Shaving & Razor Tips

This is an update of a post from earlier in the year. 

There was a link to an article on my homepage, Yahoo!  (the page that automatically opens when I open my browser) I usually try to atleast read the headlines in the news briefing. Today was a link I thought worth sharing, an article about saving money on your shaving costs :: http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/546/the-best-razors/.

Also, I had to (of course) throw my 2 cents in!

The best and cheapest shave I get is with the highest blade count in generic form. If  I have a coupon, I will opt for the pricier Venus or other NON disposable razor. The refills are ridiculously expensive. However, with coupons and sales, and if it is your preference, then go the refillable route.
The best razor I've ever used is the Venus 4 and 5 blade.
Mostly, I buy a 4-blade disposable multi pack - most recently, at the local Dollar Store (not Dollar Tree, where everything is $1). It was a 4 pack of 4-blade disposable womens razors. I think it was a knockoff of BIC disposables, I believe.

Anyway, always keep your razor DRY, as this will delay rusting, almost doubling your razor's lifespan, and buy the highest blade count in generic and usually disposable variety.



New Findings ::

Photo: Steve Mason/Getty Image

Razors

You're told to toss them after: 6 weeks
But they can really last for: 4 months
Keep your blade sharper for longer by dipping it in rubbing alcohol after each use. And rather than leaving the razor near the shower head, where it will get sprayed with water and is more likely to rust, place it at the other end of the tub.

---

A Freebie to Share!

Get your free gardening gift pack.

Enter upc codes: 013562302109 and 013562300983


Free Veggie Seeds and Gardening Gloves

Pier 1 Pillow Challenge

Large Pom Pom Pillow
Orig. $29.95
Clearance $22.38
Things looking a bit vanilla around the abode? Liven things up with this vivacious pillow.

# Color: Multicolor
# Size: 14"W x 21"D x 2"H
# Textured finish
# Spot clean only

SKU Number:
2497161

---

Come on ladies. I know one of our creative and handy selves can re-create this pillow!!! If you decide to accept the challenge, send me your POM POM PILLOW PICS!!!

Look What I found at Dollar Tree

This weekend I was at my local Dollar Tree, which is within walking distance of my house (oh, the temptations) and right by the front door I see this ::

Solar Yard Lights. The cheapest I've seen them elsewhere is Target for around $3. I bought 4 of these, and promptly put them along the path in front of my mom's house. They work very well and do not look like they cost a dollar each.

When I went back Tuesday, they were sold out. However, you can order them in quantities of 48 for (you guessed it!) $48 at the DT Website

Some Craft Ideas for Solar Lights

Some MORE Craft Ideas for Solar Lights

Linking up to :

Tightwad Gazette

this is a report from a review of my FAVORITE BOOK AT THE MOMENT!!!

i totally agree with every word in this review, therefore I don't have to write my own. and credit is due to Heather, . Click Here.
but SERIOUSLY!>!>!>! Go buy or check out this book from your library.

Frugal Tips From the Tightwad Gazette by heather on May 6, 2009
The Tightwad Gazette II
If you’re into frugal living and saving money tips, then I’ve got a treat for you.

A few days ago I took out The Tightwad Gazette II: Promoting Thrift as a Viable Alternative Lifestyle , by Amy Dacyczyn, from my local library. And, I was enthralled from the first page.

This book teaches you how to frugal hack anything. You can open up any page of this book and find something useful.

The Tightwad Gazette was a newsletter that Ms. Dacyczyn started back in the ’90s. It was a smashing success with readers because they learned tons of ways to save money, and make their things last longer. In fact, Ms. Dacyczyn made so much money off the newsletter and book sales she was able to retire early and raise her family at home.

High fives to her!

All this speaks to the treasure trove of wisdom in these pages. There are three Tightwad Gazette books, and all of them are completely wonderful.

Another cool thing about these books is that Ms. Dacyczyn included countless tips from readers who wrote in over the years with frugal tips of their own. And, these nuggets of money-saving wisdom are invaluable.

So, want to learn some frugal living tips from the Tightwad Gazettes?

Tightwad Gazette Frugal Living Tips

1. Reuse Junk Mail Envelopes- You can reuse the junk mail envelopes you get by carefully turning them inside out. This hides the postal bar code on the front (which would send your mail to the wrong place) and extends the life of the envelope. Note from Amber: I always cut the printed address from junk mail and save them in a tiny box on my desk. all it takes is some scotch tape and free instant address labels!

2. Make Your Shoes Fit With Ice- I loved this tip! If you have bought boots that are too small, try this tip: put a garbage bag into the shoe (make sure it has no holes!) and fill it with water. Tightly tie the top of the garbage bag and put the water-filled shoe in the freezer. As the water turns to ice it expands, and will stretch the leather enough to give your toes more room.

3. Save Money By Marking Your Hubcaps- If you lose a hubcap it’s going to cost $100 or more to replace it. Be proactive by taking off your hubcaps now and, with permanent marker, writing your name, phone number, and “Reward” on the inside. If they fall off, paying someone $20 for returning them will save you big. Note from Amber: I think this is hilarious!!

4. Don’t Buy New Gas Caps- If you lose your car’s gas cap, then don’t spend money on a new one. Most gas stations have a “lost and found” box full of forgotten gas caps. Often they’ll gladly give you one for free. Note from Amber: VERY good idea. I never knew this but will definitely spread the word!

5. Regulate Your Kid’s Bathwater- If your kids love to take baths, then put a piece of electrical tape on the inside of the bathtub to let them know when they should turn the water off. This will save money because they’re using less water.

6. Freshen Your Car Naturally- Instead of buying air fresheners for your car (which are nothing but chemicals we shouldn’t be breathing in anyway), put cloves in your ashtray and leave it open a bit. Do clove cigarettes count ?

7. Make Your Own Puppets- If your kids are hankering for puppets, don’t buy new ones (which are insanely expensive sometimes). Buy stuffed animals at thrift stores and garage sales, open the back seam, and take out the stuffing. You’ve got a great puppet for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

8. Save Your Six Pack Rings- Instead of recycling (or worse, throwing away) those plastic rings that hold six packs together, save them up (and ask your friends to do the same). You can tie them together with fishing line to make a sturdy, lightweight hammock. Note from Amber: Basically Illogical. This book IS from the mid-nineties so some tips are old fashioned :)

9. Reuse Your Onion Bags In The Bathroom- Those plastic mesh bags that your onions (or oranges) come in are invaluable. Use them to store toys in the bathtub; when you hang them up in the tub they can drip dry during the day. Note from Amber: Good Idea!

10. Save Your Metal Juice Lids- Glue a piece of magnetic tape to the back, and a small picture of your child to the front. You can use these to keep track of who’s doing what chores on the refrigerator chore chart. Or, you can use them just as cool, funky magnets. Note from Amber: Silly Idea::: ive never bought juice like that, ever, unleess I was making margaritas!+

11. Save Stuck Envelopes- If you have old envelopes that have sealed closed because of moisture, stick them in the microwave for 20 seconds. This will extend their life, and help you save money on not buying new ones.

12. Throw Your Ziplocks In the Wash- If you want to extend the life of your plastic bags, turn them inside out and put them into your washing machine with a load of laundry. They’ll be brand new and sparkly clean when the wash is done, just make sure that you get them all out before the load goes into the dryer! Note from Amber: This is very logical and smart. saves a lot of money. she goes over the logistics of it in the first version of the tightwad gazette book.

13. Save Those Boxes- If you buy your kids new toys for Christmas, keep the boxes and store them in your attic or basement. When the kids grow tired of the toys and you’re ready to garage-sale them, put them back in the box. Toys in boxes are always bought first, and you can ask a higher price, especially if the toys are undamaged.

14. Save Your Bread- If you live in a one or two person household, you might find that going through a loaf of bread is impossible before it gets moldy. So usually, you waste part of the loaf. To prevent this put the bread, two slices at a time, into small Ziplock freezer bags and toss them in the freezer. Keep the first half of the loaf fresh. When you get down to the last few slices, start “unfreezing” the frozen bread. Keeping it with just two slices per bag will help prevent freezer burn. You can also save money (and use less plastic) by easily reusing the Ziplocks each time. Note from Amber: I buy a lot of bread on clearance. The other day I got a loaf of Cranberry Oat Italian Bread for 79 cents. We ate it for 2 days, then froze the rest, took it back out and ate it again for another few days. a layer of fat free generic cream cheese, and this was a really delish sunday brunch-type thing :)

15. Get Your Teeth Cleaned- If you don’t have dental insurance, you can get routine cleanings done for a fraction of the cost at your local dental school. The students have to complete several cleanings in order to graduate, and they do a thorough job because a) they’re watched like hawks and b) they’re graded on each cleaning. Note from Amber: just today, I was reading This article on one of my new fave sites, Brokelyn.com about getting your dental work done at a medical school. There are PROs and CONs , but definitely an option to consider, especially if you're on a budget.

You also learn…

* How to start a great garden using stuff you have around the house (like egg cartons, milk jugs, old lumber and windows…

* How to revive old cast-iron cookware to make them good as new

* How to make your own gourmet mustard

* Why buying in bulk sometimes isn’t the better deal (statistically, you use more of the product at a time when it’s bought in bulk)

* How to make refrigerator bread dough that is cheap, long lasting, and easy to make

* How to make your own toaster pastries at a fraction of the cost of store-bought ones

Last Word…

Seriously, I’m in love with these Tightwad Gazette books. There is so much fantastic information here, and there’s no way I even covered a fraction of it. I’ve greatly trimmed down my books lately, but these are three that I might have to add to my collection.

One thing to note: because these books were written back in the 1990s, the prices are, understandably, a bit out of date. Remember when a gallon of gas cost $1.20? And that was high?

I couldn’t help but laugh at that one.

There’s also tons of frugal recipes in here. I’m definitely going to be trying the refrigerator bread dough one soon, and I’ll post that as soon I make it on my own. Hot cross buns sound pretty yum!

You'll probably also enjoy:::

How To Make Your Own Deoderant

Cut Your Electricity Costs With An Energy Monitor

Don't Fall For These Grocery Store Tricks

“Budgeting is the art of doing that well with one dollar which any bungler can do with two.” -Arthur Wellington, British soldier and statesmen (1769-1852)

a gillion freebies to occupy your time

Save money in the kitchen


Reduce spending on the kitchen basics and you'll be surprised how much money you can save. For example, extend the life of your kitchen sponge by tossing it in with a load of dishes in the dishwasher every couple of days or so. This will sanitize it and give you several additional weeks' use.

Cut down on kitchen energy costs


After the dishwasher's final rinse, open the door and pull out the racks. Let the dishes air-dry to save electricity.

Free homework help * cramster.com


When the kids could use a little assistance―but not enough to justify hiring an expensive tutor―they can ask real educators questions at this study guide site. There’s also a section for parents, so you, too, can brush up on topics from biology to math.

Free matchmaking * Okcupid.com


Most of the reputable services include a hefty price tag, but this free site gets high marks for making terrific matches according to your personality profile, and boasts a fun and interactive experience as well.

Free ringtones * myxer.com


Who doesn’t want to add a personal touch to her cell phone, but those ringtone fees add up! Scan Myxer’s free database of thousands of ringtones (and wallpaper) or use its tools to customize your own and download it to your phone in a snap.

Free virus protection * cyberdefender.com


This site’s free, dependable package also includes spyware removal, a spam killer, a scam shield and more. I would also recommend Avast Anti-Virus. (avast.com)

Free graph paper * graphpaper.us


HeHe!!! Generate free printable graph paper for lists or homework by choosing the size and grid color, then save your choices so you can quickly access it again.

Free test preparation * number2.com


Get your kids ready for the SAT, ACT or GRE with these preparation courses, complete with vocabulary builders, practice sessions and tutorials.

Want to illegitimately go back to school??

Free business classes * sba.gov


If you’re looking to break into the business world but aren’t sure where to begin, start at this site. Budding entrepreneurs (or those who are simply curious) can take advantage of a wide range of self-paced courses, including How to Prepare a Business Plan, Marketing 101 and Introduction to Accounting. The courses are offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, free of charge. (p.s. "illegitimately" going back to school is just a funny term that made me chuckle)

Also, classes are offered at * MIT Online


Get a top-flight education without the price tag. MIT OpenCourseWare is a Web-based publication with most of MIT’s courses and exams, and it’s available to everyone. Several other first-rate universities (Harvard and Stanford, to name two) post some course material as well, but none match MIT’s extensive offering.)

Free language courses * livemocha.com


Always wanted to speak a foreign tongue? Whether it’s Spanish or Swahili, become fluent and get the chance to interact with other language learners around the world. Practice conversation with a native and help others with their English.

IDK about you, but my eyes seem to glaze over at this pont::

Free financial planner * mint.com


The cost of a financial planner is typically from $150 to $250 per hour. Mint.com takes your banking information and compiles a financial profile so you can keep track of your spending, saving and more. The site also gives advice on getting a new credit card, negotiating lower interest rates, allocating your investment portfolio and other money matters.

Free (No, SRSLY) credit reports * annualcreditreport.com


You’re entitled to one free report per year from each of the main credit bureaus, and you can access all three―Equifax, Experian and TransUnion―through this reliable site. Keep this form handy to order a copy of your credit report every year. It does not hurt your credit to check your own score.

Free tax return help * irs.gov

I've done my Federal taxes here for the past several years.


People with low to moderate incomes ($49,000 and less), military families and folks age 60 and older qualify for free help with tax returns from trained volunteers. At the site, locate the category that applies to you, then call the number provided.

Free text messaging * textem.net


Sign up for an online account, then enter a friend’s mobile number and carrier so you can text each other. Because the Web site, not your phone, sends and receives the messages, there’s no cost to you. You can also use Yahoo! Messenger to send free texts.

Free greeting cards * 123greetings.com


Skip the cost of a card, postage and envelope by delivering an animated e-card for any occasion. Can’t find the right note here? Check out americangreetings.com or, for a sarcastically funny selection, visit someecards.com.

Free TV and movies * hulu.com


This site carries the best selection of TV episodes, along with classic and newer flicks. The official sites of ABC and PBS also post programming, and it’s always worth a search on youtube.com to catch a missed show or access obscure video clips.

Free silver jewelry * silverjewelry.com


There is a price to pay here, but it’s only for shipping ($7). Visit daily to see the rotating selection of necklaces, rings and more that can be yours for nothing. The catch? There isn’t one. The company gets to spread its name, and you get to add shiny new baubles to your jewelry box.

Free cruise vacations * cruises-4-free.com


If you’re flexible, click here often to look for rotating deals on free cruise vacations. We found a trip for two that was all-inclusive, except for airfare. The cruise lines post these deals in the hope that you’ll spread the word about your fabulous time on-board.

Free books * questia.com


Scroll to the bottom of the home page and click on “Free Books.” There you can access more than 5,000 full classics―from Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre―to enjoy right on your screen.

Free crosswords * bestcrosswords.com


Rather than buying a book of puzzles for your three-hour flight, choose from a wide selection of free printable crosswords (with solutions) or fill them in right on your computer.

Free music * pandora.com


This radio site plays music based on your personal tastes. I love pandora, because the first time I listened, I typed in my favorite band, and it built my custom radio station (that was AWESOME and from entering only one band!!!). If you’re a serious rock aficionado, check out last.fm.

Free medical help * medhelp.org


After signing up for an account, you can manage your health (keeping track of your weight, for example, and how much water you drink daily), watch health-related videos, read articles and send any questions or concerns you have to certified specialists, who will answer you in a timely fashion.

---

Gotta point out: this awesome computer deal !

Laptop Skin - Made from Dollar Tree Ingredients !

At my Favorite store, the Dollar Tree, they sell contact paper in the large tubes. The one I bought is white with a black etched rose pattern.
this looks pretty sweet. They DID have the woodgrain contact paper when I went to the DT yesterday.

So since I didn't feel like messing with precise cuts or measuring (even though it IS easy because the paper has a grid printed on the back) I trimmed the edges with some decorative edged scrapbooking scissors.

---

My Awesome Homemade Chips (using only ingredients from the Dollar Tree!)

Finished Product ~ Homemade Pepper & Parmesan Tortilla Chips!

I made these chips on a whim today, because I had some flour tortillas that were about to expire.

These tortillas come about 20-25 a pack and are available at The Dollar Tree for (you guessed it!) one dollar! These are also useful for wraps, burritos and soft tacos on Taco night.
Everything used in this recipe can be obtained at your local Dollar Tree:


The Olive Oil (and the bottle it is in), Black Pepper Grinder and Seasoning Salt, and even the pizza cutter (and the cookie sheet i used to cook them on!)...all of it! Dollar Store finds.

Now for the Recipe:



6-8 Tortillas

Cut with pizza cutter into half, then half again, then one more time. Then cut the pieces into chip sized pieces.

In a bowl or square tupperware container, drizzle Olive oil on the bottom

Grind some Pepper, and a couple of dashes of seasoning salt.

begin to lay your tortilla pieces flat. When that layer is finished, drizzle more olive oil, more pepper, more seasoning salt. Repeat until all tortilla pieces are done.

Take a fork and stir it all together, ensuring that all pieces are well coated.

Lay the pieces on a cookie sheet in a single layer.

put in oven at 400-425

if the tortillas fall apart, this is even better because you will end up with chips of varying sizes and thicknesses.

Cook until golden brown, approx. 8 minutes.

Remove from cookie sheet and put on plate to cool. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Serve and Enjoy!

have you seen this? Fullbar

Fake FullBar Recipe and Other Hints for Weight Loss.
The first time I saw this commercial, I thought I was tripping. They are really trying to sell something so obvious. It's like a rice krispie treat you eat BEFORE your meal to stop you from eating so much.

Duh.

Other things I have tried is a couple of Shredded Wheat Cereal pieces (not flavored) and a bottle of water before food. The science is simple: anything you eat, bread or pasta or flour or wheat, will swell up in once water hits it. Same thing happens in your stomach.


People getting rich from the obvious :) lol
Try reading this article for a lot of ideas and other tips regarding the full bar and it's concept.

---

go green old style with an attic fan

In the hallway of our new house, is a very beautiful looking antique thermostat.

Turns out, it is an attic fan from Sears (dates back to ... hmmm... based on the wood paneling, I'd guess 1978-1984). I got curious and found this website:  

http://www.mysears.com/Sears-Attic-Fan-review-3cc46

It's basic operation works like this:

Talk about going green!
We normally would keep the thermostat at 69-72 degrees at our old apartment.
Since moving to the house, we've been at about 75 degrees. Last night was our first cool late summer night here in Florida, so Paul opened all the windows and turned the attic fan on. I tell you what, I was freezing! It creates the best drafts ever. Keep your ceiling fan on with it, and it's like a 65 degree air conditioning using almost NO electricity !! I had no idea these things existed, but now that I do, and now that I see other things around this house the previous owners had done, it looks like people have been "going green" ever since olden days when there WAS no other choice! I am so excited about this concept! I will keep this an open forum for green living.

Like our sprinkler system that runs from a well/spring in the backyard (haven't figured that one out yet, but I can hear it. I'll have to order plot drawings from City Hall)

Reuse It!

This sounds so simple, that we often forget how easy ideas like these are!!
From our friends at AllYou.com, 10 ways to give new purpose to old belongings

Transform place mats into coasters

Cut up place mats into drink coasters. Most place mats are already water-resistant and made for wear-and-tear, so no extra prep is necessary.

 

Save cereal bags

If your family loves cereal, you can avoid buying wax paper ever again. Wash and save the plastic bags that come in cereal boxes―they can be repurposed to wrap sandwiches or cold-cuts, store leftovers or freeze meats.

Put tired T-shirts to good use

 Add ripped or worn-out shirts (and other clothing items!) to your arsenal of cleaning supplies―whether you’re washing or dusting, the scraps come in handy as extra rags. (Compared to what you see at your left, which is basically a bag of cut up t shirts!!

Plant a garden using coffee mugs

Chipped coffee mugs make perfect homes for small flowers or herbs. Just fill with potting soil, plant seeds or flowers and place on the windowsill and you have your own portable garden!

 

 

Cover up with paper bags

The brown paper bags you carry out of the grocery store can be easily converted into covers for your kids’ textbooks. That’s one more thing to scratch off your back-to-school shopping list! (I used to do this as a kid, because then you had a blank canvas for all your doodles and scribbles from friends)

Get organized using coffee cans

Use empty coffee cans to hold everything from markers to macaroni! It’s a fuss-free way to de-clutter any area of your home.

Store pills in contact cases

Wash out cases that no longer hold contact lenses and fill them with a day’s worth of vitamins. Take one with you wherever you go for easy, discreet access.

Craft a bird feeder from a milk jug

Milk may have an expiration date, but its container can be used long after the last drop. Turn plastic jugs into bird feeders for your backyard simply by cutting a hole in the side and adding bird seed. Have the kids decorate, then hang from a tree.

Turn candles into pincushions

No need to toss away burned-out candles. They can become convenient homes for pins and needles.

Reinvent greeting cards

Collect the various greeting cards you receive throughout the year. When the holiday or occasion has passed, snip the cards into strips for instant bookmarks or cut off the fronts to use as seasonal postcards.(or I like to cut off the written-on page, and then use the decorative cover (now with a blank back) as a postcard! Genius!)

While we are at it, let's see some ways to re-use paper before chucking it ::

Unlike money, paper does (sort of) grow on trees, which is why it’s important to be mindful of how much you use―and waste. Check out these 10 budget- and earth-friendly tips: 

1. Print again. Reuse printer paper if it has text on only one side. It’s perfect for faxes and casual print-outs.
2. Take note. Make a notepad by stapling used printer paper, blank side up, to a piece of cardboard.
3. Let them scribble. Printer paper is great for kids to draw and paint on, and is often more cost-effective than paper made specifically for artistic pursuits.
4. Make art. Set aside an afternoon to create with your kids. The creative options are endless. Get inspired to make your own at Howstuffworks.com. Papier mâché, for example, simply uses strips of computer or newspaper to yield beautiful creations ready to paint. Get instructions at Ehow.com.
5. Cushion your packages. Newspaper or old wrapping paper can be used as package padding―shred, crumple or tear and eliminate the need for Styrofoam!
6. Make cat litter. Turn newspaper into odor-deterring kitty litter. It only takes a few simple steps―shred, soak in dish detergent and baking soda, and dry. Learn how at Planet Green.
7. Wrap it in your own style. Tape together sheets of unwanted paper, decorate and…instant customized wrapping paper! This is a great way to recycle children’s leftover artwork that doesn’t make the “keeper” pile.
8. Stuff it. Shred old paper to use as fill for stuffed animals or throw pillows. You can use any type of paper. It’s cheaper than buying synthetic padding and works just as well.
9. Create your own. Never buy fancy stationery again! Making your own gorgeous textured paper is much easier than you might think. All you need is pantyhose, bendable wire (a coat hanger, for example) and a blender. Follow the instructions at Ehow.com. 
10. Recycle it. If you’ve absolutely run out of creative reuses for your scrap paper, you still shouldn't throw any out. Paper bags, newspapers, computer paper, magazines, packaging and envelopes (minus the plastic pieces) can all be recycled. The only recycling no-nos are waxed paper, laminated paper (like that in fast-food products), pet-food bags and oil- or food-soaked paper. Check with your local sanitation department for restrictions in your area.