Adventures in Frugality

One of my goals for 2013 is to find new and exciting frugal replacements for everyday costly items. I am trying to adapt to 2 of these each month. But trial and error so far had me at 50% success...

This week's tip: Homemade Frugal Granola Bars 

They were and still are a huge hit!!

That has saved me considerably on my grocery bill which I am trying to keep around $100 a week. At $3++ a box for the cheap ones and $4++ a box for the quality ones - that is a HUGE savings for us each week. 

I make a double batch of bars and it lasts about 2 weeks. Frugal and tasty! I never liked granola bars before I tried these. I found these to be a treat to eat and so versatile. They can be different every week - you choose the mix-ins, be creative and use what's in your stockpile or on sale:)

Be sure to send in your mix-in ideas and experiences with them.


Next weeks frugal adventure - fabric softener alternatives...

What is frugality to the Proverbs 31 woman?? 

It is the safe keeping of the Lord's blessings.

fka (formerly known as): Waste not, Want not:)

She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness. ----Prov 31:27


Frugality as per wiki:  the quality of being frugal, sparing, thrifty, prudent or economical in the use of consumable resources such as food, time or money and avoiding waste, lavishness or extravagance

Bone broth

this is so practical you'll wish you tried it years ago!

Are You Wasting Your Money??

25 Things Grandma Never Paid For:

By Sally Herigstad
Our grandparents could live on very little money compared to what it takes to keep us going these days. We may not want to live without those modern conveniences and vacations Grandma wouldn't have even dreamed of. But once in a while we should at least remember what we're spending money on that Grandma seemed to be able to live without!

How many of these things did your grandparents never pay for?

1. Air conditioning - at home and in the car.

2. Plastic bags that zip up.

3. Movie rentals.

4. Cruises.

5. Cell phone service. If she wanted Grandpa to come in from the back yard, she had to actually step out back and wave at him. Or just wait.

6. Canned vegetables. That backyard garden was no trendy hobby. She used it to fill hundreds of glass jars with green beans, tomatoes, and other good food, ready for winter.

7. Gym memberships. By the time she got done working in the garden and tracking down Grandpa without a cell phone, she didn't need the gym.
8. Computers, laptops, upgrades, new mice, and other accessories. Certainly not.

9. Internet service. Ditto.

10. Cable. If it wasn't on TV, forget it. (Fiddling with rabbit ears - now that's a vanishing skill!)

11. Pedicures.

12. Eating out, except for special occasions like birthdays. Imagine Grandma saying, "I don't feel like cooking - let's eat out!"

13. Massages. She'd have looked askance at that.

14. Hair foils.

15. Housecleaning services.

16. Child care.

17. Life insurance on her children.

18. Having a tailor change a hem or sew on a button.

19. Feng shui consultations.

20. Catering.

21. A second car.

22. Frozen pizzas.

23. Delivered pizzas.

24. Dog grooming.

25. Health insurance for pets.

I thought this was so true and so funny! I am feeling consumed by expenses this month and this lightened my mood.

Think before you spend this month. Pray for self-discipline. Take control of your spending and the New Year will be much happier!

Blessings to all my bloggers..