Frugalista Fridays: Cleaning

If anybody out there knows me....and finds out that I'm writing a blog post on cleaning...well they may think I'm crazy. But in all honesty, I have gotten better...I promise! My list today is going to go over some simple, cheap ways to clean. They are also ways that in general are better for your health. Let's get started:

1. Vinegar is your friend. White that is. You can clean almost anything with vinegar.Mix it in a 1:1 ratio and stick in a spray bottle. You can clean the following with this mixture: 

~ Bathroom tile

~ toilets

~ sinks

~ kitchen counters

~ Windows--dry with old newspaper...you'll never go back to paper-towels

~ Mirrors

A large bottle of vinegar will last for a while. And the smell evaporates within 15 minutes...promise! But if you still don't like the smell you can soak any type of citrus in a jar for about 2 weeks...or longer...the essential oils, especially from the orange will leach into the vinegar adding a scent and some extra cleaning power.

Now why use vinegar? It's non-toxic and it cleans just as well as bleach. It's also really cheap.

2. Baking Soda....got stinky socks? Stuck on grit in your sink? Smelly anything? Use baking soda. It will knock your socks off. You can combine the baking soda and vinegar and it gets really fizzy....but it makes the vinegar have a little bit of grit and scrubbing power. Again this ingredient is...uber cheap.

3. Rags. Get rid of the paper towels and start cutting up the old t-shirts that aren't fit to be worn into rags. They are reusable and they are made from something you already have...can't get much cheaper than FREE.

If you have any other ideas, leave a comment!

Sarah

Frugalista Friday: Crafting Supplies

My list for today is all about crafting/sewing/making things...

you know the things you would  buy at Joann's....except I don't go there that often!

Here we go. My tips on getting some grrrrr-eat crafty stuff, nice and cheap.

1. Hit up the local thrift store: If you've been reading this blog for a while you'll know that Value Village is probably my favorite store. I really like some of the more off path thrift store as well....but to get to the point. Look for your crafting item at the thrift store first. Seriously. I've gotten buttons, hoops, yarn, fabric, Velcro, recyclable items (sweaters) for significantly less than I would have paid at Joann's. For example: 

Velcro was $.25

Buttons were $1.00 

Yarn was $.50 for wool

Now, although I may be obsessed with buttons...yes I admit I have a problem...take a look at these buttons. At a craft store they would cost upwards of 5 dollars for 4 of them. Plus with the button grab-bag you never know what you're gonna get!

So, if you wanna save some money...hit up the thrift stores when you're starting your next project.

2. Garage Sales: My favorite garage sales are the ones where a quilter or another crafty person is getting rid of the majority of their stash. If you find one of these you've hit the jackpot. They are usually willing to give you a deal, cause they are downsizing. I've gotten some fantastic fabric at sales like this that would have cost me hundreds of dollars at a fabric store for less than fifty.

3. Steal from your sisters stash...well not steal, but check out others creative stuff. Most of us have too much anyways and are usually willing to let go of something or will swap.

4. If you must go to the craft store....use coupons. And competitors coupons. If you have an IPhone...get the app. You usually can combine or use more than one coupon per transaction if they come from different sources. ie: an app coupon, a newspaper coupon, an online coupon. Granted some stores are bigger sticklers than others...but it's worth checking out! Also if you happen to work at a school, you can get a teachers discount card. Check it out, it can save a lot of money.

Does anybody else have any other tips about getting crafting supplies? I'd love to hear from you!

Sarah

Frugalista Friday: Remodeling

I am by no means a remodel expert. Far from it to be honest! But I have learned some really good frugal tips that really in the end will save a ton of aggravation as well.

1.    Write everything down that you’ll possible need from the store and get it in one trip.  

You think I joke? No, 6 plus trips to the hardware store is not thrifty, frugal, or cheap. If you want an example…check this out. Keep the receipt; return what you don’t need on your next trip to the store. It will save a lot of aggravation…and gas money

2.    Become friends with the people at Lowes. 

Well, not really unless you’re super friendly, but the people in the plumbing section…usually have way more information than you need. Same with flooring. They can explain a lot…oh and tell you what you need to get before you leave the store.

3.    Check/Ask for mistinted paint. 

Really. I have not bought full priced paint yet. My friend Krista got 7 gallons for $45 dollars and around here that would have cost her at least $130. In my experience, Home Depot is cheaper than Lowes on the mistints…just and fyi.

4.    Look for floor models. 

The lovely people at Lowes and Home Depot often change out their floor models, and sell them for uber cheap. This light I got at Home Depot is perfectly fine, in great condition and I got it for $10. I saw one in the box for $89, which is $79 in my pocket. CHA-CHING! I had to ask for a price, but if I didn’t I wouldn’t have the beautiful light.

5.    ReStore.

Check and see if your area has a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. It’s a store that sells used home improvement goods for a lot less than the big stores. Plus the money goes to a good cause. I got this sink there for $10. It would have cost me at least $50 somewhere else.

6.    Borrow tools. 

We’re just starting out and don’t have a whole lot of tools, or a whole lot of money to spend on the tools…although Andy would really like to get some…so we borrow. We have some great neighbors who are willing to let us use tools, and Nathania and Storman have some they are willing to let use borrow as well. Just be a good steward and return them in a relatively timely mannerJ

7.    Ask if your friends/family know how to do something.  

We have the honor of having a brother-in-law who knows how to do a whole lot. Storman has saved us from calling the plumber and the electrician, which in turn saves us a ton of money. Friends and family usually are willing to be paid with food or beverage…ahem…

8.    Use what you have in the house already. 

If you have some paint left from a previous project, but you want a slightly different shade…add some white or another color. If you’re re-doing the bathroom and hate the frame around the mirror but the mirror is in good condition, keep the mirror. If you re-use the stuff you already have you haven’t spent any money for a new look!

9.    Craigslist. 

Really? Do I need to say more? The free section of craigslist often has some great materials for a remodel. Or check the other sections for items, like a new frame for a mirror!

10. Be patient. 

When I get and idea, want to get it done and have it done, NOW. But if you want the deals and you want the room you’re re-doing to look exactly how you envisioned it…you need to be patient. Check the stores frequently if you are passing them.  If a friend can help, but can’t do it for a week…deal with a half-done room. The room isn’t going anywhere…I promise!

That’s my Frugalista Friday list for you. If you have any other tips…please let me know!

Sarah

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