Have you ever tried these money saving ideas? Do you think you will try them?
By ctrymuziklvr
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
United States
August 14, 2007 12:52pm CST
A long time ago a friend told me about using the dollar store hair conditioners for shaving and I have to tell you it was the best tip anyone had given me in years. Not only does it save money but it leaves my legs and under arms a lot softer than those expensive lady shave creams do and smell a lot better than the mens cheap shaving cream. Usually for $1 you can find a large bottle of conditioner of almost any scent and it lasts for a long time too!Do you like using Febreeze to freshen up your home? Isn't it the most expensive stuff there is and even the new "cheaper" or store brands are just as expensive. Now while I'm in the dollar store I'll buy a cheap bottle of scented fabric softener and dilute it with water in a spray bottle and spray everything in my apartment. It's just as good as anything I could buy and a whole lot less expensive too. If it does the job why not right?Have you seen the commercial for the spray clorox cleaner? How dumb do they think we are huh? I bought the store brand bleach and put that in a spray bottle diluted with some water and it does an awesome job when I'm cleaning and of course it also disinfects. It is bleach after all...just not the expensive Clorox name that we pay for!Have you ever tried any of these money saving ideas? What did you think about them if you did? If not do you think you might give one a try? Do you have any money saving tricks you would like to share? I'm always looking for new ideas!
6 people like this
23 responses
@CoffeeAnyone (3210)
• Canada
15 Aug 07
I say save the dollar on the hair conditioner! It takes such a tiny amount of anything smooth on your legs for shaving purposes. When I put conditioner on my hair I reach down and wipe the lrest over on my leg then shave it. Then take a bit more from my hair if there is a lot there or a little from the bottle and use that. I actually sometimes use the shampoo as I am washing my hair; and I have even used the soap I am washing my body with. All those things word fine when shaving my legs. Now about the under arms? Isn't it easier to shave your under arms when they are dry? So you don't need anything there! I don't put smelling things around my house I don't' think it stinks. Maybe it does? I like to use bleach to clean my house too it is cheap but expensive on the ruined clothes since I tend to splatter on them so I have turned over to ammonia on days I am up for the big clean through the house.
1 person likes this
@CoffeeAnyone (3210)
• Canada
15 Aug 07
I sure do, I think sometimes I am queen of cheap when it comes to shampoos, cleaners and just plain stuff. Please forgive me if I made it sound like your home was smelly. I never thought it threw about what I said. I just assumed people used air fresheners because there was an bad order in the house. Yet I am aware some people are just into things smelling pretty. I have never been because I have always wondered if that was physically good for us to be spraying things around our house all the time. I don't know if that is true or just in my head. I love good cheap tips if I think of any I will come back to post. I know what you mean about the smell of ammonia and even bleach. I hate it too but for some reason probably all in my head I seem to think they kill the most germs. At least I trust them, lol for write or wrong. Plus cheap! About the under arms. I am so surprised, how can I not know that people use shaving cream or something to shave there arms pits. I have always used a dry razor and so does every one I know. At least I think so. I now have to ask everyone! I was told as a young girl dry is better for the underarms. Hmm learn something new every day!
1 person likes this
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
15 Aug 07
Did you know that the cheap conditioners are just as good as the expensive ones? Look at the ingredients some day. We basically pay for the brand name. Nope, I need to use something when I shave under my arms, maybe my skin is just too sensitive? My apartment doesn't smell but I love having a pleasing scent around and people who come in always like it. I got a febreeze scent machine for christmas and it's awesome. When you use anything to spray you have to know to be careful not to get anything on clothing because of course it will ruin them. I can't stand the smell of ammonia it makes me sick.
1 person likes this
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
16 Aug 07
At one time I used an electric razor if that's what your talking about in which case your right it's a dry shave. But I never found one that I really liked no matter how expensive it was so I just went back to the old wet shave. I do understand what your saying about germs and using ammonia and bleach.
1 person likes this
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
15 Aug 07
You can also go to places like cafemom - where they have blogs that are full of links to free stuff - samples and such. Walmart also has free samples - diapers, shampoo and conditioner and more. I've seen shows on millionaires - not those who make $100,000 or more a year but those who make $40,000 or less but are frugal. They use drying racks instead of the dryer - they buy the wind from the local utility company - meaning they use windmills, they wash out baggies - so many ways to be frugal.
1 person likes this
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
15 Aug 07
Yay, many don't want to use drying racks - they believe their clothes won't be as soft - more wrinkles. As you likely know you can put fabric softner in the wash - and buy clothes that either don't wrinkle or its a crinkle fabric....
1 person likes this
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
27 Aug 07
I usually use the racks only for smaller items that dry fast like socks, bras and underwear.
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
15 Aug 07
I'm a member of cafemom and get free samples weekly from walmart! I've been using drying racks for years for my smaller easier to dry items.
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
25 Aug 07
These are great ideas and I do use some of them. I have never used the fabric softner that you are talking about but I may try it.
I have used vinegar to clean with and I like the Swiffer to mop with and have tried several ways to keep from buying the refills although I have never found anything that works as good as they do.
I also love the dollar store as it seems to be the best place to shop for me as I am a tight wad and don't like to spend my money!
1 person likes this
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
27 Aug 07
I love the swifter mops and have put old dish towels or large face cloths on them and held them there with rubber bands when I run out of the swifter pads.
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
15 Aug 07
Also, look up things like freecycle.org or poshpoints
1 person likes this
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
15 Aug 07
vinegar has many many uses as does baking soda - for instance - vinegar is a low cost, safe solution for ants.
1 person likes this
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
14 Aug 07
I have done the clorox thing. I have mildew in my basement and instead of buying the expensive stuff I dilute bleach in a spray bottle for that. I also love the dollar stores and do the fabric deoderant thing too. I didn't really like the smell of Fabreeze anyway. But there are alot of money saving things out there.....and you can find them at the dollar stores!
1 person likes this
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
15 Aug 07
I'm a dollar store fanatic believe me. I can tell you what is in which aisle at the 3 that are near me. Talk about a frequent flyer!
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
15 Aug 07
I love it too.....here is a quick and easy Christmas present you can get at the dollar store. Buy a cooking whisk.....fill it with candy and put a little ribbon with a tag on it that says "Whisking you a Merry Christmas." I am going to do it for my co workers. Cheap....fun..useful and everyone can us another whisk. They have dollar candy there that is good. The baskin robbins hard candy I send to the troops all the time.
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
27 Aug 07
Great idea! I'm writing that down and putting it with my Christmas gift ideas! Thanks!
@wiccania (3360)
• United States
14 Aug 07
Instead of the fabric softener thing, I buy the "All" brand of fabric freshener (it's like febreez) and dilute that. I mix about half a cup of the All stuff in a large spray bottle and fill with water. The stuff is so strongly scented, that it works great.
1 person likes this
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
15 Aug 07
But isn't All a bit expensive? You can get a huge container of great smelling fabric softener at a dollar store or the store brand for like $2.
@wiccania (3360)
• United States
15 Aug 07
The All costs about a dollar less than febreez, and 1 bottle gives me about 4-6 bottles of the diluted stuff. Yeah, it's more expensive than buying fabric softener at the dollar store, but people are allergic to fabric softener. Animals as well. And whatever you spray is going to leave a residue that they're going to come into contact with.
1 person likes this
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
15 Aug 07
those are fantastic ideas... i might be able to add some more to your list... buy non-perishable things that you use often and can last long in bulks especially when there is a special offer... this saves me heaps of money... recycle the plastic shopping bags and use them again for garbage bag so that you don't have to buy... create dishes with the stuffs that are going on special in the supermarket... usually, we have weekly specials here in our 2 biggest supermarket and they change their specials every week... so i always try to fit my menu to their specials... it saves me a lot of money too...
1 person likes this
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
15 Aug 07
I do all of the things you mentioned. I have a huge plastic bag that I put the smaller ones in and use the smaller ones in the wastebaskets in each room and one in my kitchen for garbage only.
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
14 Aug 07
I dilute a lot of stuff, too. And I don't usually use bleach to clean things, I use vinegar or baking soda for most cleaning.
1 person likes this
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
15 Aug 07
I use vinegar to clean mirrors and windows and baking soda for lots of cleaning jobs.
@sunshinecup (7871)
•
15 Aug 07
LOL, have you seen that new Clorox product, "Anywhere for hard surface"? It's flippin bleach water in a spray bottle! LOL, my friend bought that and was ravening over it. Then she felt silly when I pointed out what it was. So I know for a fact I saved on that since I make my own, LOL.
I do buy store brands and dollar store products. To me thy are just as good as the brand name. Here is how I look at it, when I buy a product I ask, am I paying for the cost to make it and dispense it or am I paying for the cost to make commercials? IMO that is the difference.
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
27 Aug 07
I went through the same thing with my daughter and the new clorox spray! How dumb do they think we are? lol...
@chippy49 (171)
• United States
15 Aug 07
I have tried and used every advice that I could get from anyone. I am on such a tight budget that when I get some cash I have to bargain shop. I just cannot believe on how competitive this world is nowadays that we cannot just go to one corner store like in the good old days and buy what we need. No now we need to bargain shop and get the best price for our money. If you ever get anymore ideas, sent them our way again...thanks.
1 person likes this
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
15 Aug 07
Yes, I to remember the "good ol' days" and miss them. Everything is so expensive now it's ridiculous.
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
15 Aug 07
That sounds like a good idea to me. I have never heard of it.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
14 Aug 07
Great ideas, ctry. It's expensive, but due to my eczema, I can only use certain products on my skin. I will try the fabric softener idea. Febreze is too expensive. I also like to use the scented candles as when you light them the scent sort of permeates everything-giving your house a lovely smell. I can't use bleach(for obvious reasons), but a friend sends me tips all the time and she sent a list of all the things you can do with Hydrogen Peroxide. It can be used just like bleach without the harsh effects of bleach. And, yes, it also disinfects!
1 person likes this
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
15 Aug 07
I'm sorry about your exzema. It must be a pain only being able to use certain products and I bet their always expensive too right? I use scented candles all over my apartment and don't have a room without at least 2 in it. I have heard of the peroxide but never tried it.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
15 Aug 07
I used to buy a lot of products in the dollar stores to save money, but like geez, I'm beginning to wonder just how safe they are, like the tainted toothpastes from China that are sold in those stores, so like how safe are some of the other products...You better believe I'm reading just where they are made from--but that idea of the scented fabric softeners is a great one...will have to try it!
1 person likes this
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
15 Aug 07
I'm definitely careful now about anything that will go in my mouth! I also read where everything comes from before buying it.
@Weezy333 (33)
• United States
15 Aug 07
I like the Dollar stores too. You can find a lot of good stuff for very little money. I just went to the Dollar tree yesterday to get a gift bag for a baby shower I'm going to, and ended up getting 5 more things. I also found a cute little baby bib with Spiderman on it, for only $1.
They have good greeting cards there and those are only 50 cents (2 for $1). I also got a 2008 calendar book, and a huge 3 litter bottle of Shasta Tiki Punch. In the past I've gotten really comfortable flip flops too. I couldn't find them anywhere else for such a good price, plus at other places, the flip flops were not as comfortable.
I have a blog with more Money Saving Tips if you want to take a look:
http://freemoneysavingtips.blogspot.com
1 person likes this
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
15 Aug 07
Dollar stores are the best places to shop because they always have so many good things. I've never walked out of one without spending some kind of money.
@gwendovere (1279)
• United States
27 Aug 07
Yes. I've started using generics on a lot of stuff. It saves money & often the products are just as good. Also, if you can buy stuff at 2nd hand stores, garage sales, etc. -- it can save you a lot of money. (if you shop wisely)
1 person likes this
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
15 Aug 07
Another way to pamper yourself and do something for overall health, is to get a massage at a massage school, they charge a nominal charge- plus hopefully tip and you can let them know you're available for day or evening or weekend classes - when they're having tests and need 'clients' to work on. You can have free massages and spa days. I think this also hold true for other schools. Beauty schools for instance. I would look for a school that uses natural plant essences though...
1 person likes this
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
15 Aug 07
Another way to pamper yourself and do something for overall health, is to get a massage at a massage school, they charge a nominal charge- plus hopefully tip and you can let them know you're available for day or evening or weekend classes - when they're having tests and need 'clients' to work on. You can have free massages and spa days. I think this also hold true for other schools. Beauty schools for instance. I would look for a school that uses natural plant essences though...
1 person likes this
@goddessglamourpuss (261)
•
14 Aug 07
I will definately try the hair conditioner one out. And I totally agree with you about diluting other stuff in spray bottles.
1 person likes this
@Robinsman (52)
• United States
15 Aug 07
Wow...I love this stuff...I have read your discussion and all that responed to it and didn't even think about half of the things mentioned I have got to try them all....well not all...I don't shave my legs....I love the way my hair feels on my legs blowing in the wind....also I am a guy lol don't shave my pits either...I know some guys do and thats ok...it might feel good??? I do wax my back well I don't my fiancee does that for me and it feels good.
1 person likes this
