Being a homeowner doesn’t have to be expensive. Well, at least some of the things pertaining to home ownership doesn’t have to be. We have scoured the web and put together the ultimate thrifty home hacks guide to help you save money. Below you will find dollar store redecorating ideas. Household uses for items you didn’t think had more than one purpose. Easy foods you can make from scratch. And other life hacks that will make your life easier without spending a ton of money.
How To Redecorate Your Home With Items From The Dollar Store.
Make Your Own Decorative tray:
Simply take an 8×10 picture frame and a place mat from the dollar store and simply cut the mat to fit inside the frame.
DIY Mirror Boxes
Get a few mirror squares from the dollar store and glue them together. Use them as makeup brush holders, or small bathroom organizers.
DIY Dessert Tray:
All you need is hot glue (or gorilla glue), candle sticks, plates, and some cute bowls and you have yourself a cute little dessert tray. Simply glue a plate on the bottom and top of the candle stick holders, then glue a bowl on the very top of the second candle stick holder. Easy as that. You can use it for a dessert tray, or a accessory organizer.
Picture Frame Terrarium:
This is such a cute easy way to dress up your house plant area! Just grab a couple larger frames, and a few smaller ones. Glue them together to shape a house with a roof and plop your plants in it. It is that easy!
DIY Jewelry Hangers:
Glue, small mirrors, and cabinet knobs are all you need to dress up your walls. Place a dab of glue on the end of the cabinet knobs and place them in the middle of the mirror. You can either glue the mirrors to the wall or use some double-sided tape if you plan on moving them.
DIY Marble Dipped Mugs:
All you need is love… and some nail polish and a white mug. Fill a bowl with water and add about 6-7 drops of your desired color of nail polish. Dip the bottom of the mug inside the bowl and set on a towel or plate to dry. These are super easy, and cute to make!
You can find the complete list of dollar store hacks here.
Household Uses For Different Items You Have Around The House.
Add all ingredients to a jar and shake vigorously. Alternatively, whisk them together in a small bowl.
Dressing can be used immediately, or you can refrigerate it for a few hours for it to have a thicker consistency. Enjoy on salads, as a dip, or as a spread on wraps/sandwiches. Keep refrigerated and use within a few days to be safe.
– Taco Seasoning.
Ingredients
1/4 cup sweet paprika
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– Tortillas.
Ingredients
3 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup oil
1 cup water
Instructions:
Combine the dry ingredients together. Slowly add in the oil while the mixer is going. Add in water slowly. Continue kneading until the dough isn’t sticky. Let the dough sit for about 10 minutes. Divide dough into 16 even pieces. On a well-floured surface, roll each piece into a round dough ball. On a well-floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a tortilla shape. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Cook each tortilla for about one minute on the first side and 30 seconds on the other.
– Slow Cooker Bread.
Here are the ingredients.
1/2 cup of warm water
2 cups of warm milk
2 tablespoons of melted UNSALTED butter
1–3 tablespoons of sugar (add more for a sweeter bread)
3 teaspoons of active dry yeast (this is on the conservative side)
Get a big mixing bowl or any decent container that is large enough. Stir the 1/2 cup of warm water, 1–3 tablespoons of sugar (depends on the sweetness level that you like), and the 3 tablespoons of yeast. Wait for 5 minutes until you see froth forming on top.
While waiting, warm 2 cups of milk and 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave.
Once the first two steps are done, add the milk and butter with the yeast mixture.
Using a standing mixer, slowly add the 6 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix them all together and knead the dough. (Feel free to use a dough hook after most of the flour is mixed in, then finish off by hand-kneading for roughly 5 minutes.)
Line your slow cooker with parchment paper and shape the dough into a nice ball, then place in the slow cooker and let it rise. (This will happen as the activity from the yeast and the temperature of the room warm the dough.)
Set the slow cooker temp to High and the timer for about 2 to 2.5 hours. After the time has passed, begin checking the loaf every 7-10 minutes until the top has a sponge-like consistency but still springs back and there’s no moisture on top. The bottom and sides should have a nice golden-brown color.
If you want a crunchier top-crust, stick the loaf under the broiler for a few minutes- just make sure to keep an eye on it as it can easily burn.
-Vegetable Broth.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 freezer bag full of veggie scraps (onion ends, leftover herbs, carrot peels, broccoli stems, kale stems, squash skins, mushroom stems, celery ends, or any veggie scraps you have)
12 cups water
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
½ teaspoon salt, optional
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add in the onion and garlic and sauté for around 5 minutes until it begins to brown. Add in all the veggie scraps, water, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt.
Bring to a simmer and cook for about 45 minutes until they broth is fragrant and rich in color. The broth will vary in color and taste depending on the scraps used. Put a fine colander over a large bowl or another large pot. Strain out the veggie scraps and discard. Use your broth right away or store it for later. It freezes very well.
Ice Cream.
Ingredients:
2 cups of heavy cream
2 cups of whole milk
3/4 cups of sugar
2 Tbls. vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Mix ingredients and pour into ice cream freezer container.
There are many parts of being a homeowner that are expensive, and unfortunately, we cannot help with those items. But, as you can see from the list, we have compiled for you, not everything has to be. The dollar store can be a very helpful place to shop once you become a homeowner. You can purchase items to redecorate your home, make your own food, as well as clean the house there. We hope this thrifty home hacks list helps.
Dawn Dish Soap:
