~Frugal Living Series~

Here is the series I mentioned that I wanted to do. I was brought up in a large family where I was taught the value of saving hard earned money and stretching a dollar as far as it will go. And while I always knew there was wisdom in that, I didn't wholeheartedly do my best to save money and spend wisely when we first got married. I mean, I tried, but if I wanted the good smelling laundry detergent, I spent $11.00/bottle for it. (I don't care what the companies claim, I've never been able to get 60 loads out of one bottle). And in the early days, I tired to get as much ''organic'' food as I could, sometimes spending upwards of $100.00/week for two people! I know, I see my folly now lol. The ''organic'' thing didn't last long, because it was so much money, and foods like fresh veggies and milk products you can only get a week or less out of them before they get slimy or sour. We were pitching bad food and of course I felt guilty. I soon revised my shopping habits. **quick note about ''organic''** While organic is good, it means FEWER pesticides, not necessarily NO pesticides on crops. Organic veggies are better than organic meat, egg and milk products for this reason: you can still keep diseased animals in filthy, crowed facilities, throw organic grain at them and sell the products at the high organic prices. Personally, I think it is much better to patronize a small, local farm that is dedicated to raising healthy animals in a more natural environment than pay big bucks for ''organic'' food that was trucked 1,000 miles or more from its original location. Even if they feed their animals non organic grain. I'm not just saying that because we farm, but honestly, it makes more sense.   

Anyway, sorry about the hippie rant. Where were we? Oh, saving money, right. So, I really became aware at just how much we were wasting money as a family when while I was in labor for our first child, my husband got a call notifying him about a layoff at the mill. Great. Perfect timing. He did get laid off, one of 200 something workers. We thank God that we had recently bought a skidder to cut wood off our land to sell. He has been cutting wood for nine months now.
  And so my journey to frugal living started, full speed ahead. I'm learning a lot as I go, and some months I do better than others, but I'm striving for ever increasing improvement. I invite you along with me on this journey. Even if you're not in the same situation as we are, maybe you could join me to spend less in general.
  As our great grandmothers always used to say "USE IT UP, WEAR IT OUT, MAKE DO, OR DO WITHOUT."