down to the basics for survival

**Laura2** · 01-14-2009, 12:22 AM

1. Unplug everything when not in use.
2. Declutter your house/closet. Sell the items online or hold a yard sale.
3. Start a garden. You'll save money on food and you'll have a very cheap hobby.
4. Look for a part time job.

**Siebrie** · 01-14-2009, 05:36 AM

* Take good care of what you already have
* Grow your own flowers, they will cheer you up no end and will chase away the feeling-down-demon
* Keep in good physical condition, it will help boost the feeling that you can do anything you set your mind to
* Treat the people around you the way you want to be treated yourself (aka what goes around comes around)

And further:
* I have to wear a suit to work. The moment I come home I change into 'home-gear', before even greeting dh and baby
* I shower and wash my hair twice a week; the other days I wash myself with a washcloth and a bowl full of warm water. It only takes 1/4 gallon to get clean
* Spread the word about things you are looking for / have to offer; 2 microwaves were offered to me, because I told people my oven had died. I gave a bunch of home-grown flowers in return

**joyofsix** · 01-14-2009, 06:38 AM

Great tips. Gotta love the wealth of information fv's have.
My tips are on ways not to feel deprived.
Use candles. You've probably got a bunch somewhere. Dinner by candlelight makes even rice&beans better and saves electricity. Good for listening to music too.
I take advantage of the local library groups, crochet and cozy mystery club. Absolutely free entertainment (I'm working on a stash of free yarn).
Take a walk, go sledding, putter in the yard, shovel snow. Just get outside. It's exercise, free and really will lift your mood.
Journal this experience. It'll provide a great look back, wonder at your ingenuity and an incentive not to get in debt again. Plain old lined paper is fine, no need for a fancy expensive journal.

**rosey7415** · 01-14-2009, 10:33 AM

some great ideas here. keep 'em coming!!!......even if we aren't posting some new ones, we are out here reading them!! this site is so great for learning from one another!!

**Jilly50** · 01-14-2009, 08:18 PM

coool ideas! This one works for me...I buy darker colored clothing.....grays, blacks etc...because they dont show stains like lighter colors. If I get something on my shirt (which i always do lol)...it isnt ruined. It doesnt show! I must confess to being jealous of you guys with snow to play in...i'm in Texas...sigh....LOL.....

**l8eebugg** · 01-14-2009, 10:55 PM

Jilly 50. Snow....I'll ship you all you want...lol
My thoughts..
solid colored wrap or butcher paper for gifts
drive carefully to conserve gas, no jack rabbit starts and coast when possible.
pick up any money found!!!
don't have children..just kidding
keep oil changed, keeps car running better and longer
then change the oil yourself

good advise from all thanks