“The true economy of housekeeping is simply the art of gathering up all the fragments, so that nothing be lost. I mean fragments of time, as well as materials. Nothing should be thrown away so long as it is possible to make any use of it, however trifling that use may be; and whatever be the size of a family, every member should be employed either in earning or saving money.”
Frugal. That term is tossed around every which way I look. Making the best of what you have, making it last, saving, and living within your means. People are finally realizing that bigger is not always better. We have sacrificed way too much in the name of the American Dream. Our economy by the way of huge homes and vehicles bought on credit we can’t afford. Our families by the way of both parents having to work outside of the home to pay for big loans and mortgages. Our health by the way of fast, convenient, processed foods since there is no one at home to prepare a homemade meal. With a recession and our hard-hit economy, it’s no wonder people are having to relearn how to be frugal.
I’ve been reading a great book called, The American Frugal Housewife, by Mrs. Child, wrote in 1833. It’s a wonderful book with remedies, recipes, and household tips for housewives on how to live within your means and be frugal. I have to admit, I have had to use my dictionary on quite a few words. I thought it would be fun to share some excerpts from her book.
‘Time is money.’ For this reason, cheap as stockings are, it is good economy to knit them.
The consideration which many purchase by living beyond their income, and of course living upon others, is not worth the trouble it costs. More than that, it is wrong–morally wrong, so far as the individual is concerned; and injurious beyond calculation to the interests of our country.
This next one made me laugh!
Eggs. To prove whether they are good or bad, hold the large end of the egg to your tongue; if it feels warm, it is new; but if cold, it is bad.
It’s a good feeling that today, many more “professional” woman are choosing to stay at home and pridefully call themselves housewives. We have chosen to raise our kids, sew, knit, make things, grow/raise our own food, cook and take charge once again of our households. For many of us, it means living in smaller homes, within our means, and frugally. It makes for a sweet and happy life for our kids, our husbands, and ourselves.
I am always thinking of ways to be creative and use what I have, especially with food. My dad is great at being frugal and I learn much from him.
My favorite frugal food right now is dried coconut flakes…yum!
I was wanting to try that Mare! I was just so sad that this month Azure no longer had organic coconunts 🙁
Compost. Reuse various things. Library. Just learning crafts and so forth. I really try not to have interest outside of the house. I very, very much dislike vehicles although I love long road trips. I eat a lot of rice and bean dishes 🙂