I found it interesting to see the difference in cultures.  There were many things that I did not understand because I have not been exposed to them, and things that did not seem relevant to southern U.S. climate. 

It is also interesting and encouraging to know that others around the world are trying to cut back and be more frugal.  Here are some tips that I found:

• Steam iron (or freeze) woollen clothes during winter to kill moth eggs. It’s the larvae, not the flying moths, that do the damage. And conkers make very good ‘mothballs’.  [This one made me very thankful that is doesn't get cold enough here to wear wool.  My eczema would flare up so bad!]
• Tights last longer if you freeze them overnight before you wear them. We don’t know why, but since it costs nothing it’s worth doing.
• The best shower-door cleaner is white vinegar. Wipe it on, leave to soak for a few minutes if the door has disappeared under a layer of white gunge, then rinse well, using a squeegee blade and polish dry.  [Yay for vinegar!]
• Save quizzes or riddles from papers and magazines and store them for using in Christmas crackers.  [I didn't know what this one meant.  Does this mean for shipping the crackers?]
• Always eat the core of an apple. And fine everyone in the family one penny every time they throw it away.
• Use empty Coke cans as air freshner.

50 Ways to Be More Frugal

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

1.  Shop the front page sales of the circular.  Usually you’ll find the best savings on the front page.

2.  Pay attention to cost per unit.  Just because the jar of peanut butter is bigger doesn’t mean it is a better deal.

3.  Go alone.  You know you’ll spend more if you have the hubby and kids with you.

4.  Compare the price of store vs name brand products.  Sometimes you’ll find the name brand is a better deal because it is on sale.  Just check to see.

5.  Stock up on good deals.  This is a major saver for me.  Yesterday, I went to Food Lion and they had 2.5 lb bags of boneless chicken breasts buy 1 get 1 free.  I got some of those and I also stocked up on the Angel Soft which was $4.99.

6.  Plan your meals according to what’s on sale.  This is a huge saver.  About once a year I break down and buy meat at regular prices.  Any other time I buy meat at about 30-50% off regular prices.

7.  Don’t go to the store when you’re hungry.  This will cause you to spend so much more.

8.  Freeze leftovers.  I’ve been doing better at this one lately.  Just this week I made a double batch of spaghetti sauce and froze the leftovers.  I also made a large Mexican style roast for burritos.  I froze 1/2 the meat for a future meal.  On a hectic day I’ll pull that out of the freezer and we’ll have burritos again.

9.  Buy toiletries and cleaning supplies at discount stores.  These items are usually more expensive at grocery or drug stores.  There are exceptions when these items are on sale.  It’s good to know when you’re getting a good deal.

10.  Shop for bargains on lower shelves.  The most expensive items are usually at eye level.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy