My favorite way to travel is to home swap. Trading homes has allowed our family of 4 to travel to different countries and live like locals without the expense of hotels or eating at restaurants. Not only do we stay for free but we also eat like locals because we’re cooking at home. What better… Continue reading Home Swapping and Eating Like a Local
Tag: frugal living
Rethinking Laundry and Cleaning Detergents
I’m feeling duped right now. For years, I’ve been using Borax and touting it as an “old-fashioned cleaning” product and one that our grandmothers probably used. While that may be true, several readers brought to my attention its health risks. After doing some online research, I’ve decided to mostly discontinue (* see note at bottom)… Continue reading Rethinking Laundry and Cleaning Detergents
Our Gourmet Supper Club
In our dinner group or gourmet supper club, our 8-members share in the work, the expense of entertaining, and we get to socialize regularly. This happens while we are enjoying good food and good friends. But I have a complaint about it. My big complaint? The word “potluck.” That word has connotations of bag of… Continue reading Our Gourmet Supper Club
Budgeting and How to Track Expenses
This is part 1 in a series of 3 about budgeting and how to track expenses. The second post can be found here "Budgeting and How to Track Expenses Part 2" and the third can be found here "Budgeting and How to Track Expenses Part 3". Before sharing ways to reduce your FAITH (food, apparel,… Continue reading Budgeting and How to Track Expenses
Camera Crews and Cleaning House
Because my kids do most all of the house cleaning around our home as part of their “allowance” responsibilities, I really don’t do much house cleaning anymore. Yes, this is nice but trust me, standards must be lowered when it comes to teenagers doing “housework.” At least I’m not doing it! It’s best if I… Continue reading Camera Crews and Cleaning House
Homemade All Purpose Cleaning Solution
I have tried several “natural” or “green” cleaners over the last few years and have come to two conclusions: either the cleaners didn’t work very well or they were so expensive, I couldn’t justify the cost. As a result, I decided it was time to try to start making my own. The ingredients in my… Continue reading Homemade All Purpose Cleaning Solution
Why I Cook with Dried Beans
I usually cook with dried beans once a week for dinner and there’s always some in our refrigerator for breakfast burritos, lunches or after school snacking. Why I cook with dried beans is easy: they cost much less than canned beans, they’re better for my family to eat, and I control how they taste and… Continue reading Why I Cook with Dried Beans
Frugal Living Secrets: Reducing FAITH
With the start of the New Year, I'll be sharing ways to save more and spend less while still living richly. Want to know the secret to increasing your savings account, redirecting your resources, and achieving your financial goals that doesn’t involve you getting a second job? It’s simple. It can be done by reducing… Continue reading Frugal Living Secrets: Reducing FAITH
Frugal Living with Coupons
Recently, I received an email from a regular reader about frugal living with coupons and she had several great points and a different perspective so I wanted to share them. This reader felt that I was against coupon usage and wanted to point out the benefits and savings involved with using coupons. Coupons may be… Continue reading Frugal Living with Coupons
Weekly Meal Plan
Someone asked me recently if there was one tool I’d like for my kitchen. Yes, I’d like a scullery maid. (A scullery maid is someone who does the dishes.) It would be just peachy to have someone clean-up after me when I’m cooking in the kitchen. Honestly, it’s the only reason I think about going… Continue reading Weekly Meal Plan
Go Gingham 