Household hints & tips to save money

[Meagan]

Great idea for saving Money........

send DH to grocery shop, just saved $80 this week..
He only buys what is on the list..

Wow it's the opposite here!

[CreamPuff63]

I don't like sending DH cos he always gets the wrong thing eg. ask for dark brown sugar and he'll pick up brown sugar - would say "well they didn't have it! ... I would then have to go to the shop myself 

[obbie]

My DH can cook, fend for himself.

 I just stayed at the shop, gave him a list, and magic all done, crossed off. Brilliant.   

[astarra]

Great idea for saving Money........

send DH to grocery shop, just saved $80 this week..
He only buys what is on the list..

Wow it's the opposite here!

Ditto! 
Mine buys all junk food when he goes...then asks why food costs so much!! (Then tells me the biscuits etc I make are much nicer!! You gotta love 'em!!    )

[obbie]

Yes you gotta love them..

[fundj&e]

i thought i would share this tip, you maybe already be doing this, i find it so easy if i have what i need in 1 tray and while the dough is keanding i get my next batch ready for the next day

[Cuilidh]

I do much the same, Uni, except I use separate small dishes / bowls as I find it easier to use them one-by-one.  It's such a good system, though, you know if they are all empty you've put everything in - if any of them have anything left in them at the end you know you've done something wrong!!!

[obbie]

Great idea Uni..
I love weekends so I can cook.
 

[meganjane]

Some great ideas!

I also use alfoil for lettuce, but not carrots or celery. I buy my bi-carb in bulk. You can buy giant bags at pool shops or Bunnings. It's used as a alkaliniser for pools.

Another couple of tips:
Cover the tops of your cupboards and fridge with plastic wrap. You will never have to clean them. Just replace the plastic wrap.

You can mix bi-carb with peppermint oil to use as toothpaste.

Hair Conditioner makes a good make up remover. Rub your legs with it if you're having problems with static from a skirt or trousers. Use it as a shaving lotion. Mix a solution of 1/2 hair conditioner and 1/2 water and soak an old handkerchief in it. Throw in the dryer to prevent static build-up instead of using dryer sheets.

Use egg cartons to grow vegetable seeds. Cut each bit out and plant the whole thing once it's sprouted.

Just buy plain flour and baking powder. Saves having to buy self raising.

If you are having trouble with blocked pores, try doing the oil cleansing method.
You can also add a little kaolin to your cleanser and make it into a scrub.
Make your own sugar body scrub by mixing sugar with olive and castor oils. Mix in some liquid lecithin (from health food stores) to make it easier to wash off. Add a little lavender or rose geranium essential oil.

Make your own bath bombs and bath salts to use or give as gifts. Recipes here and here.

Make your own room sprays. Mix a blend of essential oils - orange, clove, cinnamon, patchouli for example with three times the amount of vodka. Top up with water in a spray bottle. Can be used in the kitchen and the toilet. Citronella and Eucalyptus together makes a great deodoriser and will kill bacteria.

I'll add more when I think of them.

[Debbiebillg]

MJ, You've just reminded me of something I was very glad to become aware of ....... having 3 little boys (or maybe it was DH and the poor kids got the blame! )  I seemed to forever have yellowy stains on the toilet seat ! It drove me absolute crazy trying to get it off. 

The solution is simple ......... mix some Bi-carb and water to make a paste and rub it on to the seat and it removes the stains instantly !!!!  I just apply it using toilet paper of baby wipes.   

I know it's not toooooo nice talking toilets, but I was so rapt when I found a solution finally !!! So thought I'd share ......

[Halex]

LOL,  yes what is it with boys, if we have unexpected visitors & they need the bathroom, I bowl  them over to get there first

[Debbiebillg]

Yes H, I know what you mean. We have 3 toilets so I usually use a different one but the one they use is the one used by visitors, but yep if we have someone over, have to clean the toilet first lol

[mcmich]

I have a mix of water, vinegar and metho in a spray bottle.
I have my "quick clean" I do daily. Bench tops, basins, toots & a quick vac or sweep of the family room, kitchen and staircase. I just spray all surfaces and wipe over with paper towel.

[Emme]

I have a mix of water, vinegar and metho in a spray bottle.
I have my "quick clean" I do daily. Bench tops, basins, toots & a quick vac or sweep of the family room, kitchen and staircase. I just spray all surfaces and wipe over with paper towel.

What ratio of vinegar and metho to water do you use?  Sounds good.


Marie 

[obbie]

Michelle, what ratio metho, water, viniegar do you use..