Before I became totally dedicated to frugal living, I followed a routine that I did not like to have disrupted. Through the course of adopting a frugal lifestyle I have discovered that frugality has not only helped me become more flexible, it has shown me that flexibility must reign supreme over routine when saving money is the goal.
I used to have designated days for washing clothes. If the weather was nice I hung the clothes outside. If it happened to be raining or terribly cold on my designated laundry day, I would simply use the clothes dryer. Obviously, that was not a frugal option. Now, I pay careful attention to the weather forecast and to the actual weather conditions outside my door so that I can do laundry on the days that are nice enough to hang clothes outside. It may be a little chilly on some winter mornings but I just figure the fresh air is good for me. I know hanging clothes outside definitely reduces my power bill.
In an effort to be semi-frugal, I used to plan my meals a week at a time. My shopping involved buying the ingredients needed to prepare whatever I had planned. That wasn't the most frugal approach to cooking. Now, I plan meals according to weekly grocery sales. I will also enthusiastically alter those plans if I find an unexpected, really good bargain on something at the grocery store.
I have learned to be more flexible with household activities now that living frugally is my goal. I have always been the type of cook who prepares seasonal dishes. My frugal lifestyle encourages me to be take seasonal cooking to a higher level.
On cold, damp, rainy, or snowy days, I prepare meals that require the use of the oven. That helps warm up the house and the meals themselves are warm and soothing. Dishes such as sweet potato casserole, meatloaf, chicken pie, and a big pan of macaroni and cheese are wonderful on cold days.
During the summer, I concentrate more on fresh salads and sandwiches that utilize fresh garden vegetables from our garden. Grilling is my chosen method of summer cooking and that makes a noticeable difference in the power bill.
Cleaning house in the morning rather than evening gives me the opportunity to take advantage of natural light rather than having to turn lights on in each room as I clean it.
Frugality has taught me to be flexible with my daily activities. I suppose it is due to this lesson in flexibility that, as time goes by, I seem to get better at accepting changes in my routine. Interruptions are not as frustrating as they used to be. Not only has flexibility allowed me to live more frugally, it has help relieve the stress associated with the compelling desire to strictly follow a routine.
By VeronicaHB from NC
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