The Non-Consumer Advocate Down Under

by Katy on September 10, 2012 · 27 comments

Yesterday was a fun day day for me. Not only did I get to do a short appearance for the Australian breakfast show Sunrise, but I also got to take my sons with me to the studio since it was a weekend. They sent a car for me, and arranged it so far in advance of my actual appearance time that the people at the Portland studio had no idea of who I was or why I was there. But that was okay, as we ended up with a tour of the local ABC affiliate station and had time to goof around a bit.

My entire TV segment was just a little over four minutes, which went by quickly. I’m pretty happy with the interview, although I did get a bit rambly when answering a few questions. The Sunrise show did not mention the name of the blog, so I made sure to say it LOUDLY and CLEARLY at the end of the interview. 😉

Thank you to the lovely Mel B who interviewed me, and everyone who worked to make this interview possible. And of course, a big welcome to all my new Australian readers!

Click HERE to watch the interview.

And make sure to enter my Happier at Home giveaway which ends tonight at 9 P.M. P.S.T.!

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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Just Another Frugal Day

by Katy on September 9, 2012 · 30 comments

Although it may make me sound a bit single minded, you would be hard pressed to find even one day of my life that isn’t focused on frugality. This isn’t as joyless as it sounds, as I have a radar for taking advantage of all the great cheap opportunities in life.

Just yesterday I:

Made dinner from my own pesto, which used up the last of some parmesan cheese left behind by one of my mother’s guest cottage tenants, some gifted pecans and basil from the garden. The noodles were actually from our bulging stash of Japanese food, which my husband seems to buy without realizing that we rarely cook with them. I had worried that the flavors would not pair well, but all was good. I also mixed in some over-ripe tomatoes that my sister brought over from her organic community farm.

Took my sister and younger son to Grand Central Bakery, where pumpkin muffins were free if you mentioned their Tweets for Treats program. We also bought drip coffees and make sure to leave a nice tip.

Walked around the Ladd’s Addition neighborhood, whose rose gardens make me proud to live in The Rose City.

Walked over to our neighborhood block party, where I spent a couple of lovely hours chatting with neighbors I knew, and meeting ones I hadn’t. (The block next to me is three blocks long, so I always meet new people at these parties.)

Washed and hung up my towels, which always make me happy. (So pretty on the clothesline!)

There was nothing earth shattering about the day, yet it was all so perfect. Time spent with family, delicious meals and getting to know the people in my own neighborhood is exactly what I love to do with my time.

And the above photo? A graphic of family deprivation. 😉

What frugal activities have you been doing lately? Please share your stories in the comments section below.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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A Clothesline Rant

by Katy on September 7, 2012 · 135 comments

For many Americans, the sight of an outdoor clothesline is a sure sign that the neighborhood is going downhill.

Because, you know, only poor people line dry their clothing.

Wrong!

Non-Americans are understandably stymied by this attitude, as clothes dryers are often not even in foreign homes, (such as the technologically advanced countries of Australia and Japan.) It seems like using the sun rather than electricity to evaporate water from wet clothing should be a no brainer, but somehow it isn’t.

Project Laundry List posted the above photo on their Facebook page this morning, along with this quote:

“Here is something baffling. The scarcity of clotheslines in the US has created a vacuum now filled with laundry as art. How do board members of Home Owners Assoc. not understand that clotheslines are part of the ‘picturesque’ of a vacation. Hey HOA . . . here’s Venice doing it right.”

For those not in the know, HOA = Home Owner Association, those helpful organizations that tell you what color to paint your house, how high your grass can grow and how to dry your laundry.

The sad thing is that a simple clothesline is one of the easiest and cheapest earth friendly choices available. Unlike a pimped out shiny new Prius or a space age array of solar panels, you don’t have to be financially set to make it happen.

I live in Portland, Oregon, a city mocked for its damp climate, and still I’m able to use air dry my clothing 90% of the time. I have a couple of drying racks for wet weather that I set up over the heat registers, and whatayaknow, clothing dries overnight. Bam! And in summer, my backyard clothesline easily meets my needs.

It’s eco-friendly, it’s free and it helps your clothing last longer. And for those who fear the stiff scratchy towel? (A phenomenon known as “Sandtowelpaperophobia.”) Think of it as a spa-style loofah treatment. 

Oh, the luxury!

Okay, I’ll simmer down now. After all, I need to get the laundry going.

Do you air dry your clothing? And if you don’t, why not?!

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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Yesterday was the first day of school for Portland students, which for us mothers meant an entire day, (sunny, no less!) to frolic amongst the wildflowers while spinning in circles singing along to Joni Mitchell songs.

Or . . .

It meant a day to take a fire hose to the house and run errands.

Guess which one I did?

I guess tomorrow will have to be my day for spinning in circles while listening to Joni Mitchell. Now, does anyone know where can I find a field of wildflowers?

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Erin and Elisa who both won copies of “Happier at Home.”

I have a very special treat for you today, as Gretchen Rubin had her publisher send not one but two giveaway copies of her brand new book Happier at Home: Kiss More, Jump more, Abandon a Project, Read Samuel Johnson, and My Other Experiments in the Practice of Everyday Life. 

Two giveaway copies!

For those who have been enjoying time under a rock for the past two years, Gretchen Rubin is the #1 bestselling author of the fan-frickin-tastic The Happiness Project.

Rubin’s new book explores how she works to bring more happiness to her New York City home, which she shares with her husband and two daughters. She declutters, beautifies her surroundings, hugs and kisses her family, designs art projects and embraces good smells. It’s a wonderful companion to her previous book.

I saved my review copy of the book a few weeks ago for my non-stop flight from Portland to New York, and was happy to find that it held my attention and dare I say it, gave me an overall feeling of wellbeing that normally does not find me while flying. I didn’t take notes, as I wanted to immerse myself in the book rather than analyze it. (Which explains why there are no quotes in this “review.”)

She and I met up for dinner a few nights later, and I can testify that she’s as honest and lovely in person as she presents herself in her books.

To enter to win Happier at Home, write one thing that makes you happy in the comments section. I will randomly choose a two winners Monday, September 10th at 9 P.M. PST. U.S. Residents only, please enter one time only.

Here, I’ll start you out:

One thing that makes me happy — Seeing my kids speak Japanese.

Now your turn, what makes you happy?

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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One of the great things about The Non-Consumer Advocate is that it has evolved from a traditional blog to a genuine community. There are often conversations between readers within the comments section, that occur without any of my input.

And the conversations on The Non-Consumer Advocate Facebook Group? They’re insanely fantastic, sometimes it’s all I can do to a word in edgewise! It’s pretty common for readers to pose questions about sustainability, gardening, simple living, how to get a particular used item or, you guessed it, money issues. And while I’m thinking through how to best answer the question, a dozen or more readers will jump in with really thoughtful answers that knock my socks off. I often get great ideas and inspiration from the group.

But sometimes, a reader will write a question that begs for a larger audience than the 2,728 current members, and I bring that question over to the main blog.

Today is one of those days, so please help Amy, who is asking for ideas on how to get by on a very small income:

I’ve been an on again off again frugal person with more on time than off. Currently I find myself in a situation of almost an impossibly TIGHT budget. I’m talking $100 a month for food and a few necessities for 2 people hopefully that will increase a bit after the first of the year. A little background, It’s just my hubby and I plus pets (2 small dogs and a very old cat) . About 6 years ago hubby was in an accident and suffered a brain injury which left him unable to work. We were doing okay with his WC income and SSD but then the Social Security people said they goofed up the math and overpaid him so for the next 2 years they are withholding his SSD to make up for the overpayment. It’s crazy and it frankly it makes my brain hurt to think about it. Anyway I’m here to learn and to share and maybe we’ll make it through this tight spot in better shape than we entered it.

Here, I’ll start:

Amy, first of all, I’m very sorry to hear about your husband, I can’t even imagine how hard this must be for you. My family has been in situations where our income hardly covered our expenses, (husband in school, me working part time with tiny children) but we always knew it was temporary.

Here are a few ideas to bring your expenses down:

  • Stop buying most anything disposable. This means paper towels, paper napkins, plastic silver wear, Kleenex.

  • Stop buying drinks when water will do. This means soda, juice, alcohol, and the like. Make coffee and tea at home, and keep a pitcher of tap water in the fridge, so there’s always a cool drink available. Make ice tea from tea bags instead of a mix. And it goes without saying, no bottled water.

  • Buy your food wherever is cheapest. This might mean fruit from one store and cereal from another. And certainly say goodbye to any brand loyalty. Buy whatever is on sale that week rather than having a set grocery list that doesn’t waver. This means only buy strawberries in early summer, pears in the fall and asparagus in the spring. Look into ethnic grocery stores, as they often provide great bargains. Also, take a look at dollar stores.

  • Eat less meat, and embrace the bean! Dried beans cooked in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker are the best protein bargain in town. Vegetarian chili, lentil soup, black bean burgers, rice and bean burritos and enchiladas are all tasty without sacrifice.

  • Study all of your set expenses. Are you paying extra for low deductible home owners insurance or add-ons on your phone line? Call your insurance agent and let them know if you’re driving less and ask about any new discounts. Call all the customer service numbers and negotiate lower rates. I have done this, and it’s easy! If you have a cell phone, then cancel your landline.

  • Get to know your library for what they offer beyond books. DVD’s, CD’s, audio books, whatever. And then, (this is important here) return everything on time.

  • Take advantage of all the free events that your city or town offers. Concerts, movies, museum nights, readings, lectures, dances performances, etc. There is no reason to sit at home just because you have no money.

  • If there’s something that you need, see if any of your friends or family have an extra one. Facebook is great for this. And if it’s something you just need to use rather than own, see if you can borrow it.

But sometimes employing frugal practices is simply not enough, and you need to be bringing in more money, in which case you should consider:

  • Selling unused items in your home. It doesn’t have be a priceless object, as unwatched DVD’s, books, electronics, furniture, clothing, video games, sporting equipment and kitchenware can also plump up your bank account. Try Craigslist, as it’s free without the annoyance of shipping. Plus, if your item doesn’t sell, you’re not out any money like if you would be if you’d used eBay.

  • Start using Swagbucks for your internet searches. This website gives out points (A.K.A. “Swagbucks”) for searching the web, which can then be used to buy different items, (although I always choose the Amazon gift cards.) You won’t get rich from this, but you might as well earn money something you’d be doing anyway.

  • However, be aware that your government benefits may cap the amount of income you can bring in, so be careful here.

Now your turn, What money saving/money earning advice do you have for Amy to help her through this difficult period of her life? Please share your ideas in the comments section below.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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It’s time again for Non-Consumer Mish-Mash, where I write a little bit about this and a little bit about that.

The Neighbors Love My Clothesline!

It’s no secret that I ♥ my clothesline. I love the energy savings, the love the routine of the chore, I love how my laundry smells after a warm afternoon in the sun. I love it all!

However, I am fully aware that just because I enjoy the sight of our underwear flapping in the breeze doesn’t mean everyone does. Luckily, I do not live in a neighborhood with a covenant that bans clotheslines, so I get to do pretty much whatever I want.

And I was pleased to find a lovely artisan made card in my mailbox the other day featuring an illustrated raccoon hanging her masks and gloves on the line. Inside was a sweet note from my “admiring neighbors” whom I adore.

Then again, their property does not overlook my clothesline. 😉

Gender Equality in the Home

Of all the designers on HGTV, Emily Henderson is my favorite. And no, it’s not just because she’s from Portland. (Although it doesn’t hurt!) She has her own personal style that relies on thrifting and repurposing, and that, my friends, is the way to my heart.

She wrote a blog piece recently about Design Compromise for Couples that’s actually quite insightful. She uses her and her husband’s decorating process as an example.

It’s hard for couples to decorate together for 1 million reasons.  He wants comfortable, she wants beautiful. He wants inexpensive, she wants realistic if not luxury.  Ultimately your space does need to reflect both of your tastes in order for both of you to be happy walking through that door at the end of a long day, so i’ll tell you how through the example of me and Brian, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson.”

It’s a great article, and I recommend it highly!

Click HERE to read the blog, and most importantly, see the pictures.

KWS on WGN

I got a large number of interview requests after my Today Show appearance, and although I turned a few of them down, I tried to accommodate as many as I could. Mostly the interviews were for print media, but one was for WGN Radio in Chicago. I agreed, as I like doing radio interviews because:

  1. I don’t have to wear makeup.
  2. The format is usually very informal, which I like.
  3. No one knows that I’m sitting on my couch wearing pajamas.

Unfortunately, this particular radio program started at 10:30 P.M., and I hadn’t thought about how I would still be on New York time. Which is why I start to ramble and ask for questions to be repeated towards the end.

Click HERE to listen to the interview. You can even download it as a podcast!

Rapping About Thrifting

First off, this video is not for everyone, as the singer refers to thrift stores as “F*@%ing Awesome.” So don’t click if you find that kind of language offensive. (Or if you’re at work.)

But for the rest of us, I highly recommend this f*@%ing awesome video from Mackelmore and Ryan, who appear to be from Seattle.


Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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Despite my moniker of “Non-Consumer Advocate,” I do still shop. I have two growing teenage sons, enjoy decor, occasionally buy myself clothing and live in a 1914 fixer-upper that’s far from fixered-uppered. (That is the correct past tense, right?) But needing project supplies doesn’t mean that our only options lie within the walls of a big box store.

Luckily, there are many options for used and leftover building supplies, such as the Portland Habitat Restore. (We also have the Rebuilding Center, but since that is Portland specific, I’ll be focusing on a national resource.) Not only do your dollars support the Habitat for Humanity non-profit, but the new and used furniture, appliances and building supplies are a great bargain.

Supporting an awesome charity + keeping building supplies from the landfill + great bargains = Happy Non-Consumer Advocate!

I even bought my matches-my-unique-banister shoe shelf at the ReStore.

See? I’m happy.

Ooh . . .  that’s actually not a great photo of me. It harks back to my elementary school pictures, which always looked like this:

My first stop at the Restore was the furniture section. My almost 17-year-old son needs a larger dresser, as his extensive T-shirt collection no longer fits into the drawers. (I guess I could have anticipated this, as his dresser is the same one we used for his changing table.)

Unfortunately, the top drawer sagged on the left hand side. (A.K.A. D.D.S. or “Droopy Drawer Syndrome.”) At $45, it was not worth the work to fix it up.

My next stop was the lighting section, where I came across this vintage midcentury sconce. I really enjoyed its curly-Q vibe, and could totally envision how cute it would look painted a bright yellow, purple, apple green or black, And at $8, the price was right. However, I have no need for a sconce, so I left it there for someone else.

There was enough unfashionable shiny brass to go around. But for someone willing to break out a can of spray paint, the possibilities are endless.

I was sorely tempted to bring home this $25 midcentury chandelier. I’ve been wanting to replace our somewhat fussy dining room fixture for awhile, and could see this being a groovy solution. A little paint and some rewiring would put us on a one-way street to a Mad Men-esque look. Unfortunately, my husband’s response was:

“Uchh, that’s hideous.”

I always like to peruse the paint aisles, which are super organized and crazy cheap. I want to repaint my younger son’s room, as the ivy green color was a poor choice for north-facing room in Oregon. (Cave-like would not be an understatement.) I wasn’t in the mood to make any solid color decisions, so I just window shopped.

I did almost buy this quart-size can of zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paint in a pretty light sage green, but held off since we have a can of almost the same thing in the basement.

All cupboards were 50% off, which brought the price on this $45 mission style cupboard down to $22.50. This sucker was solid wood and g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s! Someone could easily refashion it into a bedside or end table. And the storage within? Fab.

This cabinet got me thinking about the $1 (!) Habitat Restore cabinets that John and Sherry of Young House Love upcycled into an awesome custom desk. Their cleverness is a constant inspiration.

I’m not exactly in the market for a new front door, but this one still caught my attention. I think it was $25, but I know it was perfection.

I almost went home with this sexy beast, and could totally see how crisp a backsplash would look with this tile. Of course, it’s actually possible to work in a kitchen without a backsplash, (shh . . . don’t tell HGTV!) so I shunned his advances.

Even though he was cheap.

I was also tempted by this $85 roll of orange Marmoleum. My kitchen floor is refinished pine, which at this point is so gauged and pitted up that it resembles an old timey saloon. I love vintage linoleum rugs, and wonder whether there’s a way to make a facsimile using Marmoleum that would lie flat and not trip us up.

The one thing that called my name was this roll of carpet. I have been keeping an eye out for a bedroom rug, and I really liked this pattern and color. It would easy to have some binding sewn around the edges, and I could get exactly the size I want. However, I would end up paying for way more carpet than I need, so I slowly walked away.

See how pretty the pattern is?

In the end I walked out empty handed, but not for a lack of great temptation. Man, is that store fantastic!

Do you shop at your local Habitat ReStore? Please share your stories in the comments section below.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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Living the non-consumer life is rarely impressive. The times that I’ve thrifted brand new hand-knotted oriental rugs for $40 are few and far between. And more often, it’s about what I didn’t buy. It can get frustrating for journalists when I give interviews, but such is my mostly unimpressive life. (When recently asked to name items that my family does without that everyone else has, I drew a blank.)

Want examples? Well then, you’re in luck! 😉

  • My sons have been busy preparing for an anime convention this weekend. My older son needed a thick grey belt and a pair of grey Uggs boots to complete his costume. We were able to find exactly what he needed at the very first thrift store that we visited.  Yay!
  • My mother, who is helping to sew my younger son’s costume has eaten dinner with us the last two nights. The first night I prepared chicken enchiladas which beautifully emptied my pantry of a large number of somewhat neglected canned goods, (tomato sauce, black beans, refried beans, kidney beans, jalapeños) as well as a half jar of chipotle peppers, the last of a brick of Tillamook cheese and a hodgepodge of frozen corn tortillas from the freezer. The second night I baked tilapia fillets from the freezer, which I marinated in olive oil, rice vinegar, lemon juice (which I had brought home from one of my mother’s rental cottages) and fresh oregano from the garden. Both meals were worthy of guests, yet both were prepared using the miscellaneous supplies in my freezer and cupboards. (My freezer is seriously chockablock with whoknowswhat, and needs some serious attention.)
  • My son got hungry while we were out and about yesterday. Instead of going to a restaurant, we stopped into Trader Joe’s, where he chose a wedge of brie and a box of crackers. Me? I bought a container of fresh figs, which I proceeded to eat all by myself. Yes, we both enjoy less than traditional meals.
  • My younger son decided that he wanted a different version of the video game Rock Band. We walked down to the CD Game Exchange store in our neighborhood, where he was able to find exactly what he wanted for $5. Yes it was used, but my son is no fool. He knows $5 trumps $60 any day of the week. And the best part? He paid for it himself!
  • The weather here in Oregon has been sunny, breezy and perfect for working that clothesline. So every day, you know my backyard is decorated with a double line of towels, sheets, underwear and pajamas. HGTV may not be featuring stylish laundry lines yet, but I sure am!
  • And of course I didn’t buy an SUV, a timeshare or any elaborate hobby gear. But I did take a nice long nap yesterday. And it didn’t cost me a thing.

Now your turn. What non-consumer activities have been filling your days? Please share your stories in the comments section below.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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How to Eat Cheaply and Still Eat Well

by Katy on August 29, 2012 · 53 comments

There is one category of budgeting that can make a huge difference in your spending, and that (no surprise here) is food.

Of course, food is not simply an expenditure. Food physically fuels us and is also one of life’s greatest pleasures. From preparation to consumption to clean up, food defines our days and nourishes our souls.

But that doesn’t mean we should just eat whatever we want whenever we want. Not only would that method clog our arteries, but it would also drain our bank accounts. But does a commitment to cheap eating relegate us to nothing but bland lentils and oatmeal? (Not to malign lentils, as one of my favorite dishes is red lentil soup!)

So is there a sweet spot of spending less on money on food without sacrificing the joys of food? I say yes, and here’s how.

How to eat cheaply:

  • Cook at home. I cannot emphasize this enough, as a single meal in an expensive restaurant can pay for entire week of groceries.
  • If you are eating out, save it for a special occasion. Also, drink the water and forgo the appetizers and dessert. Restaurant servings are usually plenty big enough.
  • Save eating out for food you don’t know how to prepare at home. So forget eating hamburgers at Applebee’s, and instead head for ethnic restaurants like Indian, Thai and Japanese.
  • Eat seasonally. This means strawberries in summer, asparagus in spring and pears in the autumn. Not only will you take advantage of sales, but the produce is most likely fresher.
  • Keep a few frozen meals stashed aside for those inevitable crazy evenings. This will save you from pizza delivery and MSG-laden takeout Chinese.
  • Buy your spices in bulk. And if it’s something you use irregularly, just buy a small amount.
  • Buy in bulk, but only if it’s food you eat regularly and can use up before it goes bad. A 50 pound bag of oatmeal is only a bargain if you eat it up before the moths do.
  • Teach yourself to cook. The internet has made it possible for anyone, anywhere to research recipes without the necessity of a cookbook library. Want to make chicken enchiladas for dinner? Great, just look it up on Allrecipes.com or a similar site.
  • Allow that not every meal has to be a Julia Child masterpiece. Nothing wrong with omelets for dinner, a homemade salad and store brand ice cream for dessert.
  • Don’t pay other people to chop your lettuce, peel your carrots and mix your salad dressing. These convenience foods cost more, add chemicals and age your food. It only takes a few minutes to wash and chop a head of lettuce, and your product is superior in the end.
  • Don’t overbuy to the point where you end up wasting food. Be realistic about how your family eats and shop accordingly . Yes, spinach is good for you, but if it always ends up as slime, switch over to what your family actually eats.
  • Grow your own food. If you have soil and sun, you can grow some of your own food. Even if it’s just a tomato plant in a 5-gallon bucket, you can still play farmer.
  • Store your leftovers in clear containers. This one is huge for me. If I can’t see it, I forget it’s there. Invest in a set of Pyrex lidded containers and actually see the treasures that lie within your refrigerator.
  • Pack your own school and work lunches. Not only will you save money, but it’s a perfect way to use up small amounts of leftovers and your lunch hour will no longer be spent buying food. (More time for reading blogs!)
  • Talk to your friends and families about their go-to frugal recipes. Everyone has their own favorite cheap meals, and is usually happy to share.
  • Replace expensive ingredients with cheaper options.
  • Tuck leftover bits of perishables into soups, pasta salad, fritattas and salad.
  • Eat less. Easier said than done, but always a admirable goal.
  • Either work with a meal plan or practice the pantry principle. Either way, you’re able to pull dinner together without drawing a blank at 5 P.M.
  • Keep inexpensive snacks on hand both for both kids and adults.

I’m sure there are methods for cheap eating that didn’t make it into the list, so it’s now your turn. What do you do to keep control of the food budget? Please share your ideas (or even a recipe!) in the comments section below.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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