1. Cartridge Refill Stores. It seems that sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a new printer for your computer than replace empty ink cartridges, but these stores operate solely for the purpose of replacing those empty ink cartridges (that’s why you’ve donated your empty ones to schools, etc., for credit). There are two such stores in Murfreesboro, and the employees at the one I frequent are knowledgeable, efficient and friendly. The cartridges seem to last so much longer than the ones you buy from the copy machine manufacturer and they’re cheaper to boot. A great find.

2. Dawn Direct Foam. This is a dishwashing liquid that sits on a kitchen sink and can be dispensed with one push of a palm.

It is a relatively inexpensive item that makes me happy every time I use it. It stays bubbly and in most cases stays working until your dish cleaning project is finished. Apparently I am not the only person who likes it, because the manufacturer has recently come out with a refill bottle, adding to its cost effectiveness. A must try.

3. Montreal Steak Seasoning. My sister Carroll introduced me to this a couple of years ago, and it is always a staple at our house. 

I follow the directions on the container to marinate steaks and use it when making turkey burgers or hamburgers. Again, I am apparently not the only one who loves this, because most grocery chains have reproduced it under their brand names. A real flavor enhancer.

4. 20 Mule Team Borax. This is a laundry additive that works, in my opinion, like Oxi Clean, but at a greatly reduced price. And it is WONDERFUL.

A big box (sold at every grocery store I frequent) sells for about $3, and I soak clothes stained with coffee, tea, wine, etc. in the sink with hot water and borax and the stains disappear. It might take a while, but if you’re persistent enough, they usually come out. A box lasts forever and has many other uses (consult the instructions), so I send some home in a zip lock bag with my children for their laundry rooms.

5. Fertilome Fertilizer. I originally bought this at Martin’s Greenhouse under the name “Pansy Fertilizer” and was introduced to it by another sister. Man, it just makes those pansies bloom like crazy in the spring. I read once that phosphorus is what encourages blossom growth, and this stuff is loaded with it. Good not only for pansies but other bloomers.

6. The Neti Pot. This is a nasal irrigation that gives immediate relief to people with sinus congestion. You basically put a saline solution in one nostril and wash it out the other. I was initially repulsed when I heard of it, but tried it once when my head hurt so much I walked into walls. Voila! Immediate relief. You can watch a video on it at www.himalayaninstitute.org. Pain gone!

7. iBistro online service at Linebaugh Public Library. If you have a computer at home, you can find out if the library has a book you want, renew one you’ve already checked out and/or place holds. A true timesaver.

8. Pre-cut Fruit from Publix. Now, this is not inexpensive; in fact, it’s pricey. But the clerks at Publix do the work for you, eliminating any waste when you want fresh pineapple, cantaloupe and/or strawberries. I usually supplement it with something on sale and the containers themselves go on sale frequently. Another real time saver in my opinion.

9. The Dollar Stores. OMG, it’s hard to control myself when I’m in there.

Because I take food I prepare at home a lot of places, I buy large and small plastic bowls (not very green but no driving all over town to return, either), trays and disposable foil pans there in great quantity. They also have magnifying reading glasses, cellophane bags for gift-giving and great greeting cards. But here’s a warning. Give yourself some time if you’ve never been there before. It’s addictive.

10. TiVo/ DVR (digital video recording) and/or VHS. My children say I’m the only one who tapes things on VHS these days, but it works for me. I don’t watch TV often, and when I do, I can’t find anything I want to watch. With any of these you can replay The Kennedy Honors, Inside the Actor’s Studio, or Mad Men with the touch of several buttons. A win-win for me.

Send me some of your favorites or your comments at jbragg@murfreesboropost.com and we’ll compare!

‘Til next week.