| Frugal Café Site Search: |
DIY: ThreadBanger | Video Demo: Make a Festive Mother's Day Fabric Banner
Compiled by Vicki McClure Davidson
 |
Adorable idea to make Mother's Day special for Mom and other women in your life, but on the cheap. Threadbanger's Meg shows in a video how to make a fabric banner by recycling fabric scraps you may already have on hand. This idea can be easily adapted for other holidays and occasions. I'm thinking that it would be a cool way to recycle old blue jeans.
A fabric banner is durable and can be used over and over again, unlike fragile paper banners bought at a party store, so this is an idea that can keep on giving. Until you're tired of the banner and decide to make another one, that is.
Mom, Grandma, and/or Aunt Betty will be doubly thrilled at your efforts to be thrifty and the time you spent on making the banner. They appreciate homemade gifts because they know that they're from the heart. Aren't they the greatest?
Click here to go to the video demo >>
Ordinary Kitchens Have Magic... Cool Vintage and Retro Kitchens of Yesteryear
By Vicki McClure Davidson
 |
Recently, I was thumbing through a wondrous treasure box of vintage cookbooks that a collegue gave to me that had been his mother's. Tucked inside one of the cookbooks I found an old, ragged, stained newspaper clipping. It was a philosophical tribute to, of all things, kitchens.
Not fancy, hi-tech kitchens, either, but ordinary kitchens. Kitchens that millions of average families have lived in and prepared meals in for decades.
This lovely little article briefly explained how magical an ordinary kitchen can be in that it embraces simple traditions and rituals, and is one of the only rooms in a house that is expressly meant to create things. The essay also touted the spiritual side of bread making and the thrifty virtues of recycling food. This article's publication coincided with the launch of the first Earth Day.
Frugality and the magic of a loving kitchen haven't changed all that much since 1971, or 1951, or 1921, for that matter, although kitchen styles most definitely have changed.
Beautiful Beans Bonanza: Yummy, Filling, Money-Saving Recipes for Beans... Soups, Stews, Salads
By Vicki McClure Davidson
 |
Food prices continue to skyrocket, and for many families, grocery shopping has become a horrific financial nightmare. As of 2012, more families in America are receiving government-issued, taxpayer-funded food stamps than have ever received them in all the nation's history.
Ground beef has gone up 24 percent since January 2009, and bacon has gone up 22 percent in the same period. Ice cream has jumped 19 percent, and the list goes on and on. With no end in sight to rising gasoline costs, food costs will continue to climb because of the rising costs to harvest, transport, and process fruit and vegetable crops, meats, dairy products, and other food items.
You can't dial back the clock to the more affordable, pre-2008 food prices. However, there are ways for you to battle the food jungle, saving money while maintaining nutritional health. There are so many bargain foods out there that will slash your family's dinner bills. Frugal food shopping is key during these horrible economic times.
I'm talkin' about BEANS. Yes, beans.
Beans should be at the top of your food shopping list. They're incredibly nourishing, filling, versatile, tasty, and cheap. Make several side or main dishes a week with beans, and you'll save a ton of money. They may not be perceived as glamourous eating, but the variety is astounding — there are more than 4,000 cultivars of beans and seed pods on record in just the United States, many more in other countries.
Vegetarians have embraced the nutritional values of beans for ages. One cup of cooked beans provides between 9 and 13 grams of fiber, as well as moderate to high amounts of protein, complex carbohydrates, folate, potassium, and iron. Naturally, nutritional values vary depending on the type of bean. Likewise, calorie and carb counts are high for some, low for others.
The protein in beans is incomplete, but when combined with rice, corn, nuts, or other grains, becomes a complete protein source. I recently learned that new studies indicate that the beans and the grains don't need to be eaten at the same meal to create a complete protein. If you eat a serving of beans for lunch and have rice or corn with dinner, you've got yourself a complete protein. The food combination can be spread over a two-day period.
There is disagreement on when to salt dried beans during the cooking process. I usually salt them at the beginning. Others disagree, believing the salt will toughen them, so I'll leave it up to you. Be careful salting at the beginning of the cooking process, though, if you're going to greatly reduce the liquid. You could end up with beans that are too salty.
Continue reading and check out a couple of dozen recipes for thrifty, easy, delicious bean dishes >>
Baking Soda... From Frugal Cleaner to Thrifty Freshener to Beauty Aid, So Many Cheap, Easy, & Effective Uses
By Vicki McClure Davidson
 |
Good old sodium bicarbonate — aka baking soda. It's been in use in some form or another since at least Egyptian times when natron, a mixture primarily of sodium carbonate decahydrate and sodium bicarbonate, was created as a cleansing agent much like current-day soap. A compound using sodium bicarbonate was concocted in the 1800s that was used extensively in the commercial fishing industry to prevent freshly-caught fish from spoiling.
Baking soda's countless, multiple uses today are astounding and go beyond using it as just a leavening agent in baking. Cat owners have known for ages that sprinkling some baking soda in a kitty litter box will minimize the box's nasty odor. But there are hundreds, perhaps thousands, more uses. Before pricey, potentially toxic cleaning products came onto the market, harmless baking soda was used in millions of homes and businesses around the world to clean, disinfect, sooth, scour, and even put out fires. Its first use in America was during colonial times.
Baking soda is cheap, non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and abundant. It even comes in a small cardboard box that breaks down quickly in a landfill. What's not to love?
For many practical, money-saving uses for baking soda, click here >>
Adorable Birthday Cakes for Kids... Make It Yourself & Save Money
By Vicki McClure Davidson
A birthday cake can be the most expensive item for a kid's birthday party. Instead of shelling out $20, $30, or more for a bakery to make your child's cake, even those of us with limited baking skills can create a fun (and frugal) birthday cake that your child will love.
During our economic hard times, do-it-yourself (DIY) is usually better on the budget, and it doesn't have to be stressful, even if you've never made a cake before. As long as the cake is festive and tastes good, few kids will notice a lopsided or less-than-perfect-in-appearance cake. The work involved in making a special dinosaur, butterfly, or baseball mitt birthday cake with love, sweat, and a few tears may not be fully comprehended by a 4-year-old today, but in years to come, it likely will be (also, be sure to take a few photos of it before it's devoured!) All that your child knows is that he or she ADORES the birthday cake that was made just for him or her.
Saving some hefty cash on a child's birthday cake will definitely make Mom and Dad happier, plus impress a few other parents at the birthday party.
Visit the birthday cake section for how-to video demos and recipes >>
Cheapskate Lifestyle: Thrift Store Shopping Exploding As People Rediscover the Savings & Joys of Second-hand Bargains
By Vicki McClure Davidson
 |
My 21-year-old daughter and I hit the used thrift stores and garage sales in our area with enthusiasm at least one weekend a month. I raised my children as I was raised: second-hand shopping always comes before retail shopping. Buying used whenever possible is the smart path to take to give yourself more money at the end of the month for other bills or to put into savings, without having to get a raise or win the lottery.
When money's tight and prices soar in the retail stores, there's no need for despair or foolishly overspending. Second-hand stores always have inexpensive alternatives, fabulous buried treasures.
Granted, you can't always find what you're looking for at a used store, but you'd be surprised at what you often do find. And the hunt makes the conquest just that much sweeter. My daughter nearly shuns the malls these days, preferring instead to "go on the hunt" at Goodwill and other second-hand stores. Her friends are always stunned at the fabulously funky clothes she wears, many of which cost her only a dollar or two. She is quite petite and has unconventional tastes, and always scores a few amazingly cheap fashion finds when we go out. She never has been faced with not finding something she loves. When necessary, she makes a few alterations to make a shirt fit better or to update the look, but that's not too often. I have found Descoware, Revere Ware, a Pfaltzgraff serving platter in mint condition, and other kitchenware pieces stunningly under-priced. Instead of spending $7 to $10 on a new paring knife, I found an excellent one at Goodwill this summer for 99 cents, which I bought for 50 cents on half-off Saturday. I do about 60 to 70 percent of my Christmas shopping at the second-hand venues.
Being frugal doesn't mean going without or dressing frumpy. It means being wise with the cash you have and stretching it as far as it can be stretched. Why buy a pair of pants or a blouse or a large sauce pan at the mall for $50 when you can find often something of equal (sometimes even greater) value at the Salvation Army or a garage sale for less than five bucks? And you don't have to sacrifice style for savings.
Click here to read more about saving money at thrift stores >>
Frugal & Unique Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Anniversary, and Birthday Gifts for the Shoestring Budget
By Vicki McClure Davidson
 |
 |
Holidays can break any budget. Whether it's Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, a birthday, or an anniversary, how to save money? Valentine's Day is a fun, special day for so many people. It's a day to celebrate love, romance, togetherness, and family — and it can be expensive.
If you're on a limited budget, finding an inexpensive, but thoughtful and romantic Valentine's Day gift can be stressful. Many choices out there are silly or frivolous (to you women: most men do NOT want a stuffed teddy bear holding a stuffed heart as a gift). Others just don't adequately express your feelings, what you have in your heart.
Here are some frugal, practical ideas to keep your cash outlay down this Valentine's Day, without sacrificing romance. These ideas can be adapted for anniversaries, birthdays, Mother's Day, Christmas, or other special occasions.
Remember, though... the best gifts are those that are given from the heart.
 |
Personalize it: If you prefer buying gifts and don't have the time, talent, or desire to make a thoughtful birthday or romantic Valentine's Day craft gift for your special girl or guy, one unique way to keep it practical—but still give the gift your own creative, romantic touch—is to have a Valentine gift personalized with a significant, loving inscription or with that person's name put on it. The sky's the limit on gift items that can be personalized, such as photo frames, sexy lingerie, T-shirts, jewelry, travel coffee mugs, bookmarks, tote bags, or even bath robes.
Romantic gifts for Valentine's Day don't have to be expensive, whimsical, or impractical (every dollar counts during this economic recession, after all), and they also needn't be cold or impersonal. If you don't have time to drive to the mall, shopping online for a unique, personalized gift is a wise time saver. Be sure to allow enough time for shipping; read the vendor's guidelines.
Valentine's Day trivia: In England, the Romans, who had taken over the country, had introduced a pagan fertility festival held every February 14. Nearly a century later, after the Romans left England, the pagan ritual was abolished by Pope Gelsius, who established St. Valentine's Day as a celebration of love in 496 A.D.
 |
While giving silk flowers can save money, you may prefer giving your special someone one of the ultimate romantic gifts, that of a dozen red roses — a dozen beautiful, sweet-smelling, live red roses for Valentine's Day... but since you're on a tight budget, you may discard the idea of giving roses.
Well, believe it or not, there are cost-saving specials out there... you can get a free delivery on those red roses for Valentine's Day from some online florists. Some are offering discounts, some are also offering same-day delivery. But you need to act quickly, since some specials end prior to Valentine's Day.
Click here to continue reading >>
Julia Child's Grand Central Oyster Stew, Vintage 1937
By Vicki McClure Davidson
The cheerful, talented woman who revolutionized television cooking shows and took the fear out of French cooking for millions of American housewives wasn't always a cook.
Julia Child, born Julia Carolyn McWilliams in Pasadena, California in 1912, had an English degree and worked for several years as an advertising copywriter before going overseas to work for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Because she was so tall (6 feet, 2 inches / 187.96 cm), she had been declined for enlisting in the Women's Army Corps (WACs). While working for the OSS in Ceylon, she met Paul Child, and even though he was ten years older, they fell in love and married. It was Paul who introduced her to fine dining and she fell in love with French foods while they lived in France. She loved food and discovered she enjoyed teaching others how to cook.
With Paul's support, Julia learned to cook French cuisine by attending the famous Le Cordon Bleu cooking school and later studied privately with Max Bugnard and other master chefs. Some time later in Paris, she and two French friends, Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle, taught cooking to American women while gathering recipes and experimenting with French cooking.
The three of them collaborated on a revolutionary French cookbook, a huge 734-page book titled Mastering the Art of French Cooking, that became a runaway bestseller.
The success of the cookbook helped Julia to become the first female chef on television; she had numerous acclaimed cooking shows, namely The French Chef and Julia and Friends. She was the first chef to take the intimidation out of French cooking for her American audience, and was extremely popular because of her lighthearted, easy-to-follow approach to cooking.
For more bio info on television's culinary queen and for Julia's recipe for Grand Central Oyster Stew, Vintage 1937, click here >>
Carrie Underwood: American Idol's Thrifty Champion
By Vicki McClure Davidson
 |
Way back in 2005, Season 4 of American Idol put me into a serious quandary... for whom should I vote? I enjoyed the rockin' energy of long-haired Bo Bice, but then there was that sweet, clear, powerful voice of Carrie Underwood's. To resolve my problem, I voted for both of them, and as we all know now, Carrie was ultimately crowned Season 4's Idol winner.
Life would never again be the same for the frugal farm girl from Checotah, Oklahoma.
And even though her life was transformed overnight by the AI experience, Carrie has remained the budget-conscious, non-pretentious, charitable, animal-loving young woman her parents raised her to be.
Click here to read more >>
Dress Like Royalty for Less: How to Copy Duchess Kate's Classic Fashions on a Commoner's Budget
By Vicki McClure Davidson
 |
When Britain's Prince William proposed to girlfriend Kate Middleton, much of the world was captivated by this English beauty, who has displayed humor, common sense, and style. Since their wedding in April 2011, the interest in Duchess Kate of Cambridge hasn't let up. Kate's frugality, considering that she is an international celebrity, has impressed many, while upsetting those who wish she were more lavish.
But while the new duchess regularly recycles her fabulous fashions and isn't excessive with high-end designers, her place in the royalty spotlight demands that she spends much more money on her elegant clothes than the average commoner can afford.
However, imitating Kate's classic, beautiful looks need not break the bank. You can recreate them for much less. Dressing like royalty, with a bit of creativity, can be quite affordable.
Click here for how-to tips to inexpensively recreate Duchess Kate's fashion looks >>
Getting the Best Rates on Just about Everything… Personal Loans & Insurance Comparison Websites Help You Save Money
By Daniel Kidd
 |
In this downturned economy, how is it that some people are able to thrive and flourish? In "jolly old England," one way they do it is they bargain hunt like crazy.
Sure, you could go with a car insurance company that claims to save you 15%. But why not look at a possible personal loan comparison and see what you yourself can come up with? How do you know you're getting the right one, the best one for your circumstances?
In England, personal loan comparisons are used for nearly everything — from getting a personal loan to the best rates on home, life, and car insurance. This is a terrific idea. Silence all the commercials that claim they're the best insurance company for you — here's a fact: There can be only ONE lowest price. So, if your hours at work are cut back or you need to save up for that new LED TV that was just released, why not cut back on your expenses on everything else?
But you say you're nowhere near England? Hey, that's not a problem.
There is a website that is based in America that helps consumers save big money on many expenses, including home insurance, car insurance, and even loans. Saving 1 or 2% on the interest rate alone on a personal loan can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. It’s definitely worth a few minutes of your time to investigate something that can save you a significant fortune in the long run.
This recession has really hit millions of people hard. Unemployment (and under-employment) in the United States is still much higher than it was five years ago. With a staggering 1.6 million bankruptcies filed in 2011, coupled with 47 million Americans now on food stamps, saving money on small and large purchases, or simply doing without, has gained a great deal of attention. For many people, it’s a matter of financial survival, of holding on by their fingernails. Websites that provide information about price and loan comparisons have done the time-consuming legwork for consumers — these sites have become very popular as a reference tool. Any thrift-minded person who wants/needs to save money can find a variety of ways to save at a site called Best US Price Comparison Sites.
Click here to read the rest >>
Happier Dogs, Cats, Birds, & Fish: How to Avoid Making Costly, Frustrating, & Terrible Pet Purchase Mistakes
By Vicki McClure Davidson
 |
Whether you go to a pet store, a breeder, a friend or family member, or an animal shelter for a dog or cat, choosing a new pet can prove to be costly, and that's not just the purchase price. There is an investment in time, love, food, medications, and a host of other things that you need to consider before getting a new pet. And there is this important question to ask yourself: will this new pet fit into my family, my lifestyle, my finances?
Dogs are among the most costly of common household pets (food, toys, collar, dog bed, medication, etc.), but all pets have special requirements. Each year, far too many animals bought at pet stores or adopted from shelters are returned because the pet wasn't what the new owner expected. According to the ASPCA, about 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and of those, approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized (60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats). The ASPCA has determined that more than 20 percent of people who leave dogs in shelters had previously adopted them from a shelter.
Make the right decision about which pet is the best fit for you the first time around. Let your head rule, and not your heart, when choosing a pet, and not only will you save grief and money, but your pet will be happier, too.
For valuable information on pet idiosyncrasies, exercise and diet needs, personalities of dog and cat breeds, and more that will help you choose the right pet for you, your family, your lifestyle, and your wallet, continue reading >>
Egg-static! Thrifty Egg Dishes, Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Compiled by Vicki McClure Davidson
Eggs are a thrifty source of protein, and can be served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner | Photo credit: Kelly Johnson (duna), Flickr.com, Creative Commons license, some rights reserved |
Eggs, even during this terrible economy, are a cheap source of protein that can stretch your family's limited food budget dollars. And they're considered by millions across the world to be one of the most versatile of foods. Eggs can be fried, steamed, shirred, poached, scrambled, baked, boiled, and mixed with many different vegetables, cheeses, and/or meats to create countless filling, inexpensive main dishes, hot or cold, to be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
In fact, the 100 tiny pleats in a traditional French chef's white hat (in French, it's a toque blanche) are meant to represent the 100 different ways a professional chef can prepare an egg.
While it wasn't that long ago that eggs consistently sold for less than a dollar per dozen, even now, at or above two dollars a dozen, that's still a far cry cheaper than the escalating costs of other meats. One egg, from a dozen-count carton priced at $2.00, is still only about 17 cents.
For an assortment of frugal recipes for egg dishes, click here >>
Taking Care of Your Horse – The Frugal Way, of Course!
By Mary Santagiuliana
 |
Everyone has been hit hard financially during these times, but especially those of us who own horses (or, should I say who are "owned by" horses?). We love our equine friends just as much as our other pets, but they cost so much more to take care of.
Here are some general tips that might come in handy for you and help you save money on your horse.
Put off Those "Extra" Expenses for a Later Date.
Yes, I am sure that pink rhinestone halter would look absolutely adorable on your mare, but she probably already has a perfectly good halter. That brand new saddle looks amazing, but at $400 (the price of board at most facilities), plus the $100 shipping, it can wait until you absolutely need it.
Buy "Used" Instead of "Brand New."
There is no reason to be ashamed of buying used horse tack, blankets, or even farm equipment. Not only is the used stuff cheaper, but some of it is as good a quality as what you’d get buying it brand new.
Be sure to check leather for stretching as well as for the presence of mold (it can be black, gray, and/or green). For fleece parts on saddles and padded bridles, look for rot; if the fuzz is falling out onto your hand, chances are it has rotted.
Click here to continue reading. >>
Life in Slow Motion: How to Live without DSL
By Zemfira Kurbanova
|
Less than a decade ago, having a "high speed" Internet connection was considered a luxury that only those with privilege or substantial social connections could have.
Well, maybe it wasn’t that bad, but it was definitely much rarer and more expensive back then because of the cable networks' infancy stages of development.
These days, cable networks run throughout every urban area, making "high speed" more of a synonym for "regular speed" Internet. However, those folks who don’t live in urban areas don’t usually get to enjoy the same level of telecom infrastructure as those who live in the city do, relegating them to the aforementioned days of when cable Internet was an exclusivity that they could only hope to have one day.
If you’re one of these people, don’t worry, because there are solutions. The first is to purchase an Aircard. Most cell phone providers offer them, and usually give you a discount if you buy one when you renew your contract. The Aircard itself is essentially a wireless modem that connects to your USB drive, streaming data from the same wireless network that you would use if you were on the Internet on your phone.
If you think using your cell phone provider’s Internet network sounds a little limited and expensive, you’re completely correct. Aircards are usually around $100 to buy, but the real shamelessness begins with their data rates and penalties. Most cards will have plans that run from $20 to $60 a month, or $15 a day for one-time use. If you ever exceed your allotted time, though, you best believe that the bill will show you no mercy for every minute you go over.
If this doesn’t sound appealing at all to you, there’s the much more popular option of satellite-based Internet. For example, HughesNet satellite Internet will give you speeds comparable to cable-based Internet, but will limit you to 200-400 mb of data transfer a day. Instead of charging you an obscene amount for this like an Aircard potentially would, it simply will lower your speed to 56k for 24 hours (irritating, yes, but much better than having to take a loan out to pay your Aircard bill) if you exceed your limit. Having a satellite dish for Internet is also a much greener choice, since it’s better than using a cable line, which impacts miles of earth on its way from a substation to your home.
Click here to continue reading >>
Budget-Friendly Home Security Tips
By Angelina Ignatova
 |
In today’s economy, it’s a common temptation to mitigate our existing expenses or cut out some everyday costs altogether. Even though spending money on alarm systems may not always seem like a high priority, protecting your family and your valuables is of the utmost importance.
If you’re already paying for an existing monitored security system, this may be one of the areas that you could be looking at to cut costs. Contrary to popular belief, effective home security doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. In fact, some of the most expensive systems don’t necessarily ensure the best results — it takes people whom are committed to a security-conscious lifestyle to yield that.
Here are some budget-friendly measures, in addition to always being sure to securely lock your doors and windows, to secure your home without causing your own personal great depression.
Use security signs. If you decide to cancel your monitored security system, you don’t have to give up the stickers or sign stakes that you can display in the front yard or on the front door. It might be an empty threat to home invaders, but every second counts during a burglary, and investigating further is usually not worth the risk for them.
Focus on motion detectors. Cameras may initially seem like a better choice, but in private homes, you can be fine with motion detectors, too (unless it's a mansion in Bel Air). These detectors will help to catch movements of any property violators. Plus, they are much cheaper.
Install monitors. If you are still thinking of buying a camera, you should keep in mind that not all surveillance cameras are created equal. Some cameras are tied to digital video recorders, capturing all footage for future investigation. These DVR systems, however, can get pricey for installation and maintenance, not to mention video storage costs as well. A budget-friendly alternative is to set up monitors that don’t record and are connected on a closed circuit network. Again, home invaders won’t know the difference, and you will save yourself those maintenance and storage costs.
Click here to continue reading article >>
World War I, World War II, & Great Depression Era Frugality Makes a Comeback — Recycling, Thriftiness, & Cool Food Posters of the Era
Compiled by Vicki McClure Davidson
One of hundreds of WWI, WWII, & Great Depression Era posters created to remind people to not waste food or other rationed items, to plant Victory gardens, to support the war effort and our allies, to buy war bonds, and to willingly make sacrifices for the nation (click image to enlarge) | Credit: USFA, Public Domain |
In 1929, the stock market crashed in America. Following that, we entered into the Great Depression, only to then become embroiled in World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor, battling both Germany and Japan. American families were struggling to put food on the table, the government imposed rationing on many goods, and the economic conditions of the nation were dismal for years. Wastefulness nearly became extinct.
Rationing was first introduced in the United States in 1942 in order to cope with the escalating shortages of sugar and coffee caused by restrictions on imports. Later in 1943, more goods were rationed. A system of "point-rationing" was designed to cover the distribution of meats, canned fish, cheeses, edible fats (which included lard, shortening, oils, butter, and margarine), all sorts of processed foods, jams, dried fruits, and canned milk. Point rationing allowed for certain substitutions if a critical item was not available. Rubber, gasoline, kerosene, and oil were also rationed and all travel by citizens was discouraged. A national speed limit of 35 miles per hour was imposed to save fuel and rubber for tires. Cars, nylon pantyhose, typewriters, shoes, bicycles, stoves, and other goods were also rationed. Even styles of clothes and the fabrics they were made of were regulated by the government — for instance, belts wider than 2 inches were banned, as were cuffs on coats and linings made of wool. All automobile racing, including races in Indianapolis, was banned, as was any sightseeing driving. Two detailed handbooks that covered rationing were issued by the government — more than 100 million copies of each were distributed across the country.
Times were indeed tough, but America pulled through it, as did many other nations that also imposed rationing of goods and services.
Much of the common-sense frugality of that era is making a comeback because of our struggling economy (no goods and services rationing have been mandated by the government... not yet, anyway).
Frugality and cutting back on needless consumption has been around for quite a while, a choice embraced by environmental groups and frugalistas. However, because of our current rocky economy, more Americans today are adopting a frugal mentality — some out of a desire to be less wasteful and recycle more, others who have no choice but to prune expenses heavily because of stock portfolios plummeting, long-term unemployment or underemployment, and other financial catastrophes. More people are returning to the thrift-minded practices that were the norm during the 1930s, 1940s, and early 1950s.
Click here to continue reading >>
DIY Recycling & Fashion: ThreadBanger
Video Demo: Recycling/Repurposing Plastic Bags & Making Shopping Tote Bags from Old Clothes
Compiled by Vicki McClure Davidson
|
ThreadBanger's Rob and Corinne show a number of innovative ways to reuse plastic bags to keep them out of landfills. Also, a sewing demonstration is included with designer Rebekah Potter, who shows how easy it is to make a functional, attractive shopping tote bag from old clothes. Reuse and recycle rules! Click here to continue >>
|
DIY Homemade Concoctions: Beat the Stink... Cheap, Homemade Odor Beaters
By Vicki McClure Davidson
 |
"Beating the stink" of kitchen and home odors is easy, and you don't always need to buy pricey, chemical-based concoctions from the grocery or hardware store to accomplish it. While these store-bought products claim to be easy to use, making a homemade batch yourself with basic kitchen items will only take a couple of minutes and cost you mere pennies, not dollars. They are also much healthier to use.
Studies, while not conclusive, have shown that breathing in fumes of many chemical-based cleaners can irritate the lungs, and as such, these can pose a serious health risk to people with pre-existing heart or respiratory problems. Many contain chemicals that can be damaging to the skin and eyes and can be toxic if accidentally ingested. Homemade odor-eliminating concoctions, using innocuous, natural ingredients, such as vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, dried flowers, or baking soda, carry no known health risks.
Key to safely removing odors in the home is to remove the source of the odors. The best way to make indoor air smell fresh is to maintain a clean environment. Remove the source of any offensive odors instead of just trying to mask unpleasant smells with pleasant ones. Cleanliness is the best way to maintain a pleasant, healthy environment. Odors caused by mold is a good example. Covering up the moldy smell in a home will always be temporary if the source of the mold isn't resolved.
Click here for some natural, DIY solutions to "beating the stink." >>