Good to the Last Drop

I'm sure everyone has noticed the way manufacturers are doing their packaging these days. The most noticeable for me is the upside-down squeeze bottles. From mayo, ketchup, and jelly to shampoo, lotion and makeup. And the way some of them are shaped, you can't get the top off...at least by unscrewing it.

Here's where I break out the scissors!

My makeup used to come in a small bottle, now it's in an upside down tube. When I can't shake, squeeze or cajole anymore out, I've been cutting the end off. I have gotten at least five more applications by doing this (I store it in a ziptop baggie so it doesn't dry out). The same goes for toothpaste. Unless you're the type that can flatten it flatter than a crepe', cutting it lengthwise can get you three, maybe four or more uses.

The list of items you can do this with is endless, and it just takes a minute or so.

~Adding a little water to shampoos and conditioners (or cutting into it if it doesn't unscrew).

~I use the same brand of lotion all the time. It's a pump type, so I know I'm definitely not able get all of it out. Rather than using my scissors on the bottle, I'll start on the next one for a several uses then turn the old bottle upside down onto the new one.

~What about the never-ending bar of soap. Always sticking the sliver of soap to the new bar, or saving all the slivers, adding a little water and remolding them.

~In the kitchen I liked the Bottom of the Jar segments I'd seen on the Rachel Ray Show where she'd add other ingredients to what was left in a jar that we'd normally just throw away. Dressings out of the last dollop of mayo. Marinades out of the last couple spoons of jellies.

Any other ideas you've done with squeeze bottles?

Coupon Binder Tutorial

My Litter of Six is a wonderful blog to subscribe to for grocery store sale/coupon match ups.

She offers lots of advice and great ideas for frugal shopping.

Right now she has a detailed Coupon Binder Tutorial on her web page and is giving away a coupon - loaded binder.

Go check her out. You'll learn something I promise.

Internet Shopping

If you enjoy shopping from your computer instead of shopping at stores, I read a really good tip yesterday that I want to share with you.

If you see an item you want to purchase at an online retailer, sign in and place the item in the shopping cart. Don't purchase it yet. Wait a day or two if possible. Some retailers will see it in your cart and notice haven't purchased it and will e-mail you an incentive to purchase it. You may get an extra percentage off. Not guaranteed, but worth a try if you are willing to wait.

Also, remember to create an account and shop thru ebates.com. You get cash back based on your total purchase and also they provide coupon codes. Checks are mailed quarterly.
You can also g**gle coupon codes and double stack some codes when you check out.

Example: Recently I had to order flowers for an out of state funeral. I went to www.ebates.com
and decided to use 1800flowers. I also searched the Internet for a coupon code. I found one for free shipping. On a $100.00 order I only paid $80 after my cash back and the free shipping.