Freecycle
Freecycle.org is an amazing opportunity for you and your community. It is one of the greenest things you can do. It does generate a lot of email but it is worth it because everything on it is FREE.
Around the House
Ask Your Friends
Don't be afraid to tell your friends what you are looking for or in need of. They might just have that special something in their donate pile at home, or know of someone else who has that item.
One day I was at a friend’s house and while we were talking she told me about a cookbook she wanted. I told her that I had that cookbook and didn't want it anymore. She got what she wanted and I got rid of the cookbook and made space for a new one.
Lower your utility bill
Ladies and Gentlemen I would like to give you the opportunity to save money on your utility bill. How you ask? Simply by lowering your thermostat. For every degree you go down you will save $10 a month according to the XCEL Auditor we had come look at our house. We went from 72 degrees to 68 degrees, sure we put on a sweatshirt or wrapped up in a blanket, but we live in Colorado and it is suppose to be cooler than in Florida (That's for you Mama)
Make your own Mixes and Cleaners
Make your own mixes and cleaners. It is crazy to buy a cleaning product when you can make one that works better and is cheaper. You can do a google search or I have some on my website.
It is the same with food, why are you buying convenience food when you could just make it. Seriously, do a google search.
Ode to the Victory Garden
I want to take the time and sing the praises of the Victory Garden. To this day I call my garden that. The Victory Garden, that is what my Grandmama called it and after I learned what a Victory Garden was in the 1940's, I appreciate the concept and what to see it come back.
So as you sit at home and read this and wonder how you can save your family money, I would suggest planting a vegetable garden, a fruit orchard, and an herb garden. Thus being victorious in growing food for your family and saving the family money.
Use what you have!
Do you want to stretch your families funds? Then, use what you have. For example, if you are cooking and the recipe calls for italian seasoning and you don't have any but you do have some oregano, don't go and buy italian seasoning, use the oregano.
Another example would be if your child needs a halloween costume, don't go out and buy one, make one together.
Buy Used
The next time you need or want something for either your house, or someone you love, buy it used. I have a list I keep in my purse of the items I am looking for, either a book my son is missing in one of his collections, or a new rug for the foyer. A wonderful dining room set or some other mid-century modern treasure I would love to have for the house.