My Frugal Home

 Hello all my lovely friends.  Hope you are all well and safe today.  A bit cooler this morning at 75*, but going back to 90's.  We had rain showers a couple times yesterday - some really nice rain.  Looks like chances of rain each day for the next few!  NICE.  It cooled about ten degrees right after the rain yesterday - which was a nice perk.  It was nice to not have to water things.  I even opened the back door for a bit!

If you have been here very long, you know I am a very frugal person.  Many years ago, it started as a needed thing, now it is just a way of life - a lifestyle.  If you do things long enough, it becomes a habit and a way of everyday living.

I do lots of things to stretch items - I water down most everything.  Soaps - especially.  Many, many years ago I heard a stylist 'to the stars' talk about how damaging soap can be on hair.  They said never use it full strength, no matter the brand.  Well, I have watered it down since - and I find it gives suds even better.  I do the same with dish soap, foaming hand soap (make my own) and body wash.  I have bars of soap as well - they don't go bad, so I always have many on hand.  I use way less on laundry soap as well - remember it isn't the suds that clean, just the water, motions and a little detergent!

Shoot, I even add water to fruit juices, and they taste just as good.

I make my own iced tea, drink lots of water, and have a Soda Stream (bought @ yard sale for $15) to make sparkling water.

I do not pay full price for much - if anything.  I buy clothes (very seldom) at thrift stores, yard sales and on clearance.  Undies cost a ton today - I buy around back to school time, much cheaper on sale.

I try to figure out ways to use what I have on hand, if I need a new 'thing'.  I know when sales happen and try to stock up at those times.  I buy clearance A LOT at the grocery.  It is still good stuff.

I have been talking about buying a new couch and maybe a new chair for several years!  Yep - it will happen when I see just what I want at the right price.  For now, mine works fine.  Patience!!!

I keep things off or turned down/up as needed.  No excess lights, use rainwater and dehumidifier water for things, AC or heat higher/lower than many, shop my pantry and just try to be a good steward.

Lately, I have been going to the store very little.  I have a very good deep pantry, and I need to use it.  Having a pantry isn't a good thing if you don't use it.  Yes, we want to be prepared for emergencies always!!!  But use those items, then replace as needed.  You don't want your food to go bad and be unusable!

Lately the kitchen here, has been creative!  I have been eating a little lighter, using up odd things I have on hand and now that the garden is growing - I will have fresh produce for the summer and fall.  I don't have tons - but I will have tomatoes, zucchini, peppers and onions - basics for me.  I also have basil, mint and lemon balm growing.  I trade with others as well.  Yummy summer goods!

I look forward to making this again soon and fried green tomatoes!  They call this a breakfast pie - for me it will be dinner.  It is so yummy.  Super easy, cheap and tasty. (I use less sugar)

Dinners can be as simple as this!  I do this often in the summer - it is cool and somewhat light, and it fills me up.  Dinner is what you want to eat!!!!!  NO RULES

Stir fry veggies purchased on clearance a while back with rice, will be a dinner in the next couple days.  I mean you can't get too much cheaper!  I will add soy sauce or some oriental seasoning and have a meatless dinner.  I often have meatless dinners.  I know many can't do that, as their hubbies want their meat - but just use less.  Make it a side, not a main thing!

I have used a ton of items from the fridge freezer, and now I am bringing things up from the upright.  I will always be on the outlook for deals - and will add them back in when I find them, but for now I am using what I have.

I have a lot of fruit in the crisper, and I am trying to use that up and be a little creative.  Fruit salads are always yummy, make a crisp or pie, grilling or sautéing fruit is yummy, adding to sweet breads or muffins or pancakes, add to ice cream or puddings, make freezer pops - there is always a fun way to use things up.

Living a thrifty life and having a frugal home is just normal for me.  I am not rich, but I can live how I want for the most part - and that is what I do.  I take care of my pennies and dollars, and they take care of me.  I live a very good and satisfying life - I don't feel I am missing out.

It just takes a little creative thinking and working with what you have.  You too, can have a frugal home and enjoy the good life.

**(Being frugal everyday allows you to splurge once in a while when you choose and not feel guilty!!!)

Have a great and thrifty weekend.  Stay cool and hydrated.

Have a beautiful day!!!!!!