Things have been quiet on the frugality front here recently, mostly because we just haven't been very frugal. Long story short, the fiance and I have been living on one income, under a fair bit of stress, but now things are finally starting to turn back around! As we're currently readjusting, I'm trying to be sensible about spending, and am a bit pleased with the restraint I've been showing. So here is a mini pat on the back for me in the form of Non-Consumer Advocate's Five Frugal Things:
1. We moved into a much larger apartment recently, which means that our rent increased. Fiance has a new job, but didn't start until about a month after we moved. Despite the vast empty space and the desire to feel completely settled, I have not made a trip to IKEA to buy things to fill it up. Instead, I've made a couple trips to thrift stores, and have been trolling craigslist for used items.
2. Along the same lines, we now have a balcony and need items to put on it. In particular, fiance, being a guy, immediately wanted a grill. He was watching craigslist and sending emails to people when he say a curb alert for a free grill. He managed to get there first and he had the foresight to bring a screwdriver which meant he could dismantle in and fit it in the car while other people kept driving by wondering if the grill was still there. One tank of propane, a set of grill tools, and a good scrubbing and we have the ability to cook outdoors!
3. The weather today is perfect--warm but not hot, low humidity. I shut off the a/c and opened the windows. Our new place is two levels, and the upstairs is getting a lovely breeze, while the downstairs remains cool due to a concrete floor.
4. We have ceiling fans for the first time in YEARS. I love them, they are perfect at keeping the place cool and not stuffy.
5. While moving, we were able to re-use all of that bubble wrap I acquired to insulate my windows in the old place. I love being able to re-purpose things!
1. We moved into a much larger apartment recently, which means that our rent increased. Fiance has a new job, but didn't start until about a month after we moved. Despite the vast empty space and the desire to feel completely settled, I have not made a trip to IKEA to buy things to fill it up. Instead, I've made a couple trips to thrift stores, and have been trolling craigslist for used items.
2. Along the same lines, we now have a balcony and need items to put on it. In particular, fiance, being a guy, immediately wanted a grill. He was watching craigslist and sending emails to people when he say a curb alert for a free grill. He managed to get there first and he had the foresight to bring a screwdriver which meant he could dismantle in and fit it in the car while other people kept driving by wondering if the grill was still there. One tank of propane, a set of grill tools, and a good scrubbing and we have the ability to cook outdoors!
3. The weather today is perfect--warm but not hot, low humidity. I shut off the a/c and opened the windows. Our new place is two levels, and the upstairs is getting a lovely breeze, while the downstairs remains cool due to a concrete floor.
4. We have ceiling fans for the first time in YEARS. I love them, they are perfect at keeping the place cool and not stuffy.
5. While moving, we were able to re-use all of that bubble wrap I acquired to insulate my windows in the old place. I love being able to re-purpose things!
