Top 12 Frugal Things Worth Having in the Kitchen

One of things that my husband and I strongly agreed with was to get high quality items so that we don't waste money on buying more every few years.  Many people think that if you are frugal, then you are cheap.  We just like a really good value so we wait for the best deals on the things that we want and need.  There are quite a few things that we wouldn't be able to live without and since I spend so much time in the kitchen, my list is all of things in the kitchen.

1. Kitchen Aid Mixer-  I love my mixer and use it all the time.  My mom bought it for me for a Christmas gift probably about 12 years ago.  It was under $100 and if it ever had a problem, I would totally get a new one... and would be super excited to get the more powerful older brother of my current one.

2. Cookie Sheets with Silpat liners-  I got my current cookie sheets as a wedding present which I love.  I looked online but they don't seem to sell them anymore.  They are wonderful because they don't have any sides (like jelly roll pans) but they are a perfect size for my oven.

My first Silpat came as a gift from my friend Amy (THANKS!) and my husband bought me my second one so that I would have one for each cookie sheet.  They protect the cookie sheets and they are wonderful because you don't need parchment paper or non-stick spray for anything you cook.  The cookie sheets and silpats go together like peanut butter and jelly!!!  I can't imagine loving one without the other.

 

3.  Cheese Grater-  When I started writing this list, I asked my husband what he thought and he said the cheese grater was high on his list.  We had cheese grater and it broke, we had another and the handle welding failed and now we have the best cheese grater and we use it once or twice a week.  We even asked for an extra one on our wish list because we were afraid that if it broke we would be grater less and that just can't happen in our house.  I highly recommend investing in a cheese grater that you love to use because a bad cheese grater is something you always have to fight with- ours is Kitchen Aid.

4.  Pizza Pan and OXO pizza cutter-  I use this pan all the time because it cooks both sides without flipping.  We actually got two for wedding presents and one as a Christmas gift so we have three.  We are almost always using one, if not two at the same time.  The best addition to this pan is the plastic OXO cutter so that you don't scratch the non-stick surface.  I use the pan to cook frozen pizza, homemade pizza, breaded chicken, and not-fried zucchini.  I reference them a lot in my recipes and you can get them for about $10 at Target so they are both great tools in our kitchen.

5.  Bread machine- My husband got this for me back when we are dating... most people have a rule about not getting gifts with plugs but I have no such rule.  I love presents that I will actually use and sadly that usually means something for the kitchen.  I didn't use this for a long time but when I began my frugal adventure, I decided that I had to figure out how to make homemade bread.  I pulled out this bread machine and after trying a few recipes, I have found my favorite sandwich bread and gotten much better on cinnamon rolls.  I am still working on some of my other challenges like hot dog rolls which I am going to try to make this week.

6. Cookware-  Another great wedding gift (and things that we got off the wedding registry) which we still use everyday.  We have a number of pans that we don't use as often but we love the glass lids and the durable material that comes clean easily.  We haven't had any problems in the 7-8 years that we have been using them.  We decided on the Calphalon One infused anodized because they were a highly rated pan and they have glass lids and secure rivets.  The pans we were using before had to be tightened a lot which is really bothersome when you are cooking and realize that you forgot to tighten the handle again.  Sturdy pans are a great investment.

We got two more recently at the William-Sonoma outlet that were Calphalon tri-ply stainless steel.  We wanted to get the same kind so that the lids would continue to be interchangeable.  Many pans don't come with lids and we really wanted to make sure that we would have a lid to fit the new pans too!!  The best advice that I have is pick a manufacturer that you like and stick with them because most of the pans are the same size.

7.  Bowl Set-  I got these great bowls from William-Sonoma (but mine are buttercup) which I thought at the time was a little extreme because I already have two sets of Henn pottery mixing bowls (yup, in blue and cranberry sponge) but they were hard to pull out because they were so heavy.  The William-Sonoma ones nest so they fit inside each other and they have nonslip rubber ring on the bottom so that they don't move when you stir.  I almost bought another set of them but mine are doing great so it will be awhile before I have to replace them.

8.  Measuring Cups and Spoons-  My husband's other most used kitchen item is the Pyrex measuring cup.  He heats his water in the microwave for his oatmeal in the morning.  We also use it to heat water for hot tea if there is only one person drinking it.  In addition to the normal usage for measuring liquid ingredients for recipes.  We have 5 different glass ones and we are always using them and at least half are in the dishwasher at the same time.  I also love the great measuring cups and spoons from Willam-Sonoma.  I bought the plastic and the metal ones but I tend to use the plastic ones more often.  Of course, I have 5 different sets of measuring cups and spoons and often use multiple sets in a day of baking!  I really like these because some of my other sets are hard to read the measurements and others have lost their round shape (which makes you wonder about the measuring accuracy).

9. Tea Kettle-  We are not a coffee family (although we do have a nice coffee maker we got as a gift for others that visit).  I had a tea kettle that was really cheap and it was getting gross so I decided that I was going to get a really nice one.  My friend Ann recommended her's which was a Chantal (at least I think it was Ann and if I remember, her's was blue).  My parents were here and they said that there tea kettle was getting rusty too so they wanted to get one too-copycats!  We were out on a marathon shopping trip (which is standard with my parents) and they decided to get one at Macy's but I was holding out for the one that I wanted which I knew would be sitting at a great discount at Home Goods.  I was so excited to see the stainless steel one there and I think that it was around $25-$30 (priced currently on amazon at $100).  Mine still looks great and my parents are already on to another new one!!!  A good investment goes a long way!!

I use it a few times a week to make fresh brewed ice tea.  I love ice tea!!  I used to drink Crystal Light but I had to stop drinking it when I was pregnant with my son which was quickly replaced with fresh brewed.  I have now lost the taste for Crystal Light and prefer the fresh brewed.  Sometimes it takes a little more work then the powdered tea but it is really worth it.  It is like I am out at a restaurant for every cup of tea without the high price of drinks at restaurants since I normally get my tea bags with coupons!!

10. Blender-  I love my Cuisnart blender.  I got this while I was in college as a gift from my then boyfriend.  It is a really high powered one that I used to make baby food for my son and make lots of different things including salsa.  My husband doesn't like chunky salsa so it makes a really nice, smooth salsa.  Have you ever blended your salsa??  I highly recommend that you try it sometime because it brings out the great flavor!!  A good blender is super important for every kitchen.

11. Toaster Oven-  I read a post a few years ago about how people have really strong feelings on whether to use a toaster or a toaster oven and some couples have to keep them side by side on the counter.  We are a toaster oven family.  We use it to make toast, bake chicken nuggets, and reheating pizza.  We loved our toaster oven.  We got a great one as a wedding shower gift and it just stopped working one day (of course it was 6 years old).  It was a very sad day for us... of course, I did have an extra one in the basement.  The sad part was that the new one wasn't as great as the old one.  It was the kind we had before the really fancy one but it was no longer impressive to us.  We might even get a fancier one next time but I guess it will be many years before we have to plan on it.

12.  Henn baking pans-  I love my Henn dishes, baking items and serving items.  I wouldn't be able to live without all my beautiful pans.  They all make me so happy which I guess is why I started selling them shortly after being at a few shows.  I sold them to support my buying habit.  It was a great job because I got the discount and the product super cheap and now I have tons of show from it.  I wanted to work hard and be able to do it when I became a stay at home mom but their company didn't make it through the economic downturn so they no longer have consultants.  The great news is that I still have tons to show for it which I use every day.  The great thing about them is that they come clean really easily without too much scrubbing!

Hope you have enjoyed my top 12 things that I can't live without in the kitchen!!  I look forward to hearing what items you can't live without!!  Let me know :)

Top 12 Personal Care Things I Get For Free

I read a post on the "Top 10 Health and Beauty product I buy" on Our Frugal Happy Life.  The prompted me to think the opposite... so I guess I was having a contrary day.  What health and beauty items do I not pay for anymore because of couponing?  In putting together a list, I always think that I can't come up with ten things and then I come up with more!!!

Since couponing, I have found that I can get some really nice stuff free.  The deals vary by store and some are getting a little more scarce but are still close to free when they happen.  Things have changed in the past year, whether it was the economy or whether it was the influx of new couponers from the Extreme Couponing show (feel free to watch this episode in case you haven't caught it yet with my favorite, Tiffany and least favorite, J'aime or another one).  Either way, having a stockpile of a few items is always great because then you can hold off until you see the next sale to get items for free or nearly free.

Top 10 Free Personal Care Items

1.  Dental Floss:  We used to get this really nice Glide dental floss from our dentist but he started giving out a new mint one that I don't like.  My husband likes the cinnamon or spearmint Reach dental floss.  There are always coupons out for them so I get them free or make money on them every time I get them.  If they cost even a few cents, I put it back on the shelf.

2.  Toothbrushes:  I used to use the one that my dentist gave me during my six month cleanings but now I can afford to change brushes a lot more often because I used to get brush free but more recently I haven't seen the toothbrushes included so I guess that is a sign that I will have my stockpile to last me a long time until the next deal is coming.

3.  Toothpaste:  Not sure how much toothpaste one family can use but I have a ton.  Both my husband and I prefer Crest and I can usually get the Crest free if I wait for the deals.  I also get Colgate because my extended family is not as picky.  My mom told me that they haven't bought toothpaste in years now because they just get my "extras."

4.  Shavers:  There are so many coupons and savings with drugstores and others that I haven't had to pay for a razor since I started couponing.  I have tons of them to last for a long time.  The other great thing is that I am using much nicer shavers then when I had to pay out of pocket for them.

5.  Shave Gel:  I have gotten a few shave gels for super cheap and near free.  This is one of the deals that seems to getting fewer and farther between.  I really enjoy the Skintimate Cream Shave Gel which is normally around $5 at CVS.  I have gotten a few at a good price but don't have any stockpile left of this one so I will have to go with a few different travel versions to hold me over to the next bargain on my favorite one :)

6.  Soap and Shower Gel:  I have gotten so many different types of shower gels and soaps.  I use the ones that I like and give friends and family ones that I think that they will like.  I had some medical issues and the doctor suggested only using soap with no scents and colors added so now I don't even get to use the fancy ones that I have gotten.

7.  Pads/Tampons:  I have an under the bed box filled with all of the femine care items that I got for free.  I just pull out another box when I finish one and replenish when I get them for free again.  This is one of my favorites because there is nothing like spending money on something you are just going to throw in the trash. (Don't get me started on the cost of trash bags!!!)

8. Mouthwash and Fluoride Rinses:  After I got pregnant, my teeth started giving me a lot of trouble.  For the last three years, I have used a lot of fluoride rinses :)  The great news is that I had a huge stockpile of different kinds to try.  I have used lots and not made a dent.  This is a hard one because they do expire and it is hard to track how long a bottle lasts because they are all different sizes.

9.  Eye Drops and Contact Lens Solution:  I have gotten tons of these free and I don't even use them.  My cousin and sister in law both use them so they are taken care of for years at a time.  I usually only get them when they are moneymakers since I don't use them but I do get them if someone tells me that they need some more :)

10.  Lotions:  I don't use a ton of lotions but I get what I need for free.  I have gotten really great brands like Eucerin, Keri, Aveeno, and others for free.  My grandmother prefers Aveeno so I save lots of those for her.  Other family members have their preferences and I share with them when I have something that I think that they will like.  My mom prefers St. Ives and I have never gotten their lotion for free so she has had to settle for some of the other ones.

11.  Hair Products:  I don't use a lot of hair products but I get them for my cousin, mom and sister in law.  I put together a pile for each of them so that the next holiday, I just pull some stuff out of the pile so that I have their gifts all together.  I got some fancy root lifter for my mom which was normally $7-$8 for free and gave it to her for Christmas.  The great thing about the gift is that they would have had to pay the full price so it is a super great gift because they probably wouldn't have spent that much so it is a special treat.

12.  Air Fresheners:  I get tons and tons of air fresheners with coupons and promotions.  The fancy air fresheners that auto sense when you pass them.  In a million years, I never would have bought them pre-couponing so they are a special extra.  I put one in the basement near the laundry so that even if it is stinky, it always smells good.  I have heard other bloggers put some of them in their cars so I know that there are a ton of uses for them, especially when gotten for free.

The best part about getting stuff you need for free, is that it frees up room in the budget for other things.  Some families use it to make ends meet but for others, it helps them to be able to afford more non-coupon groceries, vacations, or meals at restaurants.  The great thing is that you can do with it what you want and get the deals you are interested in or that meet your families needs.  I am going to have to think about the personal care items that we are specific about that we set aside room in our budget for and let you know that soon!!

Top 12 Household Products I Buy

I saw a post on Our Frugal Happy Life about 10 Household Products that her family buys and it really got me thinking.  After couponing for so many years, there aren't many items that we are brand specific on but there still are a few.  I stock up on the items when they are at the lowest price and try to use a coupon, if available.  The great part is that I can stock up at low prices and not have to worry about paying full price for most of these items.

My Top 10 Household Products that I Purchase:
1.  Tide Free HE Laundry Detergent-  We are really brand specific on laundry detergent.  When we had our son three years ago, we bought a new washer and dryer and I am super protective of it.  Plus, both my son and I have sensitive skin so we get the detergent with no dyes or perfumes.

2. Dawn dish detergent- I really feel like it works the best on dishes.  I can usually get the small ones free after coupons and stock up when I can get them.  I do have some other dish soap in my stockpile because I got them free but I haven't had to pull them out yet.

3.  Tissues-  We prefer Kleenex with lotion but my stock pile was quickly dwindling with our current sickness and allergies.  I have recently purchased Puffs because we have gotten so low on the Kleenex tissues.  Goes against my grain to spend $2 a box when you are just using it and throwing it away as quickly as we use them.  I am slightly flexible on the brand name.

4.  Toilet Paper-  We prefer Cottonelle but when the price is right I will also get Charmin Ultra Strong.  I stock up at the lowest prices and when there are coupons and try to pay $0.25-$0.50 per roll.  I keep a bring big stockpile in the basement so we are never caught at full price.  My husband and I agree that we never want to have to use the brands that have wood chips in them (I watched a comedian years ago and that term stuck... don't remember which comedian said it though).  I usually pack a roll if we are going away on a long trip so that we aren't stuck with other peoples single ply toilet paper so we are serious about this item.

5.  Blue Scotch Brite Scrub Sponges-  Per the hotline on my pots and pans, these are the only ones to use so I bought them and I love them.  Previously, I thought the difference was just the color of the sponge but I now know that the blue ones are the non-scratch ones.  I got a bunch on sale with coupons awhile ago and they will probably last for a long time.

6. Plastic Bags-  I use rubbermaid containers to hold most leftovers and food in the fridge but I use the plastic bags to pack up food in the freezers.  I freeze chicken and ground beef in individual bags which can't be reused because they hold meat.  I also make bags of brown rice which is microwaved and the bag is then trashed.  I don't like to wash bags and reuse them so I try to use them only when I am not going to be able to reuse them.  Sounds a little backwards but I get whatever brand I can at the cheapest price.  I do prefer the ones with the zipper at the top (not ziploc but the actual plastic zipper) because I am bad at closing the bags and I feel like the bags are thicker.

7. Windex with Vinegar-  We use this to clean the counters and other things around the house.  When we got the new countertops, they told us that we couldn't use anything with citrus on the countertops.  We have tried a bunch of different things and this seems to do a great job and cleaning the counters and still works to clean other items great.  I have found that the price varies from store to store and coupons are getting increasingly harder to find so I started an experiment.  I put the date on the bottle to see how long it lasts under normal conditions.  The first test lasted 6 weeks so that would mean that we use 9 bottles a year at on average $2-$3 so this is under a $30 habit so I guess that it isn't that bad.

8.  Mircofiber Cloths-  I know that I am totally stealing this one from Our Frugal Happy Life's post but they are the most wonderful and I don't clean the counter with anything else.  That being said, my husband (probably even back before we were married) bought me these as seen on TV clothes for a gift.  I asked him why on earth I would want them.  Then I felt them and they total grossed me out so they sat under the cupboard forever.  I found them one day and I have been using two of them for years to clean the counter and other things around the house.  I knew that it was a set of three that I got but I never knew where the third one ran off and hid until I was cleaning up one day and found it.  I remember why I hated the feel so much so now I have two favorite cloths and one that I tolerate.  My husband actually said at Christmas that he was going to go buy me more since I loved them so much.  I told him that mine were fine and I loved them but if they ever fall apart.... it will be my next Christmas gift :)  If you don't have any, I highly recommend them.  I even watched some daytime tv show say that they were the key to cleaning windows perfectly!!

9.  Paper towels-  I know that this shouldn't be something on a frugals shopping list but my husband was slightly addicted to them when I met him.  He used them for everything!!  I have tried to cut down on the usage by having a hand towel next to the sink, one hooked to the stove (near the sink), a drawer full under the stovetop, and another drawer on the other side of the kitchen.  Did I mention the pile of rags under the kitchen sink?  Of course, then I had to explain to my husband the difference between a "good" towel and a rag but it takes time right?  I am going to tell you that my kitchen is not so big that you couldn't get one of those in easy reach whenever you needed it.  It is more of a habit then anything else that he often still reaches for the paper towel.  My son cleans up with a wash cloth instead of wet paper towel.  We use rags to clean up messes.  I am fine using every towel in the house because it doesn't add that much to the laundry load.  I keep a basket in the basement for the wet towels so that they don't stink up the laundry upstairs.  They often dry out or quickly go in the washer.  We are using paper towels slower these days but it is another thing that I refuse to spend full price on and often get them for free with coupons or through a CVS ECB deal.  I am going to start tracking how long they last to see how quickly they are used as part of my figuring out how much stockpile we need on hand so I guess I will know soon enough if my constant nagging is really working.  Also, I haven't figured out a better way to clean out grease when making tacos so until then, we will have paper towels on the counter.

10. Dishwasher Magic-  If you don't know what this is, it is recommended to use once every 3-6 months to clean hard water out of your dishwasher.  I bought a bottle from the Sears repair man when he came to fix the dishwasher at the end of the warranty period.  He said that this was the best out there and it would be $12 plus tax to get this from him.  Being silly, I bought one.  I went to the grocery store and saw it on the shelf.  Since then, I have seen it at Wal-Mart and many other places.  In order to make up for my two $12 bottles of cleaner (one he used and one we kept spare after he left), I have bought these on sale and with coupon and filled my cupboard.  Which reminded me to today that I really need to clean the dishwasher.  The challenging part is to get the dishwasher empty so that you can run it :)

UPDATE:  I started thinking and I came up with two others as I was drifting off to sleep last night... since I posted this right before I went to bed, it was on my mind. I know that it was a top ten but since it is my list, I am making it into a top 12.

11. Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner-  We got a flat top stove and it is the only stuff that cleans it.  We have only bought one container of the cleaner since we got the stove over 4-5 years ago so I don't think of it as a big expensive item but it certainly is something we can't live without.  There is one for baked on grease too and we can live without that one because we haven't used it that much at all but the cleaner takes off my worst baked on messes!!

12.  Bona Floor Cleaner-  Before we finished the the kitchen, we got our floors refinished and new hardwood in the kitchen.  This is the stuff that the hardwood people recommended and told us is the only stuff that won't mess up the floor.  We are still using the spray and mop from when we got the floors finished but we will need to get new stuff and this is another thing that we can't live without.
Do you have anything that your family can't live without?  Each individual and family has different priorities for how money is spent. These are the first that came to mind when I started thinking about it and looking through the cupboards.  I can't wait to hear the items you find so please share!!! 

Other lists ideas include:

Money Saving Mom's list of things not to buy
Money Savings Mom's list of items to splurge on.