Recent Hints

Low cost fake nails stop me biting real ones

I have found fake nails are the best solution to stop me from biting my real ones. You don't have to spend a fortune on salon acrylics every four weeks either. There are DIY kits on AliExpress such as Belle Fille which look easy and are affordable. Making sure to use a cuticle oil or cream regularly during the day also helps to stop picking of said cuticles too!

By: Natalie

Treating nails in a positive way keeps biting at bay

I have found the trick to keeping nail biting and picking at bay is to 'fiddle' with them in a positive way. I am 67 and have bitten my nails since I was about three years old. My parents tried bribes, threats, nasty brown stuff painted on my nails - all sorts. I grew my nails when I got married, when my daughter got married - and indeed have grown them since for various special occasions - so determination can help! I now have nails on my fingers, but still bite/pick at my thumbs. My dad said my fingers would become misshapen, and he was right. What helps me is to 'fiddle' with my nails in a positive way - emery boards, manicure tools, nail polish, the nail treatments to stop biting - the taste does stop automatic, thoughtless nibbling. I am not a chewing gum lover, but that can also help. I crochet too, which keeps my hands too busy to nibble at!

By: Christine S

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Hottest Hints

Dishcloths that last for months

I no longer use disposable cloths to wash the dishes and wipe down benches.
 
I recently bought two bulk packets of face cloths, giving me eight cloths. Each cloth is the perfect size and thickness for washing dishes and wiping down benches. I use a cloth for a day or two and then throw it into the wash with the tea towels.
 
I have been reusing the same cloths for over a year – just think of the savings now that I'm not buying disposable kitchen cloths every month!

By: Claire 25 responses in the members' forum

Use a savings purse to collect money saved on purchases

I was usually a pretty prudent shopper but was always looking at the money I saved as potential cash for more purchases. This meant that in the long run I didn't really save anything and ended up with a heap of things I didn't really need.

I started taking a 'savings purse' with me to the supermarket when I did my grocery shopping. Instead of buying the product I would normally have bought, I would choose the cheaper alternative. For example, I would purchase the 'home brand' biscuits for $1.00 less. That $1.00 would go into my head as a saving. At the end of that shopping trip I would put any 'savings' into the savings purse. I was stunned. After two weeks of shopping and 'saving' this way, my savings purse contained $100.

I began to use my savings purse in other ways. If I managed to refuel my car with cheaper fuel, I would put the difference in the purse. If I wanted a chocolate bar, and I resisted buying it, I would put that money in my savings purse. Even with those small amounts, the savings became huge. Doing this began to be fun; it was a challenge to find extra ways to put money into my savings purse!

To top it all off, not only was I saving money but, by 'resisting' the sweets and chips so that I could put the money into my purse, I was also eating healthier and losing weight. I am so happy with the results.

By: Natalie Leaver 15 responses in the members' forum

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