Tip Hero

Homemade Nursing Pads

2010-03-21T12:30:00+00:00

Homestead Mommy had an interesting post about making your own homemade nursing pads:

Now we all know that breastfeeding is the cheapest and most nutritious way to feed a baby. But taking care of those money savers can cost a pretty penny if you aren't careful. A box of disposable breast pads can cost over $10.00 and half the time they are so thin that you have to double them up to even get descent protection.

Homestead Mommy's approach was simply to use some burp cloth and an old DVD as the pattern

Homemade Nursing Pads [Homestead Mommy]

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DIY Cloth Diapers for Cheap

2010-03-21T12:30:00+00:00

Diapering a baby for cheap or free:

A new baby is on the way and I (the frugal grandma) am teaching the new parents all about cloth diapering. With money being tight buying disposables is too expensive. I've been busy making diapers.

Many fabrics are really great for diapers. Old t-shirts, flannel shirts, old sheets, old towels, anything that is soft and has been washed several times. A good size is 18" long and 13" wide.

Lay a tee flat and cut the bottom off, cut the diaper from the middle, double thick. Use the extra fabric for a double thick pad down the middle. Stitch the pad into place, then straight stitch around the diaper. Finish with a zig-zag on edges.

Diapers don't have to be white. Any color will do. Go to garage sales, Goodwill and Thrift stores for receiving blankets, old sheets and anything flannel. My friend gave me a box of tee-shirts( most of them white) and are long sleeved.

I make baby wash cloths from all the extra fabric (they don't have to be perfect!!) When I'm done I'll have about 2 1/2 dozen diapers and numerious wash cloths,all for free.

Also think about saving our landfills, disposable diapers can be there for hundreds of years!!

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50 Creative Uses for Baking Soda

2010-03-21T12:30:00+00:00

Baking soda can be used for much more than just cooking (or deodorizing your refrigerator). A few Tip Heroes have written about other ways baking soda can be used, such as to cure heartburn, whiten teeth, and to make your own dishwasher detergent.

TipNut.com put together a list of 50 household uses for baking soda. Most of them involve using it for various cleaning jobs or as a deodorizer. We pulled out a few of our favorites and listed them below. We also encourage you to click through the link at the bottom of this post to view all 50 uses.

For cleaning surfaces such as stovetops and crusty pans:

1. Stovetop A Mess? Generously sprinkle baking soda around the top of stove then spray hot water (boiling hot if possible) over it all�-enough to dissolve baking soda without making it run all over. Let soak for about 30 minutes then scrub clean.

2. Crusty Roasting Pan Fix: Clean crusty roasting pans by sprinkling pan generously with baking soda, pour hot water over top about an inch or two deep and soak for a couple hours. Try boiling for a few minutes first if the mess is bad.

4. Bathtub Miracle Paste: Make a cleaning paste with baking soda and bleach then apply to wet sponge to scrub off grime when wiping the tub down.

It can also be used as a deodorizer and air and carpet freshener:

11. Luggage Freshener: Musty trunks and funky smelling luggage pieces can be freshened up by sprinkling baking soda inside, closing the case and then let sit a day or two. Remove the baking soda with a vacuum.

13. Homemade Air Freshener Spray: Mix 2 cups hot water with 1/8 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup lemon juice, shake to dissolve and spray in the air as needed.

28. Cheap & Natural Carpet Freshener: Sprinkle carpets with baking soda and leave sit for a few hours then vacuum up. Your carpets will smell noticeably fresher.

And a few miscellaneous uses:

38. Blood Stain Removal (Laundry): Blood stains, if fresh, may be removed by washing in cold water. If hard and dry steep for a few hours in cold water, to which add a pinch of baking soda. Washing and bleaching will finish the process. Never put blood stains in hot water.

40. Slippery Sidewalks: If you sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on icy patches on walkways, it�s much easier on the cement than salt and makes a slip free zone.

46. Crayon On Walls: Remove crayon scribbles from walls by making a paste of baking soda and water then use it to gently scrub the marks. You could also just sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and rub.

50 Household Uses For Baking Soda (TipNut.com)

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Make Your Own Homemade Granola Bars

2010-03-20T13:52:00+00:00

Every time I go for a long hike I always stop by my local supermarket to grab some granola bars to take with me. I end up getting the Honey & Oats kind by Nature Valley that typically run about $4 for a box of six. However I've always wanted to try my hand at making my own granola bars from scratch.

So I was excited when I came across this excellent article by Wit & Whistle showing you how to make your own homemade granola bars. What I like about this is that you can customize the recipe to add any types of fruits, nuts or other ingredients you're fond of like dried pineapple, raisins, mango, coconut, you name it. You can also substitute ingredients to avoid food allergies.

The recipe is totally simple and all you need to do is just mix the ingredients together in a bowl, bake for 20-30 minutes, and cut them while they are still warm.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and instructions. Also check out the comments where people have added helpful suggestions on substitutions for food allergies.

Homemade Granola Bars [via LifeHacker]

Photo credit: Wit and Whistle

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Do Hand Sanitizers Like Purell Work?

2010-03-20T13:52:00+00:00

Do hand sanitizers like Purell even work? At my old job everyone used Purell like it was going out of style. Before meetings people would hit the Purell, back at employees desks their was always a bottle of Purell nearby. I've always been skeptical about the effectiveness of hand sanitizers after watching an investigative piece on TV that reported that the best way to eliminate germs was to simply wash your hands with warm water.

So it was with interest I read an article in Slate on the effectiveness of hand sanitizers. The article highlighted several studies that failed to provide any real evidence that alcohol based hand sanitizers protected people from airborne viruses:

In 2005, Boston-based doctors published the very first clinical trial of alcohol-based hand sanitizers in homes and enrolled about 300 families with young children in day care. For five months, half the families got free hand sanitizer and a "vigorous hand-hygiene" curriculum. But the spread of respiratory infections in homes didn't budge, a result that "somewhat surprised" the researchers. A Columbia University study also found no reduction in common infections among inner-city families given free antibacterial hand soap, detergent, and cleaning supplies.

Hand sanitizers often use fear-based marketing to sell their products. In the wake of the H1N1 virus sales of sanitizers skyrocketed as brands latched on to peoples heightened sensitivities to airborne viruses. The article points out a dangerous side effect of this tactic:

During the H1N1 pandemic, public-health agencies encouraged their marketing pitches despite evidence the products do little to help. It's likely that hand-sanitizer users falsely believed they were protected from flu and thus deferred vaccination, which is by far the more effective way to prevent its spread.

For myself I try to follow an approach that reduces my risk of exposure to potential viruses. Whenever entering my home I always first wash my hands with warm water. I often wipe down high contact areas like light switches, door handles, keyboards, and phones during flu season. I also keep wipes on me to wipe down steering wheels and shopping cart handles. My belief is that a few simple steps can help you reduce some of the risk of exposure.

Be sure to check out the full article as it's an interesting read:

Can hand sanitizers like Purell really stop people from getting the flu?

Photo credit: Blue Jay Day

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What Can You Eat on a Food Stamp Budget?

2010-03-20T13:52:00+00:00

What can you eat on a food stamp budget? Leslie Cole, a journalist with my hometown paper, The Oregonian decided to find out. She called in the help of Ellen Damaschino, an instructor with Share Our Strength, a national organization that works to prevent childhood hunger. With $95.50 in their pockets, the average weekly food stamp benefit of a family of four with young children, they worked their way through a local supermarket.

The article is filled with solid advice for anyone looking to cut down on their grocery bills. Much of it is cardinal rules of grocery shopping that readers of Tip Hero are very familiar with but it's always great to see it in action. Here are a few highlights I pulled from this great piece:

1. Always have a Plan. If you don't have a plan Damaschino says, you often spend twice as much.

2. Start with proteins. Meat is often the most expensive item in people's diets. Like most Tip Heros, Damaschino tracks the weekly grocery ads and plans her weekly menu based on what meat is on sale.

3. Supplement your more expensive meat proteins with cheaper protein sources such as beans and eggs.

4. Fruit is often one of the first things that get sacrificed when you're shopping on a budget. Damaschino follows the golden rule of buying what's in season.

5. Stay away from convenience packs like pre-packaged salad. There's a high cost to convenience.

6. On vegetables, Damaschino follows a basic rule: "Fresh first, then frozen, then canned."

7. For big savings, buy spices from the bulk bins. How big you say, check out our article on buying spices from bulk bins.

8. Always have the makings of an emergency meal for those nights when your tired and tempted to got to a restaurant or order in.

9. Damaschino points out a well known fact that most things eye level in the supermarket are higher priced, for the real bargains, look up high or down low.

10. "The cereal aisle is a minefield of big price tags and empty calories. Damaschino's advice for budget-conscious families is to buy one kind of cereal for the week, and kids don't get to choose" They're shopping at one of my favorite stores, Winco, and one really good breakfast bargain there is buying oatmeal in bulk for around 48 cents per pound. You can have your breakfast for around 15 cents.

Here's an excellent video they put together of their shopping trip. Also be sure to check out the full article for more tips and advice: Living on a limited income calls for smart choices at the market

How to feed a family of four for a week on less than a hundred bucks

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13 Uses for Peroxide

2010-03-18T11:00:00+00:00

Editor's Note: This tip was originally submitted as a comment in response to joymarshall's tip about Learning to Live Frugally.

---

Received this from a friend...knew a lot of them but not all...

This is what Oxi clean is...
did you Know????

3% peroxide

This was written by Becky Ransey of Indiana

"I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little old bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide, or they would lose thousands of dollars."

1. Take one cap full (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe)

No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash (Small print says mouth wash and gargle right on the bottle)

2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of "Peroxide" to keep them free of germs.

3. Clean your counters, table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.

4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. I had fungus on my feet for years - until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.

6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine, but was healed by soaking in peroxide.

7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.

8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold, or plugged sinuses. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes then blow your nose into a tissue.

9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.

10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, reddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually so it's not a drastic change.

11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.

12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors with, and there is no smearing which is why I love it so much for this.

I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should be without! With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad there's a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner.

Homepage photo credit: cantwork

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Make Your Own Homemade Granola Bars

2010-03-18T11:00:00+00:00

Do a Complete Background Check On Yourself for Free

2010-03-18T10:00:00+00:00

The Consumerist is out with a full list of sources of background information on you that bosses, landlords, and creditors frequently check to help them make important decisions about you. It's not a bad idea to check what each of these sources is reporting about you to make sure there are no errors and inaccuracies.

These background sources include: employment history reports, tenant history reports, auto & home insurance claim reports, credit bureau reports, personal information reports, check writing history reports, health history reports, Prescription Drug Purchase History Reports, social security statement, Purchase Returns History Reports, Utilities & Telecommunications Reports, and other reports. After reading the list of data sources I was surprised at how much data about me is collected and reported.

Best of all it's free. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act enacted in 2003 gives consumers the right to a free copy of their consumer files from certain consumer reporting agencies during each 12 month period. Consumerist has made it real easy by linking to the page where you can request your personal data from each reporting bureau.

It's always a good idea to know what they know about you and to make sure it's accurate. Here's the link:

Do A Total Background Check On Yourself

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19 Clever Uses for Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets

2010-03-18T10:00:00+00:00

After you've run a dryer sheet in your dryer to soften your clothes, don't throw it away. It has many other uses than just softening fabric, whether it's new or used. We came across a Reader's Digest article that lists 19 clever ways to use dryer sheets. We've highlighted a few below, and then posted summary headlines for all 19, but we highly recommend that you click through the link at the bottom of this post to read more about each use.

If you're constantly battling dust on your computer or TV screen, consider this tip:

Because television and PC screens are electrically charged, they actually attract dust, making dusting them a never-ending chore, but not if you dust them with used dryer softener sheets. These sheets are designed to reduce static cling, so they remove the dust, and keep it from resettling for several days or more.

We've also read that dabbing a little liquid fabric softener on to a rag and then wiping the screens can do the same thing. And speaking of dusting, you can also use sheets (or softener with a rag) to clean dust off of venetian blinds.

There are a couple of uses of fabric softener dryer sheets related to pet care:

Pet hair can get a pretty tenacious grip on furniture and clothing. But a used fabric softener sheet will suck that fur right off the fabric with a couple of swipes. Just toss the fuzzy wipe into the trash.

. . . and . . .

If your best friend comes in from the rain and smells like a ...well ...wet dog, wipe him down with a used dryer softener sheet, and he'll smell as fresh as a daisy.

And here's a way to buff chrome:

After chrome is cleaned, it can still look streaky and dull, but whether it's your toaster or your hubcaps, you can easily buff up the shine with a used dryer softener sheet.

Pick up pet hair

End car odors

Lift burned-on casserole residue

Freshen drawers

Wipe soap scum from shower door

Repel dust from electrical appliances

Do away with doggy odor

Counteract laundry hamper or wastebasket odors

Tame locker-room and sneaker smells

Prevent musty odors in suitcases

Buff chrome to a brilliant shine

Use as a safe mosquito repellent

Use an inconspicuous air freshener

Do away with static cling

Keep dust off blinds

Renew grubby stuffed toys

Substitute a dryer sheet for a tack cloth

Consolidate sheets and make them smell pretty

Abolish tangled sewing thread

Fabric Softener Sheets (Source: Reader's Digest)

And for another list of alternate uses for dryer sheets, check out the link below.

25 Alternative Uses for Fabric-Softener Dryer Sheets (Source: Curbly.com)

Know of any other clever uses for dryer sheets? Please share with the Tip Hero community by posting a comment below. And thanks for being a Tip Hero!

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