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Old William Shatner Main Discussion - Dollar stretchers

SMB - Jun 29, 2009 - 12:26 AM
Post subject: Dollar stretchers

I have noticed that many of us are struggling to make ends meet these days. I wonder if any of you would like to share some of your creative ways to save pennies and stretch dollars.

I know there are websites out there that focus on these issues. Perhaps if there is one that you like, you could post the url to it here.

One way I have found to stretch a buck is to make my own bread. The least expensive store bought loaf costs around 1.25. For that same amount of money, I can make one batch of bread dough and get two loaves, 6 rolls, and have enough left over to make a pizza crust.

As far as time goes, I figure by the time I got into the car and went to the store to buy bread, I could already have the dough made and in the process of rising.

Anyone else care to share?

Gornman - Jun 29, 2009 - 01:52 AM
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I have a clothesline in the back I have never used.
You can't really see it, so I could get by with it. Idea

I've had to run my A/C more than I want to in this 100+ heat.
My next Ga. Power bill is going to be thru the roof.

Like I always said...

If you don't use your A/C in this heat, why did you buy it?

However, depending on where you live, I can imagine
sh!t hitting the fan in certain other neighborhoods when
the neighbors get a gander at real human activity.
Like a clothesline Idea

Example

http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/lifest ... 02/276372/

littlestar - Jun 29, 2009 - 02:31 AM
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I don't know Sue...it just seems to come natural to me, since I grew up dirt poor. I can live on $2,000, or less, a month, covering everything, BUT Health Insurance and since I have lost total faith in the Medical Profession here and don't go to Dr.s, even when I broke my foot, it would be wasted anyway.

I am a coupon queen and I buy canned goods when they are on sale and back stock them. I eat Veggies and rice allot, only consuming Chicken, Turkey and fish for meat...also only bought on sale and frozen for later.
I don't use the Box Stores, like Costco, because I did a study for myself for a year and found the $50 membership did not even out on any of the pricing they had there. Not only were the prices to be found at other stores, including the gas prices, but they require bulk buying and then one runs into spoilage.
I turn the lights off, except for fairy lights...you know, the string lights used at Xmas...or nightlights....I can see quite well enough to get around the house with those. I use Solar lights outside. I only run the TV, or computer, when I am using it...I admit I used to use it for background noise to take my mind off the Tinnitus, but no more. I dress in layers, so that hot or cold, I can adjust. I buy large bags of GOOD cat Food, on sale, with Coupons...they eat less of the good stuff and it is better for their health, so less Vet bills. I handle allot of their medical care myself, as you know.
I used to make my own bread, but I am lazy, last time I made frybread...I was floured from head to toe ... Laughing

....I have a bread maker, but the mixes are YUK...I did find a really good seed bread for $1.38 a Loaf that I am hooked on, but then I don't always eat bread daily.
I don't; go on trips, go to the Movies, eat at Restaurants anymore, but with the quality of Food served lately, I don't miss it.
I DON"T DRYCLEAN anymore...it became too costly and I don't like the chemicals anyway...I use the DRYELL kit. I hand wash allot of delicates anyway.
I walk as much as I can....I eat blandly for my IBS...I don't know, I really don't mind cutting back. I am clothed, I am clean, I am fed and I live in a comfortable house,surrounded by those who care for me....
In spirit ...I am rich.

daisydownunder - Jun 29, 2009 - 03:15 AM
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Quote:

I walk as much as I can....I eat blandly for my IBS...I don't know, I really don't mind cutting back. I am clothed, I am clean, I am fed and I live in a comfortable house,surrounded by those who care for me....

I could have written this Smile

I make all my winter tops and jackets etc, also some trousers for (around the house) only draw back is I love Malden mills fleece from the US, but the postage!!!!!

In the winter I have this huge pan of vegetable soup on the go, this is just some legumes to thicken and I freeze some of it . make it on the weekend lasts all week for lunch.

A/C I do not run them all day and night as some do. and yes this is a Hot country. I have to leave my door open as long as I can bare it. then it is shut about 11 in the mid morning. as soon as the sun goes down I open back and front doors, and this lets real air into my home. I never run it at night. and I have a ''thing'' about being closed in all day. this is more a health thing not a cost thing. even now on a winters day the door is slightly ajar.

TV is off all day may pop on DrPhil while having lunch then it is off. until the evening. computer is a newer one that switches off when not in use . I have 1 low voltage light on in the dark.

I take 3 minute showers:) I use all left over's, never throw anything away.

I have always lived within my means. and I don't buy just for the sake of buying. I look at something, covert it, and then say do you really need this, and the answer is NO!!!
I have to admit since living Rural here I have managed very well. even to taking an overseas trip every year.

Like littlestar I grew up dirt poor. after world war 2, it was a hell on earth for many years with poverty in the UK. the era of rationed food. could you image this today!!! I lived in Newcastle and it was leveled like London in many parts.

I also got rid of my car. these do keep you poor:) and shop every 2 weeks . late in the evening with my son. it is also a good time BTW to pick up bread meat. and hot chickens that are cut to the bone price wise to clear the shelves .

we notice a few folks waiting for this moment. I have got the odd chicken this way, but leave these things for the folks who are really in need it. I am not rolling in money but I have more than enough to live on with my medical needs covered.

It is not that we cant manage . it is we just have to get used to the new way to live.

Daisy Smile

Cat - Jun 29, 2009 - 05:03 AM
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If there are any vacant lots/land in your area, a community garden is a great idea. They're started one here on some land the city owns. It costs down on both the cost, and work, when you share. And then you can freeze any veggies that you can't eat right now. Free, and they taste better than store bought.

rdb - Jun 29, 2009 - 05:52 AM
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This made a big difference here- several years ago we applied solar film to our windows. It cut down on the amount of heat coming in the house enough so that you could tell the difference (and the air didn't run nearly as much during the day).

Put all of your "wall warts" (power supplies) on a power strip and switch them off when you're not using them. That saves a lot of power if you have more than a few. (I admit- I haven't done this yet.)

If your TV has a "vacation" switch- it will turn off the power to the tube (that is, if you're not running Plasma or LCD). That saves some power.

Fluorescent lights instead of regular lights save a lot of power (and when they finally come out with the LED "solid state" lights, it will be many times more efficient!!!)

SHADE TREES. Every little bit of shade around your place will make the yard (and the house) that much cooler. Cooler means less AC, less electricity.

A microwave uses less energy than a standard cookstove, and a dishwasher actually uses less hot water than hand-washing (according to what I've read).

Add insulation around your hot water tank. That will usually save a lot of energy, because once heated up the water will stay hot longer and the heating element won't cycle as much.

This is a biggie- drive no faster than 60mph if you can (on the interstates, that could be dangerous). The gas mileage of all vehicles goes down significantly above around 55 mph- at which speed wind resistance starts becoming a factor. The ideal speed is around 50 mph- 45 for bulky or big vehicles.

daisydownunder - Jun 29, 2009 - 06:12 AM
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Cat wrote:

I watched the garden show on sunday and they recon a lot of home owners are doing this getting rid of some of the huge lawn and putting in vegies. and even mixing it with some flowers to make it more like a country garden , a great idea. but a lot to learn when starting out to get high yields:) and saving your own seeds etc. worth having a go, if you have a garden.

Daisy Smile

vampyregirl - Jun 29, 2009 - 06:20 AM
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I'm a coupon "queen" too!!! I also shop at Aldi. Much cheaper--and they're currently the #1 grocery chain in America! I don't get all of my things there, though! I am picky about some things, and will get the "name brand"--using a coupon, of course!!! There is a Dollar General at the end of my street now, and I get most of my paper products and laundry detergent there too--and they take coupons!!! The good thing is, I can walk there to get the stuff I need!

I make sure and ask myself if I really actually "need" an item or is it just a "want". I do indulge still, but not any where near the level I used to!!!!

Cat - Jun 29, 2009 - 06:38 AM
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daisydownunder wrote:

Cat wrote:

I wish our yard could be made into a garden. It's a very small lot, with big trees, so no place for gardening unless we cut down the trees. I have thought of using some of the new hanging inverted planters for some veggies, but there is a rather large initial outlay of money. Not sure if it is worth it or not.

Cat - Jun 29, 2009 - 06:42 AM
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rdb wrote:

Bob, I wonder if that solar film could be used on sky lights? That is our biggest problem. Our house faces North/South, and was very dark, so we put in a lot of large sky lights. The light is wonderful, but you get a major greenhouse effect in summer, with the temps being higher inside than out. It's nice in winter, our house stays warm, but it's just awful in summer.

daisydownunder - Jun 29, 2009 - 06:47 AM
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Cat wrote:

daisydownunder wrote:

Cat wrote:

Thats what I always say as well Smile

However I did see one where the guy used hydroponics around his shed walls etc using PVC pipe large plumbing kind, (can be found also at the local tip:) and just a $20 pump off Ebay to water the plants regularly he mainly had lettuce and tomatoes, But I loved this idea it was so clean:) and with a bad back you can put them higher up than a garden bed:) liquid fertiliser just added now and again.

Daisy Smile

littlestar - Jun 29, 2009 - 06:52 AM
Post subject:

The film kind will work on skylights...only trouble is, the natural condensation that forms so often on them...breaks down the film quicker and it's not cheap

daisydownunder - Jun 29, 2009 - 07:20 AM
Post subject:

actually the one I like uses just water and the holes are small but the pvc pipe is the right size Smile

daisy

littlestar - Jun 29, 2009 - 05:21 PM
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Who has lots of experience with Camellia Bushes ?

SMB - Jun 29, 2009 - 05:42 PM
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daisydownunder wrote:

Cat wrote:

daisydownunder wrote:

Cat wrote:

Thats what I always say as well Smile

Cat, Have you looked into container gardening? Some veggies do nicely in big buckets or even planters.

Daisy, I would love to try hydroponics. I love the way Disney's Epcot center does theirs (or course they are on a much larger scale).

A number of years ago, Bob built a square foot garden box for me (nothing more than a 4ft by 4ft wooden box) and put it up on a couple of saw horses. It was just the right level for me. There was room for a small metal shelving unit under the garden box where I kept my gardening tools (just simple hand tools). Believe it or not, I grew a lot of veggies in that small area: everything from beans, potatoes, squash, radishes (good old radishes grow just about anywhere), and a variety of lettuces. It was a lot of fun. I am hoping to build another one. (hint, hint to Bob Wink

)

CaptJTK - Jun 29, 2009 - 11:05 PM
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vampyregirl wrote:

Aldi, man I'm glad we got one here too. Like you, I don't get everything there, but for the staples, it's great. With me and the kids, our grocery bill was out of control. Once they opened Aldi, I cut the bill in half.

I've also taught the kids to shop on E-Bay for clothes, books, music, etc. There's a vendor called 1 Cent CD's. They're not one cent at the end of auction, but I usually can get music for about 2.50 including shipping.

Since the kids are readers, they found a paperback exchange on the net. FreePaperbacks.com. Not sure of the name, but I'll ask them. You put up the books you no longer want, and take what you do, paying only shipping. I believe for every one you take you have to put one up, but it's beats the price of buying books all the time.

I use the motorcycle as much as possible, year 'round. I can usually get away with one tank of gas a month in the car. (if the weather cooperates) 60 MPG sure beats 19 MPG.

Vacations are at my sister's in VA. We haven't been on a big vacation in years. I have college tuitions coming up, and I'm not spending anything I dont' have to. Hoping with Mary's SAT scores, she'll scholarship out. That's the only way I made it through.

I grew up poor also, and that never leaves you.

Cat - Jun 30, 2009 - 02:27 AM
Post subject:

SMB wrote:

daisydownunder wrote:

Cat wrote:

daisydownunder wrote:

Cat wrote:

Thats what I always say as well Smile

)

Sue, I've currently got a herb garden by using these planters that rest on the edge of the deck railing. They're doing really well there, and it's one of the few places we get sun in our yard. I think your suggestion is a good one, and next year might try a few tomato and pepper plants in buckets or some other container on the deck.

SMB - Jun 30, 2009 - 04:10 AM
Post subject:

Cat wrote:

SMB wrote:

daisydownunder wrote:

Cat wrote:

daisydownunder wrote:

Cat wrote:

Thats what I always say as well Smile

)

Have you seen the commercials for the "Topsy Turvy" tomato growers? They look interesting and I am thinking of trying them out. Apparently you grow the tomato plants upside down and hanging out of a tubular sort thing. I have driven past houses and have seen some of them hanging from porches.

Cat - Jun 30, 2009 - 03:10 PM
Post subject:

SMB wrote:

Cat wrote:

SMB wrote:

daisydownunder wrote:

Cat wrote:

daisydownunder wrote:

Cat wrote:

Thats what I always say as well Smile

)

I've seen those, Sue, and considered getting one to try it out. The main problem would be finding a place to hang it from, or a level spot, that has enough sunshine.

vampyregirl - Jul 02, 2009 - 05:02 AM
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My neighbor has one of those "topsy-turvy" planters! The tomato plant she has in there is huge! I believe it's a "beefsteak" tomato. There are 14 on there right now, and still a few blooms.

I have 2 cherry tomato plants in a planter that are loaded with green tomatoes right now. Can't wait until they ripen up!!! I also have a cucumber plant--but it doesn't look so good.... I have put Miracl-Gro on it--maybe that will help.

I'm afraid to plant much more than that, since I have 2 furry friends that love fruits and veggies!!! I'm afraid they'll eat them before I get a chance!!! Laughing

My grandparents plant a fairly large garden each year. I just went over there today and picked raspberries (YUMMY) and tart cherries. Mom took the cherries. She has plans for them--hopefully they include my taste-buds!!!! Grams and gramps always have too many zucchini every year, so I end up getting quite a few (fried zuchinni!!!) and tomatoes too.

Cat - Jul 02, 2009 - 07:34 AM
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vampyregirl wrote:

I'll have to try one of those topsy turvy planters next year. They have new ones, that have three different openings, so you can plant three different types of veggies ~ I'd like to try tomatoes, and some peppers.

Mmmm, fried zucchini ~ Very Happy

rdb - Jul 02, 2009 - 05:05 PM
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We have several bean plants that have provided us with a few green beans to eat (not enough to really make a difference yet).

Our tomato plants have two tomatoes on it- but they haven't ripened yet. Our squash and pepper plants are alive, but nothing so far there either.

I hope that the garden will start producing food. (It's really the wrong time for a garden in Florida- Summers are considered to be too hot and wet.)

Johnny_Turbo - Jul 02, 2009 - 08:47 PM
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Does anyone collect rain water? I pour that junk right on plants.

I'm not even going to mention a particular product that is used to cut food or the companion device that's used to grate cheese.

SMB - Jul 03, 2009 - 04:34 AM
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This week I stretched out a pound of hamburger. I cooked the whole pound with onions, mushrooms, black olives, tomato sauce and spicy spaghetti sauce. I used half as a pizza topping (I made my own pizza dough from scratch... very inexpensive). The other half, I used another day and served it over rice (very tasty).

Tomorrow (Friday), I am making an apple pie to take to our family 4th of July cook out party.

Oh, and my nearly 30 year old "Better Homes and Gardens" cookbook got a face lift this past week. I probably really should replace it, but hey!, that book has survived a tornado and 25 years of married life. Cool

The cover was falling apart (I have the loose-leaf style). and the inner part had endured various spatters, and some torn, but still usable pages. A new book costs around 22.00 at Walmart. I almost got one but then I decided to give my old one a second life.

I found a package of printer sized paper cloth with self-adhesive backing that is designed for printing photos on and then putting the cloth onto T-shirts or other items. I figured, I could print out a new title page and use the pieces to bind the notebook together. There were three sheets in the package, and fitted and trimmed properly, worked like a charm and it only cost around 6.00.

Now my old cookbook is good to go for another 30 years or so. Laughing

krlina - Jul 03, 2009 - 05:22 AM
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Years ago I would sprout seeds, it was more of a novelty for me...but recently I've been thinking of survival foods for a couple months or so...then I found this website, and although they are are trying to sell their product, what they stated I found interesting...

Here is part of what their article said: "If you had only a supply of sprouting seeds in your food storage, you could live a full year or more, eating only from your kitchen garden."

Here is the link:

http://www.wheatgrasskits.com/june2009.htm

daisydownunder - Jul 03, 2009 - 06:08 AM
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krlina wrote:

My father was a wiz when it came to legumes, he would make this broth and dumplings. great for starving post war kids like my brothers and I.

He also made this huge steamed onion pudding/dumpling ( kind of like you would make a Christmas pudding) it cooked all day. and when we got in from school we had a slice of this hot and then cold the next day with the said soup:) think it had suet in it. little else mind you but it filled us.

Daisy Smile

littlestar - Jul 03, 2009 - 06:25 AM
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Yeah...if you really want to have an emergency Pantry...buy yourself a 10lb bag of rice, before the prices go up...and dried beans of many different types. Can sprout them, boil them, or mash them to make patties.
Easiest plants to grow and have last a long time are scallions and radishes.
Radish sprouts add great spicy seasoning to any dish.
Corn, if you can grow it, will last a LONG time, if you keep it dry...and you have your seeds for your next crop from the dried kernels. This can make bread, soup, cereal...and the shucks, yes what you usually throw away...can be the greens to wrap rice and beans into. I lived 3 months in the GW National Forest on these supplies....the only thing I added was fish from the river, but I could have gone without that. ( I got the corn from a neighboring farmers field...but shhhh...don't tell on me now )

I've been thinking about Survival Mode allot lately...not really sure why.

SMB - Jul 03, 2009 - 03:56 PM
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krlina wrote:

Thank you for sharing that. I used to sprout seeds. I think I may start doing that again. Cool

shatrules - Jul 03, 2009 - 06:03 PM
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"Tomorrow (Friday), I am making an apple pie to take to our family 4th of July cook out party. "

If it's Dutch Apple Pie,Sue,please send me one in NJ. Wink

SMB - Jul 03, 2009 - 08:54 PM
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shatrules wrote:

"Tomorrow (Friday), I am making an apple pie to take to our family 4th of July cook out party. "

If it's Dutch Apple Pie,Sue,please send me one in NJ. Wink

If I can keep the postman's fingers out of it, I would be glad to send one. Cool

windslipper - Jul 06, 2009 - 12:16 AM
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I buy A Gallon of (automobile)Windshield Wiper Fluid and pour it in a Used Windex Bottle... No streaks.... and Our Mirrors and windows are clean and bright....for Cheap!

Dan
Twisted Evil

littlestar - Jul 06, 2009 - 12:47 AM
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You know those LIME rings that collect on glasses, planter pots, toilets and faucets,(I unscrew the aerator and plop in a saucer) and Shower Glass... so many things... I soak with white vinegar...no need for expensive Lime Away, BUT, don't let it sit too long on Chrome or Crystal...it is acid and will etch over time. Did you know the same Vinegar will remove Pet odor from carpet, or any porous surface?...trust me, it does...and those stinky clothes? throw some in with the detergent. I use it on mirrors and glass that have become coated with toothpaste, hairspray, or other sticky gunk. And if you stayed out in the sun too long this Holiday...a spritzer of white Vinegar balances the PH in your skin and takes away the sting....then check your yard, or the neighbors, for Aloe Vera to smooth on for healing. You may smell like a salad for a short while, but it's chemical additive free and a GALLON is about $2....how much would all the other products, for the jobs listed, cost?

Hmmm....Salad...that's sounds good Wink