Ways to save

Just the other day my daughter suggested that I write a book because I teach my family to live so very frugally; however, I don't think writing that much is my kind of thing. So I will just stick to blogging and the website. I asked my son what kinds of things does he see me do that save money and I am a bit reluctent to share this idea because it makes me look like a cheapskate instead of just being frugal, but here it is (don't boo too loudly :)
1. When I feel like having doughnuts but don't want to make them, I will go to the store at 6:00 pm and buy them (after 6:00 they drop the price to 3 for a $1.00)

2. I find that some of my children are wasteful with the dishsoap (no electric dishwasher) So to solve the problem, my husband bought a bottle of liquid handsoap from the dollar store and when it was used up, we refilled the bottle with dishsoap.

3. I don't own any storebought potholders because my daughter crochets them for me. I actually like the homemade ones better because they are sturdier and and thicker.

4. It seems that whenever I have purchased a new shirt, it always attracts grease splatters and stains of some kind. After several years of cooking I finally wised up and bought my first full front apron. That was quite a while ago and now I have three.

5. I don't remember how this habit started, but now we use homemade cloth napkins (I buy paper ones for when company comes) It is such a simple thing to make, even for a non sewer like myself. Just cut out a square of fabric (poly/ cotton was suggested from another woman online) and stich around the edge.

6.When shopping, never pay full price for anything. (almost never, if your childs jeans are highwaters, you may not be able to wait) I tend to look for sales, clearance racks, or coupons for everything I buy. Sometimes the stores even have their coupons on the checkstand counter.

7. Grow a garden. This year in Western Washington, Our weather has been more wet and cold than usual and so the gardens have not done very well but under normal circumstances, you can grow quite a lot of produce in a relitivly small space. I must make a suggestion about growing your own food and that is, don't wait for a disaster to strike before you begin. Gardening takes practice and you will need to learn what grows best in your area and what doesn't.