Frugally Sustainable

6 Ways To Earn an Income a.k.a Make Money

2011-12-28T13:21:00.000-08:00

Since categorizing myself as a work-at-home mom/wife/homemaker, empowering women in their quest toward becoming grass-roots entrepreneurs is something I am sincerely passionate about.

Women all over the world are beginning to leave the industrial workforce in order to rediscover the joys of keeping the home. We are in the early stages of witnessing homes returning to their rightful places as units of production. With that said, I strongly believe stay-at-home moms will continue to play a vital role as financial contributor to the family by:

working hard to saving money.
looking for creative ways to earn money from home.
rearing children that are emotionally filled to the brim and therefore content with less.

There are so many different avenues for women to generate income without having to neglect their highest priorities of being a wife and mother. Listed below are just a few sustainable ideas. Most of these I have personally found to be profitable in the past, or I am currently seeking out as possible ventures for the coming year.

6 Ideas For Generating Income From Home

1. Grow and sell fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Not only will growing your own groceries save on super-market purchases, but it has the potential to generate a bit of income during the growing season. Selling at local farmer's markets and to your spouse's co-workers can easily cover the costs of growing the produce and put a few extra dollars in your pocket.

2. Raise your own chickens and sell the eggs. 12-15 backyard hens could give you a couple dozen extra eggs each week, over what your family can consume. Free-range eggs are selling for $4-$5 dollars a dozen in my neck of the woods, this could potentially add $60-$100 per month to our budget. Obviously, the more hens you have the more money you make; and, if you are lucky enough to have a large grassy area, your cost of feed will be dramatically reduced.

3. Start plants from seed. This growing season it is my goal to start plants from seed and sell the transplants to neighbors, co-workers, and at my local farmer's market. Growing and selling organic, heirloom plants can bring in $2-$3 per plant, effortlessly covering the cost of a packet of seeds. Depending on the market in your area this can generate a lot of money come spring.

4. Begin making and selling herbal remedies. Start now planning your medicinal herb garden. Keep it small and manageable, growing those herbs that you are interested in. Learn to make tinctures, salves, and syrups. In mid-summer start asking family and friends if they will consider hosting herbal remedies parties for you (think cookware parties and jewelry parties) and start your own herbal remedy party business. See my inspiration for this here...

5. Blog. If you are passionate about something and have a lot to say about it, you should consider blogging. The Internet is massive and there is a niche out there perfect for you! Sure...there is a risk in blogging, isn't there in everything? I can tell you this, blogging has been one of the easiest, most difficult things I've ever done (Wait, did she just say easiest, most difficult? Okay, just making sure!) I have only been blogging for 3 months, so I am by no means qualified to give you advice; but here are a few people that I really respect who have a lot to say on the topic:

How To Make Money Blogging by Crystal Payne of MoneySavingMom.com
How To Start A Blog by Amy Lynn Andrews of BloggingWithAmy.com
A-List Blogging Bootcamps by Leo Babauta and Mary Jaksch

6. Sell your stuff. Declutter, down-size, reorganize, whatever you call it, just get rid of the excess. Here are a few tips for profiting off of your stuff:

Have a garage sale and make it great!
Sell your books
Sell your clothes to the consignment store and get an in-store credit so the next time you need clothes they'll be free. I love Kid-To-Kid. See if there's one in your area.
Sell your crafty creations on Etsy!
Collect and cash in your loose change.
And who can forget Craigslist.org or ebay.com

One last word of caution. During desperate times we can become hasty in our decisions. There are a lot of evil people trying to make a buck on offering stupid work from home opportunities. Unfortunately, I've learned that there aren't many sustainable get-rich-quick options out there. Don't fall victim to their scams!

YOU have what it takes to be successful! Look no further than yourself.

See this post and a host of others like it here: Simple Lives Thursday, Your Green Resource, Show Off Your Stuff

Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways #7

2011-12-27T18:53:00.000-08:00

The Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways Wednesday Blog Hop

Welcome to Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways Wednesday, this is a blog hop! It is my hope that together we can create an amazing collection of frugal and sustainable ideas that will be an excellent resource for all of our readers. Please feel free to link-up and share as many posts as you would like pertaining to:

Homesteading Notions
Anything DIY or Homemade
Frugal Recipes (we like real food 'round here)
Preparedness/Survival
Repurposed Projects
Upcycled Frugal Finds
Animal Care
Natural Gardening Tips
Herbal Remedies
Green Cleaners

The list could go on...

Basically, anything that you think will build and encourage our community.

This Week's Featured Posts

I want to say a big, huge thank you to all of you who participated last week!

Here are the most clicked on posts, in order, from last week:

1. 12 Easy Steps to be More Frugal and Green. Written by Maria of Our Heavenly Homestead. 2. Natural Hair Care Documentation. Written by Jessica of Mosquito Creek Farm.

3. Homemade Hand Sanitizer. Written by Susie of Our Simple Farm.

Congratulations!!! Please feel free to grab my "featured" button below and place it within your post or on your side bar.

Please Note: I share my personal favorites on my facebook page throughout the week!

It's Time To Share Your Posts

Bloggers, use the linky tool on the bottom of this post to share your best post. Non-bloggers, feel free to add a comment here with any ideas or thoughts you have concerning frugal and/or sustainable living. Every week I will be featuring the most viewed posts so link-up your best ones:)

When linking your posts, there are only a couple simple guidelines I'd like for you to follow:

1. Remain sensitive to the mission of Frugally Sustainable. Frugally Sustainable exists to be a resource for all things frugal and sustainable. Therefore, in order to maintain the integrity of the mission, share your best posts - old or new - on anything pertaining to frugality and sustainability.

2. Please link your posts back to our blog hop. Linking back here helps build our little community by sending your readers to all of the other posts shared. Grab the Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways button below by installing the html into your post. Or simply create a text link somewhere:)

What will you share this week? I am so looking forward to your submissions! Remember: My favorite posts will be shared on my facebook page!!!

Here we go!

Non-Greasy Homemade Moisturizing Lotion

2011-12-27T10:46:00.000-08:00

Finally!

A homemade lotion that I can use throughout the day without my skin feeling like a grease pit!

As a family, we usually go through several bottles of lotion during the cold, winter months. But, I must say that I have been generally unhappy with the homemade recipes I have tried in the past for several reasons:

Many recipes contain borax (love borax for cleaning, not so much on my skin).
They're just to greasy. Like "can't hold on to anything" greasy.
Some recipes involve ingredients that are hard to find.

And the lotions I find on store shelves are:

super expensive
they don't work
ladened with chemical preservatives that I'm not okay with

For all of these reasons, I decided to continue on my quest for the perfect non-greasy homemade moisturizing lotion.

I've finally found it and now, as always, I'm sharing it with you!

Lotion Making Method

Gather the Ingredients

-1 cup aloe vera gel
-1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
-3/4 ounce beeswax, grated or broken into small pieces
-1/2 cup almond or grapeseed oil
-1 tablespoon cocoa butter (I added this for a slightly more luxurious lotion during the winter, but this is optional.)
-10 drops essential oils of choice (optional)

Directions:

With a makeshift double boiler, over low heat, melt beeswax and oils.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, and essential oils.
Pour the melted oils into a blender and allow them to cool to room temperature. This is a vital step in order to prevent separation. Once cooled, with blender on low speed, slowly and continuously pour in aloe vera mixture. Run a rubber spatula aganist the sides of the blender to incorporate all ingredients. Blend until the mixture has the look and feel of lotion. Note: This step may also be performed in a mixing bowl with the use of a handheld electric mixer.
Pour the lotion into sterilized jars. You can use sterilized canning jars if you have them on hand. I keep a jar on the bathroom counter and one in the refrigerator. The lotion will keep for up to 6 weeks in the refrigerator.
Notes

-Almond oil and grapeseed oil are readily absorbed by the skin thereby leaving the non-greasy feeling.

-My favorite essential oil combination for this lotion is geranium and lime!

-This lotion is not only perfectly moisturizing for these winter months, but with the addition of aloe gel, I anticipate this recipe will carry me through the summer as well! I think it's going to be perfect for those after-to-much-sun days.

-Best of all, I like that this recipe contains NO chemicals. It is as pure as any healthy, nutritious food you would eat. Rubbing something into your skin is the same as putting it into your mouth, so I’d rather use good things like almond oil, aloe vera, and natural beeswax. Not to mention, this lotion costs a fraction of the retail price when compared to it's commercially-prepared counterparts.

-To purchase ingredients needed for this recipe look in your local health food store or order online through Mountain Rose Herbs.

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See this post and a host of others like it here: Crafty Sasse, Deep Roots At Home, Raising Homemakers, Women Living Well, Crystal & Co., Real Food Wednesday, Simple Lives Thursday, Your Green Resource, Show Off Your Stuff

Simple Homemade Remedies For A Variety of Respiratory Illnesses

2011-12-26T17:14:00.000-08:00

It's the holiday season, and with all of the festivities that can mean...large family gatherings, crowded shopping centers, parties, shaking hands, hugs and kisses all around! It's a breeding ground for the spread of a variety of ailments that effect our respiratory systems.

You know what I'm talking about--runny noses, sore throats, bronchitis, asthma, coughs, and earaches.

Unfortunately modern medicine has made its attempt to fool many of us into believing that the simple, homemade remedies of days-gone-by are no longer beneficial. In fact, it is estimated that Americans spend nearly $4.4 billion on over-the-counter cold and cough remedies. Amazingly, there is no evidence to prove that many of these remedies have any effect at all.

Most of the commercially-prepared products we can buy actually set their aim on suppressing symptoms rather than preventing or curing them.

Homemade Remedies For Respiratory Illnesses

Medicine cabinets stocked with healing herbs from the garden, and pantries packed full with nutritionally dense foodstuffs, provide some of the finest curative powers that have been known for centuries--and have been proven to be easy on the wallet as well!

The Common Cold

The many benefits of homemade chicken broth are being researched and they are finding that the science behind this "old wives' tale" is in fact an effect treatment for the common cold. Try this Garlicky Chicken Broth.
Enjoy a sandwich made of whole-grain bread (homemade is best), raw yellow onion, a half-inch of grated horseradish, one slice of cheddar cheese and brown mustard.
Use garlic, yellow onions, parsley, and thyme frequently in your cooking (thyme and parsley contain an extremely high amount of vitamin C).
Drink several cups of warm honey/lemon water daily.
Wash your hands.
Keep the indoor thermostat set at 68 degrees F or below.
Humidify the air with a stove top pan full of water, cinnamon and cloves.

Coughs

Administer this Cold and Cough Syrup.
Make a homemade chest rub.
Take a hot bath with eucalyptus essential oils added to the water.
Apply an Onion Poultice to the chest.
Suck on Horehound Lozenges.

Sore Throat

Gargle with warm salt water often.
Drink warm sage tea.
Suck on Horehound Lozenges.
Gargle with apple cider vinegar, salt, and cayenne pepper.
Take an echinachea tincture.

Asthma

Drink horehound tea.
Suck on Horehound Lozenges.
Drink chamomile tea (a natural antihistamine).
Add chamomile flowers to hot water and inhale the steam.
Incorporate raw, local honey into the diet.
Consume 1 tablespoon of white mustard seeds in water or molasses twice a day.

Notes

-Fevers are often associated with respiratory illnesses. See Natural Treatment of Fevers.

-If there are symptoms of an earache, whip up some of this.

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See this post and a host of others like it here: Fat Tuesday, Handmade Tuesday, Tutorial Tuesday, Terrific Under Ten Tuesday, Traditional Tuesday, Teach Me Tuesday, Crafty Sasse, Real Food Wednesday

DISCLAIMER: Please remember that I am not a doctor and have no authority to diagnosis an illness. The statements made here are simply my own opinion and have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Seek the advice of your medical professional before using any of these remedies.

Decluttering After Christmas: How To Make Purging Your Stuff Profitable

2011-12-25T23:35:00.000-08:00

In the aftermath of Christmas morning, I find myself going around picking up tape stuck in the carpet, bits of wrapping paper laying all around, and little toy parts all throughout the house.

The older toys have been pushed aside for newer, shinier ones; and my organizational/decluttering self is starting to kick in.

But before I go and throw it all away, I want to make this post-Christmas purge a profitable one!

Here are a few useful tips on how to turn a profit when purging your stuff.

Start by labeling 3 boxes "Sell It", "Give It Away", and "Maybe." Today I set out to conquer the toy closet and the two kid's rooms. Setting aside a couple hours, I was totally able to knock it out. Remember, we really don't have that much to begin with; and, this will look different for everyone, but here are the basics:

"Sell It." Certain items such as gently used toys, DVD's, and clothing should be sold on craigslist.org, ebay.com, at a yard sale, or my personal favorite, sold at the consignment shop (My local consignment shop gives a very generous store credit percentage. So much so, that I always have a credit and rarely ever have to spend money on clothes for the children.)
"Give It Away." This box is for items that I know I couldn't sell or would bring in to little profit for my effort. This is the Goodwill box. Note: If you're planning to give things away, be sure to get them over to the donation center before the New Year so as to receive a donation tax credit for this year.
"Maybe." Not ready to commit to selling it or giving it away? Put it in the "Maybe" box. These are items that may save me money later on; but right now, I need them out of the mix. These could be items to re-gift, seasonal things, or pieces useful for future projects.

Notes:

-Enlist the help of the children! Make them part of the process. I find that it helps increase the value and respect for their belongings.

-Set aside a few hours for this project (or 15 minutes if that's all the time you have). I say do whatever works best for you. This is simply my strategy for decluttering. For me, it’s more beneficial to set aside a few hours of the day, or an entire morning, to declutter a closet or a room. I like to do it all at once, because when I’m done, I feel amazing!

-Work quickly. Don't deliberate over every item, make quick decisions and move on.

-After your work is done...sit back and celebrate your newly decluttered space and a few extra bucks in your pocket!

Join us for the 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge where we will discuss in greater detail the art of decluttering and preventing the impulse buys that get us into this position to begin with.

Share with us your decluttering strategies!

See this post and a host of others like it here: Show It Off, Monday Mania, Homestead Barn Hop, Made By You Monday, Mad Skills, The Girl Creative, Homemaker Monday, Fat Tuesday, Handmade Tuesday, Tutorial Tuesday, Terrific Under Ten Tuesday, Traditional Tuesday, Teach Me Tuesday, Crafty Sasse, Deep Roots At Home, Raising Homemakers, Women Living Well, Crystal & Co.

To Those Who Are Lonely

2011-12-24T17:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas is without a doubt the most wonderful time of year in my book! I love everything about it (with the exception of all the hyper-consumerism). It's not only the joy of Christmas, but it's the entire season of holidays and festivities that bring such a blessed feeling.

Above all, I am so grateful for the presence of my family.

However, today my heart is burdened for those who are lonely. You may be going through this holiday season without family, or anyone for that matter, and I imagine that is an extremely difficult thing. On the other side of the coin, the very thing that causes me to rejoice today, could be the thing that causes you the most pain.

This is not to say that all of those who are alone are unhappy. I just think for some, this time of year has the potential to be a spring board into loneliness and depression.

And to those who are lonely, here are some encouraging suggestions:

1. Embrace and Forgive. We don't necessarily have to be alone to experience loneliness. It could be in the midst of family gathering or large company parties, that the intense feeling of loneliness sets in! Perhaps you are mourning the loss of a dear loved one? I challenge you to embrace those around you. And if it is forgiveness that is needed, give it freely (whether it be toward others or yourself). We are not promised more than today.
2. Volunteer. George Matthew Adams said, “Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide-open-heart that thinks of others first.” The true spirit of Christmas is realized when we serve those who are less fortunate than us. Volunteering helps us to realize how blessed we truly are, not to mention the good feeling we get from helping others. Open your heart to those around you that may be feeling just as lonely. Trust me, there is a local organization still in need of volunteers during these holidays.
3. Keep it simple but festive. In an attempt to ward off any unnecessary stress, attempt to keep it simple but festive. On top of everything else on the to-do list, multiple holiday parties and get-together's can send us into overdrive. It's all about balance! I suggest getting into the Christmas mood by:

attending a few parties with close friends
playing Christmas music
decorating your home
celebrating another year of life

Remaining simply festive just may help in healing your heart.
4. Spend time with friends who may be lonely too. Complementary to suggestion 3, spend time with those in your life who are like-minded and may be lonely also. Opening yourself up to others can provide encouragement and a platform for sharing similar life experiences. But don't wait to be invited...you do the inviting:)
5. Avoid excessive indulgences. Many times when we feel lonely we resort to one of two things: overeating or alcohol. However, indulging in these two things will never fill the void we are experiencing. Instead, we know that these things lead to a deeper depressed state. Key word here: moderation.
6. Pursue those things that make you come alive and live your passion. The new year is coming. Spend this time, over the holidays, considering those things that make you come alive! Set new, attainable goals, join the 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge, and start living your passion!

How do you combat loneliness during the holiday season?

Disclaimer: Please remember that these suggestions are only my opinion, I'm no professional. If you find yourself in a really bad spot, please seek professional assistance.

Inspiration for this post came from this post.

Horehound Lozenges: The Homemade Remedy For Sore Throats, Coughs, and Asthma

2011-12-22T06:49:00.000-08:00

Horehound is a perennial herb from the mint family. Known for it's bitter taste and incredible curative properties, it is used primarily in the treatment of respiratory and bronchial illnesses--such as sore throats, coughs, and asthma.

It acts as an expectorant as it loosens phlegm in the chest. Marrubiin, one of the compounds in horehound, stimulates bronchial secretions thereby helping to break up congestion. Research also indicates that marrubiin acts as an antibiotic as well as an anti-viral.

Additional Benefits of Horehound

In addition to the respiratory system, horehound is also beneficial for the digestive system. In fact, horehound may help with all of the following:

Intestinal gas
Nausea
Parasites
Jaundice
Sore Throats
Cough
The common cold
Asthma

Horehound is often prepared as a syrup or tea. However, our family prepares horehound lozenges to have on hand for a quick go-to remedy, should the need arise.

Horehound Lozenge Recipe

Ingredients

-1 cup dried horehound leaves
-1 cup water
-1 1/2 cup raw, local honey

Equipment

-stainless steel pot
-cheesecloth
-spoon
-cookie sheet
-candy thermometer (optional)

Directions:

In a small stainless steel pot, boil the horehound leaves and water, covered, for 25 minutes.

Cool and strain the mixture using a cheesecloth.

Reserve the liquid and compost the leaves.
Add the honey to the liquid, return to the pot, and bring to a boil once again.
Once boiling reduce to a simmer.
Cook mixture, stirring constantly, until the syrup reaches 300 degree F (this will take a while). Or, if you're like me and don't have a candy thermometer, use the "test" (see below).
Grease a cookie sheet with butter or coconut oil and pour in the syrup.

When the syrup has cooled and is pliable, begin pulling off small piece and rolling between the palms of greased hand, form a small ball. Work quickly as the mixture hardens pretty fast. I like to institute the help of little hands! The children love helping at this step:)

Allow lozenges to cool on pan.
Store in a cool, dry place.

Notes

-The "test." I do not own a candy thermometer so I use the "test" method when making this remedy. To insure that the syrup has reached the right temperature/consistency, I place just a drop or two of the syrup into a bowl full of ice water. If the syrup turns and stays hard (like a cough drop) then you know it's ready. If it is still soft and sticky, it needs to keep cooking.

-Yes, these lozenges will have a slightly bitter taste. That is part of what makes them so effective as an expectorant.

-The yield is dependent on the size of your drops. I like to make some larger for adults and some smaller for the children.

-I purchase some of my herbs from a local health food store that sells herbs in bulk. Otherwise, I like to purchase from Mountain Rose Herbs or The Bulk Herb Store.

-Check here to find a source for raw, local honey.

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See this post and a host of others like it here: Your Green Resource, Frugal Friday, Friday Favorites, Fight Back Friday, Living Well, Nifty Thrify Things, Show It Off, Monday Mania, Homestead Barn Hop, Made By You Monday, Mad Skills, The Girl Creative, Homemaker Monday, Fat Tuesday, Handmade Tuesday, Tutorial Tuesday, Show Off Your Stuff

DISCLAIMER: The statements made here are the sole opinion of the author and have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Please consult a medical professional prior to using this remedy.

Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways #6

2011-12-20T18:33:00.000-08:00

The Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways Wednesday Blog Hop

Homesteading Notions
Anything DIY or Homemade
Frugal Recipes (we like real food 'round here)
Preparedness/Survival
Repurposed Projects
Upcycled Frugal Finds
Animal Care
Natural Gardening Tips
Herbal Remedies
Green Cleaners

The list could go on...

Basically, anything that you think will build and encourage our community.

This Week's Featured Posts

I want to say a big, huge thank you to all of you who participated last week! What a great resource and inspiration this is becoming! Here are the most clicked on posts, in order, from last week:

1. A New Blog About Living Off The Grid. Written by Glo D of Off the Grid at -30.

2. A Week of Freezer Meals In an Hour. Written by Merissa of Little House on the Prairie Living.

3. Feeding a Family of 6 For $200/month. Written by Breana of This Mama Says......

Congratulations!!! Please feel free to grab my "featured" button below and place it within your post or on your side bar.

What will you share this week? I am so looking forward to your submissions! Remember: My favorite posts will be shared on my facebook page!!!

Here we go!

Localism: 8 Steps To Encourage Sustainability In Our Communities

2011-12-20T06:46:00.000-08:00

Do you ever get the feeling like we are a part of something so much bigger than ourselves? It almost seems as if there is another great awakening brewing...and it excites me!

Yesterday the kids and I drove out to a local farm for a private farm tour. "Tonopah Rob" is probably one of the nicest individuals you'll ever meet. He so graciously showed me around while Josie, Jenna, and Isaiah ran the length of his 5 acres, petted the turkeys, and heckled the chickens.

Photo Credit

He operates a pretty cool CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program in my community and he loves to have people out to the farm. He shared with me his desperate need for more land due to the growth of the CSA this past year and as he plans for this coming year, he's already having to put families on the waiting list.

I am proud to support him and I am proud to call him my farmer!

A Growing Movement

You see, "Tonopah Rob" is not a lone wolf by any means. This movement is not happening just here in my community, it's happening everywhere! Look around...there are small, locally-owned shops, farmers markets, and restaurants using locally grown foods in nearly every town.

Photo Credit

I feel like our communities are entering into some sort of sensational renaissance through a silent revolution!

8 Steps To Encourage Sustainability In Our Communities

So how can you encourage local sustainability in your own community? Attempt to follow these 8 steps and begin supporting your neighbors now:

Photo Credit

{Step 1}

Consider what local sustainability looks like for you in your community. Every one of us live in very different communities. What works for me may not work for you. This is often due to climate, terrain, or population. Find what is functional in your current setting.

{Step 2}

Define your values and live by them without compromise. If you don't believe in it...don't buy it. This step will not only encourage sustainability but it will also save you money:) These days, there are few things that I can buy that I truly believe in.

{Step 3}

Identify and build relationships with local farmers. Begin communicating with them your food preferences, remember they are beginning to plan now for spring gardens and markets. Your opinion is their livelihood. Embrace those seasonal foods that grow well in your area. You can find farmers in your areas using these links:

{Step 4}
Frequent farmer's markets in order to learn the diversity of products that are created in your community. Awareness of the local resources available to meet your needs helps promote a vibrant, sustainable economy.

{Step 5}
Reduce box and chain store shopping. There may not be a suitable local substitution to all the items we require. However, choosing to spend the majority of our money locally will, by default, reduce our dependence on box stores and chains.

{Step 6}
Seek out like-minded people. Whether it be in your neighborhood, through your place of worship, or at your children's sporting events, start sharing with people the lifestyle changes that you are experiencing and bring them along side of you. For example, the next time I go out to visit "Tonopah Rob" I'm taking someone with me.

{Step 7}
Join a local bartering group or start one of your own. Bartering is the money of the future.

{Step 8}
Offer your expertise, lend a helping hand, and volunteer with local charities. Historically, my focus has been on helping others in 3rd world countries, you know, those people who really need my help. But what I have neglected are those people who really need help here in my own town. My town, my state, my country, and my world.

Now it's your turn! Are you sensing a societal shift? Why is this movement toward localism and sustainability so important?

Join the discussion here in the comments or on our facebook page.

See this post and a host of others like it here: Traditional Tuesdays, Fat Tuesday, Teach Me Tuesday, Hearth and Soul, Rock-N-Share, Real Food Wednesday, Raising Homemakers, Crystal and Comp., Simple Lives Thursday, Your Green Resource, Fight Back Friday, Living Well

Inspirational Source:

Localism and Sustainability

Shampoo Bar Soap Recipe

2011-12-18T06:48:00.000-08:00

I begin my journey into soap making almost 2 years ago. It all started when I read this post and began to understand how easy and cost-effective making my own really is!

I am by no means a soap making expert. I usually stick to pretty basic recipes and I haven't experimented much with scents or creative designs.

Hot processed soap is the way to go for me. Cold processed takes a long time to cure and I'm just to impatient for that! (Okay...don't freak out if you have no idea what I just said! Stay with me on this!)

Determine Your Method

There are so many recipes and soap-making methods out there. If you are new to soap making I strongly suggest you read through these super informative posts and find what will work for you. Here are just a few:

I would also recommend borrowing a few of these books from the library if you really find yourself wanting to know more:

Handcrafted Soap by Dolores Boone
The Soapmaker's Companion by Susan Miller Cavitch
The Natural Soap Book by Susan Miller Cavitch

Why shampoo bar soap and not just baking soda?

What a great question! I'm so happy you asked (smile). I have found that baking soda has more of a clarifying effect on my hair. Even after a vinegar rinse, my hair is still very dry and it doesn't feel conditioned.

I have long hair and I was so frustrated. I could hardly even brush through it. This even after a month of allowing my hair the transition away from commercially-prepared product.

I really didn't want to be dependent on store-bought shampoo! I know about all of the nasty, toxic chemicals in it and they kind of freak my out. With more people bringing awareness to the problem, I knew it was time to commit to a change.

So I set out to create a solution!

Gather The Supplies

Alright! Here we go. It's time to gather all of the supplies and ingredients. If you are new to soap making there is going to be an initial start up cost. But, I'm going to recommend to you the suppliers that I have found to have the cheapest prices. And the savings in the long run are huge!

Lye

I purchase lye, sodium hydroxide, online through The Soap Dish. Last time I checked I was $6.95 for a 32 oz container. This will get you through quite a bit of soap recipes and lasts a long time!

You will need to run your recipe through a lye calculator to be sure that you are using the proper amount of lye and liquid (i.e. water, coconut milk, goat's milk, etc.). I use the recommended amount of lye for a 5% superfat soap. (Trust me, this will make more sense when you start working with the lye calculator.)

Do you really want to learn a sustainable practice? Check out this information on making homemade lye from wood ashes!

Note: Be careful when working with lye and follow all of the recommended precautions. What I'm trying to say is, I can not be held responsible for any craziness, mishaps, explosions, etc. that may happen when working with this recipe.

Oils

Shop around for the cheapest oil prices. I like to purchase from a combination of local stores, The Soap Dish, and Mountain Rose Herbs.

You can design the properties of your soap based on the oils you use. For example, use:

Lard or tallow for a hard, long-lasting soap
Coconut or castor oil for lathering
Olive or canola oil for moisturizing and conditioning properties
Cocoa butter, shea butter, and jojoba oil for a luxurious, extra moisturizing effect

Have fun and experiment!

Equipment

Most of the equipment you will need can be found in your kitchen. I do not have appointed tools for soap making simply because I use glass and stainless steel bowls and utensils. However, it would be necessary to have tools specifically for this task if you were to use wood or plastic.

See this exhaustive list of recommended equipment, tools, and molds.

Note: I do have a dedicated crock pot for soap making. It is an older model that I purchased from the thrift store for $4. The older models don't seem to get as hot and that is a good thing.

Now on to the recipe!

Luxurious Shampoo Bar Soap Recipe

-9 ounces coconut oil
-9 ounces olive oil
-5 ounces castor oil
-3 ounces jojoba oil
-2 ounces shea butter
-2 ounces cocoa butter
-1 ounce beeswax
*Please note, all amounts are per weight. You will need to use a scale for these measurements.

-4 ounces water
-6 ounces coconut milk
-4 ounces lye
*You could use only water, an herbal infusion, or any other type of milk. This is just my preference for a shampoo bar, because I love the conditioning properties of coconut milk.

Optional Essential Oils
-Rosemary and peppermint for dark hair
-Lavender and lemon for blonde hair
-Lime and coconut for all types
*Use approximately 0.5-1 ounce of essential oils for this recipe. Yes they are a fun addition, but not necessary.

Directions:

Place the water and coconut milk into a large glass measuring cup.
Measure out the lye by weight into a 1 cup measuring glass.

Carefully add the lye into the liquid and stir to combine. (Adding the liquid to the lye could cause and eruption.) Be careful, the liquid is caustic and not to be touched in anyway. The outside of the bowl will be extremely hot as well. Note: Take the necessary lye precautions with this step.
Allow the lye mixture to stay under a vent and cool down while you prepare the oils.
Measure all oils, by using a kitchen scale, and pour into a pot.

Warm oils and beeswax on low heat until all are melted.
Pour melted oils into a crock pot. Be sure the crock pot is on the lowest setting. Note: Do not allow the oils to get to hot.
Add the lye/liquid mixture to the oils in the crock pot and stir. Note: Any equipment the lye touches needs to be neutralized in a mixture of vinegar, soap, and water. Vinegar will neutralize the lye.
After a brief stir, grab your stick blender and get to work! Blend the oils, lye, and liquid in the crock pot for at least 3-5 minutes. We are working toward "trace."

Blend until the mixture becomes a thick, pudding like consistency.
Once the mixture is pudding-like, cover the crock pot and "cook" the soap for approximately 1 hour.
By the end, the mixture should have folded in on itself and it should be completely transparent. Turn off the crock pot.
Now it's time to prepare the molds. I just use a standard glass loaf pan greased with coconut oil and it's always worked perfectly.
Now is the time to add the essential oils (if using).

Spoon soap mixture into molds.
Allow soap to cool and harden for 24 hours.
Remove from mold on to cutting board and cut into 1 inch thick bars.

Place bars on a tray with good airflow so that they can harden further. But go ahead and use your first bar!!!

The Savings

This recipe costs approximately $8-$10. It produces approximately 10 shampoo bars. They will keep our family of five in supply for 6 months. That makes it all worth the effort!

Notes

-I'm telling you, this is the most amazing natural hair product I have used! My hair is so shiny, soft, and manageable. And the real test...my husband even uses this shampoo bar soap and LOVES it!

-When showering, be sure to complete the use of this shampoo bar soap with a 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 part water conditioning hair rinse. I like to put this in a spray bottle and spray my hair with it just prior to leaving the shower. I do not rinse it out (more conditioning that way). The smell of vinegar will dissipate once the hair dries.

-I'm sure there is something I have left out! So if you have any questions leave them in the comments or ask them on my facebook page.

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See this post and a host of others like it here: Nifty Thrify Things, Sunday School, Cure For The Common Monday, Savvy Homemade Monday, Inspire Me Monday, CRAFT, All Things Fee, Everything Under The Moon, More The Merrier, Meet Me Monday, Melt In Your Mouth , The Girl Creative, Monday Mania, Homestead Barn Hop, Homemaker Monday, Mangia Monday, Mad Skills Party, Made By You Monday, Tip Me Tuesday, Handmade Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, New Nostalgia, Terrific Under $10, Tutorial Tuesday, Frugal Tuesday Tip, Traditional Tuesday, Teach Me Tuesday, Hearth and Soul, What I Whipped Up, Rock-N-Share, Raising Homemakers, Crafty Sasse , Crystal and Co., Wicked Awesome Wednesday, Show Off Your Stuff, Creative Juices, Simple Lives Thursday, Your Green Resource, Frugal Friday, Friday Favorites, Living Well

Simply Clean: DIY Solutions For A Naturally Clean Home

2011-12-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

Tired of spending tons of money to clean your home? Are you sick of exposing your family to the dangerous, chemical-laden commercial products?

What if you could learn how to clean your home by using 5 simple, frugal, and natural products? What if by doing this you could save your family hundreds, maybe even thousands, of dollars a year?

Simply Clean is your answer!

In this book, we will walk through each room of the home and learn simple cleaning methods based on the folk recipes of days gone by!

$2.99

By purchasing Simply Clean you will gain immediate access to the following:

30+ tried and true natural homemade cleaner recipes for every room of the home.
A list of simple, money-saving, and non-toxic ingredients you will need to get started.
Tips to save you hundreds, maybe even thousands, of dollars each year. The more DIY recipes you make, the more you save!
Money-making potential! Whip up some of these recipes and start selling your own homemade cleaners!
Support in your journey away from hyper-consumerism; and the ability to take one more step toward decreasing your dependence on commercially-prepared products.
The tools necessary to revive forgotten wisdom—revived wisdom that can once again be transferred through the generations.

At $2.99 this book will pay for itself when you make your first batch of all-purpose cleaner!

$2.99

It is important to note that…you do not need an ipad, ipod, Kindle, etc. in order to read this ebook. Upon your purchase through paypal, Simply Clean will be delivered to you in a .pdf file which you can open and read instantly on any computer. There is no extra special equipment or software needed. All you will have to do is open the file and begin reading!

Kindle version to be available soon.

Affiliate Program
Click Here To Learn About Our Affiliate Program

If you love this book, you may want to consider signing up for the affiliate program. It’s super simple, and you just might be able to make all your money back (and a ton more!) by participating in this program.

All the information you will need is on this page, but basically, I’ll give you 50% of the sales you generate. In other words, if you love the book and can sincerely recommend it as a valuable resource to others, you can make a little extra cash, and you'll be able to help a lot of other people save money in the process! Click here for more info…

Final Note

In an attempt for full disclosure, I will tell you that approximately 50% of these recipes can be found for free in the archives of Frugally Sustainable. The benefit of buying this ebook is for ease of use. Instead of searching through posts, all of your recipes will be neatly organized in one place. Not to mention, 50% of it is new material!

The Time Barrier

2011-12-16T07:41:00.000-08:00

Living in these modern times, there are so many barriers that hinder our ability to focus on what is important and to live frugally sustainable lives.

I recently posted the question on the wall of my facebook page: "What are some your biggest barriers to sustainable living?" The top 3 overwhelming responses were:

Time
Money
Knowledge

Some of the answers varied, however time was everyone's top concern.

Universally we shout..."I just don't have the time!" But what we really should be saying is, "I'm trying to pack-in too many things into the time I do have."

There's no doubt that we have a poverty of time in our industrialized nations; and, we have been are caught up in the consequences: loss of family structure, anxiety/depression, illness/disease, stress, loss of ingenuity, etc. However, no matter who we are, where we are from, or what language we speak, we all have 24 hours in a day. It's how we choose to spend that time that makes all the difference!

We will find the time to do the things that we value.

It all comes down to mindful, daily decisions. These are what contribute to--or in some cases, take away from--our ability to live meaningful lives.

Consider these statistics

These stats are based on time use during an average work day for those persons employed, with children, and between the ages of 25-54. This is not true for everyone.

Working (8.6 hours)
Sleeping (7.6 hours)
Leisure, watching TV, and sports (2.6 hours)
Caring for others (1.2 hours)
Household activities (1.1 hours)
Eating and drinking (1.1 hours)
Miscellaneous (1.8 hours)

How do you spend your time?

Sometimes it helps me to write things out and visualize my reality.

Do you feel as though time is slipping away and you have no idea where it is going? Or perhaps, you feel like you don't have time to do the things you really want to do? Let's evaluate where, when, and how we are spending our time.

Complete the chart below (What I really mean to say is make one like this, but better. Obviously graphic design is not one of my areas of giftedness!). Fill in how you spend your time over the course of a typical day. Include extra activities in the blank spots, but be sure not to go over 24 hours.

Time Spent
(hours)
Work

Sleep

Driving

Household

Meals

Total
24

How do you want to spend your time?

Let's try this again...this time fill out the chart based on how you want to be spending your time. Prioritize these activities based on your values.

What would you love to spend your time doing?

	Time Spent (hours)
Work
Sleep
Driving
Household
Meals



Total	24

Making Changes and Setting New Goals

Resolve today to make a small change, one that will move you closer to spending your time the way YOU want to. This is one of the most important things you can do to move toward living a frugally sustainable life.

Set a new goal!

Let's us know your time saving tips here in the comments. Or, join the discussion on our facebook page!

See this post and a host of others like it here: Frugal Friday, Weekend Bloggy Reading, Homemaker Monday, Raising Homemakers

15 Potentially Free Gift Ideas That Show Someone You Care

2011-12-15T06:53:00.000-08:00

Tis' the season of gifts and hyper-consumerism! So...what do you get someone when all you want to do is to show them that you care but you don’t have a lot of money to spend?

There are times that I find myself believing money steals away creativity.

We should stop seeing our lack of funds, or refusal to spend extravagant amounts, as a discouraging thing. Instead, embrace it and be thankful for it. Because those of us on limited budgets, are provided the opportunity to show someone we care by using our resources and ingenuity.

Gift-Giving Essentials

Let's remember what's important when giving gifts:

We are attempting to show someone that we care.
The gift doesn't have to be expensive, big, or labeled with a certain brand.
Gifts should be given from the heart, out of gratitude for the life of the individual.
Know the person you are giving the gift to--make sure it's personal.

15 Potentially Free Gift Ideas

Alright, here they are. Take a look around the house, and in the pantry, to find the things you can use to create, repurpose, upcycle, or reuse. Depending on the resources you already have...these gifts could potentially cost $0. This list is not exhaustive, but I hope it is a source of inspiration.

Repurpose one of your old frames and insert a picture of you with the person you are gifting.
By using common cooking oils, whip up some quick and easy Homemade lotion.
Create a photo collage, album, or simple scrapbook packed full of memories.
Make cookies.
Burn a personalized CD with all the person's favorites songs (one of my husband's all time favorites).
Give a plant or seeds.
T-shirt quilt. With permission, gather the persons old T's and create a quick, comfy blanket that will allow those great memories to be displayed.
The classic homemade IOU booklet is always a winner!
Crochet or knit something.
Amazing reads. Pass on those great books just sitting on your shelf! The ones that you think someone else would enjoy.
Homemade bread.
Create a simple, blank recipe book. Be sure to include a couple of your ultimate recipes on the first few pages.
Are you artistic? Why not tap into that and create your own. This could be a sketch, a painting, a nature collage, a poem, a short story...you get the idea.
Encouragement jar. Fill a glass jar with multiple small slips of paper that include reasons why you love or appreciate that person. When they are discouraged or frustrated they can pull out a source of encouragement and remember they are loved.
Is digital media your thing? Create a memorable music video or slide show full of special moments, edited by you. Burn this onto a DVD and walla...a keepsake they will treasure for years to come.

You all are always full of brilliantly, creative ideas! What are some of the great gifts you will be giving this year? Shout 'em out in the comments section.

See this post and a host of others like it here: Simple Lives, Your Green Resource, Mine For The Making, Show Off Your Stuff, Frugal Friday, Freaky Friday, Farm Girl Friday, Friday Favorites, SNS 112, Weekend Bloggy Reading, Nifty Thrifty Things, Sunday School, Cure For the Common Monday, Savvy Homemade Monday, Inspire Me Monday, CRAFT, Everything Under The Moon, More The Merrier, Meet Me Monday, The Girl Creative, Monday Mania, Homestead Barn Hop, Homemaker Monday, Mangia Monday, Mad Skills Party, Made By You Monday, Tip Me Tuesday, Handmade Tuesday, New Nostalgia, Terrific Under $10, Tutorial Tuesday, Frugal Tuesday Tip, Teach Me Tuesday, What I Whipped Up

Source of Inspiration:
30 Frugal Gift Ideas

Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways #5

2011-12-13T18:46:00.000-08:00

The Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways Wednesday Blog Hop

Homesteading Notions
Anything DIY or Homemade
Frugal Recipes (we like real food 'round here)
Preparedness/Survival
Repurposed Projects
Upcycled Frugal Finds
Animal Care
Natural Gardening Tips
Herbal Remedies
Green Cleaners

The list could go on...

Basically, anything that you think will build and encourage our community.

This Week's Featured Posts

I want to say a big, huge thank you to all of you who participated last week! What a great resource and inspiration this is becoming! Here are the most clicked on posts, in order, from last week:

1. Homemade Deodorant. Written by Alix of Blessed In Homemaking.

2. Homemade Christmas Presents. Written by Sarah of Nourished and Nurtured.

3. Pimple Buster. Written by Pam of Ramblings of a Happy Homemaker.

Congratulations!!! Please feel free to grab my "featured" button below and place it within your post or on your side bar.

Please Note: I share my personal favorites on my facebook page throughout the week!

It's Time To Share Your Posts

Bloggers, use the linky tool on the bottom of this post to share your best post. Non-bloggers, feel free to add a comment here with any ideas or thoughts you have concerning frugal and/or sustainable living. Every week I will be featuring the most viewed posts so link-up your best ones:)

When linking your posts, there are only a couple simple guidelines I'd like for you to follow:

1. Remain sensitive to the mission of Frugally Sustainable. Frugally Sustainable exists to be a resource for all things frugal and sustainable. Therefore, in order to maintain the integrity of the mission, share your best posts - old or new - on anything pertaining to frugality and sustainability.

2. Please link your posts back to our blog hop. It's pretty standard blog hop courtesy. And, most importantly, linking back here helps build our little community by sending your readers to all of the other posts shared. Grab the Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways button below by installing the html into your post. Or simply create a text link somewhere:)

What will you share this week? I am so looking forward to your submissions! Remember: My favorite posts will be shared on my facebook page!!!

Here we go!

5 Tips For Making The Best Out of What You Have and Living Sustainable Now

2011-12-12T06:43:00.000-08:00

Editor's Note: This is a guest post from Tracey Davis of Control the Chaos.

Hey there, I'm Tracey. I write over at Control the Chaos, a blog about real simplicity, real food, and real living. I'm thrilled to be guest posting today, because Andrea and I are on the same page about a lot of things. In fact, the more I read at Frugally Sustainable, the more I think to myself (and sometimes say out loud) "Yes! Exactly!"

Except...the thing is....

Here's my house:

And here's my yard:

You see, I live in a row house. In the Netherlands. I moved here from a high rise apartment in Tokyo. We have been blessed that my husband's job has taken us all over the world, seeing new places and learning new cultures. But we don't always have the luxury of a sprawling house and yard with a huge vegetable garden. We dream of someday homesteading full time.

But for the time being, we just have to make do.

So we did. It started small; I didn't want to worry about my children getting into dangerous chemicals. I switched all our random cleaning products for the basics: baking soda, vinegar, borax. When I encountered success, I was emboldened to branch into the laundry detergent business. And then bread making. Holy easy! And all of this was in our Tokyo apartment. By the time we arrived in Holland, I thought I was in heaven with that patch of bricks for the kids to play.

In the Netherlands, I am happy that I can easily find fresh eggs and milk at a local farm. Every town has a weekly outdoor market year round, where I can buy local produce. In fact, it's a law here that all produce must be marked with its country of origin. But the issues I run into are mostly space related. We have no grass. I can span my kitchen with my outstretched arms, and it didn't even come with a real oven.

The point is, very few of us have the ideal situation for living a sustainable lifestyle. But if we wait for that to happen, we might be waiting a very long time. Like forever.

Here are the best and easiest 5 ways we have added sustainability to our current environment:

Save our stuff: upcycle. Stop the stuff in, garbage out cycle. Hunt around the house to fill needs before heading to the store. A few of our recent endeavors include cereal boxes made into mail sorters, plastic milk jugs to hold laundry detergent, and fabric scraps for ribbon.
Ditch the disposables: paper towels and napkins, be gone! Long ago we started cutting up old t-shirts for rags, and we've never missed those paper towels. I bought twelve nice cloth napkins for dinner, and not only does it cut down on waste, it makes the table look nice for guests.
Hang it out to dry: put up a clothes line. If I can manage to tie a string between two fence posts in my tiny back garden in the rain soaked Netherlands, I'm sure you could find a spot, too. Between two trees, maybe? A hook under the eaves? It doesn't have to hold three loads at a time, it could just be a way to decrease the demand on your dryer. We hang stuff all over our radiators in the winter if it is raining outside - maybe you could fit a line in your bathroom or guest room.
Use our footprint: plan the space. It's chic to talk about decreasing our carbon footprint, but I think it's also important to make intelligent use of what we have. Because we have no grass, we started a container garden. It's an ideal situation for us because we easily moved it indoors once the weather turned cold, and now I have spinach and lettuce growing year round (thanks to Frugally Sustainable for that fantastic idea!). Next year we have plans to increase our growing area by using about one square meter of ground around an ornamental bush that isn't being used for anything else. So far we've managed to grow herbs, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, and spinach, all in containers.
Be the change: take matters into your own hands. In an ideal world, canned food wouldn't have BPA, high fructose corn syrup wouldn't be added to everything, and we wouldn't have to worry about our kids getting too much fluoride. Unfortunately, we cannot afford to wait for that ideal world, and ultimately we have to take responsibility for ourselves. The time for change is now, and the person to do it is me. And you.

Many of us do not have all that we think we need to live a sustainable lifestyle. Be encouraged today! No matter what you have, use it...every bit of it! How are you using what you have and turning your home into a unit of production?

Be sure to pay a visit to Tracey over at her blog Control the Chaos and check out her facebook page as well!

See this post and a host of others like it here: Homestead Barn Hop, Made By You, Just Something I Whipped Up, Homemaker Monday, Savvy HomeMade Monday, Mangia Monday, More The Merrier, Inspire Me Monday, Cure for the Common Monday, Make Something Monday, Calling All Crafters, Tip Me Tuesday, New Nostalgia, Handmade Tuesday, Teach Me Tuesday, Frugal Tuesday Tip, Terrific Under $10, Rasing Homemakers, The Mommy Club, Crafty Sasse, Simple Lives, Your Green Resource, Mine For The Making, Show Off Your Stuff, Frugal Friday, Freaky Friday, Farm Girl Friday, SNS 112, Weekend Bloggy Reading, Nifty Thrifty Things

Building Your Medicine Chest: Turmeric Chai Tea

2011-12-11T07:41:00.000-08:00

We all have our go-to-remedies and today I would like to share with you one of mine.

Turmeric is one of the world’s most powerful natural healers. Its’ active ingredient curcumin, has been known for centuries to have extremely potent medicinal properties and is documented as being effective in treating a variety of conditions.

Other than the occasional curry, I struggled to add this beneficial root herb to our diet. That was until I created a Turmeric Chai Tea!

Although my palate rejoices simply at the thought of this drink, I must warn you…this is some pungent stuff! Tasty, but definitely a pretty serious tea.

10 Reasons Why Turmeric Is One of My Favorite Remedies

Turmeric is an anti-microbial. That means it will attack both bacterial infections and viral infections and destroy both. It is particularly effective in treating illnesses of the respiratory system (this makes it a superb remedy for the cold and flu season).
It has shown to prevent and stop the growth of prostate, breast, skin, lung and colon cancer
Known to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes
A natural liver detoxifier.
Research shows it may prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
As a potent natural anti-inflammatory, turmeric may work just as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs. Furthermore, reducing the risks associated with the side effects of those types of medications.
It’s a natural painkiller.
Aids in fat metabolism (i.e. helps with weight management)
Trusted for many, many years in other cultures as a treatment for depression.
Speeds up wound healing and assists in the treatment of acne, eczema, psoriasis, uneven pigmentation, and lackluster skin.

I’ve added it to a list of my most favorite medicinal herbs. In fact, it’s right up there with garlic, ginger, parsley, sage and rosemary.

Turmeric Chai Tea Recipe

Turmeric Chai Tea Powder
(4 servings)

-3 tablespoons ground turmeric
-4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
-1/8 teaspoon ground clove
-1 teaspoon ground cardamon
-2 teaspoons ground ginger
-1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions: Mix all ingredients together and store in a glass jar.

Note: Cayenne pepper, although optional in the recipe, will speed the turmeric through the blood stream by relaxing blood vessels down to capillaries allowing more turmeric to get to the infections faster.

Tea Prep
(single serving)

-4 teaspoons of Turmeric Chai Tea Powder
-1 cup water
-sweetener to taste
-1/2-1 cup warm milk (i.e. cow, goat, almond, hemp, coconut, etc.)

Directions: Bring 1 cup of water to boil. Pour water over spices and steep for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or a cheesecloth. Add sweetener and milk.

Notes and Tips

-WARNING: Turmeric will turn everything it touches yellow.

-Using fresh herbs is always the better option. If using fresh turmeric and ginger increase steep time, during the prep, to 20 minutes.

-Turmeric, along with the other spices required in this recipe, is available in a well-appointed health food store, the spice aisle of most grocery stores, and in bulk online through companies such as Mountain Rose Herbs and The Bulk Herb Store.

-Because it stimulates the uterus, turmeric is not recommended for pregnant women. It is also contraindicated for those with gall bladder disease or gallstones. As a good general rule, please consult your physician prior to the use of any herbal/spice remedy.

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Inspirational Resources:
Turmeric Superfood
20 Health Benefits of Turmeric
New Findings Show Disease Fighting Powers of Turmeric

See this post and a host of other like it here: Nifty Thrity Sunday, Monday Mania, Homestead Barn Hop, Made By You, Just Something I Whipped Up, Melt In Your Mouth, Homemaker Monday, Savvy HomeMade Monday, Mangia Monday, More The Merrier, Inspire Me Monday, Cure for the Common Monday, Make Something Monday, Mad Skills, Calling All Crafters, Tip Me Tuesday, Make Your Own, Fat Tuesday, New Nostalgia, Handmade Tuesday, Traditional Tuesday, Terrific Under $10, Tasty Tuesdays, Hearth and Soul, Tempt My Tummy, Real Food Wednesday, Raising Homemakers, Wildcrafting Wednesday, Simple Lives, Your Green Resource, It's A Keeper, Show Off Your Stuff, Freaky Friday, Farm Girl Friday, Fight Back Friday, Fresh Bites

DISCLAIMER: The statements made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

A Collection of 33 Simple One-Pot-Wonder Meals

2011-12-09T10:10:00.000-08:00

I love to cook! But I am also a wife, a homeschooling Mom to three young children, a homemaker, and a blogger. Time is not something I have a lot of (who's with me)! So when it comes to meal prep...I am all about meals with simple, healthy, and frugal ingredients!

My solution = One-Pot-Wonder Meals

Meal planning is vital to my success; as is finding ways to use leftovers, buying in bulk, and purchasing fresh local foods. The one-pot-wonder is where it all comes together!

I have prepared a month's long list of seasonal meals I am planning to make and I want to share it with you!

33 Simple One-Pot-Wonder Meals

Breakfast

ABC Frittata (Apple, Bacon, Cheddar)

Egg Drop Breakfast

Baked Soaked Oatmeal

Easy Crock Pot Applesauce

Lunch

Spinach Mushroom Feta Crustless Quiche

Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake

Peanut Butter Popcorn

Baked Beans

Mushroom, Chicken and Leek Pot Pie

Supper Made Easy

Arroz con Pollo

White Pizza with Shrimp on Naan

Tangy Pork and Sweet Potatoes

Meals with Pasta

Creamy Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta

Easy Crock Pot Lasagna

Baked Cheesy Chicken Penne

Slow Cooker Marinara

Beans

Sweet and Sour Lentils

Good Old-Fashioned Pinto Beans

Beer-Baked White Beans

Tomato Lentil Curry

Chickpeas Stewed in Tomatoes

Mediterranean Bean Salad

Black-Eyed Pea Casserole

Lentil Gratin

Soups

Taco Soup

Sausage and Kale Soup

Black Bean Soup

Kale and Potato Stew

Quick Vegetable and Navy Bean Stew

Vegetable Bean Soup with Spinach

Lentil and Rice Stew

Chicken and Chickpea Stew

Healing Quinoa Cabbage Soup

Do you have a favorite one-pot-wonder meal? Share it, or a link to it, in the comment section!

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See this post and a host of others like it here: Fight Back Friday, Frugal Fridays, SNS111, Weekend Bloggy Reading, Show and Tell, Get Schooled, Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sunday Night Soup Night, Monday Mania, Homestead Barn Hop, Made By You, Just Something I Whipped Up, Melt In Your Mouth, Savvy HomeMade Monday, Mangia Monday, More The Merrier, Inspire Me Monday, Cure for the Common Monday, Make Something Monday, Calling All Crafter, Tip Me Tuesday, Make Your Own, New Nostalgia, Handmade Tuesday, Traditional Tuesday, Teach Me Tuesday, Frugal Tuesday Tip, Terrific Under Ten, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy, Real Food Wednesday, The Mommy Club, Crafty Sasse, It's A Keeper, Mine For The Making, Show Off Your Stuff

In My Own Words::Sustainable Living Defined:Part 1

2011-12-08T06:22:00.000-08:00

Ask 5 people what it means to live a sustainable lifestyle and you’ll get 5 very different answers. A buzzword for sure, but not many of us are able to define it.

Even Webster seems a little uncertain! Here’s their definition:

“1: capable of being sustained 2a : of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged <sustainable techniques> <sustainable agriculture>; 2b: of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods”

Through my research and discussions with others regarding the subject, I have created my own definition. Here it is, in my own words:

Sustainable living involves designing a deeply enjoyable and rewarding life that is interdependent on like-minded others, ecologically responsible and centered around the home.

Sustainable living is all about making decisions based on knowledgeable insight. It’s about being intentional. And it’s about effecting change in order to improve our quality of life and that of future generations!

Every little choice we make, every small step we take in the direction of this lifestyle moves us closer and closer to the goal!

Common Misconceptions

There are plenty of misconceptions regarding sustainable living; primarily because sustainability can look different for everyone. Most of the inquiries I receive from others who have questions about the lifestyle ask:

· What kind of car do you drive? Or, let me guess, you ride your bike!

· Does it mean I have to have chickens?

· Can I still shop at the grocery store?

· So, are you a hippie?

· Do you ever go to the movies or the mall?

· Is your house made out of straw-bales?

The answer could be yes, no, and sometimes to each one of these questions. Because here’s the thing about sustainability…it’s a personal journey down a path full of constant learning and lifestyle adjustments. It’s about making decisions that make the most sense to us, assuming our own standards, needs, and morals. It’s about intentional living. It’s about being fully present and aware of the implications of our daily actions.

Those things that you find important and valuable may not necessarily be important to, or valued by, your family, friends, or neighbors. And guess what…that’s OK! It’s the charm of sustainability.

So what will I have to give up?

Still thinking that a sustainable lifestyle will require sacrifice? Are you afraid that you will have to give up your most beloved possessions? Don’t worry! Contrary to popular belief, having “enough” and “living within our means” does not mean self-denial. It simply means being okay with what you already have.

However, sustainable living will require that we become more careful with our decisions. We naturally tend to function on autopilot; everyone with his/her own specialty. We don’t really prioritize our thoughts about deeply held standards, our beliefs, and the significance of our actions. Instead, we spend without a budget, and then panic when we see the credit card bill. The planner has no more space for appointments, and then we wonder why we’re so stressed out. We go about our daily business and are puzzled when laws pass that restrict who can grow what and where.

What does sustainable living mean to you? What is important and valued in your home?

Let’s take just a moment for reflection! I want you to open a new Word doc., copy and paste the following questions, and then answer them honestly.

1. I love doing these three things…

2. I used to love doing these three things…

3. These three things are on my bucket list…

4. Now, here are three good reasons why I don’t do 1, 2, and 3…

Identifying those things that you love to do will help you to focus on your values. And recognizing barriers to those things will help you live more intentionally.

No doubt there are many obstacles to sustainable living. However, the key is to focus on what is most important to us and do that! Because in the end, being the people we were created to be is the most sustainable act we could ever perform.

Now it’s your turn! Share, in your own words, what sustainable living means to you!

See this post and a host of others like it here:Simple Lives Thursday, Your Green Resource, Creative Juice Thursday, Freaky Friday, Friday's Nature Table, Friday Favorites, Fight Back Friday, Fresh Bites, Farmgirl Friday, Frugal Friday, Gallery of Favorites, Inspired Me Friday, SNS 111, Weekend Bloggy Reading, Get Schooled, Nifty Thrify Sunday, Monday Mania, Homestead Barn Hop, Made By You, Just Something I Whipped Up, Homemaker Monday, More The Merrier, Inspire Me Monday, Cure for the Common Monday, Tip Me Tuesday, Handmade Tuesday, Teach Me Tuesday, Raising Homemakers

Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways #4

2011-12-06T18:54:00.000-08:00

The Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways Wednesday Blog Hop

Homesteading Notions
Anything DIY or Homemade
Frugal Recipes (we like real food 'round here)
Preparedness/Survival
Repurposed Projects
Upcycled Frugal Finds
Animal Care
Natural Gardening Tips
Herbal Remedies
Green Cleaners

1. Homemade Herbal Shampoo. Written by Grace of The Wife Life.

2. What Do You Do With Egg Shells. Written by Missy of Graceful Little Honey Bee.

3. Save Money While Building Your Pantry. Written by Resa of Counter Culture Mama.

Congratulations!!! Please feel free to grab my "featured" button below and place it within your post or on your side bar.

Please Note: I share my personal favorites on my facebook page throughout the week!

It's Time To Share Your Posts

Bloggers, use the linky tool on the bottom of this post to share your best post. Non-bloggers, feel free to add a comment here with any ideas or thoughts you have concerning frugal and/or sustainable living. Every week I will be featuring the most viewed posts so link-up your best ones:)

When linking your posts, there are only a couple simple guidelines I'd like for you to follow:

1. Remain sensitive to the mission of Frugally Sustainable. Frugally Sustainable exists to be a resource for all things frugal and sustainable. Therefore, in order to maintain the integrity of the mission, share your best posts - old or new - on anything pertaining to frugality and sustainability.

2. Please link your posts back to our blog hop. It's pretty standard blog hop courtesy. And, most importantly, linking back here helps build our little community by sending your readers to all of the other posts shared. Grab the Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways button below by installing the html into your post. Or simply create a text link somewhere:)

What will you share this week? I am so looking forward to your submissions! Remember: My favorite posts will be shared on my facebook page!!!

Here we go!

Momma Goes Minimalist: 21 Frugal Tips and Recommendations for Downsizing Kids’ Closets

2011-12-05T18:30:00.000-08:00

Today was the day! Laundry day! If only you could see my laundry room (Trust me this picture does not do it justice!). Somewhere, in the middle of the huge mount-o-clothes, I thought to myself, “Why on earth do these children have so many jeans and shirts?” And that was it…Momma went minimalist with the kids’ closets. I guess you could call it a breaking point of sorts (smile). It’s something I have wanted to do for a while and today I finally pulled the trigger.

I mean, it had to stop at some point! It’s simply not sustainable to continue collecting clothes. Call me crazy, but I would literally have anxiety just looking into my children’s closets. Even when I took the time to neatly fold and organize all the clothes (which wasn’t often), it still was overwhelming.

Here are a few ways I anticipate my life with less clothing to look like:

-Instead of constantly clean, folding, and putting away laundry, I’m going to have so much more time.

-Mornings will be way less stressful. With only a few items, it makes the choice of what to wear an easier one.

-Our closets will be easier to maintain, well-organized, and uncluttered. Enough said!

-Laundry days will be easier. Probably more frequent, with smaller loads, but definitely easier.

Why do we own so much?

This whole process today made me stop and think about the psychology behind why we own so many clothes. I think most of us have bought into the lie of society that says “more is better”. And because of this, we seek to hoard more and more and more articles of clothing each new season. We’ve bought into the big sales gimmick. Somehow they have convinced us that the newest clothes with make us happier, definitely more fashionable and way more popular among our peers. And the saddest thing is…I found myself subconsciously teaching this to my children!

Although not true for everyone, it seems as though many of our clothing choices are strongly tied to our identities. The need to consume things, to stay on top of the latest fashions, or to buy things just because they were cheap says few things positive about our identities, doesn’t it?

Let’s consider taking a different route with our lives and setting a different example for our children. I’m going to try owning fewer clothes! Will you join me in experiencing this freedom? You may be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

Here are a few practical steps that lead me to this point:

1. I had to admit that we had too much! And boy was that easy (smile).

2. There was a determination that clothing does not define my husband, my children, or myself. Our character defines us, and sometimes clothing actually gets in the way of that!

3. We set, and committed to, a monthly budget for clothing purchases.

4. I decreased shopping trips and stopped purchasing clothes just because they were on sale.

5. Discussions began with the children regarding the importance of focusing on internal beauty rather than the external.

And here are the established rules we agreed on!

Everyone was able to choose:

· 5 pairs of jeans, pants, skirts, or leggings

· 7 tops (and 2 dresses a piece for the girls)

· 1 hoodie/sweatshirt

· 1 coat

· 1 lightweight rain jacket

· 2 pairs of pajamas

· 1 pair of gym/tennis shoes, 1 pair of boots, and 1 pair of shoes of choice

We will wear jeans, pants, and pajamas for 3 days or until visibly soiled. And what about buying something new? That’s okay…you just have to be willing to give away, discard, or recycle something you already have; out with the old, in with the new. This way the amount of clothing is always maintained and it will really makes us question how badly we need/want that extra pair of jeans, leggings, dress, skirt, T-shirt, or…

A few things you may want to know about our family:

-We homeschool. I’ve heard people say, “It’s easier for you to do this because your children are homeschooled." Maybe so, but does that mean you can’t do it if your children go to public school? Absolutely not! These principles still apply.

-My children and 10, 6, and 2. Yes this is possible, even with small children and even with teens! What a great lesson for them to learn now! Granted infants are a different story, but it’s still worth your time to evaluate their stuff too.

-I hang my clothes to dry…indoors. Thanks to the HOA in our current suburban neighborhood we are not allowed a clothes line (Don’t ask! I don’t know either!). I do have a retractable one in the garage and several collapsible drying racks in the laundry room. We also live in arid Arizona where our clothes literally dry within hours of hanging. We’re looking at more frequent, smaller loads of laundry so we’ll see how this goes!

-I love hand-me-downs and I do save my eldest daughter’s clothes for her younger sister. In fact, to be completely honest, I have packed all the clothes away into a couple tubs in the garage should the need arise and we become desperate for additional items. Something tells me…we won’t be missing them (wink).

So what do you think? Can you do it? Do you want to do it? Share your thoughts with us!

WARNING: There is a danger here to read what I am doing and assume that you have to do it “just like her.” No, please! That is not my intention (smile). This is just a challenge for my family. If you choose to walk down this road, consider your family’s own unique needs and shape your path around those. I am by no means an expert on this topic! My sole purpose in sharing this with you is accountability.

See this post and a host of others like it here: Fat Tuesday, New Nostalgia, Tip Me Tuesday, Handmade Tuesday, Tutorial Tuesday, Teach Me Tuesday, Terrific Under $10, Raising Homemakers, Wicked Awesome Wednesday, Simple Lives Thursday, Your Green Resource, Creative Juice Thursday, Friday Favorites, Farmgirl Friday, Frugal Friday, Gallery of Favorites, SNS 111, Weekend Bloggy Reading, Show and Tell, Get Schooled, Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Made By You, Just Something I Whipped Up

Inspirational source that started me on this journey:
http://www.becomingminimalist.com/2010/07/05/a-practical-guide-to-owning-fewer-clothes/comment-page-1/#comments

Building Your Medicine Chest: Natural Treatment of a Fever and an Herbal Spray Recipe

2011-12-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

Fevers seem to strike suddenly. A sign that our immune systems are under attack and working hard to fight back. A fever allows our body to produce a antiviral substance called interferon. Interferon is critically necessary for fighting infection. A fever will also increase the movement and activity of white blood cells which is also important for healing.

Benefits of a Fever

The benefits of a fever have been acknowledged for thousands of years. In fact, history tells of many patients who have been cured of disease with therapeutic fevers. Presently, there is significant research suggesting that mild to moderate fevers should be allowed to run their course. A fever may actually:

shorten the duration of the illness
reduce the chances of spreading the disease to others

However, during the creation of the pharmaceutical movement in the mid-19th century, aspirin compounds became available commercially and were marketed heavily to the public. By the start of the 1900's, the drug companies had, with great success, convinced general practitioners and patients to become wary of fevers and vigilant in bringing them down.

In reference to the common cold, the flu, or a regular viral infection, it may be counter-productive to suppress our body's natural defense. Of course there are exceptions; for example, you should seek medical attention for fevers over 104 degrees Fahrenheit lasting longer that 4-6 hours or for any level of fever in infant's under 6 months of age.

Natural Treatment Alternatives

When it comes to fevers in our home, I treat primarily for comfort. No doubt it is a frightening thing when our children or spouses are hit suddenly with a fever. But, by immediately treating with Tylenol or Ibuprofen we may not be providing the best care.

So here are a few tips for providing comfort and assisting the body in healing:

Herbs – Elder flowers, feverfew, and yarrow are known to assist in treatment of fevers. Ginger has a warming effect and is therefore useful in providing relief for the chills. I like to prepare herbal teas when administering medicinal herbs to the children. It also helps me know that they are staying hydrated and nourished. A few of the herbal teas I offer for fevers include: chamomile, echinacea, red clover, and peppermint. Lemon juice and honey can also be added to the tea for an extra dose of vitamin C and to sweeten. (Note: It is advised to never give honey to infants under one year of age).
Homeopathy – Belladonna, Aconite, Nux Vomica and Pulsatilla are four of the most common homeopathic remedies that I have used for fevers with great success.
Provide Nourishing Foods and Fluids – We often lose our appetites when sick with a fever, so it is super important to provide nourishing fluids like fresh fruit/vegetable juices, herbal teas, and homemade bone broths to maintain energy and hydration levels.
Rest and Simple Activity – While it is very important for persons with a fever to rest often, simple activity is very beneficial. A simple walk around the block in the beautiful fresh air will raise anyone's spirits!
Essential Oils – Lavender, thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, and sage essential oils provide comfort when treating fevers. They are also known to help support the work of the immune system to support the body's natural defenses. For example, apply a few drops of lavender essential oils in cool water and soak a washcloth in the solution to wipe a child's forehead for a cooling, relaxing effect. I have also had great success with the following recipe:

Herbal Spray for Fevers

-1/4 cup 70% Isopropyl Alcohol

-1/4 cup witch hazel

-3 drops peppermint essential oil

-3 drops lavender essential oil

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to mix. Store in refrigerator to keep cool.

To use: Spray on pulse points up to every hour while awake. Pulse points are areas where you can easily feel your pulse with your fingers: wrists, sides of the neck, and behind the knee.

Cautions: Label spray bottle "EXTERNAL USE ONLY". Avoid spraying into eyes and mouth. Use sparingly on children under 4 years of age (due to the content of the alcohol).

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What have you found successful in treating a mild fever?

DISCLAIMER: The statements made here are the sole opinion of the author and have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. You should never substitute these suggestions for conventional wisdom. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Inspirational Sources:

http://www.naturalnews.com/027207_fever_home_homeopathic.html

The Power of the Mind Over Sustainable Living and Frugality

2011-12-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

So often frugality is equated with poverty; when in fact, it is some of the wealthiest people in the world who are the most frugal. And unfortunately, it is those of us who mistakenly spend money the way we think the wealthy do, who are the poor.

In a lot of ways I think we turn to consumerism because we don’t want to be taken for economic failures. Our ability to consume and spend money allows for a short-lived sensation of self-gratification; it permits us to think for a moment that we are wealthier than we are.

The most devastating results of this thinking come when the proverbial “bottom falls out” and the spending cannot be maintained. Because we have been misguided, and wrongly associated our identity with our ability to consume, a sudden inability to uphold the cultural expectations can leave us discouraged and wandering.

This is why the path to sustainable living and frugality is so difficult.

We must find a way to stop fooling ourselves and disassociate our worth with how much money we spend.

Instead we should focus on the answers to these questions:

How am I making a difference?
What is my purpose?
What should I be doing with my life?

Perhaps we are unable to figure out what it is we should be doing because we are constantly running and we just can’t see past all of our “stuff.” (I know this was true for me!)

It’s time to stop believing the lies of our consumer culture! All of us were created to fulfill a specific purpose, to make a contribution, not just to consume. We must find a way to stop buying stuff in order to validate ourselves! Over-spending does nothing but cause more over-spending. You see, that’s the way they have designed it…to always leave you wanting more.

Our lives are so much more valuable!

How can we make a difference with our one chance at life and live out our purpose?

I choose to serve others. My frugality enables me to give in ways I never would have dreamed. When I stopped the madness and out-of-control spending I was able to see the needs of others. A sustainable lifestyle also allows me the freedom to teach, be at home with my children, and focus my efforts on encouraging those around me.

Difference makers must…

1. Be available. Be willing to be interrupted! Slow down, simplify, and put off the busyness of life. For example, if you have the ability to help your neighbor when they are in need, take notice and help them.

2. Be humble. Resist pride. Don’t compare yourself to others. Every little step you take matters and can make a huge difference.

3. Stop the self-criticism. Do not sell yourself short. Live your passions boldly and pursue them with confidence. You must remember that only you can do what you were created to do. There’s nothing in the world that you could buy that will satisfy those desires.

In order to live frugally and sustainably we must be intentional and we must be faithful. Rejecting consumerism and entering the world of frugality is not an easy choice, it’s counter-cultural. But when we shift our minds away from the self-serving economy we are so accustomed to, and turn them towards the needs of others, the door to a whole new way of life is opened.

See this post and a host of others like it here: Homestead Barn Hop, Savvy Homemade Monday, More the Merrier

Instant Oatmeal: A Less-Waste, Frugal, Homemade Alternative

2011-12-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

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At least one person in our house eats oatmeal every single day. We love it! Sometimes it's eaten for breakfast and sometimes it's eaten as a quick, yummy snack.

But have you noticed the price of boxed instant oatmeal these days?

Wow! $3.99 for a box of 8 packets of organic instant oatmeal! We easily could go through 4-5 packets a day if I were to keep the pantry stocked with it. And that adds up to a lot of money for oatmeal. Not to mention all the waste coming from that one box!

I knew I had to come up with a solution! So this is what I did...

Instant Oatmeal Alternative

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Gather the ingredients:

6 cups organic rolled oats
1 cup dry milk powder
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon salt

1) Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

2) Mix well.

3) Store in a large container. Label and date. Keep in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months (it never lasts that long at our house, but good to know anyways).

Directions for use: Shake the container to mix ingredients. In a small pot, heat 2/3 cup water to boiling. Add 1/3 cup oatmeal mix. Note: There is approx. 1/3 cup of oatmeal in a packet of instant oatmeal. You may prefer to increase this amount based on the size of servings needed. Reduce heat and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until desired consistency is reached, stir frequently.

Optional add-ins: My children love the maple syrup and brown sugar variety. This mix, as a base, works wonderfully for that. Once placed in a serving bowl, I top the oatmeal with maple syrup and they are good to go! However, here are a few of the other add-ins that we use when the mood strikes:

Diced dried apples, raisins, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, or cherries (It usually depends on what I have on-hand from the season. Get creative!)
Chopped nuts
Chia seeds
Flax

Notes:

-Buy in bulk. It will save you tons more! I get a 25 lb. bag of organic rolled oats for $30, making the cost of oats for this recipe $1.50.

-You could use instant oats here, instead of the rolled oats, to reduce the cooking time. If choosing to use instant oats you will need to decrease the amount of water used in the recipe (i.e. 1/3 oatmeal mix, 1/3 cup water).

-This recipe can be cooked in the microwave. If you are using rolled oats, cook on high for 4 minutes. If you are using instant oats, cook on high for 2 minutes.

-Many recipes advise to pulse the oatmeal in a food processor in order to create a quicker cooking oatmeal. Honestly, by the time I prepare the food processor, pulse the oats, and clean up the mess, I could have easily spent the extra 3-4 minutes cooking the oatmeal. That's just my humbled opinion.

-I've also seen recipes that place individual servings in plastic bags. Good for those who want to use this to take on-the-go. You still run in to the waste issue (unless you reuse the baggies) and the additional cost of using all those baggies. We're trying to reduce our waste and simplify, so the method of keeping it all in a large container works best for me!

What's your money-saving tip for today? Go ahead...share it!

See this post and a host of others like it here: SNS 110, Weekend Bloggy Reading, Monday Mania, Homestead Barn Hop, Savvy Homemade Monday, Cure for the Common Monday, More the Merrier, Mad Skills, Made By You Monday, Make Something Mondays, New Nostalgia, Tip Me Tuesday, Handmade Tuesday, Tutorial Tuesday, Teach Me Tuesdays, Terrific Under $10, Raising Homemakers, Wicked Awesome Wednesday,Your Green Resource, It's A Keeper, Creative Juice Thursday, Friday Favorites, Foodie Friday, Inspire Me Friday

Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck? 30 Tips on Gaining Traction and Saving Money!

2011-12-01T07:04:00.000-08:00

Becoming a one income family has opened my eyes in ways I could never express. The transition, to one income, was by far the most difficult. Living paycheck to paycheck became a reality. Saving money…well that wasn’t happening! Our salvation came when we began showing some signs of discipline in addition to redefining our wants and needs. Frugality for this family comes now out of necessity. And, it has been the great blessing!

But, when living paycheck to paycheck leaves you little room for saving money, the blessings can be hard to find.

You see, I know what it feels like when you are working so hard and it seems like you’re getting nowhere. And, I know what it’s like to wonder “how on earth will we make the ends meet come the end of the month?" Not to mention what we would do if an emergency were to happen or the car were to break down!

For some of us it simply comes down to putting food on the table or putting money in the savings account, and the children have to eat. Even when there is a little extra money, it’s very hard to save.

So how are we supposed to save when we’re living paycheck to paycheck?

I will tell you this…it is really, really hard, but it can be done.

Sometimes our circumstances in life leave us paralyzed. Sometimes we feel desperate, which leads us to search for a quick fix or an easy way out. As I have learned, there are no quick fixes, no easy ways out, when it comes to money and saving it!

It takes steady discipline. And trust…

The lessons we as a family have learned over the days of this past year, through times of feeling pretty desperate financially, have blazed a path for us into the future. One that I am convinced we would have never chosen on our own. They have not been easy days! Oh no! Quite the opposite, but they have been good nonetheless. In fact, I wouldn’t trade them for the world. These days are maturing us as individuals, they are strengthening our family, and they are inspiring us to learn all sorts of sustainable and entrepreneurial things we never would have ever dreamed or pursued!

Here are 30 tips that have helped us gain some traction and save money:

1. Redefine wants and needs (make a list)

2. Create a budget and stick to it.

3. Remember: “You’re not stuck unless you choose to be.”

4. Count your blessings rather than all the difficult things in your life.

5. Commit to living debt-free.

6. Use any extra time you have in your day to increase your income.

7. Start saving small amounts (i.e. $2, $5, $10 per month).

8. Teach yourself a new skill such as sewing, painting, or computer software programs (utilize DIY books or YouTube)!

9. Read books that will help develop your interests (use the library).

10. Ask friends and family to save cans for you. Recycle them when you need a few extra bucks.

11. Trade in DVDs or video games at a game exchange shop.

12. Instead of giving away your children’s clothing, take it to a consignment shop and get some cash or a store credit.

13. Check out itunes U. There are thousands of free college courses, lectures, and instructional videos for you to learn from. That’s right…all free!

14. Have an extra room in your home…rent it out.

15. Look into buying in bulk and discounted food programs.

16. Remember: Saving money is making money.

17. Save your tax return, don’t spend it.

18. Line dry clothes

19. Drink water instead of buying juice

20. Shop yard sales

21. Barter services with friends and/or neighbors.

22. Find a hairstylist to do your family’s hair in exchange for you cleaning her house.

23. Sell the cutter (craigslist, have a yard sale, etc.)

24. Pass out fliers in wealth neighborhoods offering a Christmas light hanging service

25. Start a blog

26. Grow-Your-Own food

27. Remove negative influences from your life

28. Stay positive

29. Stay faithful

30. Do what you love!

When attempting to gain traction for the first time, I suggest starting by spending some time redefining “enough”. Take a good look and your needs vs. wants. Then begin setting a few attainable goals each month. Once those goals are accomplished, try adding a few more. Little by little, and only when you feel ready, increase the goals. Setting goals, who cares if they are big ($100 per month savings) or small ($2-$5 per month savings) just so long as they are attainable, can give you enormous encouragement when you actually reach them.

Never give up. It’s true, there are no easy outs and our situations will not change overnight. But if you keep up the hard work, continue with the discipline, constantly re-evaluate needs and wants, keep setting attainable goals, pursue your passions, and keep going when the going gets tough, I promise you it will pay off in the end.

Be encouraged today! You are not alone! The answer is out there. To quote Albert Einstein:

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

Take the time today to leave an encouraging comment! It could be exactly what someone needs to hear. Have you lived paycheck-to-paycheck? Are you now? How did you make it through?

You can also participate in and continue the discussion on our facebook page!

See this post and a host of others like it here: Simple Lives, Your Green Resource, It's A Keeper, Friday Favorites, Fight Back Friday's, Fresh Bites, Frugal Friday, Weekend Bloggy Reading, Sunday School, Monday Mania, Homestead Barn Hop, Cure for the Common Monday, More the Merrier, Made By You Monday, Make Something Monday, Fat Tuesday, New Nostalgia, Tip Me Tuesday, Handmade Tuesday, Tutorial Tuesday, Teach Me Tuesday, Terrific Under $10, Raising Homemakers, Wicked Awesome Wednesday

Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways #3

2011-11-29T19:31:00.000-08:00

The Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways Wednesday Blog Hop

Homesteading Notions
Anything DIY or Homemade
Frugal Recipes (we like real food 'round here)
Preparedness/Survival
Repurposed Projects
Upcycled Frugal Finds
Animal Care
Natural Gardening Tips
Herbal Remedies
Green Cleaners

1. My No Spend Month. Written by Free Range Mama of My Healthy Green Family.

2. Going Sustainable with Laundry. Written by Rose Petal of Live Ready Now.

3. Natural Homemade Gift Ideas. Written by Jo of Jo's Health Corner.

Congratulations!!! Please feel free to grab my "featured" button below and place it within your post or on your side bar.

Please Note: I share my personal favorites on my facebook page throughout the week!

It's Time To Share Your Posts

Bloggers, use the linky tool on the bottom of this post to share your best post. Non-bloggers, feel free to add a comment here with any ideas or thoughts you have concerning frugal and/or sustainable living. Every week I will be featuring the most viewed posts so link-up your best ones:)

When linking your posts, there are only a couple simple guidelines I'd like for you to follow:

1. Remain sensitive to the mission of Frugally Sustainable. Frugally Sustainable exists to be a resource for all things frugal and sustainable. Therefore, in order to maintain the integrity of the mission, share your best posts - old or new - on anything pertaining to frugality and sustainability.

2. Please link your posts back to our blog hop. It's pretty standard blog hop courtesy. And, most importantly, linking back here helps build our little community by sending your readers to all of the other posts shared. Grab the Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways button below by installing the html into your post. Or simply create a text link somewhere:)

What will you share this week? I am so looking forward to your submissions! Remember: My favorite posts will be shared on my facebook page!!!

Here we go!

Explosive Showerhead Cleaner

2011-11-29T07:50:00.000-08:00

Use this "explosive" homemade cleaner to blast away all of those hard water deposits that are blocking your showerhead:

Here's an easy DIY recipe:

-1/3 cup baking soda
-1 cup white vinegar
-1 plastic bag
-1 large bag twisty tie

1. Mix baking soda and vinegar in bag over a sink. Caution: Pour vinegar into bag slowly, there is an "explosive" foaming action that kicks in.

2. Place bag over showerhead. Be sure it is submerged in the baking soda/vinegar solution.

3. Secure with twisty tie.

4. Let the showerhead soak in the solution overnight or for at least 2-3 hours.

5. Wipe off showerhead prior to use.

Enjoy your free flowing showerhead! Pretty easy and cheap, huh?

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See this post and a host of others like it here: Frugal Tuesday Tip, Under Ten Tuesday, Handmade Tuesdays, The Sasse Life, Sugar and Dots, Raising Homemakers, Wicked Awesome Wednesday, Show Off Your Stuff, Simple Lives, Your Green Resource, It's A Keeper, Friday Favorites, Fresh Bites, Frugal Friday, SNS 110, Weekend Bloggy Reading, Sunday School

23 Day Frugal Living Challenge: Join Us!

2011-11-27T20:42:00.000-08:00

So, I have been hit with an idea! A New Year’s resolution of sorts!

How could my life, and the lives of others, change if we were to challenge ourselves to 23 days of frugal living?

I consider myself, my husband, and my children to be fairly frugal people, and sometimes I admit we take it too far; for example, our couch has a hole in it and we still refuse to buy a new one, I used my old running shoes until the soles were bare, and our truck has 140,000+ miles on it but he still runs like a charm.

In no way am I recommending this to others. Nor am I saying that you have to live with holes in your furniture! However, I will suggest that there are many other ways to scale back spending and live a more frugal lifestyle.

Join me in a 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge!

Why attempt a frugal living challenge?

First, because living frugally allows for you to spend less than you earn. And the benefits from this are endless. You can use the difference to: get caught up on late payments, pay off debt, save, and potentially invest.
Second, because the less you spend, the less is required for you to earn. The benefits of this one mean: you and/or your spouse have the potential to work less, you obtain freedom from a wage, you may have the opportunity to pursue your true passions, and you may be able to retire early.

Frugal living is not suppressive! Quite the opposite, it means breaking free of the chains that bind us to unfulfilled lives.

It means spending more time with the people that mean the most. It’s having conversations, reading for leisure, growing in knowledge, enjoying nature, doing things that you think are fun, exercising, being a slave to no one, and focusing on what truly is important. The good life is waiting!

So…together let’s see how many people we can get to commit to living frugally for 23 days!

We could change the tide of society! Or, at least encourage each other along the journey. Obviously, there is a broad array of things that could happen!

The Ground Rules:

You are not committing to the implementation of all 23 ideas for living frugally. I should admit that I do most, but not all, of the tips that will be recommended and discussed. My commitment to you is to be honest with you as we move along.

I ask no more from you that I ask of myself.

Simply commit to the process and to openness.

Be willing to change, take baby steps, or jump on the path of frugality for the first time! Where ever you are on the journey, don’t be afraid to join in. We will challenge ourselves to:

Redefine “enough”
Learn how to use a 30-day list
Stop the impulse buys
Grow a garden
Cook ahead
And much more…

Let’s do this!

Make an early New Year’s resolution and commit yourself to the challenge of living frugally for 23 days starting Friday January 6, 2012 by signing your name below.

What an awesome way to start out a new year!

If the entire 23 days is too much of a commitment for you, that’s totally okay. Maybe you can commit for 4-5 days or only just one? Show your support by signing the pledge anyway!

Whatever your commitment level, even if it’s for only for a day please sign the pledge, and let’s discover together how living frugally can change us, our families, our communities, and our world.

The following people have taken the pledge and made a commitment!

Join them by signing your name to the challenge above!

1. Andrea M., Phoenix, AZ
I am so excited for this challenge!
2. Eric M., Peoria, AZ
I can't wait to see what happens!
3. Megan R.
4. Wendy R.
5. Jewell V., Sudan, TX
6. Martine, Durban, South Africa
Ready for the challenge!
7. Fara Rose, Kansas City, MO
8. Sara Shay
I am trying to talk my husband into "No Spend" January, so this is VERY timely!
9. Carla

I am really looking forward to doing and COMPLETING the entire 23 days!! I am really excited for this and hope for success!!

10. Angela, Seattle, WA

I've been working on this, but I think there are a few places I can push a little harder without the family revolting on me. ;-)

11. Maria F.

I want!!!!

12. Mayce H., Arkansas

Been wanting to try this.

13. Krista, Central Asia

14. Jenny, England

I was already planning an attempt at being more frugal and thrifty in the New Year! I think it will be much easier with the support of others and being able to read blog posts about what they are achieving and sharing ideas. Learning serious budgeting and money management is going to be one of my Resolutions this year!

15. April, Oregon

Sounds like a wonderful challenge! I am working on becoming much more frugal, I welcome a challenge like this, and look forward to participating!

16. Alice, South Louisiana

17. Gail, Ohio

What a wonderful way to begin 2012!

18. Traci, AZ
19. Heather, Maine

This is a great idea! I would love to try and dial back this holiday season as well, but not sure that will happen. Looking forward to starting this though!

20. Dodi, Findlay, OH

So need to do this!!!
21. Kathryn
22. Tiffany, Jacksonville, FL
Sounds fun!
23. Jamie, Ohio
Love it.
24. Luann, WV

I LOVE challanges and anyway I can improve our financial status, Iam all for it. I also love learning new skills!

25. Laveda, Michigan

26. Eva

27. Sharon, Baltimore, MD

This is awesome. My new favorite website!

28. Nichole M., Indiana

This is a great idea! Now only to convince the hubby ;)

29. Jeff R., Kingwood, TX

30. Kristie, Georgia

I am so in and so excited.

31. Bonnie M., Upstate NY

Can't wait to try, I was just thinking about de-cluttering and refocusing for the New Year!

32. Jean, OH

33. Rebecca

We live on less than we make-on less than 1 income! We've decided December is a "no eating out" month. We are ready to be challenged with more!

34. Lindsey D.

Very excited!!!

35. Kristen M., Eureka, CA

We're on a roll with our frugality and I'm really looking forward to this challenge!

36. Rachel Macek W., Valparaiso, IN

37. Ashley, Livingston, MT

I consider myself frugal but know I am lacking in some areas! Excited for this!

38. April B., Georgia

Sounds great. We're already pretty darn frugal but I'm always looking for ways to save more money. I can't wait to see what you have come up with. Challenge on!!

39. Vanessa W., Bethlehem, PA
This sounds great!! I will blog about it at my new website asimplygoodlife.com. Can't wait! :)

40. Toni S., Norman,Oklahoma

Lets do this!!!!

41. Amy, WA

My serious weakness is the kitchen. I am bad about making ONE thing and eating for 4 days straight to the point of gag reflex and then I go and "treat" mysef with a Friday lunch that probably cost more than the entire week's lunch. I am a single person so the food preparedness is very difficult for me. I go to Costco and buy the cases of corn, beans and other canned goods and then let them sit on my shelf until they expire. ARGH! I look forward to learning from you and the others.

42. Nancy N., Buckeye, AZ

Looking forward to the challenge.

43. Helen A., Fayetteville, AR

44. Pamela S., Ridgeway, SC

I pledge to live as frugally as I can for the 23 day challenge. (I kinda do that anyway all the time, but I'm sure there are places I can cut back)
45. Deb, Northwest/central Ohio

46. Mary R., Raleigh, NC

I'm super excited!

47. Mary W., North Dakota

Sounds like a great adventure.

48. hswife, Glen Rock, PA

49. Stacie M.

So excited to start on this frugal journey!

50. Terri, Oregon

I live pretty frugally right now, but would love to see how others are doing things as well.

51. Allison D., OH

52. Dorthy

Great time of year to re-commit to a frugal lifestyle!

53. Amanda B., PA

54. Cathy K.

I'm looking forward to this challenge.

55. Tracey D., Veldhoven, Netherlands

I'm in!

56. JRoberts, Alberta, Canada

Just found your blog, and am so excited to join in!

57. Melyssa

58. Connie F., Alvin, TX

Hope to make the entire 23 days! I really enjoy your blog!
59. Annie, Illinois

I'm on board which means my whole family will be since I'm the one who pays the bills and manages the budget. We live frugally as it is, but there is always room for improvement. When I had our first child, I quit my job. My promise to my husband was that I'd be able to save as much money as I made when I worked. If I couldn't keep my promise, I'd go back to work. That was six children ago and I'm still at home. It's been a challenge, but I LOVE a great challenge!! Let's go!

60. Connie W., Lewis, CO

This is such a good idea I try to be as frugal as I can but there are some areas I need to work on.

61. MomLadyOR, Oregon

Great idea! I've already implemented many of these ideas and am trying to live much more frugally. But, I think having a "resolution" will help me get my family on board!

62. Tracy N., Georgia

63. Danielle G., Georgia

Looking forward to the challenge!

64. Laurie W., Ohio

I cleaned out my childrens bedrooms and literally hauled off 4 trash bags. I cleaned out the refrigerator and probably pitched $30 worth of food. It makes me realize, we require so much LESS than what I'm buying. Meanwhile debt is in my face. I'm down for this challenge!

65. Lisa

66. Colleen C., Albion, IN

This is exactly what my partner and i believe in and are trying to incorporate into our lives. thanks for the boost!!!

67. Katie S., Arizona

I think this is great and the new year is a perfect time to do it! Count me in!

68. Teresa Marie, South Central Indiana

I think I am already pretty frugal, but I am sure I could do better, and want to enlist my family as well.

69. Karen, Grover Beach, CA

Hubby and I are nearly retirement age and are continually looking for ways to be more frugal and live within our means.

70. Arica, Patterson, GA
71. Ewa, San Jose, CA
72. Helen S., New Brunswick, Canada

We have been on the frugal-living path for a while now. I can always learn more, though! Sign me up.

73. Quentin H., Eugene, OR

Yay!

74. Melissa C., Oklahoma

Thank you for taking the time for this. My husband is facing a layoff soon so this will be good for us to follow.

75. Prepping with portia

76. Mary C., Ontario, Canada

Love this challenge! Looking forward to seeing how many participate and just how we could influence the world.

77. Mary G., West Texas

So, what does the plan look like?

78. Krista G., Oklahoma
We have six kids and I feel like we are already pretty frugal, too. But I am always looking for ways to do better! I"m excited to get started!!!
79. Trisha, California
80. Brenda, Arkansas

Im going To try, it will be hard, I have a son in collage. And you never know what's going to happen but I'd love to try live like this again. I did when I was a kid off and on.. The good ole days..

81. Whitney B., Grand Rapids, MI

Since finding your blog, I've tried all kinds of your homemade cleaners, recipes, and frugal living suggestions! I especially appreciated your post on being a full-time homemaker and mom - this is my husband and I's top goal - creating and living and one-income lifestyle. I'm really excited for this challenge and thank you for hosting it!

82. Joan O., Washington State
83. Suzanne, Longmont, CO

I already live frugally but it is nice to be challenged.

84. Darlene R., Ohio

Ready to start the New Year with some much needed change!

85. Karah, Curacao

I like to think frugal is my middle name. Let's see if I live up to the challenge!

86. Shawn R., North Carolina
87. Jean T.
88. Larissa, BC, Canada

Looking forward to it.. :)

89. Stacy, Illinois
90. Teresa C.
91. Laura
92. Michelle D.
23 Days!
93. Samantha C., North Carolina
94. Jessica E., Bakersfield, CA

Let's do it!

95. Bonnie P.,

Can't wait to get started..thanks!

96. M.Sullivan, Maine

This is just what we need to start the new year off right. Can't wait to get started.

97. Susan F., Virginia

98. Jennifer M., Suwanee, ga

99. Nancy R., West Virginia

Sounds like a great idea and I will do it !

100. Amy B., Ohio
101. Sarah Jane M., Tulsa, OK
102. Julia
103. Alene, Ohio
104. Betsy, Oregon
105. Allison H.

Looking forward to any tips you have!

106. Janice K., Springfield, OR

I am willing to give it a try because I'm on the verge of becoming a hoarder.

107. Deena J.

What a great idea....sometimes it is easier to follow through on good ideas and intentions when you have others to help hold you accountable.

108. Dori, Minnesota

I'm looking forward to this :) To help matters Hoarders is on my TV tonight. Wonder if that's a hint? :)

109. Randy P.
110. Tami L.

i'm in!

111. Gail S., Portland, OR

I do always keep a pot of soup, stew, or chili. Since moving in to my 200 square foot trailer with a mini fridge, I do shop more often. I try to limit what I have to buy, by canning and drying my food. I plan my month ahead, but I buy what I need weekly.

112. Laurie S., Wellsville New York
I'm excited and hope to get many others also excited about this,, thanks!!! :)
113. Nikki, Wisconsin

Let's do this!

114. Micki S., Gallitzin, PA

115. Susan G., Texas
116. Laura

I'm a self-admitted frugalite but I am always on the look-out for new ideas. You can teach an old dog new tricks and I'm open to learn new to me ideas.

117. Amy T.

118. Amanda, Maine
119. Kienda, Pennsylvania
120. Noble SS, Athol, ID
121. Barbra M., Ocean Gate, NJ

I am making the pledge to live frugally!!

122. Becky K., Portland, OR

I am ready... thank GOD it starts on January 6th.... lol I ask for gift cards for Christmas from my family.... and I don't ever cheat when I am challege...

123. Theresa W., Spicer, Minnesota
Great thought as we head into the 'crazy' season!
124. Misti S., TN

Look forward to it!

125. TyKes Mom

I am always looking for more ways to be frugal. Sounds like an exciting challenge!

126. Kim M., Madison, Indiana
I accept the challenge and will do my best to complete it! I am pretty frugal already so I am going to see just how far I can push it!
127. Kate H., New Zealand
128. Katie P., Milford, PA
129. Tamie E., Minnesota
130. Julia G., New Mexico

Can't wait!

131. Carla P., Arkansas
132. Melissa, Santa Fe, NM

This is definitely worth a shot :-)

133. Tammy, Sedalia, MO
We're pretty frugal here, but there is always room for improvement! I often challenge myself to spend only $50 a week for our family of five to save money and use up what we already have in the pantry and freezer. We make our own laundry soap, garden and can food, and have a flock of chickens. I look forward to hearing more ideas to save money!!!
134. Yart, USA

I will be following along at my blog Grim Wytche Farm.

135. Sarah, Texas

I'm in! We already try to live frugally, and I'm up for more!

136. Jessi P., Vernon, BC (Canada)
137. Janae B., Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
138. Stacy Makes Cents, Bristol, TN
I hate New Years resolutions. :-) But I like your challenge. This frugal mama is IN! Let's DO THIS!
139. Nicole B., Chapin, SC
140. Myra L., Kings Mountain, NC
I've been attempting to be more frugal, but have not put a LOT of effort into it. This will be enough to light a fire under my behind and get me going. Thanks for the inspiration.
141. Shauna
142. Breann A., Haliburton
143. Heidi, Iowa
144. Terrie A., MN

We already do this, but I can always do more. Thanks!

145. Sarah, Wichita, KS
146. Karina B., New Zealand
147. Diana M., Dallas-Ft. Worth

My intentions are always good, but I need the accountability of this challenge. Thanks for
coming up with a great idea! :)

148. Heather B., Sarnia, Ontario
What a fantastic challenge, I'm in!
149. Jill
150. Rochelle G., Fairview, TN
151. Michelle, Illinois

Sounds like fun! I will post it on my blog after the holidays!

152. Julie-Anne M., Adelaide, Australia
153. Tammy, Sedalia, MO
We're pretty frugal here. I frequently try to keep our shopping down to $50 a week for our family of five. I've been able to do this for about three weeks at a time...using up what we have on hand and only buying essentials. Looking forward to some great ideas!!!
154. Eileen, Ohio
155. Angela W.
156. Kristy A., Wenatchee, WA
I'm excited to try something new and learn new ways of iving.
157. Renee M., WA

Look forward to joining the challenge. We usually do a no shopping month after the first of the year. It forces us to use up all the garden produce I put-up in the pantry and freezer last summer/fall.

158. Joli S.
159. Judy W., Boise, ID
160. Helen, Rhode Island

I am so happy to join in! They say there is strength in numbers and I am grateful for the community and support!
Thanks and God bless,
Helen(grammea)

161. Karen, Ohio
162. Ria, Cape Cod, MA
163. Debbie A., Fayetteville, NY
164. Madeleine, New Zealand

Exciting. I'm looking forward to it. Great idea thanks for doing this.

165. Kerrie, Feilding

Anything that may give me ideas on how to save money, I am keen for.

166. Sarah S., Sigonella, Italy
167. Cassandra T., Boise, ID

Thank you. This is a New Year's Resolution I can stick with!

168. Jen E., Leeds, UK

I try to live frugally all year round, but would love some tips to help me.

169. Jen, Washington
170. Amanda M., Centerville, MO
171. Ali R.
172. Emma

Alright. I'm in! I was just using the last of the fruit and vegetables in a salad tonight and thinking, it's not so bad to be at the end of what you've got - it makes you value it more. Maybe I should live like this in all areas of life. I think this challenge is going to help me take back control of our spending. I hope so anyway. Thanks for thinking of me!

173. Meg, Ashburton, NZ

Oooh, this sounds fab ... am pretty frugal already, but always up for a challenge!

174. Lyn W., New Zealand

My daughter and I spend $35 a week or less on groceries.

175. Wendy
176. Kathleen C., Wellington New Zealand

Looking forward to the challenge

177. My Healthy Green Family, Canada

Looking forward to these challenges! Thanks!

178. Tisha
179. Kris A., Wellington New Zealand

I'm in!

180. Heidi, California

I am very excited and a little bit afraid of this challenge. That's why I know I NEED to take this plunge. I am looking forward to it.

181. JoAnna J., Florida

I definitely have areas that could use improvement!

182. Chris C., Wellsville, NY

Awesome - I'm in.

183. Kristin

Been working on simplifying our home, this is another great direction!
184. Jessica H., TN
185. Kathy, Waynesboro, VA

I live pretty frugally already, so am interested in hearing about the 23 ideas to see if there are some I'm not thinking about already. ;o)

186. Katy, Midland, TX

We're pretty frugal, but we could always improve. I think out weakest spots are eating out and wasting food.
187. Karen

Great idea! I'm thinking the support from the rest of the participants will make this much easier and more fun to do!

188. Meredith, Western New York
189. Christy H., North Carolina
190. Tiffany H.

So inspiring to be part of this movement!! Talk about freedom and change, eh?

191. Mya, New Zealand

We support community fruit harvesting here in New Zealand ~ sharing surplus fruit & vegetables with families in need, frugal living means we can help more families so we appreciate your support & encouragement ~ thanks!

192. Sharron, Ontario, Canada
193. Turia, AZ
194. Allison P., NE Ohio

I am willing to give this a try! My last car was with me until 190k!! And all my couches have holes/chew marks!

195. Virginia H., Central MO
196. Sara, Colorado
Nice!
197. Karen B., Mississippi
198. Victoria D.
199. Jodi F., Flordia

I ADORE living frugally...How fun that it has now become "hip" to be frugal!

200. Nicole S., Army Post South Korea
201. April, Louisville, KY
202. Erica, Bunker Hill, WV
203. Willie

I would like to try the 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge. I am very much trying to live more frugally.

204. Autumn, New Mexico
205. Abbigail B., Washington

I am on a quest to spend less and start saving. I have a large family and have found it a challenge. I hope that 23 days will lead to 30 which will lead to more and more. :)

206. Tammy
207. Kari Ann H., Olympia, Washington
A wonderful idea!!
208. Teri
209. Jenny
I'm in!
210. Cindy, Washington State
211. Misti, MO

Perfect timing.....I'm ready for the challenge!! Thanks!!

212. Erica, Wesley, IA

I think this is a great idea. Would you mind if I posted about this on my blog also? Thanks!

213. Codie
214. A., MO

Let's do this!

215. RuthAnn, North Carolina, USA
216. Anita H., Norway

This was a great challenge!

217. M C McIntosh, Minneapolis, MN
218. Susan, Nova Scotia Canada

I am looking forward to participating in this challenge. I have already done some things in my way of living to make it much more furgal but still have more to do.

219. Tammie, Springfield, MO

Always looking for a challenge to take me to the next frugal level. I need help staying focused and motivated. And a commitment such as this will provide some much needed accountability, as well. Looking forward to Jan. 6!!!

220. Veronica F., Denver
221. Laura G., Ventura, CA

Here's to a better world in the New Year!

222. Crystal J., Flagstaff, AZ

I'm trying to teach my children, as well as my husband, use what we have until it's gone and be smart about shopping to replace it, I welcome this challenge!!!

223. Jenna
224. Amanda, Ontario, Canada
225. Sandy O.

I've been living frugally for years (decades) but sometimes you just need to refocus and make sure you haven't slipped into bad habits. Great Idea!

226. Michelle

This sounds like a great idea. I would like to see what we actually need to live on each month. My husband hates his job and he travels a lot. It would be nice to be able to make a change.

227. Melanie, New Zealand

This is how we live our lives, but I'm happy to show my support for your cause. Keep up the good work!

228. Alisa, Canada
Yes, I pledge!
229. Michelle, Seattle, WA

I'm always working late or picking up extra shifts to cover my spending. It would be nice to just be able to pay my bills AND have a life again!

230. Emily, Germany

Living a frugally sustainable life has been a goal of our's for some time. I'm really looking forward to this challenge to help us along!

231. Mandy, Illinois

Love living frugal!

232. Carlee R., New Zealand
233. Georgi, Littleton CO
234. Dashaunda R., Houston, TX
235. Tanys
236. Susie S., San Pierre, Indiana
I am excited about this! I have been thinking about taking the challenge of no groceries for a year starting next fall, so this might get me prepared!
237. Lex

Count me in for all 23!

238. Sarah D., Southern States

I am ready for a change in how I view "enough".

239. Kara P., Minnesota

Excited to do some changes. Will have just completed Dave ramseys financial peace university at that time.

240. Robin H., Illinois
241. Kim C., Long Island, New York
242. Jenny S., Michigan

We are extremely frugal but it never hurts to try for more. Plus this is awesome motivation!!!

243. Dana, Liberty, MS

I'm In!
244. Katie B., CA
245. Mimmou, South Africa

I hate excess, and I hate waste! I already try to live a frugal life, but I would like to make a more conscious effort, so sign me up!

246. Julie K., Edmond, Oklahoma
247. Lita D., Pacific Grove, CA
248. Kalya, Branson, MO

I'm about to get married, so this is perfect!

249. Vicki S., Plant City, FL
250. Jamie P.
251. Kathleen, Pinetta, FL

We already live frugally,but I am really interested in fresh ideas. Thanks for the challange!

252. J. Avans, Kansas City, KS

Epiphany, Jan 6th, is our ten year anniversary. We can't think of a better way to begin the next ten years of our lives together!

253. Shannon

254. Kori C., Wisconsin

My family is so excited to get started!

255. Ember W., Nebraska
Just adore this idea. I'm proud to say I'm on board! :)
256. Jason, MO

Every little bit helps!
257. Sheila Marie E., Wyandotte, Michigan
Awesome ... have lived resourcefully and frugally before and want to live the life again:)
258. Magen K., Utah
259. Rae
260. Violet B., NC

Im going to try, but Im so in debt Im making no promises lol

261. NC Preppers, Western North Carolina
262. Sigrid

Looking forward to this!

263. Jenny, NZ

Looking forward to following this. Thanks.

264. Sandi, Michigan

Looking forward to hearing your suggestions. Thanks!!

265. Sharron P., Orange County, CA

Can't wait!! :) Love your website!

266. Kristin
267. Raven S., Santa Fe, NM
268. Marie K.

I love this idea - I pledge to do this, and hopefully some other things I'm going to be challenging myself to do to be more green! Good luck everyone!

269. Katie, Tulsa, OK
270. Jenifer, Indianola, IA
I have been trying to do this in little ways already but I am still learning small ways to do this. I can't wait to see and try your tips!
271. Paula, Lafayette, LA

I need to become frugal again. Just because my husband has a good paying job again after being laid off does not give me the right to fritter our money away on stuff.

272. Kendra
273. Barbara, ELK GROVE, CA
Looking forward to the paradigm shift. Defining what is enough and remembering how good we really have it.
274. Elizabeth Ann, Kansas City, MO
275. Don T., Kearney, MO

Great idea!
276. Kim L., Bedford, VA

I'm in!

277. Paul W., Camanche, Iowa
What a great idea! I believe this defines the theory of k.i.s.s.
278. Caryn
279. Ann, Massachusetts
280. Melvin B.

We are huge Dave Ramsey Fans. In fact we have tought it several years at our church. Looking forward to any additonal information that you can provide.

281. April, MO

January is usually our lean month anyways, so im in!

282. Sarah

I am in! This is perfect for me since dh's cAr just crapped out on us at 77,000 miles.

283. Rev. Sandra G., Mocksville, NC
I think we have always been frugal, but I am intrigued by this challenge.
284. Michelle K., Colbert WA
I think this will be a very valuable lesson for me and my family. I have been very interested in practicing a much more frugal lifestyle. My goal is to pay off bills and really live according to God's will. I would like to make my spending in line with biblical principles.
285. Shaina, Maine
286. Chauly Y., East Stroudsburg, PA
I'm ready for this challenge!
287. Holly R., Oxford, MS

My husband & I consider ourselves Urban Homesteaders. We live on 7 acres with 28 chickens, 13 broiler chickens, 3 guinea fowl, 3 rabbits + 4 new baby bunnies, and a chihuahua named Duke. We have fruit trees and a small garden. We belong to a CSA where we get most of our veggies from May-November. We can our produce for winter usage & just put a deer in the freezer. We live as frugally as possible, but love the thought of communal sharing of the frugal day to day victories! I can't wait for January!

288. Stephaine, Arkansas

Public School Art Teacher turned homeschool mama...looking foward to this challange!

289. Jacinda, Albany, IN
290. Ted, New England

I need to learn more ways to be frugal.

291. Kelly, Iowa

This fits with my plans for the new year!

292. Karen G., California

I'm in desperate need of this challenge. My husband and I have been telling each other for years that we should pay more attention to our finances and way of living...I'm ready for this. =)

293. Karla

Looking forward to trying this!

294. Susan B., Southern Maryland

I am always looking for new ways to save and simplify life without feeling deprived, so I'm very much looking forward to this challenge! By the way, I love the fact that your truck has 140,000 miles on it! My pick-up truck has 210,000 miles on it and the car my husband drives has 240.000 miles on it! Kindred spirits!
295. Shepard L., Eastern NC

Sounds awesome!

296. Carol, NJ
297. Heather, Forestville, CA
298. C., New England

Just found your blog! Looking to be both more frugal and more sustainable, so this sounds great!

299. Tris, Terre Haute, IN
I am excited and honored to take this challenge. I try to live within my means and this is a challenge every day due to being a single parent (with a single income) and three dependent children. Two of the children are teenagers and I still pay day care for my youngest son who is ten. I hope that I can continue to learn how to better a better steward of my money and set a better example for my children.
300. Emily O., NC

My husband and I are planning on starting a Pecan Orchard in Texas (where we are origionally from) once he is released from his Military Duty. I'm a nurse and I also have my own business. My husband and I are looking forward to getting back to Tx and starting our lives. Our goal is to be self-sufficient! I'm interested in everything you have to offer! All information is much appreciated and your site is very well-done!
-E.Olson, RN
301. Sonia, Las Vegas

Looking forward to it!

302. Frances303. Mimi
304. Mary, High Desert in Southern California
305. Jan, NJ

I need to do this! I am far from frugal and it would be so liberating for me and my hubby.

306. Sara, Lancaster, PA
307. Jennifer S.
308. Melanie R., Virginia
309. Deborah T., Grand Rapids, MI

Excited for the challenge!

310. Heather B., WI

Can't wait for this challenge to begin.

311. Kathy, Ohio

I'm ready

312. Leah

Ive been watching your posts and wondering what more can i do - so im really excited about this challenge . Thanks

313. Rose

I hope this goes through, as I am looking forward to this challenge.

314. Jackie

315. Barbara M., California

I am a seasoned cheap skate and will keep working on it one penny at a time. Frugality rocks!

316. Tabatha
317. Mary R., Zillah, WA
I'm always ready to learn more to help our family budget, protect our planet, and share the new knowledge with others. :O)
318. Roxanne, Buckeye, AZ

Excited to learn some new was to be frugal and to hear how other people do it.

319. Jane K., Syracuse NY
I am excited to learn new ways of frugality! Lets go.
320. Heather S., Thurmont , MD
321. Rose

looking forward to this challenge :D

322. Cathy J.
323. Susan S., Michigan
324. Meagan, Washington D.C.

I've been looking for a challenge like this! Sounds like the perfect way to make living wisely a lifestyle instead of a hassle. :) So excited!

325. Karen N., Australia

I'm committing to eating only what I grow or catch.

326. Jennifer, S. California
327. Deverie
328. Kelly, St. Charles, MO
329. Kathy S., PA

I already try to live frugally, but it will be fun to focus on that lifestyle with others.

330. Pat D., Springfield, MO

Have a garden and chickens. Will cook more from scratch, learning to make bread, etc.
331. Tina L.

Don't feel bad. I have two chairs with holes in them & I refuse to part with them. Looking forward to the challenge.

332. Elli

Great idea, I'm joining!

333. Crystal M.
334. Charmaine N., Philadelphia, PA
I have been very interested in learning to living frugally and pass these things off to my kids. Thank you for the challenge.
335. Ruth H., Baltimore, MD
336. Amanda, Harrison County IN
My goal for 2012 is to be debt free and pay off the credit cards. So i will take this challenge!!
337. Jeanine M., North FL

This is just what we need, being newlyweds, with some debt. Just talked my husband into it. although, he thought i was talking about fruit at first. lol. living frugally, he said "i have to eat more fruit?", "yes dear".

338. Chloe F., Ocean City, MD
339. Traci K., Williston, North Dakota
340. Cyndy S., Portland, OR

I was planning on challenging myself to only buy 2nd hand for the whole year. The exception being groceries and underwear. I have also decided to give myself 4 wildcards in the event a tire or furnace blows up. So your challenge will kick start my own It will be fun to have the company of like minded people to share this with.

341. Nancy, Virginia
342. Ashley, Alberta
343. Scott and Shannon, Middletown
344. Linda Bloom345. Georgia N., PA

I have been doing this since September, but will try to stretch even further!

346. JP
347. Katie W.

So excited to challenge myself to do this! :)

348. Jody C., Oklahoma
349. Ronnie C., Ray City, GA
350. Jessica K., Golden, CO
351. Heidi, Minnesota

I'm excited about learning new ways to save and recycle and reuse! I'm starting by making all my Christmas gifts this year so hopefully that will go well. :-)

352. Fran, TN

I'm in! I can't wait to get started!

353. Tammy C., Sperry, OK

Needing all the help I can get. would love to live below our means and maybe not work as much outside the home. Thanks for the push in the right direction

354. Heather S.
355. Barbara, Belgium

Might be extra challenging with my birthday being on the 8th. . .but we can do it!!!

356. Ashley, Vancouver, WA
357. Amy D.

Great idea!

358. Justine, Boston, MA

What a great resolution idea! Looking forward to it.

359. Courtney, NY
360. David D., Michigan
361. Paige C., Bethel, ME
362. Phyllis C., Indianapolis, IN
Frugal - I love this!
363. Manju Sara J., Eindhoven,The Netherlands
364. Kerri, Colorado
365. Ann S., NJ
366. Nancy, MO

What a great way to begin the New Year!

367. Dianna A., CA

What a great idea and especially after the holidays. I am excited to learn how to live more frugally. I already have a garden growing all year round (we will see how it goes), make my own laundry detergent and cook from scratch and at home instead of eating out.

368. Jennifer J., Memphis, TN
This is wonderful. We have been 'practicing' this for quite some time now. We always need new ideas!
369. Holly M., Charleston, SC
I have already started this process and I am so excited for this!
370. Leta, MD
371. Moonpie, Oklahoma
372. Allison H., TN
373. Becky

Can't wait. I am ready!!! Hopefully I can get dh and son on board.

374. Heather S., Cincy, OH
375. Click Clack Gorilla, Mainz, Germany
I hope it's not cheating to join up if I already do all of those things (except the thirty-day list). But still seems a worthy thing to sign my name to!
376. Carolyn, Siloam Springs, AR
377. Jenny, Port Huron, MI
378. Caroll F., St. Joseph, MO
I am been struggling with this on my own - will be nice to know there are others committed to this cause!
379. Sammi

Hoping to take pressure off my life as a minimum wage paid college student in debt, and stay happy :)

380. Amy C., Calgary, AB
We're currently working through Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover and have been working very hard to live frugally. I've been amazed to step back and consider where our money has gone in the past and see where we can put it now that we're living more frugally and facing, not only our finances, but ourselves. I would love to learn even more!
381. Nicole, BC, Canada
382. Elizabeth, Los Angeles
383. Katie T., Philadelphia, PA
384. Ruth R., Scotland
385. Ashley C., Athol, MA

I can't wait to start!!

386. Madeleine387. Tessa, Nebraska

I am interested to see if there are any other places for us to cut. I feel like we are living on bare bones as it is!

388. Lauren J., Houston, TX

Whoop :))

389. Chanelle D.
390. Carrie K., Portland, OR

Can't wait to learn more!

391. Debbie, Ohio

I've been toying with making some changes so I think this will be most helpful!

392. Lori, Ontario

What a great idea! I found you through New Nostalgia! Thanks!

393. Shauna E., Bartlett, Tennessee
I already try to live frugally, but every little bit of help counts!!!
394. Kelly R., Albertville, AL

This is a great idea, I can always use help learning new ways to live frugally. Thank you so much for this!

395. Jessica, Grand Forks, ND

30 days!

396. Dani, TX

I love this idea!!

397. Elizabeth T., Appleton, WI

Thanks for doing this! Looking forward to learning more about myself and doing what is right!

398. Machelle

Count me in!!

399. Megan P., Australia
400. Tracey, Netherlands

Looking forward to the challenge and meeting like minded people from around the world!

401. Melissa M., Birmingham UK
Hopefully I'll pick up some great tips that will help some some pennies that will grow into pounds!
402. Roberta, WI
403. Niki R.
404. Megan D., WV
405. Renee, Cartersville, Ga
406. Rebecca, Nebraska

Looking forward to it!

407. Christie K.

We already live fairly frugally, but I'm excited to see how much further we can go!

408. Melanie W., VA
409. Mike and Aimee, MI
410. Penelope, AZ
411. Lorien
412. Martie B., Dyer, IN

Please sign me up for your 23 day Frugal Living Challenge!

413. Marie S.

What a fantastic idea! Our family had planned on doing this ourselves, but it is SO MUCH easier with the support of others! Thanks for coming up with this idea, I'm looking forward to participating!

414. Jessica, Lake Charles, LA

My husband and I are very waste-conscious and we are always on the look out for ways to be more self-sustainable. We just recently (finally) started a garden, we are giving raising rabbits for meat a try, he hunts, I recycle like a mad-woman... I'm eager to see what suggestions you have that we haven't tried. Thanks for your efforts to educate and change the world. We need it.

415. Carrie
416. Rhonda, Lincoln, NE

Glad to have found this blog and excited for this challenge. Great idea!

417. Pamela S., NC
418. Jessica C.

We are going to give up shampoo and tooth paste- stuff is nasty for you and a of waste money.

419. Amy, Wake Forest, NC
420. Tara, Central Flordia

What a great way to start the New Year. We are already pretty eco-friendly and frugal, but there is always new things to do and learn!

421. Ashley G.
422. Patricia
423. Melinda, Maine
424. Angela

We are frugal, but excited to take it to the next level!!

425. Marie B., WI

We really like to live frugal now, so this will be fun to see if you have any new ideas.

426. Melaine, VA
427. Becky Q., Oklahoma City, OK

I'm really excited about this! Let's do it!

428. Susan, Bartlett, TN

I am so looking forward to this challenge!

429. Annie W., Rochester, MN, USA
Wow! This is so exciting. I'm in!!!
430. Ginny P., Hull, GA
431. Carrie, San Diego, CA

As we are hoping to buy a home this year, it will help set us up for a more attainable savings goal that we have only, as of yet, talked about.

432. Mary
433. Michelle, Australia

I'm definitely in! While we try and live frugally sometimes, espeially at christmas we slip bak into the old want, want habits.

434. Johanna K., St. Louis, MO
435. Beth T., SC

Great idea. Will love to hear how many commit to doing this.

436. Karen B., Kings Mountain, NC

I'm ready and willing!

437. KRH, TX
438. Becky M., KY

I am excited to start the challenge.

439. Ro'Chele, PA

It would be fun if the challenge had a goal a day. Like the first day's goal: make and bottle a cleaning product of your choice; second day: plant a vegetable that you use often (outdoors or potted depending on your location), etc. Just a thought. :D

440. Jessica

Count me in, sounds fun. As frugal as we think we might be, we can always get better!

441. Marleen, Upstate New York
442. Kendra, WA

I'm in!!

443. Diann

Although real food will pre-empt garbage faux food, since long term the latter will cost more. And growing a garden in New England (though I can sprout seeds) won't happen in January. But I will follow the spirit of this.

444. Katie N., Prescott Valley, AZ

Hoping to get my husband on board with this and really do it. Thank you for the challenge.

445. Isabel F.

SO EXCITED for this!! Count me in!! With four kids - I am always about saving money.

446. Stacey Sims, Fort Drum
447. Carol, Alberta Canada
I so need to do this!!
448. Diana H., San Antonio

Just discovered your website, love all of the things I'm learning!

449. Alyssa, Mesa, AZ
450. Nicole G.
451. Brianna
452. Nik, Belgium
453. Deborah K., Pensacola, FL

Is there a full list of the 23 ideas? I'd be curious to see them. :)

454. Jessica G.

Perfect challenge for a fresh beginning in the new year!

455. Cheri
456. Becky B.
457. Amy D., FL

I already strive to live frugally. But I want more ideas and motivation!

458. Jennifer W., Anthony, KS
459. Megan, Oregon

Looking forward to this challenge!

460. Catherine M.

I just cut back to 66% at my work for my health and so I can be a better mom to my kids. I am totally up for this!

461. Rhiana
462. Amanda M., Michigan

Excited to give this a try!

463. Mellissa
464. Raye Ann P., San Antonio, TX
465. Angie, Elizabethtown, PA
466. Chelle
467. Theresa
468. Jill R., Thatcher, AZ

I AM SOOOOOO EXCITED ABOUT THIS!!! I need to learn how to curb my impulse spending (among other things) and this is the PERFECT avenue to start!

469. Amanda, San Mateo, CA
470. Monette, Southern CA

I'm ready when you are.

471. Amy

I just found your blog through your amazing shampoo bar recipe and would love to join you in this! I am a new follower.

472. Lori G., GA

This is an area that I can vastly improve. I'm looking forward to seeing the posts!

473. Kristi G., Lexington, TN

Excited about this challenge! Can't wait!

474. Rose M.
475. Jily K., CA

always good to learn more, especially need help on the impulse buying!!! Looking forward, thanks so much

476. Alyssa, TX

Really looking forward to this!

477. Sara, Dryer, IN
478. Bevy, CA

we are already doing what we can to be frugally sustainable. drying clothes on the line, gardening, canning, making most things from scratch, not using commercially prepared cleaners, etc. if everyone did this, we could all breathe a lot better! :)

479. Rosita, Christchurch, New, Zealand
480. Toni B.

I really need all the help I can get. I was just telling my friend that I need a reward chart for not spending money.

481. Vicki R., N. Kentucky
482. Becca B., Chesapeake VA
483. Britni, Ohio

This is great! We already live a pretty frugal lifestyle but with a new baby due in early January we need to recommit ourselves to saving money and knowing when enough is enough. Thanks for such a great challenge!
Oh, and our couch also has a hole in it from our dogs. Someday we'll talk about replacing it, until then it works just fine! :)

484. Daryl Ann, Hawaii
485. ET
486. Meredith, Washington
487. Darci, Boise, ID
488. Gail, Alabama
489. Lisa
490. Jen, Piqua, OH
491. Susan W.

Your examples made me take a look at myself. Our couch has two (small) holes, my boots are literally coming apart at the seams and our van had almost 100k miles on it when we bought it three years ago, and we've driven its rusty self all over the country visiting family. Is that weird?!? I try to live like my grandparents. And it means so much to me to be able to stay home with the kids, life like this is totally worth it. That said, though, there are still some areas that can stand to be trimmed. And I pledge to try!

492. Cherie H., Kansas City
493. Lisa

Excited! Been living frugal, but ready for a challenge and to take it a step farther...

494. Patricia S., Deville, Louisiana
495. Paula, Kansas

So glad I didn't miss out on the begining.

496. Tina

Sign me up!

497. Mandy, PA

498. Lucy, St. Louis, MO

I really need to get back to my frugal ways!

499. Julie, Albany, OR
500. Megan
501. Jackie P., Flordia
502. Hillary P., Hamden, CT
503. Melody M., N. Indiana

I've already been scaling back...interested in seeing "what else" I can do.

504. Kristi G., Lexington, KY

Ready for the challenge!

505. Heather Q.
506. Sheryl A.
507. Kelly, Southern Indiana
508. Karen H., West Point, GA

Looking forward to giving this a shot. Love the concept.

509. Amy, Richmond, TX
510. Mary, TX

Single Mom...Looking for creative & smart ways to save.

511. Shar, Michigan

Bring it on! :)

512. Pam P., TN

This will be good to get me back into the things I use to do like this.

513. Kateb, Toronto

Time to take the step forward.

514. Raymond B., TX

I am trying to become more Spartan, ie reduce all the crap and by learning reach through time to shake the hand of our ancestors. This may be a step along the way, thank you for the invitation. I accept. I do not seem to be able to find your email notification list sign up. Do you have one? I would like to keep up with all your tips.

515. Lola

I have recently retired due to health reasons and find that I need to be tightening the belt even tighter. The challenge is exciting as well as rewarding as the creative juices flow more consistently. I look forward to the 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge along with others. Thanks for making this available.

516. Jenni, Rainer, Oregon

Committing to the 23 days!

517. Sherri W., Peterborough, ONT
I'm up for the challenge!
518. Emily, Pgh, PA
519. Linda A., CA

How refreshing it is to read what you're doing.I've always tried to be frugal and was teased by people. Back in the 70's there weren't many people interested in eating right, thinking about our world or raising a family with good ethics and morals. I'm glad my children are following in my footsteps. I'm looking forward to your challenge.

520. Jen F.
521. Amber C., Lakefield, Ontario
522. Ariana M., TX
523. Suchil C., San Antonio, TX

looking forward to this!

524. Mary, Beaverton, OR

I a signle parent of a darling 3 year old, I would love nothing more than to reduce my work hours to spend more time with her. That is why the concept of living frugally has become so important to me. I am determined for 2012 to eliminate as much debt as possible adn to save as well. I also want to use what we have and not spend money unless we absolutely need it. I have been blessed with a fabulous job, excellent benefits and a wonderful home. However, I have not been using my money wisely and am determined to change this so in the future I can be home more and enjoy more time with my daughter and loved ones.

525. Michelle L., Indiana
526. Robin, VA

Looking forward to this. I feel I waste so much money. Great way to start the new year. Love your blog. I will be trying a few of your recipes this week.

527. Stacy H.

I only had one resolution for the new year, to turn my passion into action. Now I have two resolutions. Making the choice to live frugally falls right in line with my first goal. Can't wait to start.

528. Leann

I am in... we are actually committing for 2012 to do this regularly. I am excited to get started with you and that I found your lovely blog! :)

529. Jennie, N. Illinois
I wish you well on this endeavor and am happy to take part. Hope many many people follow along and take the challenge!!
530. Amy P., Milwaukee WI
531. Cheryl, Indiana

I'm up for it - trying to cut costs and downsize anyway!

532. Cindy F., South Texas

So excited to be a part of this challenge - thank you!

533. Mary E., FL

Sometimes Frugal living is by circumstance, not by choice. But learning how to be frugal, creating awareness of different ways to have a happy, yet frugal existence.

534. Wendy, Shelby, NC

I need this.

535. Joanne W., FL
536. Donna, So. CA
537. Brittani J., Bethesda, MD
538. Vanessa J., Mississippi

Im so excited and this is exactly what I was looking for to jump start my New Year!!

539. Cathy, OH

I already like a frugal lifestyle, but I'm sure there's room for improvement. I look forward to all your ideas

540. Anji M., Atlanta, GA

Very excited to do this. Shouldn't be TOO hard...I'm going to post this on my blog and encourage others to join us!

541. Erica

What a great idea!! Looking forward to this!

542. Denise, St. Louis

Hoping to get control of our spending and living a better life!

543. Jamie H., Lancaster, SC
544. Jennifer, Statesboro, GA
545. Margaret, winnipeg manitoba canada
iam looking forward to this i need to change my habits and learn to live on less and save money rent is going up so high we live in apt and the area is not the best but with cost of food and rent and gas we are struggling on one income and when i feel low i go shopping even in the thrift stores and i spend money on things i can do without so this will be a challenge for me i will cook more at home and make my own coffee i will take this challenge it is my goal i wish every good luck
546. Angel-a T., NM

I consider myself to be incredibly frugal however sometimes we all need extra motivation and support of others. I am taking this challenge to teach my children a lesson and help me get back on track. We will be doing this as a family.

547. Sasha, Illinois

This is so exciting!! I am amazed at the number of people from all over the world that have committed! Lets go people!!! :)

548. Desiree F., Chase, BC CANADA
Love your site, and everything I have read so far! I cannot wait to try and see how much of the 23 day challange I can complete. Thank you for all your great tips this site has to offer so far!
549. Jenny, Cedar Hill, TX
550. Cookie
551. Debbie
552. Keli M.

I'm looking forward to more ideas on what I can do! Thanks!

553. Susan, Alabama
554. Marie, So. CA

This sounds tough

555. Laryn C., Ohio
556. Lydia W., TN
557. Briana
558. Rebekah D., Ewa Beach Hawaii
I am excited to start this journey!
559. Hannah E., CNY

We'll be traveling out of state for "Christmas" with my husband's side of the family for the first three days of the challenge, but I'll hopefully be able to join you for the rest of it!

560. Sherry, TX
561. Louise O., Essex

I'm desperately wanting to live more frugally although I try a small amount I think theres so much more I can do!!!!!

562. Indy, Moore, OK
563. Mike R., Johnson County, TX

My wife and I are financially secure but have been trying to change our life style to be simpler and more fiscally disciplined. I'm excited about trying for 23 day and then if I can add on another 18 it should be habit, 45 days to make a habit is what I have always heard so maybe it will stick :) thanks for the cool website and the frugal challenge!

564. Josh and Libby T., Orem, Utah
Josh just lost his job and we are in serious need of learning to live a frugal lifestyle. Hoping this helps us jump into a new way of living!
565. Lane M.
566. Jordan T., Ft Thomas, KY
567. Jenn, KS
568. Deborah, Wellington, FL
569. Vanessa
570. Christi D., TX

I agree and commit to this pledge for 1 month and hopefully for a lot longer!

571. Kari S.
572. Stephaine S.
573. Tuesday
574. Cindy G., Cincinnati, OH
575. Teresa

Sign me up...can't wait to learn more about frugal living!!!!!!

576. Tina, MI

I'm in...hopefully my family will be too!

577. Joanie S., Greenville, SC
578. M. Smith, IL

Should be fun.

579. Deborah

I look forward to doing this. Thank you. :)

580. Jeana, VA
581. Belma G.
582. Mitzi, GA
583. Jennifer M., Suwanee, GA
584. Rebecca K., Southwest Missouri

I'm in! Thanks! <3

585. Becca, Northern Ontario, Canada
Looking forward to getting to know and sharing experiences with like-minded people through this challenge!
586. Emily H., Philadelphia, PA
587. Stacy B., NY
588. Mikayla D., Utah

Can't wait to start!

589. A

As I have made a point of living frugally for some years, sometimes out of necessity, others out of my belief in the approriateness of it, I want to learn your ways.

590. Brooke, Surrey, BC

Looking forward to this :) We are downsizing in the spring and will be living in our travel trailer until we build our earthship so yes...this will be good for me :)

591. Connie, CO

I'm ready!

592. Melinda
593. Rochelle Y, Tempe, AZ

I am excited to get started.

594. Gil G.

im committing my family! here we go.

595. Kandi, TX

I am excited to try this for 23 days

596. Becca

I've just closed my business and I'm thinking of following another life-long dream of turning my home into a homestead... looking forward to this challenge and getting to know like-minded people!

597. Sandy, Dry Branch, GA

I have been trying to pull my family away from dependence on others. We have come a long way, but need to be in a bigger support group. I need more ideas.

598. Jackie P., Austrailia
599. CRN, Canada
600. Meredith, W. NY
601. Aubrie
602. Mary L., KY
603. Jennifer
604. Pamela
605. Melissa, NH
606. Kim R., The Netherlands
607. Janine F.
608. Nick S., Wilmington/Leland, NC
609. Natalie, Montana

Looking forward to improving myself and my family!

610. Jennie, Northern, IL

I wish you well on this endeavor and am happy to take part. Hope many many people follow along and take the challenge!!

611. Leann

I am in... we are actually committing for 2012 to do this regularly. I am excited to get started with you and that I found your lovely blog! :)

You're next...

See this post and a host of others here: Sunday School, Homestead Barn Hop, Everything Under The Moon, Monday Mania, The Girl Creative, Melt in Your Mouth Monday, Homemaker Monday, Savvy Homemade Monday, Mangia Mondays, More The Merrier, Inspire Me Monday, Cure for the Common Monday, Make Something Monday, Mad Skills, Made By You Monday, Fat Tuesday, Tutorial Tuesday, Traditional Tuesday, New Nostalgia, Patchwork Living, Handmade Tuesday, Teach Me Tuesday, Frugal Tuesday Tip, Under Ten Tuesday, Hearth and Soul Hop, The Sasse Life, Sugar and Dots, Raising Homemakers, Show Off Your Stuff, Simple Lives, Your Green Resource, It's A Keeper, Freaky Friday, Frugal Friday, Friday Favorites, Fight Back Friday, Fresh Bites, Weekend Bloggy Reading, Tip Me Tuesday

Inspirational Sources:
-The Cheapskate Guide: 50 Tips for Frugal Living
-They Call Me The Frugal Zealot

The Homemade Dream Pillow

2011-11-27T07:20:00.000-08:00

Dream pillows have been used for centuries. By using a blend of specific herbs and flowers one is said to be able to experience vivid and meaningful dreams as well as receive relief from nightmares. Today we acknowledge the research that proves the smell of herbs, flowers and essential oils can have a positive effect on our ability to relax, mental health, and our dreams.

Historically, babies were often given small pillows filled with herbs to help calm them or to ease crying during the bedtime hours. They have also been called sleep or comfort pillows, and they were filled with relaxing herbs.

The scent of the herbs in these dream pillows will not be as strong as a potpourri, it will definitely be more subtle. The hope is that they will promote a more restful sleep and ward off bad dreams. If you, or someone you know, has trouble sleeping when traveling, bring a dream pillow with you to as a sleep aid.

Variety of Herbs Useful for Dream Pillows

Anise - Repels nightmares, but be sure to use sparingly.
Calendula - Used to induce restful sleep.
Catnip - Increases restful sleep. Especially good for babies and children.
Cedar - Repels bad dreams.
Chamomile - Used for relaxation and pleasant dreams.
Hops - Aids in restful sleep and healing.
Jasmine - The dried flowers are useful for romantic and erotic dreams, especially for women.
Lavender - These flowers have the ability to ease stress, soothe, and relax. A simple pillow made only with lavender can be simply perfect.
Lemon Balm - A known for it's ability to reduce anxiety and insomnia. Also valuable for relieving headaches and stress.
Mugwort - Protection.
Mullein - Guards against nightmares.
Rose petals - Adds loving and peaceful thoughts to dreams.
Rosemary - Repels bad dreams, but use sparingly due to the strong scent.

Creating Small Pillows

If you are handy with a sewing machine you can easily make small pillows or sachets from various fabrics or you could even make animal shapes that are stuffed with your own herb mixture to give as gifts for children. You could also sew these easily by hand with a simple stitch.

To make a dream pillow, I prefer to use muslin. Begin by cutting 2 identical sizes of fabric. I like these pieces of muslin to be 5" by 5" (Although any size will do. It's a matter of preference). With the wrong sides of the material (if there are any) together, stitch down 3 of the sides to the depth of 3/4". Turn the little sachet inside out so that the seams are now on the inside. Begin filling your sachet with your own herbal mixture or fill it with my favorite recipe below. Once filled to your liking, complete the pillow by stitching the fourth side by hand.

Dream Pillow Recipe - For Peaceful Sleep

- 1 part lavender flowers
- 1 part rose petals
- 1 part chamomile
- 1 part mugwort
- 1 part hop flowers
- 1 part cedar tops
- a small amount of rosemary

Directions: Combine all herbs in wooden or glass bowl and mix with a wooden spoon. Fill small, hand-sewn pillows with enough of this herbal mixture. Note: Be sure not to overfill. The sachet should go unnoticed slipped inside the pillow case.

Tips:

-Dream pillows help you drift off to sleep naturally. Simply insert a dream pillow inside of your pillow case.

-If using dream pillow with babies, you should place the pillow under the crib sheet to avoid a choking hazard.

-The herbs in the pillow will maintain their scent for years. You may want to store them in plastic bags when you are not using them to maintain the scent longer.

-Organically grown flowers and herbs are preferred for dream pillows.

-A few herbs you may want to avoid, secondary to their ability to cause frightening dreams and/or headaches, include: artemisia, bay laurel leaves, Russian tarragon, sage leaves, tansy, and vetiver root.

Pin It

I'm planning to give these as Christmas gifts this year! What homemade gift projects do you have going on?

I purchased all of the dried herbs used in this recipe at a little local bulk herb store. However, I usually order from Mountain Rose Herbs. I trust their quality and appreciate their customer service!

See this post and a host of others like it here: Nifty Thrifty Things, Homestead Barn Hop, Everything Under The Moon, Monday Mania, The Girl Creative, More The Merrier, Inspire Me Monday, Cure for the Common Monday, Make Something Monday, Mad Skills, Made By You Monday, Spa Sundaze, Fat Tuesday, Tutorial Tuesday, Traditional Tuesday, New Nostalgia, Patchwork Living, Handmade Tuesday, Teach Me Tuesday, Frugal Tuesday Tip, Under Ten Tuesday, Wildcrafting Wednesdays, The Sasse Life, Sugar and Dots, Raising Homemakers, Wicked Awesome Wednesday, Show Off Your Stuff, Simple Lives, Your Green Resource, It's A Keeper, Freaky Friday, Friday's Nature Table, Friday Favorites, Fresh Bites, Tip Me Tuesday

Sources:
-http://www.witchs-brew.org/dreams/pillows.html
-http://www.klru.org/ctg/resource/Article/Dream_Pillows/