Tag: Frugal Living Tips

Today’s thrifty tip is eat less meat. I love meat, but it’s getting very expensive these days. As Americans, we do eat more than we need in a serving. I have been cutting chicken breasts in half, and I get more meals from it. Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, and it’s much cheaper. The other great thing is they are versatile. I can use them in soups, serve over brown rice, use them in a stir fry, wrap them up in a tortilla, and more! Eggs are also full of protein, but the whites are better than the yolk. I have made some great meals with eggs. When you do buy meat, try to get the leaner cuts. They have less fat plus taste better.

Today’s thrifty tip is make your own baby wipes. Some people even use soft terry material, and sew them into small wash cloths. I think French Terry is a great material to use. This is softer when wiping baby’s bottom, and just throw them in the same bucket you use for your cloth diapers.

I actually made my own using a homemade liquid mixture and paper towels.
Start with your paper towels and cut the roll in half, and then remove the inside cardboard. I used a baby wipe container that was washed out. Any plastic container with a good seal is fine. You will want to wash it out once it’s empty.

Liquid Mixture: (Many variations)
2 Cups Boiled Water (cooled)
2 TBS Baby Shampoo
1 TBS Oil

Then mix in the container and put the paper towels in container (cut side down). Make sure you seal it well, and turn container upside down for about 10 minutes. This ensures it saturates the paper towels.

There are so many variations. Some people use almond oil, olive oil, or baby oil. This is what is great is that you can use what makes you comfortable. I recommend Viva since they are the softest and very strong. I could get a roll on sale with coupon for 25-50 cents. This is much cheaper than store bought wipes, and I also liked there were no harsh chemicals.

Today’s thrifty tip is to use soy flour to substitute for an egg in baking. Just a heaping tablespoon of soy flour and a tablespoon of water is equal to a large egg. With the high price of eggs, this can save a good bit if you do a lot of cooking and baking. You can find soy flour in most health food and ethnic stores.

Today’s thrifty tip is to call companies of products you either love or had an issue. I have a few favorite items, and I do call the company every few months to rave about the product or pass on some suggestions. I always ask to be placed on a mailing list or about coupons. Most will just give you some coupons just for calling. Some won’t give anything but that is a small percentage. If you do have a complaint, then just be courteous but let them know your disappoint. Some companies will ask to have it mailed back if it’s a defect. So don’t throw it out just yet. I always get either a refund check or a free item coupon when this occurs. This is another great way to get great coupons for the things you use anyway.

Today’s thrifty tip is cut old towels into new rags. I like to use them for cleaning the house and cars. This way I don’t have to spend money on new wash cloths. Old t-shirts also make great rags. I even use old socks as dust cloths.