To clip or not to clip; that is the question. It is often assumed that people who are frugal use coupons, coupons and more coupons. It is possible to be frugal and not use coupons for your grocery shopping needs. Unless it is the exact item you want, using coupons means you must spend money… Continue reading Frugal Grocery Shopping
Month: June 2011
Strawberry Picking Adventures
This was to be a post about my famous strawberry freezer jam. Unfortunately, the strawberries at the organic farm where we went to u-pick were slim pickings. The strawberries were in desperate need of sunshine to ripen them. Our family usually heads to Sauvie Island, just outside of Portland for our fruit and vegetable picking… Continue reading Strawberry Picking Adventures
Computer Recycling
Recently, I had to buy a new lap-top computer. Mine was 8 years old and a hand-me down from my husband. Needless to say, I wasted lots of time waiting for it to work. Our “home office” also had an old desk top computer, a laser printer, a color printer, and a fax machine. While… Continue reading Computer Recycling
How to Turn a House Into a Home
One of my neighbors recently moved from a rental house on our street into her own home. She and her fiancée are getting married soon. She called me recently to ask for some advice on how to turn a house into a home. When I arrived at her sweet home, we reviewed her goals. She… Continue reading How to Turn a House Into a Home
Fixing Items at Home
Fixing items around your home, rather than getting rid of them and buying new can really save. By fixing what you have and not buying new, you’ll save money, resources, and time. Each of these fixes took very little time. The supplies used to fix these items are all simple items that are good to… Continue reading Fixing Items at Home
How to Make Jeans Smaller
Remember our trip to “The Bins” and the stack of clothing I bought for $18.20? My family loved everything but several items needed altering. Altering clothing, especially jeans, is easy and takes very little time. The jeans, which were brand new Gap women’s jeans, were too wide at the leg for the wearer, who wishes… Continue reading How to Make Jeans Smaller
How to Make Walking Poles
Do you like to walk for exercise? Do you wish walking provided you with an upper body work-out? If you answered yes, start using walking poles like my “chicks with sticks” crew and on your next walk, get an upper body work-out while burning more calories. Many stores sell walking poles but you can make… Continue reading How to Make Walking Poles
How to Organize a Dinner Group
Entertaining can be expensive, but cost shouldn’t keep you from being social. Organize a dinner group and you can entertain while still being on a budget and frugal. Schedule your dinner group meetings regularly and you’ll see your friends more often and try new foods. The idea behind a dinner group is that it’s a… Continue reading How to Organize a Dinner Group
Teacher Gift Ideas
Question: “Just wondering how you handle teacher gift ideas. At our school, parents are sort of expected to contribute to a to a joint gift for the teacher. The suggested amount is about $15. This gift is usually an American Express gift card. It is a little tricky navigating the social aspect of group gifts. … Continue reading Teacher Gift Ideas
Estate Sale Finds: Vintage Wrapping Paper
One of my favorite items to purchase at estate sales is vintage wrapping paper. Not only is it inexpensive to purchase but it is classic and funky. Add a pretty ribbon and you’re ready for gift giving. This package of vintage gift wrap was purchased recently at an estate sale. Grand total? $1. I especially… Continue reading Estate Sale Finds: Vintage Wrapping Paper
Go Gingham 