I'm always looking for great ideas on how to reduce my cost of living. I also love practical ways of doing things myself instead of paying someone else. Also reusing stuff or finding new uses for things is a great way to save money and time in a lot of cases.
I would love for people to share there ideas on how we can live better for less money.
Shave your head. I've purchased two trimmers since joining the Army in 2000. A cost of about $70.
I haven't paid for a haircut in 6 years. :)
We save alot of money using a bread machine. You just need to get the yeast in the bulk 1 lb size, the grocery store price for the little amounts is prohibitive.
The fresh baked stuff makes the whole house smell good.
Drink water. It's practically free.
Don't eat out often. That's very expensive.
Quote from: Puke on December 01, 2007, 09:09 PM NHFT
Shave your head. I've purchased two trimmers since joining the Army in 2000. A cost of about $70.
I haven't paid for a haircut in 6 years. :)
:clap: I can't even begin to calculate how many hundreds of dollars a year that I save using this method. Every two weeks I mow the clipper over my hair and beard, and I get giddy thinking about saving that money. I don't have to buy shampoo, conditioner, gel, mousse, combs, brushes, curlers, picks, hair-dryers, dyes, highlights, foils, tints, or extensions. Time spent doing my hair every day? <1 minute :)
I started pedaling (at least part of the way) to work. http://newhampshireunderground.com/forum/index.php?topic=12330.0 (http://newhampshireunderground.com/forum/index.php?topic=12330.0) I've probably saved close to $100 in gasoline in the last month and a half. I usually ride a little over 3 miles each way and take the bus the rest of the way to work, although one day when I missed the bus, I rode about 23 miles.
Another way to save money is to use a deodorant stone instead of those deodorant sticks that leave an uncomfortable funny smelling film on your arm pits. The deodorant stones are made from mineral salts, and in my experience, tend to last a couple years or so each. I use mine in the morning after taking a shower and it keeps me stink free for over 24 hours. You can usually find them at health food stores and herbal pharmacies for around $5-$8 each. Instead of just masking the odor with something that smells somewhat like perfume, deodorant stones are odorless and work by killing off the bacteria that expel the odor.
Quote from: Insurgent on December 01, 2007, 09:28 PM NHFT
:clap: I can't even begin to calculate how many hundreds of dollars a year that I save using this method. Every two weeks I mow the clipper over my hair and beard, and I get giddy thinking about saving that money. I don't have to buy shampoo, conditioner, gel, mousse, combs, brushes, curlers, picks, hair-dryers, dyes, highlights, foils, tints, or extensions. Time spent doing my hair every day? <1 minute :)
Hey, Time spent doing my hair every day <1 minute :) (hmm... I need a bearded afroish smiley) :broc1:
Though the occasional haircut and cheap bottles of shampoo cost a few bucks a year... but certainly no more than $100 total.
Let's NOT end up with a mostly bunch of bald liberty folks, ok? It's hard enough keeping people from calling it a cult.
This is not a political comment. >:D
Quote from: Defender of Liberty on December 01, 2007, 09:56 PM NHFT
Another way to save money is to use a deodorant stone instead of those deodorant sticks that leave an uncomfortable funny smelling film on your arm pits. The deodorant stones are made from mineral salts, and in my experience, tend to last a couple years or so each. I use mine in the morning after taking a shower and it keeps me stink free for over 24 hours. You can usually find them at health food stores and herbal pharmacies for around $5-$8 each. Instead of just masking the odor with something that smells somewhat like perfume, deodorant stones are odorless and work by killing off the bacteria that expel the odor.
This is interesting; do you have any more information available about the products you use? I'm particularly interested because it seems like over-the-counter-deodorants can sometimes cause rashes and itchiness.
Do these deodorant stones cause any irritation?
Quote from: Puke on December 01, 2007, 09:17 PM NHFT
Drink water. It's practically free.
Don't eat out often. That's very expensive.
Not eating out is an
amazing savings, if you eat out with any regularity. I used to eat out with extreme regularity, but stopped a few months ago and have suddenly saved up a thousand extra bucks. Not eating out is what's going to allow me to move to the free state even sooner!
Making stuff yourself is often a cheaper route to go (coffee, bread, computers), but just be sure the giddiness associated with DIY projects doesn't take over. I learned to knit from one of my college professors and was about to embark on a knitting project to make a warm blanket before I realized that it would cost me about $100 more than it would to just buy a really nice blanket. :o
Quote from: Insurgent on December 01, 2007, 10:13 PM NHFT
This is interesting; do you have any more information available about the products you use? I'm particularly interested because it seems like over-the-counter-deodorants can sometimes cause rashes and itchiness.
Do these deodorant stones cause any irritation?
Normal deodorants cause rashes because of the aluminum chlorhydrate... next to your lymph nodes, especially combined with triclosan, it's a bad bad thing... I got swollen nodes as a result.
http://www.rense.com/general64/triclo.htm
The various stones are usually potassium salts, such as Potassium Alum, or Potassium Sulphate.
So your reactions (and the odor causing bacteria) will vary.
I tried the stones but they didn't work well for me. I ended up going with Zinc Oxide. A tube is cheap, easy to find, and works really well, on the same principle.
Quote from: SethCohn on December 01, 2007, 10:48 PM NHFT
Quote from: Insurgent on December 01, 2007, 10:13 PM NHFT
This is interesting; do you have any more information available about the products you use? I'm particularly interested because it seems like over-the-counter-deodorants can sometimes cause rashes and itchiness.
Do these deodorant stones cause any irritation?
Normal deodorants cause rashes because of the aluminum chlorhydrate... next to your lymph nodes, especially combined with triclosan, it's a bad bad thing... I got swollen nodes as a result.
http://www.rense.com/general64/triclo.htm
The various stones are usually potassium salts, such as Potassium Alum, or Potassium Sulphate.
So your reactions (and the odor causing bacteria) will vary.
I tried the stones but they didn't work well for me. I ended up going with Zinc Oxide. A tube is cheap, easy to find, and works really well, on the same principle.
I've never experienced any irritation from mine, and I've been using them for about 12 years. Here's some more information: http://www.kombuchapower.com/deodorant_stone.htm (http://www.kombuchapower.com/deodorant_stone.htm)
The one I prefer is similar to the ones sold here: http://www.outletnutrition.com/086449330007.html (http://www.outletnutrition.com/086449330007.html)
It looks like a smooth oval translucent crystal. Mine, (as long as I don't drop and break them) usually last 2-3 years each. If they break, you can take the pieces and dissolve them in warm water and put it in a spray bottle, just make sure that the concentration is high enough that it will start to recrystallize at room temperature. Then you can use that as a spray-on deodorant, although it will leave you a little damp.
grow wheat sprouts.
they cost about 25 cents a pound. and are very very good for you. also wheat makes a good survival food.
i can show you how if need be its pretty easy lemme kno
Use rechargeable batteries. It is better for the environment, also.
Buy in bulk. I'm single but I still buy things like printer paper, cranraisins, printer ink, and contacts at a warehouse club.
If you are going to buy books (cept from liberty loving authors that you are friends with or that speak at NH related events), buy them used.
Quote from: SethCohn on December 01, 2007, 10:12 PM NHFT
Let's NOT end up with a mostly bunch of bald liberty folks, ok? It's hard enough keeping people from calling it a cult.
Some of us are going the opposite direction: saving money by not getting haircuts at all. Don't even have to buy the clippers that way. ;) (Of course, Mary has boxes of clipper and blades, if you don't mind dog cooties.)
I stopped using shampoo; just water and conditioner. If we didn't have heavily chlorinated water, the conditioner might be optional.
Quote from: Tom Sawyer on December 01, 2007, 09:13 PM NHFT
We save alot of money using a bread machine. You just need to get the yeast in the bulk 1 lb size, the grocery store price for the little amounts is prohibitive.
The fresh baked stuff makes the whole house smell good.
Machine?
Quote from: Defender of Liberty on December 01, 2007, 09:56 PM NHFT
I started pedaling (at least part of the way) to work. http://newhampshireunderground.com/forum/index.php?topic=12330.0 (http://newhampshireunderground.com/forum/index.php?topic=12330.0) I've probably saved close to $100 in gasoline in the last month and a half. I usually ride a little over 3 miles each way and take the bus the rest of the way to work, although one day when I missed the bus, I rode about 23 miles.
Another way to save money is to use a deodorant stone instead of those deodorant sticks that leave an uncomfortable funny smelling film on your arm pits. The deodorant stones are made from mineral salts, and in my experience, tend to last a couple years or so each. I use mine in the morning after taking a shower and it keeps me stink free for over 24 hours. You can usually find them at health food stores and herbal pharmacies for around $5-$8 each. Instead of just masking the odor with something that smells somewhat like perfume, deodorant stones are odorless and work by killing off the bacteria that expel the odor.
Deodorant?
Sew your own clothes. Mine outlast anything I ever bought ready-made.
Now if only I could find cobbler equipment... and somebody alive who still knows how to make shoes and boots from scratch.
Quote from: Lloyd Danforth on December 02, 2007, 05:46 AM NHFT
Quote from: Defender of Liberty on December 01, 2007, 09:56 PM NHFT
I started pedaling (at least part of the way) to work. http://newhampshireunderground.com/forum/index.php?topic=12330.0 (http://newhampshireunderground.com/forum/index.php?topic=12330.0) I've probably saved close to $100 in gasoline in the last month and a half. I usually ride a little over 3 miles each way and take the bus the rest of the way to work, although one day when I missed the bus, I rode about 23 miles.
Another way to save money is to use a deodorant stone instead of those deodorant sticks that leave an uncomfortable funny smelling film on your arm pits. The deodorant stones are made from mineral salts, and in my experience, tend to last a couple years or so each. I use mine in the morning after taking a shower and it keeps me stink free for over 24 hours. You can usually find them at health food stores and herbal pharmacies for around $5-$8 each. Instead of just masking the odor with something that smells somewhat like perfume, deodorant stones are odorless and work by killing off the bacteria that expel the odor.
Deodorant?
The day I rode 23 miles, even though I got a little sweaty, I didn't stink because I used the deodorant stone. I just let the sweat evaporate when I got to work and all was good.
[/quote]
Deodorant?
[/quote]
The day I rode 23 miles, even though I got a little sweaty, I didn't stink because I used the deodorant stone. I just let the sweat evaporate when I got to work and all was good.
[/quote]
How do you avoid getting "slushed" in winter by passing motorists? Just curious. Are you driving a Danish Leitra or another type of enclosed trike?
I cut Russell's hair for him. Probably illegal, so that makes it more fun.
You should ask Cathleen. She's the top penny saver I know.
Quote from: elf on December 02, 2007, 05:51 AM NHFT
Sew your own clothes. Mine outlast anything I ever bought ready-made.
Now if only I could find cobbler equipment... and somebody alive who still knows how to make shoes and boots from scratch.
http://www.customshoemaker.com/home.html (http://www.customshoemaker.com/home.html)
They supposedly have a deal where you live there for a week and learn by making your own shoes.
Dang, looking at this again I guess I need to check them out myself!
Don't carry cash, an atm card, or credit card with you anywhere. It makes it hard to spend money when you don't have any.
Turn off lights and apliances that you aren't using. Buy light fixtures that only have one light in them. You don't need 4 lights on at once in the same room if you have a brighter bulb in your one light.
Set the temp in the house to 69 instead of 72. After you get used to it, you can't tell the difference.
Don't buy convenience foods.
Don't eat out. Ever. If you do go out, drink beer instead of eating. I think you get more "bang for your buck" that way.
Spend some time working out to stay in decent shape. It will cost you less in health issues/doctor visits down the road. Now that I think about it, it may cost you more to work out since you'll probably live longer. It may just be cheaper to die early.
Shoot a lot in 22 LR and shoot a little more sparingly with the higher calibers.
To save a grip on food, look at this site http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/.
I enjoy big savings by "steering clear" of rent and property taxes ;D
Wanna save heaps of $$$$ over your lifetime?
The fact is, convenience makes us lazy, we waste what comes easily, we waste time and delay paying for things [like the electric bill] because some softhearted customer service rep will grant an extension if our bills are late. Meanwhile, self-destructive habits continues. We learn nothing to change our paradigm.
Here's a step closer to getting off the expensive grid, and into a self-sufficiency/survival mode.
There are some very practical stores in the heart of Ohio Amish country. For off-the-grid folks; plain old people like us, along with the Amish.
Convenience has a huge price. We tend to waste what comes easily. I mean, how hard is it to turn a light OFF? It's far easier to remember
to turn down the paraffin lamp's dimmer or snuff it out completely, if you are watching the fuel gauge go down, or the candle disappearing into its catchbasin. It's not like you can defer payment arrangements or get an extention into next month with the customer service rep at Candles-R-Us.
Order the catalogue - it is 100+ pages of off-the-grid items not found on the website.
By the way ... living off the grid is great exercise to reshape one's self-discipline, time management skills, waistline, AND wallet.
www.lehmans.com
Thank you for posting that link, elf. Lehman's is a great resource.
Dem der Amish shur know howta live cheep! :mf_farmer:
;D
Quote from: srqrebel on December 02, 2007, 12:32 PM NHFT
Thank you for posting that link, elf. Lehman's is a great resource.
Dem der Amish shur know howta live cheep! :mf_farmer:
;D
Ja, ja... and a few of "dem English onda farms upta road" like me learned plenty alongside of them.
Like the difference between need and greed, work and wishes, what fair means, what cons do, and the wonderful sleep a clear conscience brings.
Damn, what a good life it was. Never did agree with their cult on some issues, but I absorbed what was useful for my own little journey through the decades. :mf_farmer:
Quote from: SethCohn on December 01, 2007, 10:12 PM NHFT
It's hard enough keeping people from calling it a cult.
I would think that would be due to the "long-hairs", not those who keep it high and tight. ;D ( j/k btw, I used to have dreads and a beard, so I'm quite familiar with such sentiments.)
Besides, clippers generally come with several length "guides". I usually use a #2 during winter and w/o any guide during the rest of the year; but my hair still regrows fairly quickly, so even being "bald" doesn't last for more than a couple days.
I wouldn't suggest this for our female members though; just my opinion anyway. ;D
Another thing one can do:
Composting food refuse. This can be done very cheaply with a little research; less that needs to go to a landfill/incinerator and has a beneficial use for farming/gardening.
Quote from: RangerProbst on December 02, 2007, 10:40 AM NHFT
Turn off lights and apliances that you aren't using. Buy light fixtures that only have one light in them.
As an add, use energy efficient light bulbs.
Theres also some good tips here: http://www.betterbudgeting.com/
frugal?
NUMBER UNO: develop simple and cheap living accomodations..tipi, camper, build own home etc...
NO HOME MORTGAGE!! say no to the fricken slavery that the evil bastards have created
SECOND: find a way to reduce or completely eradicate utility companies. ..get cheap cell phone, go solar, harvest water or drill your own well, throw out fax machines (use mail), plant gardens/build greenhouse.
then limit all those materialistic things and keep it basic.
buy all 3 CD's of Mother Earth News magazine for 30 bucks which cover 40 years of articles.
being free is easy (if you want it)
Kola
Quote from: kola on December 02, 2007, 01:05 PM NHFT
buy all 3 CD's of Mother Earth News magazine for 30 bucks which cover 40 years of articles.
Wow, Kola, thank you for posting this cool little tip! Mother Earth News is one of my all-time favorite magazines. I had no idea all those really cool back issues were still available, especially at such a bargain price!
My father subscribed to ME News during the seventies and eighties, and I devoured them with a passion during my teen years :)
Quote from: lawofattraction on December 02, 2007, 12:29 PM NHFT
Quote from: Puke on December 01, 2007, 09:17 PM NHFTDon't eat out often. That's very expensive.
Not only that, but you help to de-fund the state by eating out less. :)
In fact, by simply avoiding the various things that New Hampshire taxes, you can often save quite a bit of money and be a good small-government activist at the same time. :D
How do I give this post like a zillion karma points?
Great tips all around. I will have to try the deodorant stones.. for now I use the 99-cent "power stick" deodorant I can only find at wal-mart, as opposed to "Speed Stick" that costs about twice as much.
The hair clipper idea is also very good. Note that with the different length clipper attachments and two mirrors (or haircut buddy) you can get an actual haircut instead of a buzz. I just upgraded to a combination clipper and vacuum that doesn't make so much of a mess.. also handles beard duties.
Bartering and general DIY work are usually great money savers. For example, I use an internet connection I barter for.. I don't directly pay for access anymore. I share a connection with a neighbor who has a wireless router, and pay him back in homebrewed wine and yardwork. This allowed me to get rid of the DSL connection, and to also get rid of my land-line and all the taxes associated with it (FCC approved customer line charge.. WTF). I replaced it with a cell phone that has NO monthly plan.. I just buy refill minutes as needed off ebay.. so now phone service now costs me less than $100/year. This whole phone/internet/wine setup saves me a net $50/month.
I also administer a small website, and ask the client to reimburse me for the hosting fees. With the way the hosting package is set up (and the extra bandwidth the client leaves behind) I host my own personal site for free.
Quote from: RangerProbst on December 02, 2007, 10:40 AM NHFT
Shoot a lot in 22 LR and shoot a little more sparingly with the higher calibers.
Damn straight. And if you normally pay to shoot at a gun range, consider getting a badass .22 pellet rifle.. then the rounds are even cheaper, and you can sneak a little gun range in your back yard. Very fun. ;D
if you have a yen for gardens at all ... ask someone if you can grow herbs, flowers and veggies on their property, in lieu of the grass they'll have to mow. The owner gets a no-maintenance piece of ground, you get herbs and flowers to sell fresh or dried, and food to eat! Win-win for all.
If you have a hobby, teach the fine points... for a fee. You enjoy your hobby, and still make some money. Work CAN be all play. :)
Same hobby, swap the use of your tools for something else you need.
It all adds up to no cash out of your wallet. Frugal, cheap, tight as a Scotsman vest pocket.
Quote from: Puke on December 01, 2007, 09:09 PM NHFT
Shave your head. . . . I haven't paid for a haircut in 6 years. :)
I started cutting my own hair even when I had it on the much longer side . . . I don't recall the last time I've paid someone to do that for me.
If one is looking for something/style a little more than Puke or I, there are always places to learn about how to do that.
A friend can help, if you and they are confident enough . . . OMG (haven't thought of it for quite some time) do we need licences? 8) . . . ;D
Quote from: Insurgent on December 01, 2007, 09:28 PM NHFT. . . Time spent doing my hair every day? <1 minute :)
Oh yes, the time saved is enormous . . .
Even if you go for something
a bit prettier than a shaved head, once you've learned to do it, there are no more appointments to make and keep, and no travel time and gas.
WARNING however, practice is needed . . .
Quote from: SethCohn on December 01, 2007, 10:12 PM NHFT. . . This is not a political comment. >:D
Are you sure? :)
A cult?
Can Buddhists be part of this freedom movement?
Just wait 'till I get my orange robe (or what ever those orange garments are called).
But then, I exaggerate --- I think.
i just looked at one of my mags...the price for 3 CD's of Mother Earth News is $49.95. They upped the price since I bought mine.
Good request to Santa Clauss or Budda or Jehovah, or Ricky Martin, the Sun, a box of crayons, per rock or whoever/whatever you belieive has "magical" qualities that enrichen your life.
Kola
get chickens
I gave Bill a really nice set of professional clippers one year.
See What good that did me.
I've got to get a yard before I get chickens.
You know we really need a chicken smiley now that I think of it.
Another idea to save money.
A price book for grocery shopping. The idea is you write down what you pay for the stuff you buy. You note where and when you get a great sale price or the best regular price. This way you can check if you come across a great deal and have a good idea how often sales come around so you can stock up till the next sale comes around.
I would love to sew more of my clothes again. I just haven't found anywhere to but quality fabrics cheap enough to cost less than buying clothes on a really good sale. If anyone has a good source of Fabrics here in New Hampshire please let me know.
I have found that Making clothes doesn't save me a ton of money but doing my own alterations and repairs on clothing does.
Sewing is also a great skill for Hallloween costumes, curtains, and gifts.
We got a ton of nice clothes from Dawn's clothing swap.
Quote from: Dreepa on December 02, 2007, 07:27 PM NHFT
get chickens
I'd love to, but the headaches of listening to the code enforcement officer over the zoning isn't worth the savings.
Quote from: kola on December 02, 2007, 03:59 PM NHFT
i just looked at one of my mags...the price for 3 CD's of Mother Earth News is $49.95. They upped the price since I bought mine.
Good request to Santa Clauss or Budda or Jehovah, or Ricky Martin, the Sun, a box of crayons, per rock or whoever/whatever you belieive has "magical" qualities that enrichen your life.
Kola
Online.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/article-categories.aspx
They used to have a better site where you could look at every issue, but, I think its all here.
i love coupons..
For Dan its hard for us to keep our food shopping cheep, mister atkins will eat $200 bucks of meat a day if i let him. I will be looking into raising our own meats and will be selling fresh eggs for free state sale too. that should help.
i resuse things, like plastic. Yep, i wash zip lock bags out, they are so expensive!
Food here in RI is not cheep. a gallon of milk is over $3 bucks.
car pooling helps too. dont smoke, dont drink. having fun is a lot of money! If you go out to dinner, dont drink, that glass of wine will pay for the entire bottle.
I buy a lot in bulk. but you need to watch prices.
http://www.thegrocerygame.com/
This article from what lloyd posted looks helpful:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Homesteading-and-Self-Reliance/2007-10-01/Live-on-Less.aspx
Sell your car and get a hybrid. I just traded in my 2002 Jeep Wrangler that had 60k+ miles for a brand new 2007 Toyota Prius. Although I now have monthly car payments of around $200, I am saving more than that in gas. I used to buy $45-50 gas per week for my Jeep. Now I spend $20-25 every other week The car is literally paying for itself :D
I heard about a website on NPR the other day but I can't seem to remember the name. It was a website where you go and list the items you frequently purchase and how many of each item you want. Other people go and do the same thing. As more people join in on your purchase, the website negotiates bulk rates with a distributor. Therefore you can buy your normal products at a lower cost. I'll keep looking around for the name but I'm hoping somebody else heard the same show.
Chevy Aveo... cheaper.
Used Geo Metro even better.
Quote from: John Edward Mercier on December 03, 2007, 02:00 PM NHFT
Chevy Aveo... cheaper.
Used Geo Metro even better.
A lady here a few years ago, was exiting a parking lot onto
a busy road. The Geo Metro she was driving, was broadsided
by a motorcycle. It knocked the car over on its side.
Here is a little tip from your uncle Pat= if your car can be knocked
over by a motorcycle, it's to Fucking small!
get a deisel getta. hey are better than a prius because you can have passangers, lol. when you load up a prius the gas milage drops.
but purchasing cars does not *save* you money.
i think she is looking for things like:
use a mix of bleach and water as a all purpose cleaner, or vinegar and water, works just as well as any spray cleaner, costs you pennies rather than $3.99 per quart. hang clothes out to dry on a line, weather permitting. spend 13.99 on the shrink wrap for windows, it works really well, saves on heat! spend 7.99 for a electronic thermstat, so you can program your heat to be low when sleeping or not home. mine drops down to 58 at night, makes it romantic for a cold snuggle! ask ivy about her frozen water for her freezer, she does something funny to save on electricity. turn the tv off when you are not watching it. if you are cold, put a sweater on. get a free dog to sleep with, its a good foot warmer. for copper cleaner, kosher salt, and lemon juice, works great! pluck your eyebrows, instead of getting them waxed. paint your own toes, and take those ugly fake nails off, they are a huge waste of dollers! (not that you wear fake nails kate! i yelled at ivy once because she bitched that she had no money, but had nice long fake nails, next time i saw her, nails were off!) make your own coffee rather than paying dunkin to make it. make a lunch daily, and bring to work. buy in bulk. save paperclips and rubber bands, (i am polish! dont ask me why i save them, its in my genes.. must save paperclips!) dumpster dive, because one mans trash is another mans treasure!
I make my own coffee. I have an old perk coffeepot, buy fresh coffee beans, roast em myself, grind them and then perk away. Now, I cannot even stomach that drip stuff which is from old bitter coffeebeans.
perky Kola
Quote from: Beth221 on December 03, 2007, 02:15 PM NHFT
get a deisel getta. hey are better than a prius because you can have passangers, lol. when you load up a prius the gas milage drops.
but purchasing cars does not *save* you money.
I was looking at the Jetta TDI's because I wanted to convert it to run on biodiesel. Those aren't cheap. You're right . . . buying the Prius didn't save me money, it
made me money. I traded in a Jeep worth around $14k and now have a Prius worth $20k+ without incurring any additional financial commitment. I just upped the value of my vehicle by almost 150%
Quote from: Beth221 on December 03, 2007, 02:15 PM NHFT
spend 13.99 on the shrink wrap for windows, it works really well, saves on heat!
We just did that. We're noticing a difference already.
Quote from: Beth221 on December 03, 2007, 02:15 PM NHFT
spend 7.99 for a electronic thermstat, so you can program your heat to be low when sleeping or not home. mine drops down to 58 at night, makes it romantic for a cold snuggle!
I didn't even know this was possible until a few days ago. Definitely going to buy one soon.
Quote from: Beth221 on December 03, 2007, 02:15 PM NHFT
get a free dog to sleep with, its a good foot warmer.
My Jack Russell is like a personal space heater in bed.
Quote from: Beth221 on December 03, 2007, 02:15 PM NHFT
make your own coffee rather than paying dunkin to make it. make a lunch daily, and bring to work.
I estimate that I save around $150-200/month since I've started making my own coffee and packing a lunch.
Other ideas:
1. don't buy pre-cut veggies, buy a bunch of celery and cut it yourself
2. keep an eye on prices at the grocery store - that extra big bag of raisins isn't always cheaper than 2 smaller ones
3. insulate all bulkhead doors and old windows
4. get rid of cable and join Netflix
5. never pay ATM fees - go to your bank or your bank's ATM
6. get books from the library
7. keep the heat down low and use blankets - we just turned our heat up to 64 on Saturday (can't wait to get one of the electronic programmable ones)
8. transfer all savings to high-yield savings accounts
9. switch your landline telephone to VOIP
Blockbuster is better than netflix.
I've never used Blockbuster's online program. My friend just switched from Blockbuster to Netflix though. I guess Blockbuster jacked up his monthly price right around the same time that Netflix reduced my fee.
I've been a Netflix member for years . . . they're good for me b/c I watch a lot of indy and foreign flicks. Not sure how much of a selection Blockbuster has in these genres.
Quote from: Pat K on December 03, 2007, 02:08 PM NHFT
Quote from: John Edward Mercier on December 03, 2007, 02:00 PM NHFT
Chevy Aveo... cheaper.
Used Geo Metro even better.
A lady here a few years ago, was exiting a parking lot onto
a busy road. The Geo Metro she was driving, was broadsided
by a motorcycle. It knocked the car over on its side.
Here is a little tip from your uncle Pat= if your car can be knocked
over by a motorcycle, it's to Fucking small!
Anything t-boned with a significant amount of momentum will have problems...
I watched news video of a Suburban being t-boned by a Escort... flipped just like a pancake.
Quote from: John Edward Mercier on December 03, 2007, 08:04 PM NHFT
Anything t-boned with a significant amount of momentum will have problems...
I watched news video of a Suburban being t-boned by a Escort... flipped just like a pancake.
SUV's are quite dangerous. They are too top-heavy.
Prius's are a silly way to save money in my opinion. They cost a lot, are cheaply made, and the savings ain't that great.
Whether or not you like Priuses . . . getting off oil is a good way to save money.
Quote from: Kat Kanning on December 03, 2007, 03:13 PM NHFT
Blockbuster is better than netflix.
Netflix has a quicker turn around time and let's you watch somethings online. Blockbuster lets you return the movies to the store and get new movies right away. You also get a coupon to rent one additional movie or a game from a BB store every month. I use Blockbuster because I like to rent games and they are $7 per rental. Oh, and I've used BB for so long am grandfathered in at 4 movies for the price of 3.
Quiting cable and getting both BB and Netflix sounds good but then the cost of my high speed internet would go up.
Quote from: Puke on December 03, 2007, 08:52 PM NHFT
Prius's are a silly way to save money in my opinion. They cost a lot, are cheaply made, and the savings ain't that great.
Don and Cathleen's is pretty cool :) They'll drive up in a parking lot and you can't even hear the car running. It's got fancy displays, too.
Quote from: alohamonkey on December 03, 2007, 09:09 PM NHFT
Whether or not you like Priuses . . . getting off oil is a good way to save money.
Thats somewhat true. As our transport gets more fuel efficient the State of NH will need to find another source to fund transportation projects. So the whole system will need an overhaul.
Quote from: porcupine kate on December 02, 2007, 08:47 PM NHFT
I gave Bill a really nice set of professional clippers one year.
See What good that did me.
Yes, I sure do see.
Looks like Bill is not spending a whole bunch of money on fancy hair cuts these days. :Dollar_-_Silver:
A nice set of clippers has many ways of of saving money - it is like magic . . . ;)
Quote from: Beth221 on December 03, 2007, 09:41 AM NHFTYep, i wash zip lock bags out, they are so expensive!
I recently saw a rack for drying them out :o . . . obviously one can easily create their own rack
Quote from: Dreepa on December 02, 2007, 07:27 PM NHFT
get chickens
Just saw a used book (at the thrift store for $3 + Sat. = books half off = $1.5) on Raising Fowl As A Hobby . . . not just chickens but others as well.
It will likely be there this Sat.
Quote from: Kat Kanning on December 03, 2007, 03:13 PM NHFT
Blockbuster is better than netflix.
Not renting movies is still cheaper. ;D
Quote from: Defender of Liberty on December 01, 2007, 09:56 PM NHFT
Another way to save money is to use a deodorant stone instead of those deodorant sticks that leave an uncomfortable funny smelling film on your arm pits. The deodorant stones are made from mineral salts, and in my experience, tend to last a couple years or so each. I use mine in the morning after taking a shower and it keeps me stink free for over 24 hours. You can usually find them at health food stores and herbal pharmacies for around $5-$8 each. Instead of just masking the odor with something that smells somewhat like perfume, deodorant stones are odorless and work by killing off the bacteria that expel the odor.
I use isopropyl alcohol ("rubbing alcohol") for this, but it sounds like these stones cost a bit less than bottles of alcohol.
Anyone have any good information/tips on handwashing clothing? Sick of wasting $5–10 dollars and three hours every few weeks on a laundromat, nor do I want to spend $500+ on my own washer...
Deodorant: raw food diet eliminates the need :)
Laundry: how about looking for free/cheap washer & dryer on craigslist?
Quote from: J'raxis 270145 on December 04, 2007, 04:57 PM NHFT
Anyone have any good information/tips on handwashing clothing? Sick of wasting $5–10 dollars and three hours every few weeks on a laundromat, nor do I want to spend $500+ on my own washer...
http://www.redhillgeneralstore.com/wash.htm
Quote from: Kat Kanning on December 04, 2007, 05:20 PM NHFT
Deodorant: raw food diet eliminates the need :)
Laundry: how about looking for free/cheap washer & dryer on craigslist?
This apartment doesn't even have the hookups so that's actually not an option until my lease runs out. And then there's still the fact that those things draw a huge amount of electricity and hot water.
Quote from: Lloyd Danforth on December 04, 2007, 05:26 PM NHFT
http://www.redhillgeneralstore.com/wash.htm
Thanks.
Quote from: J'raxis 270145 on December 04, 2007, 05:31 PM NHFT
Quote from: Kat Kanning on December 04, 2007, 05:20 PM NHFT
Deodorant: raw food diet eliminates the need :)
Laundry: how about looking for free/cheap washer & dryer on craigslist?
This apartment doesn't even have the hookups so that's actually not an option until my lease runs out. And then there's still the fact that those things draw a huge amount of electricity and hot water.
Quote from: Lloyd Danforth on December 04, 2007, 05:26 PM NHFT
http://www.redhillgeneralstore.com/wash.htm
Thanks.
This looks like it might be an option for you. http://laundry-alternative.com/Washing-Product.htm (http://laundry-alternative.com/Washing-Product.htm)
well theres this method.
(http://boldts.net/photos/CaribGren6.jpeg)
Quote from: J'raxis 270145 on December 04, 2007, 05:31 PM NHFT
Quote from: Kat Kanning on December 04, 2007, 05:20 PM NHFT
Deodorant: raw food diet eliminates the need :)
Laundry: how about looking for free/cheap washer & dryer on craigslist?
This apartment doesn't even have the hookups so that's actually not an option until my lease runs out. And then there's still the fact that those things draw a huge amount of electricity and hot water.
Quote from: Lloyd Danforth on December 04, 2007, 05:26 PM NHFT
http://www.redhillgeneralstore.com/wash.htm
Thanks.
In one of the Army jails I spent some time in we had to wash our own clothes. We had tubs, but, a washboard would have made it a lot easier.
Quote from: Defender of Liberty on December 04, 2007, 10:18 PM NHFT
This looks like it might be an option for you. http://laundry-alternative.com/Washing-Product.htm (http://laundry-alternative.com/Washing-Product.htm)
Wow, that looks like an exceptionally good alternative to expensive laundromats -- awesome tip!
Hey Jeremy, how well does the isopropyl alcohol work as a deodorant -- i.e. does it last a reasonable length of time?
I have access to free alcohol wipes (they get discarded otherwise, yet are perfectly good), so if you like, I can save a bunch for you.
It dries your skin out like crazy. I'd guess you'd wind up with a rash in such a sensitive area after a while.
Quote from: Defender of Liberty on December 04, 2007, 10:18 PM NHFT
This looks like it might be an option for you. http://laundry-alternative.com/Washing-Product.htm (http://laundry-alternative.com/Washing-Product.htm)
That thing looks awesome. ;D
Quote from: srqrebel on December 05, 2007, 10:33 AM NHFT
Hey Jeremy, how well does the isopropyl alcohol work as a deodorant -- i.e. does it last a reasonable length of time?
I have access to free alcohol wipes (they get discarded otherwise, yet are perfectly good), so if you like, I can save a bunch for you.
Lasts about a day for me. It seemed to last much longer when I originally started doing this 3–4 years ago, and over a few months or so I had to start doing it more often. Probably some sort of artificial selection of the strongest/fastest-reproducing bacteria at work there.
Save some of those wipes and I'll try those, next time we see each other, next time I'm in Keene or next time you come out to Manchester. Thanks! ;D
Quote from: Kat Kanning on December 05, 2007, 10:35 AM NHFT
It dries your skin out like crazy. I'd guess you'd wind up with a rash in such a sensitive area after a while.
I've never actually had this problem.
why on earth would you want to rub iso. alcohol onto your skin.. its a freaking chemical..
check out craigs list free section for used appliances, furnauture and other things
changing your light bulbs to those energy saving ones makes a huge difference. dan buys ours online, at a cheep price.
wash your clothes in cold water, saves money on heating up hot water.
mend your socks.
Buy your organic foods through a co-op. Usu. have to buy canned things and some boxed things by case lot, but they often make the case size small, like 6 or so. Also can buy lots of items by onsies.
Northeast Cooperatives in Brattleboro used to be the big warehouse operation, but I think there was a merger and it's now called United Buying Clubs (http://www.unitedbuyingclubs.com/). My local health food store, Earthwards in Amherst, does a coop buying club, as well as the retail store operation. Order and pick up twice a week.
PS: they carry the deodorant stones
Quote from: Beth221 on December 05, 2007, 11:58 AM NHFT
why on earth would you want to rub iso. alcohol onto your skin.. its a freaking chemical..
Because that's what it's for? :P
Menno has some ideas for finding cheap soup i think... sound off menno
This looks like it might be an option for you. http://laundry-alternative.com/Washing-Product.htm
Friends of ours have used this for years. It doesn't hold much but it does clean them well.
Kassie some times presoaks and uses a washboard in the bath tub since they now have a small farm.
A good drying rack or clothes line is needed. I also agree with Lloyd that a wash board makes it easier to hand wash clothes. They can be found at http://www.lehmans.com/
Try a Rapid Washer... looks like a toilet plunger with a long broomstick handle.
Had one for decades! Use a Rubbermaid trash bin, wash, then rinse.
Run clothes through a Lehman's wringer - saves your hands and drying time.
Hang cothes to dry, then press or fold.
It works anywhere, no electricity required.
Works for me.
Quote from: Beth221 on December 05, 2007, 11:58 AM NHFT
why on earth would you want to rub iso. alcohol onto your skin.. its a freaking chemical..
It's better for you than drinking alcohol.
Not that drinking isn't fun. :)
Quote from: Puke on December 06, 2007, 06:14 PM NHFT
Quote from: Beth221 on December 05, 2007, 11:58 AM NHFT
why on earth would you want to rub iso. alcohol onto your skin.. its a freaking chemical..
It's better for you than drinking alcohol.
Not that drinking isn't fun. :)
Especially considering isopropyl alcohol is poisonous...
Quote from: DadaOrwell on December 05, 2007, 08:08 PM NHFT
Menno has some ideas for finding cheap soup i think... sound off menno
???
Umm... get a rifle, enjoy venison stew?
...poison ivy doesn't grow here in the winter, so you'll have to do without the garnish ;D
I think Dave is referring to the 2-qt cans of Heinz chicken soup that were available for $.89 each at Mr. G's in Winchester recently. Stan's in Westmoreland currently has quarts of creamy chicken soup and lobster bisque at $.89 each. Stan's also has Ramen noodles at $.20/pkg.
Both of these stores offer deep discounted food on a regular basis, though their inventories change constantly.
Quote from: J'raxis 270145 on December 06, 2007, 09:08 PM NHFT
Especially considering isopropyl alcohol is poisonous...
And it's only that way because we don't want people getting cheap booze.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denatured_alcohol (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denatured_alcohol)
isopropyl alcohol is different than denatured alcohol.
Quote from: Tom Sawyer on December 07, 2007, 03:23 PM NHFT
isopropyl alcohol is different than denatured alcohol.
But isn't it a form of denatured alcohol?
It still has crap added to it or some such to make it poisonous, right?
Isopropyl alcohol (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopropyl_alcohol)
Huh...ok, never-mind then. :P
I remember this advice.
[youtube=425,350]cmAm8GNJ_IA&ref[/youtube]
Quote from: Pat K on December 10, 2007, 08:00 AM NHFT
I remember this advice.
(video from above post)
"We can put it on our credit card!" Priceless. Credit cards (along with a college education I may or may not have needed to spend thousands of dollars on) is my biggest debt in life. I knew full well that it was silly to spend money I didn't have, but there's no teacher like experience. I really wish I had learned sooner...
Quote
Though the occasional haircut and cheap bottles of shampoo cost a few bucks a year... but certainly no more than $100 total.
Let's NOT end up with a mostly bunch of bald liberty folks, ok? It's hard enough keeping people from calling it a cult.
Some of us have hair ... and no haircut expenses. I figure that God gave me hair for protection, so I keep it and let my cute wife cut it anyway she wants to.
Quote from: Barterer on December 02, 2007, 02:19 PM NHFT
Quote from: RangerProbst on December 02, 2007, 10:40 AM NHFT
Shoot a lot in 22 LR and shoot a little more sparingly with the higher calibers.
Damn straight. And if you normally pay to shoot at a gun range, consider getting a badass .22 pellet rifle.. then the rounds are even cheaper, and you can sneak a little gun range in your back yard. Very fun. ;D
even cheaper ... sell your gun to someone and stop wasting money on ammo :)
Quote from: Pat K on December 03, 2007, 02:08 PM NHFT
Quote from: John Edward Mercier on December 03, 2007, 02:00 PM NHFT
Chevy Aveo... cheaper.
Used Geo Metro even better.
A lady here a few years ago, was exiting a parking lot onto
a busy road. The Geo Metro she was driving, was broadsided
by a motorcycle. It knocked the car over on its side.
Here is a little tip from your uncle Pat= if your car can be knocked
over by a motorcycle, it's to Fucking small!
I agree ... cheap used car that gets good mileage ... makes lots of sense. a motorcycle is even cheaper ... just watch out for patK
Quote from: Puke on December 07, 2007, 02:59 PM NHFT
Quote from: J'raxis 270145 on December 06, 2007, 09:08 PM NHFT
Especially considering isopropyl alcohol is poisonous...
And it's only that way because we don't want people getting cheap booze.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denatured_alcohol (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denatured_alcohol)
Listerine is denatured?!?!? No wonder it tastes so bad. They should put a warning label on their bottles. I don't think I'll buy it anymore to prevent the risk of swallowing some. I knew folks who used to drink it to get buzzed.
Quote from: Defender of Liberty on December 12, 2007, 07:23 AM NHFT
Quote from: Puke on December 07, 2007, 02:59 PM NHFT
Quote from: J'raxis 270145 on December 06, 2007, 09:08 PM NHFT
Especially considering isopropyl alcohol is poisonous...
And it's only that way because we don't want people getting cheap booze.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denatured_alcohol (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denatured_alcohol)
Listerine is denatured?!?!? No wonder it tastes so bad. They should put a warning label on their bottles. I don't think I'll buy it anymore to prevent the risk of swallowing some. I knew folks who used to drink it to get buzzed.
Not all denatured alcohol is poisonous; in some cases, they just add a chemical to make it unpalatable, such as using the denatonium mentioned in the article.
Quote from: J'raxis 270145 on December 12, 2007, 08:32 AM NHFT
Not all denatured alcohol is poisonous; in some cases, they just add a chemical to make it unpalatable, such as using the denatonium mentioned in the article.
I have (or had, if she's managed to finish drinking herself to death) a cousin who would drink Dr. Tichenor's (http://www.drtichenor.com/main.html). She had minty fresh breath, though! For a while she worked for my sister, who took away her bottle. One day Sis check the cousin's "water" bottle, and found she was sipping straight vodka all day. ::)
I knew a guy who drank Witch Hazel. He eventually died of it. First body I ever discovered.
:( Have you discovered more than one?
Quote from: Russell Kanning on December 12, 2007, 06:22 AM NHFT
Quote from: Pat K on December 03, 2007, 02:08 PM NHFT
Quote from: John Edward Mercier on December 03, 2007, 02:00 PM NHFT
Chevy Aveo... cheaper.
Used Geo Metro even better.
A lady here a few years ago, was exiting a parking lot onto
a busy road. The Geo Metro she was driving, was broadsided
by a motorcycle. It knocked the car over on its side.
Here is a little tip from your uncle Pat= if your car can be knocked
over by a motorcycle, it's to Fucking small!
I agree ... cheap used car that gets good mileage ... makes lots of sense. a motorcycle is even cheaper ... just watch out for patK
Why would they have to watch out for me?
I was wondering the same thing.
Quote from: KBCraig on December 12, 2007, 11:24 AM NHFT
Quote from: J'raxis 270145 on December 12, 2007, 08:32 AM NHFT
Not all denatured alcohol is poisonous; in some cases, they just add a chemical to make it unpalatable, such as using the denatonium mentioned in the article.
I have (or had, if she's managed to finish drinking herself to death) a cousin who would drink Dr. Tichenor's (http://www.drtichenor.com/main.html). She had minty fresh breath, though! For a while she worked for my sister, who took away her bottle. One day Sis check the cousin's "water" bottle, and found she was sipping straight vodka all day. ::)
Wow, your right her breath must have smelled pretty damn good! Do you remember some political guy's wife was drinking rubbing alcohol? I can't remember her name, I think it was Kitty something.
Quote from: Lloyd Danforth on December 12, 2007, 02:37 PM NHFT
I knew a guy who drank Witch Hazel. He eventually died of it. First body I ever discovered.
Gee, I would've thought he could have gotten a broom out of the deal first! :P
Quote from: Kat Kanning on December 12, 2007, 03:09 PM NHFT
:( Have you discovered more than one?
Darn good question, Kat! :)
The only one where I was alone.
I discovered a body once (a friend/roommate). Its a pretty funny story. Ask me in person sometime.
Mass exodus of roomers from Ron's house ensues
Quote from: jaqeboy on December 05, 2007, 12:16 PM NHFT
Buy your organic foods through a co-op. Usu. have to buy canned things and some boxed things by case lot, but they often make the case size small, like 6 or so. Also can buy lots of items by onsies.
Northeast Cooperatives in Brattleboro used to be the big warehouse operation, but I think there was a merger and it's now called United Buying Clubs (http://www.unitedbuyingclubs.com/). My local health food store, Earthwards in Amherst, does a coop buying club, as well as the retail store operation. Order and pick up twice a week.
PS: they carry the deodorant stones
UBC sent me a catalog and list of people running buying clubs in NH. You gotta know what you want, that thing is just line item after line item.
Reducing laundry saves a lot of money, especially if you have to use coin-op laundromats.
Unless you're doing sweaty/filthy work, most outer clothing can be worn a couple of times (at least) before laundering.
When you dry your clean body with a clean towel, that towel doesn't then become dirty. Bath towels that are hung up to dry are good for a week or more of daily drying. Same with washcloths, although you might care to swap them a bit more often.
Quote from: KBCraig on December 14, 2007, 03:01 PM NHFT
Reducing laundry saves a lot of money, especially if you have to use coin-op laundromats.
Unless you're doing sweaty/filthy work, most outer clothing can be worn a couple of times (at least) before laundering.
When you dry your clean body with a clean towel, that towel doesn't then become dirty. Bath towels that are hung up to dry are good for a week or more of daily drying. Same with washcloths, although you might care to swap them a bit more often.
yick.
Quote from: kola on December 14, 2007, 03:17 PM NHFT
yick.
To what part?
I'm a very clean and neat person. The jeans and t-shirt I wear puttering around the house for a few hours don't require laundering before being worn again. The towel I use to dry my freshly-washed self, after it's hung up to dry, is not noticeably less fresh than one in the cabinet.
Yick to what? To all of it.
It's a good things most hotels do not follow your beliefs, stinky!
LOL
Kola
I agree with Kevin. If you keep your body clean, your clothes don't get too ripe too fast. I don't get this showering every day either, much less twice a day. How can anyone rationalize that nature intended that? Running some soap and water over the important areas every day should suffice.
Quote from: kola on December 14, 2007, 09:11 PM NHFT
Yick to what? To all of it.
It's a good things most hotels do not follow your beliefs, stinky!
LOL
Kola
So......what? You got a washer dryer and shower in that tent you live in?
Quote from: Lloyd Danforth on December 14, 2007, 09:15 PM NHFT
Quote from: kola on December 14, 2007, 09:11 PM NHFT
Yick to what? To all of it.
It's a good things most hotels do not follow your beliefs, stinky!
LOL
Kola
So......what? You got a washer dryer and shower in that tent you live in?
Nah, they violate the "laws of nature" :P
Quote from: KBCraig on December 14, 2007, 03:01 PM NHFT
When you dry your clean body with a clean towel, that towel doesn't then become dirty. Bath towels that are hung up to dry are good for a week or more of daily drying.
At least 3 weeks.
Quote from: kola on December 14, 2007, 09:11 PM NHFT
Yick to what? To all of it.
Do you change your sheets every day? Get a new pillow every week? A new mattress every month? Let's not even talk about your shoes, no matter how often you change your socks...
I'm not talking about wearing dirty clothes. Clothes aren't dirty just because they've touched your body. Thank goodness, because otherwise my daughter would be doing two loads of laundry a day, given how often she changes.
It's not dirty until it's dirty. "Dirty" could happen after 15 minutes (mowing the lawn in summer), or a week (the comfy sweatpants and t-shirt used for lounging before bed, after a shower). No need to wash stuff until it's actually dirty.
Unless you just
like wasting water and money and polluting the environment, that is. ;)
people sweat. some more than others but we all sweat. sweat has a not-so-nice smell and some sweaty people really reek.... sometimes you can not see the sweat but the piece of garment is still "dirty". i prefer to shower once a day, in the morning and depending what i did or where i am going i may shower again . the NA indians noticed how stinky the early settlers were and noticed that they hardly bathed. yick. maybe its a genetic thing to wear dirty clothes, use dirty towels and skip baths and showers. double yick.
we shit and piss...and no matter how much we try we still get urine, blood and shit stains on undergarments.
i change underwear and socks daily... work shirts as well.
pants? I may wear them a few times unless i slop them up.
shower towels and washcloths? one use and they get laundered. you are rubbing those cloths on anal and pubic regions. wash em man.
bedsheets get changed every 2 weeks and pillow case every week.(nasty greasy shit accumlates on pillow cases even tho we most often can see it..its till fricken dirty...and spending 7-8 hours of a day under the sheets is a long time to cruddy things up and even moreso if you are one who skips showering or bathing daily.
the worse thing that some stinky folks do (besides not change clothes and/or shower) is to mask their odor with cheap cologne. thats the fricken pits. when I lived in NY people called it a "jewish bath".
now KB, once again, smite my karma as it appears this is something you are good at.
2 cents and change back,
Kola
Quote from: kola on December 15, 2007, 03:53 AM NHFT
now KB, once again, smite my karma as it appears this is something you are good at.
It's late, I'm off to bed, so I'll respond to your full post later. But let me say this: I don't smite. I quit smiting people before you joined this forum, so I'm pretty sure I've never smitten you.
I applaud people when I think they make good points, or when I think they contribute to the overall atmosphere of the movement. Otherwise, I just skip right on by, but I don't hit the "smite" button.
Kevin
Nature Boys! Gotta love them, Kevin ;D
Quote from: kola on December 15, 2007, 03:53 AM NHFT
shower towels and washcloths? one use and they get laundered. you are rubbing those cloths on anal and pubic regions. wash em man.
That is one of the most silly non-kook things I have seen on this forum :)
And for the record, I don't use a wash cloth. I use one of those puffie things that says discard after 1 month on it. I am pretty sure that all that ever touches it is water, soap, and my dead skin cells.
those "puffy" things are a wonderful breeding ground for bacteria etc...same goes for washing dishes with them or sponges.
ONLY dead skin cells huh? yeah like warts and HPV..note: they ain't dead.
do you guys wash your hands after going to the bathroom or are you the type that scurries out of the lavs bypassing the wash area?
Quote from: kola on December 15, 2007, 03:53 AM NHFT
i prefer to shower once a day, in the morning and depending what i did or where i am going i may shower again . the NA indians noticed how stinky the early settlers were and noticed that they hardly bathed.
Of course the early settlers stunk -- and I'm pretty certain your NA ancestors didn't shower even once a day, much less twice. We'd think both groups stink, if we were in the room with them.
Strangers always "smell", mostly because of different diets.
Quotewe shit and piss...and no matter how much we try we still get urine, blood and shit stains on undergarments.
Perhaps you didn't notice that I specified
outer garments.
Quotepants? I may wear them a few times unless i slop them up.
"Ooooh, wear them more than once? You're just
nasty!" ::)
Point being, you have your own arbitrary time limit. You'll roll around on sheets for hundred hours or more, but called me "stinky" for wearing the same sweatpants and t-shirt for 15-20 hours over a week.
Quote from: kola on December 15, 2007, 10:23 AM NHFT
do you guys wash your hands after going to the bathroom or are you the type that scurries out of the lavs bypassing the wash area?
Kola, you crack me up.
Speaking for myself, if there is a working faucet, I always wash my hands.
That said, I suppose you wouldn't hold up well in a construction environment, would you? Those port-a-potties don't have running water, yet somehow I managed to survive two years of construction work. (Then again, I might have gotten cooties from that and not know it ::)) Same goes for those outhouses our ancestors considered luxuries :)
I like being clean, and wouldn't want to do without my daily hot shower, but I try not to fear microscopic boogeymen too much ;D
The lotion on the wall of the chem toilet is an anti-septic.
That's just what they WANT you to think.
Quote from: John Edward Mercier on December 15, 2007, 12:01 PM NHFT
The lotion on the wall of the chem toilet is an anti-septic.
Must be something new -- I never had the good fortune of seeing one of those.
Quote from: srqrebel on December 15, 2007, 04:29 PM NHFT
Must be something new -- I never had the good fortune of seeing one of those.
It's only in those upscale high falooten porta johns.
Stinky!
LOL
Kola ;D
so the frugal tips thread turn into bathing suggestions?
sorry russell, why not delete Stinky's posts and mine?
Kola
too much trouble ....
Here is a tip that I could never do :) Buy a videogame system used after the next generagtion system comes out. Let me give you an example.
The Playstation 2 came out around 6 years ago for $300 and has sold around 130,000,000 units. It now costs around $89 used. The Playstation 3 came out last year and costs $599. Used PS2 games usually cost $10-$30. New PS3 games usually cost $50-$60.
Another example. A used Gameboy Advanced costs $59 with used games around $10-$25. A new DS costs $129 with new games from $18-$35.
Another option is to play mostly flash games on your PC. There are 10,000 free flash games that you can play on your PC. Many of them are lots of fun. In fact, you may even play old games, like NES games, online for free. This is the real frugal option.
a real frugalist would just walk to the neighbors house to play on the new Wii!
actually me and Dan, and a bunch of our friends, all chipped in like $40 bucks and we now have a wii, we bring it to parties, and its community owned.
good entertainment, great exercise, social skills builder, cheap equipment, and FUN!
Game 1: one soccer ball, a handful of people in the street. Fun.
Game 2: a nice stick, a sphere made of old gloves, wrapped tightly with packing tape. A handful of people in the street. More fun.
Game 3: scavenger hunts ... make up a list. Hit the streets. Are we having fun yet?
It's cheap. Not just frugal. No batteries, no electricity. Just pure fun. We forgot how to be kids. Time to learn it again.
Quote from: elf on December 16, 2007, 12:34 PM NHFT
good entertainment, great exercise, social skills builder, cheap equipment, and FUN!
Game 1: one soccer ball, a handful of people in the street. Fun.
Game 2: a nice stick, a sphere made of old gloves, wrapped tightly with packing tape. A handful of people in the street. More fun.
Game 3: scavenger hunts ... make up a list. Hit the streets. Are we having fun yet?
It's cheap. Not just frugal. No batteries, no electricity. Just pure fun. We forgot how to be kids. Time to learn it again.
Great post and awesome ideas! In Philadelphia we used to play all kinds of street games it was a blast. I'm up a dirt road so nobody is around and I miss people. :-\
Quote from: Jon Maltz on December 14, 2007, 01:11 PM NHFT
Quote from: jaqeboy on December 05, 2007, 12:16 PM NHFT
Buy your organic foods through a co-op. Usu. have to buy canned things and some boxed things by case lot, but they often make the case size small, like 6 or so. Also can buy lots of items by onsies.
Northeast Cooperatives in Brattleboro used to be the big warehouse operation, but I think there was a merger and it's now called United Buying Clubs (http://www.unitedbuyingclubs.com/). My local health food store, Earthwards in Amherst, does a coop buying club, as well as the retail store operation. Order and pick up twice a week.
PS: they carry the deodorant stones
UBC sent me a catalog and list of people running buying clubs in NH. You gotta know what you want, that thing is just line item after line item.
Yeah, know what you mean. A good way to handle that is to either go to The A Market in Manchester (off of So. Willow Street) or Earthwards in Amherst on Rt. 101A and ask them what the items are or tell them what you want and they'll help you identify which line item that would be. Earthwards also runs a buying club out of their store and they do orders & pick-ups 2X per week. It does take a little guidance to get started with that catalog and it helps to be talking to someone that knows how to read it. You can also buy this month's copy in the store (Earthwards) instead of subscribing. I know that store is a haul for you, but it helps sometimes to see the actual item on the shelf there before ordering. Once you get going, you learn the catalog and what you're usually going to order. There are some tricks to learn - be sure to watch for the exact order # - sometimes you can end up with a case of something you only wanted one of! Then you just swap items to someone else that has excess of one of their items.
Mostly for the ladies.
A good mask can be made from Cornstarch and Eggwhite mixed into a pudding like consistancy. . You put it on your face and allow to dry and leave it on as long as you can stand it ;D It shrinks fast and draws crap out of your pores.
I'm so frugal I don't even know what a wii is. :-\
I know it involves to Japanese guys in a SMART car.
Most of the adults around here play darts or cards in the winter.
Speaking of the SMART car, I hear they're going to be released in the US soon. I don't know how they were able to meet the crash safety requirements.
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/ - 70mpg diesel (3.3 liter/100km), US intro January 2008 - order in advance $99 reservation payment.
Quote from: Kat Kanning on December 17, 2007, 05:28 AM NHFT
I'm so frugal I don't even know what a wii is. :-\
Yeah I didn't know until my grandson's father kept saying he was playing with his Wii and I said who gives a shit, can't you keep that stuff to yourself! ::) :)
Quote from: Lloyd Danforth on December 16, 2007, 05:28 PM NHFT
Mostly for the ladies.
A good mask can be made from Cornstarch and Eggwhite mixed into a pudding like consistancy. . You put it on your face and allow to dry and leave it on as long as you can stand it ;D It shrinks fast and draws crap out of your pores.
i know more guys around here who needs to draw the crap out of their pores!
I remember doing this with my sisters and her friends. When the stuff dries it feels really weird
SMART car= ID chip=big brother surveilance :'(
drive a 56 impala or a 1964 chevy pickem up truck... no chips... other than paint.
cruisin in colorado kola
Back to the deodorant topic from page one, Tulumba.com is a great source for those stones, alum blocks, and these are dirt cheap! $2 a piece makes them a steal. I have been using my first one for over a year now, both for shaving and deodorant.
http://www.tulumba.com/storeItem.asp?ic=BB547960UD875
Quote from: Beth221 on December 18, 2007, 08:42 AM NHFT
Quote from: Lloyd Danforth on December 16, 2007, 05:28 PM NHFT
Mostly for the ladies.
A good mask can be made from Cornstarch and Eggwhite mixed into a pudding like consistancy. . You put it on your face and allow to dry and leave it on as long as you can stand it ;D It shrinks fast and draws crap out of your pores.
i know more guys around here who needs to draw the crap out of their pores!
i wonder if it will help for butt-zits. ;D
Do you have a butt zit problem, kola?
I'll bet it's all those clean towels...
Best Free Software
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2260070,00.asp
Quote from: jdemers on December 18, 2007, 02:46 PM NHFT
Back to the deodorant topic from page one, Tulumba.com is a great source for those stones, alum blocks, and these are dirt cheap! $2 a piece makes them a steal. I have been using my first one for over a year now, both for shaving and deodorant.
http://www.tulumba.com/storeItem.asp?ic=BB547960UD875
Looks like there are a variety of them in United Natural Foods catalog, in the Jan, '08 issue:
Prod#: 420539 Pack/size: 1/6oz Brand: LAFE Desc: DEOD CRYSTAL LARGE, Unit$: $3.79, p. 153
Prod#: 118182 Pack/size: 1/PC Brand: THAIDE Desc: DEODORANT STONE, MID SZ BX, Unit$: $4.38, p. 154
Prod#: 506428 Pack/size: 1/2oz Brand: THAIDE Desc: DEODORANT STONE, TRIAL SZ, Unit$: $1.86, p. 154
Prod#: 118265 Pack/size: 1/PC Brand: THAIDE Desc: THAI DEOD STONE IN BAG, Unit$: $6.85, p. 154
Prod#: 866269 Pack/size: 1/STN Brand: THAIDE Desc: THAI DEOD STONE IN BASKET, Unit$: $5.20, p. 154
We joined a local United buying club here in Little Minnesota and entered our first order Friday - the truck comes to the Town Hall where we'll meet other co-opers to break down the order. It's a great company and a lot of fun being a co-oper - an opportunity to meet other local folks that are into their food and products and working together to save a few bux.
i have a off the wall frugal tip. I have a huge complex fish filter, and it has black foam pads in it, the box says replace at every filter cleaning, but I see no real reason to change the pads, I either blast them out with my insane city water pressure with a hose, or, (i am proud of this idea!) place them in a washing machine, on a light cycle, on hot, with NO soap. They came out clear, and pretty much orderless.
So, if anyone has any aquarium filters, you can buy filter floss in bulk, rather than those expensive boxes of precut squares, also, fabric stores sells batting for craft projects, 100% polyester, same stuff, for 3.00 a bag that will last you more than a year, verses 6.99 for 2 months.
Enjoy!
Happy fishing!
(Didn't read whole 11-page post, so it may have been covered already)
paperbackswap.com
Over 18,000 books online. You swap them with others, mail them media rate for usually about $2.13 each. I've been doing it for a couple of months now. Compared to my usual $50 visits to Borders or Barnes&Noble every couple of weeks, it's a huge money saver.
- Cook your own food and avoid convenience food.
- Ten ounces of polenta costs as much as 5 lbs of corn meal.
- Eight ounces of hummus is 3 times as expensive as 1 lb of dry chick peas.
- You don't need large concentrations of dish soap to make the water soapy. Save an empty bottle. Add a small amount of soap to the bottom and add water. Save the concentrated soap for de-greasing.
- Stop driving aggressively. Accelerate slowly. Speed less.
- Plant your own vegetables. A window sill or back porch work fine if you don't have room for a garden.
- If you plan on drinking more than 750ml of wine at a time, buy the 1.5 liter size
- Excess wine can be frozen and saved for cooking
Turn down the water heater thermostat slightly. Cook large meals and then freeze for later use quickly.
If your using electric water heaters... timers.
And when a replacement is needed... a tankless system.
Quote from: les nessman on August 08, 2008, 12:04 AM NHFT
Turn down the water heater thermostat slightly. Cook large meals and then freeze for later use quickly.
Or don't cook at all! ;D Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches are very economical, even kids can make them for the wifey that hates to cook! 8)
Just kidding! :D
LOL. Just had some chips and two PB&Js.
Quote from: John Edward Mercier on August 09, 2008, 03:02 PM NHFT
LOL. Just had some chips and two PB&Js.
;D What 2 PB&Js? :o Chips too? :o Not very frugal there! :biglaugh:
Guys!
First, you're libertarians, no? You're not suppossed to give a sh!t when people don't like the way you smell!! You want frugality, and you're gonna pay for a goddam rock instead of a piece of soap?!!! I got rocks! come and buy them! I have a suggestion: You stink enough that it bothers your spouse/you, TAKE A F@%KING BATH!!!
Dreepa: rabbits are better than chickens. I like chickens, don't get me wrong, but rabbits require little enough space for even the tiniest lot, and they provide not just meat but also skins which can be recycled into boots, hats, mittens, etc; which can in turn be sold for more $ to offset your expenditures. Also, they eat the leftover carrot-tops and other stuff you are too chicken (you should pardon the quip) to eat. Plus, they taste good!
Rabbit skin boots Huh! You must be 'easy' on you shoes ;D
Rabbits won't keep your Tick population under control.
Quote from: John Edward Mercier on August 09, 2008, 03:02 PM NHFT
LOL. Just had some chips and two PB&Js.
That's two great things that don't go great together. :-\
Wrong Dale! You just gotta use salt free PB
Sometimes you're looking for some a little 'crunch' inna sandwich!
Quote from: dalebert on September 11, 2008, 05:32 PM NHFT
That's two great things that don't go great together. :-\
"You got your chips in my peanut butter!"
"You got your peanut butter on my potato chips!"
*CRUNCH*
"Oh wow. That's just awful."
"Yep!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGsWqGX6bvA
Slow morning?
:D
Instead of buying a computer or even a laptop get a USB drive that holds a ok amount of room (I have a 8 gig, but a 2-4 gig would work depending on what you want) and go to PortableApps.com and download all the programs you want for Free, and there is about any program you could need and install it on your USB.
This will give you a bunch of personal programs that you can use anytime you have someone who has a computer and will let you use it. My friend does this with my "spare" computer that I don't use, and does video editing and what not on it that his Home computer doesn't do. I also use this for work so that I have my own Web Browser with personal bookmarks that are not stored on my "work" computer, but instead on my USB.
Just a idea for those that don't have a computer, but are in places were a computer is and would like to have use of it and some programs it doesn't have. And most library's have computers you can use (or colleges) for free, or almost free.
This is kind of irrelevant since you can get external HDs for really cheap these days on ebay or amazon ;)
These apps still work the same, they don't store anything on the computer your using them on, thus you keep all your information private as far as storage (not on the net) and you keep your own bookmarks, ect even on a portable HD.