Monday, December 31, 2012

Make a free calendar

Got your 2013 calendar? No? They can be expensive! Print your own for free from web sources. Some come in HTML, but some are plain graphic files. A simple graphic program will be able to add images you have on your computer to make it very personally your own.

Here's a place to start, but look up "printable calendars" through a search engine for lots more:

Printable 2013 Calendar

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Saving money in the new year

Don't like resolutions? How about goals for the New Year? Promise yourself to save a dollar every time you ________. Or five dollars whenever you ________.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Removing jar labels

Reusing jars and other containers is frugal, but if you don't think a label stating pickles or spaghetti sauce is stylish, you'll want to remove them. Soaking some labels in plain water will help remove them, but others use a different type of glue that just won't come off with water. These will come off with lamp oil. Lamp oil is refined kerosene (you can use kerosene, since it's cheaper). Either one will dissolve gummy glues. Put it on with a small cloth, then leave the cloth on it until you can rub the label off.

Edited to add: You can also use nail polish remover. 

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Frost free windsheld

Use a solution of three parts white distilled vinegar to one part water to wash your windshield. This will help keep frost from covering it.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Yes, you can decorate windows with paint

If you add a teaspoon of dish soap to acrylic paint, you can decorate your windows and mirrors for the holidays. Draw big snowmen or other decorations. It will wash right off when you're ready for it to. No greasy smears like the snow in a can leaves.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Make your own picture frames

It's easy to make custom sized picture frames. Measure the picture and add 1 1/2 inches all the way around. Cut two pieces of this size from a cereal or detergent box. Cut the center from one piece 1/4 to 1/2 inches smaller than the picture, then glue three sides together, patterned side in. Slip the picture in through the fourth side, position and use a dab of glue to hold it in place. Decorate the frame by painting, gluing on buttons or other small objects or even decoupaging it. Let your imagination be your guide.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Gift presentation is everything!

Are you thinking about making candy and cookies for gifts? Don't just put them in a box or Christmas tin, though. Wrap them individually with plastic wrap or wax paper, put some tissue in the container, add a few sprigs of greenery or a hand made Christmas ornament. Write a fancy note that says "Hand made especially for you" or something similar. Make it special.

45 day candle

A pound of lard or shortening can be made into an emergency candle
that will last days and days. Take a heavy cotton string, crochet thread or a twist of several strands of cotton sewing thread to make a wick. Melt just a little bit of the fat and soak the wick in it. Using an ice pick, knitting needle or anything long and sharp, poke a hole in the center of the container of fat, then insert the wick into it, pushing it down to the bottom.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Witch Hazel

Don't spend more than you need to for facial astringents and toners. Witch hazel is pretty cheap and a little goes a long way. It's fine for sensitive skin, too and non drying while ridding the skin of excess oil. What more could you want?

Monday, December 3, 2012

Frugal gift that's special

Gather up special family photos and create small photo albums.
Make (or buy) a calendar and add extended family birthdays, anniversaries and other family celebrations.