The Extreme Frugalist, part II

Ok, so yesterday I started a small list of things you can do to save money.

This achieved two different results: 1. People could NOT believe I actually do not use lights or electricity for one day. I assure you--yea verily--that I do--on Tuesdays. I have a cute owl shaped lantern and a bunch of cheapo candles and it's a good time. It IS possible--but it probably helps to have a sense of imagination and a sense of humor during such times. I usually end up drawing by candlelight--it's very relaxing.

Look, you'll get enough practice as it is during Earth Hour this Saturday, right?

The other response I included many more suggestions for saving money. Ahh, I wish I could write a huge honkin' list of what I think you should do, but I had to make more money and run to my job before said honkin' list could be thoroughly done.

But don't fret, kids! Here is a continuation of yesterday's thoughts! Can I get an Amen?

Ok, as mentioned by Kimmie O. yesterday--thrift stores are a great place for bargains. Unless you live in New York City, which I do.
In which case, thrift is really some other word for vintage, and vintage is another word for "just as expensive as a regular store." I kid you not. Mind you, you can get $400 Mahnolo Blahnik shoes for $150 at some of these places---and I suppose that's great if you're into Mahnolo Blahniks--but I'm more of a $5 Keds kinda girl. Seriously, it is VERY hard to find bargains at "thrift" stores around here. Even at the one Goodwill store I heard of around here, some of the prices are suspiciously high. Ahh, New York prices, I tell you!
But if you are at most regular thrift stores, take advantage. You will find great stuff, and avoid fashionistas looking for "cheap" bargains!

ANYHOO...

Thrift stores are great. As are garage sales and moving sales. Check your local paper or Craigslist for good bargains!

Make Ebay and Etsy your friend --another great source of less inexpensive items is either Ebay.com or Etsy.com. Ebay allows you to get new, antique or creative goodies for a fraction of the cost, usually. My recent find was a cast iron cornbread mold in the shape of little corn ears--$6 instead of the $15 I found in the fancy cooking store. Yes, it doesn't take much to keep me happy.
Etsy is great in that you can buy unique handcrafted items, thereby ALSO supporting an artist..and you know I'm ALL about handcrafted stuff, and supporting items...so go ahead, kill two birds with one stone (err, not literally, though!)

Wholesale Clubs --Ok, I'll be honest here. I'm not a fan of this sort of thing because it supports massive conglomerations and lots of the products in wholesale places (Costco, Sam's, etc) are made in foreign countries. But you're desperate and need to save money, right? So maybe an occasional run to these stores makes sense. Plus, you can use the money you saved to buy something from Etsy. And support handcrafted stuff and artists!

Food Pantries --again, some people think this is beneath them, but if you really need to, lots of churches and non-profits have, or are, food pantries. Go ahead and see if you qualify for canned or boxed goods. There are also food co-ops that have lower priced, tasty and organic food.

Grow Your Own -- well, you KNOW the farmgirl in me is all about growing your own food, anyway, but it actually saves money. And gardening reduces stress (since I live in NYC, I'm gardening. A LOT), gets you into the fresh air, attracts bees and other wildlife...and all that other good stuff.

I've gardened for 3 years and THIS year, I might help set up gardens elsewhere---but more on that later---grab yourself some seeds and start planting. Or a bunch of big pots and buckets, if you live in the city. Gardening doesn't require much land, and is simpler than you think!

You'll know EXACTLY where your food comes from, too. And there is nothing so satisfying as going to your own kitchen garden and picking the veggies that you will cook for dinner. Or making canned tomato sauce. Yum!

Alrighty, then. This concludes this edition of the Extreme Frugalist. Again, I am sure I forgot something, but feel free to tell me YOUR ideas for keepin' it cheap!