Post Christmas Frugal Ideas

 Now is the time to think ahead to next Christmas.  Go to your local fabric store to buy yard pieces of Christmas themed fabric.  It is greatly marked down in price after Christmas.  I really enjoy using Christmas fabric in place of paper for wrapping presents.

Two of my favorite ways of using fabric for wrapping was covered in past blog posts.  “Fabric Gift Bags” from 2010 and “Gift Wrapping With Furoshiki” from 2011.

We have been using the same fabric gift wrapping for over 12 years and it still looks great.  If it does get soiled, then it’s easily washable. 

Try this idea for your family.  It’s fun, creative and frugal.

God bless,

Pam

Merry Christmas 🎄

 

Frugal Christmas Gifts: Meal Planner

 I am the first to admit that planning meals can be a challenge for me.  I never know if I will feel well enough (rheumatoid arthritis) to cook a full meal.  We keep certain staples in our kitchen for simple meals in case I am not well.

A meal planner is a great tool and I especially like one that doesn’t lock me into a certain date, but can be utilized whenever we need it during the week.

My husband does most of the grocery shopping, so the accompanying grocery list is a must.

Good for young people just starting out or us older folks learning to adjust to new challenges.

God bless,

Pam

Frugal Christmas Gifts: Japanese Hand Hoe

 From now on I’m going to recommend gifts that you can get quickly, usually from Amazon.

This hand hoe is, by far, my favorite gardening tool.  I use it every day and it only requires occasional sharpening and oiling for maintenance.

It is lightweight and sturdy.  And since I usually garden sitting, due to my arthritis, this length of handle works well for me.  Your favorite gardener will thank you.

God bless,

Pam

Frugal Christmas Gifts: Mushroom Kits

 As you can tell from recent posts I have been exploring growing mushrooms at home.  It’s a great deal of fun and I think it would be a great gift for the gardener in your life or as an learning experience for children.

There are many different mushroom spawn suppliers online, but experienced mushroom growers I know recommended Northspore and I have been very happy with them.  We have enjoyed eating mushrooms that aren’t available in our local grocery stores.  I’ve especially enjoyed making recipes with lions mane mushrooms; they are an excellent replacement for crabmeat.

In their Christmas gift section of the Northspore website are Spray and Grow Kits for beginners, Spray and Grow Kits with an accompanying children's book and some very cute mushroom Christmas ornaments.

I was given a coupon code by Northspore to share with you:  FRUGALMENNONITE

God bless,

Pam

Frugal Christmas Gifts: Loops Earplugs

 If you have someone in your life with a sensitivity to sounds these earplugs are an attractive, affordable, and effective option.  They come in different colors and strengths; from high noise blocking for sleep to partial noise blocking for everyday activities.

Loops come in a variety of colors and they look like jewelry, not earplugs, so you won’t be hesitant to wear them in public.

I have misophonia and it can negatively affect my ability to enjoy myself if my trigger noises are present.  But I have been able to handle my misophonia much better since I have purchased these earplugs.  Loops come with several different sized ear plugs and a small carrying case.  Right now they are having a buy three get one free sale.

God bless,

Pam

The Frugal Garden: Nematodes #3

 One of the best ways to fight nematode root knot is by applying beneficial nematodes to your garden soil twice a year.  Specific beneficial nematodes affect specific pests, such as fleas, grubs, tics and harmful nematodes.  Because of this I apply a three part nematode mix from Nature’s Good Guys.

The nematodes will arrive in a cool pack.  Remove the package of nematodes from the pack and immediately place in your refrigerator.  It’s important to keep them cool and apply them within a couple of weeks.

I apply them twice a year, spring and fall.  Mix the nematodes with water and place in a sprayer or watering can.  Pull your mulch to the side and apply the nematodes directly to the soil.  Then water the garden well to move the nematodes deeper into the soil.  Reapply your mulch and it’s that easy!

I have seen a big difference in the health of my plants since I’ve started actively been treating the garden with beneficial nematodes.

My upcoming posts are going to cover frugal Christmas gifts.  I’ve been experimenting with different ideas for gifts and look forward to sharing them with you.

God bless,

Pam