1. To save money on alcohol, be sure to drink only on days that you give blood. One beer can go much farther with less blood to poison. Trust me on this one. One beer feels like three. And, if you like to drink expensive European beer like I do, then three beers can take care of you for the night. Just be sure to mark on the calendar exactly when you have given blood. Bad stuff can happen if you give too often. I'd say once every six to eight weeks is sufficient. Giving blood before a social event is also helpful. Not only are you pints lighter, but that costly cocktail hour will go much further. Keep in mind that this is suggested neither for those who are actual alcoholics, nor those who are going "under the knife" as death may occur.
2. Instead of purchasing pricey cosmetics, ask for a free sample instead. The best part about this is that counter girls are incredibly helpful, especially now when they want to make their commission. Free samples abound. Keep in mind that you'll need a disguise if you visit the same counter more than twice. This works better for those with more than one cosmetic counter option, say, in a city with at least two shopping malls. It's also handy to make a small purchase to receive that "free gift" and then return the item within a week for a refund, but keeping the gift. Be sure to check the return policy of your shop or department store. Cosmetics returns can be tricky.
3. Use Publix brand face cleanser called: GentleClean. It's the same as Cetaphil and loads cheaper.
4. Only shave every third day. Wash your hair every other day using Suave shampoo. My sister, who is a hairdresser swears it's just as good as the expensive stuff. Use Ivory soap instead of expensive shower gels and creams. A twelve bar pack is $2.00. "So pure it floats."
5. Use one towel for your body per five days. Seriously, you're clean when you get out of the tub. Why would you wash the towel after one or two uses?
6. Don't drive. Give up your car. It is a luxury. Really, bus lines go pretty much anywhere that you'll need to get to. Carpool. Do find a good car service in case of an emergency though. If you do find it necessary to have a car but can't afford the gas or maintenance, get creative. Learn to enjoy the taste of gas so that siphoning it from your neighbor's car won't be such a chore. Remember, don't smoke just after siphoning gas. Smoking kills...especially when mixed with gasoline. Steal tires from cars all over town. Exchange your old worn tires for someone's new ones. Just be sure to do it one tire at a time from varying vehicles. It's less obvious that way. Happy hunting!
7. Take home-brewed coffee to work with you. Put your money into a locally roasted brand of coffee and brew it at home. You'll be supporting local business and drinking better coffee.
8. When out at dinner, dump the bread-basket into your purse/handbag/satchel. You will not regret this move. Seriously. I took home four biscuits from brunch at Bubby's in NYC and it ended up being the best dinner ever. Can of soup and biscuits.
9. Seek out the Happy Hour locations that serve free hors d'oeuvres along with the purchase of a beverage. Chat up the waitstaff for an additional cherry or garnish in your soda water.
10. Talk you mother into cooking or baking your favorite meals and then visit them just at meal times. This actually works. Mothers love to feed their children, even the ones that aren't their favorites.
11. Use kitty litter to give yourself a facial. Be sure to use unscented, clay kitty litter. Publix brand is quite good. Mix a bit with water, heat slightly in microwave, pat on, let dry, wipe off with warm wet facecloth. Seriously, this works. And be sure the litter is fresh, new, from the bag, not the litterbox (ha, ha).
12. Making your own brown sugar scrub:
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Sweetened Almond Oil
- 1 tsp Vitamin E (I cut open a couple Vitamin E liquid gel caps)
- 1/2-1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 tsp honey (only add if you want moisturizing)
13. Instead of purchasing "green" cleaning products go for the oldies but goodies:
Lemons, Baking Soda, Vinegar, Salt and Bon Ami powder. Seriously, these ingredients mixed with water and in varying amounts will clean anything. Use newspaper instead of papertowels for windows. You'll be amazed.
14. Fancy dessert option that guests will love. Get a bag of Mallowmars, a box of kosher salt. Use torch or heat source, such as oven set to broil but only for ten seconds. Get the tops of the cookies slightly glistening. Remove from heat. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt. Really kicks up the taste and adds a bit of panache to your dessert table...cheaply. Garnish plate with fresh mint leaves. You DO grow your own herbs, right?
15. Steal wireless internet from your neighbor or better yet barter with them for their WEP key. Offer goodies such as the sugar scrub or mallomars above. Maybe share a ride to the blood-bank together. Mow their lawn.
16. Check out books and dvds from the library rather than heading to Blockbuster. Lots of surprisingly good titles and many newer movies. Of course, books are awesome, especially when they're free to read and you can renew them via phone if you need to. Or, get on a book sharing system with friends. Send books back and forth via media mail shipping. For two dollars you can have two or three new books to read, share and trade with friends and family. And if you like a magazine, for gosh sakes subscribe to it. You can get a year's subscription for only a dollar a month these days. Much cheaper than $3.99 a month at the newsstand.
17. Don't forget to share those newspapers/magazines with friends and neighbors.
18. Volunteer. Share your time, expertise, and laughter with those who need it. It'll take your mind off of the things you don't have and help you get back to basics.
Happy Saving! Look for Part Two....soon to follow.
1 comment:
Read you last blog. All good advice.
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