Frugality

Hi there! To the few that look @ my little blog I'm sorry it is has been so uninteresting and boring lately. :) I have a lot of blog ideas but need the help of my wonderful husband for the pictures. He has been super busy with photography lately, which I am praising and thanking God for!

This quick post is about small ways that we, the Pearlsteins, try to honor God through the money He blesses us with and make it last. Ways I try to be frugal...

1. Using cloth diapers...lately I have been burnt out on this, maybe I should hurry up and actually potty training Ellie. :) But this is a great way to serve and sacrifice for the benefit of my family's finances.

2. Make your own bread! I just started this a couple months ago. We have really enjoyed all this whole wheat goodness!! Today I ventured out and tried a new recipe...pesto swirl bread. It turned out well and will go along side the spinach quiche I made for dinner tonight. Which Elli calls egg pie, that works too. :)

3. Make your own laundry soap...sound weird? I thought so at first too. But it is super easy, super cheap, and smells good.

RECIPE~ 1 bar of ivory soap grated like cheese
1 C. borax powder
1 C. washing soda (NOT baking soda)

**borax and washing soda should be on your laundry detergent aisle, if not I know it is on Amazon**
~Use 2 Tablespoons per large load~

4. Shop on the clearance rack and Thrift stores for your clothes. I know some people do not enjoy the "hunt" but you might once you see how much you can save. And, some thrift stores will have sales, which I think is hilarious.

5. Ditch the cell phones!! Did I just write that?? We use Magic Jack for our phone. It is an internet phone so you have to have high speed dsl, which we pay $35 a month for. The Magic Jack is $70 for two years, unlimited local and long distance. That $70 is not per month, but for two years! I will say that my husband was not as inclined to dropping the cell phones, but was willing to give it a try which I am thankful for. He says now that it has not been that bad and is glad we did it.

6. Make a menu for your family's meals. Before I go grocery shopping I make a two week menu. I think this is fun and actually get excited about it. Why do I make it two weeks? Because a wise, older woman at our church was sharing with me that the less you are in the stores the less tempted you are to splurge on something. She is right! Now, I do have to make another little trip in between for more produce, but I usually do not make a splurge buy because I have a list and I do the envelope cash system (thanks Dave Ramsey!).

7. Eat breakfast for dinner one night a week. (It could be another inexpensive meal that your family would prefer over breakfast.)

8. Make your own breakfast foods. With my little helper Ellie we make this on Tuesday mornings when Athan is napping. We make granola, it is really yummy and so easy. You can find a number of recipes online. We also make quick breads, banana, pumpkin, or whatever you like and spread peanut butter over it. On the weekends I will try to make eggs or pancakes. Here is the pancake recipe we use. It takes pancakes to a whole new level, if there is such a thing.

9. Check most of your movies out @ the library. You might have to wait a few weeks but that will make it even more enjoyable.

10. Buy raw milk. Is this cheap? No. But it will benefit your health in the long run, which is really an investment.


I have only touched the tip of the ice burg when it comes to frugality. These were just to spark your imagination for your own family. I want to mention a few things before closing. Frugality will look different from family to family. What works for us may not work for you. Also, the cheapest way is not always the best way to live. If cloth diapers is too much for you and you find yourself snapping at your children, feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, then just stop. Peace and a happy Mama are more important. Maybe you could try again in a few months. There are many seasons in life, and some call for convenience.

There, I posted. I feel better. Have a great night!