Pretend you are a Boy Scout. You read that correctly. Yes. Boy Scout.
Always be prepared.
When you go out and about during your day, bring the essentials and then some. When I'm running around the city I always try to carry a bottle of water (filled with filtered water from my fridge) and a bunch snacks. If you have a car have water and not too messy nonperishable snacks like mixed nuts, trail mix, or fruit leathers. You don't want to have to buy drinks or junk food.
Got a pool noodle? Put it to good use during the winter (and spring, summer, and fall too). Stick them in your boots to keep them upright and prevent damaging creases. Cut the noodles to size or bend them over if you can. It's worth it to buy noodles at the dollar store or at garage sales just for this purpose. It's way cheaper than buying boot holders at the store which ranges from about $7 to $15.
My latest obsession...reducing my cable bill.
First on the list is to ditch Time Warner's modem rental.
I've been paying $8 per month modem rental to Time Warner Cable for I don't know how long. That's $96 bucks a year. I can buy a good modem for about that or less. So after the first year I'm saving about $100 (including taxes and fees) each and every year. There's a list of TWC approved modems and if there's any problems it's on you. I'll take that risk thank you.
Next thing is to cut the cable cord. (That's the term for ditching cable TV.) We can't get rid of it entirely since we need it for broadband and we have it for our phone too.
Broadband is the high speed internet that is needed to make the streaming video and web usage go at a practical speed for my family of five's needs.
That said, we now need a cheap antenna. Since we're in NYC and very close to the broadcast signals we can get the local channels for under $20. The farther you are from the signal, the more powerful (and expensive) antenna you'll need.
The next step need is to figure out what hardware to get and substitute TV method we'll need or combination thereof. Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Sling are the top contenders for us.
Today's hack is to not abuse your library.
Definitely take books out, put hard to get books on intercity loans, place the latest best seller on hold, and choose adult and children's videos. Plus, there's always in person and online classes for all sorts of cool things like learning to knit, improving your English speaking skills, and introduction to the internet, and much more. Gotta love it!!
What I don't love is late fees, especially for DVDs which are usually expensive. Always mark your calendar when your books and videos are due. I also resist the urge to take out more than I know I'll actually use to avoid the risk of loosing the book or video and/or incurring late fees. Renewing on line is a good option too.
This is an awesome tip. Soothe skin dry and itchiness with coconut oil.
Take some coconut oil and put a small amount in a plastic container. Leave it in the shower. When bathing scoop out a bit and apply it to your hands, arms, legs, feet, or whatever part of your body is dry. My husband's allergist even suggested he apply it to his scalp. After bathing, towel dry.
It's cheap, natural, single ingredient and does the job really well! Can't beat that.
Awesome Hack of the Day:
Weigh your carrots, apples, or whatever produce comes prepackaged in a bag.
The company must have the minimum ounces and pounds marked on the packaging. However, since it's produce and not an exact science, there is always a little difference between bags. The kids and I make a game of who can find the heaviest bag.
Ditch that high priced coffee. For a limited time 7-Eleven will have 50 cent small coffee from January 6 - 24.
