Frugal Fakers

I'm so sick of picking up books by rich people who think they are going green and frugal if they retire early, live off their investments, sell their Manhattan apartment and live in there second home in the country. 
Please! Give me a break.
"We sold our boat...what a sacrifice!" Blah blah blah.
Done venting.
J

Goodwill deals

Went to Goodwill today to help the little girls re-stock their dress-up bag.  We found a long belly-dancing scarf ($1.99) and two clip-on ties in pink and lavender  ($.99 each)  for when they want to be Prince Charming instead of Cinderella.  The ties were there because apparently a local tuxedo rental store brought in a huge amount of stuff -- tuxedos, vests, ties, shoes, etc.  So, if someone local needs a tux, they had better head on down to Goodwill and try some on. 
Also realized while I was there that everything I have on with the exception of socks and underwear is from Goodwill.  And, I am SUCH a fashion plate. 

Using Cash

I decided to put the credit cards in a drawer and just use cash in preparation for my January "austerity" measures when I will try to really keep track of my spending and budget closely.  Tonight, due to some craziness with the girls recital schedule, I took them to Subway for a quick dinner.  And, guess what, I didn't have enough money.  So, I guess the first rule of just carrying cash is to actually have more than $8 in your wallet.  Here's where the joys of small town living come in.  The manager told me to just sit down and eat and come back and pay later.  I did...after I got over being mortified. 

Clothing Exchange

Last week, I went to a women's clothing exchange.  A few of us brought clothes that we did not want anymore and spread them all over an empty room in a friend's basement.  Then, we picked through and picked out clothes for ourselves.  It was fun and free.  I got new cargo pants in exchange for some Size 2 jeans that fit me once every 6 months or so when my weight is low enough for them.  I can fit my long johns under my new cargo pants too which seems to be very important this winter.  I picked up a few other things -- a sweater, long sleeved shirt and a cute little yellow camisole.  I still love having something new to wear, but it is great to do it this way -- no impact, no money, nothing to the landfill.
I hope someone out there is looking great in those Size 2s.