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Frugality & Thriftyness

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T O P I C R E V I E W
harmonyfarm	Posted - Jul 20 2010 : 1:21:34 PM I consider myself a very frugal person. I cut old bath towels to use one more time as washcloths, and then they become dustrags. I have a "bucket" in the freezer that leftover veggies go into, so sometime down the road they can be thawed out to make soup. I reuse envelopes and any kind of containers. I save greeting cards and tear then apart and make post cards out of them. The list could go on and on...I wonder how much money I have saved over the years making something out of nothing? I'm curious...How frugal are you? Debbie "If you can't find the time to do it right...how will you find the time to do it over"
25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
FieldsofThyme	Posted - Jan 18 2011 : 04:57:20 AM We save any brown grocery bags (paper) that we may bring home. I am considering making ornaments with them this year. One year I made gingerbread men ornaments. I have not yet decided on this year. Farmgirl #800 http://momzonetakingtimeformom.blogspot.com/ http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
FieldsofThyme	Posted - Jan 17 2011 : 1:18:57 PM Something else we started to do. We used to have a Dyson sweeper but it went ka-poot. My loving dad, repairs sweepers people throw out, and he gave us 2 to use. Instead of buying bags, we take the bag off, dump it into our compost, and reuse the same bag. Farmgirl #800 http://momzonetakingtimeformom.blogspot.com/ http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
pinkwitchy~farmgirl	Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 11:31:26 AM Kristina, great ideas, may have to copy a few....others, not so much, as I'm not quite that domesticated :) I also enjoyed browsing your blogs! Farmgirl Sister 1575* * * It is often the bend in the road that makes life worth the drive * * *
FieldsofThyme	Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 08:20:07 AM quote: Originally posted by Nancy Gartenman Kristina, Lots of good ideas. Had fun looking at both of your blogs too. Lots more good ideas. Nancy Jo www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com We do so much more, and thanks for the comments about my blogs. Hugs! We heat with wood/corn/wood pellets, and we strive to eliminate electricity usage. I learn something every year from reading books. We also raise hens for eggs. And I love my rooster! Farmgirl #800 http://momzonetakingtimeformom.blogspot.com/ http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
Nancy Gartenman	Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 06:43:13 AM Kristina, Lots of good ideas. Had fun looking at both of your blogs too. Lots more good ideas. Nancy Jo www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com
FieldsofThyme	Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 05:47:52 AM I'm extremely thrifty. Check out all the crafts I make by visiting my S.C.R.A.P. blog. I reused torn towels for the barn cat bedding, dog rags, and house rags. We cut apart old flannel pajamas for rag rollers. We save old rugs for camping. I hang all my laundry outside even in the snow, or by the fireplace or on indoor, retractable clotheslines. I removed postage stamps for future gifts (see my scrap blog). I cut old sheets into strips and roll in balls, later crocheting them into rag rugs. I save old t-shirts and make rugs too. Make homemade gifts. Dry my very long hair without a dryer. I make homemade laundry detergent, and used to make dish washer detergent until it broke down. Coffee cans are reused for scoops for chicken feed, or other animal feed. Empty plastic cat litter containers are reused, filled with water for when and if pipes freeze. I reuse school papers by turning them over and using the backside for note pads, printer paper, or recipes. We use the library vs. buying new books. I made curtains from dishcloths. I save all old denim jeans for curtains, rugs, quilts, and handmade ornaments and other crafts. Use oil lamps vs. electric lights. Do not use air conditioning in summer. Dig my own dandelions for dandelion coffee. ......oh golly, I could go on and on.... Farmgirl #800 http://momzonetakingtimeformom.blogspot.com/ http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
momdrinkstea	Posted - Jan 07 2011 : 11:02:14 AM Building on that brush/coffee can idea.... I made an "X" in the lid, and added in a small plastic-bristle brush. Added vegetable oil, and VOILA! A new way to grease my pans before baking. The cut in the lid removes the extra as I pull it out. No more buying PAM! LOL Might work even better with a smaller brush and an old baking powder can & lid. Stacked Stone Farm www.stackedstonefarm.blogspot.com
Valgirl	Posted - Jan 04 2011 : 06:01:19 AM Well...let's see. I use newspaper for blotting greasy food and starting fires in the fireplace, use butter tubs for feed measuring devices, Wal-mart bags for---you name it---, old salon hair towels for rags, make my own dish soap, use borax, vinegar, and baking soda in my laundry, ask my customers for fabric scraps to make my Cathedral Windows quilt that I am working on. I don't want to have to buy what I don't have to, and they have been happy to oblige (sp). We use rainwater gravity waterers for the chicken houses. I have a compost bucket for food scraps that the hens get. I put filled one gallon milk jugs in each of two toilets to save on water usage. I clip coupons for only items I use. We split our own wood, grow our own garden, berries, and some fruit trees. We hunt our meat and raise sheep for meat as well. We have chickens for eggs and for meat, and usually process it ourselves unless having it done is more beneficial for us, since my husband and I both work. And...I just got a new "energy efficient" washing machine for Christmas. Valerie Today is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. Valerie (Farmgirl #2356)
vintage saver	Posted - Jan 03 2011 : 4:43:42 PM I try to shop at Goodwill, but can't always find things to fit me, but today I pulled into the lot and there eas a perfect parking spot, so right away I knew something good was going to happen. I sat there and visualized me finding anything good. I found a white blouse that I have wanted one all summer for $5.90, perfect size, material and color!, a wooden cigar box for Floyd for some of his guitar building supplies and 2 really nice and practically brand-new crocheted baby afgans for $2.40 apiece for my grandaughter who's expecting.
graciegreeneyes	Posted - Jan 03 2011 : 09:10:53 AM Lots of good ideas - this year, inspired by a website someone on the forum shared, I have decided to try to go the whole year without buying anything (clothes, housewares, books etc.) new. My only exceptions will be supplies for gift projects - as in yarn for a gift for my MIL - and perhaps one or two small souvenirs from a trip I am taking with my son. I scored on some Christmas presents from the thrift store so I want to try to buy used or use up what I have at home. Connie - haven't seen you post recently but I would love the recipe for pear honey, my grandpa has talked about one that his mother made and I have found a couple but not the right one. He doesn't have many good memories of his Missouri childhood so the fact that he brought that up makes me want to make it for him. Amy Grace Farmgirl #224 "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
Peg Graham	Posted - Jan 02 2011 : 10:15:11 PM I'm pretty Frugal. 1. I shop at my local thrift stores for pillow cases, crocheted blankets, kids jeans, glassware, dishes, shelves, frames (I paint), sweaters (to recycle into pillows), and more. 2. I garden and can my own veggies. 3. I use Swagbucks...just had sushi dinner w/ hubby and friends and use a FREE $25 restaurant card. 4. I am getting ready to host a 'Recycle Party'...everyone brings stuff they no longer want (in good condition) and we swap. I serve coffee, cocoa and donuts and we 'shop' for free and donate the unloved leftovers. 5. my husband cuts his and the 3 boy's hair 6. my mindset is: “what do I have that I can use?” 7. I cook/bake from scratch most meals. 8. I buy off brand food items. 9. We fill huge jugs of water at our Kroger store for wicked way less than if we bought bottled water. 10. I knit and crochet gifts. 11. I make lists and plan everything, which means less impulse purchases. 12. I print my own photos... miles of smiles~Peg My Blogs: http://unforgettable-peggraham.blogspot.com/ http://knitapalooza.blogspot.com/
Canadian farmgirl	Posted - Nov 04 2010 : 09:25:28 AM I shop the consignment stores, too. Recently we had a big family wedding, and I found a beautiful faux suede dress & matching jacket for $8 !! Bought a nice necklace from Avon for $9.99 (half price) and wore my old pumps, freshly polished. Everyone complimented me on my new outfit, and I had the last laugh, less than $20 ! I borrow everything from the public library, and make great use of the interlibrary loan system. I decided to start making soap this year, and sell or barter this for a little extra income. I try to shop the outside aisles of the grocery store, and make as much from scratch as possible. Always take my own lunch, even when the rest of the staff are buying out. They pay big money, and then throw some of it in the trash after lunch! I hardly ever buy coffee or tea out, and if I do, I bring my own travel mug for a 10 cent discount at Tim Horton's (and help the environment, too). We are on time-of-use electric rates here, so I have to watch what time of day it is when running appliances. Of course, some have to stay on no matter what! I cancelled the newspaper subscription last year. Can read most of that paper online if needed. Also wash Ziploc bags and reuse them until they break! I enter every purchase on an Excel spreadsheet each month, so I can see right away where the money is going. There are so many more things, it's hard to think of them all right now! Lori Farmgirl Sister #183
Annika	Posted - Oct 29 2010 : 7:23:46 PM I love this thread! I'm learning something all the time =) I've never been well off and growing up poor taught me to use the last drop of everything and to re-use as much as possible. I enjoy treasure hunting in the thrift shops and at yard sales. And am trying to teach myself as many old fashioned skills as I can. These days, with the state of things, being thrifty isn't just a hobby, but a necessity. Thank you, ladies, for all of the thrifty ideas! Annika Farmgirl & sister #13 Palouse Prairie Girls Chapter http://palouseprairiegirls.blogspot.com/ http://prairiegirlsjournal.blogspot.com/ Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
lulu	Posted - Oct 29 2010 : 7:03:17 PM Well girls I have been busy the past few days. I have been out picking up pears to either can or make some pear honey (free pears) and the recipe was my grandma's. If I can get myself going I still have time to can quite afew pears and maybe make a pear crisp too. I went by the old place (where we raised all of our girls) and picked up some pecans. The trees were planted about 33 yrs ago by my late FIL, he brought them up from Okla and planted them in our yard. He just forgot to tell my DH that he had planted them, so DH mowed them off. Surprise! They came back up over the years of raising kids breaking the trees off and me trying to nurture those trees they finally started producing nuts. I picked up afew black walnuts to, there are black walnut trees all over the place in this little town. I just need to find an easy way to crack the darn things. I've got permission to go across the street and pick up some more if I can beat the squirrels. My nephew is through with his garden and said I could have anything I wanted to pick. So off to the garden I went with my walker to pick ripe tomatoes and green ones to wrap in newspaper and have tomatoes through Christmas if I'm lucky. I also got some green peppers that I'm chopping for the freezer. I'm thinking of making some stuffed peppers to put in the freezer also. There are some hot peppers also but I don't use them, to bad because they are loaded with peppers. It's been getting down close to freezing at night so everything will be gone before long. Connie LULU farmgirl sister #1369 "Scattered Prairie Gals" chapter Take care and write soon. When you wish upon a star...Jiminy Cricket
patchworkpeace	Posted - Oct 20 2010 : 06:40:15 AM I've started my thrift store hunting and haven't been able to find many dresses to convert into tunic-style shirts which I love. However, I have changed my focus to looking for too big shirts/sweaters in good condition. I found a warm, red sweater with gold, heart-shaped buttons that went partially down the front. All I had to do was take it in since it was too large, and re-sew on one of the buttons that was crooked. It is adorable. I also picked up a black/white polka-dotted shirt, removed the sleeves, and took it in to fit. It's so-o cute with the bright blue shirt I picked up and shortened the sleeves on and use for a jacket! I'm a little disappointed because I wanted to do some cute remakes like Marisa Lynch on New Dress a Day blog, but actually the fixes I've had to do for the items I've picked up don't take as much time and the clothing is more practical. Judy Success is measured not by the position one reaches but by the obstacles one has to overcome to reach it. Booker T. Washington
Sandra K. Licher	Posted - Oct 19 2010 : 6:18:28 PM I think I am fairly frugal and if it's clothes...definitely! I have never been a clothes horse and now that I'm retired it's REALLY nice! Half my closet is empty...I have never filled one up. I have 2 flannel shirts I still wear that belonged to my boys when they were younger and they're in their 30's now. LOL! I never know what I might get into during the day so why ruin good clothes or have to go change just to do something. I do invest in good shoes though. Some things are worth the price. I just purchased those shapeups and my feet had been starting to bother me and now they don't and I can be on my feet forever so I'm really getting more done where I used to have to quit just because my feet hurt to be on them any longer. Love the postcard idea! And I save broth in little containers but do you just throw it in a bucket in the freezer? No lid? I never thought about the vegetables...great idea there too. I save glass bottles because there's so few of them anymore and I use them for everything. I like them because you can SEE what's in them at a glance. I save those plastic coffee containers and other ones and use for shipping cookies to my kids and/or for cutting an "X" in the lid and I suspend my paint brushes in them with brush cleaner. I save twine and string if I ever see any and tie up bundles of kindling so I can just throw a bundle in the fireplace without gathering up a bunch of sticks and making a mess. I take those clear celophane dividers they use in packages and use those in my drawers to organize things. I know there is more and when I think of them I will post them here. It's almost my bedtime and the brain is going into "read and relax" mode....kind of like my computer does. This is a great post we can all use! I hope we keep it open and flourishing! Sam in AR..... "It's a great life if you don't weaken!" Farmgirl Sister #226 www.farmgirlsam.blogspot.com
misspittypat	Posted - Oct 19 2010 : 5:33:27 PM calendars make great pages in scrap books; or start a diary with homemade calendar pages; i have decoupage majolein bastin pages on serving trays and on my garden cupboard which i purchased at an auction for $2. that cupboard has been used for fabric; pantry items; in a bathroom; in the garage for hardware and now my garden stuff. hEY its hard to think outside the box! last night at the auction they sold a glass fronted video cabinet used for video games like at Wal-marts for $5 after it sold of course I thought this could be revamped into a free standing greenhouse. oh well. lila
coloquilter	Posted - Oct 01 2010 : 7:52:58 PM Weren't those envelopes beatuiful?? I am on the watch for old calendars now. Susan
treelady	Posted - Oct 01 2010 : 1:48:20 PM Check the latest issue Mary Janes Farm, it had some beautiful envelopes made out of calender pages. I'm saving all mine now for envelopes for handmade cards. If you need to mail them, just put a label on them with the address. Julie With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.
5 acre Farmgirl	Posted - Oct 01 2010 : 09:09:57 AM I love this Forum,,,soo many thoughts on thriftynesss, what can I do with calenders? Farmgirl Sister #368 ~~~Terri~~~ http://thecontentedwoman.blogspot.com Life is too short, is just a vapor, Live it like you wont have another minute....because you may not!!!
neeter302	Posted - Sep 27 2010 : 1:24:04 PM My sister has a consignment shop and when items in her shop don't sell even after being marked down to 50 cents she bundles it up and donates some to thrift stores and churches. The stuff that's too stained or damaged to donate ends up in a rag bag for our family business where we use a lot of rags. Now I've started to "cherry pick" the rags for fabric scrap, some of it is very good quality cotton, some may just have a missing button or a stain that prevents it from being donation worthy, but otherwise good fabric. I'm even considering doing a crochet rug or some other project with the scraps. I have to be careful though, I just may end up with a huge rag pile and my husband asking "What are you going to do with all that?" :LOL: !
harmonyfarm	Posted - Sep 25 2010 : 7:27:52 PM Aurelie...where is Vermillion, Ohio? I have ancestors whose last name was Vermillion...interesting huh? Debbie "If you can't find the time to do it right...how will you find the time to do it over"
stansmom	Posted - Sep 23 2010 : 5:34:56 PM I DRY OUT MY LAUNDRY AS MUCH AS I CAN. SURE SMELLS FRESHER AND HAS CUT DOWN THE ELECTRIC BILL. I DO SHOP THRIFT STORES BECAUSE I VE LOST WEIGHT BUT IVE FOUND GREAT BUYS FOR MYSELF AND FAMILY. ALSO THERE IS A WEB SITE THROUGHOUT THE STATES THAT LETS PEOPLE POST THINGS THEY DONT NO LONGER NEED BUT SOMEONE ELSE COULD USE AND ALL IS FREE. IT HELPS CUTDOWN ON FILLING LANDFILLS AND HELPS OUT EVERYONE. STANSMOM
aurelie	Posted - Sep 22 2010 : 6:15:36 PM Debbie in south eastern ohio- I am glad you mentioned Lehmans in Kidron Ohio. I go there a couple of times a year and although they are not cheap, they aid on thriftyness by the products they sell. There is also an Amish store on route 38 before you get into walnut creek that does not have a sign on it but sells many items for the Amish people cheeper than anywhere else. It does not have a name on it but it is a small white building without electricity sitting beside an Amish Home. I have a friend in Amish country and there are many stores there that are practical and aid in thrifty living.
aurelie	Posted - Sep 22 2010 : 6:00:14 PM I found three cotten sheets at the thrift store still in the packages and bought them each for a dollar. I used them for fabric for new kitchen curtins and a new table cloth. The third one I use to make a new kimono robe for myself...floor length and sewed some trim on the lapel that I had been saving from a antique dresser scarf that the center had disappeared from. I wear it around the house and after a shower...feels great and looks good too.

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