I didn’t even realize that I had so many posts already. I missed the big 100th post. This is post #102 so not too late. I want to thank all the readers, and I hope you enjoy reading this blog as much as I enjoy writing it.
Today’s thrifty tip is use a Brillo pad to clean tarnished brass. I have a front door handle that was from 1949 and was pretty tarnished. We lived here for 11 years and never once cleaned it so it was overdue. We didn’t want to replace the door since it’s a solid door and original to this 54 year old house. We tried polishing it first but then the carpenter suggested a brillo pad. Darned if it didn’t work. I couldn’t believe how it just melted off the brass. I was so impressed and of course it did need some elbow grease around the corners. Once it was all cleaned and dried, then we used brass polisher. I wished I had taken before pics but here is an after picture. I also read on the box that it would work on silver.
Sometimes I find it hard and expensive to try to keep up with technology. I find that the prices usually drop enough to where I can justify the cost of upgrading. We have our eye on upgrading our TV to a HDTV at the end of the year. I have my eye on a Sony Bravia TV. I have to admit that the picture is just gorgeous. I’m hoping for a great sale at the end of the year on this model.
Who says you can’t have fun dressing up your yard? I have seen some really cute garden decor in my own neighborhood. Many people decorate their yards for Halloween and Christmas. But why not all year long? I have been adding my own personal touches in my yard with more than just plants. I have added some small statues in the flower bed, and plan to add more next year. It’s a great way to show your unique style for everyone to enjoy.
I have started 4 more new blogs last week. I’m still tweaking them but I have a clickable link for each one below. I will have a screenshot of each one up and running by next week. I’m waiting for my new computer, which will have a newer paint program installed. Please check them out and let me know what you think.
I have a nice size walk-in closet with lots of shelves. I love having an older home since there is so much space in the house. I’m actually going to move my gift closet to the spare bedroom soon. I have a box filled with body wash, lotions, candles, shaving cream (usually the smaller travel size ones), razors, and so on. These are items I collect from sales and free items I get in the mail. I give out several gift bags filled with these items for Birthday and/or Christmas presents. I usually spend less than $50 for all these items in the box. I give out close to 10 bags per year which makes them around $5 each or sometimes a little more. But never more than $8 each. The recipients love them, and look forward to getting one each year.
I also buy toys that I find on clearance for those last minute invitations to a party. All of my nieces and nephew are too old for toys so I don’t buy as many as I once did. I give all my nieces the gift bags, and my nephew will now get either a DVD or a game for his system. I also like to buy really nice picture frames that I find on clearance for wedding presents. Now that I’m selling Tupperware, then I am giving more of it for presents. I can get sets much cheaper with my 25% discount. I might break up a big set of many items, and just give a few items to one person, and the rest to another.
Having the gift closet has been a really big money saver for us. Many times we get last minute invites for something. Instead of stressing about having to shop and spend money we might not have, then all I have to do is go shopping in my closet for the right gift. I also have a couple of gift cards if all else fails. I get these from several pay to click programs I do daily. It might seem like a lot of work but it’s really not. I shop all year long so I don’t have to spend a lot of money at once. I would suggest putting even $25 a month to the side to stock up on great sales when you find one. I spend less than $400 a year on gifts and that includes presents for ourselves.
Today’s thrifty tip is use vinegar as a fabric softener. I started using about 1/4 cup with each load and have noticed that the towels and clothes are softer. They also smell fresher. Vinegar is a great way to neutralize odors. If you have dark colors that would bleed like red or purple, then soak them in a sink or basin of vinegar. It locks in the color so it won’t bleed on your other items.