Monthly Archive: September 2017

86

How To Be Frugal With Your Time, Not Just Your Money

What do you do with your time? The most common topic of conversation here on Frugalwoods is “what do you do with your money?” but I posit that how you use your time is directly correlated with how you use your money. In my opinion and experience, time and money are our two greatest resources and the resources with the power to impact every single facet of our lives. I’ve heard folks say that their...

208

Why I (Mostly) Disagree With Buy It For Life

There’s an expensive, pseudo-frugal trend floating around out there referred to as “Buy It For Life” (BIFL). The idea behind this proclamation is that you should buy expensive, high quality products for everything you need–from hair dryers to frying pans to bookshelves–and then never buy that item again. Ever. For the rest of your life. As a devoted non-shopper, I like this concept in theory, but I also have a sneaking suspicion that I’m catching the oh-so-elusive scent...

186

How I Remain Frugal While Pregnant (!!!)

We’re expecting baby #2! I decided to buck my customary tendency and, for once in my life, not bury the lead. Due in mid-February, baby #2 will make Babywoods a big sister and poor Frugal Hound a big sister times two. In fine frugal fashion, Mr. Frugalwoods and I are both thrilled that we’re having another girl because we already have all the clothes! Hooray for hand-me-down-down-down-downs… oh yes, many of our baby clothes are on their fifth...

316

Reader Case Study: Should We Stay (In San Francisco) Or Should We Go Now?

Welcome to this month’s Reader Case Study in which we’ll address Melanie’s questions on whether or not she and her family should decamp from the San Francisco Bay Area. I am delighted to delve into Melanie’s story because it brings up a number of questions that many folks grapple with: how to save in a high cost of living area, how to plan for a growing family, and how to achieve the life you know you want to live,...

73

Reader Suggestions On Frugal Preserving, Canning, and Otherwise Putting Up Food

Welcome to my monthly Reader Suggestions feature! Every month I post a question to our Frugalwoods Facebook group and share the best responses here. The questions are topics I’ve received multiple queries on and my hope is that by leveraging the braintrust of Frugalwoods nation, you’ll find helpful advice and insight. Join the Frugalwoods Facebook group to participate in next month’s Reader Suggestions! It’s harvest time! As I shared in last week’s installment of This Month On The Homestead, early fall is...

93

This Month On The Homestead: Vegetables, Fruits, And Nuts!

If you’re just tuning in, this is a recurring series in which I document each month of our lives out here on our 66-acre Vermont homestead. After leaving urban Cambridge, MA in May 2016 to chart this wholly different life, we’re experiencing a constant learning curve of exploration (and plenty of stupid novice moments). Check out last month’s installment here and enjoy the best and worst moments of our first year on the homestead here. August 2017 August can be summed up as follows: vegetables!...

59

A Cider Press And Other August 2017 Expenditures

Howdy! If you feel like I was a bit absent during the month of August, well, you are correct: I was! Babywoods and I were gone for a whopping three weeks in August (and Mr. Frugalwoods for one), which as it turns out, is an incredibly long time to be away from one’s home(stead). But this travel was all for good reason, I assure you. San Diego Anniversary Extravaganza My parents celebrated their 50th (yes, 50th!!!) wedding...