<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Frugal Hacks &#187; Out of the Box Frugality</title>
	<atom:link href="http://frugalhacks.com/category/out-of-the-box-frugality/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://frugalhacks.com</link>
	<description>Good stewardship in action.  How do you do it?</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:29:10 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2</generator>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
			<item>
		<title>Frugal and Creative Christmas (or other) Gifts</title>
		<link>http://frugalhacks.com/2009/12/04/frugal-creative-christmas-gifts/</link>
		<comments>http://frugalhacks.com/2009/12/04/frugal-creative-christmas-gifts/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:50:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>DeputyHeadmistress</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Out of the Box Frugality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money-saving hacks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugalhacks.com/?p=1650</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For children- the best way to reduce your children's expectations and cases of the 'gimmes' is to turn off the television, or at least the commercials, and take them to the library or the park instead of the mall or toy shop.  If they don't know what's out there, they can't yirn for it (yes, [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/12/07/10-frugal-gifts-im-giving/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 10 Frugal Gifts I&#8217;m Giving'>10 Frugal Gifts I&#8217;m Giving</a> <small>Whew! I just crossed the last item from my Christmas...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/12/18/money-writing-homemade-gifts-men/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Make Money Writing, Homemade Gifts for Men, and More'>Make Money Writing, Homemade Gifts for Men, and More</a> <small>I've just signed up at Associated Content, where you can...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/12/11/9-frugal/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 9 Frugal Things to Make and Do for Christmas'>9 Frugal Things to Make and Do for Christmas</a> <small>This braided headband is made using scraps of cloth you...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For children- the best way to reduce your children's expectations and cases of the 'gimmes' is to turn off the television, or at least the commercials, and take them to the library or the park instead of the mall or toy shop.  If they don't know what's out there, they can't yirn for it (yes, yirn is what I meant):</p>
<p>Use magazine or catalog pages (because they are glossy so hold up better) and <a href="http://www.mathematische-basteleien.de/paper_ship.htm">make a set of paper boats</a>.  Make them really small and give them in an old metal tin formerly used to house mints (altoids, usually). Paint the tin or decoupage it if you like.</p>
<p>Use the old metal tins to hold the beads from several pieces of costume jewelry picked up at a thrift shop or yard sale (or from your old stash)- take apart the costume jewelry and give the beads, findings, and a bit of floss or fishing line to a child interested in making her own necklaces or bracelets.</p>
<p>We have found lots of old classic board games and puzzles at the thrift shop.  Games are easier to check to be sure they have all the pieces, and you can either take a chance with a puzzle or watch for puzzles that haven't been opened.</p>
<p>A small basket of 'go-together' things from the thrift shop and your own head:</p>
<ul>
<li>A couple of matchbox cars, a book about cars, a toy stop sign or house, and a plastic or vinyl placemat upon which you have drawn a few roads.</li>
<li>A toy shark, a book about sharks, and a framed picture of a shark (you frame it from a picture from an old calendar or a book that the thrift shop tossed in with a batch of other books because it was falling apart), or some viewmaster cards about ocean creatures.</li>
<li>A 'bedtime basket: two or three bedtime story books, a stuffed animal, and a comfy pair of pajamas made from a pair of sweat pants and a co-ordinating t-shirt.</li>
<li>A jump rope, a set of jacks, and a book of jump rope rhymes (you could put this together yourself from jump rope rhymes you find online.</li>
<li>Blocks and toy soldiers or toy animals.</li>
<li>Have you ever noticed how many Christmas ornaments would also make nice items for the dollhouse?  Don't do this if any of your children still mouth their toys, as Christmas ornaments are not tested for child safety issues, such as lead paint and other hazards.  Use common sense.</li>
<li>A few wood scraps, some old tools (simple things, a small hammer, a screw-driver, a wrench), and some nuts and bolts.</li>
<li>A home-made batch of play-dough and some cookie cutters and a rolling pin from the thrift shop, along with other odds and ends that would make interesting shapes and patterns in the dough.</li>
</ul>
<p>For young cooks or older cooks, look for small kitchen gadgets and build a present around that. One year at our house the 'easter basket' for each of our little girls was a stainless steel mixing bowl, a small wooden spoon, a small whisk,  and a small baking tin, and it was a big hit. Other kitchen related presents I thought of while browsing the thrift shop:</p>
<p>A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00196WGSI?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cmasonideas-20&amp;linkCode=xm2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creativeASIN=B00196WGSI">nutmeg grater</a> (I picked one up at the thrift shop for .50), a couple of whole nutmegs (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00017WSNE?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cmasonideas-20&amp;linkCode=xm2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creativeASIN=B00017WSNE">this package</a> could contain as many as a dozen whole nutmegs so you could make several little presents with them), and a batch of a recipe using grated fresh nutmeg along with a copy of the recipe (or forego the batch if you the present won't be opened for a while).  We like <a href="http://heartkeepercommonroom.blogspot.com/2008/10/whats-for-breakfast_30.html">nutmeg muffins</a>, immensely.</p>
<p>Cookie cutters, colored sugars (you can make your own by putting sugar and some food coloring in a small jar and shaking very, very well), and a recipe for sugar cookies.  Include a batch of dough if the present is to be opened immediately (<a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/09/FD5114F6QO.DTL&amp;type=food">this freezer recipe</a> looks good).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KEYDFO?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cmasonideas-20&amp;linkCode=xm2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creativeASIN=B000KEYDFO">A fluted pastry cutter</a> and a recipe for <a href="http://southernfood.about.com/od/cookierecipes/r/bl30409w.htm">these cookies</a> (instead of cookie cutter shapes, roll out the dough and use the pastry wheel to make squares and diamonds), or for home-made noodles.</p>
<p>A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XEDUNM?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cmasonideas-20&amp;linkCode=xm2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creativeASIN=B000XEDUNM">teaball or tea infuser</a>, a teacup and saucer (or a pair) and some looseleaf tea (check your local natural foods store, or consider making your own blend).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004OCKT?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cmasonideas-20&amp;linkCode=xm2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creativeASIN=B00004OCKT">An apple corer-slicer</a> and a recipe for an apple dip. If  you find a pretty bowl with a lid this would go nicely with this present , especially if you fill it with a batch of the dip.=)</p>
<p>For somebody with a green thumb:</p>
<p>If your recipient has a sunny window, consider a pretty pot of soil (I saw lots of pretty planters at the thrift shop) and some herb seeds, or buy some mint at the grocery store (produce section) and plant it in a pot.</p>
<p>A book on gardening , some seeds, graph paper, and an out of the ordinary gardening catalog (<a href="http://johnnyseeds.com/">Johnny's Selected Seed</a>, <a href="http://www.seedsofchange.com/">Seeds of Change</a>, <a href="http://www.territorialseed.com/">Territorial</a>, <a href="http://www.groworganic.com/default.html?welcome=T&amp;theses=6359352">Peaceful Valley Seeds</a>, for example)- I saw lots of nice books on gardening at our thrift shop- not all 'how-to' books, but also pretty coffee table books, devotional type books, gardening memoirs both funny and sad.</p>
<p>A pretty shallow bowl, some flat glass beads, and a bulb for forcing.</p>
<p>For a young couple:</p>
<p>A basket of Christmas decorations</p>
<p>A pair of matching mugs or bowls and home-made hot cocoa mix, spiced tea, or ice-cream topping; add a deck of cards or some other game.</p>
<p>For a man:</p>
<p>Find a nice  'manly' tin, and wrap up a batch of cookies or home-made bread.  Include a home-made certificate entitling the recipient to one refill (or one refill a month, or membership in a 'cookie of the month' club).</p>
<p>Pick up a good thermos, if you can find one (I've seen a Stanley thermos at our thrift shop a couple of times), or a couple of sealable lunch containers.  Promise to keep them filled.=)</p>
<p>Put together a shaving kit- I found a boar hair bristle brush one year (admittedly, this will not be a common find, but you never know, and the point of this post is to prime your pump, not give you a dot to dot list), and included the brush, a bar of goat's milk soap, and mug to put it all in.   You can add a good razor and some aftershave.</p>
<p>A tie and a tie-pin- and if you cannot find a tie-pin you think he'll like, put together one of your own by finding a plainish, flat tie tack and using something like a dab of Gorilla Glue to attach a better front- look through thrift shop jewelry, craft supplies, and even on the fastentings of clothes to find something you think he'll like.</p>
<p>If your guy travels, you can put together a traveling kit for him- look for a nice small and manly bag at the thrift shop and add things like:</p>
<ul>
<li>small bottle of shampoo</li>
<li>nail clippers</li>
<li>pain-killer</li>
<li>chapstick</li>
<li>unscented lotion</li>
<li>mouthwash</li>
<li>toothpaste</li>
<li>toothbrush</li>
<li>floss</li>
<li>laminated photo of you and the kids</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://artofmanliness.com/2009/11/27/the-art-of-manliness-holiday-gift-guide-2009/">While the items on this list</a> are not exactly frugal, this is a really good source for ideas on all things manly.</p>
<p>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p>Those are a few of the ideas I had while browsing the thrift shop.  What are some of your more creative ideas for frugal gift giving?</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/12/07/10-frugal-gifts-im-giving/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 10 Frugal Gifts I&#8217;m Giving'>10 Frugal Gifts I&#8217;m Giving</a> <small>Whew! I just crossed the last item from my Christmas...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/12/18/money-writing-homemade-gifts-men/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Make Money Writing, Homemade Gifts for Men, and More'>Make Money Writing, Homemade Gifts for Men, and More</a> <small>I've just signed up at Associated Content, where you can...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/12/11/9-frugal/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 9 Frugal Things to Make and Do for Christmas'>9 Frugal Things to Make and Do for Christmas</a> <small>This braided headband is made using scraps of cloth you...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugalhacks.com/2009/12/04/frugal-creative-christmas-gifts/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Overload, Chaos, and Organizing My Pantry</title>
		<link>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/12/26/overload-chaos-and-organizing-my-pantry/</link>
		<comments>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/12/26/overload-chaos-and-organizing-my-pantry/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2008 06:09:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>DeputyHeadmistress</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Links]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Out of the Box Frugality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[announcements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cheerful frugality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[free stuff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[showcase of blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[what's in my hand?]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugalhacks.com/?p=802</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I started out to write an altogether more philosophical sort of post, but I couldn't get it done the way I wanted to in the time frame I gave myself, so I'm working on that for next week. I sort of introduced my topic over on my other blog- you can click through here to [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/04/29/swagbucks-coupon/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: SwagBucks coupon'>SwagBucks coupon</a> <small>If you haven't starting using SwagBucks.com yet, now's the time. ...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/10/02/flexibility-hand/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Flexibility In Your Hand'>Flexibility In Your Hand</a> <small>A while back in a post on my regular blog...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/12/14/frugal-tactics/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Frugal Tactics For Cookie Baking'>Frugal Tactics For Cookie Baking</a> <small>I hauled home a 4-lb bag of chocolate chips this...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I started out to write an altogether more philosophical sort of post, but I couldn't get it done the way I wanted to in the time frame I gave myself, so I'm working on that for next week. I sort of introduced my topic over on my other blog- <a href="http://heartkeepercommonroom.blogspot.com/2008/12/frugal-yet-disorganized.html">you can click through here</a> to read it.<br />
So in way, the following post is part three of a two parter, in which part one has yet to be finished. Yes, that is the way my brain functions (or malfunctions, if you prefer), which is why I need to spend some time regularly.....<br />
Re-Organizing My Pantry<br />
<span id="more-802"></span></p>
<p>This project often results in the discovery of bottles and jars of foods I forgot I had, and can't figure out why I have them in the first place.  <a href="http://www.supercook.com/">Supercook</a> is the frugal but disorganized cook's best friend.  Type in an ingredient you have on hand and want to use, and see what comes up (you can type in more than one ingredient).  For instance:</p>
<p>Mango Chutney brings up over 300 recipes.  Each recipe title tells me the other ingredients I would need- a dip with cream cheese, a yogurt chutney with just the addition of yogurt, and, hmmmm:<br />
<a href="http://www.supercook.com/show_dish.asp?l=http://www.recipezaar.com/116705">Curried Beef with Potato and Peas</a>.  Supercook is like a giant Google or Dogpile search engine connected to cookery websites:</p>
<blockquote><p>Most recipe search engines are very simple: a user types a query (like 'shrimp with garlic') and the engine returns a list of recipes which contain those words. Typically, the recipes returned will require many additional ingredients the user might not have at home. When coming across an interesting recipe, the user then either leaves out the additional ingredients or heads out to the supermarket to buy them. It is precisely this problem that Supercook aims to solve.</p>
<p>Supercook returns recipes you can actually make right now with the ingredients you have. It even tells you exactly how many recipes you can make, broken down into 'Starters', 'Entrees' and 'Dessert' categories. With Supercook, finding a great recipe is no longer a hassle, simply put in all the ingredients you have at home and Supercook will instantly provide you with hundreds of recipes that are all within your reach. If a recipe requires ingredients you do not have, Supercook takes the guesswork out by clearly listing the additional ingredients you will need. This eliminates wasted time spent browsing through recipes to determine whether or not a recipe is right for you.</p></blockquote>
<p>As we organize our pantry, we put like foods together- all the nuts and raisins are in one area, for instance, because they are both used for baking and adding to other foods.  All the small seasoning packets, jello, and puddings go in one basket because they are all convenience foods (something I hope to discuss more next week).  Pastas, all sorts, are all in one corner, while canned soups, tomato products, and tuna are lined up in order nearby.  Something else we might consider is  a tip the grocery store uses- order items by expiration date, with the oldest items in front and newer items in back.  This way food doesn't languish in the dark corners until long past the expiration date.</p>
<p>I then plan menus, looking for recipes using the ingredients I already have on hand as much as possible. When I can't find a recipe limited to what I have on hand, I look in the sales fliers and choose ingredients based on what's on sale. I plan menus at least one week advance, preferably two, sometimes for an entire month.<br />
I usually only plan out the main dishes. Side dishes tend to take care of themselves, since I keep frozen vegetables on hand, and lunches for us are generally leftovers.<br />
As you look through your own inventory of what's on hand, be sure to think creatively- for instance:</p>
<p>those last rice crispies or corn flakes you bought to make marshmallow treats with can be used with butter and seasoning to top casseroles, ground up as bread crumbs or extenders for meatloaf.</p>
<p>The last few red hots from the bag of candy for gingerbread houses can go in teas or hot apple cider for a warm, cinnamon spicy drink.</p>
<p>The sugar you're sick of and fear will interfere with your plans for a sugar-free New Year? Make some sugar scrubs- basically half vegetable oil and half sugar, a few drops of essential oil if you have it, and scrub your hands, legs, entire body while showering. This stuff makes your skin feel so good-<a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/homemade-sugar-scrub.html"> perhaps because</a></p>
<blockquote><p>sugar cane produces glycolic acid, one of the natural alpha hydroxy acids that exfoliates the skin</p></blockquote>
<p><a href="http://andrearhouse.blogspot.com/2008/11/christmas-gift-ideas-bath-salts-and.html">There's another easy recipe for one here</a> (scroll down, it's the second one, and white sugar is one of the acceptable substutitutes).</p>
<p>What else do you have? Share in the comments, and maybe we can brainstorm some ways for you to use it up. Or share a tip on organizing the pantry, or some creative way you've used up the last of something lurking in your pantry. Once you've organized your pantry, what's the oddest thing you discovered? I'll tell if you will.=)</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/04/29/swagbucks-coupon/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: SwagBucks coupon'>SwagBucks coupon</a> <small>If you haven't starting using SwagBucks.com yet, now's the time. ...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/10/02/flexibility-hand/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Flexibility In Your Hand'>Flexibility In Your Hand</a> <small>A while back in a post on my regular blog...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/12/14/frugal-tactics/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Frugal Tactics For Cookie Baking'>Frugal Tactics For Cookie Baking</a> <small>I hauled home a 4-lb bag of chocolate chips this...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/12/26/overload-chaos-and-organizing-my-pantry/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Look in Somebody Else&#8217;s Flower Box</title>
		<link>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/07/02/look-in-somebody-elses-flower-box/</link>
		<comments>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/07/02/look-in-somebody-elses-flower-box/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:00:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Out of the Box Frugality]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugalhacks.com/2008/07/02/look-in-somebody-elses-flower-box/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[OK, maybe I lied. Maybe I do have a few frugal ideas left. Kim lets me hang around in case I get inspired. Today I'm inspired... and it happens to be Wednesday so I thought I'd post.
I have a purple thumb, but I'm persistent. I have killed two of just about every plant I've ever [...]


No related posts.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img vspace="5" align="left" width="136" src="http://frugalhacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/ootbsmall.jpg" hspace="10" height="175" />OK, maybe <a href="http://frugalhacks.com/2008/06/04/packing-boxes-and-closing-shop/">I lied</a>. Maybe I do have a few frugal ideas left. Kim lets me hang around in case I get inspired. Today I'm inspired... and it happens to be Wednesday so I thought I'd post.</p>
<p>I have a purple thumb, but I'm persistent. I have killed two of just about every plant I've ever tried to grow. I've learned that annuals in a large pot on the front porch work for me. I just have to remind the kids to water them. Thank God it's rained most of the summer! lol</p>
<p>Other than commercial gardens, the only private gardens I've ever toured were members of the garden club I belonged to several years ago. I only joined in hopes of learning something, which I didn't, or to be inspired, which I wasn't. I was completely intimidated. Many of these women were master gardeners and most of them were retired with y-e-a-r-s of gardening experience. They had amazing gardens. I had 3 boys under the age of 6, the ability to kill marigolds and a raw property that needed <em>serious </em>landscaping to be even a little plantable. Gorgeous dream gardens weren't going to happen at my house.</p>
<p>One of the ladies from church invited me to her house last week. When I pulled in to the driveway I was completely blown away. From the red, white and blue buntings and rockers on the front porch; to the white picket fence with arbor, gate and climbing roses; to the hostas growing in the shade, somebody should take pictures of this place for a magazine! I was smitten. I asked her about her experience, how she did it, where she started, etc. Because it was raining I didn't get a tour, but I was able to go back today.</p>
<p>Sally is a mere mortal with a job, husband, several grandkids and a normal life. She has no master gardener certificate and told me she's killed her share of plants too. She said she just wanted to garden and starting planting things she liked, one plant at a time. Some grew well and some didn't. She learned what worked and moved or killed what didn't. I love the style that she's established! Romantic cottage gardens with lots of roses make me swoon.</p>
<p>So often we get intimidated by the "master gardeners" of frugality. We see how many amazing things they are doing, how much money they are saving, how many thousands of dollars of debt they've paid down or what great finds they nab. Sometimes it's discouraging to those starting out. But like my friend Sally just picked one plant and put it in the ground, you only need to embrace and apply one frugal idea at a time. You also need to find someone with a garden you love to answer your questions and inspire you as you get started. The same goes for frugality.</p>
<p>When you read blogs on frugality, I encourage you to pick up hints and tips, but also remember that this person, like my master gardeners, may have spent the last 10 years learning how to be frugal. I also encourage you to find bloggers whose lifestyle is similar to yours. I don't read blogs on serious portfolio building. That's Rich's thing. I read frugal blogs written by moms like me trying to be better homemakers. They inspire me, like Sally's garden.</p>
<p>Today I realized it won't take too much to transform the gardens the previous owner left into something that will make me smile. When I read frugal blogs I know that by applying a couple ideas I can save my family some additional money. Gardening doesn't seem quite so scary anymore. Frugality hasn't been scary for quite awhile. And if I need a bit of inspiration or a garden question answered, I have Sally's number. Or I can pop on over to the Frugal Hacks <a href="http://frugalhacks.com/?page_id=65">blogroll</a> and rub shoulders with some of frugality's finest. <img src='http://frugalhacks.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>


<p>No related posts.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/07/02/look-in-somebody-elses-flower-box/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Packing Boxes and Closing Shop</title>
		<link>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/06/04/packing-boxes-and-closing-shop/</link>
		<comments>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/06/04/packing-boxes-and-closing-shop/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:00:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Out of the Box Frugality]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugalhacks.com/?p=595</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When it comes to frugality, I've never been a number cruncher. Budget people with spreadsheets that detail every expenditure to the penny make my head spin. Folks who play the CVS game leave me in awe. I know my talents. Understanding and making ECBs dance are not among them. I'm an idea girl and a Providence seeker.
My frugal philosophy has always [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/11/09/how-to-stop-buying-stuff/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Frugality Is Not Black &#038; White'>Frugality Is Not Black &#038; White</a> <small>Writing about frugality is trickier than it looks. There's always...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img vspace="5" align="left" width="136" src="http://frugalhacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/ootbsmall.jpg" hspace="10" height="175" />When it comes to frugality, I've never been a number cruncher. Budget people with spreadsheets that detail every expenditure to the penny make my head spin. Folks who play the <a href="http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2008/03/qa-making-cvs-w.html">CVS game</a> leave me in awe. I know my talents. Understanding and making <a href="http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2008/03/cvs-101.html">ECBs</a> dance are not among them. I'm an idea girl and a Providence seeker.</p>
<p>My frugal philosophy has always been very simple: pray and wait on the Lord. Everything else is just a variation of that theme. If the object or problem in view is truly a need or a <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2037:3-7;&amp;version=31;">desire of the heart</a>, the answer <em>will</em> turn up whether it's 10 minutes or ten years from now. I pray and wait and let God do his thing. He always does. God has shown me over the years that if money's the "problem", I have no problem. I'm his child. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He <em>will</em> provide <em>all</em> I need.</p>
<p>Although it's probably frugal blasphemy to admit that I have never read the <em>Tightwad Gazette</em>, I was intrigued when Meredith posted a <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2037:3-7;&amp;version=31;">link</a> to a recent interview of the author. This Q&amp;A caught my eye:</p>
<blockquote><p><em>Have you ever </em><em>considered writing</em> The Tightwad Gazette<em> again, perhaps in online form? I think it’d make a killer blog.</em></p>
<p>No, no. I’m really retired. Every once in a while I run across something that I think would be a cool topic and I wish I were still writing the newsletter, <em><strong>but there’s not that much that I’ve come across that’s enough different from the stuff I already wrote about to make a new newsletter. </strong></em><a href="http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/14/an-interview-with-amy-dacyczyn-the-author-of-the-tightwad-gazette/">Read the Complete Interview</a></p></blockquote>
<p>I relate. Although I've written a lot about frugality here at <em>Frugal Hacks</em> and at <a href="http://janelmessenger.blogspot.com">my blog</a> for the last 2 years, there aren't many more frugal ideas - either inside <em>or</em> outside of the box - kicking around in my head. Unlike some others, frugality is not my passion. Frugality for me is part of Christianity. It's good stewardship and <a href="http://frugalhacks.com/?p=132">prudent living</a>. Because of that, there is a part of frugality that knows when to pack the boxes and close up shop.</p>
<p>Whether it's a job, volunteer work or hobby, being frugal means examining not only the things we spend and save on, but how we spend and save our time. Along with the old cliche a penny saved is a penny earned, we know that time is money. If we're spending time doing things that we don't love, that drain us mentally or emotionally when we could be doing other things that energize us or would be a better use of our time, we need to stop and ask ourselves if what we're doing is what we're supposed to be doing. Sometimes it's yes, stay there for a season of learning; sometimes it's no, you must go. It's my time to go.</p>
<p>Being at <em>Frugal Hack</em> has been incredible! I wouldn't have missed it for the world. You gals (and guys) rock! But now, God has called me on to other things. I need to be prudent (and brave!) enough to pack up the boxes and move into a new stage of my life. It looks cool, but it's a little scary.</p>
<p>I want to leave you with one last Out of the Box thought. I contemplated what it should be. It's simple but honest: <em>Don't look to the obvious.</em> The obvious is spending even less, agonizing more, Googling for more frugal ways to save and the list goes on and on. So many times I've gone 'round and 'round with what ifs and thoughts and solutions only to waste precious time and yet be completely blown away when the answer finally arrived. If I can think it, it won't happen that way. God always shows up with an answer in the most amazing ways. Embrace prayer and be astounded with the answers...</p>
<p>Pop over and <a href="http://janelmessenger.blogspot.com">visit me</a> from time to time. I'll never really ever truly give up writing about frugality. That would be like never shopping at another thrift store! Bah humbug on that! lol Besides, I <em>gotta </em>share my cool finds with gals who understand.  <img src='http://frugalhacks.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Hugs,<br />
Janel</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/11/09/how-to-stop-buying-stuff/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Frugality Is Not Black &#038; White'>Frugality Is Not Black &#038; White</a> <small>Writing about frugality is trickier than it looks. There's always...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/06/04/packing-boxes-and-closing-shop/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>7</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Out of the Box Uses</title>
		<link>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/05/14/out-of-the-box-uses/</link>
		<comments>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/05/14/out-of-the-box-uses/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2008 15:00:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Out of the Box Frugality]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugalhacks.com/?p=578</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You know how Real Simple magazine has all kinds of nifty new uses for old and faithful stuff? As the frugal mavens that I know you all are, I'm curious to know how YOU use old things in new places to save money.
Some of my favorite ideas are using orphaned stemware for vases, candle holders and displaying little things [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/03/27/hot-tip-free-office-supplies/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Hot tip: free office supplies'>Hot tip: free office supplies</a> <small>Office Supplies Shoplet.com is offering coupons for free merchandise if...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img vspace="5" align="left" width="136" src="http://frugalhacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/ootbsmall.jpg" hspace="10" height="175" />You know how <a href="http://www.realsimple.com">Real Simple</a> magazine has all kinds of nifty <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/browse/organize/0,21771,6508000000-Issue_Date-desc-39-1-25,00.html">new uses for old and faithful stuff</a>? As the frugal mavens that I know you all are, I'm curious to know how YOU use old things in new places to save money.</p>
<p>Some of my favorite ideas are using <a href="http://janelmessenger.blogspot.com/2007/09/frugal-friday-orphaned-stemware.html">orphaned stemware</a> for vases, candle holders and displaying little things the kids drag in. Using <a href="http://janelmessenger.blogspot.com/2006/11/frugal-fridays-true-home-decorating.html">clothes dressers</a> to hold normal everyday stuff, like my good dishes or games in the family room. And decorating with <a href="http://janelmessenger.blogspot.com/2008/04/finally-finished-bathroom.html">plates</a>.</p>
<p>Have to many to list? Choose your favorites!</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/03/27/hot-tip-free-office-supplies/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Hot tip: free office supplies'>Hot tip: free office supplies</a> <small>Office Supplies Shoplet.com is offering coupons for free merchandise if...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/05/14/out-of-the-box-uses/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Warm Weather Fun</title>
		<link>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/05/07/warm-weather-fun/</link>
		<comments>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/05/07/warm-weather-fun/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2008 10:00:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Out of the Box Frugality]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugalhacks.com/?p=569</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It's about that time again. School is almost out, summer is just around the corner and your kids are soon to start using the "b" word: bored. Phooey on them. Life can be so much fun if you have the right attitude. With just a little prompting, there are lots of frugally fun things to do.
I've already shared [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/03/16/cheerful-frugality-hits-road/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Cheerful Frugality Hits The Road'>Cheerful Frugality Hits The Road</a> <small>With gas under $2/gal, frugal families may be traveling again...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img vspace="5" align="left" width="136" src="http://frugalhacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/ootbsmall.jpg" hspace="10" height="175" />It's about that time again. School is almost out, summer is just around the corner and your kids are soon to start using the "b" word: bored. Phooey on them. Life can be so much fun if you have the right attitude. With just a little prompting, there are lots of frugally fun things to do.</p>
<p>I've already shared some of <a href="http://janelmessenger.blogspot.com/2007/06/anti-boredom-life.html">my thoughts</a> on preventing boredom in kids, how to take advantage of your <a href="http://janelmessenger.blogspot.com/2007/09/frugal-friday-taking-advantage-of-your.html">AAA membership</a> for summer fun and where to <a href="http://janelmessenger.blogspot.com/2007/03/frugal-friday-passes-memberships-for.html">find yearly passes</a> to get into air conditioned museums for "free." So I went Googling for some other <em>cool</em> ideas for the <em>hot</em> summer to come. (Sorry, couldn't resist.) These are some my favorite finds...</p>
<p>Get discount tickets to amusement parks, vacation Bible school, Ariana's new favorite thing: sidewalk chalk, summer reading programs at your local library, swimming lessons, afternoons at the beach or kiddie pools, doing messy science projects and activities outdoors where you are close to the hose, long bike rides, picnics in unusual places and lazy afternoons in the hammock making up outrageous stories of adventure and beauty. (Or something like that... I ad libbed a bit.) </p>
<p>I thought this was a terrific list of <a href="http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/debt_free_family/41597">two dozen</a> frugal summer activities. Suggestions include bird watching, putting on your own circus or Olympic games and having a stay at home vacation complete with tourist brochures. (Where do I sign up??)</p>
<p>I really liked the serial story idea that <a href="http://www.frugalfun.com/f6-2.html">Frugal Fun</a> offered. They have a list of rainy day activities too. Oh, and don't forget to take good <a href="http://www.frugalfun.com/f4-7.html">children's literature</a> with you on a picnic!</p>
<p>Frugal Dad talks about starting a <a href="http://frugaldad.com/2008/02/01/planning-a-frugal-family-fun-night">family fun jar</a>. Those ideas will be great for rainy summer days.</p>
<p>So Moms, are you stocking up on your top secret warm weather fun arsenal? What are some of your favorite (and cheap) warm weather activities?</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/03/16/cheerful-frugality-hits-road/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Cheerful Frugality Hits The Road'>Cheerful Frugality Hits The Road</a> <small>With gas under $2/gal, frugal families may be traveling again...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/05/07/warm-weather-fun/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Peeking in the Clothing Box</title>
		<link>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/04/30/peeking-in-the-clothing-box/</link>
		<comments>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/04/30/peeking-in-the-clothing-box/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:00:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Out of the Box Frugality]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugalhacks.com/?p=566</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I've been to at least six different places (from Goodwill to Payless to Dexter) looking for summer sandals. Because my tailbone injury won't tolerate some styles and my feet are shoebox width, I was hoping that shopping early would get me something wearable. Silly me. At present, I'm 0-7 with no sandals on the horizon. (I'm hesitant [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/06/01/cheerful-frugality-shoes/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Cheerful Frugality Sorts Shoes'>Cheerful Frugality Sorts Shoes</a> <small>I'm definitely a minimalist when it comes to shoes, but ...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/09/21/goodwill-outlets-clothing-pound-strategies/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Goodwill Outlets: Clothing By The Pound Strategies'>Goodwill Outlets: Clothing By The Pound Strategies</a> <small>Goodwill Outlet stores are popping up in chains all over the...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/10/30/pays-buy/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: When it pays to buy new'>When it pays to buy new</a> <small>We have never owned a new car. We never purchased...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img vspace="5" align="left" width="136" src="http://frugalhacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/ootbsmall.jpg" hspace="10" height="175" />I've been to at least six different places (from Goodwill to Payless to Dexter) looking for summer sandals. Because my tailbone injury won't tolerate some styles and my feet are shoebox width, I was hoping that shopping early would get me something wearable. Silly me. At present, I'm 0-7 with no sandals on the horizon. (I'm hesitant to buy shoes online because my feet are so hard to fit.)</p>
<p>During my errand run early this morning, I decided to stop at Sears Essentials. Although I came up with zero for sandals, their winter clearance sale was an incredible find! Most of their remaining winter clothing is 75% off the already discounted price of 60% off. That's my kind of sale: picking up good quality new pieces for about 10-12% of the original price.</p>
<p>Until the cashier noted that the winter coat I nabbed for my daughter at $8.50 was normally "rather expensive," I didn't think anything of the original prices. I had been doing the math with the pink sticker price. The original price for the coat? $70. Do people really pay that much for little girl's winter coats? I thought I was being extravagant when I spent $22 at Target to buy her a coat that she's worn for 3 winters.</p>
<p>Like everything else, you need to know your prices and understand quality. Sometimes buying new is cheaper for numerous reasons. The new shirts and sweaters I picked up for myself this morning were each less than the local Goodwill price for used. Because they came from Sears, they are on the side of better quality and will likely last longer.</p>
<p>Learning to get the best deals on clothing is a balance between good gossip, experience and drawing lines. A girlfriend swears that <a href="http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=503370&amp;catalogId=1&amp;storeId=1&amp;langId=-1&amp;nav=gnro">L.L. Bean jeans</a> for little boys at $20 a pair are nearly indestructible and worth every penny. She doesn't have to deal with holey knees like I do. A decent pair of everyday shoes that I might pay $40 for, will determine if I'm still moving without pain at 7pm. On the other hand, I generally only buy dress shoes from the thrift store for $2 or $3 a pair. No matter the savings, I won't buy thrift store underwear...</p>
<p>So where have you consistently found the best deals? What do you think is worth spending extra on and what's worth grabbing where ever? Any frugal tips specifically for kids or adult clothing?</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/06/01/cheerful-frugality-shoes/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Cheerful Frugality Sorts Shoes'>Cheerful Frugality Sorts Shoes</a> <small>I'm definitely a minimalist when it comes to shoes, but ...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/09/21/goodwill-outlets-clothing-pound-strategies/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Goodwill Outlets: Clothing By The Pound Strategies'>Goodwill Outlets: Clothing By The Pound Strategies</a> <small>Goodwill Outlet stores are popping up in chains all over the...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/10/30/pays-buy/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: When it pays to buy new'>When it pays to buy new</a> <small>We have never owned a new car. We never purchased...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/04/30/peeking-in-the-clothing-box/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>16</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>I missed that box!</title>
		<link>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/04/23/i-missed-that-box/</link>
		<comments>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/04/23/i-missed-that-box/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:00:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Out of the Box Frugality]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugalhacks.com/?p=559</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ This is bad. It's noon here in New England and I just realized it's Wednesday. You'd think preparing for a 7:15am meeting with the speaker for next month's brunch would have helped me notice the day. uuum, no. I suppose it would have been much worse to crawl in bed at 9pm or so tonight and realize I had [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/06/11/renting-vehicle-vacation-worth-expense-math-screams/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Is renting a vehicle for a vacation worth the expense?  The math screams yes!'>Is renting a vehicle for a vacation worth the expense?  The math screams yes!</a> <small>frugal living by Ray @ EasyLivingSherpa Planning on taking a...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2010/02/19/staycations/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Stay-Cations'>Stay-Cations</a> <small>I dislike the word coinage of staycation, but it turns...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img vspace="5" align="left" width="136" src="http://frugalhacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/ootbsmall.jpg" hspace="10" height="175" /> This is bad. It's noon here in New England and I <em>just</em> realized it's Wednesday. You'd think preparing for a 7:15am meeting with the speaker for next month's brunch would have helped me notice the day. <em>uuum</em>, no. I suppose it would have been much worse to crawl in bed at 9pm or so tonight and realize I had forgotten to pop in and say hello. Well, let's not go there.</p>
<p>After this <a href="http://janelmessenger.blogspot.com/2008/02/health-happiness.html">winter</a>, I'm <em>finally</em> feeling alive again. I've spent the last week cheerfully catching up on <a href="http://janelmessenger.blogspot.com/2008/04/finally-finished-bathroom.html">painting</a>, <a href="http://janelmessenger.blogspot.com/2008/04/upstairs-hall-bath.html">projects</a> and making a huge donation pile for Goodwill. I'm a happy, <em>happy</em> woman! Yesterday we started tackling the current catch all black hole known as the family room. I'm pleased with our halfway progress.</p>
<p>Some of you may envy me for having a big house and get testy when I whine about it. I can appreciate that. Unfortunately, if you magically got one like it tomorrow, you would find out that big houses come with hidden and unrealized costs. By the way, those expenses have nothing to do with the mortgage payment, closing costs or taxes.</p>
<p>Despite my occasional whine, it <em>is </em>wonderful to have two extra bedrooms and separate bath for overnight company and a living room big enough to fit 15 or so comfortably. It's helpful because we entertain often. But with the benefits come the oft forgotten expenses. You have to have extra linens, beds and pillows so overnight guests don't have to sleep on the floor, cold and shivering. There are chairs needed to fill the living and dining rooms. And you have to buy toilet paper almost weekly because with three active bathrooms and a spare, you don't want to find yourself lacking - if you know what I mean. <em>e'hem</em></p>
<p>Big houses also take more time to keep clean, cost more to maintain and, if you are not ruthlessly diligent about dumping clutter like I haven't had the energy to do this winter, they become black holes for <em>stuff</em> that can mess with your schedule, your productivity and your sanity. But you've already heard me preach about stuff and the <a href="http://frugalhacks.com/?p=514">cost per square foot</a>. Fill wisely. Dump generously.</p>
<p>Houses aren't the only thing that have hidden costs. Cars have their own missed expenses. Family hobbies, such as historical reenacting, can cost as much as skiing. Anybody got a pet? My parents are conservative about what they spend on their dog, but I am shocked and amazed at what they do spend. I don't want to know what people who <em>pamper</em> their pets shell out.</p>
<p>I've found that there are frugal ways to handle hidden expenses. I pray a lot and God is always gracious to provide. I consistantly find needed things on clearance or at the thrift store. I now have plenty of dining chairs nabbed as a set at a church sale for $5. Yard sales and thrift stores abound with cheap dishes in old styles that make my heart skip a beat and mix and match wonderfully for a creative dinner table. Although I haven't mastered cleaning every room of the house in the same week, I have managed to train apprentices to do dishes, wash clothes and accomplish the fine art of toilet scrubbing. <img src='http://frugalhacks.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>I've also found that God doesn't <em>just</em> provide, but he often provides abundantly. Two years ago we had someone give us like-new Ethan Allen solid cherry sleigh bed with a new mattress and 3 sets of Waverly sheets. And although I regretfully declined it, I was offered a grand piano that included moving expenses. <a href="http://janelmessenger.blogspot.com/2007/01/pray-wait-god-provides.html">Praying and waiting</a> is a powerful resource.</p>
<p>What hidden expenses have you unhappily uncovered? Have you found a way around them frugally or are you still looking?</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/06/11/renting-vehicle-vacation-worth-expense-math-screams/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Is renting a vehicle for a vacation worth the expense?  The math screams yes!'>Is renting a vehicle for a vacation worth the expense?  The math screams yes!</a> <small>frugal living by Ray @ EasyLivingSherpa Planning on taking a...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2010/02/19/staycations/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Stay-Cations'>Stay-Cations</a> <small>I dislike the word coinage of staycation, but it turns...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/04/23/i-missed-that-box/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>What Can I Bring? &#8211; Out of the Box Hospitality</title>
		<link>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/04/16/what-can-i-bring-out-of-the-box-hospitality/</link>
		<comments>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/04/16/what-can-i-bring-out-of-the-box-hospitality/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:00:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Out of the Box Frugality]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugalhacks.com/?p=554</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Now that I've identified and overcome my hang ups about entertaining, (check the comments) we've been having lots of fun with dinner guests!
When we invite folks over, the first thing out of their mouths after they agree to come is, "What can we bring?" I used to answer, "Nothing, just come!" only to be met with guilt [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/03/27/improvised-supper/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Improvised Supper'>Improvised Supper</a> <small>For quite some time now, we have had a schedule...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2010/01/09/10-ways-cut-grocery-bill/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 10 ways to cut your grocery bill'>10 ways to cut your grocery bill</a> <small>Inspired by The Simple Dollar's article on Trimming the Average...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img vspace="5" align="left" width="136" src="http://frugalhacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/ootbsmall.jpg" hspace="10" height="175" />Now that I've identified and overcome my hang ups about entertaining, (<a href="http://frugalhacks.com/?p=527">check the comments</a>) we've been having lots of fun with dinner guests!</p>
<p>When we invite folks over, the first thing out of their mouths after they agree to come is, "What can we bring?" I used to answer, "Nothing, just come!" only to be met with guilt or insistence or have them show up with something anyhow, making everyone feel awkward. Bad, <em>bad</em> hostess.</p>
<p>It's taken awhile to suppress my inner Italian grandmother: "I cook; you eat!!" I've had to re-frame my thinking about why our guests want to bring something. I don't invite people over for the food they'll insist on leaving behind or to impress them with my "magnificent" {<em>e'hem, cough</em>} kitchen talent. I invite them because I like hanging out and enjoy their friendship! They come bearing gifts for the same reason.</p>
<p>Social issues aside, the main reason I hate to have folks bring anything is because I know that they will likely stop and purchase something that costs what the entire from-scratch meal cost to make. My frugal conscience goes into orbit at the extra expense of not buying things on sale and knowing I could make it for 1/4 the price of ready made. But if I don't suggest something, I know they'll feel awkward about coming empty handed. Or worse, they'll bring a gift that I won't be able to use and have to discretely dispose of. Or they'll bring a plant that I will kill! Much, <em>much</em> worse...</p>
<p>Rich and I have discussed the "what can I bring?" phenomena and my related guilt ad infinitum. On one hand we find that most people don't think anything of dropping $10-$15 or more for ready made stuff, and often splurge, because it's for someone else. (<em>aaaah!!</em>) On the other hand, although I enjoy cooking for a crowd, some of our guests feel like I'm slaving away in the kitchen. And that makes <em>them</em> uncomfortable! The conclusion we've come to? We (read <em>I</em>) need to get over it and accept <em>their </em>reciprocal offering of hospitality - no matter the cost. Considering others' feelings is frugal too.</p>
<p>Although I love to bake and have a whole host of delicious things up my sleeve, I generally suggest that company bring dessert. When dessert is taken care of, I can plan the basic meal around cheap, healthy ingredients and make a good, simple meal. That means no guilt for over spending on my end and I can take the gifts offered as they were intended: with love and friendship.</p>
<p>Curious about my menu? Last night, I fed 9 folks and have generous leftovers for about $15:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Boneless chicken breasts stuffed with seasoned goat cheese</strong> - Chicken on sale for $1.79lb. I get the goat cheese for less at Sam's Club or <a href="http://traderjoes.com/">Trader Joe's</a> and only use just enough to flavor the chicken.</li>
<li><strong>Sweet brown rice risotto</strong> - I use a modified version of Rachael Ray's <a href="http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/easiest-risotto/article.html">Easiest Risotto</a>, only I made it with whole grain rice. If I'm using whole grain rice I have to use about a 1:3 ratio of rice to liquid, simmer rapidly, then after all the liquid is added, cover and simmer until tender. It takes about an hour with little fuss.</li>
<li><strong>Huge tossed salad </strong>with leaf lettuce, carrots, cukes &amp; tomatoes and homemade dressing</li>
</ul>
<p>For about the same price, our company brought 2 half gallons of ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Everyone enjoyed the make your own sundaes.</p>
<p>What are some of your thoughts, struggles and resolution with "What can I bring?" <em>Please</em> tell me I'm not the only one suffering from "Italian Grandmother Syndrome"!</p>
<p>P.S. Has anybody done the math on cheap chicken pieces with bones vs. boneless breasts? By the time you fuss with the bones, it seems like it's cheaper, and you get more meat, when you buy boneless breasts even though they cost more per pound upfront.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2009/03/27/improvised-supper/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Improvised Supper'>Improvised Supper</a> <small>For quite some time now, we have had a schedule...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://frugalhacks.com/2010/01/09/10-ways-cut-grocery-bill/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 10 ways to cut your grocery bill'>10 ways to cut your grocery bill</a> <small>Inspired by The Simple Dollar's article on Trimming the Average...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/04/16/what-can-i-bring-out-of-the-box-hospitality/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>24</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Unboxing Munchkin Education</title>
		<link>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/04/09/unboxing-munchkin-education/</link>
		<comments>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/04/09/unboxing-munchkin-education/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:00:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Out of the Box Frugality]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugalhacks.com/?p=539</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I didn't miss the fact that it's April and everyone is wishing that school was out yesterday. But frugal thinking, like education, knows no seasons. Besides, all on the ball homeschooling moms (and that wouldn't be me) will be looking for next year's curriculum in a few weeks and will be able to offer lots of [...]


No related posts.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img vspace="5" align="left" width="136" src="http://frugalhacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/ootbsmall.jpg" hspace="10" height="175" />I didn't miss the fact that it's April and everyone is wishing that school was out yesterday. But frugal thinking, like education, knows no seasons. Besides, all on the ball homeschooling moms (and that wouldn't be me) will be looking for next year's curriculum in a few weeks and will be able to offer lots of ideas for the rest of us slackers. <em>e'hem</em></p>
<p>As a second generation homeschooler, I'm always looking for great, <em>cheap</em>, easy ways to impart knowledge to myself or my munchkins. I'm going to give you all get a peek at some more of my "secrets." If you don't homeschool, don't worry. A lot of my suggestions can apply or be adapted to non-homeschoolers as well.</p>
<p><strong>"Secret" #1:</strong> Get a sturdy canvas bag or two from <a href="http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&amp;catalogId=1&amp;langId=-1&amp;categoryId=33381&amp;feat=50dp">L.L. Bean</a>, fill 'em at the library every week, then bring them home and read them. Our librarians know us by name and interest. I even had one of them tell me I get books about the <a href="http://janelmessenger.blogspot.com/2006/10/watching-eyes.html">neatest things</a>. (Honestly? It's scary that they notice...)</p>
<p>If the thought of finding decent books at the library scares you, pick up a book like <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Times-Parents-Guide-Books-Children/dp/0812930185">The New York Times Parent's Guide to the Best Books for Children</a></em> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Honey-Childs-Heart-Gladys-Hunt/dp/0310242460/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1207757729&amp;sr=1-1"><em>Honey for a Child's Heart</em></a> by Gladys Hunt or <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Your-Child-Love-Reading/dp/1565123085/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1207758023&amp;sr=1-1">How to Get Your Child to Love Reading</a> </em>by Esmé Raji Codell. I also encourage you to choose different categories and things that you wouldn't normally read. You might find a curious new interest forming.</p>
<p>Bored with your small, local library? Take a field trip to your closest big town library for the day. Spend some time reading there. Have lunch in the park and see some sites.</p>
<p><strong>"Secret" #2: </strong>As with <a href="http://frugalhacks.com/?p=534">adult education</a>, the internet is such a wonderful place to find educational material for kids too. One siteseeing trip around <a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com">Homeschool Blogger.com</a> or <a href="http://homeschooljournal.net/member-directory/">Homeschool Journal.net</a> can unearth hundreds of seriously delicious ideas. Sites that provide free curriculum, like <a href="http://amblesideonline.org/">Ambleside Online,</a> are a amazing resources as well.</p>
<p><strong>"Secret" #3:</strong> Do the math to see if it's cheaper to order directly from the publisher. Some of the big name publishers offer decent discounts in April and May. Places like <a href="http://www.aop.com/">Alpha Omega Publications</a> offer 20% off your order if you purchase cirriculumn before April 30th. Others, like <a href="https://www.abeka.com">ABeka</a>, provide free shipping on orders over $50. If you sign up for their emails, The <a href="http://www.facebookstore.net/">Foundation for American Christian Education</a> periodically sends out 15% to 20% off digital coupons. (<a href="http://face.net">F.A.C.E.</a> was the company that reprinted Webster's big green 1828 Dictionary.) </p>
<p><strong>"Secret" #4:</strong> Christian Book Distributors, (CBD) a.k.a. <a href="http://www.christianbook.com">christianbook.com</a>, discounts most new material <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/html/specialty/1016.html">homeschool materials</a> and provides reviews by <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=584424&amp;sp=1016&amp;event=1016BB">homeschool veterans</a>. They even tag Christian based material so you know what you're getting. If you manage to make it to one of their <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/html/cms/general/company_events.html">warehouse sales</a>, hang on to your wallet! You can find amazing deals on curriculum. Just make sure you go with a plan or you could end up with more than you bargained for. (Rich only lets me go once every five years or so...)</p>
<p><strong>"Secret" #5:</strong> Look locally for free classes and groups. It was quite by accident we found out that our local cable access station has a professional studio and offers <em>free</em> training on everything from camera operation to editing with the latest software. We've been utilizing the resource for about a year now. When my two oldest get proficient at digital editing, I know they'll be begging me to write a screenplay so they can make a movie. Who knows where they'll <a href="http://www.independentchristianfilms.com/">go with it</a>, but what they have learned along the way has been worth it.</p>
<p>As with last week, I know I haven't don't even have half a list. Please enlight me! What are some of your favorite educational resources for kids?</p>


<p>No related posts.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugalhacks.com/2008/04/09/unboxing-munchkin-education/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>13</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
