Miserly Moms by Jonnie McCoy

A while a go I finished Jonnie McCoy's Miserly Moms. This was a great book and as become a wonderful resource to have. McCoy offer simple ways to save money and life with "less". I love that she tells the reader that at one time she and her husband were living the high life before they decided to turn "miserly". Knowing that she used to live a life that did not worry much about money helps me realize that I too can change my ways and start being "miserly" myself. McCoy also includes some really good recipes that I suggest you try. I really enjoy the microwave lasagna.  

Homemade Febreeze

1/4 cup fabric softener (your favorite)
2 tbsp vinegar 
3 cups water


(If it smells to much like vinegar put in more fabric softener or you can add in essential oils. Tea Tree is nice and it also has some disinfecting qualities) 

It fits perfectly in an old Febreeze bottle.

Saving money

I have not posted in a while, if you had not noticed. I have started compiling information on ways I have been trying to live with less. With my husband and I currently not working I have had to tighten the purse string VERY tight. This means finding ways to save money. I like that most ways people save money they can also help our Earth. So while on the outside I may appear to have become pretty granola, it is not that I am really trying to save the Earthy, I am really trying to save money. The Earth is just a bonus. I hope to post more of my things I have been learning very soon. For now here is a look at some very simple ways to save money around the home. 

Shopping
·         Shop second hand stores, Thrift Stores, Garage Sales
·         Purchase meat in bulk and separate into freezer bags and freeze what is not needed     immediately.
·         Use coupons when possible. Note: Coupons are not always the best deal. Make sure to compare store brands to the name brand. Also, use coupons for items you normally purchase.
·         Stock up on common household items and food when it is discounted.

Personal
·         Stop buying shaving cream. There is really no need to use shaving cream; soap and water work just a well.
·         Find one item to use for multiple uses. I recommend using Castile Soap. It is great to use for body wash, shaving cream, shampoo, baby wash, and can even be used to household cleaning. A large bottle of Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap can be purchased at Kroger for $6.99 and Target for $9.99. It can also be found at most other stores and online.
Gas/Electricity
·         Turn off lights that are not needed.
·         Unplug electronics that are not currently in use.
·         Use a manual can opener.
·         Keep the A/C between 72 and 75 degrees
·         Keep furnace on 65 to 70 degrees

Water

·         Use the water that you used to boil, or steam vegetables to water plants.
Cooking
·         Double recipes so that they are large enough to last several days or freeze left over portions to ready to eat meals later.
·         Cute portions sizes. Hint: eat from a smaller plate.
In the Kitchen
·         Instead of using paper towels start using old towels.  I have taken old towels and cut them to be the size of a regular paper towel. I store them close to the sink and when I need a “paper towel” I grab a rag instead. At the end of the day I put that day’s rags in the dirty laundry. I still keep paper towels on hand for really dirty jobs like pet accidents or other gross things I do not want to wash.
Baby
·         Breastfeed
·         Cloth diapers
·         Make your own baby food
·         Shop yard sales and second hand stores for clothes, toys, books, and other items
·         Instead of buying story books us the Public Library