on being frugal

So this post would probably sound a little contradictory to yesterday's post about me obsessing a two hundred dollars shoes and handbags, but a girl can dream right? And it will be just a dream unless I win the lotto or something.

But anyways, one of my many resolutions this year is to be more frugal. I live a frugal life now in my own little ways, but I know there's always more room for improvement. So last night as I was making dinner and hubby was hovering around, I casually told him how amazed I am at some family who can survive a $40 a week grocery bill. I said yes, I so want to be like that and I want my partner to be more thrifty too, like maybe cut back on those energy drinks...he agreed and told me he started being frugal too by cutting back on his deodorant. yup I married a funny man.

A year ago when the economy was on its downturn I became more serious on thinking and applying many ways to squeezed in that almighty dollar, every penny counts when you have two mortgages to pay, one rental with a vacancy for half a year, one income and two energetic kids who loves to eat. So I thought I'd list some things I do now to help the family.

~The only time I go to the mall is when I take the kids to the play area when outdoor weather is dreadful.

~I never pay retail for anything unless they are the bare necessities like undergarments, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush and I always look for the generic kinds and the ones that are on sale. Today I saw a bagful of Spring soap bars at my local thrift shop, they were sealed, but I draw the line there.

~I cook meals everyday

~Eat the leftovers

~Prepare hubby's lunch to work.

~Grocery shopping only 2-3 times a week (this dept still needs a lot of work)

~Eating out twice a month and making sure dinner is not over $15/plate (I know there's still plenty of room for improvement here)

~Mostly my home decor, kitchen wares and most of the kids clothings are all thrifted or gifted.

~I never buy clothes from the mall or boutique. Most of my clothes are thrifted.

~I've given up the idea of an iphone, I dicontinued my cell phone right now just because I stay at home more than I am outside, but I think I'll just get a pre paid one sometime soon.

~I stop buying shoes and purses of course unless they are no more than five bucks from Goodwill.

~I bundled up my internet, landline and cable all together for $99 per month.

~I only get the basic cable.

~I combined all our auto, home, rental house insurance to get all the discount I could get. And I opted for a higher deductible with a lower premium.

~I clip coupons.

~I shop at (gulp) Walmart, there I said it.

I am still looking for other ways to tighten up our spending without compromising a lot, if you have any tips I'd love to hear them! Besides cheap is the new cool right?


oh and these shoes; do you believe in the power of suggestion? I do, because I found these pair of red Bastad clogs from Goodwill yesterday afternoon for $5.99 plus a 20%employee discount from my mom (she works for Goodwill btw)


really how many red clogs does a girl need anyway?