Making The Most of What You Have
discovery of the year: chock full of nuts is delicious, cold press coffee, divine.
I’m entering a period of extreme thrift. This in part due to reading this book and this book, and in part just because the moment in time calls for it. I’ve started to make tough choices: after running out of my favorite coffee, I chose Chock Full of Nuts at the grocery store instead of my usual organic fancy pants brew. The canned stuff was on sale for a mind-boggling $2 and I thought it would be a perfect moment to try making cold press coffee.
And then there is the art of trying to dream up dinner from the odds and ends you already have at home, picking up one or two things at the store, also on sale. This led to a gratin of pasta (using up all the stray bits of cheese in the fridge!).
pasta gratin: a fancy way of saying pasta casserole? not exactly summer fare, but comforting
If you want a really good laugh, go the popcorn section of your grocery store and look at the prices. Now look closer at the price per pound, usually set off to the side in small type. At my local store, the Orville Redenbacher mini-bags (I used to be quite fond of the sea salt and black pepper flavor) are $46 a pound. The box itself costs about $4, but the price per pound reveals how little popcorn is actually in that box. The Jiffy pop resealable bag? Price per pound: 93 cents.
drop popcorn kernels in a lunch sack; fold down top & place in microwave with seam down; zap
There are also the moments when attempts in thrift go wrong. Take for instance when your phone gets water damage, and after sticking it in a bag of rice as the cell phone experts suggest, the screen is still blank. You decide to order the same phone on eBay for a fraction of the price. You feel extremely clever and brag to all your friends. Then said phone arrives, works for two days, and then mysteriously will no longer turn on. You’ve been had.
Right now, all this penny-pinching still feels like a game. The challenge of it has its own perverse charm. Where are the best, cheapest tomatoes? Can we eat on $25 worth of food for the whole week? Too much frugality, though, and I know I will boomerang back to feeling I deserve, no, require, Intelligensia. In the meantime, though, I’m enjoying this task. I feel like a pioneer girl, armed with scrappy ingenuity, creativity, and sheer bull-headed determination to make a luxurious life out of bare bones. Because figuring out how to do things yourself can feel like the ticket to freedom.
Pomona: Your Money or Your Life is a really thought-provoking,life-changing book – it really transformed my way of thinking about work and money – and thrift freed us to do what we really want to do, and enabled us to achieve what we have – our lovely house and land. I also read the TIghtwad Gazette – now that seriously is thrift!
Pomona x2 years ago
you are a real “your money or your life” success story! that is such an inspiration.2 years ago
Kristina: I’m right there with ya, sister. I’ve begun coupon-clipping.
With that comes a wish that they actually printed coupons for things I use, like King Arthur flour and Filippo Berio olive oil! Thoughts?2 years ago
Maria: I definitely look at it in the same way – making a beautiful life of living simply, versus being frugal. Doesn’t require too much for a lovely home filled with joy in small moments and treasures.
My big change of late has been library books; I’m a compulsive book-buyer, and I’ve supplanted the habit with Toronto’s truly amazing library system. Most days, I’m carting home a couple new holds that have come in (thankfully, I have a branch right next door to my place).
Now: to give up expensive coffee beans…2 years ago
Kristina, Wow, I feel you. The coupons are always for Cocoa Puffs and stuff (not that I don’t like Cocoa Puffs, but I wouldn’t say they’re in my weekly rotation…). I just recently bought a big bag of King Arthur flour and it was the most spendy item on the receipt, so I can’t really talk, but when it comes to olive oil I am newly in love with the Spanish olive oil from Trader Joe’s. There are some pretty good printable grocery coupons here.
Maria, You put it beautifully. Being frugal is basically the same as beautifully simple living, but one sounds a lot better.
I’m telling you: if you like super strong coffee, the Chock Full of Nuts is good! And I can’t believe I’m saying that!2 years ago
ann: I love these posts about … well, I guess Making the Most of What You Have! It helps squelch my desires for frozen yogurt and new sequined tops when I know other people are in my same boat of thrift.2 years ago
mmm…frozen yogurt.2 years ago
Anita: Sarah! I love this post! You and I are on the same page in this area! We are often just paying for convenience when we buy groceries. I mean do we really need to buy a bag of pre-washed, pre-torn lettuce can’t we wash and tear the the lettuce ourselves. And how bout grating cheese? A block of cheese is usually cheaper. And the one that always get’s me, Pancake mix! We need to pull out our old 1930′s cookbooks and learn how to cook like our grandmothers did with basic ingredients, because biscuits made from scratch are not only cheaper, but they taste so much better then the biscuits in the can!2 years ago
Karen: Well said everyone.2 years ago
Donna Vitan: Mmm, that casserole looks mighty tasty!2 years ago
Jennifer: Darlin’, You’re a true inspiration!2 years ago
Katie: Thanks for your post – I’ve always loved your blog but I think I’ll be appreciating it even more since I’m going back to school and trying to make a dollar stretch as well. Coffee is a tough one for me to give up too!2 years ago
Amy C: Right on, girl. I think the thing that has saved me a lot of money is practicing something that Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hahn (author of Peace is Every Step) wrote: before you go out, breathe and say to yourself, “before I start the car, I know where am I going.” So many times I have a bee in my bonnet and I think I /need/ that special pasta or that pair of pants or that dinner out – and so I grab my purse and run to the garage. That moment of breathing allows me to realize that I already have 3 perfectly good bags of pasta, 2 pairs of beautiful pants, and the making of dinner waiting for me in the cupboard, if only I would put a bit of effort into it.2 years ago
Lisa (dinner party): I totally agree with you and Amy C. Usually when I step back and look at what I have, I realize how little I need.
I also find that when I cut back on things (and I am) I find that I appreciate even normal stuff like good coffee or fresh flowers even more. It feels like a splurge or a treat. And it does make you feel scrappier, more efficient. Lately I’ve been really trying to cook from my pantry and use up stuff that’s been there instead of buying new things.
My parents always drank Chock Full O’Nuts. Brings back memories of that bright yellow can…2 years ago
Kelly: I love this post! After spending four years in grad school, I started to feel like everyone else was able to buy what they wanted and I wasn’t. What a horrible attitude! I’m making a true effort these days to appreciate what I have, to minimize clutter, and to live mindfully. For me, the first step is accepting that those goals require effort.
I love your posts, Sarah, and I love reading everyone’s comments. It’s definitely easier to stay within my means when I come to this site and see that I’m not alone!2 years ago
Kelly: Oh, and I wanted to add that I’ve always thought the Chock Full O’ Nuts can looks really cool. I could see it holding pencils, tea bags, flowers, something, when it’s empty.2 years ago
Alyson: Your last sentence is such a killer and so true! Remember when you were a young person and cooked your first good meal…or the time you mended a fence/changed a lightbulb/sewed an item of clothes by yourself? There is such purpose in thrifting, and one of those purposes is to take an active role in your own life. Love it!2 years ago
Brooke: This is exactly what I needed to read today! I love the idea that being thrifty and being stylish are not mutually exclusive. Doing both just requires a little more creativity…2 years ago
Claire: Great Post! Very inspiring as my husband and I are ready to start budgeting again!
2 years ago
The biggest things I need to focus on right now is cooking more at home (I’ve been bad about letting food go to waste- what a guilt trip that gives me!) and using up the fabric stash I already have and not adding to it until I at least make a dent… Oh boy! Also, we’re expecting a baby in the spring, so we have the extra challenge of saving for my maternity leave while getting things the little one will need and slowly growing out of my clothes. Anybody know of any cute patterns for maternity clothing? I’d be able to kill 2 birds with one stone! haha
I’ve never made pancakes from scratch before… I’m inspired! Sounds like a Sunday breakfast to me!
Katie K: You should check out this blog. http://grocerycartchallenge.blogspot.com/ This woman spends $60 a week on her family of 6. She has good tips too. I am going to make my own laundry detergent once I finish up the stash I have. I find that I don’t mind a splurge like King Arthur when I can make so much from it and not buy the cake mix or pancake mix, etc. I also find it tastes so much better anyway.2 years ago
Katie K: Oh, I was going to add that for school clothes this year, my daughter and I repurposed some of last years clothes. She had some pants where the waist still fit, but there was a hole or the length was too short. So we cut them off and added a skirt from the fabric stash. I also made a few tunic tops for her to wear over her leggings. Unfortunately, boys things can not be changed over in cute ways, but we are working on some ideas of possible t-shirt appliques with old clothes. I find that when I tier my shopping, I save money too. I start at my own closet. If I can’t make it work there, I then go to Salvation Army. If nothing is there, I go to Target or some store like that. And then move up to the mall level after that. With this system, I haven’t been to Nordstrom in over two years.2 years ago
Anita, It’s true — and so much of that convenience is just a mindset. Not to sound like a broken record, but with dried beans, for example — you can honestly cook up a pot while you’re making something else, or changing the sheets on the bed. It’s just a matter of adjusting your perspective a little bit.
Oh, Amy C, I wish I had a Buddhist guru that would just stand by my side and remind me of these things. Thank you so much for sharing that quote.
Lisa, Have you ever noticed that when you go to the farmer’s market and don’t buy anything it’s pretty much as delightful an experience as when you do? At least, it is for me. And then when you do buy that great bouquet of dahlias (thank you) or pound of coffee, it feels all the more special.
Kelly, Aren’t the comments great? I swear you we have the best comments. That’s why I started the forum, so you would share more of your greatness. But yes — minimizing clutter and living mindfully are great and worthy goals. And thinking of a shortage of money as a challenge, rather than a liability, makes it a source of creativity and fun. I hope we can all share tips on maintaining that perspective, because it’s certainly not the easiest thing in the world. PS I will definitely put the empty Chock Full of Nuts can to good use, I promise.
Alyson, “One of the purposes of thrifting is to take an active role in your own life.” That is beautifully put. I think, at the end of all this, whether you’re rich or poor, is what it’s all about — are you actively crafting the life that has value, pleasure and meaning? Or are you just being carried along on a path of other people’s values?
Brooke, Totally not mutually exclusive! In fact, Nate Berkus on Oprah today said that a little budget is in fact the motivator for great creativity. And I don’t argue with Nate.
Claire, Congratulations on the bun in the oven!! Pancakes from scratch are a cinch — I bet you have everything you need in your pantry right this second. In fact, I have half a mind to do a post on this…
Katie, Ingenius! I love to hear about the amazingly creative things people do to give an old item new life. Shopping at your own closet is a skill I think — I hope you’ll share some tips.2 years ago
Allison Conley: What a delightful and wise conversation is happening here!2 years ago
The Single Gal: I think we’re all in the same head space these days. I don’t know about you guys, but I feel so elated when I’ve pulled off something for little or no money… These days beans & rice are my favorite cheap eats – there are endless possibilities and dinner costs less than $2
2 years ago
Julia (Color Me Green): this is something i haven’t been soo good at lately. it’s frustratingly hard to pull off when my other half wants what he wants, no matter the price.2 years ago
Erin: I love this post! I’m a huge coupon clipper too, and DEFINITELY in a phase in my life where pennies count.
In fact, today I used $9 worth of coupons at the drugstore, all on stuff that I actually needed and would have bought anyway. I was very proud of myself.
2 years ago
MC: I am obsessed OBSESSED with Chock Full O’Nuts. Someone turned me on to it my senior year of college, and I never looked back. Now my parents drink it. We’re all very happy.2 years ago
renée: what a great post! i often have to remind myself that just because i am going to the farmer’s market with forty bucks, doesn’t mean i have to spend it all. i’m excited to check out those books. thank you!2 years ago
Erin: I’m late to the party, but this was a great post & commentary. I’m cheered to see so much thrifty AND good living. La Dolce Vita on less is that much sweeter.
Cold-pressed coffee. Is that easy to incorporate into your normal routine?2 years ago
Wendy McDonagh-Valentine: I recently discovered your blog and it couldn’t have come at a better time. My husband and I said that once he sold his house (acquired before we met) we would sit down and figure out all of our finances. We finally did last week. What an eye opener!! Needless to say, we’re going to be cutting back and begin to live on a budget. I’ve just started reading some of your past entries and I find them to be very motivating. When I was a child I remember reading a bumper sticker that always stayed with me. It read, “All I have is All I need.” I just love that, don’t you?!!? Thanks for your incredibly wonderful blog and I look forward to reading lots of your old posts. : )
~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/2 years ago
Kristi: The past two years I have radically changed my shopping habits. I think I fell into this habit of shopping just to shop. Now that I’m living thriftier I participate in more hobbies such as gardening, sewing cooking etc. I feel like I’m living life more.
Three things that have made a big difference for me.
1. Freecycle – I have given away some items and have been able to get things like fabric (great for the beginner sewer), clothes, gardening supplies, even excessive fruit from people’s gardens.
2. Library- has replaced movie renting, cd buying, and book buying. Now that you can request items online throughout the city it’s especially helpful.
3. Gardening- if you have the space to even grow herbs. You have a great source of produce.2 years ago