Lots more Sneaky Ways to save the pennies

Siebrie

For st. Nicolas (similar to xmass) I buy the items we would normally use, but in a nicer form, for instance shower gel for dds in a bottle aimed at children (this time some princesses, I believe) (I will refill this bottle with plain stuff afterwards ), a toothbrush with a cartoon character instead of a plain one, a T-shirt they have been asking for for ages. They only get gifts at their birthdays (conveniently in late spring) and st. Nicolas on 5 December.

Slubberd

I really love the l'occitane almond skin oil at £32 a bottle it is ridiculous - but it is a small luxury I buy once a year. I make it last by putting an Avon scentless body lotion dollop in my hand then adding 3 sprays of l'occitane. The scent is still strong and it's lovely.

Not strictly money saving I know but it lasts much much longer than just the oil on it's own which isn;t very viscose at all.

VfM4meplse

Slubberd wrote: »

I really love the l'occitane almond skin oil at £32 a bottle it is ridiculous

Am intrigued by what this might smell like. Anything like the old Revlon sweet almond body moisturiser, which is nicely scented?

PipneyJane

Slubberd wrote: »

I really love the l'occitane almond skin oil at £32 a bottle it is ridiculous - but it is a small luxury I buy once a year. I make it last by putting an Avon scentless body lotion dollop in my hand then adding 3 sprays of l'occitane. The scent is still strong and it's lovely.

Not strictly money saving I know but it lasts much much longer than just the oil on it's own which isn;t very viscose at all.

Are you on your their mailing list? I get offers all the time and have amassed a small stockpile of their lemon verbena body wash as a result. It is also worth checking out their in-store offers and whether they will adapt them to your preferences. (They did for me.)

Primrose

We accumulate all our loaf crusts in a bag in the fridge or freezer then cut them into small cubes. in a mini food processor, whizz up cooking oil, garlic cloves and a sprinkle of mixed dried herbs. Pour over the bread cubes in a large bowl and mix well until all are coated.

Bake on a tray in hot oven for 10-15 minutes and you have a delicious supply of garlic croutons for soups or snacks.

Works especially well if making “posh” sandwiches for parties with the crusts removed as it’s shame to waste them ! You can also dry these “fingers” slowly in a low oven to make melba toast sticks to eat with dips.

Caterina

I accumulate all bits of old or stale bread I can in a freezer bag too, to turn them into Christmas stuffing. When the kids lived with us I always had more than needed because they would not use the heels of the bread. Now that's only my husband and myself and we live frugally like two OAPs there's never any waste! So I had to ask our local baker to sell me a stale loaf! He, very kindly, didn't charge. Now this loaf in in the freezer and it will be put to good use on Christmas Eve, soaked in milk then mixed with herbs, spices and fried onions and then baked, to be served as part of our veggie Christmas dinner.

Gem-gem

Handing out Christmas cards early - when I see people from end of October to save on stamps.
I have also given my aunt and uncles their cards (with cousins) so they can act as postman. (They also do the same, so I am not thought as being tight). Have saved around £5 in postage so far.

Gem-gem

The bits of ribbon that I have been collecting all year, I am know using to attach my homemade tags onto presents.

Gem-gem

Before I use a lemon, I take the zest off first and freeze it until I need it.

Gem-gem

When I am in a shop, if they offer to wrap it in tissue paper I always say yes. When I get home I carefully unwrap it smooth it out and then use it as wrapping paper.