For the unemployed, partially employed, mostly employed, fully employed and over employed the economy has not been too kind. I'm now partially employed so every month I have to make sure that my dollar is all that it can be.
My sister introduced me to several sites that have all sorts of dollar saving ideas be it repurposing items or cooking a little differently. I've tried out some of the ideas and am happy to report that I have begun to make a dollar out of fifty cents. Check out the following:
Pinterest - Very popular with great ideas for crafts, household goods, you name it it's probably there. We needed storage baskets and I was not about to shell out boku bucks for one of these. Boxes were turned into storage baskets by covering them with a sheet from the thrift store. The liner was made from a contrasting sheet.Total cost $2 for 2 "baskets" and it took 30 mins most of which were spent waiting for the glue to dry. [boxes were taken from our local recycling place]
Duitang - Pinterest Chinese style. You'll need to have google translate enabled for this one but it is just as good if not better. I have learnt how to build a bookshelf out of boxes and am happy to report that my niece has some très chic and sturdy bookshelves. [duct tape -multiple colors- adds to the look if you have it lying around else glue away].
Instructables - This is geek territory mostly but the recipes scattered throughout are awesome. I've learnt how to make a case for my laptop [pictured above] in 20 mins and for $12 [including the custom embroidery of my name on flap]. I took it to the next level by making it two tone and it can be used as a carrying case sans laptop.
Tried cooking / prepping all meals for the week on one day? Here are some crock pot recipes from Mama and Baby Love.
Tired of buying expensive laundry detergent? Try this recipe from One Good Thing.
Microwave popcorn anyone? Try this low cost, preservative free alternative -- LUV IT!.
Coupons, coupons, coupons. There is no shame in couponing. I do not do any extreme couponing, but I can vouch for the doubling and in store savings. I have gone to a store with $20 and come out with cough syrup for kids [stuff costs 8 bucks a pop], Theraflu, a box of 96 diapers, 4-12 packs of Pepsi, Pringles, a bottle of Irish Mist and a free pack of batteries. Took me 15 mins to check out as I bought one item [double coupon], then used its in store rebate to buy the next and so forth. Also price matching is a godsend. It's all about strategy!
May the value of every dollar that you spend be doubled. Go forth and save!
O and a belated Happy Birthday to SweetT!
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