No, I don't need to spend all of this at Barnes and Noble

**mercurialmaven** · 11-18-2010, 09:09 AM

*cues deep movie intro voice*

In a world where an entire paycheck could go to Amazon.com or B&N in one afternoon. A lone...okay not so lone, young woman seeks her destiny towards not letting money burn a hole into her pocket.

Recovering chronic spender and just all out bad with money. I warned my fiancee of this when we became engaged and he said "Well...fix it." So now I'm working on it. It is nice having money for longer than a day though so I think I can stick with it and I'm learning how much fun I can have crafting my own stuff and being frugal in the process.

I'm a 26 year old jill of all trades living in Northern Virginia. I'm a House Manager (for a live theater) by night and a professional tarot consultant by day. Since it's NaNoWriMo, I've added "writer" to that as well. We're a child-free, cat-filled household; with two lovely "daughters" Tosca and Neko.

I hope everyone is having a darn good day yeah?

Stay classy mes amies!

-Nikki

**Debbie-cat** · 11-18-2010, 09:49 AM

Hi and welcome to frugal village! Way to go on holding back the cash! Bookstores and fabric stores are my weakness.

**Contrary Housewife** · 11-18-2010, 10:29 AM

The library is your friend. They can get most anything for you, even if it isn't on local shelves.

You can also get used paperbacks cheap on Amazon.com. I haven't paid full price for a book in a long time.

**mercurialmaven** · 11-18-2010, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by Contrary Housewife

The library is your friend. They can get most anything for you, even if it isn't on local shelves.

You can also get used paperbacks cheap on Amazon.com. I haven't paid full price for a book in a long time.

I could nearly smack myself when yesterday I found out that the library is about 10 minutes from me by bus. While I was using my car I never knew, but now that I'm trying to go Car-lite, I may just start taking the leisurely ride up there.

I love Amazon's used book offerings. I got a text that would have originally cost me about $40 for $18, couldn't hide the disappointment of paying for expedited shipping and the darn thing taking 2 weeks to arrive though. LOL! Maybe that was a lesson for me in frugality and patience.

Thanks for the welcome.

**mercurialmaven** · 11-18-2010, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by Debbie-cat

Hi and welcome to frugal village! Way to go on holding back the cash! Bookstores and fabric stores are my weakness.

I have a sewing machine I have never used. I don't even know where to begin when it comes to that thing, but I'm sure I'd be able to save money on certain things once I figured it all out. Did you take classes? Thanks for the welcome!

**LuLuBleen** · 11-18-2010, 12:02 PM

I have a sewing machine I have never used. I don't even know where to begin when it comes to that thing...

Have you checked out YouTube tutorial videos? You probably want "real" classes, but not all areas have them.

I sped out of Barnes and Noble the other day. When I walked in, the soundtrack to "The Sound of Music" was playing, which was bad enough. Then it morphed into Julie Andrews singing Christmas music in opera style. It was so horrible I nearly burst into tears (or into flame, I can't remember).

Well, at least it kept me from buying anything.

**dcompton** · 11-18-2010, 01:52 PM

Welcome!

If you are beginning to enjoy crafts, I would definitely look into a sewing class. It would be money well spent. It's not something I enjoy doing, but I'm really glad I know how. It can really be a money saver - especially if you shop carefully for fabric and use fabric store coupons.

**shoiji** · 11-18-2010, 05:19 PM

Sometimes Adult Evening Schools offer classes in sewing. Would be a really cheap way to learn how to sew.

**mauimagic** · 11-18-2010, 06:04 PM

I went crazy in B and N early this year in mid January when their Christmas items were offered at 75% off!! Otherwise I cannot bear to pay full price for their wonderful books.

Do hope you get comfortable with your sewing machine - it's an addiction, but so much fun and worthwhile!!

**mercurialmaven** · 11-18-2010, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by mauimagic

I went crazy in B and N early this year in mid January when their Christmas items were offered at 75% off!! Otherwise I cannot bear to pay full price for their wonderful books.

Do hope you get comfortable with your sewing machine - it's an addiction, but so much fun and worthwhile!!

I'm going to have to make sure I get acquainted with the three level beauty that I just found out exists over by the mall close to me. 75% I can most definitely do.

I'll probably try finding one of those adult education classes. I've wanted to start doing up some of my own faire clothes (instead of buying them) and making floor pillows etc and with winter creeping in on us, now seems like the perfect time.

Worst come to worst I'll just find a youtube video and hope for the best.

Thanks everyone for your warm welcomes!

**frugalfranny** · 11-19-2010, 12:11 AM

Welcome aboard.

Don't forget to check to see if you library sells the used books that it pulls from the shelves. Many do.........and really cheap too........paperbacks and hard backs!

**Labontet** · 11-19-2010, 06:55 AM

Hello mm,
One way to start sewing/crafting is by purchasing clothing, etc from yard sales. These items can be cut apart and used to make pillow, toys, etc. Sometimes you can find good amounts of fabric to make some larger items. This helps to make the items frugal.
Glad you are with us on FV. You will enjoy the ride.

**Debbie-cat** · 11-19-2010, 11:20 AM

I never took any formal classes. Just alot of trial and error. YouTube helps alot as well. Dig it out and have fun with it. You won't be sorry and will add a whole new demension to frugality!

**cuteoldlady** · 11-19-2010, 01:51 PM

The other posters are right...

The library is your FRIEND - I love books too and have kept "my friends" for forever. I am one of those that will read a book over and over again. BUT I will check one out from the library and if after reading it I know it is something I will read over and over - or good for learning something new, I will buy it used. And yes patience is important. Some books I have been trying to locate for years.

The key to the library is to return or recheck your books on time!

Learning to sew can save you a lot! From making Birthday / Christmas gifts to repairing or altering your clothing. Practice with some goodwill finds or any clothes you cant wear anymore anyway. Youtube is a great resource, like someone said, if you cant find any classes or there isnt any at a time when you need them. But sewing is definitely useful!

Welcome to the forum, take the time to explore if you can - there is a wealth of info and ideas here!!!

**mommy2krj** · 11-19-2010, 02:40 PM

Welcome! This frugal village is a great resource! I'm horrible with money too and it seems to go in waves...I'll do good with money for a while and then all of a sudden something comes up and all the good I was doing just goes right out the window!

Books are a big thing for me too. I have just recently reacquainted myself (and my children!) with the public library. Now, if I could get there by myself more often I would be happy. Trying to find books for myself with the 3 year old in tow is a bit challenging! So, I've been reading a lot of the older children's books. Not quite the Young Adult as that is kept out by the adult books (teenagers have their own space at our library) but some good ones.

I love the library. Love it! Would spend a great deal more time there if I could!