[instagram-feed num=11 cols=11 imagepadding=0 showheader=false showbutton=false showfollow=false disablemobile=true]
Beauty Fashion Home

My Top 5 Thrifty Money Saving Tips

February 26, 2014

I was recently asked by Voucher Codes UK to share some of the ways I save money day-to-day. It was important to me to choose things that I do myself and that I think my readers will find helpful. These won’t necessarily save you a fortune, however I find that’s when your living on a budget luxuries like pampering treats and clothes can be the first thing that we cut out, so I thought some of these would help by offering little treats on a budget as well as a couple that are just plain useful. So here are a few of my favourites…

1. Thrifty Sewing:

Making and altering your own clothes can be easier than you think, and with a little practice the possibilities are endless. One way I have built up my wardrobe is to make my own dresses. I generally use vintage fabrics and trimmings which you can pick up for a steal at car boot sales and charity shops and with a little practice simple dresses are quite easy to put together. A basic sewing machine is fine for dress making so there’s no need to spend a fortune on one, you could even pick one up second-hand on eBay. I love having one-off pieces that fit me perfectly and I can have lot’s of new clothes with no spending guilt.

2. Thrifty Shopping:

If making your own clothes isn’t really your thing then why not buy clothing second-hand, vintage is really popular at the moment and can be picked up online, in charity shops and car boot sales. If you’re looking for bargain vintage check out The Vintage Kilo Sale and The East End Thrift Store who sell vintage by the kilo and by the bag. The great thing about vintage clothing is that if you take care of it, it is unlikely to depreciate in value in the same way new clothes do so it can be treated as an investment. Look out for clothing from pre 1960s if you’re looking for truly collectible items. I love picking up bargains from the 70s and 80s as well as these can be bought for just a few pounds. I also support my vintage buying habit by selling a few items online each week.

4. Thrifty Cleaning:

It’s amazing how many household cleaning products can be replaced with store cupboard items. Not only does replacing chemical cleaners with natural products save you lot’s of money it’s also far better for the environment. My essential cleaning items include: Olive Oil, Salt, White Vinegar, Bicarbonate of Soda, Lemon Juice and Lavender Oil. I also stock up on little spray bottles to mix up cleaners with. I really enjoy making my own cleaning products and it definitely makes cleaning more interesting.

There are loads of great websites with natural cleaning recipes. One I mix up all the time is furniture polish. I mix 2 parts oil to one part lemon juice and one part vinegar to polish wooden furniture. It works a treat. You can also use neat vinegar and newspaper to clean and buff mirrors and glass.

Remember to always test on a small area when using a new cleaning product for the first time.

4. Thrifty Beauty:

I love making my own cosmetics, from body scrubs to bath oils from bath bombs to face masks there are so many great products you can make for yourself at very little cost.

One product I make myself and use all the time is witch hazel and rosewater toner. This is really simple to make and the ingredients can be picked up very cheaply at pharmacies and super markets. All you have to do is mix one part rosewater with one part witch hazel and your good to go. For more oily complexions add slightly more witch hazel which will keep break outs at bay. to use just dab a little onto cotton wool and wipe over your face after cleansing and before moisturiser.

Why not keep your toner in a pretty vintage bottle, and make it a feature on your dressing table.

5. Thrifty Make-up Storage:

I store all my everyday make-up in these cutlery trays from Ikea. They cost just £1.25 each and to brighten them up I lined them with pretty floral paper. You can keep them out or tuck them neatly away in a drawer. I also have one which I use to organise all my hair rollers. They also stack quite well on top of each other so make a great space saver.

I hope you like my suggestions and that you’ll give a few of them a try. What little things do you do to save money?

*This post was brought to you in association with Voucher Codes UK

  • Reply
    carly
    February 26, 2014 at 9:26 pm

    Loved this post! Would love to learn more about homemade beauty items and cleaning. You’re right- they add up quickly.

  • Reply
    Jessica Cangiano
    February 28, 2014 at 11:21 am

    Wonderful thrift tips! I love that you mentioned how vintage, unlike most modern clothing, is something that (if its kept in good condition) isn’t apt to depreciate in value. Quite the opposite actually, it can often continue to rise as time goes on, making it a very sound investment in most cases.

    ♥ Jessica

Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: