10/29/24: Dollar Stretcher Tips

Hello Frugal Friend,

Can anyone help this reader?

Does anyone have any inexpensive way to cover dark, under-eye circles and the stretched skin there? I tried an OTC eye cream, but every time I used it, it got into my eyes and was uncomfortable.

Also, I use a name-brand henna to color my hair. However, though it's labeled "dark brown," it only stays that color for a few days or maybe a week. I'm hoping to find a natural way to dye my hair dark brown — one that lasts at least a little longer.

Last, any frugal ways to cover facial wrinkles?

Any help is appreciated.
Helen

Please send your responses to [email protected] or simply reply to this email. And thank you!

On a different note, a tip ran last week from JD in St. Louis about shredder maintenance. I was surprised by how many responses I received about the tip's usefulness since many folks did not know about the lubricating sheets for maintaining a shredder. In case you missed it and have a shredder, here it is again:

Several years ago, I bought an inexpensive paper shredder at a warehouse store (Costco). I had boxes of sensitive paperwork to shred. Following the directions that came with the shredder, I successfully got through thousands of sheets of old bank and tax documents. I've mentioned this to several friends who've told me their shredders burned out after little use. When questioned, I learned they didn't use the 'lubricating' sheets required to keep the shredder running properly. Mine came with one such sheet and I ordered a 5-pack for a few dollars for the project ahead. My shredder never overheated or slowed down. I worked it hard. It was a cheap one too. Still going strong.

If you're unaware of the lubricating sheet, please look into them. Office supply stores and Amazon have them. With the end of the year coming and getting rid of heaps of receipts, I'll be running the shredder again.
JD in St. Louis

Also for those who have shredders: Creative Uses for Shredded Paper for the Home and Garden

Blow Away That Moisture Problem

Reading the home maintenance tips from Barbara, I was reminded of a simple, inexpensive purchase we made that keeps our shower free from mildew.

For some reason, the stall shower in our master bath was built in a small closet-sized room with no ventilation and no way to add any. The shower had been replaced right before we moved in, and in no time, we were battling a continual mildew problem that made that new shower look old. After each use, we tried using a squeegee and wiping the walls and floors down with a giant microfiber towel. We used an after-shower spray almost daily and cleaned the shower twice a week. We were still getting mildew build-up, especially on the silicone that filled the space where the floor tiles met the wall tiles (and yes, it was waterproof silicone for bathrooms).

We finally found a solution that was so simple. First, we hired someone to remove the old silicone, replace it and regrout the tile. It was worth the cost (which wasn't too bad), and the shower looked new again. I bought a small 11-inch table fan for less than $20. After each shower, we simply slide the shower doors to the center and place the fan to blow into one end to circulate air through the shower, pushing the moist air out through the other open side of the doors on the other end and drying the shower. We have not had any signs of mildew in the 15 months we have used the fan.

I wish we had tried this years earlier and could have avoided the cost of replacing the silicone and grout, not to mention all the years of continual scrubbing with pricey mildew removal products.
AJ

Related: Cleaning a Shower Without Scrubbing: Tips for Seniors

Krazy Savings

My daughter told me about Krazy Coupon Lady. They have a website, an app, and daily emails if you sign up for them. The emails are very visual and don't take much time to review. Their website and app offer excellent information on couponing and I can't tell you how much money I've saved from the deals they offer. But I especially enjoy their daily emails as Christmas approaches, as I find many deeply discounted deals I can purchase as Christmas gifts.
Missy

Related: 7 Apps To Help Early Holiday Shoppers Save Significantly

Using Up That Makeup

I have a very useful hack. My foundation makeup when I cannot squeeze any more out? Cutting it open when upside down, you can put a sponge applicator or your finger inside, and there is usually a lot left inside for another three or four applications. With lipstick when it gets way down and you can no longer apply the usual way? There is still a lot left. Use a lipstick brush to apply until it is all gone. Cosmetics are expensive, and I find this hack helps to stretch what I buy.
Claire

Related: How To Extend the Shelf Life of Beauty Products

Easy Frozen Garlic Bread

I buy sliced French bread at the day-old store, brush garlic butter on the slices, divide the slices into dinner-size portions, and then freeze. This is much cheaper than buying frozen garlic bread at the grocery store.
Ann

Related: Frugal DIY Breads From Around the World

A Cheap Gift Idea for Young Children

If you have a young child or grandchild who likes to play make-believe, shop the after-Halloween clearance sales for marked-down costumes and put them away for Christmas gifts. My son had a whole collection of costumes that he could play in for the next few years that we got on clearance. Whether you have a young princess, superhero or firefighter, you can get some really great deals to expand their dress-up collection.
Andrea, Editor

Related: Halloween Tricks That Treat your Wallet Right

Leftover Halloween Candy?

I use leftover Halloween candy for decorating gingerbread houses for the holidays.
Sandy

Editor's note: You can also grab some deeply discounted candy at an after-Halloween sale to put away for holiday baking and decorating.

Free Storage for the Garage or Basement

I wanted cabinets in my garage, but I couldn't afford new ones solid enough not to fall apart in a few years. Therefore, I went to one of those home repair apps and contacted some contractors. I asked if they ever removed kitchen cabinets. I offered to buy them, but I was offered them for free because one of the contractors didn't want to pay the dumping fee. The cabinets are an old style, but they're solid and just what I need for my tools and supplies. And they didn't cost me a dime!
Darren

Related: Get Control of Garage Clutter on the Cheap