To quote Amy Dacyzn, "Thrift as a viable lifestyle." I will live this way no matter what our income. Though it would be nice to afford a fishing license.
My Frugal Life: Rebuilding Our HouseWhen we got married, Jim and I had only one thing in large numbers: children. We decided to purchase some land in the country where the six of them could have room to grow. We had $5,000 saved, and used it to put a down payment on an 11-acre piece of marginally useful land.
Bargain Frozen BananasWhat a treat! I found very ripe bananas for $1/5 pounds. Very few were soft, so I took a chance. I also bought some chocolate shell, because I remember frozen chocolate covered bananas from my days of working at Knott's Berry Farm.
Pay Off Your HouseI have been re-reading Possum Living by Dolly Freed. Her number one thrift tip is to have your house paid for.
Stretching One Meal Into FiveThis is how two people made five meals out of one roast this week, and didn't get tired of it even once. This is one of those meals that keeps on giving and changing into something new.
Saving By the "Windfall" MethodFor years, we have had a leaky roof. Every summer my husband puts another coat of sealer on it (it's a mobile home) and every winter we put buckets under the leaks. I have determined that we will have a good roof before the snow flies.
Travel Tips for Mini-Cassia, IdahoWe love our hometown, and I think you will, too. Right now, the cherry and apple trees are in bloom. When the petals drift slowly down in the warm air, it feels as if we are at a wedding. Most people think Idaho is backward, but I want to tell you otherwise.
Our Little Trailer On the PrairieIn the early days of our marriage, Jim and I had six teenagers and a weekly food budget of $35.00. I am grateful that Jim is such a fine gardener, and that he thoughtfully included the children in that hobby.
My Frugal Life: How Coupons Made Me RicherI have a weekly grocery budget of $25.00. It was tight enough before, but now with rising prices it could be very tight. My husband raises a beautiful garden and
fruit trees and I can the produce, and he even raises our own beef, and we have a milk cow because we raise baby calves. What we mainly needed was some variety. Coupons have made all the difference.
Dick Larson's Walking SticksI visited with Dick Larson recently. He makes walking sticks, hot dog sticks, and weeders to sell, and he does quite well with them. He gets a branch with either a really straight length or an interesting curve at the top end, depending on the kind of walking stick he is making.
Cross in a Pocket ProjectThis is a cute little reminder that anyone can carry. It is simple enough for children, but also interesting enough for grown-ups. It should take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete.
Frugal Guidelines For Grocery ShoppingSticking to a grocery budget can get interesting, to say the least. A really good sale on non-perishable items can tempt you to overspend. I have learned to put my grocery money in an envelope. When I run out of money, I quit buying. If I need another loaf of bread, more than likely the ingredients are on hand. I have a few other guidelines, too.
