Thursday, February 9, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Inexpensive moisturizer
I've been looking for an inexpensive moisturizer to replace the skin program (cleanser and moisturizer) I used to purchase through Bath & Body Works which cost around $50. Now that we're officially living on a 1/3 less income I've needed to find a cheap alternative. Coming up with $50 is very difficult these days. :-)
This week I ran across an article about using vegetable shortening as a moisturizer. I remember an old friend using shortening to cleanse her face and she had beautiful skin. So, my interest was piqued. Some of the comments said that their dermatologist had recommended Crisco for those with skin allergies. The only caution was to not buy generic shortening because they may have added artificial ingredients.
So, this afternoon I thought I'd try it after I took off my makeup. While my face was still wet I lightly dabbed on some Crisco. Honestly, my face feels as soft as it did while using the expensive moisturizer. The only thing I'm not sure about is using it under makeup.
I save my Altoids containers (the ones that hold mints) which worked perfect to store the Crisco. I placed the container in my medicine cabinet. One thing I've learned is that if I don't make new changes convenient then I won't take advantage of them.
I'm very hopeful that this will be a natural and inexpensive alternative to an expensive product.
This week I ran across an article about using vegetable shortening as a moisturizer. I remember an old friend using shortening to cleanse her face and she had beautiful skin. So, my interest was piqued. Some of the comments said that their dermatologist had recommended Crisco for those with skin allergies. The only caution was to not buy generic shortening because they may have added artificial ingredients.
So, this afternoon I thought I'd try it after I took off my makeup. While my face was still wet I lightly dabbed on some Crisco. Honestly, my face feels as soft as it did while using the expensive moisturizer. The only thing I'm not sure about is using it under makeup.
I save my Altoids containers (the ones that hold mints) which worked perfect to store the Crisco. I placed the container in my medicine cabinet. One thing I've learned is that if I don't make new changes convenient then I won't take advantage of them.
I'm very hopeful that this will be a natural and inexpensive alternative to an expensive product.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
What's in your fridge- Great website
I just found this website and I wanted to share it with you. I think it's going to be very helpful for those of us on a limited budget.
This is how it works: Just click the boxes of items you have in your pantry and fridge.. click a button... and ... PRESTO....it gives you meal ideas.
Here you go. Let me know if you use it and how you like it!
My Fridge Food
This is how it works: Just click the boxes of items you have in your pantry and fridge.. click a button... and ... PRESTO....it gives you meal ideas.
Here you go. Let me know if you use it and how you like it!
My Fridge Food
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Budgeting: Living for Today
The Lord continues to teach new lessons on living below poverty level. (So silly to even write that.. I don't feel poor!)
One lesson I am learning is that it's not always a bargain to stock up even if it's on sale. I used to stock up on sale items no matter what. I liked keeping a well-stocked pantry. But, I'm playing under different rules these days since we are living on at least a 1/3 of what we used to. (My husband says we're living on less than a 1/4).
I normally allow $5-10 a week for stocking up. But, it just depends on the month. For instance, this month I've had to use money from my grocery budget to help pay for Christmas. So, I'm not going to be able to stock up on any sale items. My goal is to spend as little on groceries as possible so I can use the rest for Christmas gifts.
I continue to pray and ask the Lord to show me what we can live without. I've simplified our menu and dropped a lot of recipes due to the cost. If a recipe has out of the ordinary items then I don't use it. When looking for new recipes I scan the list of ingredients to see if they're items I normally stock and if the cut of meat is cheap. We eat very simple these days.
I realized today that I could actually live without another expense. I have a Brita pitcher that I bought at a garage sale for $2. We use it continually throughout the day because the water is bad where we live. The filters are on sale this month but even so it will cost me $14 initially. Since this month is very tight I hesitate putting out that kind of money. I started asking the Lord what I should do. The lady I care for has told me more than once that I can use her water which is filtered. Ah ha! There's my answer. I can easily fill my pitcher each morning and save the expense of purchasing filters. Yay! Another expense bites the dust!
Thank you Lord!
One lesson I am learning is that it's not always a bargain to stock up even if it's on sale. I used to stock up on sale items no matter what. I liked keeping a well-stocked pantry. But, I'm playing under different rules these days since we are living on at least a 1/3 of what we used to. (My husband says we're living on less than a 1/4).
I normally allow $5-10 a week for stocking up. But, it just depends on the month. For instance, this month I've had to use money from my grocery budget to help pay for Christmas. So, I'm not going to be able to stock up on any sale items. My goal is to spend as little on groceries as possible so I can use the rest for Christmas gifts.
I continue to pray and ask the Lord to show me what we can live without. I've simplified our menu and dropped a lot of recipes due to the cost. If a recipe has out of the ordinary items then I don't use it. When looking for new recipes I scan the list of ingredients to see if they're items I normally stock and if the cut of meat is cheap. We eat very simple these days.
I realized today that I could actually live without another expense. I have a Brita pitcher that I bought at a garage sale for $2. We use it continually throughout the day because the water is bad where we live. The filters are on sale this month but even so it will cost me $14 initially. Since this month is very tight I hesitate putting out that kind of money. I started asking the Lord what I should do. The lady I care for has told me more than once that I can use her water which is filtered. Ah ha! There's my answer. I can easily fill my pitcher each morning and save the expense of purchasing filters. Yay! Another expense bites the dust!
Thank you Lord!
Living Small
I guess it's all in your perspective. Some people wonder how my husband and I can live in less than 300 sq. ft. Yet, this young man lives in 78 sq. ft. I've learned the past few years that we need a whole lot less than we ever imagined.
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