What did you do to save $ today?

[Rhettsgreygal]

Vanilla Extract

The recipe is simple: Approximately 6 vanilla beans per one cup of vodka, brandy, tequila, or other choice of alcohol (should be at least 70 proof). Approximately: 1.00 Liter = 33.8140565 oz
1.75 Liters = 59.1745989 oz


I split the beans in half and put them in the bottle of liquor (after removing about a cup or so of liquid). After putting in all the beans, refill with as much remaining liquor. I shake the bottle a few times a week. It is suppose to be ready after 1 month, but it gets better the longer it sits. You can remove the beans by pouring through a coffee filter if you prefer. I plan on keeping the beans in the bottle unless I give as a gift to someone who would be "wigged out" by having them float around in the bottle/jar.

If you can smell the alcohol when you open the bottle, it is not ready.

I purchased my beans here: http://www.vanillaproductsusa.com/servlet/StoreFront

I use the Grade B Extract Vanilla beans. I purchased the 1 pound size and got the 1/4 pound of Grade A Beans. In total there are approximately 200 beans in this size order. I use mostly the Grade B beans with some of the Grade A beans. I haven't tried the first batch yet. I am holding out for 3 months.

I will also post the recipe in "The Self Sufficient Kitchen",

 

[Wannabefree]

Coupons again. Saved $35 off of $60 bill.

 

[Neko-chan]

...

 

[AnnaRaven]

Bought at OSH during their "we pay the sales tax" sale. Got an outdoor storage bin for emergency supplies, and a garage cupboard with doors and shelves for my canned stuff. They were on sale too!

At Target, I saved $12 on a $45 purchase using coupons and my extra 5% off for filling 5 prescriptions. I also bought a blood glucose monitor that I got the 5% off, and it had a rebate of $15 so I ended up paying under $1 for it!

I also subscribed to an extra copy of the local sunday paper for the extra coupons.

 

[dragonlaurel]

Neko - Way to go. They can be a big waste.
I was also curious about No Poo haircare since the main detergent in most shampoos ( SLS) gives me hives and the alternative ones can be expensive. Then I saw a thread post for using diluted baking soda to wash hair, then diluted vinegar to rinse it. I already knew that a vinegar rinse made my hair feel nice, so I tried the whole thing. The first try made me say WOW

I gave it a few weeks to see if the results would be consistent and decided I am done with shampoo. It is softer without the shampoo, looks normal, gets less static and stays clean longer. Saving money and getting better results. Cha Ching !
ETA - Just saw Ravens post. Congrats on saving a bunch of $

 

[VickiLynn]

I started a second bottle of vanilla extract.

The first 1 liter bottle I started cost $18.96 (on March 2nd) and the vodka was not on sale. I just had to start some vanilla extract.

The bottle I started to day is a 1.75 liter bottle. The vodka was on sale for $9.69 and the cost including the beans came to $16.51.

My bottle of Watkins artificially flavored vanilla was $15.99 for 11 ounces.

I have enough vanilla to start another 1.75 liter bottle. Guess what everyone is getting for Christmas??

YUM! I love vanilla in everything.

Annette

I gave homemade vanilla for Christmas last year. It was a big hit! I left the beans in and told people they can refill the little bottles with vodka when the vanilla gets low, as the beans are still good for a second time around. The fun part was making the labels.

 

[Bimpnottin]

Yesterday was not a savings day, but it was the church auction, so I know the money I spent was for a good cause!

 

[Marianne]

Fixed our inherited push mower. Bought yet another belt for the riding mower, but this one has a lifetime, replace it no matter what happened guarantee. Pampered the riding mower that was on it's last legs several years ago. It can't be fixed any more...waaaaaaa.

Made bone broth, dog and cat food. Used the bark from elm trees that were cut down last year (due to massive storm damage) instead of buying wood chips or shredded bark mulch. They'll break down into small pieces as time goes by.

 

[freemotion]

Made a deal to trade raising an extra piglet in exchange for slaughter for two hogs. So we will pick up three weaners this week, hoping to raise them almost exclusively on scavenged foods. My goal is three bags of purchased feed and that is it. Or less.

 

[Rhettsgreygal]

I started a second bottle of vanilla extract.

The first 1 liter bottle I started cost $18.96 (on March 2nd) and the vodka was not on sale. I just had to start some vanilla extract.

The bottle I started to day is a 1.75 liter bottle. The vodka was on sale for $9.69 and the cost including the beans came to $16.51.

My bottle of Watkins artificially flavored vanilla was $15.99 for 11 ounces.

I have enough vanilla to start another 1.75 liter bottle. Guess what everyone is getting for Christmas??

YUM! I love vanilla in everything.

Annette

I gave homemade vanilla for Christmas last year. It was a big hit! I left the beans in and told people they can refill the little bottles with vodka when the vanilla gets low, as the beans are still good for a second time around. The fun part was making the labels.

Did you just use canning jars or were you able to find a different type?