How I Coupon

By now everyone has heard what amazing deals you can get with coupons. I have never seen the show Extreme Couponing, but I have heard enough to know that it misrepresents many of us who use coupons. I have no desire to be an organized hoarder. I think it's awesome how women (or people in general) are making the most of what God has given them and using all resources to simply be a good steward and to save enough that they are able to share with others. Simply buying things because you can get a good deal I don't believe is being a good steward at all. I was a guest blogger over at She Laughs blog and shared how I do use coupons and have almost eliminated the cost of toiletries in our home. Go check it our here!

Spicy Baked Fries

One of the main things I miss when we are avoiding eating out or avoiding junk food are fries! I love potatoes, but I love love spicy fries! I make these fries at home as a healthier thrifty alternative. They are so good, my kids ask for them all the time.

You will need:

2 T olive oil (I was out and canola oil is good too)

2 T hot pepper sauce (I like to use spiracha hot chili sauce. You can find it in the Asian food section.)

1 tsp ground thyme

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp ground cumin

about 8 potatoes (white or red)

1/4 tsp black pepper

Preheat oven to 450

Rinse and cut potatoes into wedges (no need to peel them).

In a mixing bowl, mix all ingredients except the pepper.

Add wedges to mixture and toss to coat.

 Spread coated potatoes onto a cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes, turn and bake another 15 minutes.

After you take them out of the oven, salt and pepper to taste.

This adds so much flavor to any simple dish like baked chicken or any other meat on the side. It's also a great snack. If you buy your potatoes on sale, this would cost about fifty cents to make!

They Can't Wait to Do Their Chores! Really!

About three times a year I re-evaluate the kids' chores, making sure they're age appropriate, see where we're lacking, and such. The kids have very regular routines (morning and night) which makes it easier on all of us when they know what's expected of them. When I evaluate, I like to do something to change it up a little and encourage the kids in their chores. I recently came across this website. It is perfect for our family! My kids love to log on, check off what they have done, earn points, redeem points, and get personal notes from my husband and I. I no longer have to remind them to look at their list of chores to see what they haven't done, because they are anxious to look at their list to see if there is anything else they can do to earn points! Now, I have always had mixed emotions about 'rewarding' children for simply being obedient. After all, they should do the right thing not because they get something for it, but because it's the right thing to do. At the same time, I want them to know that there are rewards in life when you work hard. And, I don't want them to take for granted things like screen time (t.v., computer, games, etc.) or other treats. They are privileges not a given. I always teach them that in order to "enjoy the fruits of their labor" they have to first labor! Not just enjoy the fruit of someone else's labor. ;) So while we don't pay them with money for doing their daily responsibilities, they do earn privileges. Let me know what you think of the site or what you do to motivate your children in taking care of their responsibilities.

Saving More Money with DIY Lanudry Detergent

Being a family of eight on one income can have its challenges. All of which are always worth it. It forces you to evaluate what's necessary, what you can do without, and what things (though maybe not necessary) are worth some sacrifice to get.

While there are definitely exceptions to this rule, I have found that if you can make it or grow it yourself, you will save a ton of money! About 4 years ago I started teaching myself how to sew. It's so fun to be able to make things that before I could only wish I had. I'm still learning (and always will be) but I have also started to make more of our food from scratch. I am still looking for the perfect bread and tortilla recipe, but for the most part we now make our own breads for the week. I can't lie, it is not convenient and it does take time but we do it together as a family and it is time well spent.

The latest thing I have started doing to make our dollar stretch is making my own laundry detergent. Believe me, I had my doubts about this one but I am so glad I gave it a try! I love it! And yes, it really does work. Not to mention the money I save! I purchased all the ingredients I needed for just under $10. At about 12 loads a week, I have enough for at least 3 years! I know, right!? Anyway, this is the recipe I used. It's the Duggar recipe which can be used in top loading or front loading washers.

I found all the ingredients at Smiths. You can get the bucket at Home Depot.
You will need:
4 Cups - hot tap water
1 bar of soap (I used Ivory. Do not use heavily perfumed soaps. Some other suggestions are: Sunlight, Kirk's Hardwater Castile or Zote bars.)
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
½ Cup Borax

Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

 

Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved.

Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use.

Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.

Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.
Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

I did not add any oil to the detergent. I love the smell of fresh laundry but I find the best way to get that smell is with the fabric softener rather than the detergent. This detergent has no scent but when I use it with Downy it definitely has that fresh laundered scent.

I have been using this recipe for about three years now and love it! I like to add half a scoop of oxiclean powder to the load with the clothes as well, but not with darks.

What are your favorite recipes and what are your favorite saving tips?