Pinching Pennies: Bag Lunches Go Cheap and Green

I am the resident lunch maker in our home, and although at first I hated it, now I've got a bit of a rhythm going on. My husband seems lost when it comes to making even his own lunch, but this is where my trailer park child hood starts to look like advanced education. Trailer park kids can make a meal out of anything, even when it doesn't look like there's much in the fridge. And so my lunch making duty is really kismet or fate or whatever you want to call it.

In September when school resumed, I found the amount of lunch trash we were throwing away everyday disturbing. It's not that expensive, but it's SO BAD for our earth. And millions of kids are doing it everyday in North America alone.

So I reformed our lunches: pay once, eat for years and save the earth. Here are the 5 steps that transformed our noon hour:

1) Purchase a sturdy, neutral coloured lunch kit. I will not even mention those who are still brown paper bagging it. Investing in a good quality lunch kit in a neutral colour or pattern ensures that not only will it last more than a year, but that your child won't outgrow the style. And once they outgrow packed lunches, you can still keep it around for when you need one. (Note: I have found several awesome lunch kits in pristine condition in our local second hand store.)

2) Sandwich Wraps. It's basically a piece of fabric on one side and food grade water resistant fabric on the other. You fold it around your sandwich and it fastens with string or velcro. This replaces cling wrap or sandwich bags. You can easily make one or purchase one online. I got ours at "All Things Being Eco" locally. Again, remember to go for quality and neutral patterns and colours to get the longest use out of your wraps. Here is a list of the top 5 wraps. (We got keep leaf)

3) Reusable fabric snack baggies. Again, these replace ziplock baggies. The internet provides many options: you can find plain cotton, water resistant, velcro, zip top - or you can find a pattern to make your own.

4) Glass or stainless steel containers in different sizes. I know those disposable ziplock containers are cheap and convenient, but they corrode if you put hot things in them or heat them up, and crack if they get banged when they are frozen. They just don't last and that means they are ending up in our landfills. We have some sturdy glass rectangular ones in four different sizes and they have lasted a very long time. They have plastic snap top lids and I can freeze them, microwave them and even stick them in the oven (with out lids of course).

5) A reusable water bottle. We have both stainless steel and plastic. Juice boxes are expensive, full of sugar your kidlets don't need, and create needless waste. I have found that a water bottle with a simple opening instead of a complex valve system is much easier to keep clean (and remember to purchase BPA free).

This isn't necessary, as a simple container or a clean baby food jar would do, but we found these awesome reusable squeeze pouches for apple sauce or yogurt. The kids love them, and I don't have to pay $1 every time for the disposable ones from the grocery store.

Lastly, once you've invested time or money (or both) in making or purchasing your reusable lunch items, don't forget to LABEL. Kids are so skilled at losing stuff. If your name is on it, you'll likely get it back.

Love,
Victoria

When Pinching Pennies Isn't Enough

Today I realized that I have not posted since February of last year: twenty whole months!! What could have kept me from you so long, dear readers? The short answer is that I got pregnant shortly after my last post. The morning sickness was intense. We sold our house and moved. Then we moved again. Then I got really sick. Then I gave birth. And since then, I have been adjusting to mothering three children and getting my strength back. I am looking forward to being able to post here again.

As the budget keeper and tracker of the house hold, over the years I have spent countless hours sweating over the simple excel spreadsheets that organize our incomings and outgoings. It's quite foolish, but I think I secretly believe that if I just organize it better or look at it the right way, the budget will magically iron smooth and there'll be all this extra money that I never saw before.

It's called DENIAL. My eyes were telling me something I was unwilling to see: there really wasn't enough money for us to live on, no matter how lean I cut the groceries. Unwilling to trust my own judgement, I showed our  finances to four seperate people in various money related jobs - bank managers, financial planners, etc. They all said the same thing: pinching pennies wasn't enough. We needed either to earn more income or move.

We wrestled with earning options, none of which were practically feasible, while struggling to keep out of debt.

And then, as we started looking at the work/school/pre-school schedule last year, we realized we were going to need a second car. It was the proverbial straw that broke the camels back. We were stretched so thin that there was no more give.

So we put our house on the market.

It was hard, but not as hard as I thought it would be. When it sold, I was just so relieved to have a chance to make a fresh (smart) start. And we did - in a modest, simple but well built home within walking distance of work and school. For the first year or two, there won't be that much of a difference in our finances - but after that we are going to see major payoffs.

I often have posted about ways to save a quarter here, two dollars there - but sometimes you need to look at the bigger picture. Step back and really assess without fear. Will saving $75 bucks a month make a difference - or do you need to trim hundreds from the budget? Because skimping on cleaning supplies and cuts of meat only goes so far. We knew deep down for a long time what we needed to do, but we were afraid. Afraid of all the hard work, uncertainty and letting go. But now that it's done - I am so grateful. It was a wise decision. I don't feel trapped in a corner anymore. And I no longer get upset tummy when I pull up the budget spreadsheets.

So often, we sort of... let our lives happen to us. We end up in a relationship... So we find a home. Then we need a bigger car so we go and trade in. Pants are on sale, so even though they don't really fit, we buy them. Financially, this passive way of living is a recipe for long term disaster. I know, because its how I often do things. Choosing to sell our first home was one of the first big life choices I made using something other than emotion (it's called my brain. Who knew?)

"If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail." - Benjamin Franklin

If pinching pennies isn't enough, maybe you need bigger change (haha - pun).

Roughing It - Sicko 1.0

We have been sick for about six of the last eight weeks.
First it was a stomach flu (a horrifying, horrifying stomach flu which took about three weeks to run our ranks) followed by a week and a half of relative good health. And, because no winter season would be complete without it, enter stage right: The Cold.

Fever, coughing, running nose, heavy congestion and cranky little kids. My favourite, ever (can you feel the sarcasm dripping like thick green snot from those three little words?)

The tricky thing about your small children getting sick is that although you can purchase cough and cold medicine for them, there's controversy in the medical world on wether its actually a good idea or not. Even for older children theres a "...risk of serious side effects..." And if you are an anal retentive when it comes to your children's safety, like I am, you will now never purchase cold medicine for children ever again.

So, here are the safe alternatives that we have found to actually work (and they have the added benefit of being natural, and very, very frugal):

#1) Number One is Number One because it makes such a huge difference. A cool mist humidifier:

I got mine for $30 from Walmart. They ranged in price from $20 right on up to $80. I had to return the first one because it was too loud, so don't throw out your box right away. And be careful of the humidifier's requiring replaceable filters; some of the filters can cost $20 or more. 

I consider this $30 well worth it! It'll last for years, and helps adults and babies alike.

#2) Elevate the head of your Sicko's bed a few inches. We used a couple of really thick reference books under the bed legs (don't use fancy ones, though, it marks up the cover pretty bad). I am sure that there's some medical reason for it's effectiveness, but all I know is that it helps them (and me) stop coughing at night and get some sleep.

#3) Honey. For a bad cough, a teaspoon of honey can help. Most medical professionals strongly recommend NOT giving honey to babies under 12 months, as there is a risk of botulism poisoning (many parents do it anyways).

#4) Homemade Vic's VapoRub. Did you know theres turpentine in the little blue tub you loved as a kid, among other nasty things? Don't freak out now, cause it took me all of 90 seconds to whip up a toxin free batch. Seriously the easiest DIY ever. Are you ready? Truly ready?

OK, here goes:

Mix 1/4 cup coconut oil with 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil in a small jar (the recipe doubles or triples easily). If the oil is to hard to mix, warm it up a bit and it'll soften. You can buy both ingredients at a healthfood store and I think (though I may be wrong), Superstore.

 That's it. Rub it on the feet or chest of your Sicko. This worked amazingly well on my son last night.

I'll make any locals a small batch for $4, should they not want to make their own. Email me.

#5) Did you know you can make homemade cough syrup? I haven't done it, but as the ingredients are honey, olive oil and lemon juice, I don't think you could go too far astray. Let me know if you try it and I'll let you know if I do.

#6) Hot Honey Lemon. My mom actually drank this all the time. Just add lemon juice and honey to hot water. Lemon is full of vitamin C and honey soothes the throat.

#7) Salt Water Gargle. My Dad made me do this one time when I was little and I was so mad. Right until I realized my throat had started feeling better. Warm water and as much salt as you can stand for as long as you can gargle it. Don't drown now. Salt kills the bugs and draws the moisture out.

#8) Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup. I admit, I used to use the packets of Lipton's. But I just can't do it these days - it's so chemical and salt laden (28% of your daily salt allowance in 1/4 of a packet and includes MSG, corn syrup and soy). Instead I whip up a quick substitute. Four cups of water, 4 tsp of Better Than Boulion's Reduced Salt Chicken Stock (cheapest at Costco) and whole wheat spaghetti noodles broken into short pieces. I bring it to a boil and simmer till the noodles are soft. That's what I serve my picky eater. But for grown ups I throw in dried parsley and red chill peppers to taste.

And that's what we do for our Sicko's. Well, if I am to be completely honest there's a lot of sleeping and movie watching in there too. But that goes without saying.

Hope You're Feeling Better Soon!

Roughing It - SPA 4.0: Sugaring Putty from Scratch

Last night I had one of my legendary spa nights: hair dyeing, eyebrow trimming and armpit sugaring.

The armpits went so well that I thought I might do my legs today. I discovered I didn't have enough product left, so, being frugal, I tried making my own. I googled and went though about six recipes and three youtube vid's before I felt prepared to take the plunge. Instead of making a sugar "wax" (to spread on with a stick and rip off with a strip of fabric) I decided on Sugaring Putty, which is supposed to be thick enough to use with out fabric. I am not sure where it originated, but they do it in the Middle East.

Batch number one turned out like molasses and I had to throw it out (after spilling it all over the kitchen and my pyjamas). This is batch number two. An amber colored, sweet smelling putty. I brought 1 cup of sugar, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp water and a shake of sea salt to a boil over medium heat and then turned it down and simmered it for a half an hour (recipe I used here). Once it cools, its very thick - almost solid. 

Then I washed and dried my very hairy legs (see below). I put baby powder on, which is supposed to reduce the pain because it prevents the wax from sticking to your skin. 

I grabbed a walnut sized ball of putty and worked it in my hands a bit until I got used to the feel of it. It's quite sticky, so you've got to keep moving. I videoed what happened next, but I feel, upon reflection, that I should keep it to myself (...) However, I will share with you what I learned from attempts one and two: 

1.) Don't add water to the putty to 'make it less sticky' - strangely enough, the opposite will happen and you will get everything stuck to everything and end up glued to a plastic bag and your camera.

2.) Don't add baby powder to the putty to 'make it less sticky' - even more strangely enough, the opposite will happen and you will get everything stuck to everything and end up glued to a plastic bag and your camera.

Attempt number three was the golden ticket:

Basically, you rub the putty against the hair growth three times and then rip it off in the direction of the hair growth (the opposite of waxing). And to my everlasting surprise (and satisfaction) IT WORKS!!!

VERDICT: 4/5 Frugality rating!

COST: Zero dollar signs! (It cannot possibly get cheaper unless you just let the hair grow for the rest of your life!) A regular wax job is between $15 and $60 (depending on the size of the area), and a home kit of  MOOM (what I use at home) is $17. This is the cost of a cup of sugar and a bit of lemon juice, and makes enough product to do your whole body once. 

PROS: It's cheap, convenient and natural.

CONS: It's messy, slightly more painful than using my usual sugaring kit and I cannot possibly imagine using this on my bikini line (I fear I would end up gluing my va-jay-jay shut).

UNKNOWNS: How long does it last once made up? Will my next batch be a bit less sticky? 

That said, I will definitely do this regularly. It would only get a better rating if the putty was a bit easier to handle.

Christmas Spirit: Advent

I LOVE December 1st.
At our house, it is now the official first day of the Christmas season and we enter in full speed and whole heart.

I've blogged in the past about what really matters to me at Christmas time, but in the four years since that time, that message has been driven, quite literally, home. 
You see, two years ago, on December 16th, in the midst of shopping, baking, wrapping, appies and Christmas do's, we found out my Mum was dying.
It changed everything about that Christmas. Every carol we sang was sacred. Every lit up house was magical. Christmas Eve, that most sacred of family times for us, was spent stunned, aching and somehow still grateful. We ate, and laughed and cried through our last holiday together.
So you can imagine, last year Christmas came as an ungraceful herald of all we had lost. Part of me wanted to skip the whole shebang. And then this other voice inside of me just sang her heart out and said we should celebrate. And celebrate, we did. It was our best Christmas ever.

Homemade goodies, a veritable cornucopia of gifts under the tree, train rides and parties, turkey, potatoes and peanut butter balls dipped in dark chocolate. I threw myself into it with delight and new family traditions sprang up!
My favorite "new" tradition is a very old one. An advent calendar.
I made it, of course, and spent hours planning it out. Instead of a daily chocolate or gift, I alternated a combination of family activities, crafts and small presents. It was such a success! We loved it!
Each day is represented by a white mitten on a red string. I held each date marker on with a clothes pin. And in the mitten is either a little gift or a paper saying what the advent activity or craft will be.
It was such an inexpensive way to make the Christmas season even more magical for my children, but I have to say my husband and I were caught up in it, too!
Here, in no particular order, are just a few of the things we'll be doing this year for our advent:

-The Minter's Mini Train
-Homemade Peanut-butter Balls
-Family Candle Light Dinner
-Spiced Dough Ornaments
-Christmas movie night (this year it'll be "White Christmas")

But today, December first, is one of my favourites. Today we bust it all out and decorate the house and tree. Christmas CD's! Twinkle Lights! Garlands! Home made ornaments! The Nativity!

Speaking of decorating, I must run - IT'S ALMOST TIME!!!!!

Love,
Victoria

Pinching Pennies: While Cleaning The Kitchen

I've been thinking about all the corners I cut to save money in the kitchen. Our budget has relaxed a bit these days, so we are eating better quality food, thank God - but we still need to keep our purse strings tight.

Here are some of the ways we Pinch Pennies while cleaning in the kitchen:

1) I only fill the dishwasher soap dispenser 1/3 up. Most manufacturers grossly overstate the amounts needed to clean dishes, and I think we can all guess why: it makes them more money! If you use a third of what you've been using in your dishwasher, your soap will last 3 times as long! I was going to make my own dishwasher soap to save even more money, but all of the reviews I read said that it just doesn't clean like the commercial stuff. I think there's a line there I'm not willing to cross - I mean, the dishes need to get clean...

2) I use Norwex cloths to clean my kitchen, which saves on cleaning supplies - and is GREENER!

3) My friend, Na, cuts up holey old sweatpants and t-shirts to use as cloths and dishrags. You are giving unusable clothes a second life, and there's no guilt when you throw them out when they get nasty because you already saved them from the garbage once!

4) As already posted, I use a Swiffer to mop my kitchen floors, but with Norwex cloths (or a micro-fiber cloth if you don't Norwex) and hot water instead of the disposable, chemical soaked wipes. It's free (if you already have a swifter) and GREEN!

5) If I am only doing the kitchen, I don't bust out my hoover - I just grab my broom. It's easier, but it saves a few kilojoules of energy too (did I even use kilojoule in the correct context?), and that saves a few pennies.

6) If I need a new scrubby dishrag, I knit one out of cotton from my stash. This wouldn't work for everyone (as I am a "highly skilled" knitter [there was mockery there in case you missed it]) but if you knit, it's a fun little project that even a beginner can do.

7) Instead of using fabric bibs, which need to be laundered after each wearing, I use a plastic moulded bib with a big pocket on it. It catches way more than a conventional bib, and it wipes clean with the dishrag when I am wiping the counters.

8) If you use a table cloth, consider putting a clear pvc cover over it - it wipes clean with a rag, saving regular laundering.

What are some of the ways you Pinch Pennies while cleaning in the kitchen?

SPUD - Organic Local Produce Delivered to Your Front Door

Last week I saw this Social Shopper add in the local news paper for "SPUD." 

Basically, I paid Social Shopper $20 for a $40 gift certificate at SPUD, a sustainable produce company. I've often wanted to buy more organic, but with the prices being so high, I've stuck to organic apples and spinach (two of the top "Deadly Dozen" offenders for chemicals and pesticides).

Don't I wish I was getting paid for this. Anyways.

I purchased the Social Shopper Gift Certificate and went immediately to the SPUD website.

Basically, it's a company where you get local organic groceries delivered to your front door, a wonderful company if you're into sustainable living.

I checked out their website for a while, then I ordered a box of assorted organic local produce, to be delivered the following Wednesday (today).

When I came home from my errands this morning, there it was at the front door: my box of sustainably harvested local, organic produce. I got apples, beets, carrots, corn, fennel, romain, crimini mushrooms, pepper, nugget potatoes, and a pound of tomatoes. 

I am really pleased with this company - my only complaint is that the website is a bit complex (it needs to be with all the choices involved for online grocery shopping), but with a cup of tea and a few minutes, totally do-able.

If you want to try it out, they sent me a coupon for friends: 

Referral Code: CRVAN-BURVIC

If you use that code, we both get $20 of free SPUD groceries.

Love, Victoria