Put on your thinking caps.

The threads on increased food prices and gas prices got me thinking. What more can I do myself to not rely on a store?

1. when I need to buy, buy used. Watch out for thrift stores....I've seen prices rise in those too, where prices for things like summer clothes were identical to Kmart prices.

2. i raise my own animals for meat, milk, and eggs. But i still need a pig for pork somewhere along the line. I need to work on that issue.

3. I raise a garden, but I'd like to see that expanded more. I am trying to salvage any sunny growing areas I have, and not pull up all my volunteer plants that have sprung up....after all they are a bonus! I can and freeze and dehydrate.

4. i try to barter for apples and peaches in the fall.

5.We try to build it ourselves with what we have on hand rather than buy something......like fencing, feeders, gates, dh welded manure forks for the tractor from scrap metal. He built a hanging chicken feeder from scrap sheet metal. Doesn't look store-bought perfect, but it WORKS perfect!

6. I try to sew what I need, like curtains, quilts, pillow cases, hankerchiefs, and mend the boys' clothes.

7. No need to buy fertilizer with animal manure on hand. Anyone can start a compost pile.

8. I make laundry detergent, and thanks to Brandy's advice I started making a simple soap. It lasts a long time.

9. I bake and cook from scratch. baked goods, especially pastries are expensive when bought in a store. (However, i haven't baked bread in awhile because I can get approximately 20 loaves for $3.50 that's set to expire at a Sara Lee factory....I give the poor stuff to the animals, and the good stuff goes in the freezer.)

10. I at least try to do something new or learn a new skill that may help us.

11. OK I wished I didn't have to rely on driving, but I do.  If I didn't I would walk or ride a bike to wherever I was going.

What can you do for yourself to not rely on stores or other things?

Thanks for starting this thread, I can't wait to hear some of the ideas. I am hoping for some inspiration, because I often feel like I am at a dead end with this one. We do all the cooking and baking from scratch, etc.

I also sew, but the nearest store with fabric is almost an hour away (even our Walmart here doesn't have fabric). So, I buy what I can when I go; but, getting their when I need something unexpected is hard. When I return from vacation, I am going to make reusable shopping bags, which I've been wanting to do for ages. We reuse all our plastic bags (our stores do not offer paper except for Aldi, which is ridiculous), and then recycle when they're no longer usable. But, I'd like to do more. I do mend, as well.

There are literally no worthwhile thrift stores around here. The prices for clothing is the same as Kohl's on sale much of the time, and the selection is just awful. There's never anything in my size, and their clothes are usually so worn that I'd never pay actual money of any kind for them. It's sad. They do have some good deals on furniture, but we're not in need of any more of that! :-)

Things I can do:

-Continue to look on freecycle and craigslist for bikes for DH and I, so we can drive less.

-Preserve more food from local sources. We do a good bit of this already, but we could probably do more.

- Convince DH to actually stick to his bread-making schedule!

I am sure I'll think of some more, too. 

Wish I could get bread like that! We used to, but the store closed down. Our only other day old outlet closed down just a few weeks ago.

Instead of relying on thrift stores, I could (although I haven't, much) shop at garage sales. They're usually cheaper and you can find things that are out of season, so make a list of what you'll be needing for winter time as well as summer. 

Actually, making and keeping lists probably saves me as much money as anything. Every time there's a need or perceived need, I put it on a master list, some of which I will make, some I will find second hand, some I will get in other ways.

I need to expand my garden, too, but this year I'll make do with more from the farmer's market. I can, dehydrate and freeze as I have the time and things are ready all summer and fall. I also eat what wild food grows in my back yard and put it up for the winter. I want to plant things like rhubarb and jerusalem artichokes, that will provide a harvest every year. 

I have a small compost area and also practice sheet composting.  

Sewing... I use used material, like sheets from the Goodwill. That's a lot of good material for a very low price. Sometimes thrift stores will have new material for sale, too. I also use material salvaged from clothing I no longer wear. I can salvage yarn and use that to make warm clothes and blankets, too.

When I want something, my first thought is usually, "Can I make something like that?" And then, "Can I pay someone to make it cheaper?" Then, "Can I substitute something I already have for it?" Often, the answer is yes to at least one question. 

One thing I need to work on is actually using alternative ways to stay cool instead of turning on the air conditioner. The first year I lived here, I didn't have air conditioning. It got hot, but I survived with fans, opening the house at night and closing it during the day. I still do that, but I could be more conscientious about it as well as finding other ways to stay comfortable. 

So many things we think about while working to live more frugally make us more self sufficient and put us in a good position to weather this financial storm. 

I forgot to add that I cut my own hair, except once a year when I get a perm from a stylist. I'd love to do my own perms, but I am scared of how it would turn out!

Pat, what's sheet composting?

I just got a the book "Hunting the Wild Asparagus" last week for $1 at a library book sale. I haven't read it yet (I have 3 books I'm reading at the same time currently LOL) but I've heard rave reviews about it and how it helps with wild edible foods.

BTW- does nayone know how long it takes to grow rhubarb from seed? Dh and I walked the foreclosed property next door and found a big patch of rhubarb by the house that went to seed. I want rhubarb, so he grabbed and handful of seed and told the boys to plant it in a pot. I thought rhubarb started differently. Any advice? Truly, I'd like to dig the whole plant up and take it home..

Dear MichelleCinnamonHuskies, I don't have a garden, moer's the pity, but I read somewhere that rhubarb, like strawberries, grows shoots to propagate new plants.  I could be wrong about this, most certainly.  Yours in Him, Deb

Dear All, The only comment that I can make on how to stay out of stores is how to avoid eating out.  Unless someone invites (& treats) me, I do not drink or eat out.  My secret?  Before leaving my house, I eat & drink my fill.  Works like a charm.  Yours in HIm, Deb

Cinnamonhuskies:

Pat, what's sheet composting?

Sheet composting is where you mulch with organic materials like grass clippings, straw or hay, then when the harvest is finished, you turn the mulch into the soil and let it overwinter. It composts if it gets enough moisture. Some of mine this year didn't break down, but I turned the soil a couple of times and kept it damp for a few days and planted over it. Everything is doing pretty well, so I guess it's ok.  

 I don't think it takes all that long - a year or two (?), but rhubarb seeds won't grow true to the parent plant, from what I've read. I've only propagated it by dividing the plants. 

I don't know how well the seeds work.  my rhubarb goes to seed but nothing ever comes of it. not like the raspberries all over.

save money by cutting back on eating out, entertainment etc. finding free things to do.

using craigslist and value village. do that alot.   buying second hand or free is good!  Of course we give stuff away too.  sewing isn't worth it except for repairs. 

gifts are the harder one.  so many...buying with airmiles rewards, on sale etc is what I try to do.

cooking from scratch more.