We all have our favorite ways of finding small saving in our budgets, reusing or redoing things is one of mine.

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I save the inner packaging from cereal boxes. I've used them as substitutes for plastic bags on occasion, but my favorite use is for pounding chicken cutlets. These bags are sturdy enough that I don't break through the bag, and all the raw chicken juices are contained instead of being spread through the kitchen.

As I live alone, I also divide my meats into personal servings, then I store those portions in my freezer. Each meat serving is wrapped, labeled,, then placed into a waxed insert for extra protection against freezer burn, until I need it. A clothes pin can be used as a way of keeping the inserts closed. I use one for beef, one for chicken and another one for pork. That way I do not have to look through all the meat trying to find the chicken I need for a dinner recipe.

I also use them for keeping my socks, undies and jewelry together when packing for a trip. I take a couple of different size empty ones in my suit case when traveling, in the likelihood I get something wet and do not want it up against my clean clothes. I simply place it in the waxed insert, fold down the top, holding the top in place with a piece of tape or a large rubber band.

I set a cereal box insert near my sink to place wet garbage into before placing it into my garbage can. It keeps flies and small animals from trying to get into the container.

The inserts can also be used as a means of transporting your leftover food items to your compost pile.

I save all sizes of these inserts and have come up with many ways to reuse them. They are durable, can be washed out and used several times before you have to discard them. Once you get into the habit of saving and using these inserts it will be hard to do without them.

Faylee

So you've been invited to a baby shower or a friend's just had a new baby and now you have to decide on a gift. But with so much choice out there, where do you start? Here are my top 5 unusual new baby presents to give you a helping hand:

1. The Nappy Cake.

Before I hear you say 'bleurgh!' this isn't a cake that you eat! A nappy cake is made from rolled nappies, arranged into tiers to resemble a wedding cake. They are then filled and decorated with useful baby items and make a fantastic centerpiece for the baby shower as well as a fantastic gift as they really have the 'wow' factor. They are available in different sizes and to suit all pockets so there'll cardboard boxes be something amazing for your budget.

2. The Baby Bouquet

Instead of the usual bunch of flowers, why not go one step further and give a bouquet made from baby clothing rolled to look like flowers? Usually combined with foam or silk flowers and foliage these can be difficult to distinguish from the real thing. Also, unlike real flowers, this gift won't wilt and can be enjoyed until the arrival of the new baby when the clothing will come in very handy.

For those on a more limited budget, go for a sock rose. Make from 1 pair of baby socks they are rolled to resemble a single rose complete with leaf and then wrapped in cellophane & ribbon. Especially good as a small token baby shower gift if you are planning on getting a larger baby present after the baby has arrived.

3. Baby Sock Cupcakes

Just like the real thing, but kinder to the waistline! These cupcakes are actually made from little baby socks each nestled within a reusable silicone cupcake case and packaged in bakery boxes. Get pinks for a girl, blues for a boy or a combination of candy colours for a mouthwateringly visual treat.

4. Baby Smoothies

Want a unique gift? Go for a baby smoothie - so delicious mum-to-be will want to drink it! Looking like a fruity smoothie topped with whipped cream, they are in fact made from a baby sleepsuit & hat within a smoothie cup, topped with a weaning spoon. A very practical gift with fantastic & unique packaging!

5. Candy Box Socks

Strapped for cash but want to give a memorable & useful gift? Try Candy Box Socks - looking like a box of brightly coloured sweets, they are actually individual baby socks. These will definitely last longer than a box of candies!