Frugal Village

photo by jspatchwork

I’ve read, shared and used a lot of frugal tips through the years. Sometimes I read a new frugal tip from a reader and wonder why I didn’t think of it — like the tip below for sewing a simple picnic blanket. I can’t wait to make it. A special thanks to readers for taking the time to share their knowledge and frugal shortcuts.

TASTY FRENCH TOAST: Save this frugal tip for next year. Every year, I buy eggnog, but I’m the only one who drinks it. I used to waste some because I couldn’t drink it all, but decided I would try using what was left for French toast. I still use eggs, but replace the milk with eggnog and use sliced French bread. It’s delicious. — Nina, via e-mail

WRINKLE-FREE NAPKINS: I wrap my cloth napkins on paper-towel rolls and store them in the drawer in my china hutch. — Linda V., Michigan

DATE YOUR FOOD: When you buy new items for the pantry, use a felt-tip pen to mark the tops (or fronts) with the expiration date in large numbers. That makes it much easier to rotate your food items. (For items with no expiration date, mark the date purchased.) It only takes a few minutes, and it’s fun to rearrange all the items. — David William Rubbio, Washington

REUSE CONTAINERS: I use ketchup containers to squeeze out pancake batter. I used to use a ladle or measuring cup, but this works much better. — Anna, via e-mail

SCENTED DRAWERS: My mother taught me a handy trick to keep my dresser drawers and clothes smelling good. When her perfume bottles were empty, she would take off the tops and place the bottles in the drawers. There is enough in them to evaporate, leaving the drawer contents smelling really nice. — Lloyd, via e-mail

EASY TUB CLEANUP: When cleaning my bathtub, I use either dish liquid or shampoo. Both easily clean the soap scum off without hard scrubbing. I use a nylon dish scrubber. — Tina, via e-mail

COLLECT WATER: I use a bucket to collect the cold water that cycles through in the shower before warm water arrives from the water heater. I use this clean water to wash my car and to water landscape plantings. I started collecting rainwater from one of four downspouts on my roof in a 60-gallon barrel. I use this water to refill a toilet tank instead of using municipal water that costs money! — James Cook, via e-mail

TOTE-BAG SUBSTITUTE: I save the clear plastic bags with zippers from comforters and sheets and use them to store outgrown clothes for donating. I also use them to pack camping stuff because we can easily see everything that’s inside. It’s good for wet towels and swimsuits, too. My neighbor uses them for toys like Duplos so they’re all together. — Melanie, via e-mail

OUTDOOR BLANKET: After the holidays, I look for vinyl tablecloths, fleece material or blankets on sale. I buy them cheap, sew them together and sew on ties to make picnic blankets that can be rolled up and tied. I give them as gifts. — Cara, via e-mail

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