| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| bohemiangel |
Posted - Nov 09 2006 : 11:55:15 AM
I just love anything that hints to simplifying and saving a few $$. I know here and there throughout the book and magazines there's simple things but I can't get ENOUGH!!!!!! Any frugal tips..I really would love to find a book on saving money and making things etc from depression era people. I'm fascinated with how both sets of grandparents would fix/make things that I would NEVER think of doing. History sure teaches you lessons;)
"... to thine ownself be true." |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Amybug |
Posted - Jul 01 2007 : 10:29:35 AM
My husband just spray-painted the zip-loc bag dryer a few minutes ago, as I decided it was a bit too plain and I was recently inspired by looking at examples of Mail Art to dress it up a bit. I think I might do a little more painting and modge-podge on it to make it pretty. The big key is to use materials that won't get damaged when getting slightly wet and also coating it with a sealer of some sort. When it is done I will try to figure out how to post a picture.
Amy
"The secret to a successful life is to take the cards you are dealt and play your best hand with them." |
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 01 2007 : 09:50:53 AM
Ear Wax as lip balm? Icky! LOL
Can you post a picture of your Ziplock dryer? Or tell us how you made it? It sounds great!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for tying, one hand to hold Nora! |
| Amybug |
Posted - Jul 01 2007 : 05:20:25 AM
Regarding frugal living, I think those of us that aspire to do so, do so for different reasons. Many do it purely for economic reasons and some for moral/spiritual reasons...with lots doing it for a combination of both. I do it for both.
Economically, I am better able to be a stay-at-home-mom, by being more frugal than most. Another economic reason: I don't mind being frugal in everyday living, but when I go on vacation, I leave most of my frugal ways behind. My everyday frugality helps "pay" for me to do this.
A great deal of my frugal activities are to be a good steward of the earth. I am very much into enviromentalism and that passion leads the way for lots of my tightwad activities. I just think it is morally wrong to be wasteful, even if you have the money to do so. Using up resources indiscriminately is not right. When I went to Alaska to backpack, I was very impressed with the concept of subsitence-living: using only what one needs and no more. There is no doubt that the Alaska natives are much better stewards of our planet.
I also enjoy being frugal and having it look like I am not. A little bit of a game for me. For instance, this weekend, I fashioned myself an attractive zip-loc bag dryer for the counter of my kitchen. I have been washing and drying bags for years and just don't like having to dry them out with a dish towel or prop them over various items. The holder does the trick and looks cute to boot!
We also have our "comfort level" regarding frugality. I do a great deal, but I am by no means like Amy Dacyczyn and The Tightwad Gazette, which is a great resource, by the way. I am impressed with those that use moon pads for their periods. I am not quite there, but maybe....for heaven's sake, I did cloth diapers for twins, so I should be able to do that! When I was married, I was given a reproduction copy of The American Frugal Home (I am not sure that is the title, but I am too lazy right now to go downstairs and look). Anyway, one tip was to use your earwax as lip balm. Okay, I am NOT going to do that EVER. I am sure of that.
Happy Trails,
Amy
"The secret to a successful life is to take the cards you are dealt and play your best hand with them." |
| Alee |
Posted - Jun 30 2007 : 3:51:35 PM
Hmm.. Right now I have to be pretty frugal in everything I do. I guess I spurge most on my trips home. Just the plane fare or the gas money = big $$$ for out little budget. But seeing my family is so important to me! I want to start going home every couple of months- basically anytime school is out for enough of a length of time for us to actually get there, visit, and make it back :)
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for tying, one hand to hold Nora! |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Jun 30 2007 : 2:48:29 PM
well, gurlfrenz .. i'm not a WASTEFUL person .. but i'm also not extremely FRUGAL. there are areas in my life where i recycle and 'make-do' .. but surely not in all areas. would be interested in hearing in what ways .. any of you are not 'frugal' .. or 'simplicity' doesn't rule.
for me .. it would surely be not 'knowingly' wipin' my hiney with recycled paper. shooooot .. if i don't know i am .. it probably wouldn't bother me .. and i don't think of it as a 'germ' issue .. jus' one of those 'not frugal' areas of my life
how's about ya'll?
True Friends, Frannie
CABIN CREEK FARM
KENTUCKY
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| Alee |
Posted - Jun 29 2007 : 08:04:28 AM
Waste Not, Want Not is something we all need to focus a little bit more on. Here is a little story about my latest "Waste not, Want Not" experience.
About 2 1/2 months ago, I went to Costco, and even though I don't normally buy produce there- I bought a huge bag of carrots. I put carrots into most of my meals that I make at home because the blend so well into so many dishes! Anyway, between having a brand new baby and all, I just wasn't doing as much cooking as I normally did. About a month ago I looked into the veggie drawer to see what I had to cook with. I had totally forgotten about that bag of carrots! They were sprouting roots and leaves on some of them, and little black mold spots were starting to eat some of the them up. Well, I went on line and found a really frugal Carrot Cake recipe and I have made about 6 or 7 carrot cakes since then. I just used the last of them up last night! I would scrub the carrots really good, trim the ends, try to trim out the black spots or just chuck that portion of the carrot into the compost. I could have thrown all those carrots away, but instead I made something that me, my fiance, and a friend have really enjoyed eatting!
I am also trying constantly to get my fiance to recycle or reuse containers that food comes in, like yogurt containers, glass jars, and little 6 ounce plastic bottles that our frozen juice comes in.
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for tying, one hand to hold Nora! |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jun 29 2007 : 06:35:32 AM
((((((LORI!!!))) So good to see you here.
Amy...for sure your woods are true. I feel the same way about those jars of home canned goods all lined up!!
The waste we all just take for granted is terrible!!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Amybug |
Posted - Jun 29 2007 : 06:33:17 AM
My kids get really tired of me saying "waste not, want not," but I am going to go ahead and keep saying it and I am sure it is going to "stick" eventually.
You are right about our trash culture. In the past few days I have seen on TV and also read about the incredible waste regarding people buying bottle water. BILLIONS (can that be actually right?) of bottles are discarded worldwide PER DAY. I couldn't believe it. Especially when tap water is just fine.
My next project is to sew up some canvas shopping bags. I also saw a report about plastic bags from stores and the damage they do (and cost to municipalities to get rid of them: 17 cents per bag, I think in San Francisco).
Happy Trails To You.
"The secret to a successful life is to take the cards you are dealt and play your best hand with them." |
| Amybug |
Posted - Jun 29 2007 : 05:53:20 AM
My friends joke with me that I am reincarnated from someone who had it "really hard in the depression," referring to my creative frugal ways. Speaking of reincarnation, another joke about me is that when I am reincarnated, I am going to come back as a squirrel. There are few things that bring me as much satisfaction as seeing all of my canning jars full and ready to go for the winter!
I have always been fond of the depression era phrase, "Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without."
"The secret to a successful life is to take the cards you are dealt and play your best hand with them." |
| vintagechica |
Posted - Nov 25 2006 : 4:02:25 PM
I am so loving this thread! I thought I knew quite a bit about recycling and reusing until I met all of you. Thanks so much for all of the info.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A sure way to avoid housework...live outdoors.
www.vintagechica.typepad.com |
| bohemiangel |
Posted - Nov 25 2006 : 06:31:57 AM
Thanks guys I guess I thought there was more science;) lol call me the girl with the car keys;) jk I know about the restaurant thing. I used to always complain about that. When I worked at the Pie Shoppe we would have to pitch EVERYTHING...sometimes there wasn't a ton and sometimes there was. Thank god this one lady wanted it for her cows. And the stuff we "pitched" went in the dumpster where the local game commission would hop in to take to trap and tag the bears. It was always something when we were preparing a sub sandwich and looking out the window that faced the dumpster and then a big fat bald man would pop up randomly. Never knew when they would do that. LOL!
"... to thine ownself be true." |
| MustangSuzie |
Posted - Nov 24 2006 : 12:06:03 PM
Bridget...I usually just soak mine in cold water and throw them in the wash as usual like Tasha. |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Nov 24 2006 : 08:59:05 AM
When I read the story about the young girl and her car keys, it reminded me of another story. One of my friends was at her niece's house and the kitchen was literally full of dirty dishes. My friend asked why, and her niece said her dishwasher was broken! So my friend, said "Well, you can run a sink of hot water and wash them you know." Her niece said - "oh my gosh I never thought of that!"
Ephesians 1:17 |
| GaiasRose |
Posted - Nov 24 2006 : 08:21:53 AM
Bridget-it really is just that: water and vinegar to soak until wash time. At wash time throw them in the washa as normal-I throw em in with dipes- and then hang dry ( you can machine dry if you want-I prefer not to. )
That is really ALL there is to it.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com |
| JenniferJuniper |
Posted - Nov 24 2006 : 08:07:44 AM
Susan - the restaurants are afraid of a lawsuit in case someone gets food poisioning from the donated food. Maybe your girls can point their managers to America's Second Harvest for pointers/help in persuasion. It's just obscene that people go hungry because of this.
In college I worked for a lingerie chain (you know the one) with a Very Stupid rule about "damaged" items - we had to take a pair of scissors and destroy the item beyond use. Mind you, we're talking about an unstitched bow or button, the tiniest makeup stain, things that could easily be finxed with a needle and thread or trip through the washer. I'd beg the manager to let me donate them to the women's shelter, but was always shot down due to company policy.
I think Farmgirl Frugal is brilliant, we can always learn from each other. |
| bohemiangel |
Posted - Nov 24 2006 : 06:52:56 AM
WOW so glad to hear more ideas or facts;) I still have yet to order the stuff. I'm currently on my period and keep thinking about it. I was using all natural no bleached tampons and the seventh generation pads. I am currently still living at home and try to support myself but I'm in the process of a graduate degree and slightly above minimum wage job. Sorry if I repeat myself. But money is at a premium. I am still doing the guilty christmas present feelings...MUCH cheaper and homemade items too. I worry about What will they think. Well Heck if they are a true friend/relative that loves and cares they will cherish it. I have always put thoughts into gifts no matter. I just keep thinking how much of a waste the tampons and pads are when the money could go to something better! Plus Jayne I know what you mean about dirty money sorta. I have stock in mcd's. EW I know! I am still deciding what to do with it. Been constantly on my mind. Sarah, the bleach thing is what gets me. HOW can that be "healthy" for your genitals?! No wonder we have probs with fertility and cancer. You can't tell me that it doesn't affect us in a negative way. And recycling broken things whether its to a home that can use it or simply making it into something else is GREAT! I haven't crossed over to flea markets yet...I can't shake the negative stigma around here about people that go to those. I know silly! I think I will muster up the courage in the next week or so and see what finds I can get. I do go to thrift stores though...go figure! Any other neat ideas? Can someone for me just make a detailed list of how to clean the moon pads? I know water and vinegar but I am still slightly confused with what to do with them! :-~ Well I'm having fun learning:) HUGS!
"... to thine ownself be true." |
| daffodil dreamer |
Posted - Nov 23 2006 : 10:23:29 PM
Tasha and Sarah,
I am so glad there are others out there using re-usable, washable pads. I find it funny that some people can't stand the thought of anything like that (as Tasha said, hankies, cloth nappies). But I know of people that will 'tolerate' those things, but re-usable pads is just going too far. If you cut yourself and got blood on a shirt, you wouldn't just throw it away and say it was gross.
My hubby and I nearly have wars over paper products (he works for a woodchip company, which is eating away at my ethics constantly - I feel like we are living on 'dirty' money - is that silly?) Anyway, I won't buy tissues, paper towels, either and it drives him nuts. Sometimes he makes the effort to buy them for himself, but normally just mutters to himself. But he always manages to find an alternative if they are not there!
I'll stop raving now - just nice to know (living in a town where one of the major sources of income is woodchips!) that there are others who feel as I do!
Best wishes,
Jayne |
| MustangSuzie |
Posted - Nov 23 2006 : 7:05:42 PM
Along the lines of the moon pads.....I react very strongly to anything bleached and I love my homemade flannel pads. I also invested in something called The Keeper. I may have mentioned this in another thread, can't remember. It is a natural rubber cup that you use like a tampon on you rinse and reuse. Since it doesn't absorb and dry things out it is so much safer and healthier than tampons. You can find it I believe at thekeeper.com. I think there is also a silicone version called a Diva cup. When you stop and add up money spent on disposable products such as these, it really opens your eyes. I often think....people 50-100yrs ago lived just fine without all of the throw away things we have today and they seem to have been much happier.  |
| mommom |
Posted - Nov 23 2006 : 4:54:15 PM
Working in a craft store as I do, many items that are declared "unsellable" are thrown away without a blinking of the eye. Well, to put it mildly, I have, on occassion, thrown a small hissy fit. It has gotten to the point where some of the other employees come to me first before throwing an item away to see if I can "save it!" Isn't life great? The other night I heard one of the employees ask if she should throw an ornament away because it was missing a nose. (a snowman.) He told her to check with me first because he didn't want me to accuse him of being "throw away happy!" Sometimes we can impact another persons thoughts and practices if we go about it the right way. Frugality and simplicity are two of my favorite words....and I try to live that way every day! And, the food restaurants throw away just makes my heart ache! My girls work in a restaurant and they have actually asked the managers if they could have the leftover foods to give to others instead of the restaurant throwing it away and they won't give it to them. Big containers of food are thrown away....some of them have never even had a spoon in them! Each of us can try to make an impact wherever we live and whatever we do. Was it Mother Therese who said, Peace like love , starts at home? Basically, everything starts at home. Love, Susan |
| Libbie |
Posted - Nov 21 2006 : 7:19:50 PM
I agree that a book section on "Farmgirl Frugal" would be great - it could include topics like budgeting, the overall value of reusable goods, etc. These are such great ideas from all of you!
I'm really taken by the premise of Judith Levine's book - and I have to think HARD about this one - but I may try to do a modified version of that myself in the coming year. I just can't give up the "farm and garden" purchases very reasonably, however - but there sure are a lot of "around the house" things that I could cut WAY back on.
Doesn't it make you feel good to be doing things that are both easy on the pocketbook and easy on the planet?!?!?!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Nov 20 2006 : 1:15:21 PM
hm, I've been finding the reusable ones on the cloth diaper sites, but hadn't seen moon pads, please give a link. I have also thought about switching, however my MIL and husband and even mother thinks I'm insane! lol |
| GaiasRose |
Posted - Nov 13 2006 : 6:38:53 PM
sorta off topic re: moontime pads....
I just use vinegar and water until they go in the wash (I wash them with the dipes in the sanitary cycle-takes like 2 hours) and then the water goes in the garden....waste not want not ;) periods are wonderful!
Also, you are right, the difference between the chem. laden disposable products and cloth is astounding. There is no foul smell, my cramps are less severe, and I don't waste money.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com |
| bohemiangel |
Posted - Nov 13 2006 : 5:51:04 PM
I just was watching tv Wife Swap (love seeing the two families learn from each other) and the commercial came on so right afterward I logged on and read the messages. I do try to reuse...my fam isnt as likemind completely. I like cloth napkins cause I know what they're made of and hankies....I'm working on that;) I even hate plastic tablecloths cause they rip and tear and get icky. I've been eyeing up the moon pads because I honestly feel like sticking bleached chemical ridden stuff near your genitals contributes to problems. I use organic cotton pads/tampons but man I hate spending $$ for them and I like the idea of reuseable pads. I am just really curious/worried about washing them. Kind of freaks me out:-0 I do use bags over and over and try to use actual purses bags for shopping. We always reuse gift bags/tissue, me I reuse wrapping paper but want to use fabric or things that you can reuse that are neat. I just love "learning" more tricks! Some are completely under my nose but still I feel no shame when discovering them:) Thanks for the tips and keep em coming!:) hugs (those are free and reuseable)
"... to thine ownself be true." |
| GaiasRose |
Posted - Nov 13 2006 : 10:11:13 AM
My brother and his clan were here this weekend for a birthday celebration for Zoe and something occured that needed a wiping up of and Jenn asked me for a paper towel. I told her that she would be hard pressed to find anything paper here except paper and toilet paper (and even that is Seventh Gen.!). My brother just about died when he saw sitting on the back of the toilet, my clean dry Moon time pads. They think it is soooooo gross that I cloth diaper my babes and that we use hankies instead of kleenex (though the occassional box is purchased when any of us ahve a raging cold and can't keep the hankies clean long enough). Everything is VERY throw away for them.
I had to lecture a teeneager this Summer about the value of use and reuse as she thought that the reuse of aluminum foil after it had been used as a left overs cover, was disgusting and that the deli bag from the sandwich meat got washed, dried and put away. No one has any sense of what is happening to our planet because of our throw away mindset.
Have you seen that commercial on TV for some Visa card, where all the people are spinning in circles and everything is ver regimented and fast paced and then a guy stops everything up because he pulls out CASH! I think that commercial is a remarkable example of how our society is. It's terrible.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com |
| Marybeth |
Posted - Nov 13 2006 : 08:38:16 AM
Boy oh boy! Susan you said it all. We as a nation, a country, a world have to begin again to use what the Great Spirit has given us. Our Mind-Our Hands. Common Sense. Horse sense. Use and reuse.
www.strawberryhillsfarm.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
