Jaclyn's Frugal/Thrifty Tips...Top Ten

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Hello, there.  My name is Jaclyn and I am thrifty/frugal.  Some of you may call it cheap.  I call it wise.  Currently in my third degree and not really working I am proud to say I have not accumulated any debt.  Scholarships and living at home (free food, car, and basically everything) are the major factors to thank, although working part-time, wise-spending, and saving has played a big part as well.  Over the years I have picked up some tricks to save money while enjoying life (read: not eating only peanut butter and sitting at home bored).  Please, indulge me whilst I share my "Top Ten" with you.

1. PRIORITIZE and BUDGET: First, decide what the heck is most vital to spend moola on.  Food takes preference over new shoes.  As for the budget, you don't have to do a strict one to be successful.  Have more than a vague idea of what money needs to be allocated where.  This will prevent surprises like having an maxed out credit card when rent is due.

2. NEED versus WANT: This goes along with number one.  Do you NEED that dress or do you want it?  Be realistic--will you wear it? How often?

3. BUY SECOND HAND: I love second-hand shopping!  It is good for the earth, a great way to find some neat items, and can really save you some serious cash.  There's no shame in thrifting, my friends.  No. Shame. Clothes, kitchen gadgets, decor, books (including textbooks!), sewing/crafting supplies (be creative and buy a cheap-ass muumuu for the fabric), and gifts (for friends who appreciate the second-hand lifestyle) are things I regularly buy at thrift stores.  Basically, if it's not underwear or sketchy stained sheets I am not above purchasing it.
**However, it is easy to fall into the mind-trap of "Oh, this dress is only $3...I'll get it!" and end up with a bunch of crap you don't really need.

4. BORROW: Hit up the library for movies and books.  Swap clothes and books with friends.  If you do not need to own something and can get away borrowing it, do it!  Renting at a good price is another great option (such as cheap nights for movie rentals).

5.  DRIVE SMART TO SAVE ON GAS: I drive.  A lot.  I have an hour commute to school and it takes at least 20 minutes to get to anywhere I really want to go (i.e., to visit my nieces, go to a grocery store that has a great organic/health section, visit Mr. Boyfriend).  And we all know that gas ain't cheap.   The following really help me save cash on gas:
1. Carpool (I can't do this as often as I would like, but when the stars align, it is glorious).
2. Do several errands on one trip.
3. Don't speed!  Aside from being safe, you will burn less gas.  Also, I hear speeding tickets can be pricey.

6. EAT OUT LESS: Okay, not gonna lie...I eat out a fair bit.  Like, at least twice a week.  Mr. Boyfriend never has actual groceries.  However, he pays for dinners right now as I am semi-broke, so I guess I am saving money....haha.

7. DRINK TAP WATER: Eating out? Ask for a glass of water.  It's free and healthier than a pop.  Going out for the day? Fill a reusable bottle with H20.  My well-water is delish, so I drink it straight outta the tap.  Otherwise, using a Brita Filter or the like is cheaper than buying bottled water.

8.  PACK A SNACK: Pack some treats to take with you if you are going out for a bit.  An apple is cheaper than a cinnabun.  (And healthier).

9.  SKIP THE GYM:  You can get a great workout without paying mucho cash to use a gym.  Yoga podcasts, skipping rope, running, walking, snowshoeing, skiing (which I have never done), swimming, workout DVDs, et cetera are free activities!  I am LOVING the workouts from bodyrock.tv, which are 100% FREE!

10.  COMPARISON SHOP: Pretty self-explanatory.  Look around for the best deals (especially on larger ticket items).  Be willing to buy generic versus name brands (although that can be hard with certain items, such as organic sweeteners).  Heck yes, I will buy undies at the superstore!


There you go!  I hope it was a bit informative for you all.  I'm thinking of doing some more posts in this vein, focusing on specific ways to save money (such as cheap dates, a more detailed look at my cheap/free workouts, etc.), so please comment below if you would be interested in reading them.  

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Oh, Hey Winter.

So, yeah.  Winter.  Apparently it decided to visit us.  Yay?

While I am not a fan of winter driving, shovelling, and scraping off/digging out my car I DO enjoy the snow's beauteous ways.  What's better than a peaceful snowshoe trek on the nature trail?  Well, several things, I guess, but the glory of said trek is still rather abundant.

Here's some nice pictures of winter for your viewing pleasure, collected via google images.

Say it with me now, "Presh-ious."  Source.

The first snow? Source.

Snow and a stream.  Early winter scenic bliss.  Source.

Frost makes such pretty patterns on windows.  Once, my grandparents' dogs' slobber/nose slime made the frost on a window look like Jesus or the Virgin Mary (I can't remember...it was many a moon ago).  We have photographic evidence....somewhere.  Source.

Snow on trees is very enchanting, non?  Source.

Snowy sunrise.  Source.

Mmm.  Snow mist.  Source.

Golden leaves + snow = nice contrast!  Source.

Who wants to go for a snowshoe venture here?  I DO!  Source.

Digitally enhanced?  Likely.  Magical?  Yes.  Source.

Ooooh....atmospheric.  Creepy beauty.  Source.

Dear Red Barn in the Snow, I would like to visit you.  May I?  Source.

 How about you all?  Yay or nay to winter weather?  Somewhere in the middle, perhaps?

In My Magical Fantasy Home...

..There are a million different rooms and decor ideas.  And, somehow it is always clean (see, magic).  Oh, and I can afford it (even more magic).

Here are some things I have come across via the interwebs that are in this magical fantasy home.

In my magical fantasy home I have many studios....this is one.  Source.

Yes, I would sleep here.  Source.

Trés endearing...a moss table and seat!  Source.

More moss...what can I say?  I like me some nature.  Source.

I really like the idea of using vintage sheets to upholster chairs.  Matchy but not matching...  Source,

Quilty-embroidered-old-bed goodness.  And I like her dress.  Source.

An up-cycled doily.  You can buy this here.  I'd like to DIY one.

Another up-cycled doily....no longer listed on Etsy.

Smart idea.  Source.

Dried flower spheres.  Source.

Source.  I like EVERYTHING 'bout this.

I'd use fake eggs...a great DIY idea, non?  Source.

Cute, creepy, kitsch.  I LIKE it.  Buy it here, if you so desire.

Wouldn't this be a grand cottage?  Didn't I mention I have garden cottages on the property of my magical fantasy home?  No?  Well, I do.  Source.

One of my bathrooms.  I like the oldy-time mirrors hanging. Source.

Of course my magical fantasy home needs ambient lighting.  Source.

This mish-mash of the neon cord, flower bulb, and the cast iron candlestick-turned-lamp works for me!  Source.

My Style...

Hello!  Yes, I should be writing a critique on a research article right now...but I am slightly procrastinating.  I'll start as soon as I finish this post.  Honest.

ANYWAY, I thought I'd share some items from my PINTERST (addictive!) board: "My Style."

If I had money, these are some things I would by.  Alas, I do not have money, thus I shall keep pinning away, partaking in some virtual window shopping.

Mudcloth jacket.  By ACCRA ACCRA.

Splendid boots by Fluevog.  WANT!

Chiayo by Fluevog.

Merit clogs by Fluevog.

Nice! Image from  Pony Cat.

Yellow and eyelet equals loveliness!  From Here's Looking at Me Kid.

Earthy and chic.  From Shelter Protects You.

Vintage nightie from VeraVague...I'd wear it as a dress (if I had a 26 inch waist).

From lovemaegan.com...I love the colour combo and the layers.

Love this bag from Vera Vague.

UMBRELLA!  Was on Etsy, but seems to not be listed anymore.

Mmm...yellow and cool shoulder details.  From Marinaasta.

From TheFashionMagpie.  I'd wear it with jeans, a dress, loose, belted...

Have you been virtually window shopping lately?

November Gratitude

Dew on a Leaf--Summer Memories.

November, November.  You kinda get the short end of the stick.  In Canada you are wedged in between the glory of Hallowe'en and the Holiday Season.  Unlike our peeps to the south, there is no Thanksgiving delight to spice up the month.  Yes, we have Remembrance Day, but that's not really happy-party-time (though it is important).  HOWEVER, there are still some wondrous things for which to be grateful happing in Jaclyn-Land.  Here's a smattering of some for you!

* Being healthy
* Walk and dinner with a friend
* Walks with Mother
* Cuddlin' with Alfie-Cat (I think I write this down at least once every two weeks...)
* Colourful running ensembles
* Daddy
* Mommy
* Warmer weather for a run
* Cousin Date!
* Nacho Party!
* B. and L., my awesome nieces!
* Arts & Crafts with L.
* Staying home.
* L. kisses!
* Buying gifts for loved ones
* Not stopping when I wanted to when running--kept pushing myself


WHAT'S BEEN FILLING YOU WITH GRATITUDE LATELY?

Dear Santa...

My oh my.  Making treasuries over at Etsy is rather addictive, non.  Here's a spattering of winter wish list items in my latest adventure in treasury-curation. Click here to see it, if you so desire.  :)

Do you enjoy making ETSY treasuries?

Mint Chocolate Nanaimo Bars

Nanamino time!

I LOVE nanamio bars.  They are yummy.  Do my States-side readers have this delicious treat?  I have heard rumours that it is distinctly Canadian.

Last winter I attempted to make a sugar-free nanamio bar, inspired by Oh She Glows's recipe.  They weren't bad, but not fabulous.  I obviously had to try again.  PLUS, I have been craving mint and chocolate, so trying to make the perfect sugar free mint chocolate nanamio bar was in order.  I think I have succeeded.

Mint Chocolate Nanamio Bars
(Makes approx. 12 squares, depending on how large or small you cut them.)

Bottom Layer:
Ingredients
* 1/3 cup coconut oil (not melted)
* 1/3 cup brown rice syrup
* 1 egg
* 5 tablespoons cocoa powder, sifted
* 1 cup naturally sweetened graham cracker crumbs (recipe to follow)
* 1 cup almonds, processed fine
* 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

Directions
1.  Line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper; leaving a bit hanging over the sides will allow you to lift out of the pan when firm.
2.  In a saucepan over medium heat, place the coconut oil, brown rice syrup, and cocoa powder.  Stir until the coconut oil is melted.  Add in the egg and stir for a minute.  Remove from heat.
3.  Stir in the remaining ingredients.
4.  Press the mixture into the lined pan, firmly and evenly.

Mint Middle Layer:
Ingredients:
* 1/4 cup coconut oil (not melted)
* 8 tablespoons of light cream
* 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
* 4-6 teaspoons of peppermint extract (if your extract is very strong, start with 2 and adjust according to taste)
* 2 scoops (2/32 teaspoon) powdered stevia extract
* 6 tablespoons agave nectar
* 1 cup skim milk powder
* a cup arrowroot powder/flour

Directions
1.  Process the ingredients in a food processor.
2.  Spread evenly over the bottom layer.
3.  Place in the freezer to firm up...approx. 45 minutes.

Mint Chocolate Top Layer:
Ingredients
* 1/3 cup coconut oil
* 1/3 cup brown rice syrup
* 5 heaping tablespoons of cocoa powder
* 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract

Directions
1.  Place the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.  Stir until the coconut oil is melted.
2.  Pour evenly over the middle layer.
3.  Place in the freezer until firm, about 10 minutes.
4.  Cut into squares.
5.  Store in the fridge until ready to serve; can also be wrapped individually and stored in the freezer.

***A bit of work, but so worth it!

The middle layer gets soft at room temperature...but still very tasty!

Sugar Free Graham Cracker Crumbs

Adapted from  Cara's Cravings's Sugar Free Cinnamon Grahame [sic] Crackers with Vegan Option.

(Makes approx. 1 3/4 cup).

Ingredients

* 1/3 cup white flour

* 1 cup whole wheat flour

* 1/2 teaspoon of powdered stevia extract

* 3/4 teaspoon baking powder

* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

* 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

* 6 tablespoons of melted coconut oil

* 3 tablespoons maple syrup

* 3 tablespoons skim milk

* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2.  Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl, mixing well.

3.  Add the coconut oil, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract.

4.  Mix...it should be nice and crumbly.

5.  Spread crumbs on a cookie sheet.

6.  Bake for 20 minutes.

**If you want to make crackers, process the ingredients and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes, as per Cara's instructions.

Enjoy some naturally-sweetened treats with loved ones this holiday season!