What is frugality? To all of us here at SYR, its how we live our lives, whether we like it or not.

According to renowned feminist Wendy McElroy, frugality causes you to reverse the way you think about material things. So - what does this mean in this economy, to all of us recessionistas out there? Well, in this context, anything can be frugal - as long as it is resourceful and brings you closer to your goals.

Anyhow, the other day I was getting ready to head out to meet some friends for some cream sodas and I realized that I simply didn’t have any shoes that matched my ensemble. Oh no! I proclaimed, what to do?

Since red is best and I had my favourite red purse handy, I grabbed a can of spray paint and howzy-doozy, the next thing you know I was matching better than Mary-Kate and Ashley.

The point is, more often than you realize, you can do what you want with whatever you have on hand.

So, a few tips from Frugality Rock:

1. Never use a recipe exactly as described - improvise!

Use what you have on hand, or substitute for cheaper ingredients. For example, use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for lasagna.

2. All into the green movement? Ecologically friendly cleaning products your thing? Don’t waste cash on Method products at Shoppers - make your own. With a few simple ingredients, you will be the Molly Maid of the neighbourhood without the ugly navy hatchback.

3. If you’re a fashionista, stop making excuses. Learn to sew. Thimbles are hot. Like Thumbelina, but not quite…. maybe even hotter.

4. If you aren’t wearing the clothes you have, make the most out of them. Have a swishing (clothes swap) party, or take some scissors to what you have and get creative. Daisy dukes are in, old T-shirts make interesting tunics and tanks, and boyfriend jeans are on the hot list. Well, thats what I’ve been told.

Anyhoo, in the magical words of the Fraggles - er- Frugals at Frugality Rock,

Dance your cares away, worry’s for another day.

Work your cares away, worry’s for another day.

Let the music play…

Down at Frugal Rock.

PS: I’m almost like a cat, so I am very curious… how are you frugal?

Makes Cents (4)

This entry was posted on Friday, July 10th, 2009 at 10:59 am and is filed under Eats, Fashion, Green, Living, Money. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Tags: Add new tag, Budget, Fashion, Food, Fraggle Rock, frugality, Green, Make your own Cleaning Products, Make your own Designer Duds, Melissa Janke, Melissa Janke Oliver, Screw You Recession