Valuable Resource - Living on a Shoestring

Living on a Shoestring: Over 1000 best-kept secrets to stretch-and save-your money

Don’t let the silly cover art of the authors, self-dubbed the Tightwad Twins, be a deterrent, or the 1997 publication date. In checking for outdated materials on the non-fiction shelves, I came across this gem that is still very relevant in today’s economy, with advice like:

*Mount magazine photos on poster board for inexpensive children’s room decorations (page 51) (Check out the library’s magazine exchange shelf)

*Use an empty tissue box to neatly store plastic shopping bags (page 57)

*Make a free table centerpiece by floating fresh flowers in a glass bowl (page 63)

*Give the kids empty and cleaned squeeze bottles for playing with water outside (page 137)

*Reuse mailing envelopes by using address stickers/return labels over the writing (page 142)

*Sprinkle salt and wet with water to get rid of weeds between cracks (page 144)

My suggestions (Not suggested by the Tightwad Twins):
*Free entertainment – June 9th PCL welcomes the Annual Summer Celebrity, Carol Higgins Clark. More details.

*Find gently used books at the Friends of the Parkland Library book sale – July 24 – 31. Check the PCL website for more information.

*Make an appointment at a beauty school for discount salon services. I recently caught a May special at Metro Beauty Academy off Route 222 and got a very nice shampoo and condition, haircut, and blow out for only $1 plus the stylist tip. Their normal rates are about half the price of professional salon fees. If you aren't comfortable with a student cutting your hair, you could always get a summer manicure or relaxing facial.