Let's Get Creative

 I love that we all get creative and share ideas.  I think sometimes it really isn't about being frugal - it is just good sense and not wasting things.  I love that so many think outside the box.

Today a couple of foodie ideas and a couple other things I do or did!

BREADCRUMBS or NOT!

The other day I was going to make a tuna patty (like salmon only milder).  I have breadcrumbs (mix of bread and cracker) - but felt like something different.  I have used all sorts of things as a filler - oats, breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, cheesy crackers, and even crushed chips.  This time I used some Chex Mix I have.  I was gifted a tin of it for Christmas and still haven't eaten it all.  So, I put some in a bag and crushed it.  I added that to my tuna and egg mixture and it sure did make for a tasty bite!!!!!! 

So, think outside the box now and then.  You can always use something you have around the house!

BOLOGNA SALAD

Meat spread, luncheon spread, bologna salad - whatever you call it - it is easy to make.  The deli at most groceries sell it and it isn't cheap!

I used a chub of bologna I found in the freezer that I had gotten on clearance at some point.  I cut it in chunks and put it in the Ninja.  It ground pretty nicely.  You could also use a meat grinder - whatever you have.

I don't have a REAL recipe - as I added this and that.  I used mayo and then added some ranch dressing and some onion dip I had left in the frig.  I added some of my sweet home canned relish and a few finely chopped onions.  Mix it up and eat with crackers or on a sandwich.  You can add anything you want.  It was so very tasty and easy.  Makes for a great lunch item.

This is what I used.  Most stores sell it in chubs.  This was the only way we bought lunch meat when I was a child, You could also use sliced lunchmeat as well.  Just grind it up and you are ready to go.  Make as you would ham or chicken salad.

                                                              Makes for a nice meal!

NON FOOD

I have short hair - several years ago I decided to go short and have kept it that way.  It is so much easier to take care, and for me it is more age appropriate.  I love long hair - had it for years - now I like easy care!

I do root touch-ups on color every 5-6 weeks.  I don't do it as intensely and all covering as in the past.  I do leave a little whisp here and there of gray poking through and I go lighter than what my actual hair color was.  Those root touch-up kits cost as much as a box of hair dye.

When I buy hair color, I use a coupon and get it cheaper.  I think it usually averages $3 - $3.50 a box w/coupon.

I use the 2 part solutions.  It you look at the product - the parts each measure exactly the same.  I measure out what I want from each part and put in a solution bottle I have kept.  Equal amounts used always.

In doing this I get at least 4 - 6 touch-ups from each box of dye.  That makes for a very cheap coloring!!!

I use one of those little medicine cups to measure out the solutions and then mix them in the solution bottle.  I measure part A and pour in bottle and then measure equal amount of Part B and pour in.  Shake to mix and you are ready to touch-up those roots!  I squeeze the color on hair and use an old toothbrush to distribute through hair.  Super easy!!!!

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I keep a little old fashioned alarm clock on the table next to my bed.  I can't see the one on the wall in the middle of the night (w/o glasses), but I can grab the little clock and see it.  Somehow - some way the battery covering back came off and got lost.  I am thinking kitty has hidden it somewhere!

Sure I could buy a new one - if they still even sell them (this one is years old).  But I generally never think of it when I am at a store that might sell them.  

I fixed this one so the battery wouldn't fall out.  Yep - a small piece of cardboard and some electrical tape!  LOL.  It may not be pretty - but it works.  I am the only who sees it, so it doesn't matter.

                                                ALL FIXED!  It works and I am happy!

So think outside the box now and then.  It doesn't matter if it is food, H & B, household fixes, soaps and cleaners, whatever..............  just get a little creative.

 

WHY?  My question is WHY NOT?  I hate throwing things away and wasting things.  I do what I can to use something I have.  Sure, it saves a few pennies, but it just makes me feel better out my lifestyle and helping the earth in some tiny way.

So, the next time you get ready to go out shopping, or you break something, or you run out of something - STOP and THINK.  What else can I use?

Get creative.

Have a blessed day!