Finding My Way Home

Frugal Tip - Hang Dry

{ 12:21, Thursday, October 9, 2008 } { Posted in Frugal Tips } { 1 comments } { Link }

I had been wanting to hang my clothes out for a while, but never put up a clothesline. Well, my new house has a clothesline. And I have been putting it to good use. I must admit that my mom hangs up most of the clothes. But I do my share, and when she was in CA, I did it all by my self. I actually find it very relaxing. The younger kids can go out and get some fresh air, or they can stay in and I can get away from them for a few minutes. That's always nice.

They are either napping, or I put a video on to keep them in place and I make sure the older kids know to keep an ear out for them.
So here is me hanging up the diapers.

My mom was hanging over the front porch trying to take this picture. I don't have many laundry baskets, so I grabbed a bag instead. It worked well. I didn't have to keep bending over to pick up more laundry. If I do use a basket, I will pick up a bunch and drape them over my shoulder. I have a bag for clothespins, but when that was broke, I clipped a bunch on my shirt so I had easy access.
I have found that on windy days, the clothes come out nice and soft. But if there is no wind, they come out rather starchy. To remedy that, I throw the clothes in the dryer on air dry for a time. The kids don't mind having stiff clothes, so I don't bother doing that to theirs.
I always thought that I didn't have time to hang up clothes, but like I said, I do enjoy it. Especially when the sun is shining. And I enjoy thinking about all the money I am saving on Propane.

Now, if only there was a way to enjoy putting away the clothes.... yuck...

Frugal Tip - Laundry Soap

{ 11:09, Friday, October 3, 2008 } { Posted in Frugal Tips } { 0 comments } { Link }

I was a laundry detergent snob. I only used Tide. It was the only thing that got my clothes clean. Until I discovered Borax. And then I could use cheap detergent. Borax is awesome!
Although I could now use cheap detergent, I knew that making my own, would still be way cheaper. Especially since homemade detergent is made partly out of Borax. If I made my own, I wouldn't have to add the extra Borax.
So after months of the recipe sitting in my notebook, I finally took the plunge and made the detergent.
It was fun! Especially when you have a future homemaker helping you:

I doubled the recipe so I wouldn't have to make it again right away.

HERE is the recipe. Go try it. I dare you.

Don't be scared. It's really very easy.
I found Fels Naptha and washing soda at my local grocery store. Walmart doesn't carry them.

Frugal Tips Coming

{ 03:04, Monday, September 29, 2008 } { Posted in Frugal Tips } { 1 comments } { Link }

I love saving money. Who doesn't? It has come fairly easy to me since I am a... um... I don't know the right word for it... scrooge? I used to love hearing about frugal tips until I realized, they were all the same tips, and I already did them. Like, don't wash laundry until you have a full load. Same with the dishwasher. Umm... with a large family, is it possible to have small loads?
With hubby driving 3 hours, at least twice a week, I either have to get really frugal, or start selling children. I do have a lot of children... but, I don't really feel like going through nine months of... well... I've been getting creative and doing things that I swore I would never do.
I like the Grocery Cart Challenge blog. She feeds her family on $60 a week. While I am not willing to do some of the things she does, she is inspiring. (For one thing, I can't go to multiple stores to shop. There aren't multiple stores around!)
So, I hope to post here and there about the different things I do to save a buck or two. So, keep checking. I know you're excited! HA!

Finding My Way Home

Frugal Tip - Hang Dry

Frugal Tip - Laundry Soap

Frugal Tips Coming

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