since starting a frugal lifestyle...

**gottadance** · 07-21-2011, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by shp1055

Hey Bumplett: one of the things you listed not buying was tarter sauce; I bought it from a store once...and only once. That was some really horrible stuff. Did you ever find any that wasn't sweet? YUK, YUK & triple YUK. Love the HM stuff, made with mayonnaise (not salad dressing), dill relish (not sweet), finely minced onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder and a little lemon juice or vinegar. I make it to take places and everyone loves it.

I agree - home made tarter is WAY better!

**gottadance** · 07-21-2011, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by Donna Newearth

We have done the basic cut-backs - malls, starbucks, dinner out - but our big challenge is the movies. We have an 'over 21 only' threatre by us - (no, it's not XX movies, get your mind out of the gutter!! just no kids allowed !!) and we love going to the movies and relaxing, having popcorn and snacks... but easily spend $60...

AND WE HAVEN'T BEEN IN TWO MONTHS!!!

$60? Wow - that's a lot. Don't you have any cheapie movie theaters by you? We have an art house movie theater - hardly any kids go there anyway, because most of the movies are not ones kids would be interested in. It's $7 at night and $5 during the day. I just saw Midnight in Paris there - so good. Then, we often bring in snacks - candy, etc., in my purse.

**gottadance** · 07-21-2011, 11:22 AM

I hardly ever buy desserts or anything to bring to a potluck - I have tons of frozen zucchini and frozen grated apple, so I make bread.

**Saule** · 07-22-2011, 02:47 PM

I have reemphasized making as much as I can from scratch. I bring my lunch from home - it tastes better, besides costing less. I have never used coupons much - I don't really like the things most coupons are for, you don't seem to get them for fresh bananas and fish!

That said, if life gets a bit out of control, I don't feel guilty about picking up the occasional fast food dinner, a loaf of bread, whatever. I try to pick the best available alternative, but do not beat myself up - if that's what I need at the moment, that's what I need.

I am amazed at how many good casual clothing pieces I can pick up at Salvation Army.

**suzanimalbil** · 07-23-2011, 07:56 AM

We no longer buy..
1- Paper towels
2- napkins
3- cable tv(library has rentals - free!)
4- books (library)
5- convience food
6- quit using the dryer
7- wrapping paper ( we use the comics)
8- greeting cards ( we make our own silly cards)
9- bottled marinades/ salad dressings/sauces
10- processed foods
11- bread (make my own)
12- shampoo/deoderant/soap/lotion - free with coupons
13- clothes- thrift store
14- fabric softner/sheets - use vinegar
15- Re-Purpose!!! When we tore down an old deck my husband picked out the good wood and I went online and showed him the one I wanted at Pottery Barn for (gasp)-900.00 and he built it for me!! We found the iron hardware at Big Lots - total spent was 10.00!!!

**oheoh's momma** · 07-24-2011, 12:26 PM

I make my own fabric refresher
I use coupons on all my make up and hygiene products
Still use tide buy only use a little bit on clothes and sheet. Bad whites, towels, and work clothes get more.
I use vinegar for fabric softner and I buy the biggest bottle of fabric softner for the cheapest price. I feel like the vinegar is a little boost.
I use dawn dish liquid and a tooth brush for stain remover.
I cut up old t- shirts, sweats for cleaning rags.
I use coupons for my stockpile.
I make my own homemade tarter sauce, Potato salad, mac salad, tuna, chicken, ham, pimento cheese, cheese balls, doctor cake mixes and brownies from box less than 99 cents a box.
Drink water from a britta filter.
make own gater aid from a mix. rather than the little bottles.
Shop and check clearance every time I go into the store.
Put big purchases on lay away such as tv or cameras.over a $100. no credit card debt.
hubby walks to work and I walk to dollar store, grocery, pay cable bill.
Will not give up cable unless really hard times hit but we are entertained.
using fireplace this winter already have wood from tree falling on our unrepaired.
Clothing and shoes we purchase some at yardsales rest clearances sales.
If we do eat out it is on special ocassions or sometimes the dollar menu maybe 1x a month usually after doctor visits.

**oheoh's momma** · 07-24-2011, 12:27 PM

Unrepaired deck lol

**Frugal-Freelancer** · 07-24-2011, 08:42 PM

I will never buy tampons again -- I had a hysterectomy

**JessieJames** · 07-24-2011, 09:14 PM

I'll never ever buy:
1. Cleaning Rags
2. Trash Can Liners

I will never ever pay full retail for:
1. Cleaning supplies
2. Paper products
3. Feminine hygene products, including tampons
4. Body wash
5. Shampoo and conditioner
6. Razors
7. Aspirin and general pain relievers
8. Laundry detergent
9. Most experiences- for example, I use Groupon a lot. I'd rather buy someone an experience as a gift rather than an item. For example, I paid $25 for a full day of paintballing for DH and my BIL, which included rentals and full use of the paintballing park all day long. It was an experience they'll never forget, they had a blast, and it was super-inexpensive.

**frugalfranny** · 07-25-2011, 12:33 AM

Originally Posted by Libby

I don't think there's really one thing that I've stopped buying. I've cut back on a lot and buy as needed and even then, evaluate if its truly needed. KWIM?
!

I am more with Libby on this one..........I have had a huge cut back on a lot of things.

I seldom use paper plates..........but sometimes I do and will
continue to buy them as needed. Same goes for paper towels.......but I use more of those than paper plates.

I now wash the food saver bags if they can be reused again.

I have cut back on the amt. of laundry soap I use....and some
other things. (shampoo, cream rinse, etc)

My main cut back has been going out to eat......and buying 'convenience or bakery' foods. (but I have to be VERY CAREFUL not to go to the store hungry!!)

So.......it isn't what I have STOPPED BUYING as much as it is
a lifestyle change in what I do use.