4 simple and effective tips to stop nail biting

For some low cost and effective nail biting solutions which just might work, I can recommend trying the following:

1. For those who have a UV light for gel polishes, get 'IBX Strengthen'. This is a product you can put on underneath the gel (still using the lamp to set) to also help strengthen the nail. It won't get rid of the habit, but may allow for better results when they get any kind of length to them.

2. Carry a nail file. I would bite mine to 'neaten them up' so if there was a sharp bit or a daggy bit I would even them up. This was a never-ending cycle that led to very sore quicks! By carrying a nail file, you can make sure there is nothing that can snag or anything.

3. I actually think that a few months of artificial nails (I like 'Prescription Nails' by GO30 as they don't damage your natural nails as much) while you are breaking the habit is helpful, as they are very hard and you can't really bite them. I do find I still put them in my mouth or tap my teeth with them so I really need to break that habit too! But after that, refer to tip1.

4. This article is also a good one to read! https://hellogiggles.com/beauty/how-to-stop-nail-biting-10-steps/

Different name, different attitude to saving!

A simple change of tactic can make the world of difference when it comes to getting the family on board with saving! Our family recently did a $21 Challenge. To begin with, I was talking with my daughter, when the children started carrying on about the challenge, (the eldest child in that household in 21!). The other adult in the house said nothing, but his expression said everything. What was I going to do to get them on board? I had a lightbulb moment and told them that I was playing SURVIVOR, with help from my fridge, my freezer and my garden. Did I get any more criticism? No way. What I got was discussions on which family member would be able to survive with what is available at home, and for how long. This discussion went on for a week or more. I heard no more complaints and we spent just $2.99 over a fortnight! Next goal is a $41.00 challenge for a whole month. I just need to set a date, and get my support team going again!

Pie apples for baby food

Instead of buying pureed fruit in jars or tins, which according to the latest stories contain a lot of water, buy a large tin of pie apples (no added sugar) and a large tin of any other fruit in natural juice, puree them together and put in single serve containers. Two large tins make about 15 single serves (a much bigger serve than the baby food tins) and cost about $4.50 less than the equivalent of baby food in tins. The pie apples don't contain liquid so this means that your home-made baby food is not too sloppy. You can vary the taste by changing the second fruit to apricots, pears, fruit salad, peaches, two fruits and so on.

Wonderful gift giving policy

A friend gave me some great advice that is saving me a fortune.
 
She gave me a lovely crocheted brooch for my birthday, adding that her policy is to only give gifts that are recycled or made at home. I have embraced this policy, and proudly share it whenever possible. Not only am I saving huge amounts of money, but I am also re-using resources in an ecologically friendly way. Another benefit is that I am embracing my creative side to come up with so many ideas e.g. crafts, baking, gardening, knitting and so on.
 
My ideas come from library books and most of the materials from Op shops and friends' abandoned projects. I have got some amazing projects ready for Christmas e.g. three sad rag dollies rescued from the Hospice for $2.00 are now fresh and bright with smart buttons and ribbons, and will be loved for many years by my three girls. One daughter will have fab roller skates too – just $10 from a church sale, snazzed up with fluoro laces and personalised with a name charm.
 
Rather than feeling reluctant to buy second hand gifts, I am now always scouting for the perfect gift. I feel my policy is one that embraces our present cultural climate of economic thrift and resourcefulness. I have also rediscovered the joy of home craft and am now sharing these skills with my children, as my Mum did with me.