Dollar Stretcher Tips for January 8, 2009

Dollar Stretcher Tips for January 8, 2009. Ideas on stretching perfumed lotions, making easy and inexpensive window curtains, getting your family to eat healthier while still saving money and more

The Danger of Waiting

Here's a "heads up" regarding gift cards. I just saw a new report that warned consumers that a company declaring bankruptcy does not have to honor gift cards. The advice was to use the cards quickly since so many companies are in real trouble in these rough economic times.
Jane

Stretching Perfumed Lotions

Those expensive perfumed lotions can go extra far by mixing them with an inexpensive unscented moisturizing cream. Just mix a little of the perfumed cream with the unscented and you still have the scent, but it goes a lot farther.
Donna

                     

Know Your Cords

When you get a new "toy" that has a USB cord (or anything else with a detachable cord), the first thing to do is to take a piece of masking tape, write the name of the toy on it, and wrap it around the cord, leaving a little tab sticking out that shows the name. No more wondering what cord goes to what!
S.

Easy Winter Window Curtains

Fleece makes excellent curtains! First of all, they do not need to be hemmed, so if you don't own a sewing machine, you can just cut to size and then pin up. You can even glue decorations to the pins to spice things up. I used chunks of mirror, or faux flowers would be nice. Secondly, the material is a great insulation to help with utility bills. They keep the heat in during winter, and you can open them to let in sunlight for a little free heat. Mine work so well in our drafty old apartment building that I had a half inch of ice form on the inside of the windows! I had to put plastic up too just to keep the ice from forming!
Bridget

Selective Viewing

If you already have a high-speed Internet connection (DSL or Broadband) and only watch certain specific shows on TV, why not check out the channel's website and see if it is available to watch for free there instead of paying more for cable. CBS and History Channel, for example, put several of their shows online the day after it airs on TV, and keep it up for at least a week. I completely cancelled my cable, watching all my favorite shows online.
Anne B.

Before Freezing Meats

I have a vacuum sealer, and when I freeze meat in it, I first find the bag I need and put the meat in it. I then leave the bag open with the meat in it and put it in the freezer until the meat starts to freeze. I then take it out of the freezer and vacuum seal the bag and then put them back into the freezer. By doing it this way, there are no raw meat juices to worry about because the juices have frozen unto the meat.
T.

Vinegar in Your Laundry

If you use liquid fabric softener in your clothes, try this tip. Mix your favorite softener half and half with white vinegar. Vinegar helps to kill germs and lingering odors in your clothes. Also, if you happen to be out of fabric softener, vinegar helps cut down on static cling. 
Candy J.

Kids Enjoying Veggies?

My husband and I are trying to eat healthier and save money at the same time. Not an easy task. So we bought an electric wok. For the past several nights, we have chosen a type of protein (chicken, pork, or shrimp) plus a huge selection of veggies (snap peas, green peppers, green onions, broccoli, etc.) and cooked a small amount of rice to go with the dinner. We are eating better and having fun cooking the meal together. Our kids are actually eating a lot of veggies, and we have considerably lowered our food bill. By using the meats and veggies bought on sale, and going a little lighter on the meat portions, we are saving quite a bit on our food budget. An extra bonus is that the cleanup is easy and fast.
Mary R.

Missed Flight Meal Voucher

Suppose your airline has to change your flight for any reason and you miss your connecting flight. Did you know that they owe you a meal voucher? When I missed my flight in Atlanta a few years ago, I went to customer service and the agent printed a meal voucher out for me. 

I also did it again yesterday when we missed our connecting flight to Nashville. The agent was down right rude this time. She actually asked me how I knew about it and I told her. She then tried telling me that the printer wasn't working. As you see, it depends on the agent, but you're entitled to a meal voucher. 
Sophia

Protecting Wood Kitchen Utensils

Once or twice a year, I give all my wooden utensils, cutting boards and chopping block a thorough mineral oil bath to replenish the moisture lost through frequent washing and sterilizing.

Simply smear them with the oil and leave to dry. Sometimes a few coats are needed and drying time can take a day or two. I find this bit of time to be worth the investment, as I prefer the wood utensils and kitchen supplies to plastic ones. 
J.O'Dell

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