tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post3866071625013923277..comments2023-09-30T07:56:14.482-05:00Comments on StitchinByTheLake: Everywhere I GoStitchinByTheLakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501479854150315011noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-44964112987212553472008-10-15T09:23:00.000-05:002008-10-15T09:23:00.000-05:00I shop at Grocery Outlet and Liquidator type store...I shop at Grocery Outlet and Liquidator type stores - you can get brand name foods for about 1/5 the price - cheerios for 1.50 for a large box, for example. Also shop Dollar Tree for foil, zip bags, etc - they are good quality (some are better than others) and only 1.00 a box.<BR/><BR/>We put a timer on the hot water heater - it runs from 7-9 a.m. - and again from 8-9:30 p.m. ( I like my shower before bed) - and it has cut our electric bill by about 45.00 a month!!!! We did have it set to run from 2-4 in the afternoon but found it was not needed - if we run the dishwasher before 9 a.m. we still have enough hot water to get through the day. When I cut out the afternoon heating it cut the bill by another 15.00. Biggest savings we have had in any one department. <BR/><BR/>Also - unplug EVERYTHING you aren't using - those chargers, printers, toasters, coffee pots, etc. just suck up electricity when left plugged in but not active. Just turning them off is not enough - unplug them.<BR/><BR/>Happy savings!!!JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes)https://www.blogger.com/profile/12621061028973446378noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-22979497950092679842008-10-11T23:07:00.000-05:002008-10-11T23:07:00.000-05:00Marlene....No housekeeper? Not happy about that bu...Marlene....No housekeeper? Not happy about that but ok. No chai tea lattes at #6? OUCH. That should definitely be last on the list.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-40348498488807890982008-10-11T08:17:00.000-05:002008-10-11T08:17:00.000-05:00I have been cutting back the short trips here and ...I have been cutting back the short trips here and there way back and combining them. I do see the difference with the gas gage in the car. As far as chai tea lattes go - you are to drink 2-3 glasses of milk a day anyway. Why not enjoy it as a chai tea latte? Just a thought!Marilyn Robertsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13249212194704638191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-75723816655725489422008-10-11T07:58:00.000-05:002008-10-11T07:58:00.000-05:00We've been very frugal for the past year, when I w...We've been very frugal for the past year, when I was laid off from my second job. McDonald's or Subway is our big "out to eat" break from the kitchen, once a month. The family is getting knitted socks for Christmas. No expenditure since I have a huge yarn stash. That means 14 pairs to knit in two months...uh-oh! I haven't cut my hair in a year and I look like a witch. That may change :)Home made cookies instead of junk food. We have not yet given up cable for the sake of Mr. Sweeties sanity. Consolidate any trips anywhere, even if it's just a mile or two away. I'll very likely go back to working a second job since job #1 is a small business, and folks are cutting back on their expenditures, so we are feeling that pinch more and more.<BR/>May I offer a suggestion? Hire your housekeeper back. She very likely needs the income. Purchase something, no matter how small, from a vendor that you like, if you can. Not utlizing somebody else's talents or products will exacerbate the "downward spiral" that we are all experiencing. Does this make sense?<BR/>It's been far too long since I visited your blog. I'll be back to catch up!J'Ollie Primitiveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06744123704292534249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-62660396534485885552008-10-11T03:56:00.000-05:002008-10-11T03:56:00.000-05:00Love all these suggestions for cutting back on the...Love all these suggestions for cutting back on the dollars and pinching pennies. We are trying to do our best here as well. I think we will all be blessed for having done so and will end up leading far richer lives in a lot of respects. I do wish though that manufacturers would start making clothing such as socks and whatnot that are worth mending again! Most of the socks you buy today are made of such shoddy materials that once they are holey, they are fit only for dusting rags!Marie Raynerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00407913432222377267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-19953300058770744662008-10-10T18:38:00.000-05:002008-10-10T18:38:00.000-05:00We too, Down Under in Australia are feeling the pi...We too, Down Under in Australia are feeling the pinch and worrying about the future..<BR/>I shall be doing all the things you said, and hope we come through these times without it getting any worse.Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15207957464039686839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-81074215935387085042008-10-10T17:27:00.000-05:002008-10-10T17:27:00.000-05:00great things that you are doing.Menu planning also...great things that you are doing.<BR/><BR/>Menu planning also helps me save money.<BR/><BR/>Great blog,<BR/><BR/>Gill in CanadaGill - That British Womanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17456247587052149765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-81699555717658026962008-10-10T17:17:00.000-05:002008-10-10T17:17:00.000-05:00Great post, Marlene - as always. Happy Anniversar...Great post, Marlene - as always. Happy Anniversary!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-42119645396126389512008-10-10T12:34:00.000-05:002008-10-10T12:34:00.000-05:00Have just found your blog and like it so much. Wh...Have just found your blog and like it so much. What a good writer you are!<BR/><BR/>I am doing many of the same thrift things that you are. I'm DETERMINED not to buy new fabric or start new projects until my UFOs are completed, and that could take quite a while. And I've just begun to explore scrappy scrappy quilts, so that should hold me for a while, too.<BR/><BR/>n, npNancy Near Philadelphiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08803134620826322075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-31165698685904241612008-10-10T10:57:00.000-05:002008-10-10T10:57:00.000-05:00Well, I had started trying to find ways to cut bac...Well, I had started trying to find ways to cut back because eventually Honey Bear will retire. I gave up the nails. Mine have some white showing but like yours they are breaking. I'm not using polish on them yet, just clear coat.<BR/>I canceled the gormet coffee service. I buy Sam's choice now but I'll buy other brands on sale.<BR/>The maid is still cleaning the Memphis house and doing some packing for me every other week. I'm cleaning the Alabama house myself for now.<BR/>I usually run a bunch of errands at the same time.<BR/>We started using florescent bulbs years ago. They last so much longer. Thery are now much cheaper than they used to be. I have the LED night lights all over the house and my blinds pulled up because I don't like the dark either.<BR/>I know when Honey Bear retires, I'll go back to cooking dry beans and buying whole chickens. He isn't here for meals much right now with his traveling. I'm looking into freezer meals because two can't eat a whole casserole and its nice to have things on hand when one doesn't want to cook.<BR/>I never did get hung up on bottled water. We have a couple of bottles that I bought and we just fill those.<BR/>Honey Bear reads the paper on line. I know paper service isn't that expensive but this way saves trees. I've begun paying bills and getting statements online.<BR/>Sorry this is so long,<BR/>Mama BearLove Bears All Thingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04091529156071883508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-62538155105513384292008-10-10T09:09:00.000-05:002008-10-10T09:09:00.000-05:00I am trying not to get pulled into the worry mode ...I am trying not to get pulled into the worry mode that is so prevalent right now but I do feel more conscious. I don't color my hair or have fake nails but I am using my commuter cup more now, taking coffee from home, making tea mid-day instead of running out for a cup. I have been bringing my own water for quite some time now but that is because of the environmental destruction of the plastic water bottles. And I am not buying fabric but really trying to use what I have. But I don't want to be part of the whine and moan patrol that is for sure.Juliann in WAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15895551530087690102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-40069505155888364802008-10-10T08:33:00.000-05:002008-10-10T08:33:00.000-05:00I discovered your blog via Pat's at Bird Nest on t...I discovered your blog via Pat's at Bird Nest on the Ground. I am enjoying your posts so much. You are a gifted writer. Thank you, GayleGaylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06759286352204780807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-40695948792406903002008-10-09T19:50:00.000-05:002008-10-09T19:50:00.000-05:00Great post, Marlene. Having grown up living on a ...Great post, Marlene. Having grown up living on a strict budget and lived as a single mother for many, many years, I am pretty used to making do. Our cars are paid for, so no new cars. May not be the best looking things in the world, but they go from Point A to POint B. Cheaper for insurance. Honey is a mechanic, so any work that he can do is done at home. I will be getting a clothes line ASAP after moving in. Shopping the sales. Instead of eating out on Sunday (Which I love to do) stick dinner in the crockpot. Or - our local chinese has really good luncheon specials during the week. Go order on Friday 2 or 3 different ones, bring them home, stick in fridge and re-heat for Saturday dinner or Sunday. They give you enough food to feed an elephant. No bottled water. Eat out only occasionally. Lots of soups - they are thrifty and reheat well by the bowl later. A lot of times when I cook, I will make enough for 2 pans. One is popped in the freezer, one cooked for supper. This is a great way to save on buying processed food - just thaw it for an hour or so and pop in the oven. I could go on and on. this is a good idea, maybe I will make a similar post on my blog! Much love, Raquel XORaquelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-64007195222653286552008-10-09T19:14:00.000-05:002008-10-09T19:14:00.000-05:00I'm clipping coupons, too. I've started making my ...I'm clipping coupons, too. I've started making my own laundry detergent as well as adding part of it to my Palmolive to make it go a little farther. To be honest, I was doing this before the 'crisis', but we've been feeling the crunch with gas and grocery prices. <BR/><BR/>I haven't given up the hair dye just yet. It does add a little body to my fine, limp hair, so~you know, a girls gotta do. . <BR/><BR/>I've also started making all of our bread~it's cheaper, tastes better, and I don't have to keep asking the manager at the store when they are going to get bread in!!<BR/><BR/>R~MaryMary L. Briggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18295245391337869803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-8421357555325440842008-10-09T18:44:00.000-05:002008-10-09T18:44:00.000-05:00sorry that was me deleted the above, made an error...sorry that was me deleted the above, made an error before the wipe out got to the screen lol.<BR/> sMC said... <BR/>I think we can help the economy by not stressing so much about it and giving it time to recover.<BR/>Quietly at home I try to be economical the other half is A Scot so its in his nature to be frugal, but I try as much as I can. But we are retired and our demands and choices are not great anyway. We just enjoy home, garden and each other. The children are out in the world making ends meet as I hope I have taught them to. <BR/>So nice to be your blogging friend.Birdydownunderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17535089735964648581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-43115841424659440362008-10-09T18:40:00.000-05:002008-10-09T18:40:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Birdydownunderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17535089735964648581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-80039821224594136982008-10-09T18:18:00.000-05:002008-10-09T18:18:00.000-05:00Hi I just found your blog re Primitive Quilts blog...Hi I just found your blog re Primitive Quilts blog.. I have to say I read the posting about the make do and use up quilts and I just LOVED it. I hear tales from my parents and Grandparents when they lived about these times and I certainly think that due to that and my older and wiser lifestyle I have started in the past few years to hold on to and learn from their frugal ways. Im so glad I did because I have learnt to absolutely love the simpler way of life that frugality affords and now with the radio blasting out every morning more news of doom and gloom I feel less frightened (well only nervous that well never get out land that we desisre..) I live in NZ and I feel so lucky that we live with a socail welfare system that will help people less off whereas I grew up o n the tales my father told of swaggers at the door asking for a bit of thread so they could sew their shoes and clothes or some food in exchange for labour. My fathers family wasnt well of at all in the depression but my granmother always gave the swaggers passing Christmas lunch. A great heart.<BR/>I myself am putting my passion for quilting into using up my scraps and next year I have made a promise that I will be discovering the world of scrap quilts, so look out for my make do quilts!<BR/>THanks for a great blog<BR/>Cheers from Cheery Cherrytrendy georgiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16198713847506409058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-21089967809824566902008-10-09T18:09:00.000-05:002008-10-09T18:09:00.000-05:00YOU GO GIRL!! I am doing alot of the things you a...YOU GO GIRL!! I am doing alot of the things you are doing, the lights, the water bottle fill up from the fridge etc. I am bringing my lunch to work and calling to talk to family instead of driving an hour to visit. I also have quit ordering fabric online just because and maybe someday will put a dent in my stash that way. :DCornfield Quilterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17996609422685063918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-77103606062023142682008-10-09T16:32:00.000-05:002008-10-09T16:32:00.000-05:00sigh, we aren't moaners and groaners, but we do fe...sigh, we aren't moaners and groaners, but we do feel like things are going to get worse. And we aren't adequately bracing for it.<BR/><BR/>But we know we need to.<BR/><BR/>I like this list. It motivates me to take a harder look.<BR/><BR/>And boy does a nice hot cup of chai sound so great right now!!Daniellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05305850648928447302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-71063319350246679682008-10-09T15:12:00.000-05:002008-10-09T15:12:00.000-05:00I have been reading your blog for awhile now, and ...I have been reading your blog for awhile now, and I just love it. I love your post today...as for me, I think that I am one of the last 'kids' that spent my childhood years without running water or electricity (pooping in a outhouse in North Dakota's Januarys sure builds character!) I think that America needs humbling experiences like these every now and then. It puts people back to their roots whether they want them or not. By the way...it costs more to turn on florescent lights than it does to keep them on for 8 hours. (electrical engineer husband) So don't be turning those off and on all day. Turn them on and keep them on until bedtime.<BR/>-MonicaMonica at Buttoncounterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17631994805932241308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-12216583109424193442008-10-09T14:50:00.000-05:002008-10-09T14:50:00.000-05:00Marlene, I am making my own laundry detergent that...Marlene, I am making my own laundry detergent that I use for everything except the whites (my water has something that make them dingy if I don't use ____ brand) For about $10 dollars I have made several gallons - and I have supplies left. <BR/><BR/>I have been cutting my own hair for years (but I was once a licensed cosmetologist so I know what I am doing) <BR/><BR/>I replaced incandescent lights with fluorescent since they use less electricity - saves on A/C in the summer also. I buy good bulbs because they truly do last longer. <BR/><BR/>I shop at salvage groceries for a few items. <BR/><BR/>Store brands can be just as good OR BETTER than the national brands. Peanut butter is a good example. Winn Dixie(southern chain) is the SAME as ???Jif or Peter Pan. (knowledge gained from a recall)<BR/><BR/>Since my Mom was a child of the depression - her folks were sharecroppers - I learned early to save whenever possible.Gene Blackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731141629634998152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-46533016866178969382008-10-09T14:47:00.000-05:002008-10-09T14:47:00.000-05:00I have a good freind who is 80 years young. She ha...I have a good freind who is 80 years young. She has pretty much the same philosophy.<BR/> I love to visit with her & always come away with wisdom.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03221026763063317009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-22458676549698818452008-10-09T14:35:00.000-05:002008-10-09T14:35:00.000-05:00For the first time ever, I too am watching the eco...For the first time ever, I too am watching the economy. We've also started being more frugal at our house.<BR/><BR/>We use the solar dryer (clothes line)<BR/><BR/>My husband turns off the lights (which I hate)<BR/><BR/>I now do my own hair color and it doens't look at good but it's still not gray.<BR/><BR/>I no longer wear dry clean only clothes.<BR/><BR/>I no longer run to the store for just milk but make a list and save it.<BR/><BR/>We bought a filter for the sink for water and have quit buying bottled water.<BR/><BR/>We started our plants from seeds instead of buying ready made plants at Lowe's.<BR/><BR/>I purchase less ready made food.<BR/><BR/>Really, while I know all this stuff is good it is depressing me....like most people, I remind myself daily of what I have to be thankful for instead of belly aching over what I no longer have.Vickyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01058145908801087456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-47084960764820625232008-10-09T13:35:00.000-05:002008-10-09T13:35:00.000-05:00I'm mostly thinking twice about anything I buy. I...I'm mostly thinking twice about anything I buy. I've greatly limited my exposure to news since it is so negative and that helps. My trust is in God as my provider, not Wall Street or the government. I have to remind myself of that several times a day.Cindyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15583817947078375493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568318030915787600.post-34512025659434576912008-10-09T11:19:00.001-05:002008-10-09T11:19:00.001-05:00I have noticed myself becoming sort of obsessed ov...I have noticed myself becoming sort of obsessed over the economic situation, watching news stations during the day that I never watched much before. I've told myself to quit making myself crazy over the situation and just be thankful I have the means, at this point at least, to keep my home & food on the table. I worry more for my kids. Two of them are newly employed after losing their jobs (in the housing industry) last year.<BR/><BR/>We have bought a small freezer and I am shopping grocery sales. Our Christmas this year will involve homemade gifts only. We sold a car we didn't need reducing our car insurance cost. We are spending a lot more time at home. We are eating less meat and more homemade soup. Some home improvement projects are on hold like new carpeting and paint. I'm a bit worried about our heating bills this winter but I'll keep the thermostat down and snuggle under a quilt to keep warm.Julie in the Barnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18147114606468287519noreply@blogger.com