Readers from the Raleigh area once again generously share their money-saving ideas with you this week. One reader is a saving-savvy nine-year-old with a creative use for old cell phones.
First up, Kelly from Garner shared this great (and free!) beauty tip: "The other day I was about to empty out my dishwasher, and a cloud of steam rose up when I opened the dishwasher door. I stood over it for two minutes and received a free steam facial. I know it sounds funny but with everyone so busy these days, the steam felt incredible, like an instant stress-buster!".
I tried this and it did indeed feel great. I followed it up with a splash of cold water on my face, then rubbed in a few drops of extra virgin olive oil {Olive Oil is a wonderful, natural moisturizer} - my face glowed.
Next up, we have Jim from Benson: "Everyone has plenty of plastic grocery bags. I used mine to pack items to ship out of state. You can also use them as garbage can liners. Finally, if you can't find another use for them, donate them back: there are plastic bag recycling centers at many local grocery and supermarket stores". Jim is right, we recently donated a silo full at Lowe's Foods; Lowe's Home Improvement also takes them. Check out plasticbagrecycling.org to find drop off centers in your area.
Francine from Garner, NC, shares this cost-saving family fun idea: "When our children were younger we would have a "family and friend night". Someone brings a DVD over for movie night, someone else brings the candy, then we all pop popcorn. You can (buy popcorn in bulk and) make popcorn bags out of all that old tissue paper that is in the closet. You can serve on-sale soda or hot chocolate; this can be done for as little as 5 dollars! And if you have enough people doing this, you can rotate; it may be 11 months before you are the host house again. An example: October could be "The Great Pumpkin" dvd with hot cider and pumpkin cupcakes; November could be a Thanksgiving comedy served with cranberry shortbread cookies and white hot chocolate; April an Easter special with bunny cupcakes and easter candy. Keeps both the kids and the adults happy".
Bob from Raleigh sent in a great suggestion for saving money and keeping trim: "When my wife and I go out to a restaurant, instead of getting two entrees (which usually have too-large portions), we split a meal and get two salads instead. There is always enough food for the both of us, and we eat 1/2 what we would normally, which helps us to watch our calorie intake".
Nine-year-old Alexander from the 40/42 Cleveland area shares this brilliant idea for old cell phones: "My parents give me their old cell phone to play games on, it's like having a mini-electronic game for myself"!
This is such a great idea: many old cell phones come with video and drawing games, and are small enough to bring anywhere. You can keep them charged up in the van the next time the kids need a little time to play and you forget their toys, or if you don't have enough electronic games to share with siblings or tag-along friends.
If you have a frugal tip you would like to share, email the Raleigh Frugal Family Examiner. Please include your name and location when sharing your frugal "tips and tricks".
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Sharon L. Cece © 2013
Some tips reprinted from March 2010 column.
