On becoming more frugal

What we don't buy defines us, at least at times. Here's a challenge:

Every month for the rest of the year, decide upon one new thing that you now buy that you can make yourself or substitute for something cheaper.

Ideas: Napkins, paper towels, canned soup, popsicles, pudding, note pads, potholders, dishcloths, rag rugs, iced tea...

What saves the most?

What's your best frugal tip?? I think mine is "do nothing." When I don't go anywhere, don't get involved in a project, don't do much of anything except read what's already in the house, or knit or sew with what I already have... I don't spend any money at all. And that's pretty frugal!

Stay cool tip # 1

Run cool water over your inside wrists or at any pulse point when you get overheated. This drops your temperature and makes you feel cooler fast. Do NOT use really cold or iced water. Too quick of a drop in temperature can make you sick.

Microwave cleaning

I've read "tips" where people microwave lemons or a cup of vinegar to clean the microwave... but why? When you can just wipe it clean every time you use it for something messy, why would you go to the extra expense and trouble of doing it the hard way? It's like a stove. Keep it clean instead of waiting until it's really dirty then you have to resort to buying cleaners for it and/or spending a lot of time scrubbing it.

Disposable coasters for free

Got business cards? I mean the kind that someone gave you that you have no intention of needing or some of your own that aren't useful any more. Put the long edge of one barely on top of the long edge of another one and staple both sides. They're then just the right size for coasters for either glasses or mugs. When they get too wet or worn, toss them and make more. For free.

Soup and salad from throwaways

When you have broccoli and/or cauliflower, don't throw away any of the stems. Peel the larger ones and shred for a salad addition or slice into soup; smaller ones can be used as they are. Slice and freeze them in water until you have enough for a broccoli/cauliflower/cheese/ham soup.

Free green onion sprouts

Put the bottom quarter or so of an onion in a container filled with dirt and keep it watered. It will develop roots and give you green sprouts for salads or sandwiches. Tip: don't cut it all the way down, and you can continue to harvest it for several weeks.

Free bulletin board

Take a piece of cardboard the size of the bulletin board that you want and cover it with cloth. To be extremely frugal, use a piece of an old sheet or other cast off fabric. You can have it as fancy or as plain as you like. Wrap the cloth at the corners and fasten with staples or thumbtacks and there you have it. You can staple or thumbtack a string to hang it or make a small hole in the top center for a nail.

Stocking up, extremely frugal style

When you come across a great sale (they don't happen often, but when you find them, you'll know), ask yourself three things.

1. How much can I afford?

2. How much do I have room to store?

3. How much can I eat/use before the expiration date?

The answers to these questions can determine how much to buy. Don't overdo it, but don't underdo it, either. A penny saved is truly a penny earned.