Frugality is now fashionable

Have you noticed how mainstream being frugal has become?

Because of the type of work I do, I often go months without working. I have learned to put money aside for those times and also to be frugal and make that money last as long as possible.

I have practiced frugality for a very long time. Now due to the economy, many people are following suit.

Frugal websites are popping up all over the Internet, whereas before, I had to really dig to find some decent ones.

It is now hip to be frugal :) Cool.

Here are some frugal things I now do out of habit:

• Use half the laundry detergent required - my clothes always come clean.
• Cut dryer sheets in half - and I buy the store brand which is cheaper.
• I stock up on sale goods that we use often.
• I add a bit of water to both my shampoo and my body wash.
• Lights get turned off when not needed.
• We keep the temp low in winter and dress warmly (we have a bigger house to heat now too).
• I wear outer (pants and tops) clothes more than once if not dirty. I'm still working on this concept with my son - if he changes his shirt midday - he tosses it into the laundry.
• I do my best to use up leftovers or freeze them for later.
• I always look at prices - my husband has to pay more attention to this - he came home with a (very) small loaf of bakery bread that cost $5 dollars last week!
• I dilute any cleanser that I can.
• I buy fabric at thrift stores for my sewing projects.
• I buy clothes at thrift stores.
• We have replaced all regular light bulbs with compact florescent ones.

I am sure if I thought about it, I would probably come up with several more.

What are some of things you do (or are planning to start doing) to be frugal or save a few bucks?

Ways to save money this summer (while not working)

• Do a freezer & pantry inventory and use stuff up - we don't want to move it.
  - did an inventory have started to use stuff up.
  
• Double think things before buying - do we really need it now, or can we do without.
• No new clothing for K or I unless we lose a size down.
• Don't buy any books (other than Happy Potter 7 on order) use the library.
• Homemade inexpensive treats for J all summer.
  - started today, was cool enough to bake muffins and granola bars.
  
• Get J to drink more water than juice or koolaid this summer.
• Eat less - K and I both need to lose a few.
• Read more, stitch more, paint more - spend more time on hobbies while I have this time off.
  - problem with this is that I packed my stitching and painting supplies - will see how bored I get if I decide to unpack those boxes or not.
  
• Stretch shampoos and liquid soaps.
• Take advantage of splash pad at park.
• Keep air at 22 whenever possible.