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It takes money to make money, and it takes a little money to save money. Families can stretch their household budget further by investing in some relatively inexpensive household items, like the ones featured here, that cost a little but can help save a bundle.

Sew Great

In our current flagging economy, families are finding new ways to save. Many families now go in-house for services they used to pay someone else to do, like washing the car or cleaning the house or alterations.

Save the expense of sending out clothes for minor sewing repairs by doing it home. Even novice seamstresses can master the new lightweight and portable Brother LX-3125E Sewing machine. It features a free-arm for sewing cuffs; an automatic 4-step buttonholer; 14 stitches and 35 stitch functions; straight, satin and zig zag stitches; automatic bobbin winding system; built-in sewing light and instructional DVD. It even has interchangeable faces so you can express your own personal style. $79. Amazon and Walmart.com.

Fresh Thinking

More people are also finding that reduce, reuse and recycle is not just a way to a greener lifestyle but a means to saving the green stuff.

Don’t waste leftovers, or rolls of plastic wrap, with CoverMate food covers, made of heavy duty food-safe material free of BPA, PVC and latex, feature a FlexBand elastic that stretches around containers to create a secure seal, and they can be washed and reused. CoverMate Variety 10-pack is $3.99. Retail stores nationwide such as Target as well as online at Amazon.com.

Off the Grid

There are many ways to save electricity, such as turning out lights when they are no longer in use, but how about not using electricity at all?

Light up outside your home electricity-free with the Solar Sensor Dual Light which mounts anywhere with no wiring required and utilizes sunlight to charge up its LED lamps during the day and then illuminates at night when it detects motion within a 35-foot radius, with adjustable sensitivity. $89 Gaiam.com.


K. Pearson Brown is a columnist and blogger living in Los Angeles. Follow her musings on motherhood and living in a two-mom household at www.outwithmommy.wordpress.com.

Comments to date: 1. Page 1 of 1. Average Rating: Antonio    lKKCrjnvORGSGrXcb 4:37am on Monday, March 12th, 2012  Juan and I did the whole thing and even got lunch at our favorite Thai anrtrusaet in Hollywood. I did 400 m of lunges at BHIP the day before, though, so I was completely sore on Sunday. Thankfully it rained on Sunday morning, or else I would've had to go play beach frisbee too. Next year!!! Your Name: Your Location: Vote: Choose 1 - Dreadful 2 - Poor 3 - Fair 4 - Good 5 - Excellent Your Comment: Security check *