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- TIGHTWAD
TIPS #7 -
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| KITCHEN
SAVINGS TIPS |
 Scoop-Out
Measured Savings
Most powdered
laundry detergents include free plastic scoops with graduated measurements.
After a few boxes of detergent, you've probably saved just a few of these
little treasures.  Not
only are they handy for mixing gardening chemicals, but they're also useful
in the kitchen too. I purchase bulk quantities of flour and sugar
at warehouse prices and re-package them in large glass pickle jars.
In each container, I now have matching scoops with graduated measures.
To be certain of the scoop's measurement marks, I take a known volume of
water and fill-up the scoop, then I mark the known measurements on the
scoop using a permanent marker. Liquid detergent and fabric softener measuring
tops also work well. Just wash everything completely before using. |
| GARDEN
SAVINGS TIPS |
 Growing
Savings From Peanuts!
What do
you do with foam packaging peanuts? You can store them for the next
time you send a package, or deposit them at most recycling centers across
the nation. Here's an even better idea. Why not use them in
potted plants to help with soil drainage? Instead of adding the traditional
gravel to the lower 1/3 of the planting container, add unused foam packaging
peanuts instead. As a low weight, high volume alternative to potting
gravel, you'll find your pots will weigh substantially less, making gardening
a little less burdensome. This volume drainage alternative
also helps stretch valuable quality gardening materials for other plants.
The insulation properties of the peanuts also help to sustain plant roots
during cold winter chills. |
| HOUSEHOLD
SAVINGS TIPS |
 Double
Doody Tissue Tender
These
days it seems there's a product for every thought. Nothing seems
to have a dual purpose and everything is a specialty. If a manufacturer
makes it, are we required to buy it? Does life really have to be
that difficult? Let me ask: Have you ever been in the bathroom and
not had any facial tissue, so you used toilet tissue? Now tell me,
what is the big difference between the two items? I know some brands
of toilet tissue that are softer and more fragrant then facial tissue!
During this last cold season, I went through five boxes of tissues and
I just plain got fed up! I decided to combine my tissues into one!
Using an empty container of a popular powdered infant formula, I tore off
the paper advertising label and found a very nice silvered 'art deco' exterior.
I simply dropped a roll of toilet tissue into the can while streaming one
end of tissue out through the top.  Next
I got a roll of masking tape and placed it on the top of the plastic formula
lid to use as a template. Using a sharp utility knife, I cut around
the inside of the masking roll to form about a three inch circular hole
in the center of the top. I then put the top on the can and pulled
the tissue through the opening. Now when I need facial tissue,
I don't take a sheet, I pull a roll! Now I have one less specialty
item to buy at the store. Even if your not sold, this is still useful
for those places that don't have a place to store a toilet roll, simply
put this on the counter. If you'd like a fancier container, try covering
the can with shelf liner, contact paper or fancy wrapping paper to match
your bedroom decor. If you're handy at sewing, a little bit of cloth material
and elastic would make a great covering. You like triple-ply
facial tissue?... pull more of the roll! |
| HOUSEHOLD
SAVINGS TIPS |
 Matchless
Savings
Long handled
matches are a minor but costly purchase, yet truly needed for igniting
pilot lights, barbecues, and fire place logs. Here's a simple solution:
Take your wooden matches and wooden barbecue skewer and jam them together
to make a longer match, or use masking tape to attach them onto each other.
Don't spend... improvise. If you don't have skewer, then how about using
masking tape to attach matches to the end of an old broken TV antenna,
that way what you light will get an infernal reception! |
| SEWING
SAVINGS TIPS |
 Dryer
Sheets: Stabilizer Backing
Don't tell me you just throw away
those used laundry static sheets! After freshly used from the dryer,
you should collect them and use them for your sewing needs. They're
perfect used as backing for sewing and embroidery. The material
simply pulls away after you're done. |
| SPECIAL
NOTICE... |
You
see them in the back alleys of the finest shopping malls in America.
Huddled in their executive pinstripes
and power ties. There they are. Exchanging furtive glances.
Suddenly they approach you and your children. Quickly, and with
all the ferocity of a Hare Krishna on steroids, they attack. Begging
you to spend all your money... As though their last plate of Grey Poupon
and caviar desperately depended on it! They promise alluring fulfillment
and guarantee a good time.
"Psst...Hey buddy... You gotta
see this... This is the best... You gotta have it... Take it now
on credit... Don't worry, you can pay me later..."
WELL, JUST DON'T STAND THERE! Just Say No!
THEN... Be a TIGHTWAD INFORMANT!
Go deep undercover along the ugly money changing consumer back streets
and suburban causeways. Bring shameless advertisers, marketeers and
profiteers to the blinding light of tightwad TRUTH & JUSTICE.
Get the reward of a job well done and step away knowing that you've made
the streets safe for future generations of consumer netizens. And that's
something everyone can admire! In the fight to empower the consumer,
any original tip is welcome. Submissions must include the author's name,
e-mail address, city & state. Submissions are subject to editing for
space, clarity, publication & reprint. Use this submission box
or e-mail us at: Editor@tightwad.com
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