tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636380768209162704.post8431065484300246149..comments2024-01-05T21:02:47.708-08:00Comments on Learning The Frugal Life: 31 Days of Nothing - Week 1Frugal Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15190205304276427805noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636380768209162704.post-81072826789741836242012-01-07T09:43:10.043-08:002012-01-07T09:43:10.043-08:00Considering we didn't know about this challeng...Considering we didn't know about this challenge until the last minute, we did well.<br />Have used up much food from the fridge, freezer & cupboards! Only spent $4.95 on some groceries that we will use in the next few weeks (canned tomatoes, tomato paste, hash browns, english muffins & pie filling mix(there are so many tart shells in my freezer))!<br />I got take out coffee, but it was paid for by a gift card I already had!<br />Was sick so didn't leave the house, saved lots on gas.<br />Temperature is set at 63, when we are cold, we layer & use microwave rice/grain filled bags.<br />I'm happy with the first week... I will need to fill the gas tank soon so next week won't be as good. Will use the "savings" to pay down some debt!Sandy Bnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636380768209162704.post-10587721609805003692012-01-06T09:11:41.160-08:002012-01-06T09:11:41.160-08:00I did forget to mention that if someone is particu...I did forget to mention that if someone is particularly grimey, they do a quick wash up in the sink first (of the particularly grimy areas) with a damp washcloth (dampened in the tub water, of course) before hopping into the tub.dreaming in mainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00351781973941395751noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636380768209162704.post-56937077647609978892012-01-06T09:06:44.654-08:002012-01-06T09:06:44.654-08:00We did pretty well. I am also (re)starting a weigh...We did pretty well. I am also (re)starting a weight loss journey, and instead of buying a video I watched some on youtube and borrowed one from a friend. <br /><br />We DID go to Sam's Club to stock up on a few things, because we were able to borrow a membership card from a friend to use. <br /><br />We've been drinking more water instead of soda (a healthier option as well as cheaper). I'm planning to make some biscuits today and have made homemade meals every night except my birthday - which hubby treated us all to Indian take-out - not frugal :(<br /><br />I wanted to comment about bathing. What we do isn't always received well when I tell others, but I'll tell you anyway ;) I like super hot baths, DH likes medium hot, and of course the kids like it luke-warm. So, I fill the tub with my super hot water and bathe. Then when I'm done DH can get in and bathe (since it's a bit cooler at that point). Then we drain the water a bit and put the kids in (they bathe together at their young age). It allows everyone to enjoy the temp they like and saves quite a bit of water. <br /><br />But wait, I'm not done! THEN, when the kids get out, you can toss laundry into that water and let it presoak. Think about it: there's already going to be soap in that water. Soak for about 30 mins (or more, if there are stained clothes in there) and then toss into the washer (you'll drip on the floor, unless you put the clothes into a plastic storage tote, like I do.<br /><br />Then, you can set the washer to about 3/4 of the way through it's initial water fill mode. You've saved water and electricity! Just add a tiny splash of detergent and wash. Saves on laundry detergent that way as well.<br /><br />My goal for this week is to only buy milk, bread and fresh fruit (if it's on sale).dreaming in mainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00351781973941395751noreply@blogger.com