Are you extremely frugal?

Are you? Sometimes I am; sometimes I am not. That's human nature. With Christmas coming up in a couple of months, the shopping spirit comes alive for most of us, frugal or not. Now's the time to hold tight. Make a gift budget and stick to it. Plan now before the fever hits. If you haven't already bought gifts, make lists and pay attention to costs. Start watching grocery sales for things you will need for Christmas dinner or parties and get them while the price is lowest.

Get the last of the ketchup...

If you're frugal, you want to use up all those bits of tomato sauce, ketchup or chutney etc., that come in bottles. If you add a little vinegar and shake, the liquid will pour out. Use it for marinades or sauces. Garlic, onion and other spices makes it gourmet and no one will know.

Simple frugal rules

Simple frugal rule number one: Spend more time on the things that save you more.

Simple frugal rule number two: Spend less time doing the things that don't save very much.

Keep fake gems looking good

If you have fake gemstones (don't use this on real ones!) first, make sure they're clean and dry, then coat them with clear nail polish. That will make them shine and protect them from dings and scratches.

Deodorizers

Forget buying expensive deodorizers for anything, including your feet, the trash can or smelly drains. Baking soda does it all. Sprinkle some in your shoes. Put some in the bottom of the trash can. Pour a little down a stinky drain and follow with a glug of vinegar. All done and everything smells fresh. You can still find baking soda here for about fifty cents a box. Pretty cheap, when you consider how far it goes and how well it works.