The Conversion of Sytrofoam Sue Into a Frugal Environmentalist

Who knew that being Green could mean being frugal as well? One of my friends wasn’t aware of this, that’s for sure. Before I started blogging here at Families.com I was visiting her and listening to how proud she felt that she was becoming “Earth Friendly.” Actually, it was a big step since my nickname for her was Styrofoam Sue. That woman would go through more foam plates, bowls and cups than ten people could in twice the time. Okay, the only reason she joined the Green movement was because her latest boyfriend that she met online is into environmental … Continue reading

Frugal Living Week in Review for August 27th to September 2nd, 2007

After a wonderful extended holiday weekend, school is officially in full swing for everyone, even though many have been back for weeks. As summer draws to a close and fall or autumn leaves and weather start to come into focus, the focus of the frugal living blog will not change. We will continue to strive towards bringing you the best articles on saving money that we can. Frugal Fall Fun For Your Whole Family It is finally September and it is the start of my favorite time of year. I love the fall or autumn season and cannot get enough … Continue reading

Two Frugal Summer Uses for Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of those miracle products that can be used for some many things. I am constantly discovering new uses for baking soda. Fortunately, baking soda is very frugal, costing just pennies per use. I am still holding on to summer here. I know that back to school is coming up (or may have already passed for some of you), but summer doesn’t officially end until mid September. So, I thought I would share two nice frugal summer uses for baking soda. Of course, you can always apply these uses at other times of the year, but they … Continue reading

Frugal Uses For Club Soda

Club soda has many great uses beyond a delicious drink. It is also inexpensive and easy to find. Finding creative uses for products I have in my home regularly, is important to me. It helps me keep my frugal lifestyle and save money purchasing several separate products that can do the same thing. Cleaning Club soda can be used to help keep porcelain sinks and fixtures clean. Pour it right over the mess and use a paper towel to wipe it up. It cleans quickly and effectively. Also cleans counters, and other surfaces easily. Club soda can remove rust stains … Continue reading

Frugal Uses for Shaving Cream

Shaving cream has so many uses, besides just leaving your legs silky and smooth. And it happens to be relatively inexpensive anyway. Do you have a stash of shaving cream that you need to find uses for? Well I’ve got some terrific frugal uses for shaving cream that are bound to surprise you, and leave your home smelling great at the same time. Kids Crafts Shaving cream can be used as finger paint for children. Just spray it right onto the table and let them have fun. Use it as is, or add a few drops of food coloring for … Continue reading

Frugal Ways To Combat or Eliminate Bad Breath

Bad breath is a problem that many people face. It can be caused by all types of things like eating strongly flavored foods, poor digestion, gum disease and all sorts of other things. But I am not here to tell you how it is caused, I am here to give you some really easy and inexpensive ways to control or completely eliminate bad breath. Chew up some raw or crystallized ginger. It will make your breath smell, oh so sweet. Careful, it’s a little strong, but totally worth it! Everyone knows that peppermint is the preferred breath mint and toothpaste … Continue reading

Frugal Kids: Free Building Set

My 5-year-old son loves to build things. He carefully plans out machines and devices that in his imagination could do everything from picking up toys to feeding the cat. Sure we have invested in Legos, K’nex and Mega Blocs, but the downside to these toys is that unless you have an unlimited budget, the various pieces can add up in expense. Also, you can’t save any of the creations to display unless you never want to build anything with the pieces again. Our family’s solution was to establish a building box. Remember Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (with Johnny Depp)? … Continue reading

Still More Amazing Uses for Baking Soda

A few days ago, I wrote a great article on More Amazing Uses for Baking Soda. In addition, awhile back two terrific articles were posted – Frugal Uses for Baking Soda, which was a follow up to Marily’s article on Baking Soda: Another Versatile Product for your home. Three articles written about one product, certainly gives me reason to shout out about it! Baking soda is truly the miracle household item. With dozens upon dozens of various uses around the home, it’s a must have! In addition to those that we have mentioned in the previous articles, here are a … Continue reading

More Amazing Uses for Baking Soda

Quite awhile back I wrote an article on Frugal Uses for Baking Soda, which was a follow up to Marily’s article on Baking Soda: Another Versatile Product for your home. Here I am again to give you some great NEW ideas to use up that baking soda, that you are possibly stockpiling! Baking soda is one of those products, that has to be one of the most versatile you can have in your home, with literally dozens of uses. In addition to those mentioned in the previous articles, here are a few new ones to try: Spaghetti Stains You know … Continue reading

Frugal Ways To Get Rid Of Stubborn Stains and Spills

There is nothing more frustrating than having a stain on a favorite outfit, or spill a drink or something else on your beautiful carpet. And of course replacing the items, especially carpet, is expensive and time consuming. This list is a list of easy and frugal methods to remove stains and spills: NOTE: Please remember that laundering and then drying an article of clothing with a stain on it, will set the stain. Try to remember to check the item when you pull it out of the washing machine. Often I do a load of stained items together. Then I … Continue reading