This book is one of the best I've ever read for great "recipes" for money saving alternatives to all kinds of store bought products.  It gives options for food products, seasoning blends, cleaners made from simple items you have on hand and many other household products.  I have it on my wish list as I've used mine so often I ended up breaking the binding and need a new copy :)

Cheaper and Better: Homemade Alternatives to Storebought Goods by Nancy Birnes.

Copies can be found on Amazon.  Highly recommended!

Wow.  I want one.  Thanks for posting this, Pam!

You're welcome!  It will become one of your favorites! 

Anyone else have a book they consult with regularity with money saving ideas, home remedies, or other back-to-basics ideas?

Thanks for sharing this with us, Pam.  I was able to find a copy in good condition on half.com for just $1.45! (and the same vendor had one of my wish list books for just .75 so saved on shipping costs -yippee!!!)

I recently received a book from PBS on similar lines---READER'S DIGEST HOMEMADE- How to make hundreds of everyday products, fast, fresh and naturally. The ISBN is 9780762109043.  There is not only food recipes but recipes to make beauty and health products, pet items, garden and assorted household cleaners, polishes and compounds.  Also some craft items too like craft paste, glue. potpourri, chalk, play clay and various candles etc.

Another one is on it;s way from PBS that I am really looking forward to is 1001 SECRET HOUSEHOLD HINTS AND FORMULAS by Dr. Myles H. Bader. He appears on QVC from time to time and always has good tips to share.