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mellowstarfishbread · 4 years

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Spending Freeze Doing a spending freeze is a great way to save up money quickly.A spending freeze is when you don’t spend money for a set period of time. How long? Well, you can decide that. No money whatsoever? You decide that too. It is entirely your decision how exactly you want to do it. How long should I do my spending freeze?This is really up to you. I generally do a few 2-week long spending freezes each year. You could do a freeze for one week, ten days, 2 weeks, or longer. You decide how long you can make it last. It really will depend on your individual circumstances.For your first spending freeze , start with one week. After you conquer your first week, you can decide if you want to continue on for a second week or stop for now and try a second week later on.If your first few weeks fly by without a struggle and you want to keep the freeze going, go for it! So… I can’t buy anything at all? This is something else that’s completely up to you!When I do a spending freeze I don’t buy anything except gas. I do continue to pay our bills (of course!) including the extra amount that we pay towards

our biggest debt

.Some families choose to allow themselves to continue to buy very basic groceries (milk, bread, eggs) during their freeze. For me, I think buying one grocery would make me want to buy another and another. So, it’s easier for me to not buy any groceries during a spending freeze. All I have are condiments! This is something that you should decide based on what you think will work best for you.After your spending freeze, reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Then, decide if there’s anything you’d like to do differently next time. Make your spending freeze successful: Set a goal – Before you begin your spending freeze, it’s important to know why you want to do the freeze and know what you plan to do with the money you’re going to save. This will keep you motivated during your spending freeze. It will also ensure that the money you’ve saved goes toward a beneficial purpose instead of getting spent away or used for something less important. Plan ahead – It’s wise to decide at least a week ahead of time that you’re going to be doing a spending freeze. This helps you to prepare (mentally, and logistically!). Now, don’t go buy a ton of stuff because you know you’ll be going without spending. But, while you’re at the grocery store, maybe think ahead and grab an extra loaf of bread to throw in the freezer. Or if you know you’re running out of a vital supply (like, toilet paper) you can pick that up before you begin your freeze. Eat what you have – Go through your pantry, your fridge, your freezer, and anywhere else that you keep food. Make a list of everything you have and ways to use it.Get your family on board – This is so essential. It’s no fair for you to stop spending and start sacrificing if your spouse is going to keep spending as usual. It has to be a team effort. Have a conversation about working together on the spending freeze to meet the goal you’ve set. Life goes on during your spending freeze Remember that there are so many things you can do without spending any money at all.You can still see your friends. Invite your friends over instead of going out. Or go for a walk. There are so many things you can do without spending money. You just may need to get creative. You can still do fun things with your kids. Go to the park or the library. Do something special at home (like build a pillow fort in the living room). Again, get creative!You can still have romantic date nights with your hubby. Make a meal together. Have a movie night. Build a fire. Go on a hike. There are so many things that you can do without spending money. Shower, Bath and Closets

THE BEST SHOWER CLEANER EVER!1 cup Epsom Salt1/2 cup Baking Soda1/4 cup Blue Dawn Dish LiquidMix it together. Rub in circular motion onto your shower doors with a sponge. Leave for 10 minutes. Rub off with wet sponge and rinse with water. CLEANING BATHROOM TILE AND TUBSSprinkle baking soda in place of scouring powder in your tub or on the tiles. Rub with a damp sponge. Rinse thoroughly. To remove film buildup on bathtubs, apply full-strength vinegar to a sponge and wipe the area. Next, use baking soda as you would scouring powder. Rub with a damp sponge and rinse thoroughly. Vinegar removes most dirt without scrubbing and doesn’t leave a film. Use ¼ cup (or more) vinegar to 1 gallon water.To clean grout, put 3 cups baking soda into a medium-size bowl and add 1 cup warm water. Mix into a smooth paste and scrub into grout with a sponge or toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and dispose of leftover paste when finished. ZAP CLOSET ODOR, MILDEW AND MOLDEmpty the ClosetRemove everything from the closet and set it aside. Place any machine-washable footwear, damp clothes or laundry-safe wet outerwear into the washer, and then dry them thoroughly after cleaning. Do the same for any clothes that smell musty. After you wash them, you can hang the clothes outside to dry for a fresher scent. Don't put wet shoes into the closet, because they can make it smell musty again. Let them dry in the garage or near the laundry room. In your closet, look for signs of mold, mildew, or anything else that contributes to the musty smell. Check the closet for water leaks in the ceiling or along the walls by looking for water stains. If discovered, be sure to repair them. Clean the ClosetAfter you remove everything from the closet, clean it thoroughly by vacuuming or sweeping up loose debris and then wiping down shelves, doors and walls with a cloth dipped and wrung in a gallon bucket half-filled with warm water and 1/2 cup of vinegar. Let the surfaces of the closet completely dry after cleaning. Place a circulating fan on a chair in front of the closet to speed up the drying process. Reorganize and ReorderCleaning out your closet will also alleviate odors caused when things are too crammed together. Once the closet is clean, go through your clothes and donate what you don't wear. You may even consider organizing the inside of your closet by clothing type -- identified by different colored hangers -- to make it easy to find what you need. Place off-season items in plastic see-through bins on top shelves out of the way, or on the floor beneath clothes. This will give you some extra space.

Keep It Smelling FreshKeep your closet smelling fresh by adding baking soda or coffee grounds to a container with holes in the lid. Put it in a back corner of the closet to absorb odors. You can also add freshly dried lavender to the container or your favorite potpourri if you prefer a fragrance instead. DIY Complete Bathroom Cleaner Ingredients

2 cups warm water distilled for longer-term use or tap water for short-term use

1 TB baking soda

2 TB castile soap

Add 20 drops of the essential oil of your choice. . .lemon. . .lavender.

Instructions

Pour the warm water into the bottle, followed by the baking soda. Shake the bottle to combine the ingredients. Add the castile soap and essential oils, gently shaking the bottle to combine.

Use this spray to clean the tub, tile, toilet, sink, and even floor (particularly around the toilet.) Spray the surface, allow the cleaner to sit for a minute, then wipe with a damp cloth. Rinse the cloth as needed. This also works well in removing stains from carpet!

Ways with Witch Hazel Facial Cleansing Witch hazel has the unique ability to clean skin pores and dry up excessive oil without leaving skin too dry. Witch hazel can often replace a daily cleanser for those with normal skin types. For oily or acne prone skin, swabbing witch hazel throughout the day is a great way to quickly wipe off excessive oil without the hassle of a full face wash. For quick and easy cleansing with witch hazel, check out my homemade cleansing pads that are perfect for oily skin. Homemade “Tucks” Cooling Pads A doctor once recommended Tucks cooling pads to me as a way to cope with the unfortunate side effects of colonoscopy prep. :-/ So I made up some of my own “Tucks” to use during this uncomfortable time and I am happy to report they were a little slice of heaven on earth. To make them, add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil to about an ounce of witch hazel. Mix well, then dip round cotton pads in the solution. Place them in the freezer for an hour or so, then use as needed. Acne Treatment The tannin content in witch hazel has strong astringent as well as antioxidant properties. These astringent properties are cleansing to the skin, while minimizing the size of skin pores. Unlike many harsh commercial acne formulations, it is gentle and non-drying when used to tone and cleanse acne-infected or acne-prone skin. Plain witch hazel may be applied to the skin straight from the bottle using cotton balls.Bags Under The Eyes Some people say that the application of hemorrhoid cream to those little baggies under your eyes can take them away. It’s not an old wives’ tale. One of the magic ingredients in a product like Preparation H is witch hazel, which helps tighten up the skin and reduce the bagginess. Soothe Razor Burn The anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel stop itchy bumps from forming up around your irritated hair follicles. Splash on after shaving legs or face. Relieve Chicken Pox Blisters Witch Hazel can also help the itching caused from chicken pox. To make a Witch Hazel mixture, take one cup of witch hazel and one cup of water. Mix the two and apply to the skin. Don’t be afraid to lavish this mixture on the skin. The witch hazel can be applied as often as needed. Once you apply the witch hazel and water, let dry. Body Acne Combine witch hazel with rose water to make an effective yet gentle acne-banishing toner for body acne. It’s an easy way to keep acne-prone areas clear, like your chest and back. {stuff} Soothe Diaper Rash If your baby’s rash isn’t healing quick enough, apply witch hazel with a cotton ball and you should see immediate improvement to your baby’s bottom. Heal Cuts and Scrapes Many chemists and pharmacists refer to witch hazel as nature’s answer to Neosporin. Witch hazel can be a substitute for or rubbing alcohol when it comes to cleaning out a cut. Pour a liberal amount of witch hazel over the cut or sore and allow it to dry. Add a bandage and you’re set. You can also use witch hazel on bruises or skin that is blistered or cracked. Harness the natural healing power of witch hazel in a convenient “Neosporin”-style first aid ointment! Scars & Stretch Marks Witch hazel is often used by pregnant women to prevent stretch marks, but it can be used to help loose or excessive skin around scars or stretch marks to tighten, helping to minimize the scar. Treat Inflamed Skin Healing damaged skin is one of witch hazel’s specialties. But as sunburn is also a type of skin inflammation, witch hazel is ideal for treating this too (despite swelling not being obvious.) Treating sunburn with witch hazel will lessen healing time and prevent the infamous skin peeling and flaking. Apply with a washcloth soaked in witch hazel, allowing it to soak into your skin for several minutes. Soothe Tired, Puffy Eyes If your eyes are puffy from crying or lack of sleep (or both), then soak two small cotton pads with witch hazel and put them over your eyes. After 10 minutes, your eyes should be refreshed, and any redness should be gone. Witch hazel is excellent for shrinking blood vessels. Bug Bites With its anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel is ideal for treating bug bites. Apply the witch hazel with a cotton ball, square or swab directly on the bite. It also works to soothe bites from fleas, flies and insect stings. Household Cleaner Witch hazel can also be combined with lemon juice and baking soda to create an eco-friendly cleaning agent for your bathrooms. Or use it undiluted on chrome, glass and mirrors. You don’t need to rinse as the alcohol-based cleaner readily evaporates, leaving the chrome sparkling clean and germ-free. You can also use 1/2 cup witch hazel, 1 cup of water and about 15 drops of such as Lavender, Lemon, Eucalyptus or Cedar, combined in a spray bottle as an air freshener. Witch hazel on a cotton ball works well to remove hair dye stains on skin, too. Vinyl, linoleum, and tile floors can be kept clean by mopping once a week with a solution made from 1/2 cup of witch hazel and 1 gallon of warm water. Cold Sores Witch Hazel applied on a cold sore when you feel it coming on will prevent it from becoming a blister. If you already have one, use it right away and often and the blister will heal quicker. Jewelry Cleaner Dab some witch hazel on a cotton ball to gently clean your jewelry. Scalp Deep Cleanse Use a witch hazel hair-cleansing routine if you suffer from psoriasis, eczema, or dandruff. Massage the scalp with the witch hazel, followed with shampoo and conditioner. It is also an efficient “between-shampoos” method of washing your hair and scalp. Get Creative with the DishwasherDishwashers aren't just for dishes. You can can wash plenty of things in them that are heat-resistant, such as kids' plastic toys, baseball caps, shoes, tools, switch covers, vent covers, light covers and more. Kitchen sponges, silicone oven mitts, light fixtures, desk accessories, fan exhaust covers, hairbrushes, and makeup brushes all going through dishwasher cycles successfully. But keep the assorted loads separate from the dishes.

Foil's Your Friend Wrap some tin foil along the edges of your pie and pot pie crusts (once they have browned) to prevent burning. You will get perfect golden crusts every single time. You can also cover turkey and chicken legs and wings with foil once they have browned to prevent burning. It works like a charm. Make stove clean up easyCut tin foil to fit under the burners on your stove. This way when you have spills and drips you don’t have to scrub, you can just remove the tin foil and toss it. This also works great in ovens and even on outdoor grills. Warm upTin foil reflects heat, so place a large sheet of it behind your heating unit. It will kick some toasty heat back your way and heat your room faster without additional expense. If you have plants that need some more sun you can place a sheet of foil near them to reflect both. Help plants drain, for lessCreate balls of tin foil and drop them into your flower pots before adding the soil. They will help fill the pots for less, and will also help create better drainage for the plants. Sharpen your scissors /Can OpenerIf your scissors are becoming dull, just snip a piece of tin foil with them a few times. The snipping action against the foil will help sharpen the blades quickly and easily making it another creative uses of tin foil. Quadruple fold 6 inches of foil, them use your can opener on it as if opening a normal can. Craft an easy cupWhether you need something to hold a condiment, paint, shampoo, or even water, you can craft a cup out of tin foil. Just bend the foil into a cup shape and roll the edges. It is perfect for holding gels, dips, and liquids when in a bind. Simplify Paint JobsPrevent a mess and wasted paint when you wrap your paint brushes up in foil. The paint won’t dry and stick to the bristles, and you can start painting again when you are ready without any issue. Not only is it good as a wrap for your paintbrushes, but also perfect for lining your paint trays so you can enjoy easy clean up. Make a quick scouring padBall up the tinfoil and use it as a quick scouring pad. It is perfect for scrubbing pots and pans and cutting through that caked on grime. Just toss away the scrub when done. Iron Two Sides at OncePlace a layer of tinfoil onto your iron board prior to ironing. As you iron it will reflect heat, helping you remove wrinkles on both sides of the fabric or garment.It is time to take a new look at tinfoil. Give some of these uses your consideration and see how helpful of a tool it can be in all areas of your home. Castile SoapAll soaps are made with fats, but castile soap is unique in that it is made from vegetable oils rather than animal fats. This style of soap making originated in the Castile region of Spain (hence the name!) where it was made from pure, local olive oil. Although olive oil is the traditional base for this soap, it can be made with coconut, hemp, avocado, almond, walnut, and many other vegetable oils.This soap is typically concentrated, completely biodegradable, and cleans gently, yet effectively. It can be used in a dizzying number of different ways. Natural Body WashCastile soap on its own makes a great body wash, but adding a bit of moisturizing honey and some skin-nourishing oils can take it to the next level! All-Purpose Cleaning SprayYou can use castile soap to make a great all-purpose cleaning spray that’s great for cleaning up everyday messes. Just add 1/4 cup of soap to 1 quart of warm water, then stir to combine. Pour the solution into a spray bottle to use.Feel free to add a few drops of

lemon oil

tea tree oil

to the spray for added cleaning power. Or you could use

Dr. Bronner’s Tea Tree Castile Liquid Soap

, which already includes tea tree oil as an ingredient! Reusable Cleaning WipesThose store-bought antibacterial cleaning wipes are certainly convenient for wiping down counter tops and other surfaces, but they’re also expensive and create unnecessary waste! But with a little castile soap, you can make your very own kitchen cleaning wipes that are totally reusable! Get the full instructions on how to make them at the link below. Fruit & Veggie WashUse castile soap to make a cleansing solution for washing fresh produce. Fill your sink or a large bowl with water, then add 1/4 teaspoon of castile soap. Dunk your produce into the water and swish it around to knock any dirt or debris loose. Then rinse your produce under clean, cool water and it’ll be ready to eat! Foaming Hand WashUse castile soap to make a great foaming hand soap at home! Just stir together castile soap, a bit of coconut oil, and some germ-fighting essential oils, and pour it into a foaming soap bottle. My favorite thing about this soap is that it not only leaves your hands feeling, but moisturized too! Get the full recipe for my natural foaming hand soap at the link below. Deter AntsUse castile soap to make a spray that will help deter ants. Add 1/4 cup of

tea tree castile soap

to 1 quart of warm water, and stir to mix. (If you don’t have any on hand, you can use

plain castile soap

and add 6-8 drops of

tea tree essential oil

for the same effect.)Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, then spray it onto areas where you’ve spotted ants hanging around. (Keep this spray away from plants, as this solution could burn them.) “Soft Scrub” CleanerUse castile soap to make your own homemade “Soft Scrub” style abrasive cleaner. In addition to the cleansing soap, this formula also contains baking soda to help scrub away tough grime. Get the full recipe for this useful homemade cleaner at the link below! Baby SoapCastile soap is very gentle, making it a great option cleaning sensitive baby skin! Add 1 ounce of soap to 2 ounces of purified or distilled water. Add 3-5 drops of

lavender essential oil

, if desired. Use the solution to wash your baby as usual, making sure to keep the soap mixture away from your baby’s eyes! Oil Soap Garden SprayInsect issues, fungal infections, and other diseases can create real problems for home gardeners. But you can use castile soap to make your own oil soap garden spray that acts as a natural insecticide and fungicide!My daughter relies on this spray to keep powdery mildew at bay when it creeps into her garden late in the summer. Get the full recipe for my oil soap plant spray below! Shaving CreamRub a little bit of castile soap between wet hands to create a luscious lather that’s perfect for shaving! The oils in the soap help the razor glide across your skin, reducing razor burn and nicks. Use it on your face, underarms, legs, or wherever! Dog ShampooBecause it’s so gentle, castile soap makes a great dog shampoo! Just wet your dog’s coat and work a small amount of soap into it until you achieve a good lather. Continue shampooing, then rinse well. Your dog’s coat will look clean and shiny once it’s dry! Hand-Washing DishesFill your sink with 10 parts warm water and 1 part castile soap. Use the wash solution to wash and rinse your dishes as usual. You can also use the same ratio to make a soapy solution to use in those handy

refillable dish scrubbing brushes

. Honey Facial CleanserCastile soap is one of the ingredients in one of my favorite homemade beauty concoctions, my honey facial cleanser. Honey acts as a humectant, absorbing and retaining moisture in the skin, plus it contains skin-nourishing antioxidants! And the soap cleanses skin without stripping away natural oils. Get the recipe for my all-natural honey facial cleanser at the link below. Window CleanerIf your windows need a lot of help in the cleaning department, use castile soap to help power through the grime. Add 1 tablespoon of soap to 1 quart of water, then pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray it liberally onto your windows, then use a sponge or scrubber to power through the grime. Follow with a rinse of club soda, or rinse with a mixture of 1 part water and 1 part vinegar. Foot ScrubGet silky smooth and sandal-ready feet by making this quick and easy scrub! Combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of castile soap, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and 4 drops of

peppermint essential oil

. Use it to scrub away dry skin for softer feet! Bedding WashUse this special wash method to kill and eliminate dust mites from your bedding. Add 1/3 cup of castile soap to your washing machine along with your bedding. Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into the fabric softener cup or dispenser, so it gets added during the rinse cycle.Start a wash cycle on the hottest water setting, then once the cycle is done, dry your bedding on the hottest dry cycle. (Keep in mind that these instructions are for standard washing machines. Those with HE washers should use 2-3 tablespoons of soap and 1/4 cup of vinegar.) Clear Sinus CongestionUse a castile soap with essential oils to help clear sinus congestion. Fill a large bowl with hot water, and add a squeeze of

peppermint soap

eucalyptus soap

. Then lean over the bowl, and drape a towel over your head to trap the steam inside. Breathe deeply, and you’ll feel your airways and nasal passages start to open up! Mopping SolutionAdd 1/2 cup of castile soap to 3 gallons of hot water to make a simple and effective mopping solution. Dip your mop into your bucket, and mop your way to clean and shiny floors! Makeup Brush CleanerUse castile soap to make a gentle cleaning solution for your makeup brushes! Squirt a small amount of soap into a small bowl, then fill the rest of the bowl with warm water. Swish your makeup brushes around in the soapy water, then rinse the brushes with cool water until the water runs clear. Allow the brushes to air dry completely before using. Makeup RemoverMake a simple makeup remover solution by mixing equal parts castile soap, witch hazel, and a carrier oil of your choice. Use with a soft cloth or cotton pad to gently remove eye makeup. Bonus Tip! – How To Turn A Bar Of Castile Soap Into Liquid SoapBuying bars of castile soap can often cheaper than buying the liquid kind. But you can actually turn bar soap into liquid soap quite easily!Start by chopping up the bar of soap into tiny pieces, then place the soap pieces in a pint-size mason jar. Fill the jar with boiling water and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Then stir well to make sure the soap is completely dissolved.

Natural and homemade insecticides Oil spray insecticideA homemade insecticide made from vegetable oil mixed with a mild soap (such as Dr. Bronner's castile soap) can have a devastating effect on certain troublesome insects, such as aphids, mites, thrips, etc. To make a basic oil spray insecticide, mix 1 cup of vegetable oil with 1 tablespoon of soap (cover and shake thoroughly), and then when ready to apply, add 2 teaspoons of the oil spray mix with 1 quart of water, shake thoroughly, and spray directly on the surfaces of the plants which are being affected by the little pests. The oil coats the bodies of the insects, effectively suffocating them, as it blocks the pores through which they breathe. Soap spray insecticideA very similar homemade pesticide to the oil spray is a soap spray, which is also effective for controlling mites, aphids, whiteflies, beetles, and other hungry little insects. To make a basic soap spray insecticide, mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of a mild liquid soap (such as castile soap) with 1 quart of water, and spray the mixture directly on the infected surfaces of the plants. A soap spray insecticide works in a similar fashion as an oil spray pesticide, and can be applied as necessary though it is always recommended to NOT apply it during the hot sunny part of the day, but rather in the evenings or early mornings. Diatomaceous earth as a natural pesticideThis natural substance with a somewhat unwieldy name is made from a sedimentary rock created by fossilized algae (diatoms), and which is a rather abundant resource (

diatomaceous earth is said to make up 26% of the earth's crust by weight

). Diatomaceous earth has a number of uses in and around the home, and acting as a natural insecticide is just one of them. This material works not by poisoning or smothering the insects, but instead by virtue of its abrasive qualities and its affinity for absorbing the lipids (a waxy substance) from insects' exoskeleton, which then dehydrates them to death. Diatomaceous earth is often available at garden stores, although many times only in large bags, so if you've got a small yard, consider splitting it with a neighbor. To apply, simply dust the ground around your plants, or even sprinkle it on the foliage, where it will help control snails and slugs as well as other crawling insects. Due to its dried nature, in order to be an effective natural pesticide, diatomaceous earth needs to be reapplied after every rain. Garlic insecticide sprayGarlic is well-known for its pungent aroma, which is delectable to some and yet repellent to others, and it is this strong scent that comes into play when used as a natural insecticide. Actually, it's not really clear if garlic spray and chile spray (below) are actually insecticides or are more likely insect repellents, but either way, these common kitchen ingredients can be used to knock down, or even knock out, insect infestations in the garden. To make a basic garlic spray, take 2 whole bulbs (not just 2 cloves) and puree them in a blender or food processor with a small amount of water. quart of water. Let the mixture sit overnight, then strain it into a quart jar, adding 1/2 cup of vegetable oil (optional), 1 teaspoon of mild liquid soap, and enough water to fill the jar. To use this homemade insecticide, use 1 cup of mixture with 1 quart of water and spray liberally on infested plants. Chile pepper insecticide spraySimilar to garlic spray, chile pepper spray is a great homemade natural insect repellent that can be used for a variety of different pests. Chile spray can be made from either fresh hot peppers or chile pepper powder. To make a basic chile spray from pepper powder, mix 1 tablespoon of chile powder with 1 quart of water and several drops of mild liquid soap. This mixture can be used full-strength on the leaves of affected plants. To make chile spray from fresh chile peppers, blend or puree 1/2 cup of peppers with 1 cup of water, then add 1 quart of water and bring to a boil. Let sit until cooled, then strain out the chile material, add several drops of liquid soap to it and spray as desired.[Caution: Hot chile peppers can be very potent on humans as well, so be sure to wear gloves when handling them, and keep any sprays made from them away from eyes, nose, and mouth.] All-in-one homemade insecticide sprayTo make it, puree 1 bulb of garlic and 1 small onion, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder and let steep for an hour. Strain the mixture and add 1 tablespoon of liquid soap and mix well. To apply this homemade insecticide, spray it full-strength onto both the upper surface of the leaves, as well as the undersides, and store the remainder in the refrigerator for up to a week if desired. Tomato leaf as a natural insecticideTomato plants are part of the nightshade family, and as such, contain alkaloids such as the aptly named "tomatine," which can effectively control aphids and other insects. To make tomato leaf spray for a natural insecticide, chop 2 cups of fresh tomato leaves (which can be taken from the bottom part of the plant) into 1 quart of water, and let steep overnight. Strain out the plant material and spray onto plant foliage. Unusual, Questionable Life Solutions Homemade WetJet Cleaning SolutionIngredients:

1 cup white vinegar

1 cup water

3-5 drops dish soap

Directions:Stir all ingredients in a small bowl and set aside to use with a microfiber mop, rag or sponge.If you have the wet Jet mop, you can fill the solution hold with the mixture. Use furniture wax on your car.Just spray it on and shine it to a quick buff! Much quicker than car wax and it's just as effective!! Marry someone frugal.If you're having trouble with money, seek out a partner that has a great financial head on their shoulders. If you're in debt, they'll help you get out of it. If you throw money away, they'll help you save. Don't waste money on toilet paper. Use newspaper, junk mail, bills and more!There is a great deal of satisfaction that comes from wiping your butt on a credit card mailing or an electricity bill. And it helps the environment as well as your pocket! Unplug everything In your home when you're not using it. Even clocks!Before I go to bed at night, I spend 10 minutes walking around the home unplugging everything that isn't in use. That includes the TV, the DVD player, the toaster, the computer and even the alarm clock on my nightstand if I'm not at work the next day. Saves me a bunch of money every month as these items all

drain power

. DON'T UNPLUG THE FRIDGE. Turn your old wine into vinegar.If you've got some old wine laying around that isn't drinkable, you can turn it into

vinegar

. Just pour it into a container, preferably a barrel, and let it age. Voila, fine vinegar! Top-up your condiments with packets from fast-food restaurants.You always get a bunch of extra ketchups, mustards, mayos and other condiments when you eat at a fast-food joint. Don't throw them away. Open them up and pour them into your bottled condiments at home. You'll be surprised how much longer your bottle of ketchup will last. Gals, order LARGE meals on dates!Hey, when you're taken out to dinner make the most of it. I know I do. Just order a large meal and take half of it home in a box or doggy bag. Two free meals for the price of one. Spend less money than you make Cut your own hair.It's not difficult. Also cut the hair of your children and the rest of your family. You'll save a small fortune. Use the free envelopes you get with bills and junk mail.Cover the company's address with a label, put on your own stamp and use it for whatever you want. Get free lemonade whenever you eat out.Order a glass of water with extra lemons, pour in some sweetener from the beverage holder and hey presto, lemonade for free! (I know for a fact that some people actually do this and most waiters hate it.) Free umbrellas are always available.Just pop along to your local library and tell them you lost one. They usually have a stash in the lost and found section — say yours is black and small and they'll almost always have one. Score! It also works for sunglasses. (I'd say this one is stealing. But some people disagree.) Buy something for $1. Sell it for $2. Repeat. Plant fake flowers in your gardenThey last for years, require no maintenance and are in full bloom in winter. Use old toilets as flower planters.They look bold and attractive (??) and are usually available for free on

Craigslist

. Use your employer's resources.It's not stealing if you use them at work. Don't bring your own headache pills, tissues or drinks. Your employer should provide them all and you should take full advantage, including the endless supply of free coffee and tea! Turn off your car engine at red lights.You will save a bunch of gas over time instead of leaving the engine idling. Free food from the grocery stores.They throw away perfectly good food every night. You can eat like a king for free on the bags of food they throw away at the end of the day. Take a "vacation" at Christmas to save money on gifts.Just let everyone know you're going away for the holidays and will exchange gifts when you return. Then lay low, buy all of your presents in the after-Christmas sales for way less money and have a very happy New Year! Keep one cup from every fast-food restaurant you visitWhenever you go back, just take the cup in with you and refill it at the fountain. You'll never have to pay for a drink again! (I'm sure this one is stealing.) Cover your floors with carpet samplesYou can pick them up very cheap, and sometimes free, from most carpet and hardware stores. Just arrange them in squares and glue them down. Great for a basement, playroom or even a hobby room. Also works with wallpaper samples. Spill your drink at a bar or restaurantWait until your beer is around one-third full, then get in the way of a member of the wait staff and make sure they "make" you spill your drink. They'll usually offer to get you a free replacement, and it will be FULL! (Yep, this one is really dishonest.) Keep a pitcher close to the SinkWhen you're running the faucet waiting for the hot water to come through, let the pitcher catch the cold water. You can use it later to water plants, flowers or boil pasta. Train your cat to use the toiletIt's easy to train a cat to jump up onto the seat and go into the toilet. It will save you a fortune in cat litter. Getting him to flush is the hard part. Get your paint at one quarter of the priceSo this one is sneaky but it works. Pick out the exact color you want and get it mixed in the quantity you want. Take it back the next day to the hardware store you got it from and say the shade is off. They'll give you a full refund, and also put the "bad tint" on the sale shelf for $5 a can, roughly $15 less than the full price. Just go in the next day and buy all your paint back! Score!! (I'm sure it works, but man is that dishonest.) Free flowers for birthdays, weddings and more!Just go to a nearby cemetery and swipe some new flowers from a grave. The dead people won't miss them and someone else will get a smile from them. (Karma anyone?) Old hair makes great stuffing for pillowsIf you don't cut your own hair, the local barber shop or hair salon will gladly give you the cuttings from the floor. It's soft, free and biodegradable. Newspapers make great blanketsThey're not just for homeless people. If you get chilly at nights, slip newspaper pages between the sheet and duvet. Newspaper is a tremendous insulator. Shop at midnightThose late-night hours are great. You'll have no lines at the checkout, no crowded aisles, and your pick of the bargains and markdowns that are being put out for the next day. Flush with less waterPlace a common house brick inside a plastic bag and seal it. Repeat this seal with another bag, just to make it super water proof (you don't want brick corrosion). Put this in your toilet's tank and it will save you a lot of money on your water bill over the years. Learn to speed readYou'll be amazed at how many new books you can read for free if you increase your reading speed. I spend an hour or two at Borders almost every evening and usually get through two brand new books every week. No charge. Go through the trash at a college campus on move-out dayCollege kids throw things out with no regard for their worth. They just want them gone, and they don't want to move them. I have picked up refrigerators, microwaves, desks, chairs, shelves and even TVs! Negotiate your hours at work.Rush hour driving is a gas guzzling experience. Train tickets are also more expensive at rush hour. See if you can start early and leave early. You'll work the same hours but save commuting cash! Drive at 55 mph on the highwaysIt may take you a little longer to get where you're going, but this is the optimal speed for good fuel consumption. You'll get a way

better mpg from your car

. Don't throw away old, bruised and soft fruitThey can be great for making smoothies, muffins and other snacks and drinks that require flavor without needing the fruit to be in perfect condition. Use your electric oven wiselyThese things take so long to cool down that you can actually turn them off 5 minutes before the cooking time is up, and your dish will come out fine. Also works well with toaster ovens. Dump your partner at the right timeIf you're thinking of quitting a relationship, make sure you exit before any major anniversaries, birthdays or anything like that. The last thing you want to do is buy an expensive present right before you go your separate ways. (I'd call that one a bit mercenary.) Go at least one year without buying clothes or shoesI'm serious! Usually, you're just buying on impulse anyway. It's been proven that most of us only use about 20% of the stuff in our closets, so why add more to that unused portion? After a year, you will have saved hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Guys, don't get marriedThere may be tax breaks but when you're single you're rolling in money, even on a low salary. Get married and it will all go away. For a start, women need way more money than men, including toiletries, clothes, shoes, hair styling and more. Most women can't go five days on one big batch of chili or spaghetti — they want variety. And salads cost a fortune too. Once you start having kids, kiss goodbye to any extra cash you did have. Seriously, stay single. It's the best way to save money. Do the gift-giving lotterySimple premise but it saves all of us a fortune in my family. We put all the names in a hat at Christmas, and then each pick out one. Kinda like secret Santa, but without the secret. And that way, you're all not buying gifts for everyone. Big waste of money that holiday. Become good friends with Your NeighborsThey will always have things that you can borrow instead of buying them. My neighbor comes over to use my edger, and I use his cultivator. Works great. Go on a One-Day-a-Week FastThat means only six days a week of meals instead of seven. Over 52 weeks, that's over 150 combined breakfasts, lunches and dinners that you don't have to buy. And you'll lose weight too! Plastic WrapConquer unrolling it for use by storing it in the Freezer to eliminate clinging. Cut the Electric Bill in Half

I encourage you to do this experiment on your own to prove how much money you can save. It may vary by your electric provider but I’d bet you’ll save a significant amount. My bill was cut in half the first month. CHARGE IN THE CARTo save more on your electric bill, you want to use less electricity. One easy way to do this is to skip the house.Car chargers are inexpensive and it’ll make up its cost in savings.I pretty much only charge my phone in the

car

. I just automatically plug it in whenever I get in the car. If your car allows you to plug in USB cords, you can charge other devices in the car too.I’ve charged my iPad and kindle in the car. Most devices come with a USB charger and can be charged in the car. FIND BETTER SOURCES OF LIGHTIf you’re still using incandescent (read: old) light bulbs, switch them out for LED.

LED bulbs

use up to 85% less energy. They cost more to purchase, but you’ll come out on top in the long run. Aside from the benefit that you’ll see when your electric bill comes in, LED light bulbs last much longer. They last up to 22 years! It depends on how much you use them. I assume they won’t last quite as long if you leave the light on all day every day. But they’ll definitely last longer than a regular bulb! Unplug Everything but the FridgeTruly, you'll see about 50% savings over a month. Ideas for Mismatched Leftover Socks

Heating Pads: Put rice in them and tie shut. Heat in the microwave a minute or two to get it hot. Cheap heating pad for your neck or back or any sore spot. You can slide these between the sheets in winter right before bedtime. It's an old-fashioned bed warmer.

Cat Toys: Make a cat toy by adding some catnip inside the sock. Sew it shut and cut off the excess. Your cat will have hours of fun attacking and playing with the catnip sock.

Soap-Savers: Drop the last bit of a bar of soap in them and tie in knot. Wet the sock and rub it to get a lather for washing. This works well for little kids who have a hard time hanging onto slippery soap in the bathtub.

Mug Warmers: Cut off the ankle part of a stretchy sock to make a mug warmer or cozy for your coffee cup.

Just Wear Them! When you wear boots or long pants in winter, no one will know your socks don't match. You can also wear the mismatched socks for at-home days when your appearance doesn't matter.

H202 Is a Nickname

The brown bottle of hydrogen peroxide in your bathroom cabinet or first aid kit can do a lot more than taking care of small cuts and wounds. You can boost the performance of plants in your garden, clean your home and laundry, and improve your beauty routine.

Hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, is sold in concentrations of three to ten percent at most drug stores. The three percent solution works great for household cleaning and disinfecting.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide Around the House

Sanitize Beauty and Manicure Tools

Disinfect Toothbrushes and Mouth GuardsWarning

Get Sweet-Smelling, Prettier Feet

Whiten Discolored Nails

Freshen and Disinfect Kitchen Sponges

Keep Cutting Boards Bacteria-Free

Sanitize Your Refrigerator

Brighten Discolored Cookware

Make Reusable Grocery Bags Healthier

Clean Tile Grout

Put a Shine on Mirrors

Whiten Dingy Clothes

Get Rid of Underarm Sweat Stains on White Shirts

Breathe Easier

Kill Dust Mites

Disinfect Kids' and Pets' Toys

Make Your Garden Grow

Protect Plants From Disease

Each time you use tweezers, manicure or pedicure tools, and eyelash curlers they come in contact with body soil and bacteria. A dip or rub-down with a bit of hydrogen peroxide will sanitize the tools and prevent infections.

Toothbrushes, retainers, and sports mouth guards can be disinfected by a quick soak in hydrogen peroxide. Give each a good rinse with plain water before using them.

There is one thing you should not do with hydrogen peroxide: swallow it. Even at the 3 percent concentration, it can cause blistering in the mouth, vomiting, and abdominal distress.

Smelly feet are covered with bacteria that are causing the odor. Mix a foot soak with one part hydrogen peroxide to three parts warm water. The same treatment will help protect against spreading athlete's foot fungus and even soften calluses and corns.

Mix one part hydrogen peroxide to two parts baking soda in a bowl to form a paste. It will foam a bit but when it stops spread the paste over and under your nails. Let it work for three minutes and then rinse with plain water.

Kitchen sponges harbor some really scary bacteria like E.coli and Salmonella. Disinfect them daily with a solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent hydrogen peroxide.

Each time you use wooden or plastic cutting boards, little scratches appear that can trap bacteria. A quick spritz with hydrogen peroxide will keep them safe to use.

After you've cleaned out your refrigerator and before you add that new box of baking soda, spray the inside with hydrogen peroxide to kill any lingering bacteria. Let it work for several minutes and then wipe down with plain water.

Mix a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to spread on the interior of discolored ceramic-coated cookware. This will help lighten stains and gently clean the surface.

Reusable grocery bags are great for the environment but not always so good for your health. The bags should be washed frequently and correctly. However, if you don't have time for a thorough cleaning, give the interiors a quick spray with hydrogen peroxide to kill harmful bacteria.

Grout between the bathroom and kitchen tiles not only gets dirty, but it can also get covered with mildew. One of the best ways to kill the fungus is hydrogen peroxide. To whiten grout, mix a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Spread it on the tile (it will also help cut through soap scum) and let it work for five minutes. Wipe away with plain water to see the sparkle.

Use a lint-free microfiber cloth and a spray of hydrogen peroxide to create a streak-free mirror.

If you don't like using chlorine bleach, add some hydrogen peroxide instead to a load of dingy white clothes. Add one cup of hydrogen peroxide to the washer or automatic bleach dispenser before adding water or clothes.

Mix 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1/4 cup water in a bowl. Use a soft-bristled brush to work the solution into underarm stains and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes. Give it one more final scrub with the brush and then wash as usual.

Dehumidifiers and humidifiers are perfect breeding grounds for molds due to the moisture and heat they collect or generate. Keep them clean by running a solution of half water and half hydrogen peroxide through them monthly.

Dust mites thrive on the small bits of skin we shed in our homes, particularly in the bedroom. Give your mattress a spray with hydrogen peroxide to kill the insects. Allow the mattress to dry completely before remaking the bed with clean bedding.

To kill germs and bacteria, spray plastic toys with hydrogen peroxide. Allow it to sit on the surfaces for a few minutes and then rinse with plain water.

That extra oxygen molecule in hydrogen peroxide boosts a plant's ability to absorb nutrients from the soil. And all it takes is just a little bit. Mix a solution of one teaspoon hydrogen peroxide in one gallon of room-temperature water. Use it right away to fertilize outdoor and indoor plants.

Insects, fungus, and plant diseases can easily be transferred from plant to plant. Use hydrogen peroxide to sanitize garden tools and containers after each use.

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