An Idea or Two - From Me to You

 I love anything that makes life easier.  I know I am not alone in this boat!  I also like things that save me money.  No sense in just throwing good money away.  If you have more dollars than you need - then donate!  Don't just waste it.

I am sure you have all seen those little terra cotta disks that you buy to put in brown sugar to keep the brown sugar soft.  They are pretty darn pricey to buy.

They come in fancy designs and in all shapes and sizes.  The cheapest I have seen is about $5 and going up into the teens of dollars.

 I came up with my own solution for pennies!  And yes it works!!!!!!!!

Yep - a tiny clay pot!  This has an opening about the size of a half dollar.  When I got it, I was looking for a 3" clay saucer and the store was out.  This cost me way less than a $1.

Wash it - then soak in a glass of warm water for 15-20 minutes - take out and dry off - place in your brown sugar.  THAT IS IT!  It will keep it soft for about 3 months - then you just repeat the soaking and drying and start over!  Will last forever.

Super practical and thrifty in more than one way!!!!! 

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When purchasing lettuce at the grocery store - during those times you can't grow your own - buy "living lettuce".  My goodness does it stay fresh.  This is what I get now.  It lasts so much longer than those baggies of lettuce mix.  I often find it marked down and get it for a cheaper price.  It has flavor as well - not like ice burg lettuce.

          The lettuce is packaged as a whole plant.  You pick off leaves as you need them.

     This is the bottom - that is where it was cut and the roots are wrapped around the base.

 This is also easy to re-grow in your home.  Place the base  (after using all leaves) in a shallow container of water - keep base wet - and you will start to re-grow your own leaves.

This lettuce lasts for a long time in the frig without spoiling or getting dark and slimy.  The picture was taken 2 weeks after purchasing and it was perfect. (I bought 2 at the time of purchase).

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Last TIP:

If you have trouble sleeping at night (I do) here is a little tip to help you get back to sleep.

I can't remember the last time I slept more than 2 hours without waking up.  Generally I look at the clock every hour or less.  I used to have a lot of trouble going BACK to sleep.  Now that is easier.

ALMONDS - I eat about 4 roasted almonds before going to sleep.  There is a chemical in them to help you stay calm and return to sleep easier. (any almonds will do - just no sugar coating).

I still wake up a lot - but return to sleep easily.  I find that I dream more as well!!!

This sounds silly, but it really does keep my body relaxed and makes falling back to sleep peaceful.  

I had read about this before and decided to try it.  It works for me - and YAY no chemicals.

(Another tip when waking a lot - PRAY).  I start praying every time I wake - I know I fall back to sleep before the prayer is finished - but God knows my heart and mind.

So there you have some ideas from me.  Hope maybe one or more will work for you.  Love saving money and finding new ways and things that helps make that happen!!

FROM ME TO YOU!