I am 83, so a lot has changed since I was young. We used to wash our hair with Ivory soap and rinsed it with water and a little cider vinegar to remove the soap residue from out hair. It left my hair shining and silky, but my hair has always been fine, so it was slightly unmanageable for the first day or two after shampooing. I remember when we didn't even have conditioner. We didn't take a shower every day. Some of us didn't even have a shower, just a bathtub. We washed our hair when we took a bath and rinsed it under the faucet. Sometimes we washed our hair in the kitchen sink, when we didn't need a shower yet. People are just too clean these days,and it makes the water bill higher, also the gas bill for heating the water. The more modern we get, the less healthy we become. Our bodies need friendly bacteria to fight off illness. Antibiotics are not good for our immune system, even though they may give us a quick cure for acute infections, and sometimes we need the big guns if we can't fight it alone. We should not make it a habit and shouldn't be afraid to use home remedies before rushing to the doctor and getting a prescription that may do more harm than good. We should let food be our medicine, if possible. Sometimes we can't, but that's where good judgment and common sense should be used. How did I get on this rant? The older you get, the more you have to share. It's a full-time job, but I'm retired, so it's what I do to try and help others live a better life. I also seek the wisdom and advice of others, as we all have something to offer. Love thy neighbor.
Thank you, Pat! You're echoing a lot of the sentiment that my mom preaches to us. I agree on all your points! Thank you for sharing your great words of wisdom!! 💕
Pat Cavanaugh Love this, Pat. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I lost my dear mom last May, and she taught me these things. We didn’t have hair conditioner, and we, too, used vinegar for rinsing our hair. We didn’t shower every day, and boy, did we get dirty playing outside all day! We’d just wash our hands, face, and feet before going to bed. I think I had antibiotics once when I was young. And I think I’ve taken antibiotics twice as an adult (I’m 55). We didn’t have many sweets; they were typically saved for Sundays. Life was more simple then, and we appreciated so much because we weren’t indulged. I miss those days, and I miss my mom:)
@@simplycj5460 Loss of a loved one is the hardest part of our life. The older we get, the more we stand to lose a pet, a friend, or even worse, a son or daughter, or a grandchild. I lost my son-in-law last year and one of my grandsons, age 31. It was a very sad year for my family. I also lost my best friend and my dog had to be put down due to a digestive disorder with complications. I don't know how we made it through last year, but we are still trying to move on with our lives. Life can be a real challenge. I can only hope that our loved ones are with us in spirit, so, listen to your inner voice that says, don't worry... be happy and believe in the hereafter. Mom is still with you in spirit.
I had a very similar upbringing where certain things were considered luxury items not the norm. I feel sorry for the next generation as I don’t think they will appreciate the fact that you don’t need to have the latest gadget to survive, that simple things are just as good if not better
If you can treat anyone you meet as a learning experience and value their wisdom and knowledge you will become as wise as your dearly beloved grandparents x
@@TheFrugalMinimalist i recently saw on the news that china is not accepting our recyclables anymore.yes they used to.now they dont need them anymore. So we are going to have to all be more responsible.
They're clearing land in the Phillipines to dump it there. My mom went through the 40's and WWII, they HAD to recycle every metal scrap and reused things. The milkman delivers milk in glasses, and you'd return them. I waa just thinking we should add a 5 cent charge to cans and bottles again. Makes you want to bring them back.
@@dolphindreaming6007 In Michigan we have had 10cent recycling for many years. You hardly every see a beverage can or bottle on the ground for long. It makes me sick to travel out of state and see the all the trash. I so wish plastic water bottles had a deposit
A great deal is due to everything being terrible quality. Good luck finding affordable quality items. Repairing the junk items is mite expensive than throwing it out and buying a new one.
This is very true. I grew up very poor and most of this is old hat to me too. Appreciate your thoughts and consideration. I hope you're having a great day!
I had older parents, mine were married during the depression. Haha, I still save all the little pieces of soap when the bar is almost gone, and squeeze them together to make another bar. Old habits!
Perhaps it is that what is described here was really "normal" and people today have just become wasteful and uncreative. This is what should be normal. It is a better way for everyone to live.
The idea of already wrapped reusable gift boxes is BRILLIANT! We reuse gift bags but this is amazing, especially when you have kids. Love your low to zero waste approach
I love this. I run my kitchen sponges through the dishwasher twice a week to keep them fresh. Most people throw sponges away for smelling funny, not for being worn out. My cleaning rags are great money savers. I buy old towels from yard sales and cut them down, and machine stitch the edges. My family has agreed to skip greeting cards. My family uses mostly gift bags for presents. At Christmas we laugh and joke, counting the layers of to/from labels on the bag. “Hey I remember that bag! Last year I got a red sweater from mom in it, and the year before gave my brother a dvd in it!” I do buy themed holiday paper ware for special events because I’m being frugal about time. Dishes and clean up are big time sinks during special occasions. However, I keep leftover holiday paper ware and mix old with new the next year. A good coffee travel mug is a money saver for me because I fill it before leaving the house instead of buying a drink while I’m out. If I finish my drink before getting home, when I buy a refill I often get a discount using my travel mug. My family are all crafters with big stashes. Before buying supplies, we do a group text asking each other for supplies.
Thank you, friend! I totally respect this and will definitely try to have my videos reflect this respect for the future! Do you by chance use the youtube app or a computer browser to watch videos? One viewer pointed out to me that you can increase the speed of the playback - anywhere from 1.25x to 2x. Game changer for me for sure. I hope you have a great weekend!
I feel like that comment was really ridiculous and unnecessary. You have freewill and control over your device, if a video is not to your liking you could just stop watching it. 🙄
I know, right? He actually really loves that eraser and takes care of it! 😂. Thank you for your kind words and for watching. I hope you have a great week ahead!!
What she didn't show you is that the erasures clean themselves. I have had some for years until they eventually dried out and hardened too much to absorb the graphite. Artists use them.
Yes frugality often means less waste and getting creative with what you have. Wins all around in my book. 🙌Thank you for your kind words and for watching! I hope you have a great day!
Recently my adult daughter had a birthday. I had the card she had given me for my last birthday and covered the words that weren’t applicable with garden tape and wrote over the top and gave the card back. She was so happy and is keeping the very pretty card to reuse again!
That is so sweet AND frugal! I love that, Sue. Happy belated birthday to your daughter! I'll have to look up what garden tape is. Thank you for sharing your sweet story and for watching! I hope you have a great week ahead!
My mother and I have sent each other the same birthday card…back and forth for a bit more than 30 years. many years ago she turned the envelope inside out and put my address on the inside. I reverse it and send it back to her. When the stamps get too thick a new envelope comes along. I hope you and your daughter share the same card for many years to come.
I agree! I have had that same stovetop brewer for years but recently began taking a liter glass jar and reusable tea bag filled with coffee to sit on windowsill for sun brew. After several hours I put in refrigerator to have coffee readily available. I've also been blending it with coconut milk, sweetener and ice cubes for a creamy, delicious drink that puts those overpriced coffeehouse frozen beverages to shame!
I have a kuerig, it was a gift. They have the reusable cup that I put Folgers in and there's no coffee wasted, since it's just me alone. I hated having it at first, but then I bought the reusable cup, I will not buy the K cups. It's such an environmental problem. Paper towels too. My parents buy them and when i go home! I use them! Its too convenient, and i beg them not to buy them, but they still do. I dont get the glassware one. If you had glassware originally, just use what you have. But i always need a lid, since I work around a computer all day, so spag sauce jars are perfect. Xoxo
To save boiling my kettle several times a day, I fill my thermos bottles at the beginning of the day and the water stays hot in them for atleast 7 hours. My kettles live longer and I save electricity.
This is a great tip with so many added benefits. I'll bet it saves you time also. I recently had to let go of my beloved insulated carafe that I used in the same way as your thermos. The insides were giving way and I wasn't comfortable with the materials it's made of. I may invest in a nice thermos like you. 😃
I just discovered these videos, so glad I did! My electric water kettle just died, was going to buy a new one....meanwhile I have a thermal carafe🤦♀️I use for special events...da! Problem solved! Every day is special!
Thank you, you just solved a problem I've been trying to find a solution to for a few days! I've a got this green Stanley insulted container I hardly use, im going to try this for my pour over coffee throughout the day.
@Evangeline, I'll bet the pantyhose works even better! I really wish I had some with holes in them so I could try them out. 😂 I have only 1 pair that I reserve for special occasions. Thank you for your great tip and for watching! I hope you have a great weekend!
@Jacqueline - I'm so glad this could help you! To keep the video short I didn't go into much details, but the garlic bag actually gives it two filters - one on the top and one on the bottom. It always catches hair on the top AND bottom. The bottom tends to catch the finer gunk. Every month or so I'll change out the bag. From one garlic bag I can consistently get 2 covers to fit the drain. if I'm greedy and try to get three, it doesn't cover the whole shower grate 😂. I hope it works as well for you as it does for us! Thank you for watching and I hope you have a great weekend!
I have used a metal screen looking strainer for the drains. Most store have them. Mine came from big lots, $T, or Walmart. They last a long time and save a lot of money for a plumber.
This is soooo good. Thanks! My twist on Christmas wrapping is using Trader Joe's sacks and the newspaper comics--both can be made into really festive and fun wrapping. Also, just using a bit less of everything--shorter pieces of tape on the wrapping, half the recommended amount of dishwasher soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Our biggest thing is not buying everyone in the family their own car, and catching rides, or asking people to pick things up (I always pay for their gas when I make this request). This sounds like a drag, but it actually means I stay home more, which is a HUGE savings!
For smaller chip, triscuit, popcorn bags, I use a plain old rubber band around the whole package twice and sometimes use the large size for big tortilla bags. The rubber band trick was born out of necessity since I ran out of clothes pins; it keeps all of our chips crispy. Love your videos!!
When I buy giftwrap I only buy solid colors at the dollar store. They can be used for any occasion with the right colored ribbon. I bought a large bag of ribbon at a thrift store years ago and I still have plenty. I stopped using the funny pages because we were getting all our news online or on tv.
I buy wrapping paper and cards at yard and estate sales. I bought over 100 cards for a couple of bucks, everything from 'Thank You' to 'Congratulations' cards. It's saved me quite a bit of money.
I make my own laundry soap and window cleaner. I don't use a bunch of specialty spray cleaners. To do an everyday clean of countertops and kitchen surfaces I just use water and dish detergent with a dishcloth. I keep a small bottle of dawn in the bathroom and use a drop or two and do a quick swish with the toilet brush every couple of days. I don't use many cleaning products but they do have multiple uses it helps control the clutter.
My family uses Christmas bags instead of wrapping paper and boxes. I get Christmas fabric once the season is over and make many different sizes. I have been doing it for 8 years so I have quite a collection. Bonus is a fabric bag folds down flat so I can fit all of Christmas bags in a small box
This is a great tip, Jennifer! I heard this from another viewer too. I'm totally going to try this once the boxes give out. For now they're holding strong though! Thank you for the great tip and for watching. I hope you're having a great day!
We grew up and I still do reusing bags,boxes,and tissue paper until they fell apart,don’t use bows or for Easter celephane wrap & grass. I offer for free extras since others can use them,& save money but otherwise if there’s too many they go in the trash. 😢 I also reuse gift paper. I don’t carr how crazy people think I am I’m worried about the planet and future generations plus it saves some money from buying it again & time(store trips). I’m thinking about making fabric bags or something so I don’t have to waste resources but I feel like they’ll end up in someone’s garbage anyways. I have seen people use comic pages from the newspaper and at least that’s recycable. I don’t personally know anyone besides me who recycles but it’s an option.
My family reused Christmas wrapping paper growing up as a kid as well as required using the Christmas bags and boxes. Just use them till it fall apart! We also use random boxes for gift boxes. One of our favorite Christmas memories was my mom getting a turtles chocolate box that had oven mitts in it. It was her favorite candy. So it was a good joke. Never trust the box in our family! 😂
Yes,my family used to do it. I’ve also used those Halloween bags when they go on clearance for gifts,they do tear kind of easily though. I’ve even said I can spend $5 to wrap the gift or I can spend an extra $5 on the gift,but not both.
Great ideas! We use a paperless coffee filter, I have cut up cotton tshirts and made them into napkins, towels, and hankerchiefs, metal straws, Mason jars can be used for so many things
Thank you, Tiffany! I really enjoy your ideas as well! We haven't gotten around to the metal straws yet, but that's there in my mind somewhere. Mason jars are amazing 👍. Thank you for your kind words, great frugal tips and for watching. I hope you have a great weekend!
So I am only a few minutes into the video.... I already appreciate that you give replacements. I saw many videos on what is no longer bought, but this is the first where I see deliberate discussion on how to replace habitual purchases.
I haven't bought paper towels in 30 years...I use flannel receiving baby blankets...they are a good size and absorb water better than any other material so that drying dishes isn't an exercise in smearing water around the dish as it soaks up the water effortlessly. ..the size is really great too
Yes so many have reminded me of wood clothes pins! They are indeed great but I don’t own any. I came across all my binder clips at a thrift store. Several boxes for 1 dollar so I bought that and they work 👍 so many great options for closing all those food bags 😃. Thanks for the great tip and for watching. I hope you have a great week!
I have now taken carpet freshener, make up wipes, air wicks and fabric sheets out if my shopping list. Also stopped buying new books . Buy used or library.
if its a GOOD book you know you are going to reread. like the outlander series..think I have gone through the 1st half 5 times in the last 15 years. its ok to buy. one shot books...the library
There are tons of free Kindle books out there. I have about 3k. dailyfreebooks.com may still be there. Not sure. I have books for a lifetime with few duds but free if I delete them. Kindle paid itself off fast plus got Kindles when they were on sale.
I have to take exception to your travel mug statement. I got an aluminum travel mug as a Christmas gift in 2007 that I still use daily. It has a slide lock on the lip so that it doesn't spill which is very convenient. I use it every day for both hot and cold drinks.
I know I am commenting on an old video, but I still wanted to leave some 💖! I watched quite a few and learned a lot, especially about freezer hacks. I am halfway here with the things I no longer buy, I hear you on making things, binder clips and DIY cleaning products, but the money I saved I quite happily spend on a handmade mug for example. Simply because it gives me joy 💞 Hope life is treating You well.
Red Heart makes a "scrubby" yarn that makes a fantastic replacement for kitchen sponges. It comes in both a cotton yarn and a polyester. I have crocheted four inch circles out of both. I prefer the polyester. They have held up really well and I do use them on my cast iron. My husband likes to borrow them for drink coasters. I will never buy sponges again.
This sounds like fun to crochet your own sponge, Annie! To hold up against cast iron speaks to their durability..wow! That's great that they're so useful and versatile at your house. I'm not a crocheter, but this is great to know for the future and for friends. Thank you for the great idea and for watching! I hope you're having a great day!
Excellent ideas! I have ended up purchasing wooden clothespins from target and the dollarstore. While i am still a big fan of many other dollarstore items, when it comes to the clothespins they break apart easily. The ones at target about $1 more per package and rarely break. As for the glass drink bottles, I have been using starbucks. The glass is an excellent insulator in the fridge. When my I'm ready to start my version of a cold tea brew, I put in one or two teabags with maybe some honey. Am single, but we'll see when the grandkids come visit, but on my thrift store visits purchasing small and large clear glass cake 'pans'. I can organize&'see' my food items for an easy pullout(vs digging past expired forgotten about items)--again the glass has an additional bonus of insulating. Am also ready to take it up anothet notch and buy glass Kerr or Ball canning jars for food items like my homemade coffee creamer. Am looking forward to many more videos. Thanks
Yes sometimes that small extra investment can make a huge difference. I'm glad to hear those work for you! Starbucks bottles are excellent as well! I'll bet the thrift store finds yield very beautiful organization tools...I do the same and the prices can't be beat! Maybe keep an eye out at your thrift stores for the Kerr, Ball jars. I've seen like new sets at mine, but just don't have a need for them 😢. I wish you success in your endeavors! Thank you for your great comment full of tips and ideas! I love talking frugal. 😃. Thank you for watching and I hope you have a great day!
While I may take photos, I usually buy a couple, three postcards for souvenirs. That way I have a remembrance and a good photo of something I want to remember. I'm not the best photographer.
That's a very clever idea to use postcards as souvenirs, Lin! They're usually the cheapest thing at the gift shops and you're right..the pictures are usually quite beautiful! Thank you for your great tip and for watching! I hope you have a great week ahead!
Postcards are my favourite souvenir. I’ve actually written postcards and sent them from the destination back home. It’s usually in our mailbox by the time we get home! Many places we visit also have cards that are just photos in different finishes and sizes for $1-$2. I have made a gallery wall out of all then. I never buy trinkets anymore, such a waste! But I will do shopping. One year I bought myself a silver necklace - great souvenir!
Jenny Schneider have you guests bring their own containers/plate. My brother’s friend did that for eco reasons and it worked well. The plates they have at home was enough to cover that few people who forgot theirs
Throwaway paper things can sometimes really help if you have a disability. Some types of disabilities mean lots of broken dishes in the attempt to pick them up. It's... pretty devastating, really. The lightweight paper is easier to handle, and when disability prevents ability to easily wash dishes, they're a lifesaver. Otherwise, the dishes might have to wait a week for the energy to wash them. x.x
MARLEEN BUELENS Not really cost-effective if you’re having a pool party with let’s say 60 people. Especially, a child’s party, I don’t like giving a three-year-old a breakable/glass plate it’s dangerous.
Linda BTDT if there are 3 year olds their parents already have those plastic or silicone bowls specially designed for children. Just have them bring those.
Bathtub/shower cleaning hack: put a little water in tub, squirt around a little dish liquid, use a sturdy stiff broom to sweep scrub the tub and surround. Rinse with hand held shower
That's so smart to use a stiff broom for scrubbing. I'll bet that has a really great reach for those hard to reach places as well. Thank you for the great tip!
I'm happy to say I avoided some of these things altogether. I've never used a single kcup for example. I've never bought a roll of paper towels. I have bought a few packs of paper napkins for parties but I got solid white ones I could use at subsequent parties if there were leftovers. Adults over for dinner get cloth napkins. Windows useta get washed with newspaper but now its a squeegee from the dollar store. I've had it ~5 years and it's still functioning fine. Thanks for the ideas. Keep on saving!!
I will get a multiple eraser next time. The garlic bag on the drain is a great idea! However, I love paper towels the expensive cloth like ones can be reused to sop up a mess if you have used them to dry something clean. I cut up my old fleece clothing to make swiffer floor dusters. I use my cereal bags for storing other baked goods or cheese. They are treated to resist mold. The chemicals are probably terrible but I hate moldy cheese.
Thank you so much, Karen! Little changes can add up and have a huge impact for sure. Thank you for your kind words and for watching. I hope you have a great rest of the week!
Great tips! When you ask stores for those hangers also ask for the broken ones. The broken hangers with the clips on them can be easily cut off the hanger. The clips make great bag seals or cord management.
That's a great tip on those clips! I could never cut those off cleanly but those hanger clips are very strong and I can see so many uses for them. Thank you for the great tip and for watching. I hope you're having a great day!
I did the drain hack with the garlic cover and it worked perfect but then I noticed after I gave the dogs a bath that my drain started backing up so I popped off the cover and come to find out the back part of the garlic wrap had caught the dog hair so I pulled it off and good as new. Thank you thank you
That is excellent, Sandi! I’m so glad it worked for you. Yes the bottom does act like a second filter. I’m always both shocked and satisfied to see what it caught. Thank you for letting me know it worked for you. It made me smile. Blessings! 💜
@@imomediaimomedia6648 did you read my method of cleaning the bathtub? Put a water in tub. Squirt a little dish soap around. Use a sturdy stiff broom to sweep scrub the tub and surround surrounf
I got tired of broken wine glasses. Now, I use empty jars from Pompa brand marinated, grilled asparagus. I like the size and shape of the jars for red wine. I also like the asparagus.
I think I've seen those jars, Pat! They do look sturdy with that little concave middle. They remind me of dumbbells if the one I'm thinking of is the one you're talking about. Food jars are generally stronger than the glasses for drinking 👍
Dish soap is harsher than handsoaps. I used dish soap as hand soap until my nails started to break and an eczema patch started to break out on my right hand. I started buying hand soaps again.
I’m glad you found what works for you! I’ve tried soft soap in a foaming container and it will work also, but needs more dilution since it was thicker than the dish soap.
As a kid, I remembered people around here would use mason jars for drinking glasses. The little fruit preserve jars would be portable, have a liquid-tight lid, and would last forever so long as you didn't drop it. The bigger jars tended to be for the adults who liked the "occasional" mixed drinks. I really don't know why people don't use canning jars more often for things. They're very useful. Great for storage of solids, liquids, powders, spices, and of course, food. Can be used to drink out of, carry beverage with you without worrying about it leaking, and overall, anything you need a container for. Their prices have come down quite a bit in modern times. Back then, I kind of think the jars they used for drinking out of were "rejects" from the cook due to maybe chips around the rim or being "too old" or maybe they just "borrowed them" from the wife. Yeah, when and where I grew up, it was very common for gender roles to be fairly well kept.
Great video. I cut the top off 1/2 gal milk containers and store my tools standing up instead of piling them on the side and easy to find the right size & type screw driver or right type of pliers. I use small clear plastic water bottles to hold nails or screws. Easy to see and the pick the right size. I use a razor to cut a slit on the side of the bottle for easy loading and pour from the top for a controlled exit. I use the same to safely store worn out utility blades and throw it out when filled.
Thank you for sharing your great tips! Repurposing the milk containers and small plastic water bottles for storage is very clever. I especially like the dispensing and safety aspects of them. Can’t beat the price of free for these 👍 🙌
Same. As I get older I realize that there are a lot of things that I didn't need, yet bought. Now I stick to the essentials unless I'm treating myself to food, or a pick-me-up like a face mask.
I wish I were that talented to make that freehand! We followed the video from this fellow here - ua-cam.com/video/a2rxjPPIwkI/v-deo.html. It's quite complex to make and took my son and I about 2 hours to make but it was really a great bonding activity! I don't know if you could tell, but his arm was injured on this video and this card making activity helped to cheer him up and keep us occupied for an afternoon! The video is really great and thorough. I wish you success and joy in making it! Enjoy your weekend!
Travel mugs -- The kids were losing these expensive cups all the time. Drove me CRAZY! I started buying these at the thrift store. It's amazing how many $20 cups are available for $2.00 or less. Childhood is short enough that I don't want to be annoyed at the kids for losing expensive travel cups. Now they're less of an issue. No Starbucks runs when we can take our coffee along.
@Susan Fudge, increasing earning is always a win in my book, but I understand many people are under different circumstances. Even frugality is different for all of us 😂
Popped over here from Money Mom...I have been watching her for a long time now. Thank you for sharing your ideas with us. I wish I knew some one who drinks that tea. I love the little bottle. I pour milk into a small bottle from the gallon container to add to my tea, it saves me having to lift the heavy gallon out of the fridge every time for my tea. Have a Blessed day.
Thank you for visiting me, Margaret! I'm a huge Money Mom fan! I really wish I could send some of those bottles your way. We had to recycle some because we had more than we could use. 😢 That is a great idea to make the milk more accessible for your tea! Those gallon bottles are heavy. Thank you very much for your kind words and for watching. I hope you have a Blessed day and a great week ahead as well!!
Oh, those small bottles os yesterday year. Mom used one for her coffee cream. The younger folks won’t remember real cream. Nor Oleomargarine,that had a packet of yellow coloring to hand mix into the fake butter. Fun to do, but not healthful.
I like others use clothespins for bag clips, also to hold back curtains, and I use apple cider vinegar, straight, from spray bottle as air freshener, some don't like smell but I think it smells great and vinegar has antibacterial properties, thanks a new subscriber, Kathi
Many others use clothespins too! Those are great and multipurpose as well, I just don't have them in my arsenal. I enjoy the ACV smell as well, but my husband isn't a fan of the vinegar smells. And yes, I love its antibacterial properties. It's great on the face and one viewer even wrote that she got rid of an infection using it under the guidance of her GP. Great stuff indeed. Thank you for watching and your support! I hope you have a great week, Kathi!
Over the years, we have contentiously worked to reduce the stuff we buy. Many of the things are on this list. How we did it was to just look at problems and figure them out. I can see she has done the same thing.
My very favorite money saving tip is “support your local library”. I love to read. Free books! And they don’t take up space as you return them. Also, free music, movies, museum passes, classes, discussions groups, telescopes (really!)....
Love your tip and yes to all the awesome free activities! I tend to also use the library a lot in the summer since they're a cool zone, and they offer other niceties like game boards, dvds and ebooks. So many great sources out there when we just look for them. 👍
YOU ARE BRILLIANT ! NO NEED TO BE FOOLISH WHEN IT COMES TO SPENDING MONEY. I HATE BUYING PAPER TOWELS JUST TO THROW THEM AWAY. I EVEN LIKE CLOTH NAPKINS...MAKES ME "FEEL" LIKE I HAVE A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE. WE DO HAVE FUN COMING UP WITH DIFFERENT IDEAS. IT DEVELOPS A CREATIVE MIND ! REALLY ENJOYED YOU AND YOUR VIDEO.
I so agree that it's fun! None of these changes degrade our quality of life, and like your cloth napkins makes us feel extra fancy....like our lives are improving and we're saving money. I'm so happy you enjoyed this video. Thank you for your kind words and for watching!
Big smile here...I was going to mention it’s a good idea to run a bit of Dawn Soap down the drain from time to time as it cuts through fat that gets into the kitchen sink plus helps with gel and toothpaste in the bathroom. Now here you are already using Dawn Soap as your hand soap! You’re multitasking! (Dawn is the best one for the purpose...)
I'm so happy that my video brought a smile to your face!!! Thank you! I agree the Dawn really helps to cut that gunk. Sometimes if I have to soak any extra dirty laundry separately in a bucket of laundry detergent water, I'll use that leftover soapy water to flush out the sink drain and the overflow. It's usually not pretty but it helps! Thank you again for your kind words and for watching and I hope you have a great weekend!
It'll kill fleas on a cat or dogs but may need more than one bath to get them then there's the problem of eggs in the house. So, 100 bucks for topicals and bombs to get rid of them fast. One day done. No cheap way unless you want to live with them for a long time. Then all the washing before bring animals back in.
I used to use the wood ones too but they eventually broke and then I switched to the binder clips. But the wood ones are great too. I loved how old timey they felt. Thank you so much for your kind words and for watching! I hope you have a great weekend!
Maria Marria - If you really want to see how useful clothes pins can be ask a gaffer in a film crew. They carry around bandoliers of clothes pins and call the C47's. They use them to do all sorts of things you wouldn't even imagine.
I used to work in a souvenir shop. It was run by a corporation and most of the items were made overseas. None of the money went to the locals and employees were treated like tissues.
I use handi wipes in the kitchen. They never get any odors because they rinse and dry quickly. a package of 70 in BJ's are $9,.99 and they are long lasting.
That is excellent! Those are very strong clips, handy and the right price! I've never been successful in cutting them off cleanly though. I'll have to try a saw as some have suggested.
I love the bag sponge idea. I have some of those bags! I write a blog to record our travels - that's my souvenir when we travel. It also helps me pare down the number of pictures I take. After I write my post on a place, I delete many of the my pictures. It's all digital, but it still can be too much clutter. I've watched your channel before, and I enjoy it greatly.
You bet we do and I'm sure some would consider them unnecessary but they bring value to us. We take vacations and eat out sometimes. Generally we save where it doesn't hurt us and splurge where it may bring us joy in some way. Our goal is to retire as early as possible. We are not there yet but we are closer than we were before our frugal lifestyle. This video just highlights all those little things we do that save money 😃. Thanks for watching and I hope you have a great weekend!
I employ a lot of these strategies. But am still working on some. I can’t get used to microfibre. They don’t wash the counters or ring out as good as cotton. Baking soda, vinegar are my basic cleaning supplies for decades. Although I still buy bleach one every year or second year. Combatting moisture in a very wet climate is why. I don’t use hand soap. Just bulk liquid soap that is gentle and distribute it in bathrooms and kitchen.
I noticed it depends on the microfiber you use. In my experience they've gotten better over time and become incredibly absorbent. My most absorbent ones are some of my oldest! Moisture is a tough one to battle! Best of luck to you!
I just went to Walmart auto section for microfiber towels and you were right. These 2 towels for $3.88 are way better than kitchen towels.Perfect size to dry hands and keep by the stove 16x24 now I can use the other ones to clean windows and kitchen counter. Can not thank you enough for your ideas. keep sharing!
That is so great to hear! Yes automotive towels are where it's at. I like that they're usually more plain than the kitchen towels too. Thank you so much for your kind comment and for watching! I hope you have a great weekend!
This is sheer genius. I'm really beyond impressed. I feel like I need to take notes, apply these ideas, and take a test! So brilliant. And CONGRATULATIONS on your success - you deserve every bit and more. ❤️
Thank you so much, Amy for your kind words! I do these things because I like the little financial wins and they're almost always some other win attached with these little swaps. I'm still in shock at all this. Thank you again for your kind words and for support!! I hope you have a great weekend!
I do a couple of things to save money 1. Buy soap bars, shampoo and conditioner bars, toilet paper, dish soap and laundry powder in bulk and usually enough to last a year; it’s less expensive this way and if we are ever short on money there’s always some on hand. Also, if you think about it, companies are charging you for the water they add to the solid bar products and the container they need to produce to transport the liquid. I’m not paying for water. 2. Buy beans, flours, rice and grains in bulk. It’s good for when you are strapped for cash but also protects your family against the threat of a food shortage. 3. Grow your own food! We did this this year on our back yard and part of our front lawn and have been saving so much money in terms of squash, onions, tomatoes, Potatoes. It takes literally no effort at all other than the planting, watering, and harvesting. I plan on storing some of the carrots and potatoes away for the colder months. I’m also planning on planting some of the hearty winter squashes to help get us through the winter. 4. We don’t have disposables in our house. I clean with soap and water, vinegar, washing soda, and cheap vodka to disinfect and leave a streak free finish on electronics and mirrors. I use cotton kitchen towels I got at the dollar tree That have held up fabulously, and I Moo my floor with my husbands old work shirts that are too ratty to wear. I also use those rags to clean the nasty stuff, like the bathroom. 5. I paid a few dollars for a special hose head that I use to wash my car. Now I only wash my car 1-2 times a year in the winter to get the salt off of the underside ( Midwest living lol). 5. I wear a minimal amount of makeup. Just a tiny bit of concealer under the eyes, cream cheek/lip combo, a single mineral eyeshadow and an eyeliner for occasional use. I curl my lashes everyday and forego mascara. If I want an evening look, I thin the concealer out with a bit of lotion for a base, and I smudge eyeliner all over my eyelid, then cover the entire lid with eyeshadow, it gives it a lovely Smokey look. 6. I regularly go to a tailor and the shoe cobbler; take things ing, let things out, add length, repair a heel, resolve, fix purse straps, clean suede boots, these two artisans will make you look like a million bucks for very little up front investment. 7. Buy second hand wherever possible. 8. Learn to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, they are usually the best. 9. THE MOST IMPORTANT: have a relationship with Jesus Christ; he will make you feel a level of contentment and satisfaction with life the way nothing else can, and you won’t spend money searching for fulfillment, seek he first the kingdom of heaven 🥰
She is so smart about the unitaskers. I had an amazingly well-equipped kitchen in the US with every gadget possible, and moved overseas with just one utility knife. In 4 years I have bought just one more high quality Henckels paring knife, that I got for a dollar. I can make anything with those two knives, a cutting board and a wooden spoon.
I so admire how you recycle so many things in an artistic way! You have my mind spinning trying to think of projects I can do! And I'm stealing the idea of putting a "screen" over my drain...thanks!
I hope you have fun unleashing your creativity and finding frugal projects too, Tami! I hope the screen works well for you! I didn't want to belabor that on the video, but there are two layers of the screen because it wraps around and the bottom catches finer gunk also! I change mine out every month or so. It's gross but oddly satisfying at the same time. Little wins 😂
You should probably note you have to replace that screen very often, as if will get seriously dirty. Better buy produce without the plastic and use sodium hydroxide for your drains, which is a lot more eco friendly.
I use old envelopes from the mail to make shopping lists, make notes, etc. You can use a used envelope to make your shopping list and put your coupons inside the envelope.
I do this too, Sassafrass Tree! we'll even use them in our printer, just print on the back. It's great when my son has to print notes for school. Always use both sides then recycle! 🙌. I like your tip to rip to 4 sections too. That sounds great for small notepad replacements. Thank you for your kind words and for watching. I hope you're having a great day!
@RefusesCookies - envelopes in the mail are great to use. I love that you make it double duty by storing your coupons in there. That's like a frugal ninja move! 🥋
@@TheFrugalMinimalist In Peru, South America, they use the tea bag paper cover as shopping lists and to write you a note if your not home. In Peru nothing gets wasted, the dogs come by for all the bones, the lady takes all the plastic bottles for reuse at the hardware store for little amounts of paint and paint thinner, the glass guy comes by and buys your glass bottles. Eggs are sold in plastic bags, that are more than likely reused. A knife sharpener comes by to touch up your knifes, even the blender guy peddles around, of course the fruit lady twice a week on a 3 wheeled bicycle. You always take the glass coke bottles back.
Can also buy those big bottles of cheap shampoo from the supermarkets and use it as a hand wash. I put a bit of dish washing liquid in the hot water in the bucket and mop the tiled floors, no need to buy cleaning liquids for everything🤔🇦🇺
I tend to agree that soap is soap, Joanna! I'll use all sorts of things in ways they're not intended to be used 😅 And I agree you don't need that specialty stuff for cleaning. Thank you for the great tip and for watching. I hope you're having a great day!
I make ATCs from cardstock. I find images free on google or pinterest, size them on my lap top and make cards for every occasion. I just bought 140 mini envelopes from Amazon for around $6 and am now putting them in these. It is a super cheap way to give someone a lift for any reason. You can't mail these envelopes, but I have the situation where I live in senior housing and I love giving them out. Most people comment on the cute idea and love getting a note for any reason. When mailing, I simply put them in something 3.5 x 5.5 or larger per USPS regulation. It's super fun and very much appreciated.
I had to look up ATC and it took a couple minutes of me being confused about what Air Traffic Control had to do with cards, but then I saw that it is Artist Trading Card 🤦🏻♀️. That is wonderful that you use your creative talents to make cards to make others' days! That is heartwarming. Thank you so much for sharing!
@@TheFrugalMinimalist Sorry I didn't explain. I'm glad you were curious enough to check it out. It's a fun hobby. Some times I design my own ATCs and to let you know they are indeed traded. I did it once, but I like being on my own with it. Others like to trade these. I have received some nice ones back when I did this. There are ATC coins, inchies, twinchies, etc. Really cool stuff. I love doing all of this and put them on wood shapes, tiles, cardboard,etc.'
Hi, I take the oatmeal cardboard containers the tall circular type w/lid & take off the label & use them to hold plastic utensils, cotton balls, and pens. You name it can decorate them too.
It's paper towels for me...it's an ongoing joke when my family visits that I don't buy paper towels. Binder clips are the best. I save glass jars as well, mainly because the cups magically disappear and the kids break ALL glasswear, accidentally on purpose, if you ask me. I had one of those puddy erasers for years. Great tip on the reusable bags and I love the greeting cards. Thanks for sharing.
Haha yes my family has issues here too. I have some but usually hide it as it's only really used for extenuating circumstances 😂. Kids and glasses just don't mix. Those jars are way sturdier. Thank you for so much for your lovely comment. I love frugal talk! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Haha, Kleenex is such a huge cost, especially the way my son goes through them 😢. I used to wash baby cloths too but stopped using them so much. I love talking frugal. 😂 Thank you for your lovely comment! I hope you have a great week!
I volunteer at a place that people donate to. You would not believe the stained and ripped tshirts people give us! No one wants tees with armpit stains. I cut them for hankies and they work great.
love all your ideas. One thing i would recommend is the use of paper plates. Just get a set of pretty plastic plates from Big Lots and reuse for parties. I hate paper products bc of the environmental impact.
I'm wondering how much we would save in plastic from grocery bags when stores dont use them.a walmart around here is already saying they're going to use thicker bags and charging for them. And even the reusable ones i buy now sre still plastic just heavier. Doesn't seem to be much of a solution unless we go back to paper or use cloth.
Bought a couple of adjustable night lights for $1.25 each which I use when i soak in the tub with lights off. Projected to ceiling nice colorful pictures to add to my bath soaking.
If you don't have room to store the wrapped boxes( living in a space with more room than you actually use is a huge expense to cut). I buy brown craft paper. And add yarn or string depending on the occasion and scrap pretty pictures or colored flyers or advertisements to make crafty tags. This paper is multi purpose and can be reused to line drawers, make patterns and wrapping paper. And I only need the space for this one roll. I use rit dyes to save stained clothes that I might otherwise get rid of. Most things go blue then black. But if its beyond use all my rags are old clothes. I love the way especially boys cotton tube socks will clean anything.
Brown craft paper is beautiful! Your wrapping sounds lovely and I like the idea of dying clothes to give them new life! Boy’s men’s socks are so good on so many levels. I’ve been buying them for myself! 😂. Thank you for sharing your frugal ways. I enjoyed reading 😃
I'm so happy the binder clips work for you too! They're so handy to have around. Yes essential oils are awesome! I only have a few now because they're quite pricey, but they are definitely a great investment! Thank you for your kind words and for watching! I hope you have a great day!
I no longer buy foil, deodorant, anything with aluminum or scrubbing cleaners--baking soda will take off any burned on food. I use baking soda for just about everything now.
I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the video! Binder clips are so handy :). Thank you very much for your kind words and for watching! 😃 I hope you have a great rest of the week!
In reading the comment below about washing hair with Ivory and rinsing with vinegar I am inspired. I have been concerned about all the chemicals going right into my head every time I wash my hair, and I am going to make a change. I do use a nicer soap than Ivory (a French lavender) but there isn't anything better than vinegar for getting all the well-water mineral build-up off my hair and making it so shiny. Now back to the luxury soap--I can afford the things I really want by being frugal on those things that don't add real value to my life. That's especially true of giving. I tell my friends with new cars that if I had a car payment I couldn't afford to travel . . . there's some food for thought.
Haha, I have a strong preference toward binder clips if you couldn't tell 😂 Thank you for your kind words and for watching, Kate! I hope you and Kaden have a great weekend ahead!
I love my kneaded artist eraser. Came in a sketching set when i was about 10 and 18 years on, it still works great. I don't use it often now, but... yeah. Definitely worth the extra money.
Oh wow 18 years is the longest I’ve heard. Really well done keeping it with you for that long! Thank you for taking the time to share this in the comments and watch my video. I hope you’re having a great weekend!
I do buy paper towels, but I try to only buy them on sale or bulk price and ... I keep a pretty plastic mesh basket in the kitchen to hold "2nd Use" paper towels after they are dry. Often the paper towels used as dinner napkins, or to quickly dry one's damp hands, are still usable for various tasks such as: washing dishes without scratching them, cleaning up floor spills, as a cleaning sponge for bath fixtures, and to line the trash bags to soak up leaky food debris. I also can spray some vinegar on 2nd Use paper towels to toss in the trash bin and help minimize germs and smell. You must be mindful to not use 2nd Use paper towels for any application where you want a very clean cloth, like for use on your face or blowing your nose, drying clean hands, or drying dishes or countertops. Also, do not reuse any paper towels that were ever used in contact with known nasty germs, such as wiping your hands after handling raw meat. With washing, air drying and reusing, I can often get 2-4 uses from each paper towel. ^.~
Are you me? 😂 I do have a stock of paper towels, but really haven't bought them in years since we don't use them often. I totally got your 2nd use paper towels. I do this too!! 😍 I don't use a pretty plastic mesh basket like you though, I use an old tissue box mounted on the inside of my under sink cabinet to hold these and I've trained the others in the family to use these when they need to clean up the dirty messes. Most of our 2nd use towels come from hand towels that you use to dry your hands with at establishments. They still have use in them because you're just drying your just washed, clean hands! I shove them in my pocket to keep them for home. 😂🙌. I wanted to do a video on this, but my husband said I should wait to get a stronger fanbase. 😅 It's so nice to meet another 2nd use towel user!! Thank you for your great comment and for watching. I hope you have a great weekend!!
@Jeanette Harvey Good idea! i really like the "select a size" variety of paper towels that are perforated at half size. I also rarely need a full sheet. ^.~
@@RLaraMoore Yes, I buy the perforated ones, too . . . & then I usually tear them in half! (It's not that I'm cheap; I just don't need that much.). All the best to you.
While our eating habits aren't the same and we're on different stages in our lives, from watching your videos I've gotten some really good saving tips. Thank you for that. Last night I was going to bulk on beans, as I eat a lot of them, and managed to find an online store that discounted all the beans from the brand I use, and also the medicinal herbs I needed were all on discount. By subscribing to the newsletter (I can unsubscribe later) I got another 10% off and then I also got free home delivery. In total I saved over £20 while getting enough beans and medicinal herbs to last me the rest of the year. 🙏
Girl you seriously have the best tips. You hit me so hard with the decor lol. I was wondering how your channel blew up but it’s well deserved. You bring so much value to others
NEVER buy Draino. My first cousin is a plumber and my ex-co-worker was one too. One thing I keep hearing from plumbers I trust is that Draino is something you should NEVER buy, unless you like having to fork over thousands of dollars for the plumber to replace your pipes. Pour vinegar, bleach, coffee, hot water, whatever, but don't put any Draino down that pipe! It will destroy your pipes and what could have been a $100 repair can easily turn into a $5,000 one for a $4 bottle of chemical.
Thank you for this warning! I hope it will help others. Luckily we didn't have any problems after this. We did it once and It was really desperation - like do before you think type of thing. We wised up and went with those garlic bags over the shower grate. Works well to prevent gunk from getting inside! Thanks for watching and I hope you have a great weekend!
@@Sexy40baby1 : Draino is primarily made from sodium hydroxide, which is lye. Normally, lye is safe to go down most drains when mixed with water. The difference is, there is some metal added to the mix, which raises the temperatures high enough to melt and destroy pipes. Using draino once or twice, one might not notice. But, it overtime dramatically shortens the life of pipes. blog.jiffyondemand.com/why-plumbers-advise-against-drano/
I clean slow sink drains with a long skinny brush, then pour the hot water from pasta or the canning kettle in, which cleans the drain. No drain cleaner products in my house!
Boy, you are right about the cost of paper towels! I have a basket of washclothes that I keep on the kitchen counter to use instead. Paper towels are only for extra messy (read icky) messes and are kept out of sight under the kitchen sink. A roll can last over a month now. We also only use cloth dinner napkins, no more paper napkins!
Haha, I always feel like I'm throwing pennies into the trash when I use those paper towels. 😂. That's a great tip to keep the washcloths accessible and the paper towels more hidden. it really makes you think before reaching for it! Cloth napkins are awesome 🙌. Love frugal talk! Thank you for watching and I hope you have a great day!
I am 83, so a lot has changed since I was young. We used to wash our hair with Ivory soap and rinsed it with water and a little cider vinegar to remove the soap residue from out hair. It left my hair shining and silky, but my hair has always been fine, so it was slightly unmanageable for the first day or two after shampooing. I remember when we didn't even have conditioner. We didn't take a shower every day. Some of us didn't even have a shower, just a bathtub. We washed our hair when we took a bath and rinsed it under the faucet. Sometimes we washed our hair in the kitchen sink, when we didn't need a shower yet. People are just too clean these days,and it makes the water bill higher, also the gas bill for heating the water. The more modern we get, the less healthy we become. Our bodies need friendly bacteria to fight off illness. Antibiotics are not good for our immune system, even though they may give us a quick cure for acute infections, and sometimes we need the big guns if we can't fight it alone. We should not make it a habit and shouldn't be afraid to use home remedies before rushing to the doctor and getting a prescription that may do more harm than good. We should let food be our medicine, if possible. Sometimes we can't, but that's where good judgment and common sense should be used. How did I get on this rant? The older you get, the more you have to share. It's a full-time job, but I'm retired, so it's what I do to try and help others live a better life. I also seek the wisdom and advice of others, as we all have something to offer. Love thy neighbor.
Thank you, Pat! You're echoing a lot of the sentiment that my mom preaches to us. I agree on all your points! Thank you for sharing your great words of wisdom!! 💕
Pat Cavanaugh Love this, Pat. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I lost my dear mom last May, and she taught me these things. We didn’t have hair conditioner, and we, too, used vinegar for rinsing our hair. We didn’t shower every day, and boy, did we get dirty playing outside all day! We’d just wash our hands, face, and feet before going to bed. I think I had antibiotics once when I was young. And I think I’ve taken antibiotics twice as an adult (I’m 55). We didn’t have many sweets; they were typically saved for Sundays. Life was more simple then, and we appreciated so much because we weren’t indulged. I miss those days, and I miss my mom:)
@@simplycj5460 Loss of a loved one is the hardest part of our life. The older we get, the more we stand to lose a pet, a friend, or even worse, a son or daughter, or a grandchild. I lost my son-in-law last year and one of my grandsons, age 31. It was a very sad year for my family. I also lost my best friend and my dog had to be put down due to a digestive disorder with complications. I don't know how we made it through last year, but we are still trying to move on with our lives. Life can be a real challenge. I can only hope that our loved ones are with us in spirit, so, listen to your inner voice that says, don't worry... be happy and believe in the hereafter. Mom is still with you in spirit.
I had a very similar upbringing where certain things were considered luxury items not the norm. I feel sorry for the next generation as I don’t think they will appreciate the fact that you don’t need to have the latest gadget to survive, that simple things are just as good if not better
If you can treat anyone you meet as a learning experience and value their wisdom and knowledge you will become as wise as your dearly beloved grandparents x
I grew up in the 50s. Making do and recycling was just the norm. We are such a disposable era now.
This is sadly very true. We're not zero waste by far, but do try to do our part and reuse when we can. It's better for the Earth and our wallet.
@@TheFrugalMinimalist i recently saw on the news that china is not accepting our recyclables anymore.yes they used to.now they dont need them anymore. So we are going to have to all be more responsible.
They're clearing land in the Phillipines to dump it there. My mom went through the 40's and WWII, they HAD to recycle every metal scrap and reused things. The milkman delivers milk in glasses, and you'd return them. I waa just thinking we should add a 5 cent charge to cans and bottles again. Makes you want to bring them back.
@@dolphindreaming6007 In Michigan we have had 10cent recycling for many years. You hardly every see a beverage can or bottle on the ground for long. It makes me sick to travel out of state and see the all the trash. I so wish plastic water bottles had a deposit
A great deal is due to everything being terrible quality. Good luck finding affordable quality items. Repairing the junk items is mite expensive than throwing it out and buying a new one.
You know you were raised 'frugal' when you grew up with 99% of this being the norm..
This is very true. I grew up very poor and most of this is old hat to me too. Appreciate your thoughts and consideration. I hope you're having a great day!
Haha yes!
I had older parents, mine were married during the depression. Haha, I still save all the little pieces of soap when the bar is almost gone, and squeeze them together to make another bar. Old habits!
Perhaps it is that what is described here was really "normal" and people today have just become wasteful and uncreative. This is what should be normal. It is a better way for everyone to live.
@@lannalane4247 ha ha ha I was taught by my mom to put the too small pieced in some old torn knickers( nylons) and use the soap that way.
The idea of already wrapped reusable gift boxes is BRILLIANT! We reuse gift bags but this is amazing, especially when you have kids. Love your low to zero waste approach
Agreed :) I love this idea!
I love this.
I run my kitchen sponges through the dishwasher twice a week to keep them fresh. Most people throw sponges away for smelling funny, not for being worn out.
My cleaning rags are great money savers. I buy old towels from yard sales and cut them down, and machine stitch the edges.
My family has agreed to skip greeting cards.
My family uses mostly gift bags for presents. At Christmas we laugh and joke, counting the layers of to/from labels on the bag. “Hey I remember that bag! Last year I got a red sweater from mom in it, and the year before gave my brother a dvd in it!”
I do buy themed holiday paper ware for special events because I’m being frugal about time. Dishes and clean up are big time sinks during special occasions. However, I keep leftover holiday paper ware and mix old with new the next year.
A good coffee travel mug is a money saver for me because I fill it before leaving the house instead of buying a drink while I’m out. If I finish my drink before getting home, when I buy a refill I often get a discount
using my travel mug.
My family are all crafters with big stashes. Before buying supplies, we do a group text asking each other for supplies.
I like to also "ISO" in my local (and wherever I'm traveling) buy nothing fb group to see if anyone is getting rid of some.
Many frugal folks are also frugal with their time. So, thanks for shorter videos.
Thank you, friend! I totally respect this and will definitely try to have my videos reflect this respect for the future! Do you by chance use the youtube app or a computer browser to watch videos? One viewer pointed out to me that you can increase the speed of the playback - anywhere from 1.25x to 2x. Game changer for me for sure. I hope you have a great weekend!
@@TheFrugalMinimalist I watch everthing at 2x speed, have to turn the volume up sometimes.
I feel like that comment was really ridiculous and unnecessary. You have freewill and control over your device, if a video is not to your liking you could just stop watching it. 🙄
I'm happy with the length - short, sweet and to the point with example if one is needed. I had to subscribe (somewhere 18k+ 😀)
Kudos to your son for not losing his eraser in 4 years!
I know, right? He actually really loves that eraser and takes care of it! 😂. Thank you for your kind words and for watching. I hope you have a great week ahead!!
Architects and drafters use the moldable erasers.
@@CJ-im2uu I had one of those back when I took art classes in college. I *loved* that thing, but it got lost in a move.
What she didn't show you is that the erasures clean themselves. I have had some for years until they eventually dried out and hardened too much to absorb the graphite. Artists use them.
Word!
I am quite frugal already but many of these ideas were new to me, not the same recycled ideas that others post. Well worth the time to watch.
I love how you are not wasteful. Not being wasteful, you use creativity to get the job done. immediate subscriber.
Yes frugality often means less waste and getting creative with what you have. Wins all around in my book. 🙌Thank you for your kind words and for watching! I hope you have a great day!
Recently my adult daughter had a birthday. I had the card she had given me for my last birthday and covered the words that weren’t applicable with garden tape and wrote over the top and gave the card back. She was so happy and is keeping the very pretty card to reuse again!
That is so sweet AND frugal! I love that, Sue. Happy belated birthday to your daughter! I'll have to look up what garden tape is. Thank you for sharing your sweet story and for watching! I hope you have a great week ahead!
My mother and I have sent each other the same birthday card…back and forth for a bit more than 30 years. many years ago she turned the envelope inside out and put my address on the inside. I reverse it and send it back to her. When the stamps get too thick a new envelope comes along. I hope you and your daughter share the same card for many years to come.
@@virginialangford6257 Wow! I love this!!
K cups. Biggest ripoff scam ever
Yes, it can get quite pricey and not to mention the waste is pretty huge. 😞 Thank you for watching and I hope you're having a great weekend!
❤️👍
@@Guitargasm1000 and not recyclable, so an environmental nightmare too!
I agree! I have had that same stovetop brewer for years but recently began taking a liter glass jar and reusable tea bag filled with coffee to sit on windowsill for sun brew. After several hours I put in refrigerator to have coffee readily available. I've also been blending it with coconut milk, sweetener and ice cubes for a creamy, delicious drink that puts those overpriced coffeehouse frozen beverages to shame!
I have a kuerig, it was a gift. They have the reusable cup that I put Folgers in and there's no coffee wasted, since it's just me alone. I hated having it at first, but then I bought the reusable cup, I will not buy the K cups. It's such an environmental problem. Paper towels too. My parents buy them and when i go home! I use them! Its too convenient, and i beg them not to buy them, but they still do. I dont get the glassware one. If you had glassware originally, just use what you have. But i always need a lid, since I work around a computer all day, so spag sauce jars are perfect. Xoxo
To save boiling my kettle several times a day, I fill my thermos bottles at the beginning of the day and the water stays hot in them for atleast 7 hours. My kettles live longer and I save electricity.
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing. I use my electric kettle several times a day, so this is a great tip for me to start implementing.
This is a great tip with so many added benefits. I'll bet it saves you time also. I recently had to let go of my beloved insulated carafe that I used in the same way as your thermos. The insides were giving way and I wasn't comfortable with the materials it's made of. I may invest in a nice thermos like you. 😃
I just discovered these videos, so glad I did! My electric water kettle just died, was going to buy a new one....meanwhile I have a thermal carafe🤦♀️I use for special events...da! Problem solved! Every day is special!
Thank you, you just solved a problem I've been trying to find a solution to for a few days! I've a got this green Stanley insulted container I hardly use, im going to try this for my pour over coffee throughout the day.
I can't believe I haven't thought of preventing the hair from going down the drain in the first place! you're super creative!!!
if you're older like me and have old panty hose, that really works well.
@Evangeline, I'll bet the pantyhose works even better! I really wish I had some with holes in them so I could try them out. 😂 I have only 1 pair that I reserve for special occasions. Thank you for your great tip and for watching! I hope you have a great weekend!
@Jacqueline - I'm so glad this could help you! To keep the video short I didn't go into much details, but the garlic bag actually gives it two filters - one on the top and one on the bottom. It always catches hair on the top AND bottom. The bottom tends to catch the finer gunk. Every month or so I'll change out the bag. From one garlic bag I can consistently get 2 covers to fit the drain. if I'm greedy and try to get three, it doesn't cover the whole shower grate 😂. I hope it works as well for you as it does for us! Thank you for watching and I hope you have a great weekend!
I have used a metal screen looking strainer for the drains. Most store have them. Mine came from big lots, $T, or Walmart. They last a long time and save a lot of money for a plumber.
I buy silver and gold wrapping paper and use it for every occasions
This is soooo good. Thanks! My twist on Christmas wrapping is using Trader Joe's sacks and the newspaper comics--both can be made into really festive and fun wrapping. Also, just using a bit less of everything--shorter pieces of tape on the wrapping, half the recommended amount of dishwasher soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Our biggest thing is not buying everyone in the family their own car, and catching rides, or asking people to pick things up (I always pay for their gas when I make this request). This sounds like a drag, but it actually means I stay home more, which is a HUGE savings!
For smaller chip, triscuit, popcorn bags, I use a plain old rubber band around the whole package twice and sometimes use the large size for big tortilla bags. The rubber band trick was born out of necessity since I ran out of clothes pins; it keeps all of our chips crispy. Love your videos!!
I save the Sunday funnies and wrap my gifts in Sunday funnies paper. Looks great and it's one of my signature moves. Never buy gift wrap. I agree.
Neat idea to use the Sunday funnies! 👍
Me also...or sometimes I would get the paper sack from a grocery store and wrap a box with the plain side out..then decorate it myself.
jackgoldman1 My family uses Sunday comics for birthday wrapping paper.
When I buy giftwrap I only buy solid colors at the dollar store. They can be used for any occasion with the right colored ribbon. I bought a large bag of ribbon at a thrift store years ago and I still have plenty. I stopped using the funny pages because we were getting all our news online or on tv.
I buy wrapping paper and cards at yard and estate sales. I bought over 100 cards for a couple of bucks, everything from 'Thank You' to 'Congratulations' cards. It's saved me quite a bit of money.
I’ve had my moldable eraser since 1996. Love it. Still going strong.
What a wonderfully frugal woman, fully on board with you! We could change the world!
I make my own laundry soap and window cleaner. I don't use a bunch of specialty spray cleaners. To do an everyday clean of countertops and kitchen surfaces I just use water and dish detergent with a dishcloth. I keep a small bottle of dawn in the bathroom and use a drop or two and do a quick swish with the toilet brush every couple of days. I don't use many cleaning products but they do have multiple uses it helps control the clutter.
Dawn does not sanitize the toilet.
My family uses Christmas bags instead of wrapping paper and boxes. I get Christmas fabric once the season is over and make many different sizes. I have been doing it for 8 years so I have quite a collection. Bonus is a fabric bag folds down flat so I can fit all of Christmas bags in a small box
This is a great tip, Jennifer! I heard this from another viewer too. I'm totally going to try this once the boxes give out. For now they're holding strong though! Thank you for the great tip and for watching. I hope you're having a great day!
We grew up and I still do reusing bags,boxes,and tissue paper until they fell apart,don’t use bows or for Easter celephane wrap & grass. I offer for free extras since others can use them,& save money but otherwise if there’s too many they go in the trash. 😢 I also reuse gift paper. I don’t carr how crazy people think I am I’m worried about the planet and future generations plus it saves some money from buying it again & time(store trips). I’m thinking about making fabric bags or something so I don’t have to waste resources but I feel like they’ll end up in someone’s garbage anyways. I have seen people use comic pages from the newspaper and at least that’s recycable. I don’t personally know anyone besides me who recycles but it’s an option.
My family reused Christmas wrapping paper growing up as a kid as well as required using the Christmas bags and boxes. Just use them till it fall apart! We also use random boxes for gift boxes. One of our favorite Christmas memories was my mom getting a turtles chocolate box that had oven mitts in it. It was her favorite candy. So it was a good joke. Never trust the box in our family! 😂
This is what my mom did almost 30 years ago and they are still as good!
Yes,my family used to do it. I’ve also used those Halloween bags when they go on clearance for gifts,they do tear kind of easily though.
I’ve even said I can spend $5 to wrap the gift or I can spend an extra $5 on the gift,but not both.
Great ideas! We use a paperless coffee filter, I have cut up cotton tshirts and made them into napkins, towels, and hankerchiefs, metal straws, Mason jars can be used for so many things
Thank you, Tiffany! I really enjoy your ideas as well! We haven't gotten around to the metal straws yet, but that's there in my mind somewhere. Mason jars are amazing 👍. Thank you for your kind words, great frugal tips and for watching. I hope you have a great weekend!
Another thing to ask for around Christmas when you buy something as a gift, ask if the store can give you a box. They will sometimes.
Thank you for this tip! I never thought to do this! 😃
So I am only a few minutes into the video.... I already appreciate that you give replacements. I saw many videos on what is no longer bought, but this is the first where I see deliberate discussion on how to replace habitual purchases.
Thank you for your kind words and for watching :)
I haven't bought paper towels in 30 years...I use flannel receiving baby blankets...they are a good size and absorb water better than any other material so that drying dishes isn't an exercise in smearing water around the dish as it soaks up the water effortlessly. ..the size is really great too
Great tips! I use wood clothespins (the ones with the springs) as clips to close bread bags, chip bags, etc. Easy on and off, and they last forever.
Yes so many have reminded me of wood clothes pins! They are indeed great but I don’t own any. I came across all my binder clips at a thrift store. Several boxes for 1 dollar so I bought that and they work 👍 so many great options for closing all those food bags 😃. Thanks for the great tip and for watching. I hope you have a great week!
I LOVE the wooden clothes pins.! Forever.
I have now taken carpet freshener, make up wipes, air wicks and fabric sheets out if my shopping list. Also stopped buying new books . Buy used or library.
That's so great, Patti! These things add up to savings and I love it. Thank you for sharing! I hope you have a great weekend!
same here...I won't by a new [used] cookbook until I've taken some of the recipes for a test run by checking it out of the library
if its a GOOD book you know you are going to reread. like the outlander series..think I have gone through the 1st half 5 times in the last 15 years. its ok to buy. one shot books...the library
I agree with you on that for sure
There are tons of free Kindle books out there. I have about 3k. dailyfreebooks.com may still be there. Not sure. I have books for a lifetime with few duds but free if I delete them. Kindle paid itself off fast plus got Kindles when they were on sale.
I love the comment about the foaming hand soap. I started doing that a year ago and you are absolutely right . Lots of savings
Alright, Kathy!! They can’t fool us with watered down soap 🙌😂. Thank you for your kind words and for watching. I hope you’re having a great weekend!
I have to take exception to your travel mug statement. I got an aluminum travel mug as a Christmas gift in 2007 that I still use daily. It has a slide lock on the lip so that it doesn't spill which is very convenient. I use it every day for both hot and cold drinks.
Your travel mug sounds awesome, Vickie! I'm glad to hear you're getting so much mileage out of it. Almost 2 years now, wow!! 🎁
I know I am commenting on an old video, but I still wanted to leave some 💖! I watched quite a few and learned a lot, especially about freezer hacks. I am halfway here with the things I no longer buy, I hear you on making things, binder clips and DIY cleaning products, but the money I saved I quite happily spend on a handmade mug for example. Simply because it gives me joy 💞 Hope life is treating You well.
Red Heart makes a "scrubby" yarn that makes a fantastic replacement for kitchen sponges. It comes in both a cotton yarn and a polyester. I have crocheted four inch circles out of both. I prefer the polyester. They have held up really well and I do use them on my cast iron. My husband likes to borrow them for drink coasters. I will never buy sponges again.
This sounds like fun to crochet your own sponge, Annie! To hold up against cast iron speaks to their durability..wow! That's great that they're so useful and versatile at your house. I'm not a crocheter, but this is great to know for the future and for friends. Thank you for the great idea and for watching! I hope you're having a great day!
Excellent ideas! I have ended up purchasing wooden clothespins from target and the dollarstore. While i am still a big fan of many other dollarstore items, when it comes to the clothespins they break apart easily. The ones at target about $1 more per package and rarely break. As for the glass drink bottles, I have been using starbucks. The glass is an excellent insulator in the fridge. When my I'm ready to start my version of a cold tea brew, I put in one or two teabags with maybe some honey. Am single, but we'll see when the grandkids come visit, but on my thrift store visits purchasing small and large clear glass cake 'pans'. I can organize&'see' my food items for an easy pullout(vs digging past expired forgotten about items)--again the glass has an additional bonus of insulating. Am also ready to take it up anothet notch and buy glass Kerr or Ball canning jars for food items like my homemade coffee creamer. Am looking forward to many more videos. Thanks
Yes sometimes that small extra investment can make a huge difference. I'm glad to hear those work for you! Starbucks bottles are excellent as well! I'll bet the thrift store finds yield very beautiful organization tools...I do the same and the prices can't be beat! Maybe keep an eye out at your thrift stores for the Kerr, Ball jars. I've seen like new sets at mine, but just don't have a need for them 😢. I wish you success in your endeavors! Thank you for your great comment full of tips and ideas! I love talking frugal. 😃. Thank you for watching and I hope you have a great day!
Most of the things you mentioned i never buy anyway. I love to hear ways to save money though.
You are a frugal queen! I am the same way, love to hear ways to save money. :) Thank you for watching and I hope you have a great week ahead!!
I was thinking the same thing. I wouldn’t consider myself frugal but I don’t buy this stuff anyways.
What a sweet personality. I’m happy to have found you. We all need to be more frugal. God bless.
Thank you for your very kind comment and for watching. Blessings to you too! 😃
I do the same with the foaming soaps I’ve been using the same bath and body works bottle for a couple years now! 😎😎😎
Awesome! I tend to think that's all they do when they make the stuff for Bath and Body works. They can't fool us! 🙌
My favourite thing about frugality is how often it goes hand-in-hand with low waste living
This is very true! We're not perfect at low waste living by far, but we do the best we can.
While I may take photos, I usually buy a couple, three postcards for souvenirs. That way I have a remembrance and a good photo of something I want to remember. I'm not the best photographer.
That's a very clever idea to use postcards as souvenirs, Lin! They're usually the cheapest thing at the gift shops and you're right..the pictures are usually quite beautiful! Thank you for your great tip and for watching! I hope you have a great week ahead!
Postcards are my favourite souvenir. I’ve actually written postcards and sent them from the destination back home. It’s usually in our mailbox by the time we get home! Many places we visit also have cards that are just photos in different finishes and sizes for $1-$2. I have made a gallery wall out of all then. I never buy trinkets anymore, such a waste! But I will do shopping. One year I bought myself a silver necklace - great souvenir!
you could use real plates instead of the trowaway paperthings
not if you are having a big party
Jenny Schneider have you guests bring their own containers/plate. My brother’s friend did that for eco reasons and it worked well. The plates they have at home was enough to cover that few people who forgot theirs
Throwaway paper things can sometimes really help if you have a disability. Some types of disabilities mean lots of broken dishes in the attempt to pick them up. It's... pretty devastating, really. The lightweight paper is easier to handle, and when disability prevents ability to easily wash dishes, they're a lifesaver. Otherwise, the dishes might have to wait a week for the energy to wash them. x.x
MARLEEN BUELENS
Not really cost-effective if you’re having a pool party with let’s say 60 people. Especially, a child’s party, I don’t like giving a three-year-old a breakable/glass plate it’s dangerous.
Linda BTDT if there are 3 year olds their parents already have those plastic or silicone bowls specially designed for children. Just have them bring those.
Bathtub/shower cleaning hack: put a little water in tub, squirt around a little dish liquid, use a sturdy stiff broom to sweep scrub the tub and surround. Rinse with hand held shower
That's so smart to use a stiff broom for scrubbing. I'll bet that has a really great reach for those hard to reach places as well. Thank you for the great tip!
@@TheFrugalMinimalist oh it does. Great for old people with back problems like me.
I'm happy to say I avoided some of these things altogether. I've never used a single kcup for example. I've never bought a roll of paper towels. I have bought a few packs of paper napkins for parties but I got solid white ones I could use at subsequent parties if there were leftovers. Adults over for dinner get cloth napkins. Windows useta get washed with newspaper but now its a squeegee from the dollar store. I've had it ~5 years and it's still functioning fine.
Thanks for the ideas. Keep on saving!!
I will get a multiple eraser next time. The garlic bag on the drain is a great idea!
However, I love paper towels the expensive cloth like ones can be reused to sop up a mess if you have used them to dry something clean.
I cut up my old fleece clothing to make swiffer floor dusters.
I use my cereal bags for storing other baked goods or cheese. They are treated to resist mold. The chemicals are probably terrible but I hate moldy cheese.
I like how you frugal 😃 cereal bags are very useful and I have the same qualms as you but they do the job.
Girl the cereal bag thing is genius! Where has this been my whole life?
You're one frugal mom and it's amazing how you had these little changes but have a big impact with your budget and family. Kudos to you.
Thank you so much, Karen! Little changes can add up and have a huge impact for sure. Thank you for your kind words and for watching. I hope you have a great rest of the week!
Great tips! When you ask stores for those hangers also ask for the broken ones. The broken hangers with the clips on them can be easily cut off the hanger. The clips make great bag seals or cord management.
That's a great tip on those clips! I could never cut those off cleanly but those hanger clips are very strong and I can see so many uses for them. Thank you for the great tip and for watching. I hope you're having a great day!
I did the drain hack with the garlic cover and it worked perfect but then I noticed after I gave the dogs a bath that my drain started backing up so I popped off the cover and come to find out the back part of the garlic wrap had caught the dog hair so I pulled it off and good as new. Thank you thank you
That is excellent, Sandi! I’m so glad it worked for you. Yes the bottom does act like a second filter. I’m always both shocked and satisfied to see what it caught. Thank you for letting me know it worked for you. It made me smile. Blessings! 💜
B and M sell star shaped ones that you just lay on top easy
"You don't need anything fancy to get rid of dirt."
😂 Haha, I think so! Thanks for watching and I hope you have a great rest of the week!
@@TheFrugalMinimalist that was the best line. I totally agree! Hope your week rocks. :)
Try my back of using a few squirts of dish liquid soap and a sturdy stiff broom for cleaning the bathtub. It makes it so fast and easy.
Only elbow grease mostly...SMILE
@@imomediaimomedia6648 did you read my method of cleaning the bathtub? Put a water in tub. Squirt a little dish soap around. Use a sturdy stiff broom to sweep scrub the tub and surround surrounf
I got tired of broken wine glasses. Now, I use empty jars from Pompa brand marinated, grilled asparagus. I like the size and shape of the jars for red wine. I also like the asparagus.
I think I've seen those jars, Pat! They do look sturdy with that little concave middle. They remind me of dumbbells if the one I'm thinking of is the one you're talking about. Food jars are generally stronger than the glasses for drinking 👍
Ive been making 'fancy' foamin soaps this way for Years!! So Kudos to US!!
High five 🙌 they can’t fool us! Thank you very much for watching and I hope you have a great week ahead!
@@TheFrugalMinimalist Same for you and your Family💜
Dish soap is harsher than handsoaps. I used dish soap as hand soap until my nails started to break and an eczema patch started to break out on my right hand. I started buying hand soaps again.
Most dish soaps have grease fighting ingredients and that dries hands so I buy the inexpensive soft soap at Walmart
I’m glad you found what works for you! I’ve tried soft soap in a foaming container and it will work also, but needs more dilution since it was thicker than the dish soap.
I just get a bar of soap, it works and you don't have plastic container hanging around. My parents even use sunlight soap to do there dishes.
As a kid, I remembered people around here would use mason jars for drinking glasses. The little fruit preserve jars would be portable, have a liquid-tight lid, and would last forever so long as you didn't drop it. The bigger jars tended to be for the adults who liked the "occasional" mixed drinks. I really don't know why people don't use canning jars more often for things. They're very useful. Great for storage of solids, liquids, powders, spices, and of course, food. Can be used to drink out of, carry beverage with you without worrying about it leaking, and overall, anything you need a container for. Their prices have come down quite a bit in modern times. Back then, I kind of think the jars they used for drinking out of were "rejects" from the cook due to maybe chips around the rim or being "too old" or maybe they just "borrowed them" from the wife. Yeah, when and where I grew up, it was very common for gender roles to be fairly well kept.
I'm using a mason jar now for my water
Great video. I cut the top off 1/2 gal milk containers and store my tools standing up instead of piling them on the side and easy to find the right size & type screw driver or right type of pliers.
I use small clear plastic water bottles to hold nails or screws. Easy to see and the pick the right size. I use a razor to cut a slit on the side of the bottle for easy loading and pour from the top for a controlled exit.
I use the same to safely store worn out utility blades and throw it out when filled.
Thank you for sharing your great tips! Repurposing the milk containers and small plastic water bottles for storage is very clever. I especially like the dispensing and safety aspects of them. Can’t beat the price of free for these 👍 🙌
@@TheFrugalMinimalist
Thanks. When I food shop I also select based on the type & shape of containers that I can repurpose for storage.
This heading caught my eye. I also have been making many changes. I retired now and theres so many things I can make myself.
Same. As I get older I realize that there are a lot of things that I didn't need, yet bought. Now I stick to the essentials unless I'm treating myself to food, or a pick-me-up like a face mask.
Your video is like a zen garden - not much happening - but a deeply relaxing experience.
Can you do a video on home made cards please? The one in your video is beautiful... I want to make it!
I wish I were that talented to make that freehand! We followed the video from this fellow here - ua-cam.com/video/a2rxjPPIwkI/v-deo.html. It's quite complex to make and took my son and I about 2 hours to make but it was really a great bonding activity! I don't know if you could tell, but his arm was injured on this video and this card making activity helped to cheer him up and keep us occupied for an afternoon! The video is really great and thorough. I wish you success and joy in making it! Enjoy your weekend!
The joy of receiving a handmade card could never be purchased!
I love the idea of paying kids to make greeting cards. It gives them a chance to make money.
Travel mugs -- The kids were losing these expensive cups all the time. Drove me CRAZY! I started buying these at the thrift store. It's amazing how many $20 cups are available for $2.00 or less. Childhood is short enough that I don't want to be annoyed at the kids for losing expensive travel cups. Now they're less of an issue. No Starbucks runs when we can take our coffee along.
Hell yeah! Re-using bags as a kitchen sponge. Pre-wrapping boxes in Christmas paper, using same over and again. Brilliant! Thanks for sharing.
You're very welcome! I hope they work out for you too. Thank you for watching :)
I didn’t buy this stuff before and I’m still poor
right? can't relate to any of this
joan baczek Hahaha. Yes, sometimes we have to just get better paying jobs.
I'm sorry this wasn't a good fit, but I wish you well! I appreciate the feedback. Thanks for watching and I hope you have a great day!
@Sun TheGodsSaw, sorry it's not relatable, but I wish you well and I appreciate the feedback. Thanks for watching and I hope you have a great day!
@Susan Fudge, increasing earning is always a win in my book, but I understand many people are under different circumstances. Even frugality is different for all of us 😂
Popped over here from Money Mom...I have been watching her for a long time now. Thank you for sharing your ideas with us. I wish I knew some one who drinks that tea. I love the little bottle. I pour milk into a small bottle from the gallon container to add to my tea, it saves me having to lift the heavy gallon out of the fridge every time for my tea. Have a Blessed day.
Thank you for visiting me, Margaret! I'm a huge Money Mom fan! I really wish I could send some of those bottles your way. We had to recycle some because we had more than we could use. 😢 That is a great idea to make the milk more accessible for your tea! Those gallon bottles are heavy. Thank you very much for your kind words and for watching. I hope you have a Blessed day and a great week ahead as well!!
Oh, those small bottles os yesterday year. Mom used one for her coffee cream. The younger folks won’t remember real cream. Nor Oleomargarine,that had a packet of yellow coloring to hand mix into the fake butter. Fun to do, but not healthful.
I like others use clothespins for bag clips, also to hold back curtains, and I use apple cider vinegar, straight, from spray bottle as air freshener, some don't like smell but I think it smells great and vinegar has antibacterial properties, thanks a new subscriber, Kathi
Many others use clothespins too! Those are great and multipurpose as well, I just don't have them in my arsenal. I enjoy the ACV smell as well, but my husband isn't a fan of the vinegar smells. And yes, I love its antibacterial properties. It's great on the face and one viewer even wrote that she got rid of an infection using it under the guidance of her GP. Great stuff indeed. Thank you for watching and your support! I hope you have a great week, Kathi!
Over the years, we have contentiously worked to reduce the stuff we buy. Many of the things are on this list. How we did it was to just look at problems and figure them out. I can see she has done the same thing.
My very favorite money saving tip is “support your local library”. I love to read. Free books! And they don’t take up space as you return them. Also, free music, movies, museum passes, classes, discussions groups, telescopes (really!)....
Love your tip and yes to all the awesome free activities! I tend to also use the library a lot in the summer since they're a cool zone, and they offer other niceties like game boards, dvds and ebooks. So many great sources out there when we just look for them. 👍
YOU ARE BRILLIANT ! NO NEED TO BE FOOLISH WHEN IT COMES TO SPENDING MONEY. I HATE BUYING PAPER TOWELS JUST TO THROW THEM AWAY. I EVEN LIKE CLOTH NAPKINS...MAKES ME "FEEL" LIKE I HAVE A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE. WE DO HAVE FUN COMING UP WITH DIFFERENT IDEAS. IT DEVELOPS A CREATIVE MIND ! REALLY ENJOYED YOU AND YOUR VIDEO.
I so agree that it's fun! None of these changes degrade our quality of life, and like your cloth napkins makes us feel extra fancy....like our lives are improving and we're saving money. I'm so happy you enjoyed this video. Thank you for your kind words and for watching!
Big smile here...I was going to mention it’s a good idea to run a bit of Dawn Soap down the drain from time to time as it cuts through fat that gets into the kitchen sink plus helps with gel and toothpaste in the bathroom. Now here you are already using Dawn Soap as your hand soap! You’re multitasking! (Dawn is the best one for the purpose...)
I'm so happy that my video brought a smile to your face!!! Thank you! I agree the Dawn really helps to cut that gunk. Sometimes if I have to soak any extra dirty laundry separately in a bucket of laundry detergent water, I'll use that leftover soapy water to flush out the sink drain and the overflow. It's usually not pretty but it helps! Thank you again for your kind words and for watching and I hope you have a great weekend!
Dawn is the cure for a ton of things. After all, it can clean a baby duck and not hurt him.
It'll kill fleas on a cat or dogs but may need more than one bath to get them then there's the problem of eggs in the house. So, 100 bucks for topicals and bombs to get rid of them fast. One day done. No cheap way unless you want to live with them for a long time. Then all the washing before bring animals back in.
Agreed.. more people need to watch this btw I use the wood clothe pins for chip bags 😂
I used to use the wood ones too but they eventually broke and then I switched to the binder clips. But the wood ones are great too. I loved how old timey they felt. Thank you so much for your kind words and for watching! I hope you have a great weekend!
Chip clips are cheap at a dollar store and wider for big bags. Those paper clips don't work for a lots of things unless thin.
Clothespins
Renee Werner
Thank you! I was so tired I couldn’t think of the name 😂
Maria Marria - If you really want to see how useful clothes pins can be ask a gaffer in a film crew. They carry around bandoliers of clothes pins and call the C47's. They use them to do all sorts of things you wouldn't even imagine.
I used to work in a souvenir shop. It was run by a corporation and most of the items were made overseas. None of the money went to the locals and employees were treated like tissues.
I use handi wipes in the kitchen. They never get any odors because they rinse and dry quickly. a package of 70 in BJ's are $9,.99 and they are long lasting.
I cut the pant and skirt clips off of store clothing hangers, and use those for bag clips. Very handy and many uses.
That is excellent! Those are very strong clips, handy and the right price! I've never been successful in cutting them off cleanly though. I'll have to try a saw as some have suggested.
@@TheFrugalMinimalist I cut them off by using a good sharp pair of pruning sheers!
@@KlassiclyRevampT Or just break them off, that's what I do and most of the time it works!
So do I
I have a tension rod in my cupboard. I use the hangers and literally hang things like chips and snacks from that, lol.
I love the bag sponge idea. I have some of those bags! I write a blog to record our travels - that's my souvenir when we travel. It also helps me pare down the number of pictures I take. After I write my post on a place, I delete many of the my pictures. It's all digital, but it still can be too much clutter. I've watched your channel before, and I enjoy it greatly.
What do you “splurge” on??? Anything???? Is your savings account reflective of what you don’t buy????
Remember she said vacations? No souvenirs just lots of pictures
You bet we do and I'm sure some would consider them unnecessary but they bring value to us. We take vacations and eat out sometimes. Generally we save where it doesn't hurt us and splurge where it may bring us joy in some way. Our goal is to retire as early as possible. We are not there yet but we are closer than we were before our frugal lifestyle. This video just highlights all those little things we do that save money 😃. Thanks for watching and I hope you have a great weekend!
Thank you Evangeline! Yes we enjoy our vacations! I love your name by the way!! 😃
@@evangelineingwerson6679 Uh still wasting.paper.
@@gaylenewood7707 Unless her photos are all digital. The only photos I paid to print are my graduation photos because those are monumental moments.
I employ a lot of these strategies. But am still working on some.
I can’t get used to microfibre. They don’t wash the counters or ring out as good as cotton.
Baking soda, vinegar are my basic cleaning supplies for decades. Although I still buy bleach one every year or second year. Combatting moisture in a very wet climate is why.
I don’t use hand soap. Just bulk liquid soap that is gentle and distribute it in bathrooms and kitchen.
I noticed it depends on the microfiber you use. In my experience they've gotten better over time and become incredibly absorbent. My most absorbent ones are some of my oldest!
Moisture is a tough one to battle! Best of luck to you!
I just went to Walmart auto section for microfiber towels and you were right. These 2 towels for $3.88 are way better than kitchen towels.Perfect size to dry hands and keep by the stove 16x24 now I can use the other ones to clean windows and kitchen counter. Can not thank you enough for your ideas. keep sharing!
That is so great to hear! Yes automotive towels are where it's at. I like that they're usually more plain than the kitchen towels too. Thank you so much for your kind comment and for watching! I hope you have a great weekend!
Your hand made cards are really lovely! Thank you for some fresh new ways to make life easier and less expensive.
K cup is invented to save time. You can get reusable cups and still save money and time.
This is sheer genius. I'm really beyond impressed. I feel like I need to take notes, apply these ideas, and take a test! So brilliant. And CONGRATULATIONS on your success - you deserve every bit and more. ❤️
Thank you so much, Amy for your kind words! I do these things because I like the little financial wins and they're almost always some other win attached with these little swaps. I'm still in shock at all this. Thank you again for your kind words and for support!! I hope you have a great weekend!
@@TheFrugalMinimalist I tell you, the garlic netting over the shower drain has me, as the kids would say, SHOOK! Love it all.
I do a couple of things to save money
1. Buy soap bars, shampoo and conditioner bars, toilet paper, dish soap and laundry powder in bulk and usually enough to last a year; it’s less expensive this way and if we are ever short on money there’s always some on hand. Also, if you think about it, companies are charging you for the water they add to the solid bar products and the container they need to produce to transport the liquid. I’m not paying for water.
2. Buy beans, flours, rice and grains in bulk. It’s good for when you are strapped for cash but also protects your family against the threat of a food shortage.
3. Grow your own food! We did this this year on our back yard and part of our front lawn and have been saving so much money in terms of squash, onions, tomatoes, Potatoes. It takes literally no effort at all other than the planting, watering, and harvesting. I plan on storing some of the carrots and potatoes away for the colder months. I’m also planning on planting some of the hearty winter squashes to help get us through the winter.
4. We don’t have disposables in our house. I clean with soap and water, vinegar, washing soda, and cheap vodka to disinfect and leave a streak free finish on electronics and mirrors. I use cotton kitchen towels I got at the dollar tree
That have held up fabulously, and I Moo my floor with my husbands old work shirts that are too ratty to wear. I also use those rags to clean the nasty stuff, like the bathroom.
5. I paid a few dollars for a special hose head that I use to wash my car. Now I only wash my car 1-2 times a year in the winter to get the salt off of the underside ( Midwest living lol).
5. I wear a minimal amount of makeup. Just a tiny bit of concealer under the eyes, cream cheek/lip combo, a single mineral eyeshadow and an eyeliner for occasional use. I curl my lashes everyday and forego mascara. If I want an evening look, I thin the concealer out with a bit of lotion for a base, and I smudge eyeliner all over my eyelid, then cover the entire lid with eyeshadow, it gives it a lovely Smokey look.
6. I regularly go to a tailor and the shoe cobbler; take things ing, let things out, add length, repair a heel, resolve, fix purse straps, clean suede boots, these two artisans will make you look like a million bucks for very little up front investment.
7. Buy second hand wherever possible.
8. Learn to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, they are usually the best.
9. THE MOST IMPORTANT: have a relationship with Jesus Christ; he will make you feel a level of contentment and satisfaction with life the way nothing else can, and you won’t spend money searching for fulfillment, seek he first the kingdom of heaven 🥰
I'm Jewish, include us too.
She is so smart about the unitaskers. I had an amazingly well-equipped kitchen in the US with every gadget possible, and moved overseas with just one utility knife. In 4 years I have bought just one more high quality Henckels paring knife, that I got for a dollar. I can make anything with those two knives, a cutting board and a wooden spoon.
I so admire how you recycle so many things in an artistic way! You have my mind spinning trying to think of projects I can do! And I'm stealing the idea of putting a "screen" over my drain...thanks!
I hope you have fun unleashing your creativity and finding frugal projects too, Tami! I hope the screen works well for you! I didn't want to belabor that on the video, but there are two layers of the screen because it wraps around and the bottom catches finer gunk also! I change mine out every month or so. It's gross but oddly satisfying at the same time. Little wins 😂
You should probably note you have to replace that screen very often, as if will get seriously dirty. Better buy produce without the plastic and use sodium hydroxide for your drains, which is a lot more eco friendly.
Tami Lew
I save paper that has printing on only one side. I write on it or rip into 4 sections.
Great video. Thank you.
I use old envelopes from the mail to make shopping lists, make notes, etc. You can use a used envelope to make your shopping list and put your coupons inside the envelope.
I do this too, Sassafrass Tree! we'll even use them in our printer, just print on the back. It's great when my son has to print notes for school. Always use both sides then recycle! 🙌. I like your tip to rip to 4 sections too. That sounds great for small notepad replacements. Thank you for your kind words and for watching. I hope you're having a great day!
@RefusesCookies - envelopes in the mail are great to use. I love that you make it double duty by storing your coupons in there. That's like a frugal ninja move! 🥋
@@TheFrugalMinimalist In Peru, South America, they use the tea bag paper cover as shopping lists and to write you a note if your not home. In Peru nothing gets wasted, the dogs come by for all the bones, the lady takes all the plastic bottles for reuse at the hardware store for little amounts of paint and paint thinner, the glass guy comes by and buys your glass bottles. Eggs are sold in plastic bags, that are more than likely reused. A knife sharpener comes by to touch up your knifes, even the blender guy peddles around, of course the fruit lady twice a week on a 3 wheeled bicycle. You always take the glass coke bottles back.
@@motelman6036 I didn't know that about Peru--thank you for sharing!
Can also buy those big bottles of cheap shampoo from the supermarkets and use it as a hand wash.
I put a bit of dish washing liquid in the hot water in the bucket and mop the tiled floors, no need to buy cleaning liquids for everything🤔🇦🇺
You can use old shampoo to wash delicate clothes. You can also use shampoo for bubble bath.
I tend to agree that soap is soap, Joanna! I'll use all sorts of things in ways they're not intended to be used 😅 And I agree you don't need that specialty stuff for cleaning. Thank you for the great tip and for watching. I hope you're having a great day!
@RefusesCookies - How do you refuse cookies? 😂. I tend to agree that soap is soap too. 🙌
Dollar store
I use vinegar water for mopping
I make ATCs from cardstock. I find images free on google or pinterest, size them on my lap top and make cards for every occasion. I just bought 140 mini envelopes from Amazon for around $6 and am now putting them in these. It is a super cheap way to give someone a lift for any reason. You can't mail these envelopes, but I have the situation where I live in senior housing and I love giving them out. Most people comment on the cute idea and love getting a note for any reason. When mailing, I simply put them in something 3.5 x 5.5 or larger per USPS regulation. It's super fun and very much appreciated.
I had to look up ATC and it took a couple minutes of me being confused about what Air Traffic Control had to do with cards, but then I saw that it is Artist Trading Card 🤦🏻♀️. That is wonderful that you use your creative talents to make cards to make others' days! That is heartwarming. Thank you so much for sharing!
@@TheFrugalMinimalist Sorry I didn't explain. I'm glad you were curious enough to check it out. It's a fun hobby. Some times I design my own ATCs and to let you know they are indeed traded. I did it once, but I like being on my own with it. Others like to trade these. I have received some nice ones back when I did this. There are ATC coins, inchies, twinchies, etc. Really cool stuff. I love doing all of this and put them on wood shapes, tiles, cardboard,etc.'
Hi, I take the oatmeal cardboard containers the tall circular type w/lid & take off the label & use them to hold plastic utensils, cotton balls, and pens. You name it can decorate them too.
It's paper towels for me...it's an ongoing joke when my family visits that I don't buy paper towels. Binder clips are the best. I save glass jars as well, mainly because the cups magically disappear and the kids break ALL glasswear, accidentally on purpose, if you ask me. I had one of those puddy erasers for years. Great tip on the reusable bags and I love the greeting cards. Thanks for sharing.
Haha yes my family has issues here too. I have some but usually hide it as it's only really used for extenuating circumstances 😂. Kids and glasses just don't mix. Those jars are way sturdier. Thank you for so much for your lovely comment. I love frugal talk! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
I can't get rid of enough cups of any kind. People keep giving them as gifts. No more!!!! Mason jars are for canning or moonshine.😂
Great video! Kleenex is a huge cost that is unnecessary. I use baby wash cloths, they last so long and washable.
Haha, Kleenex is such a huge cost, especially the way my son goes through them 😢. I used to wash baby cloths too but stopped using them so much. I love talking frugal. 😂 Thank you for your lovely comment! I hope you have a great week!
I volunteer at a place that people donate to. You would not believe the stained and ripped tshirts people give us! No one wants tees with armpit stains. I cut them for hankies and they work great.
Oh ugggg.
love all your ideas. One thing i would recommend is the use of paper plates. Just get a set of pretty plastic plates from Big Lots and reuse for parties. I hate paper products bc of the environmental impact.
I'm wondering how much we would save in plastic from grocery bags when stores dont use them.a walmart around here is already saying they're going to use thicker bags and charging for them. And even the reusable ones i buy now sre still plastic just heavier. Doesn't seem to be much of a solution unless we go back to paper or use cloth.
Bought a couple of adjustable night lights for $1.25 each which I use when i soak in the tub with lights off. Projected to ceiling nice colorful pictures to add to my bath soaking.
If you don't have room to store the wrapped boxes( living in a space with more room than you actually use is a huge expense to cut). I buy brown craft paper. And add yarn or string depending on the occasion and scrap pretty pictures or colored flyers or advertisements to make crafty tags. This paper is multi purpose and can be reused to line drawers, make patterns and wrapping paper. And I only need the space for this one roll. I use rit dyes to save stained clothes that I might otherwise get rid of. Most things go blue then black. But if its beyond use all my rags are old clothes. I love the way especially boys cotton tube socks will clean anything.
Brown craft paper is beautiful! Your wrapping sounds lovely and I like the idea of dying clothes to give them new life! Boy’s men’s socks are so good on so many levels. I’ve been buying them for myself! 😂. Thank you for sharing your frugal ways. I enjoyed reading 😃
Love binder clips. Use them for pet food all the time. Also love essential oils. Plus they are better for you than the chemical sprays. Good ideas
I'm so happy the binder clips work for you too! They're so handy to have around. Yes essential oils are awesome! I only have a few now because they're quite pricey, but they are definitely a great investment! Thank you for your kind words and for watching! I hope you have a great day!
And aeresols r bad 4 the ozone! Avoid whenever possible .
I no longer buy foil, deodorant, anything with aluminum or scrubbing cleaners--baking soda will take off any burned on food. I use baking soda for just about everything now.
Same for me and i use a crystal sat deodorant.
@carrie, can you elaborate, which items you avoid, thank you.
Great idea for the garlic net ! Thanks !! I also use paper binder clip! Your ideas are different from other frugal videos, great work 👍
I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the video! Binder clips are so handy :). Thank you very much for your kind words and for watching! 😃 I hope you have a great rest of the week!
In reading the comment below about washing hair with Ivory and rinsing with vinegar I am inspired. I have been concerned about all the chemicals going right into my head every time I wash my hair, and I am going to make a change. I do use a nicer soap than Ivory (a French lavender) but there isn't anything better than vinegar for getting all the well-water mineral build-up off my hair and making it so shiny. Now back to the luxury soap--I can afford the things I really want by being frugal on those things that don't add real value to my life. That's especially true of giving. I tell my friends with new cars that if I had a car payment I couldn't afford to travel . . . there's some food for thought.
Yes it's just me and I only drink 1 cup a day. So it goes for the whole week. I also use them to start rose bush cuttings.
"Show me a food bag clip that can perform these other functions!" LOVE IT!!!!!!! Great idea!
Haha, I have a strong preference toward binder clips if you couldn't tell 😂 Thank you for your kind words and for watching, Kate! I hope you and Kaden have a great weekend ahead!
Another good choice: Dollar store clothespins. 40 in a pkg.
peziki
👍👍
I buy glassware from charity shops
They are a great source indeed :)
I love my kneaded artist eraser. Came in a sketching set when i was about 10 and 18 years on, it still works great. I don't use it often now, but... yeah. Definitely worth the extra money.
Oh wow 18 years is the longest I’ve heard. Really well done keeping it with you for that long! Thank you for taking the time to share this in the comments and watch my video. I hope you’re having a great weekend!
I've had mine since 1992! I sporadically use it.
I do buy paper towels, but I try to only buy them on sale or bulk price
and ...
I keep a pretty plastic mesh basket in the kitchen to hold "2nd Use" paper towels after they are dry.
Often the paper towels used as dinner napkins, or to quickly dry one's damp hands, are still usable for various tasks such as: washing dishes without scratching them, cleaning up floor spills, as a cleaning sponge for bath fixtures, and to line the trash bags to soak up leaky food debris. I also can spray some vinegar on 2nd Use paper towels to toss in the trash bin and help minimize germs and smell.
You must be mindful to not use 2nd Use paper towels for any application where you want a very clean cloth, like for use on your face or blowing your nose, drying clean hands, or drying dishes or countertops.
Also, do not reuse any paper towels that were ever used in contact with known nasty germs, such as wiping your hands after handling raw meat.
With washing, air drying and reusing, I can often get 2-4 uses from each paper towel.
^.~
Are you me? 😂 I do have a stock of paper towels, but really haven't bought them in years since we don't use them often. I totally got your 2nd use paper towels. I do this too!! 😍 I don't use a pretty plastic mesh basket like you though, I use an old tissue box mounted on the inside of my under sink cabinet to hold these and I've trained the others in the family to use these when they need to clean up the dirty messes. Most of our 2nd use towels come from hand towels that you use to dry your hands with at establishments. They still have use in them because you're just drying your just washed, clean hands! I shove them in my pocket to keep them for home. 😂🙌. I wanted to do a video on this, but my husband said I should wait to get a stronger fanbase. 😅 It's so nice to meet another 2nd use towel user!! Thank you for your great comment and for watching. I hope you have a great weekend!!
I do this, too, plus I often tear the towel in half, & save half for something else.
@Jeanette Harvey
Good idea! i really like the "select a size" variety of paper towels that are perforated at half size.
I also rarely need a full sheet.
^.~
@@RLaraMoore Yes, I buy the perforated ones, too . . . & then I usually tear them in half! (It's not that I'm cheap; I just don't need that much.). All the best to you.
While our eating habits aren't the same and we're on different stages in our lives, from watching your videos I've gotten some really good saving tips. Thank you for that. Last night I was going to bulk on beans, as I eat a lot of them, and managed to find an online store that discounted all the beans from the brand I use, and also the medicinal herbs I needed were all on discount. By subscribing to the newsletter (I can unsubscribe later) I got another 10% off and then I also got free home delivery. In total I saved over £20 while getting enough beans and medicinal herbs to last me the rest of the year. 🙏
I'm impressed.
Girl you seriously have the best tips. You hit me so hard with the decor lol. I was wondering how your channel blew up but it’s well deserved. You bring so much value to others
💕 Thank you so much, Drea! I'm still in such shock over it all. Thank you so much for your kind words and support!! 😍💕 I hope you have a great week!
NEVER buy Draino. My first cousin is a plumber and my ex-co-worker was one too. One thing I keep hearing from plumbers I trust is that Draino is something you should NEVER buy, unless you like having to fork over thousands of dollars for the plumber to replace your pipes. Pour vinegar, bleach, coffee, hot water, whatever, but don't put any Draino down that pipe! It will destroy your pipes and what could have been a $100 repair can easily turn into a $5,000 one for a $4 bottle of chemical.
Thank you for this warning! I hope it will help others. Luckily we didn't have any problems after this. We did it once and It was really desperation - like do before you think type of thing. We wised up and went with those garlic bags over the shower grate. Works well to prevent gunk from getting inside! Thanks for watching and I hope you have a great weekend!
whats in draino that causes this? and what about liquid fire, is that okay to use?
@@Sexy40baby1 : Draino is primarily made from sodium hydroxide, which is lye. Normally, lye is safe to go down most drains when mixed with water. The difference is, there is some metal added to the mix, which raises the temperatures high enough to melt and destroy pipes. Using draino once or twice, one might not notice. But, it overtime dramatically shortens the life of pipes.
blog.jiffyondemand.com/why-plumbers-advise-against-drano/
I clean slow sink drains with a long skinny brush, then pour the hot water from pasta or the canning kettle in, which cleans the drain. No drain cleaner products in my house!
About once a month I fill my sinks full of water then pull the plug. This helps flush out the traps and I don't have any problems.
u should read this graphic novel called "trashed." Your gonna really enjoy it.
Boy, you are right about the cost of paper towels! I have a basket of washclothes that I keep on the kitchen counter to use instead. Paper towels are only for extra messy (read icky) messes and are kept out of sight under the kitchen sink. A roll can last over a month now. We also only use cloth dinner napkins, no more paper napkins!
Haha, I always feel like I'm throwing pennies into the trash when I use those paper towels. 😂. That's a great tip to keep the washcloths accessible and the paper towels more hidden. it really makes you think before reaching for it! Cloth napkins are awesome 🙌. Love frugal talk! Thank you for watching and I hope you have a great day!
Can brush teeth with baking soda too and wash hair with it, rinse with apple cider vinegar or watered down lemon juice.