Or, Would You?

Purchase toys from a child having a yard sale, knowing that he is selling them for only a fraction of the original cost?

Yes, I would.

Why?

1. So the items that I can use/give as gifts do not end up in a landfill somewhere.
2. To save money.
3. Because children are taught that this is a practical way to earn money to buy something else that they want.

How do you feel about this?

Shannon

Would You?

Switch your spouses or children’s favorite brands with store or generic brands?

Yes, I would.

Why?

1. Because most of the cheaper brands taste just as good as expensive brands.
2. Because it would save me much money.

What do you think? Would you do this?

Shannon

Pantry Staples

There are some items that should be kept in the pantry . Stocking up when these items are on sale is the best way to go. A frugal pantry is a good pantry.

What we will need will depend on our families likes and dislikes, but here is a basic list that can get you started:

• Flour
• Sugar
• Oats
• Brown sugar
• Confectioners sugar
• Baking soda, powder and cocoa
• Salt and pepper
• Parsley, oregano and rosemary
• Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger
• Cloves, vanilla and peppermint extracts
• A variety of beans, pastas and rices
• Powdered milk
• Canned soups, tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato paste
• Cereals
• Cornstarch and cornmeal

This is just to get you started.

What items do you find necessary?

Shannon

Cutting the Cost of Baking

On page 203 of The Tightwad Gazette Amy Dycyzyn discusses the topic of baking.

There are ways to go about saving money while baking. Amy points out these ways:

1. Purchasing items on sale. (I find that waiting until the holiday season to stock up on many baking supplies is essential. In December, I purchased flour at about $1.60 for 5 pounds, and sugar for less than that.)
2. Use of powdered milk. (At last count, this was still cheaper than using regular milk, even skim.)
3. Eggs. Amy pointed out that, when bulk baking, you can skimp on an egg here and there without it causing any problems.

I have a tip to add to Amy’s tips:

I often buy small or medium eggs and not large. All three sizes can be used interchangeably in almost any recipes.

What tips do you have?

Shannon

Curbside Pick-Up

Here is a topic from one of Amy’s readers, which you can find on page 193 of the Complete Tightwad Gazette.

We have picked up many great items using this system. Each spring, communities have this roadside pick-up thing that they do. This helps us to declutter our homes.

One benefit to doing this early and setting things out on the road is that people in need can acquire some necessary items.

Another benefit is that less stuff goes into a landfill.

Here are some treasures that I have acquired over the years by using this system:

• A barbecue grill
• A nice bike for my daughter
• A bean bag chair for each of my daughters
• Clothing for all of us
• Books and school supplies for all of us
• Stands
• A dresser
• Shelves
• Planters and other gardening needs
• Kitchen items

Shannon

Be My Valentine

Valentine’s Day is not far off. It is time to start thinking about what little gifts you will be making for your loved ones and decorate your homes with. Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Paper conversation hearts to hang as decorations.
2. Paper hearts with family members’ names on them to hang as decorations.
3. A shoe box or file folder valentine holder for family valentines.
4. Construction paper and paper doily valentine cards.

What ideas can you come up with?

Shannon

The Art of Leftover Wizardry

On page 133 of Amy Dycyzynz book The Complete Tightwad Gazette, she discusses the art of leftover wizardry. This is an important concept when trying to live frugally.

She mentions things like:

• Using leftovers for lunches.
• Keeping a soup container in the freezer.
• Pot luck nights.

When freezing leftovers, I tend to do three things:

1. Freeze leftover vegetables in 1 container.
2. Freeze leftover meats in another container.
3. Freeze vegetable, meat and pasta juice in another container.

With these three containers of food, I can make a variety of foods:

1. Casseroles
2. Sauces
3. Cat Stew (for our kitties)
4. Soups/stews
5. Mini meatloaf

What ideas can you come up with?

Shannon

Homemade Drawstring Bags

These are easy to make, and can be made any size that you like.

Materials:

Fabric

Yarn or thick string

Needle and thread

Measuring tape

Scissors

Fabric pen

1. Measure fabric two twice the length you need, plus and extra inch or two, and mark.
2. Measure fabric to width desired, plus 1/4 inch.
3. Cut the fabric out.
4. Sew the two sides together, like sides together.
5. Sew the top 1/4 inch over, then fold over and sew so that the yarn can be pulled through. To do this, do not sew the two ends.
6. Turn right-side-out and string.

Aloe Vera

Aloe is a great plant. The gel inside is good for healing, not only for people, but for their cats as well. It is a frugal form of natural health care for both.

Aloe can help with:

• cuts
• burns
• dry skin
• scrapes

You can buy the plant cheaply at a store, or get cutting from a friend to start your own plant. Place it on a windowsill out of direct sunlight and let it grow.

Cuttings also make great birthday or housewarming gifts for others.

What do you use aloe for.

Shannon

Interior Decorating for Tightwads

Amy Dycyzyn has an article in her book The Complete Tightwad Gazette about interior decorating. This article can be found on page 93. It discusses cleaning and decluttering. And it discusses decorating on the cheap.

Usually, my method of decorating involves simply changing up the rooms. Rearranging after decluttering and cleaning, and switching items between rooms.

I have found great deals on some items at yard sales and flea markets. Given this, it seems natural to me to carry out decorating  activities during the winter months, after the holiday rush is over.

What ideas do you have for frugal decorating?

Shannon