Repurposing a Friend's Tea Jug

While visiting a friend I saw some sturdy looking jugs in which tea is sold. I had an idea.

Those jugs would be the perfect solution to the pool cover blowing off during the winter. I had tried plastic milk jugs but the flimsy plastic didn't make it through an entire winter.

This time it was different. I filled the jugs with collected rainwater and secured them to the pool cover's grommets with a length of rope and a caribiner. Shazam! It worked like a charm. The pool cover didn't budge all winter. And the jugs look good as new.

Over the summer I'll continue to use them to store rainwater for the plants for easy watering. Next winter, I'll string them up again--again and again until they have used up their useful life. then, I guess I'll have to figure out what to do with them. They are recyclable if I can't find another suitable use.

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Old T Shirts are Great for Drying Curly Hair

That old concert may have seen better days but before you send it to the rag bin, try another repurposed use. Cut a large rectangle from the shirt. Okay, you put the scraps in the rag bin now.

When you go to dry your curly hair use it as a towel. Gentle pat the moisture from your locks or wrap your head in a turbin style while you apply your makeup. The thirsty towel will help it dry without disturbing the curl pattern.

I even pack one when I travel.

They don't need to be washed often and can easily be thrown in with towels and hung on the line when they do.

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Get in Shape With Exercise Equipment

Home Fitness Equipment

What Exercise Equipment Will You Choose?

Today, people are getting more concerned about their physical health. Because of the increasing numbers of cases of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, you have the right to be concerned about your physical well-being. This is why many people are now enrolling in gyms and are now starting working out to get and maintain a healthy body. But all of this has a price tag. And will that gym destination even fit into your lifestyle? Ouch, and there is your pocketbook to consider.

By working those muscles (with your Doc's approval of course), you will not only build a healthier body and healthier heart. You can't deny the fact that a good looking, muscular body exudes more sex appeal. That extra flab isn't doing you any good. Hmmmmm, guess I ought to look in the mirror. Want more self-confidence and self-esteem? Exercise can do just that.

If you find working out in the gym boring or...expensive. Yikes! Have you seen what a membership costs?

You can still workout even if you don’t go to the gym. There is fitness equipment that you can purchase and use right at the comforts of your own home. These home fitness equipment can work wonders for you.

Parents, do you need to keep a constant eye your kiddos? You should consider getting home fitness equipment. You will also enjoy your workouts because you can watch your favorite TV shows while you workout. I've placed my own treadmill in front of the TV. I can't say it gets me to run more often, since I prefer the great outdoors, but it does combat boredom.

You can also consider getting weights or other types of equipment. Keep an eye out for sales if you have your heart set on a particular item. You could also put the word out to friends and family to let them know you are looking for equipment. It just might be that someone your brother knows is just itching to get a treadmill out of his way. There is also www.freecycle.org or www.craigslist.com for good used stuff. The point is to save money. With the right home fitness equipment, you will be able to get a high quality workout and get that great looking body you have always wanted (if you do use it) without putting too much of a dent in your wallet.

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Make Stew With Leftovers

Looking for something quick to make for dinner? What could be faster than throwing some leftover ingredients in the slow cooker before work?

Combine leftover veggies, some broth or water, and some rice (noodles, or potatoes will do too) and put the cover on.

You'll come up with your own delicious recipes. Make a list of what you put in and if it's absolutely fabulous...well, you can recreate it in the future.

It's easy and it's hard to go wrong with veggies.

So, what's for dinner tonight?

By enlisting this practice, I avoid letting food go to waste. This saves money and time. By using my slow cooker I reduce my electrical use. It's also easy to portion out enough for tomorrow's lunch.

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The Change in the Bottom of Your Purse

Got change? No, not the impetus to effect a different circumstance--at least, not directly. Change: you know, the stuff weighing down your purse that you never dig out. Well, sit down and dump everything out of your purse. Yep, it's scary in there. Go ahead and clean it out. File the receipts, ditch the gross stick of gum, which lost part of it's wrapper. The expired coupons can go into the trash.

Okay, now you're getting there. The coinage in the recesses can add up. I added up the jingly and it totalled $5.78. That's a premium coffee drink, a magazine, or a lip balm. Wait, if I save it, it may be the difference between comfort and scraping by in retirement.

I haven't decided what to do with my new found money. I'll probably settle for something in between. A treat now and then gives me the courage to stick with a plan.

What will you do with yours?

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The Lunch Bunch With Wings

For some time now, I have been an avid participant in the http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ program. For those of you who are new to my blog, Angel Food is a co-op that offers grocery savings. So, we sign up the month before pick-up. For $30 we get enough food to feed a family of four for a week. Wow, have I been impressed.

So, now we are making it fun. This month the group is meeting for lunch before Angel Food pickup. We're going to hit my favorite Mexican joint.

We're saving a ton of money and spending a wee bit of it to get together and enjoy each other for a a time.

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April Fools Day

Ah, another April Fools Day has almost come and gone.

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