All I Need to Get By

One thing I learned from my mom years and years ago, was to shop for bargains, save money, clip coupons and don't be ashamed of homemade or second hand. Trust me, being a girl who wanted the real deal Holly Hobby dress but instead got a handmade original, I learned to be proud of what I wore and how I wore it.

Since being unemployed (yes, the months drag on), I've learned some tricks to saving money. One of my goals for this year was to either buy used, on sale or as a markdown.

You see, I also discovered that I have stuff that I really don't use or need. I have beautiful vintage bowls and art glass and figurines but when it comes down to it, I would almost hate to leave my daughters or Boo with the mess of what to do with it all when surely carnival glass isn't their "decorating scheme". So with that, I've decided to tighten the belt on a few things.

1) If I don't wear something within 6 months, out it goes. I can pick out quite a few blouses that I haven't worn in a year because I no longer like them or they just haven't been a part of my fashion statement.

2) If I do buy something old, new, used, or on a bargain, I must give up something in return. I usually donate my clothing and other items to charity thrift stores here or pass them down to someone that doesn't mind hand me downs.

3) Find someone that has a baby younger than Baby Boo to pass along every sock, outfit, toy and accessory to. Not only do they appreciate it but Baby Boo doesn't even realize when it's no longer here.

4) Buy in bulk and then freeze in quantities that can be used for two more meals. For instance, a huge roast can be cut into threes for Boo and I.

5) Buy cheese in a 5 pound bag and separate and freeze in smaller quantities. I cook with cheese and use to spend quite a bit until I started doing this.

6) Use ground turkey instead of ground beef. It's better for you and the taste is almost the same as ground beef.

7) Have one vegetarian meal a week. Thanks to apricot-tea (my daughter) I've discovered some really delicious recipes.

8) Barter or trade your services with someone else that may be able to help you out. For instance, my neighbor used to cut my hair. She was a licensed cosmetologist before my daughter obtained her license. I would tutor her kids in exchange.

9) Make homemade cards. They are much more heartfelt and I think, appreciated.

10) Trade used books with others that may have a book that you want to trade a book for as well. I buy most of my books used at thrift stores or at the library where the books are 50 cents. I love the opportunity to swap books instead of having them pile up in my bookshelf.

Do you have any tips to share?