Just curious who else is living super frugal

[Circe]

I just make cotton bags with velcro or a snap closure. You could make them with a PUL inner if you wanted, but I'm not sure I want PUL next to my food. You can also do foldover type bags, but my boys don't always fold them so I like the closure type.

Also, you can make powdered laundry detergent (saw the post on the wet type)

1 bar grated soap (I like Kirk's Castille, but you can use Ivory, too. I found Fels Neptha to harsh on my clothes).
1 cup oxyclean free
1 cup borax
1 cup arm/hammer washing soda

Mix and use. I have an HE machine, and I use 1-3 Tbls per load.

I don't use this on cloth diapers b/c soap can cause a build up.

 

[Rathbone]

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And the bread doesn't get dry? And...if you don't use it on your diapers - what do you use?

 

[ThinkingChickens]

I have a personal addiction to finding great deals! I have shopped Goodwill and thrift stores since high school and used to be an antique dealer, finding most of my best finds at the thrift store. In addition to saving money buying used we also don't use paper towels or paper napkins (cloth only), grow a lot of our own vegetables, make our own compost, wash our own cars, make our own gifts, etc. etc. I blog about some of my savings and finds if anyone is interested in being a blog follower.....

http://mountaingirlvintage.blogspot.com/

I also blog about raising guide dog puppies, my chickens, gardening, etc. We are trying to become more self sustaining each year. This year it's chickens, raised garden beds and better disaster prep.

 

[erthymom2]

I'm sure some folks thought I was just plain cheap, or dirt poor, but i chose to keep expenses down, not keep up with the jones, kept clutter and stuff down to a minimumin our home and still was able (and still am able) to sox away the cash for really fun things like paying off my home in ten years, paying cash for used vehicles, building up my own hobby farm, having my own sewing and quilting space and still raising two boys in the country and sending one to college.

if i didn't find something used or in the paper, i waited until i did. i bartered for things (eggs for cheese, matchbox cars for nintendo games, dirt bike for 4 wheeler, it goes on). my kids clothes were name brands that would last and came from salvation army or yard sales, as did mine. i am also a first class moocher, like when someone says "boy, i have got to clean out my garage cause i can't get my car inside anymore!". I have two hands and a pick-up so i am so there to help!!!

first and formost, before you clip those coupons or read all the sales flyer you need to decide what is a need and what is a want. most of us would pay more for wants but then have nothing set aside for needs. "Things" haven't been important - it's been about taking control so i'm not held hostage by money. I made and have freedom of choice and don't feel like a squirrel chasin' a nut all day. My boys have grown up learing these principles also and are empathetic towards others struggling. they try to help thier friends learn differant ways of living better and are always offering advice to anyone who asked or looks to need it.

My boys and I have done fun stuff and vacations, just haven't needed to spend a ton doing it. none of us "want" for anything - we have what makes us happy in our little space and feel better for living below our means.

i made reusable/washable sandwich wrappers out of vinyl tablecloth you buy off a roll at walmart of joanne fabrics. it's very easy to do: measure and cut an square 16x16 inches (i used scrapbooking scissor for a ruffly look on the edges. wash them really good in not water and dawn then hang 'em up to dry. they are thick, hold it all together and unless you have a goopy runny sandwich, no mess no drip. we all use them in our house.

you can also make flavored sun tea - use the sun to heat up water and green tea bags then when ready add some snapple to it (i'm not a big sweet flavor drink person so i can make three batches of one gallon tea jugs from one snapple.)

I know this was long but take some time to really, really decide what will make you happy and then make a plan and stick to it. re-evaluate your plan to make sure you are on track, or change the plan if your desires and end result change. Bottom line - it's about common sense, learning to take control of your finances, roll with the punches you get in life. and then enjoy yourself.

 

[Rathbone]

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I love that your boys are empathetic to others.

 

[Circe]

No, it doesn't get dry that I notice. It's only in there from about 7:30ish to 11:30ish. It's a good way to use up fabric scraps.

As for the diapers, I've used the same recipe just minus the soap, but I really prefer ALL Free/Clear. I can always find coupons for it. I've never had stink issues with my diapers when I use it.

 

[Rathbone]

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haha, I am currently using all free & clear but trying to make the switch to making my own. So you just wash the nappies in borax and washing soda? I am really sensitive to soap so if I have problems with the detergent I make, maybe I will try it without the soap.
And I will definitely be trying out the sandwich baggies (another item I am guilty of relying too heavily upon).

 

[Circe]

Quote:
haha, I am currently using all free & clear but trying to make the switch to making my own. So you just wash the nappies in borax and washing soda? I am really sensitive to soap so if I have problems with the detergent I make, maybe I will try it without the soap.
And I will definitely be trying out the sandwich baggies (another item I am guilty of relying too heavily upon).

I made the switch for my middle son. He has super sensitive skin, and almost everything breaks him out. If you want some fragrance, you can add essential oils or fragrance oils.

Have fun with it, and if you work, wait til you see the reactions from co-workers about your baggies.

Mine think I am a "hippie-earth-mother" but that's ok.

 

[Rathbone]

Yes I work...they all think I am "odd but in a nice way". I can live with that.

 

[Acre of Blessings]

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Living frugal is soooooo easy, people just have to have a desire to live that way. don't get me wrong, we buy things we need that are new, like, well, undies....yep, went and bought 4 packages today for myself and our 3 daughters. And you know what....we get to the store (K-Mart) and they have a sale going on with a buy one get one 50% off, cool, plus!! in each pack you got an extra pair, 7 for the price of 6. So for 28 pairs of undies I paid $22. Not a bad deal being they were Hanes. Less that a buck a pair.