thequeenofthecastle's commentsComments On: EverythingArticles Blogs Journals Photos created by: Everyonethequeenofthecastle Frugal Food Resolutions for the New Year - Blog Entry12 Jan 2010 03:51 PM Today is my first day trying homemade ricotta. So far so good. The process is simple. The ingredients are very frugal and it will be a lovely way to dress up pasta for dinner (one of our go to meals as well). Out With the Old: Decluttering Your Home - Blog Entry06 Jan 2010 07:28 PM I have a permanent place in my laundry room with 2 cute bags hanging on pegs. One is for pass on/donate and one is for return. It's funny how much of my clutter isn't actually mine! Whenever I'm on my way out to the garage, I pass through the laundry room and a take a quick look to see if I have anything I need to take to the person I'm going to see.. or I make a run to the donation center while running my errands. By doing this process every day as part of my routine, it's not so overwhelming. It also always gives me a moment of pause before I leave the house to go "shop" and accumulate even MORE stuff. :) One Simple Change Can Make All the Difference - Blog Entry06 Jan 2010 07:24 PM I love how a good rug or well chosen piece of art can pull all the colors, and some times in my case random pass me downs, together in a room. Sometimes when I feel like a room is just getting to busy with different styles I seek out one piece that does that and I'm in love again with all my random treasures. Windows, Windows, Shining Bright - Blog Entry06 Jan 2010 07:20 PM I'm a close the curtains kind of girl myself. :) Meet My Recycling Box - Blog Entry03 Jan 2010 06:08 PM Oh.. I just thought of another one too.. the more that you buy things second hand, the less packaging you contribute to the landfill. Yay for second hand shopping! Meet My Recycling Box - Blog Entry03 Jan 2010 06:07 PM We have recently started composting as well, which turned out to be surprisingly easy. We just made a compost pile in a discreet corner of the yard. (You can get coffee grounds at your local coffee shop... great way to get things started). Between recycling and composting we have managed to greatly minimize our garbage load. More After Christmas Sales - Blog Entry03 Jan 2010 06:03 PM Another good one is wrapping supplies. I always restock my wrapping paper and bows after Christmas to use all year. The silver is great for wedding gifts, red can be de-Christmas-fied with a creative bow integrating other colors, and there is a lot of gift bags and such that are neutral enough to use all year. We also always stock up on the chocolate. Mommy always can use more high end chocolate to eat with my nap time coffee. :) Turning Frugal Resolutions into Habits - Blog Entry03 Jan 2010 05:58 PM I find that the longer I practice frugality in my life the more fun it becomes and the more I am REALLY changed. I feel like it's always becoming clearer how much I really have and how little I really need. It becomes so rewarding and reassuring to slowly make more income every year, as do most of us, and slowly spend less each year. What a great way to get rich slowly. The security that comes with knowing how to live on less and living well within your means is a priceless reward. How Much Should You Spend on Christmas Gifts? - Blog Entry21 Dec 2009 01:43 PM One way that I am finding very useful for saving money this year is mixing handmade/crafted items with small store bought items to create "sets". I think this makes the kind of "typical" gifts a bit more personal too. So, clearance finds of high end body products can be mixed with a couple hand knitted wash clothes. You could give a child bubble bath paired with a reconstructed hooded towel (bath towel tutorial - http://www.makeandtakes.com/easy-hooded-bath-towel), etc. I am endlessly amazed at how many tutorials are out there too on the net to teach yourself how to knit, or sew simple projects or learn to needle felt. It's an AWESOME resource. Adapting My Clothing - Blog Entry18 Dec 2009 11:13 PM I am becoming really interested in remaking old clothes. I think it's less intimidating and more frugal even than making clothes from scratch. I have been scouring the web to find tutorials and have already found a ton of resources. This site is one that consolidates a ton of re-make tutorials all in one place. Enjoy. http://www.freeneedle.com/directory.php?directory=Clothes,-Recycle,-Refashion-and-Repurpose |
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