Lots more Sneaky Ways to save the pennies

Penelope_Penguin

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The original Sneaky Ways thread is now very long so time for another

My Sneaky Way - always ask yourself if you really need a non-essential item, and even if you do, wait a week to see if you still need it This has saved DH and I loads :money:

What are your ways of sneakily saving pennies that your family doesn't notice? I challenge you all to come up with a brand new Sneaky Way that isn;t on the original thread

Penny. x

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Eenymeeny

Thanks for the new thread Penny, now that's some challenge!
How about today when I wrapped a bottle of water in a microfibre teatowel before placing in my bag to go out for the day? It kept cool and absorbed any drips. We also had a cloth handy for dirty little hands and faces!:D

greengoblin

Assuming you're like me and hoard tissue paper to re-use and wrap presents there are a couple of things to jazz them up.

If the tissue paper is a pale colour then flicking it with water colour paint creates a nice 'splat' effect. Or you can paint directly on to it.
If you have dark tissue paper doing the same but with bleach (wearing gloves and having newspaper down!) also gives a good result.

Voila - smart and shabby chic wrapping paper!

sock-knitter

Eenymeeny wrote: »

Thanks for the new thread Penny, now that's some challenge!
How about today when I wrapped a bottle of water in a microfibre teatowel before placing in my bag to go out for the day? It kept cool and absorbed any drips. We also had a cloth handy for dirty little hands and faces!:D

this is one i hadnt thought of, but will certainly use, thanks

sparrer

I was given a money tree (Jade plant) a few years ago, the plant which is supposed to bring wealth if given as a gift, but apparently doesn't work if you buy it for yourself.

Last year it fell over and three of the leaves broke off so, as in true OS style I'm loathe to throw anything away, I just stuck them back into the soil. They've grown into baby money trees so I'm nurturing them to give for Chrissie pressies.

I've been solvent since I got mine (about the time I joined MSE ) and the babies should save some pennies for the recipients. Hopefully, every one's a winner

Uniscots97

If getting to the bottom of nail varnish and its gloopy, I add a drop of nail varnish remover, close the lid give it a good shake then use. This makes it go a little further.

I always have loads of body lotion. I found it works great instead of shave gel for my legs. If its a really thick body lotion I water it down slightly so it doesn't clog the razor. Smooth silky legs in one easy step.

Frugalista

unixgirluk wrote: »

If getting to the bottom of nail varnish and its gloopy, I add a drop of nail varnish remover, close the lid give it a good shake then use. This makes it go a little further.

Apparently (according to my chemist) you shouldn't do that as it is not good for your nails. Instead I buy a bottle of clear nail varnish (cheaper is better as they are usually more runny) and tip a little of that into the coloured varnish - give it a good shake and Voila!! It also makes a favourite colour go a lot further.

SunnyGirl

If you buy tinted moisturiser for the summer instead of using foundation just mix a little of your usual foundation with your face cream in the palm of your hand before applying as usual. The same effect but not an extra product to buy

Unity

greengoblin wrote: »

Assuming you're like me and hoard tissue paper to re-use and wrap presents there are a couple of things to jazz them up.

If the tissue paper is a pale colour then flicking it with water colour paint creates a nice 'splat' effect. Or you can paint directly on to it.
If you have dark tissue paper doing the same but with bleach (wearing gloves and having newspaper down!) also gives a good result.

Voila - smart and shabby chic wrapping paper!

I can't take credit for this - but one of the 'Victorian Christmas' programmes on (I think) BBC2 showed how to make marbled wrapping paper, by filling a sink with water and dripping oil-based paint onto the surface. You can swirl it with a chopstick or similar and then lay a piece of ordinary drawing paper on the surface. Obviously don't let it get soaking wet, (or you'll just have papier-mache ) remove it and lay it flat to dry on old newspapers and you have stylish cheap wrapping paper.

Eenymeeny

Unity wrote: »

I can't take credit for this - but one of the 'Victorian Christmas' programmes on (I think) BBC2 showed how to make marbled wrapping paper, by filling a sink with water and dripping oil-based paint onto the surface. You can swirl it with a chopstick or similar and then lay a piece of ordinary drawing paper on the surface. Obviously don't let it get soaking wet, (or you'll just have papier-mache ) remove it and lay it flat to dry on old newspapers and you have stylish cheap wrapping paper.

Wow, I remember being shown this at school then using the paper to back our books! Does anyone do this anymore? It would be nice to colour co-ordinate covered gift boxes wouldn't it? I would use a paint roller tray though, save messing the sink up:D
Thanks Unity, I'd forgotten about that.:T

lilac_lady

If you have a strong colour of paint left over you can add white paint to it and it'll give you a new pastel shade, enough to decorate another room. White paint can be a lot cheaper than coloured paint.