My Frugal Life: Food Enough for VisitorsIn my small community there are many traditions including having enough food for people that visited around a meal time. It was important to feed them, so this was done by taking out a few more things than was needed for our family.
My Frugal Life: Don't Be Persuaded!Manufacturers are so good at persuading us that we HAVE to have their products that it's difficult not to end up buying all sorts of things that we really don't need.
Observations from the Blind SideBlindness ain't for sissies! Apologies to late actress Helen Hayes who originally said "getting old ain't for sissies", but this is true. It takes a special sort of mental, emotional and spiritual toughness to deal with suddenly being blind.
My Frugal Life: Thinking About ThriftinessI've been thinking a lot about the world and the terrible state we are in. One thing I've been thinking is that we would all be a lot better off if we didn't say "someone ought to do something" and said "I'm going to do something" instead.
My Frugal Life: Watch Your Pennies and the Dollars Will FollowI have been frugal all my life. When I was young, it was called "living country". You saved everything and found another use for it. To this day, I don't know if we would have been considered working poor or not.
Donating Clothes And Household Items To CharitiesCharities should be a no-brainier, it seems everyone who reads ThriftyFun shops or has shopped at thrift stores. It makes you wonder if as many people give back to these charities.
My Frugal Life: A Life Without Financial WorriesWhen my husband and I first married, I didn't have any real sense about saving and/or spending wisely. I allowed my husband to assume control over finances because of his excellent upbringing.
Display Photos of Your Parents When They Were YoungerWherever your parent is living, prominently display framed photographs of him or her in younger days. Exhibit the parent looking glamorous, receiving professional recognition and achieving success in sporting events.
Saving Water is ImportantI lived where saving water was very important. The city had only one source of water. If the lake from which it came was low, no water. So yes, I learned of the water police; they watch, fine, and can even put a lien on your property.
My Frugal Life: Beverly Hills on $30 a DayI struggled for years to put myself through college. When at last I was employed, and besieged by credit card offers, I was not very wise. I had lived so lean for so long that the temptation was too strong; and I went under.
Platform For "Lift" ChairAs I have gotten older, health problems are rampant. I have problems with my hips and it had gotten very hard to get out of the my chair.
Back To School Supply Sales For Home Office NeedsNow is a perfect time to take advantage of some really great sales bargains, not just for back to school supplies for your children, but also for your own home office needs.
My Frugal Life: Coupon ClassI recently went to a couple of Coupon Classes locally, my brother's wife was very interested. I wrote down a few things that I learned and then after reading it a few times decided I should share what I learned.
Is the Season Beginning or Ending?Oh, but it's getting ugly around here. I am speaking of my garden of course. For one thing, about this time I lose interest in it. The magic of watching the plants grow, then blossom and put on their colorful array of tasty treasures for us to enjoy is long past.
It Costs Nothing To SmileThis is not a tip to save money or time. It is one that does bring a warmth to your heart. The most simplest gift you can give to someone is a smile.
Use 3 Ring Binder Hardware For Hanging StorageOld school or work 3 ring binders can be reused by removing the back plate and rings. Use pliers to remove the rivets and separate the back plate from the cover. Screw the plate and rings to a wall or the back of a closet or cabinet door.
My Frugal Life: Six Decades of FrugalityI can't remember a time when I was not frugal. My parents were young during the big depression so I learned "thrift" early on. Now at 63 with my hubby at 67, we find that frugality is what allows us to survive.
Deodorizing With Used Coffee GroundsAfter making coffee, let the grounds dry then put them into a new filter, a thin fabric bag, socks, or stockings. Secure with thread or staples. Put these coffee bags inside your shoes, in closets, and shelves. They work really well as deodorizers.
Thrifty Water Bottle CozyIt's been well over 90 degrees F and way too much humidity for some time now. Staying hydrated is very important for all of us.
My Frugal Life: Penny Wise or Pound FoolishIs there such a thing as being too thrifty? Are we many times penny wise and pound foolish? I ponder this because by nature I am a logical, practical person. I have been told this all my life. So the following situations make no sense to me.
Beautiful Thoughts on a Frugal LifeIt seems as if others are learning for the first time how to be frugal and enjoy it, which I have known all along, but now that prices at the pump are at an all time high, I am so happy I know how to save money!
My Frugal WaysI am a single mom of two awesome boys. I am always looking for ways to be frugal. I hang clothes to dry, make food from scratch, and I never turn down clothes, etc. for my boys and me when someone has them to share.
Be Grateful For What You HaveNo one wants to struggle, to say no to themselves and their children, to feel as if they're going backwards rather than forwards. But the easiest way to get out of the slump of despair is to think of everything you do have - and most of us still have a lot.
My Frugal Life: Thrifty Grandmas Stay With You ForeverGrandma was born in 1895 and raised 6 children on her own after her no-good husband ran off. This was long before the days of Social Security. She had lived through some really hard times, and she taught me so much, it still makes me smile.
A Simple Way To Conserve WaterI used a pitcher to catch the water while I waited on it to change to hot water to use. I was wasting almost a gallon every time I was waiting on the water to get hot. Now I keep a pitcher nearby, and I save the water to use during the day.
My Frugal Life: Clothing Is FabricI was raised in an area that was a long drive to the town, and we went in to town only two times a month - once for paying bills and another for shopping and visiting friends.
Recycled Cart for RainwaterTake an non-working lawnmower and remove the engine. Make sure the lawnmower still has its wheels and handle. Build a wooden frame around the base large enough to anchor a barrel or large pail.
My Frugal Life: Going Home Again"Wake up and smell the roses, you really can't go home again". That's what I thought anyway. But with childhood memories dancing in my head and trepidation in my heart, I gave it a try.
Wax Car FreshenerI love scented candles, and now I use the wax that is left to freshen my car. I always have a big chunk of wax left when the wick has burned through. Put the wax in a baggie or on a paper plate and pound or cut into chunks.
Be an EncouragerDo you want to be remembered with love everywhere? Learn to be an encourager. It isn't hard to do: it's as simple as smiling and saying something nice to at least one person, every day.
Still Trying To Be FrugalI have been at my new job for 4 months now and I have had my days reduced to 3 days a week from 5. I am not a happy bunny but as the job is pants, its forcing me to look for something else, which is good.
My Frugal GardenI have found many ways of saving money, while still having a lovely garden to provide fresh food and flowers. I have found that plant sales at churches and garden clubs can be a good source for perennials.
My Frugal Life: Being Mentally ThriftyI have always mentally been a thrifty person. As a child, I was confused by the other kids who would spend all their money on candy, toys, or other little things.
My Frugal Life: On The SidelinesSometimes it is hard to sit on the sidelines and watch things happen. Sometimes you want to get in and help, but all you can do is sit on the sidelines and be patient.
Uses for Baby Wipes ContainersI always buy 13 gallon kitchen garbage bags in the economy rolls. The roll fits perfectly in a baby wipe container, and I just fed the first bag up through the opening at the top.
My Frugal Life: Letter to My DaughterThis is a letter to my daughter who has been out of work for 2 years.
God's Best CakeI framed this cake recipe. Mix these ingredients well with clean air, sunshine, laughter, and a little rain. Add good sifted earth. Bake at even temperature with wind and music for a wonderful life.
My Frugal Life: Food On HandI am dependent on a small monthly check for all my outgoings. Recently, I realized that I had absolutely no money left AT ALL and ten days to go before that check arrived. At first I wondered how I would eat.
My Frugal Life: Making It Through a Little LongerMy husband and I moved here to CO to be close to our kids and grand-kids. We had lived in KY to be close to our oldest son, but we had to move away because of my arthritis, allergies, and asthma. Since we've lived here, we've both had to work and we're on Social Security.
My Frugal Life: Reuse CreativelyCreativity is important to living frugally. Before you go out and buy something, ask yourself "What can I use that I already have?", "What do I have that needs to be used up?", and "What can I make out of what I have?"
My Frugal Life: More Neighbors Come Calling For MuralsAfter some irregular heart beats, shaky knees, and many brush strokes, a new and stronger me has emerged. I can see clearly now and a path has been paved. I had taken a small snowball and placed it on a big ol' hill and before I knew it, that snowball began to roll.
Spending Money to Save MoneyMy husband spent extra when he bought my new vacuum cleaner to get a bagless. It is now well over a year old, and I have probably saved at least $30 on not having to buy bags. That was the price I spent buying the HEPA filter bags from my old vacuum.
My Frugal Life: Living in a "Post-Consumer Age"Almost two years ago, my husband and I bought our first home. We were excited about finally being about to make a place our own: fun wall hangings, even more massive amounts of bookshelves, unique paint colors on all of the walls, and so on.
My Frugal Life: Find Out How Great You AreI grew up with the message that I was fat and worthless. A couple of years ago, I looked at the few pictures that exist of me over the years (I always avoided being photographed). Me at age 4 - not a bit fat, though my teenage sisters had me convinced that I was.
Homemade Scale To Determine PostageAt times I wasn't certain if outgoing mail needed more than a 1 oz. first class stamp, so I'd have to drive to a post office. I decided to build my own scale and it works. A simple balance-beam scale is easy to build.
Ten More Lessons from the Blind SideHere are a few more things I've learned over the last eight years since I lost my sight:
Going Public After Cosmetic Surgery (For...I am content doing laundry because I now have cheery walls to look at. I have to tell you, I never thought there would be a part two to my previous story, but as I wash the paint off my brushes once again, I wanted to share my adventure.
My Frugal Life: Surviving After A LossWhile people everywhere were preparing for the holidays, my children and I were preparing for a funeral. My husband of thirty years had a heart attack on December 14, 2008, passed away on December 23rd, and was buried on the 31st. It was indeed an indelible holiday.
My Frugal Life: Pay As You GoIt seems that so many young people living in this fast paced world are getting in debt way over their heads because they want it right now or just because they feel they have to keep up appearances for their friends.
My Frugal Life: Furnish Your Home With Used ItemsSo you are young and getting ready to make your own home for the first time, whether an apartment or your first house. Of course, you want to decorate to impress as well as to express your taste.
Our Little Trailer On the PrairieIn the early days of our marriage, Jim and I had six teenagers and a weekly food budget of $35.00. I am grateful that Jim is such a fine gardener, and that he thoughtfully included the children in that hobby.
Volunteer Places You Can Get Free TrainingThis tip is for adults, who may wish you had additional training or schooling, but can not afford it. Consider volunteering for an organization that works along the lines of what you would like training in.
My Frugal Holiday: Resolve to Eat HealthierNew Year resolutions are not something I ever make, I regret them all year long after I break them. This year we weren't given a choice but to make resolutions.
Getting the Last From a Spray BottleWhen the product in a spray bottle is to the point where it won't spray out but there is too much to throw away, drop a marble in the bottle. It will raise the water level and allow spray until completely gone.
Add To Gift Box All Year LongI have a "holiday/gift box" that I keep in my closet. I started this box years ago when our church started a secret sister program. Each month, you give your secret sister a small gift, and at the end of the year, you tell her who you were.
New Year's Resolution: Be A Better PersonMy New Years resolution is to practice daily (365), even on a bad day, to work harder to do the best humanly possible to think and act kindly and thoughtfully in every single little aspect of life towards all others in every single situation.
My Frugal Life: Resolutions for 2011Aside from all the obvious resolutions I have just made for 2011 - to lose weight, eat more healthily, take more exercise etc., there is one other really important money and stress saving thing I have made up my mind to do.
Insulate Windows With Bubble-wrap Year RoundInstead of expensive window insulation kits that are hard to install and can be used only one year, try this: buy bubble wrap. Cut it to fit each window.
My Frugal Life: A Winter MiracleI wanted to share with you all what our "stay at home married ladies" group at church did several years ago at Christmas. We were a Wednesday night group of about 15 women who met weekly for Bible Study and grew rather close.
My Frugal Life: How I Make Ends MeetEvery day I take the opportunity to look around my home and decide how I can make a difference in the cost it takes to make my household run. It can be as simple as turning off a light when someone else walks out and leaves it on.
Turn Microwave Plate and Turntable Into A Lazy SusanI recently saw a tip about recycling a microwave plate. Besides keeping the glass microwave plate when replacing your microwave; be sure to also keep the plastic piece the plate sits on that works as the microwave turntable.
"Swap Not Shop" Event for ChristmasSwapping is better than Shopping! Instead of trying to work out how much you can get away with spending this Christmas, why not get friends, neighbors, and family organized and hold a pre-Christmas "Swap not Shop" event.
My Frugal Holiday: The Old Family BibleIt had a place of honor on the long table in the living room along with a pretty old lamp which had colored glass all around the shade part of it, and little crystal dangly things that hung down around the bottom edge.
Laundry Detergent Caps For Bathroom OrganizingThe house I live in does laundry a lot. And, they didn't recycle till I showed them the error of their ways.
My Frugal Life: Influencing Grandchildren's CharacterMy husband and I live in a 29 foot travel trailer. We recently sold almost all of our possessions and decided to live with less stuff and more happiness. Part of the reason that we now live in a travel trailer is for the opportunity to spend more time with our two beautiful granddaughters.
One Size Doesn't Always Fit AllI have been a frugal woman all my life. And it seems I am always researching or joining a group in an attempt to find ways to be even more frugal. And in my quest for information I have found this; one size doesn't always fit all.
My Frugal Life: Economics of MenopauseWhat do menopause, singleness and caffeine have in common? You guessed it lower heating bills.
My Frugal Life: Adopted AngelsI love to be frugal and love to entertain. What I have been doing for several years now, is serve a single food, cookies, and simple beverage and ask for gifts. But, the gifts are not for me, they are for others.
Poem: Ode to ThriftyFunThis is a celebration of ThriftyFun and our ThriftyFun Family. I've been working on it, off and on, for a couple of months and am finally happy enough with it to share. I hope you enjoy!
My Frugal Life: The Wisdom of FrugalityI am blessed to have grown up in a family where my parents had gone through the Great Depression and then WWII. They never made being frugal seem like punishment, but more of a game, where I was taught to look at the bigger picture.
Moisten String Used to Tie PackagesDampen string before using to tie packages. The string then will not slip during the work. As it dries, it will shrink itself tighter than you could possibly have pulled it.
Ten Things to Do with a Blind CompanionSomeone recently asked me what I like to do. I didn't have an answer then, but I've been thinking about it. I'm not into extreme sports like skydiving or mountain climbing, but I have read of blind people who do those things. Here are some ideas for the rest of us.
My Frugal Life: Keeping Our World CleanFall is here and I'm so thankful for cooler weather. It has been a long, hot summer and not a good time to pick up a lot of litter.
My Frugal Life: Good InvestmentsWell here I am again feeling a little rather chipper at the moment. I have purchased my yogurt maker and am quite apt at making and drinking thick and Greek yogurt. Mixing in the different flavors to suit our mood.
Home Safety TipsWith the sad economy and people losing their homes, jobs, cars, etc., we need to rethink our own home safety. Here are some tips for home safety that I have researched and compiled and feel this will be helpful to most.
My Frugal Life: Ten Reasons to Embrace the Frugal/Thrifty LifestyleAs of August, I am debt free and I am very thankful for this. I just want to say a big thank-you to all of you, because I have really benefited from your frugal wisdom which you have freely shared in your posts.
Ten More Questions You Always Wanted to Ask...October is "Meet the Blind Month." In honor of it, here's the follow-up to my original "Ten Questions You Always Wanted to Ask a Blind Person."
A Snake In My Garden!I was doing some clean-up work in the garden today. As I was pulling spent bean vines (minding my own business, don't you know), I saw what looked like a great big worm. I can be kind of slow, but eventually I figured out that it was a snake.
Maintain A Positive AttitudeIf ever you feel like the World is on your shoulders and everyone is against you, remember one thing. Maintaining a positive attitude will see you through your situations. Sarcasm, when spoken in the identical tone as praise is acknowledged as praise.
My Frugal Life: Living With Very Little MoneyBeing raised in the sixties and seventies meant I was being raised by parents who knew about war time deprivation.
Hoarding: Too Much StuffThere are many programs to watch these days on bachelors, dancers, singers, racers, survivors, and the like. But, there are none so compelling as those that dissect a little known malady known as hoarding.
The Old Country TelephoneIt had to ring but five rings; three short, then two long; our private signal, five rings to connect us with Detroit or London or Miami where the sun was shining. Maybe all the way to Sidney, Australia, or more likely, just down the road and a friend.
My Frugal Life: Rebuilding Our HouseWhen we got married, Jim and I had only one thing in large numbers: children. We decided to purchase some land in the country where the six of them could have room to grow. We had $5,000 saved, and used it to put a down payment on an 11-acre piece of marginally useful land.
My Frugal Life: Great ImpressionI grew up in a family who knew The Great Depression. They made a Great Impression on how I lived, as well. My Grandpa raised his own hogs, and showed me how to make a ball out of a hog bladder early on.
Tools That Help The Blind TodayI can't outline every tool available for the blind today. However, I promised I'd write about the tools that make my life easier. I try not to adapt more than necessary, but I do need some things accessible. I wrap a bread tie around the handle of the gallon jug of tea or fruit drink.
My Frugal Life: Of Grandpas and GardensGardening with my grandad was a lesson in patience. When I was a child my mother worked to put food on the table and shoes on our feet so I spent a lot of my time with my grandparents who lived across the road from us.
Make A Thrifty Recycled Drink ContainerI took a large plastic mayonnaise jar and a bendy soda straw and voila! a car cup. DH drilled the holes in the plastic jar lid since he doesn't like me playing with his power toys.
My Frugal Life: ThriftyFun FamilyIn 2007, I lost my entire family. We grew up in San Diego. As the kids became adults, we found that even with decent jobs (I am a school teacher) we could not afford to live in SD. My mom helped my siblings buy houses, but not me.
Beating DiabetesWe are beating diabetes the frugal way! Last year my husband was diagnosed with diabetes after numerous health problems. I, too, am diabetic. We decided to change our life.
My Frugal Life: Cooking From ScratchWhen our children were growing up we had very little extra money. We got clothes and shoes from the thrift shop and only bought groceries that were on sale. We had barely enough each month to pay our bills.
ThriftyFun TipsI want to share what I do on a normal day, which I have learned or adapted from this site. Here are the things I have learned, which have saved me a lot of money and have helped me to lead a more frugal life, which brings a lot of happiness to me for some reason.
My Frugal Life: Craft Fair Birthday PartyOnce upon a time there was a little girl with many, many friends. She often asked her mommy for lots of sleepovers and tea parties. Even though her mommy had very little money, sleepovers were easy and tea and cinnamon toast were cheap, so the mommy always said "yes".
Ten More Commandments Of Dealing With The BlindBack, by popular demand, here are a few more tips for sighted folk dealing with blind people:
My Frugal Life: Lessons From My MotherI first learned frugality from my mother, who had a motto for just about everything. "Use it up, wear it out, 'cause if you waste, you'll do without." I'll bet I've heard that old rhyme a million times.
Reuse Disposable Vacuum BagsI have an expensive vacuum cleaner that takes expensive bags. To save on buying new bags for my vacuum, I simply cut the bottom off the bag, empty it, and duct tape the bottom shut.
Become a Frugal CrafterFor those of us who have fallen on tough times more recently, this essay is intended to help you find a creative outlet for free and perhaps the chance to make some gifts that will be all the more treasured simply because you made them.
Look For the "Silver" Lining at Thrift StoresLook for the "silver" lining in that dark cloud. As a thrift store junkie, I don't know which I like more, searching out treasures or finding them at a rock bottom price.
Old Fashioned White LaundryI remember the days when we used a big black 3-legged wash pot over an open fire to wash clothes. If there's anything I learned and remember best, is how to get and keep white clothes clean and the whitest possible.
Recycled Wrapping Paper Organizer Shoe BagI made another project from some recycled bags. These came from empty bird seed bags that a friend gave me. They are colorful and the pretty birds made them nice and bright.
Repurposing ContainersSave the containers that grocery and consumable items come in and repurpose them!
Ten Commandments of Human Relations for the New YearI've lived by giving, and receive from others who do the same, so many blessings and moments of joy and it's by and because of these words of wisdom over and over in a lifetime!
Reuse Chip Bags as Gift BagsWash the inside and let dry. When dry, turn inside out and you have a beautiful silver gift bag. Tie the top off with ribbon, put on a pretty bow, and you have a beautiful and frugal gift, wrapped and ready to give.
Recycle Tank Top into a BagI came across a couple of tank tops that I know I would never wear again, and considered giving them to the Goodwill or Salvation Army but I paused thinking, "Hmm, turn it inside out and sew up the bottom of it!"
Buckle Your Purse in Your Seat BeltTo guard against purse snatching, when I buckle my seat belt I also buckle at least one handle of my purse into it. This also comes in handy when I need something out of my purse while I'm driving.
Making Junk Mail UsefulI cut the envelope open with a letter opener (unless the flap can easily be opened without cutting). Uses: store coupons, to do lists, store receipts. If it has see through window on back, with plastic then when I am done with the envelope, I cut that out with border to use for crafts.
Natural Air FreshenersWinter is coming and with that the windows and doors will be closed up tight and odors trapped inside. Here are some ideas to sweeten the smell of your home without harmful chemicals:
Remove Batteries From Disposable CamerasDid you know there is an AA size battery, and sometimes a AAA battery, inside disposable cameras that is used to power the camera flash?
Use Vinegar Instead of Dryer SheetsActually this has to do with laundry, I have been told this before, but I tried this last weekend. I was not happy with my dryer sheets; I would rather not use them. Our sons use them so we have lots of them.
