Sneaky ways to save the pennies

Witsend_2

I dilute the hand wash and fairy liquid (and when you use it it squirts over your top! added by DS) I also on the odd occasion substitute lurpack butter for anything that looks like it.:rotfl:

nannaC

janb5 wrote: »

I agree but it is easier to line the washing up bowl with tin foil and wait until the fizzing stops before taking out the items

OOOOOOOps sorry forgot to mention the fizz, yes it does look a bit like Frankensteins lab. Yes i is easier to line the whole bowl but I am just mean with the foil and only use as much as I really need.

bellaquidsin

I took 3 cuttings from my weeping fig and grew them on a bit then plaited the stems together and grew until about 2feet high. I have now potted the plant on into a large pot and bought a nice outer pot for £5.99 and I am about to give it to my friend for a birthday present. Have you seen the price of mature weeping fig plants?

This is not a quick fix money saving project as it has taken a year or two but I will definately be taking more cuttings for future presents.

Oh, and by the way my own weeping fig which is now a good three feet high was grown from cuttings taken 9 years ago when dgs was a baby and I had to clear away all floor standing plants. I gave the original plant to my next door neighbour and that had been grown from a very small cutting given to me by a friend so expenditure - nil, except for a bit of compost.

Bella.

Tub_Thumper

I always use half or less of the amount of washing liquid as we have very soft water. I also have one of those balls you put in the wash instead of liquid/powder. I find it does the job just as well on most loads and as there is no soap you can skip the rinse cycle as well so save on the electric. They are a bit rubbish for inground dirt like baby bibs and I can't bring myself to use them on the kids stuff if they have had an accident or been sick. But great for towels, sheets and anything that just needs freshening up.
Another top tip is to not use the fastest spin cycle on your machine. Apparently the fastest spin is most likely to kill off your machine and you could make your machine last up to 5 years extra as well as saving on a right load of electricity.
I also watch the weather forecast to work out which days will be the best drying days and do the washing accordingly. Really windy days also blow away more creases saving on the old ironing!

sparklygirl1

Tiger_greeneyes wrote: »

£5's worth of citric acid, bicarb of soda and essential oils will keep me in bath bombs for months. Shea butter and cocoa butter doesn't cost much on ebay and it's nice to pop into bath bombs. You can also put colours into the bombs and give them as pressies.

Please tell us how to make them............. Would love to know.

Steve-o

I was wondering that myself, so I did a quick Google...
http://www.teachsoap.com/bombs.html

mags50_2

ooooh... the kids at school make these in their science lessons... they love it!

ness_w

I've never quite understood what bath bombs are for...do they soften the water or actually get you clean?

cwp500

mineallmine wrote: »

Learn about cuts of meat. Now use neck of lamb for stew with the bones left on. I found it cheaper than other cuts and gave the best flavour. Took trial and error and my blank face at the butcher every time he spoke about a different cut but got there in the end!

Good tip.

If you dont like the greasiness of some cuts of lamb in stew, the best thing to do is let it go cold. Pop into the fridge overnight and next day skim off the layer of fat that will have risen to the surface overnight.

This works for chicken, ham and all meats cooked in liquid.

Rabbit

I tear kitchen roll in half and use it as napkins at meal times for sticky fingers etc. I get it when it's on offer and store.

I cut dishwasher tablets in half too and only use a little washing powder each time.
What a brilliant hread, I've got loads of new tips to try, thanks everyone. :T