It's the little things

I don't claim to be the best bargain shopper or couponer or budgeter, but I do work hard to save a buck here and there.  I thought you might like to know a few of the little things I do that save us money and add up over the years.  I'd also love for you to share some of your saving money ideas.  

The wet jet:  I love my wet jet but I hated buying the disposable pads.  I was using at least 2 pads every time I mopped.  So...an old towel and some velcro and bam...more than a buck saved every time I mop.

 Along with the wet jet I watched this youtube video and started refilling the refill bottle myself with a much cheaper solution.  I love the smell of Mr. Clean too.

Okay, having chickens isn't for everyone, but we have enjoyed having some "free" eggs everyday.  The pet that gives back...a novel idea!

 I make my own laundry detergent.  It's easy and has worked great for me.  I do use a fabric softener or scent booster .  That's not grated cheese...it's Fels - Naptha Laundry Bar Soap.  I get mine at Wal-mart for $1. 

We tackle projects on our own.  No hiring a handyman around here.  Nate and I work together to replace ceiling fans, walls, texture, paint, etc.  We are known for watching youtube videos and then tackling it ourselves.  I'm sure this saves tons of money over time.  But that does mean that our house is in disarray at any given time.

Every week I make a menu and usually stick to it.  Do you see eating out anywhere on that board?  That doesn't mean we didn't eat out...but we had a plan so eating out is always the exception.  This saves a ton of money.

Don't be afraid of shopping at goodwill.  The chandelier in our dining room was a $35 find from shopping at goodwill.  It was new, in the box.  But I didn't buy it at goodwill.  While I was there a random lady saw me pick up an ugly dumpy chandelier.  She asked me if I was looking for one.  I said not really, but I'm always looking for a good deal.  She then gave me her phone number and said she had a $200 new in the box chandelier that she'd sell to me for $35.  It was so random that I had to go see the light.  It was an awesome deal and a perfect light for my space.  So I bought it.  The trees in this picture came from a trash day curb find.  My artwork on the right was an ugly painted canvas I bought for $1 and repainted.  I have fun with the trash to treasure finds.

Have you tried using vinegar instead of jet dry?  My dishwasher is old and I found that using jet dry made a big difference when it came to spots on dishes.  jet dry is expensive.  I've found vinegar to be just as good at a fraction of the price.

Rags rags rags---We use rags for all our spills.  We do have paper towels, but they're not our go to for wiping up things.  All the kids go right to the rag drawer when there's a mess.

Curtain rods can get really expensive when you're buying 110 inches of them.  So...PVC pipe $2 for 100 inches, oil rubbed bronze spray paint ($7) and we're ready to go.  Haven't hung them yet...but for the price I think I'll be happy.

So, there's a few of my tips.  I'm sure there's more ways I save day after day.  How are you a good steward of your resources?