Is this good frugal logic? Does it make sense?

**carrie loves bron** · 08-13-2011, 12:05 AM

Being new to actually applying frugality to my life ( I'v been a fan for a long time) it seems like everything starts with a decision. For example- we eat at home we don't go out to eat, we shop as much as we can at thrift stores and yard sales we only buy new if we REALLY need it. Things like that. The "magical" part of frugality or the part that makes that rule cool or un-cool is what you choose to do after that point. For example, with the not going out to eat thing, if I made oatmeal for dinner ( which my kids hate) they wouldn't be very happy about life. However if I try to make something I know they would go for and we set the table and made it look fun or went on a picnic I know that would go over well. I guess it's all in how you present it. Does that sound like good frugal logic? Has that been anyone else's experience?

**oheoh's momma** · 08-13-2011, 12:13 AM

Hi and welcome. I believe u are correct. Frugality can be fun Oatmeal may not be fun for your family but maybe pancakes for dinner is. Having homemade pizza and playing cards with the kids made wonderful memories and frugal.If u try to enjoy it it is easier. anyhoo try rachel rays oatmeal cookie pancake maybe your kids will like them.

**Debbie-cat** · 08-13-2011, 08:07 AM

Welcome Carrie. I agree you have to make fun out of being frugal. I love been frugal but for those who are new at this lifestyle sometimes find that if they make a game out of some of their decisions...no eating out, sticking to a budget at the grocery store, ect..... Find it alot more fun getting into it.

If you need any suggestions, just ask!! There are alot of talented, fun people on this board.

**shoiji** · 08-13-2011, 11:04 AM

I think part of being frugal is also being as creative as you can be. One example I have is that I decided to use cloth napkins instead of paper. I had a large sheet that I never used and decided to make cloth napkins out of it. Ended up with a bunch of napkins that even match my place.

**2ndGenGranola** · 08-13-2011, 02:14 PM

I believe all of it is in how you present it.

We deal with all kinds of food allergies. When the boys were small, I had to pack snacks for them for church. One night I packed plain air popped pop corn in a cutesy bag. All the kids who had the fancy name brand $$$ snack all wanted to trade for his air popped pop corn. The teacher had to move him away and watch him! LOL! Who would have known that a cup of air popped pop corn would have created such a stir. The teacher was still laughing when we picked him up.

I don't have just one set of dinner ware. I have fast food baskets, school lunch trays, square white, round clear.. I could seriously serve the same meal every night and me be the only one who knew because it all feels new if it looks new.

**AmyBoz** · 08-13-2011, 09:20 PM

It's definitely all in the presentation. My kids would be thrilled if I had oatmeal/cereal for dinner. In fact, on nights when DH has to work late, I'll say, "Cereal for dinner!" and I get big cheers.

Love the picnic idea someone mentioned...that's always fun!

And yes, it does always begin with a decision. I can decide to do this frugally or I can decide to spend.

**Darlene** · 08-14-2011, 01:55 PM

It goes for all aspects of life... it's what you make it. No need to suffer, find a way to make it work and enjoy! Attitude is everything & you've got a good one going.

**dinah** · 08-14-2011, 05:20 PM

it's all about state of mind. if you think frugality = boring & yucky then it will be boring & yucky.

but if you think frugality = simplicity & being smart then life will be simple and full of smartness!

but, it's one thing to write this down...it's another to actually put it in practice and keep the right frame of mind.

**mamamia** · 08-15-2011, 01:46 AM

Yup!!! Presentation = FUN, FUN, FUN!

I don't know how old your kids are, but when mine were a little younger than they are now, I knew just what to do for with them to get thru a really tough week. One of our old "standby meals", is pasta with garlic and butter and cheese, or our other favorite, fettuccine allfredo. And more times than not, we'd have both in the same week. (being italian helps...lol) But anyway, instead of just doing things "normally", we'd make it "pasta night". Break out the crayons, markers, paper, cardboard, etc., and put the kids to work making themed drawings to hang in the dining room so it looked like an italian restaurant. I have 4 kids, so gave them roles like waiter, bread server, pepper grinder, cheese server, an so on. Not only did they love it, some of their friends wanted to eat over those nites....lol!

You can do this with Mexican, Chinese, All American, Breakfast for dinner (we caled this upside down nites....WAY fun

), etc. They never had an idea that we were broke, but after all the fun they had, I doubt they would've cared anyway!

This was a great topic, clb! And it's agreed.....presentation and attitude is everything!

Theresa

**SewFrugal** · 08-15-2011, 12:28 PM

Yup, you're on the right track. Being frugal can bring about creativity especially in kids. This is a great way to even teach them to cook! And, they get to spend some real quality time with mom!

**foxxyroxie** · 08-16-2011, 05:04 PM

Frugality to me is saving in some areas so you're able to 'splurge' in other areas. Some people chose not to eliminate vacations, eating out, or buying new things so they can spend a little more on the things that they truly enjoy. It's all about personal choices and living within your means and within a budget. I buy thrift store clothes and coupon so I can eat out a couple times a week with church friends. Make dinner fun... let the kids chose a night where they get to pick what is for dinner. This way everyone is involved in meals and menu planning and you can still control the budget.
Homemade pizza nights are wonderful, especially when the kids get to customize their own personal pizzas with their favorite toppings. Make theme nights like Mexican Fiesta (tacos/burritos/taco salad with beans and mexi-rice), Chinatown (stirfry, eggrolls), Italian Night (spagetti/lasagna), Western (cowboy beans, cornbread), Picnic (homemade sub sandwiches on hotdog buns/potato salad/watermelon), Southern night (crockpot BBQ pork butt roast, pintos, greens, cornbread). All of these menus are frugal and simple.Get the kids involved in helping you prepare the meals, with supervision of course. Most times, kids are only involved in setting and clearing the table which to them seems more like work than fun.
Sorry it was so long but I hope this gives you some ideas.

**ncarr** · 08-16-2011, 06:34 PM

having a positive attitude has made all the difference to me as well

**adelaide** · 08-19-2011, 02:39 AM

Originally Posted by shoiji

I think part of being frugal is also being as creative as you can be.

I agree with this. Frugal to me is making fun times less expensive so instead of a play centre and cafe, try going to the beach with fish and chips, cheap or free family days over amusement parks.

Frugal living doesn't have to be daggy or embarassing, there is so many ways to make a good day frugal.

We went to a train museum here recently and as we didn't have much money that week we packed our own lunch so instead of spending $20 on food, we had sandwiches and cut up fruit. It meant more money for the train ride and an ice cream each later.