| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| connio |
Posted - Apr 02 2006 : 01:15:21 AM
Hey Farm Girls!!
Could we have thrifty living/voluntary simplicity under the "gathered up" forum? Seems like we have gathered up to achieve these goals just like a knitting group gathers up to knit.
Will look forward to hearing from you. Also, would encourage you to "google" the Voluntary Simplicity movement and also read a new book by Judith Levine that is called "Don't Buy It." which should be at your local library.
Connie
Texas Farm Girl
cozycottage |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| pgngrl |
Posted - Apr 14 2010 : 1:49:32 PM
This topic is just what I've needed. Lately, I've been wanting to 'get back to basics' cut down, minimallize. I'm tired of working to pay bills (I don't see my job as a career, just a means to pay bills, nothing else, it just seems such a waste) - on cc's that I don't even know WHAT I used them for. Outside of the couple of vet bills for sick kitties, the rest has been frivolous.
I have already decided to go with both buying nothing new, as well as asking myself do I want it, or do I need it. Any other ideas of what I can do to get rid of those cc bills (I'm not using them any longer - they've been cut up!) down/paid off, so I can use (knitting, crocheting, sewing etc) what I enjoy to live on? You know, stop working for the 'man' lol!
It's wonderful how the little things come when you are least expecting them, and validate what you're thinking.
BB
~Laurie
Jamie snorted briefly and picked up a needle and a ball of yarn.
“It’s no verra difficult, Sassenach. Look- this is how ye cast up your row.”
Drawing the thread out through his closed fist, he made a loop round his thumb, slipped it onto the needle, and with a quick economy of motion, cast on a long row of stitches in a madder of seconds. Then he handed me the other needle and another ball of yarn. “There – you try.””
-- Diana Gabaldon, Drums of Autumn* |
| alterationsbyemily |
Posted - Mar 17 2010 : 09:45:16 AM
Karla, my husband hates that question. When we moved out here he had a fit because we went from a huge house in Pittsburgh to our little home and now if you buy somehthing you have to have a place for it right then and there.
--
See my custom costumes, download free patterns, and hear some spook EVPs from Gettysburg, PA on my site, www.alterationsbyemily.com |
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Mar 12 2010 : 11:48:52 AM
Great idea Sarah :) I have given batches of Sour Cherry Jelly and Banana Pepper Mustard :) I also try to stay a month or more ahead for Birthdays and gifts :)
I bumped up a "How do you save.." thread in Across the Fence where there are more tips :)
~Sharon
By His Grace, For His Glory
http://merryheartjournal.blogspot.com/ |
| chaddsgirl |
Posted - Mar 12 2010 : 11:17:23 AM
Debbie, I LOVE the Tightwad Gazette! I got all the books several years ago and still refer back to them for ideas on paring down expenses when I feel we've gotten off track.
In addition to asking "Do I really need this or do I just want it?" If I decide I really need it (and if I have to think about it too long, that means I don't) I then force myself to think of WHAT I specifically need it for. Will it be used in the near future? Will it help to produce something else I can use? Will I ACTUALLY use it, or does it just seem like a good idea at the time?
Several of you have mentioned gifts. I have made the concious decision to make all cards and gifts this year. So far it has been working out pretty well. My MIL's birthday was in February. I had some leftover strawberries from last year and she like my strawberry jelly. I had just enough strawberries to make 1 batch of jelly. I put it in nice little jars with strawberry lids and rings, wrapped them up in a basket and made a card to go with it. Voila!! She loved it! I keep trying to plan ahead at least a month in advance for each birthday so I have plenty of time to make something special for that person. So far so good. :)
A person is a success if they get up in the morning and get to bed at night and in between does what they want to do. Bob Dylan
Deeperrootsfarm.etsy.com |
| bdhughes77 |
Posted - Mar 12 2010 : 10:21:30 AM
Karla this is such good advice. I always have to take this one step further as I am an impulse buyer. If I say "yes" to I need this then I have to ask myself "Do I really need this?"
Count your blessings! |
| karla |
Posted - Mar 12 2010 : 08:58:35 AM
Our best question to ask when we are in a store is DO I NEED THIS OR WANT IT?
That is usually enough to make us wait. A want can wait...... but a need must be thought over to see if it is truely a need.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. |
| bdhughes77 |
Posted - Mar 11 2010 : 2:52:49 PM
The Tightwad Gazette books are great. They're getting a bit dated but the majority of the information is well worth reading and doing.
Debbie
Count your blessings! |
| knittinchick |
Posted - Mar 09 2010 : 2:40:33 PM
It does seem that every year there is some new holiday that requires us to buy something, whether it be a card or a fancy gift. I wouldn't mind it so much if there weren't commercials advertising every single ***day. Whatever happened to a nice, homemade card? I think that I will try to be more personal and thrifty when it comes to those sorts of days instead of feeling obligated to try and find something expensive to fit the criteria of what I can only imagine is a made-up holiday. Good insight Monica!
God's Blessings,
Megan
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
| haydemon |
Posted - Mar 09 2010 : 1:46:26 PM
"Give me the Simple Life." That's my motto. I try to live by these words as much as possible, shunning consumerism--especially at Xmas-time--and every other opportunity that marketers have made up to entice us to BUY, BUY, BUY! (i.e., Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Friendship Day, and every other imaginable *** Day out there!). My kids are also very much in tune with this philosophy, living very frugal lives as well. We don't do without, nor take the concept to the extreme; however, we try to be conscious about what and where we shop, favoring local whenever possible. I know companies need to make money and the economy must grow, yada-yada-yada; however, there HAS to be a better way to live other than consuming endlessly.
Save our Main Streets! |
| knittinchick |
Posted - Mar 04 2010 : 8:25:15 PM
Hi ladies! For my Lenten promise, I decided to give up buying things unless it was for charity, a gift, or an absolute neccessity. I have found it very liberating to try and do with what I have. I have made new outfits, I have been going to my library more often, and I am trying to come up with new craft projects I can do. I will keep you ladies posted on how I do.
God's Blessings,
Megan
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
| traildancer |
Posted - Mar 04 2010 : 2:08:59 PM
Wow! What a thread. I am feeling bombarded, but in a good way. So many tips, hints and good ideas. For several years I have been craving simplicity and contentment. I, too, have more clothing than I can wear and have been weeding it out slowly, thanks to FLYLady and my daughter. I want to not buy new things yet when I get emotional, ie angry, hungry, happy, I want to buy something. This year I am trying to not buy anything I don't need. I did pretty good during January and was amazed at my bank balance. So I fell off the wagon badly in February and am climbing back on in March.
I have limited my clothing purchases to white, burgundy or chocolate shirts or combination thereof with jeans or taupe colored jeans. That makes it easy in the morning.
I notice that the last post here was three years ago. What are you all doing now that may be an improvement on or different from your earlier posts?
You all are very educational and I enjoy and appreciate your experiences. Thank you.
The trail is the thing.... Louis L'Amour |
| mommatracy |
Posted - Dec 13 2007 : 09:27:53 AM
Hi Nashbabe. I just read your post about shopping for meat for the men in your family. You stated that you don't buy chicken quarters no matter how cheap they are. I have learned alot from this forum and would like to know why you don't buy them. |
| kitchensqueen |
Posted - Dec 12 2007 : 6:13:47 PM
Bridget, can you grow a portion of your own food? That's an affordable way to go organic. Also look into CSA's, farmer's markets and food co-ops.
http://apartmentfarm.wordpress.com
http://shadetreestudios.etsy.com
New Rt 66 blog: http://historyinthemaking.wordpress.com |
| kissmekate |
Posted - Dec 12 2007 : 6:06:59 PM
I forgot to mention on my previous post that I have learned a lot and read Ellie Kay's books as well.
You should be able to find them in your local libraries.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
| bohemiangel |
Posted - Dec 12 2007 : 11:40:24 AM
I really really want to go totally organic but $ is the issue....any help, i'm looking on the web about it all
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggygirl.blogspot.com/
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| MasterGardener |
Posted - Dec 11 2007 : 10:21:53 AM
One year for Christmas wrap, I took brown paper sacks and opened them up @ the seams to use the inside surface. Then, I took paper Christmas stencils (the kind that come in a packet for use with spray flocking on the windows) and though it was a bit time consuming, I colored in the stencils w/Christmas appropriate colors and then used the paper to wrap gifts for children. Big hit! I've also used the funny papers to wrap, then cut strips of the papers for zippy bows, they curl similar to zip ribbon. Fun for me, fun for recipient.
.• ´¨¨)) -:¦:-¸.•´ .•´¨¨))
((¸¸.•´ ..• -:¦:- -:¦:- Chandra
-:¦:- ((¸¸.•´Farmgirl Sister #64
She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Proverbs 31:16 |
| bohemiangel |
Posted - Dec 10 2007 : 5:35:44 PM
Well, see this is something I totally 100% struggle with. I LOVE TO SHOP! BUT at the same time I love simple used things or handmade. I just adore living simply I'm happier, I shop when I feel hollow Make sense? I feel whole when I put my energy into LIVING truly. I just need like guidance and support.
Actually there is a book that our preacher included in a sermon about how my generation and the next are all totally into convenience and communicating from home and computers. We are losing the in touch feeling. Sad to say the ONLY place in my lil town at night is the bar to socialize. As much as I hate this I do it to GET OUT and socialize. I would love to open my basement or a place to socialize with byob or dry. It's so true we are losing touch because of how life is "convenient" now but look at how much unhappiness, drug use, depression, mental issues america has? When the amish are asked how satisfied they are with their life they say very and don't want more. Interesting huh?
I always imagine my wedding, I used to want traditional now I want small intimate meaningful and homemade without going into debt!
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggygirl.blogspot.com/
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| tangledthreads |
Posted - Dec 10 2007 : 08:31:50 AM
quote:
Originally posted by kissmekate
Michelle, there are tons of resources out there online or at your local library/bookstore.
I just dusted off my copy of Amy Dacyczyn's the Tightwad Gazette.
I forgot how funny she is. Very practical too. I never realized how "green" she is too. Back before it was the "IN" thing to do, like it is now.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland
Thank you, I will look for that book!
You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
Mahatma Ghandi
A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song. Chinese Proverb
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| Dixie_Amazon |
Posted - Dec 10 2007 : 03:40:44 AM
Check out Hillbilly Housewife:
$45 Emergency Menu for 4 to 6, http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/40dollarmenu.htm
$70 Low Cost Menu for 4 to 6, http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/70dollarmenu.htm
Recipes, http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/recipeindex.htm
Frugal Holiday Recipes, http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/holidayrecipes.htm
Disclaimer: I have not read this whole thread, I apologize if this has already been mentioned.
Dennise with 2 n's
Farmgirl Sister #47 **~~** Country girl raised in the city. |
| kissmekate |
Posted - Dec 09 2007 : 9:35:13 PM
Michelle, there are tons of resources out there online or at your local library/bookstore.
I just dusted off my copy of Amy Dacyczyn's the Tightwad Gazette.
I forgot how funny she is. Very practical too. I never realized how "green" she is too. Back before it was the "IN" thing to do, like it is now.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
| tangledthreads |
Posted - Dec 09 2007 : 08:16:19 AM
WOW, you all have such amazing thrifty meal ideas, I totally bomb when going grocery shopping, for some reason I can't seem to figure out how to be thrifty in that area. I spend more money on groceries, (we eat at home mostly) than any other thing all month. I try and try to cut costs but end up with nothing to make. I just don't have a great imagination when it comes to the kitchen. I work fulltime so in the evenings I want to make a quick meal, a meat, starch and vegetable..but some how I can't get all that within a decent budget and there is only TWO of us.
I think I am going to purchase MJ kitchen mag as suggested, that may give me some help on getting more creative with cheaper ingredients.
DH received a $50 gift card to the local Butcher House, so that was a blessing, we can stock up on some meat as that is my biggest expense at the store.
Otherwise, I just don't know how to be thrifty at the grocery store, I do look for specials, try to buy only what's on sale but I can still spend $100 before I know it.
Thanks for your tips, I need to go back and read ALL the pages of this thread...
You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
Mahatma Ghandi
A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song. Chinese Proverb
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| Alee |
Posted - Oct 11 2007 : 12:09:53 PM
One of the biggest thrifty living changes for my husband was getting him used to using rags and re-usable towelettes instead of using paper towels all the time.
I also can spend a morning each month and do "mixes" like muffins and such and put these in mason jars. This way if Doug wants to make breakfast- or if I am in a hurry- everything is already all measured out and I am not so tempted to buy a mix from the store. Sure... they might be cheap- but why pay $1.25 per mix when they really only cost about $.15 to make even when taking into account my time!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
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| celebrate2727 |
Posted - Oct 08 2007 : 11:34:57 AM
I am on a list to buy a half a cow from a farmer down the road- all grass fed and hormone free. Comes to around 3.49 a pound. It should stock my freezer meat wise for a long time. Do any of you do a weekly menu. Like tonight is Spaghetti night, tomorrow- Taco Tuesday and I try to use more beans and less meat for this. Wednesday is one pot dinners/bake overs, Fridays are always homemade pizza and our newest is Kids Night on Saturday. This night the kids will plan,cook and serve US a meal! They can dig into my recipe books, make it a pot luck with leftovers or whatever they want. The deal is- you can't phone for dinner (no pizza delivery or fast food) and they have to include all the kids in the preparation - daughter 18, sons 17,11,5.
blessings
beth
I Can
beth@maryjanesfarm.org
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| nashbabe |
Posted - Oct 08 2007 : 11:13:00 AM
Cool thread...
I just wrote a post on how I survive two major carnivores (hubs and 15 year old kiddo) without totally going broke on my blog...
http://nashbabe.blogspot.com/2007/10/feeding-dudes-meat-without-going.html
some of it is buying meat, and some of it is being sneakily healthy *L*
Crunchy crafty goodness and psychoses...;-)http://nashbabe.blogspot.com |
| celebrate2727 |
Posted - Oct 08 2007 : 11:10:12 AM
Alee- good idea. I will dig it out. I just figured out that if I buy the bulk size Budget Mix I get 260 servings at only 22 cents a serving. And the things I can do with that are awesome. That is the first thing on my list. That and the black bean humus-- my FAV!
The staples of flour sugar etc... yes a must have. I love to bake so I always have a big supply of this. My favorite is my seasoned wheat bread. I make it at least once a week.
blessings
beth
I Can
beth@maryjanesfarm.org
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