The Miraculous Homemade Seltzer

I’ve become kind of obsessed with these seltzer-water gadgets.

I’m really late to the bandwagon on these, which have been out in the world for years. I just saw one for the first time two weeks ago at my friend Jen’s house when she offered me sparkling water and proceeded to make it. I don’t think I would have been as stunned if she'd pushed a button and made a banana.

While I sipped my homemade seltzer, she enthused about its money-and earth-saving qualities. I am always equally frightened and thrilled by money-saving advice that involves buying something. On one hand, you hate to be that person who buys the kitchen gadget that “pays for itself in no time.” (Although I am oddly fascinated by this GT Express machine that turns any food into a…horrible pouch.) On the other hand, it is so seductive to think you can save money without being depressing. I admit that when I color the scuffed toes of my old boots with a Magic Marker, I feel a little depressed.

The seltzer water makers come basic or fancy (normal or ridiculous). You can also get flavors (homemade Coke, anyone?), but I only care about sparkling water, which is, really, another way to make the best of dreary advice -- you know you have to drink more water, but it’s so bleccch.

So I’m thinking about this one. Do you own any gadget that you swear saves you money? (While I'm at it, and working on our February money management story, what money-saving tips have you found helpful or depressing?)