The Frugal Files: Defending Frugal!!

Welcome back to The Frugal Files!! I love giving my thoughts about this subject I love so dearly!! I appreciate this platform to share ways to improve our lives without destroying our wallets. We can live a fabulous and fulfilling life that is frugal. In fact, because we‘re frugal, is the reason we can have a full life.

Last week we went deep into our issues with holding on. This week I want to combat some of the thought patterns I’ve encountered while on this journey of frugaliciousness. These are words spoken in conversations about living frugally and embracing frugalness. There are many things where the phrase, “it’s not for everyone” might apply, but frugal living is not one of them. Even the most wealthy people can be, and in some cases are, the most frugal. For some, it’s the reason they stay wealthy.

I’ve learned in my journey, that’s it’s not a “thing I do”, it’s a way of life; who I am. So with that, let me get to the objections and I will give you my take on them as I defend FRUGAL!!

Let’s start with the simplest objection: “I don’t know how.” Okay, I get it, but before you learned to ride a bike, drive a car, use the internet, pay your bills…you didn’t know how. LEARN how. It’s your journey, go at your own pace. The library has information on every subject known to man and so does the internet. In fact, the greatest thing about the internet is that you’ll discover someone else in this big ol’ world wanted to learn it too and when they did, they shared. Read blogs (you’re here right?), grab a few books, watch videos. You’ll be on your way to learning in no time.

One of my favorite excuses is “It’s too much work.” I find that interesting because people “work” everyday. Why are people completely content with working at a job that benefits someone else, but not willing to invest time to benefit themselves and their families? I don’t get it. If you put in the time, you’ll reap the rewards long term. For instance, learning to save in a retirement fund now, will keep you from experiencing total financial hardship later.

Just like the last, another favorite is “I don’t have time.” I hear this almost daily. People say they love how I save money, love the deals I post; awesome for me…as if they can’t do the same thing. Oh, they don’t have time. So instead they make time to spend more. I guess they have time to work overtime; to pay more on every trip to the market, every vacation and every drive to family’s house. Listen, saving money is time consuming, however it’s an investment in YOU and your family. Do yourself and them a favor and learn how to coupon and look for deals. You don’t have to become an extreme couponer, but taking a little time upfront to save in the long run is not too much to ask. You can incorporate the entire family, since everyone benefits.

Then there’s this variation of “I want the best” and “I want what I want”. Who says you can’t have the best or what you want? I have a bachelor cousin who is super flashy. He loves his cars and electronic toys and golf. As spendthrift as he is, do you think he turned down the Groupon link I gave him for a 56% discount off 18 holes for two (that included the cart rental) at a country club? I think not!! See, it’s not about being cheap and not enjoying life. It’s about enjoying it while spending less!! That’s proof it can be done.

This last objection is absolutely hilarious to me because someone tried to use psychology and my OWN words against me for argument’s sake. I don’t have to tell you they lost the argument…but I digress. You all know I am very big on affirmations and speaking positively about our lives. I love and believe the Brian Tracy quote: “Never say anything about yourself you do not want to come true.” Because of this mindset, I avoid poverty-laced words about my life and finances. I often urge others to do the same.

When people say they’re broke, I respond, “and so it shall be.” You can’t speak lack and expect abundance. So when this person asked, facetiously I might add, “Isn’t being frugal a poverty mindset?” I actually laughed out loud, to which I responded with a wink, “so are you saying I need to spend more in order to be wealthy? That doesn’t make sense.”

Even though lack may be the reason for becoming frugal, it doesn’t mean that your mindset is one of poverty. It means that you may have limited resources and you are simply being a good steward over the resources you do have. Learning to be frugal and using those resources become not only a way to save, but a way toward increase in your life. There is NO objection or excuse to make me leave this frugalicious life. It’s in me and you can put it in you.

So people can say whatever they want because frugal is my friend that I’ll defend ‘til the end. It’s been a good friend to me and I love learning more about it, introducing it to others and watching our circle of friends grow exponentially!!

Until next time!!

Frugalicious Diva

Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: DIY Challenge: Frugal Faces & Body

Welcome back frugal folks!! Last week we ventured into creative beauty regimens that are inexpensive and easy to make!! We’re going to continue in that vein and whip up some other recipes for you to make yourself at home.

We’ve already cured your headaches and soothed your sore spots with our lavender scented pillow that doubles as a heating pad. We’ve also tamed our tresses and defined the curls, so let’s just see what else we can do for our hair.

Looking for a cheap conditioner? Look in the fridge. Gather your eggs, mayo and honey and stir. If you’re into Greek yogurt, then grab that instead. All of these elements make up the perfect hair food. It doesn’t smell great, but your hair will love it.

I’ve always been a fan of flaxseeds. When I learned it helped digestion as a great source of fiber, I was completely convinced. I bought it ground and sprinkled it on all our food (don’t tell my daughter); salads, soups, rice, casseroles and even the batter of baked desserts. Imagine my surprise, when I found out I could use it on the outside of my body too. Yes naturalistas, we can!! So let’s talk hair!!

Instead of buying ground flaxseeds, buy them whole. They are cheaper too. I got whole bags for $2.99 each, at a health food store, and they last a really long time. Here’s a note, they don’t have to be refrigerated until you grind them, so just store them in your cupboard. Here’s what you’ll need for your Flaxseeds Hair Gel:

o       2 cups of water

o       2/3 cup of whole flaxseeds

o       Old/cheap pantyhose

o       Jar to hold the gel

o       Your favorite essential oils

Add water and whole flaxseeds to a pan and begin to boil. Stir with metal spoon constantly, so the seeds don’t stick. After a few minutes, check your spoon. When it begins to congeal on your spoon, it’s ready. Prepare the container by putting the pantyhose over the edges and slowly pour the contents of the pan into the pantyhose. Use a pair of thongs to strain the remaining gel from the hose. Be careful it’s hot!! Once all the gel is out, put in your drops of essential oil, which are used as preservatives, stir, then put the lid on it and store in the refrigerator.

Get another container and strain the seeds off the pantyhose into it. Lid it and refrigerate that too. You can reuse the flaxseeds when you’re ready to make another batch of gel.

Now that we’ve taken care of our heads, let’s talk about body. There are hundreds of products that promise smooth and supple skin, callus and dead skin removal and healthy and glowing skin. Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could achieve those same results at home? Well, Frugalicious Diva says, you can!!

I know you have salt and sugar at home. With all the health benefits of olive oil that we talked about last week, I know you have that too. Well, along with your favorite essential oil for a great scent, those are all you need to peel off old skin and bring forth new skin, leaving you moisturized with a sunkissed glow.

Frugal Face: Grab a container with a top. Add sugars (white and brown), squeeze in some lemon juice, honey and our special ingredient: wet parsley. I learned that parsley helps tone skin, as well as reduce swelling, redness and blackheads. Stir and put in the fridge. When ready to use, rub gently into the face and décolleté area, let sit for 60-90 seconds, then wash off in the shower with a washcloth. It smells good, tastes good and refreshes your face.

Frugal Body: Grab another container with a lid, pour in sea salt, add olive oil and moisten the salt with a spoon, making sure the oil is evenly distributed. Add a few drops of scented oil and you’re done. Leave it near your tub; it’s ready when you want to slough off the dead skin, especially from elbows and heels. You will leave your shower exfoliated and moisturized.

I’m not saying throw out your favorite moisturizers, but if you don’t have a coupon for it this week, try doing it yourself, right at home. I promise you’ll love the results and the money you’ll save!! Enjoy your week!!

Frugalicious Diva
Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: DIY Challenge: Frugal Beauty

Good day to you frugalicious ones out there!! Welcome back to The Frugal Files!!

In May we are going to expand our minds, all while expanding our purses. The goal here is to save as much as possible by cutting out the middleman. In fact, we’re cutting out everyone else we would have to pay, because we are going to be using our own resources to get results in our own lives.

All month long will be a challenge to us to keep our money and use our talents. So, welcome to May, our Do It Yourself Challenge Month!! All month I’ll be taking notes on various subjects and blogging about ways for us to save by doing it ourselves in beauty, education, gardening, home and anything else I can find to share. If I want to do it, I know there are many others who do too!! So, let’s just see what we can get into!!

Let’s talk beauty first!! We’re always Belles of the ball, so it’s probably safe to say that we like to feel attractive and confident in what we wear and that includes what we put on our bodies. The beauty DIY is my favorite because I already make some of my own products right at home. It’s fun to do and frugalicious because it’s what we already have at home. If you’re a Naturalista like me, then you will certainly love some these recipes!!

Seven years ago I got my wisdom teeth pulled. It was a 20-minute outpatient procedure. I went to sleep and when I woke, I was done, but the pain lingered on. My doctor prescribed a strong drug and after taking one, I realized just how powerful. So I cut the pills in half. Even that had me slurring words and I just didn’t like the way it made me feel. I stopped taking them completely and vowed to not take drugs ever again.

Whenever I tell that story, people always ask me, “What do you do for headaches?” I’m glad you asked. That same year, I was involved in a Christmas present exchange and my Secret Pal was from Australia. She sent me this beautiful, wonderfully smelling lavender aromatherapy pillow. It was the best gift ever because it is now what my household uses for headaches. Lavender has soothing, healing properties, great for headaches. Just rub in on your head and let the scent take you to another place. It always works.

Grab a satin pillow and make your own aromatherapy pillow. If not, get a pillowcase, potholder or even an old sock. Fill it with rice or beans may even work. Tie or sew the ends to keep in your stuffing then add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your pillow. Lavender is best for us; when our pillow loses some of its scent, we just add a few drops.

Another natural beauty’s friend is oil. Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil. Pick one and start using it along with Shea Butter. My hair has been natural for 13 years, but I used to be a serious product junkie. This is an issue many face today. You went natural and thought it would save you money, but you spend so much on products to eliminate frizz, define curls and moisturize that it became more expensive than when you wore it processed. Well no more!! Frugalicious Diva says, Shea Butter is all you need (along with the other oils mentioned).

Now, you will have to make the initial investment, but the products last a long time, saving you money in the long run. You want moisturized, well-defined, shiny hair with lots of body, then take a look at my favorite Youtuber’s recipe for her Homemade Creamy & Fluffy Shea Butter. 

It’s great for your hair and the best thing about Shea butter is that it’s also good for your body. So, you guessed it…no more pricey lotions and body butters for me. I’m a Shea Butter Belle!!

Looks like we’re out of time, but be sure to tune in next week and when we discuss Frugal Beauty Tips!! Enjoy your week!!

Frugalicious Diva
Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva