I would love to try your recipie, too!