Every once in a while I like to think about the little frugal things that I do. Mostly because I like to challenge myself to come up with more
So here’s a few ideas of what I’ve been doing this week.
Programmable thermostat:
65 degrees for work nights, 61 during the day and its been warm enough that the heat hasn’t been going on in the day time. As long as I open the blinds/curtains to let the light in.
And the last two days, I’ve had the heat off all together! Yay!
Hand washing most dishes:
I have a single sink, although I wish I had a double one. To reduce water usage, I’ve been hand washing dishes. I use the dishwasher maybe once every week and a half or so., but hand wash the rest of the time. I have been using a large mixing bowl filled with soapy water. Instead of running each dish under running water, I wash it in the bowl. Then rinse off in clean water. Much less water usage!
Line Drying:
Although the original reason was to not shrink my work clothes, I usually line dry all clothes. I use the dryer for only towels & sheets.
Using Daylight:
I have been utilizing the daylight more. I keep the blinds open until it gets dark and keep the lights off.
Minimizing food costs
I’ve been meal planning and eating at home often. This is also healthier
I get the bulk of my fruits & veggies from the local Produce Stand. Eggs are much cheaper there too!
Lowering Electric usage:
I unplug any unnecessary items. I use my toaster maybe once or twice a week. No sense in keeping it plugged in.
Entertainment:
I have been utilizing the library for books, movies, magazines & cookbooks.
This week I taped (yes, I still have a VCR) a movie that I love. Its called Haunted Honeymoon, starring Gene Wilder & Gilda Radner. It was the last movie she did before becoming ill. I’ve been considering buying it on DVD, but now I don’t have to. It was on cable, for free, so I taped it.
I plan on enjoying the nice weather and going to a local park. Free, fun exercise! (I actually walked 2.3 miles at a new park. Its really nice, I will definitely be going back!)
Taking advantage of work perks:
I have been compiling Weight Watchers recipes. My work lets us print out personal papers, so what I do is print out a few recipes each week. I have an old binder from college that I reused to hold all the recipes.
Treating myself:
I splurge a little here & there so I don’t feel deprived. I buy the good Weight Watchers ice cream cups. I go see movies in the theatre every once in a while (the matinee). I feed my movie addiction by the library & Redbox. I have soda at work, but I don’t buy it there. I go out to dinner with my family at least once every couple of weeks. It’s the little things that make me happy, so its easy to splurge on myself.
Frugal Things I've Been Doing
March 16th, 2008 at 01:24 am
March 16th, 2008 at 02:09 am 1205633385
I love some o your tips, like utilizing the library more
you're doing great
March 16th, 2008 at 02:27 am 1205634434
March 16th, 2008 at 02:36 am 1205634960
March 16th, 2008 at 11:58 am 1205668689
March 16th, 2008 at 01:29 pm 1205674170
March 16th, 2008 at 03:38 pm 1205681919
About the line drying sheets, I'd love to do it, but, it really isn't an option right now. I have a townhouse with a big deck, but small yard. I might be able to rig something in the basement, but the summer humidity in my state is pretty high and for blankets & towels, it would take quite a while to get them dry. In the winter, I do sometimes air dry towels (cause they're smaller) by using my drying rack.