Frugal Habits

[vigilant20]

I joined a challenge elsewhere and thought some of you would be interested in it. Just share with us one frugal thing you did today. It can be more if you'd like. Don't worry about repeating someone, and the small and simple things are just fine.

I'm hoping it'll help us choose frugal options and develop money saving habits. We can also pick up new ideas from each other.

My example for today is that I packed a lunch for myself rather than eating in the cafeteria.

[codemonkey]

I also packed my lunch. And I brought some extra sodas from home so I'm not tempted to go to the vending machine later.

I did not ride my scooter to work today, which was very un-frugal of me.

[Irizary]

I paid bills online this morning. I realized that the money in stamps really adds up in a year.

[kazyeeqen]

I didn't buy anything.

[vigilant20]

I tried doing two OAMC recipes and freezing 21 individual servings :) I did chili last night and lentil soup tonight, so they were both really inexpensive.

[Veggily]

vigilant, how long did it take to prepare the 21 meals of chili and lentils? that's such a good idea, and i hope to get my act together to do that someday. (perhaps after i get my freezer!)

i packed bentos for myself, my husband and son. i also used up a loaf of french bread from the freezer that i would have, in the past, left on the counter and thrown out after it got hard.

[vigilant20]

vigilant, how long did it take to prepare the 21 meals of chili and lentils? that's such a good idea, and i hope to get my act together to do that someday. (perhaps after i get my freezer!)

Each recipe took 2 hours. But they were soups so a lot of it was watching it simmer. Once I get going, I'm guessing I should only have to cook something new every 4-5 days. The recipes I'm seeing average 8 servings, so one night of cooking makes a lotta future meals for one person.

[vigilant20]

Brought one of my freezer meals to work for lunch.
Have everything layed out to make my 3rd OAMC meal, Veggie Pasta Shells
Tried to set the water heater down to 120, but the temperature dial is missing...so it'll probably take a few days to guestimate it to the right temperate.

[Veggily]

I decided to make dinner from what was on hand last night, although I had originally planned to go grocery shopping on my way home.


Each recipe took 2 hours. But they were soups so a lot of it was watching it simmer. Once I get going, I'm guessing I should only have to cook something new every 4-5 days. The recipes I'm seeing average 8 servings, so one night of cooking makes a lotta future meals for one person.
Not bad! What a timesaver.

[greensgood]

i just moved....so tired! and have huge piles of stuff i don't need/use, so i posted some ads on craigslist to sell some furniture and of course a FREE pile near the curb, and an ad for free moving boxes or cardboard...hope its all gone by sunday.

i also rode my bike to the market, bank, and to visit my bf at work.

and i set up timers for my hose to water less than the previous people that lived here, and it is getting to be winter so the lawn and plants need less.

[vigilant20]

and an ad for free moving boxes or cardboard

Hope you enjoy the new place! I freecycled my boxes a few weeks ago. There's a surprising demand for them.


I have vegetable broth from scraps brewing in the crock pot
I ate one of my freezer meals for lunch
I'll be making another OAMC meal tonight (lasagna swirls)

[codemonkey]

I rode my scooter to work today. I had to get gas and it only cost me $3 to fill my tank.

[vigilant20]

I borrowed a lawn mower to do my first and last mowing this year. Now I have all winter to search for a freebie or deal on one.
Now that I pay for my own water, I did my dishes by filling the sinks with wash and rinse water rather than running the tap.

[*AHIMSA*]

This is a great thread.

I'm planning on not eating out at ALL in November, unless someone else is buying...I'm adding that as a disclaimer :)

[icreep heather]

I've created a budget that I'm going to strictly adhere to, and I'm going to start cooking and freezing my meals.

[DgyJff]

I just ate a burrito for lunch: rice, black beans, lettuce, black olives, jalapeños, tomatoes, and salsa. It was HUGE and cost me $1.75 :rockon:

[pato1]

I bought a huge pumpkin for a dollar. I will roast the seeds and cut up one third to cook with "piloncillo" (like cones of molasses). I will also cook and puree the remaining 2/3rd for bread and soup.

I have some apples that are looking old. I will either cook or juice them tomorrow.

[abroadinSacto]

I didn't buy anything.

Do you expect us to buy that?

[vigilant20]

Seeing some good tips here :) Yay for budgets!


I chopped up celery and carrots that were going limp and froze them to make veggie broth later.
I went grocery shopping at Aldis.
I made another OAMC recipe and froze the leftovers (cauliflower and potato soup...sooooo good!).
I did my laundry by hand and hung it to dry.

[Ruin]

I asked for a box rather than a bag when I went to the health food store :)

Chopping up and freezing limp celery is a good idea...

[vigilant20]

Making a huge vat of veggie broth from frozen scraps in the crock pot, will freeze it in 2 cup containers.
Made italian bread in the bread machine
Getting back in the habit of putting dirty dishes in a bin under the sink, so they can all be washed at the same time, instead of running the facet when washing each individually.
Going to my brothers to try out a new computer game...free entertainment :)

[nogardsram]

Avoiding purchases.

[*AHIMSA*]

I'm washing all the laundry that I can on the shortest cycle and air drying what I can.

I'm promoting chair massage to avoid having to wash so many sets of sheets and to make more money in a quick and easier manner (saving time!).

I bought an organic basil plant for what 1 bunch of organic basil would cost and I'm re-potting it to encourage it to s-p-r-e-a-d and give me more basil-y-goodness :D

I'm having a yard sale this month.

[vigilant20]

I chopped the rest of my carrots and celery to freeze for soups.
Ate a freezer meal and homemade bread for dinner...and lunch!

[nogardsram]

I thought about buying something but I decided not to buy it.