Recent Hints

Bundle up your bags and don't get caught short

I have come up with a super easy way to solve my shopping bag dilemma! Like many people, I was sick of trying to organise a whole bunch of bags of different shapes and sizes in the back of the car, ready for shopping trips. I really like my car to be free from clutter, so wanted a thrifty and simple solution, I decided to use an old cosmetic purse and filled it with 99c reusable nylon bags from the supermarket. These roll up tiny and fasten with a elastic tab, making a neat and tidy little roll. I can fit eight of the tiny rolls into my cosmetic purse and this in turn fits nicely into my handbag or centre console of the car. These days I never get caught without a bag and these ones can get used over and over again. Being made of material, they can also be thrown into the washing machine if they have had meat or something drippy in them and are soon as good as new again!

By: Yvette Summers 1 response in the members' forum

Keep the straws from unwanted drink bottles

If you have a drink bottle with an internal straw, when the bottle cracks, leaks or dies, don't throw the straw out! Remove it from the bottle and keep it in your cutlery drawer for whenever you need a straw, or keep a couple in your bag for use when you're out. I keep three in a little cotton bag in my handbag for when we order a drink that would normally come with a disposable straw (milkshakes, iced coffees, spiders, soft drinks). After use, I just give the straw a quick rinse in the restroom sink, or wrap in a serviette, and give a good wash when I get home. A simple way to reduce waste and help the planet!

By: Muirin

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Hottest Hints

Say 'get well soon' with supermarket treats

I have come up with a low cost way to give a 'get well' gift that is always appreciated! Instead of flowers, I send the patient their favourite treats from the supermarket. In the past I used to send flowers but the cheapest I was able to get was about $80! So I came up with this cheaper alternative.
Now, when someone is sick, I buy around $30 of the patients' favourite foods and magazines online from the Coles or Woolworths websites and have it delivered to my friends and family in hospital. You simply put in their hospital address. You can even add a note to say it is a gift from you!
Delivery is usually free, or a maximum of $5.00. This saves me $50 a time on flowers and people really appreciate the thought and effort I have gone to in getting their favourite treats. It is also a very welcome relief from hospital food!

By: Em (goal: financial freedom) 35 responses in the members' forum

Baby oil keeps showers clean for months

Keep glass showers sparkling clean for months at a time by using baby oil. First, clean the glass on the inside of the shower well, then dry off. Next, take a soft cloth and smear a small amount of baby oil. I stress a SMALL amount to ensure no oil runs down to the base of the shower, creating a potential hazard. Pay extra attention to wiping the edges and bottom of the glass. Once you have done this, the glass will look smeary and quite awful really - until you have the next shower! The hot water heats the oil and smooths it out on the glass. I have never had the problem of any oil running down onto the floor, even after heating it. You'll find a very small amount goes a very long way. Basically, the soap scum cannot attach itself to the glass, which stays clean and clear for at least three months at a time. By needing to re-apply the baby oil only every few months, this adds up to a huge saving in expensive bathroom cleaners!

By: Nat 29 responses in the members' forum

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