FRUGAL
Frugal is the word of the day, today. Frugality is a habit that many people have allowed to lapse. I have a friend whose husband has a lecture for his family about whether they WANT something, or whether they NEED something. I asked him to give me the lecture, but I have yet to hear it. One day, I may call him and ask to hear it. *G*
One of my favorite sayings goes: "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without."
My clothes closet will attest to the fact that I am frugal. I have a number of things that I really should throw out, that I call "gardening clothes." In reality, one only needs so many outfits for gardening, but I have to work at throwing away things that are not in shreds. My husband is the same. I sorted through my things last spring, and will do it again this June. We'll have to work together to clear out his chest of drawers, and the closet. I haven't a clue why he has saved so many pairs of pants. He doesn't garden!
Periodically, I make meals from what is in the freezer or pantry, using things up so that they don't go to waste to freezer burn or pass their "use by" date. My brother-in-law sent me an e-mail about the need to pitch cake mixes and the like if they have reached their expiration date. Apparently they can house mold or other unsavory things. I got the step stool and sat down in front of the pantry and read the expiration date on everything but the tea. I was astonished at how much I had to throw out! I encourage you to do the same, and replace things only as you will use them. (My family is laughing right now because they tell me I could supply my local grocery store if they run out of things. I'm trying to change.....really!)
There are two areas where I am not frugal: books and things having to do with quilting. In truth, I have slowed down in my purchase of both, but I have so much fabric stashed that I probably will not be able to use it in my lifetime. The real problem is that such beautiful fabric continues to be created that I just can't seem to keep from adding a little here and there. So, to counter that, I purposely avoid my favorite haunts, so that I'm less tempted. A for books, I plan to resume my visits to the library. It's well stocked, and I've discovered that I can browse on-line, and even request an order to be gathered for me. I have given away a LOT of books, but my shelves overflow, and that reminds me to be FRUGAL!
Are you a frugal person? In all ways, or just in some? I think we are at a time when our government NEEDS to practice frugality. The deficit that is anticipated in all areas of government will force all of us to be more frugal as we pay off their debt, and see to our own needs. Now is the time to be FRUGAL!
