My To Do List

I'm discovering all kinds of ways to save money that I had never even thought about. So, I'm making a list of money saving ideas to do as I get a chance. I'm sure this list will grow as I keep researching and learning more about cutting out unnecessary expenses and protecting our world.


Here's what I have so far:


*Make reusable swiffer covers--genius idea I never even thought of! Click on these links for ideas and patterns. Reversible Cover , Fleece Cover and Duster, Duster "how to"
*Make homemade dryer sheets
*Transition to homemade/natural cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, borax, washing soda, etc. for most, if not all, household cleaners
*Limit Paper Products: Use cloth napkins instead of paper (I'm hoping to make a few sets of cute ones out of scrap fabrics to save on the cost, unless I can find them at the $1 store or on clearance), cloth rags instead of paper towels (this is such an easy change and it costs nothing to use old clothes, old washcloths or towels instead of throwing them away or donating them). 
*Use Rain Water- we want to look into setting up a rain barrel or finding a way to store up rain water to use it for our garden. You can also plant a garden that soaks up the rain well, so there is less waste too. 
*Make/use a gray water system. This is basically a bowl that sits in on your sink that connects to a larger container under your sink. The purpose is to use your gray bowl when you're waiting for water to get hot/cold so you are essentially saving that water into a container rather then letting it run down the drain. You then use your gray water for cleaning, gardening, etc. 
*Find ways to reuse/recycle more products we use
*Start stretching our meats by trying recipes that add a stuffing to them. Never would have thought of this, but it makes perfect sense. You end up using less meat, but can get really full from meats that have extra yumminess tucked inside them. 
*Become a better grocery shopper--come prepared for what we really need/will use, use a coupon system, watch for specials & coupon combinations
*Organize my stockpile in the pantry and freezer to avoid wasteful spending and things going bad. 
*Plan weekly/monthly menus to avoid extra spending on "quick meals" or unused groceries and also to make meals based on local sales and planning in using our "stock pile". 


I've already started working toward some of these plans, but some will take more time. I'm excited for the possibilities these ideas open up. I'll be sure to give you updates on my progress and what I learn along the way. As always, I love hearing your ideas and suggestions too, so please fill me in! :) 


By the way, I'm currently addicted to Tipnut. That has to be one of the greatest websites. If you go to the   "household tips", you'll see a list of other sections like "frugal living", "green living", "homemaking" and some others, but that way you can browse things that may be more specific to your family's needs. It's fantastic! 


Happy saving, friends!