Anatomy of a Non-Consumer Day

by Katy on June 13, 2009 · 21 comments

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Today was a pretty typical Saturday. I didn’t have anything planned, but I still did a lot.

In the morning, my 11-year-old son and I went to the large appliance store to get a refrigerator box to convert into a play house. He’s been bugging me to do this on an almost daily basis for about a month, so it was about time I made good on this promise.

I decided to browse around the appliance store, as I like to know the retail prices of household items. (It keeps me in check.) To say I suffered almost lethal sticker shock would not be an understatement. My $15 microwave was $80, my $50 dishwasher was $600, my $45 washing machine was $400 and my free for the taking pillow-top Beautyrest queen mattress set was $1000.

Gulp.

These reality checks are a valuable inspiration for continuing with my frugal lifestyle.

After spending some time helping my son set up the playhouse, I headed out on foot to take my Dansko work clogs to the Clogs N’ More shop to have new $15 insoles put in. I bought these shoes for only $19 eight years ago while vacationing in Cody, Wyoming and have been wearing them at work ever since. Unfortunately, they’ve been killing my feet lately, and since new Dansko are $120 I’m going to do all I can to prolong their life. (They’re only worn indoors, which helps.)

I almost didn’t buy these shoes because they put the butt in butt-ugly. The uppers are a brown ultra nappy suede, which to me is a 1970’s look that has yet to cycle back into fashion. And really, as a labor and delivery nurse, I should not be wearing absorbent shoes. But $19 for Danskos was a deal too good to pass up.

I then stopped by the grocery store to stock up on fruit and tortilla mix. And yes, I found a nickel plus got 10 cents off for bringing my own bags.

An estate sale up the block drew me in, as everything was 50% off. I am at a point in my life where something had better be pretty fabulous and practical to come into my house. Luckily, most of the stuff for sale was pretty much inspiration to de-clutter my own home.

However, I’ve been keeping an eye out for a full length mirror, and did come across a really nice, (read heavy) one that was priced at $12. Half price brought the price down to $6, but that was still more than I had in my wallet. I went downstairs to talk to the cashier and explained that I wanted to buy the mirror, but that I only had $3.90. She was happy to sell it to me at that price and I now have a much higher quality (and cheaper) mirror than if I had driven to Target or Ikea.

Much of successful frugality is based on patience. I’m constantly amazed by how I’m able to find everything second hand that I want, and often for free. If I were the type to run out and buy everything that came to mind, not only would I be spending tremendously larger amounts of money, but would also possess lower quality goods. My $3.90 mirror is so much better than a $3o one from Target.

In the evening my 11-year-old son and I walked down to the Bagdad Theater to see a showing of Monsters vs. Aliens. Because we waited until this movie came to a second run theater, we were able to pay $4 instead of $15. Plus, this particular theater is within walking distance from our house, which I consider to be a huge bonus. (This is another great example of how patience pays off, as we’ve rarely seen the second run movies, which makes them first run to us!)

The day ended with a short drive to the grocery store for a half gallon of $2.50 Breyers Peanut Butter Cup ice-cream, (Saturdays are dessert night at casa Wolk-Stanley) and the four of us watching a few library episodes of Heroes. And yes, I found 3 pennies on the floor while ice-cream shopping.

This was a fairly typical weekend day. We didn’t plan elaborate excursions and we didn’t spend much money, yet we did plenty. My 13-year-old didn’t want to come to the movie because he’d seen it with a friend last weekend, otherwise he would have been part of the fun.

Tomorrow is my 13-year-old’s band practice at the house, (my husband set up a band practice space in the basement) which means I will find something to do away from home. But one thing is certain . . . it won’t be expensive and it won’t be complicated.

What are your weekends like? Are you finding less expensive activities to fill your free time? Please share your experiences in the comments section below.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

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

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Cheap, Cheap French Bread — A Guest Post by The Frugal Girl

by Katy on June 12, 2009 · 20 comments

The following is a guest post by Kristen over at The Frugal Girl. I have made this recipe twice now, and it has surpassed my expectations on both occasions. The first time I accidently let it over-rise, but the consistency was like a fancy-schmancy artisan loaf. I have doubled the recipe both times and been happy that I did. The bread takes less than two hours start to finish, which works great for my plan-it-at-the-last-minute family.

I expect to make this bread many times over, and just reading the recipe is making my mouth water.

Enjoy!

Katy Wolk-Stanley

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

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This is probably the most inexpensive bread I make because of its simple, short ingredient list…water, salt, sugar, and flour. Water and salt are practically free, a tablespoon of sugar costs pennies, and flour isn’t very pricey either.

This recipe is not going to turn out artisanal loaves that rival what you’d get in a French bakery…this bread is more like a heartier version of what you’d buy in your local supermarket.

If you’d like to make your loaves more nutritious, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the white flour(I wouldn’t sub more than 50% of it, personally).

I use this bread recipe quite often…we eat the loaves when they’re fresh and hot, I use the dough to make bread bowls, and I make panini sandwiches, French Bread pizzas, and garlic bread with extra loaves. Because of this, I rarely make one loaf! It’s just as easy to make two, and then you can freeze one to use later.

Since the dough has very little sweetening and no added fat(both of which act as preservatives), you’ll want to use or freeze your bread within a few days to prevent mold.

Easy French Bread(a less picture-heavy version is here, for easier printing)
Makes one loaf

2 1/4-2 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 pkg(2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water(120 degrees F)

In the bowl of a standing mixer, combine 1 cup flour with the salt, sugar, and yeast.

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Add water and beat for 3 minutes.

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Beat in enough additional flour to make a soft but kneadable dough.
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Turn dough out onto floured surface…

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and knead for 3-5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

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Place in bowl, cover with tea towel, and let rise 45 minutes(an hour if your house is cold).
Punch dough down and roll into a long rectangular shape. Starting from the long end, roll up jelly-roll style.

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Place seam-side down on a greased baking sheet, cover with a wet tea towel, and let rise 30-45 minutes, or until doubled. How long this takes will depend on the climate of your house.(the loaves below are obviously not risen yet).

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Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Whisk one egg white with one tablespoon of water until slightly foamy. Using a pastry brush, gently brush beaten egg white onto loaves. Using a sharp knife, make 3-4 diagonal slashes on top of the loaf.

These loaves a bit over-risen…I got busy doing something else and forgot about them. Oops.

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Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until nicely browned. Cool on a wire rack.

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Happy Baking!

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Win a Copy of Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover"

by Katy on June 11, 2009 · 48 comments

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Here’s another chance to win a copy of Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Success.

To win, just write your favorite money saving, simple living or budgeting tip in the comments section below. I will randomly pick a winner at midnight, Pacific Standard time on Sunday, June 14, 2009. Please enter only once.

Good Luck!

Katy Wolk-Stanley

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

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What Skeeves You Out?

by Katy on June 11, 2009 · 29 comments

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I like to buy things used. Not only does this save my family tremendous amounts of money, but also makes a statement about the excessive amount of perfectly functional goods that clutter the second hand market.

But there are a few things I will not be buying used.

  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • And now . . . a sun hat.

I’ve had malignant melanoma twice and I take my sun protection very seriously, and I need a new sun hat this year. There are piles of terrific looking sun hats at Goodwill, but the thought of trying them on triggers my gag reflex.

I’ve never had lice, and I’d like to keep it that way. I know that a hat bought new can also be infected with nits, but it’s somehow different.

So I will be making a purchase of a brand new hat.

I’m not going to get any more skin cancer and I won’t be getting lice.

What won’t you buy used? What’s on your skeeves-you-out list?

Katy Wolk-Stanley

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

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Find The Non-Consumer Advocate Inspiring? Then Vote For Me!

by Katy on June 10, 2009 · 4 comments

Non-Consumer Advocate reader Lisa has nominated my blog for a “Most Inspiring Blog” award. The award is through Social Luxe Lounge.

Click here to vote for yours truly should you be so inclined.

Thank you Lisa, it’s an honor just to be nominated.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

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

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Haggle Your Way to a Bargain

by Katy on June 9, 2009 · 6 comments

The following is a reprint of a previously published article. Enjoy!

Katy Wolk-Stanley

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

With prices at all time highs, I’m needing to reach deep into my bag of tricks.

Working hard to not waste food?

Check.

Entertaining ourselves at home instead of going out?

Check.

Buying only second hand consumer goods?

Check.

But am I spending as little money as possible when I’m making purchases?

This is where the art of bargaining comes in. And anyone who has ever visited a foreign land can tell you, it is an art. An important thread in the tapestry of any sale.

But here in the United States, people dread having to bargain. Car dealerships advertise one-price-only policies, and most people don’t realize that the marked price can be just the starting point.

So how is bargaining done?

Lines which I find work well without being offensive to the seller are:

“Is this a firm price?” or “Are your prices firm?” or “Are you able to lower the price on this?”

This puts the seller in the position of either offering a lower price, asking you what you’d like to pay, or saying that yes, the prices are firm. My experience has been that most vendors are perfectly willing to haggle.

I’ve been able to get prices lowered everywhere from the expected, (garage sales) to the unexpected, (Target.)

A common reason why a vendor would lower a price is damaged packaging. To a store, this means a product that is less likely to sell. But to a buyer, it really makes no difference, as you are going to remove the packaging anyway. (Carefully recycling each and every bit — of course.)

The one thing that is most important when trying to bring down a price is to be polite and friendly. There’s nothing to be gained from insulting the merchandise or being rude.

Nobody wants to do a favor for a jerk.

The best bargaining ends with both parties feeling good.

So next time you’re shopping, go ahead and try the art of bargaining. It’ll be like going on a mini vacation abroad.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

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

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What Are Your Five Things?

by Katy on June 8, 2009 · 29 comments

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The Compact, (buy nothing new) Yahoo group I’m part of has an interesting thread going right now about “What are the three things you’ve done to compact lately?” I find it extremely interesting to read, and it makes me wonder the same thing from the Non-Consumer Advocate community. Which begs the question:

What are the five things you’ve done to be a Non-Consumer lately?

Here’s my list:

  1. When my thirteen-year-old informed me that he needed to buy a $10 band T-shirt to march in the Jr. Rose Festival parade, I had him ask his teacher if there was one he could borrow. This son is extremely style conscious and would never wear this shirt again. This not only saves us $10, but also avoids adding more useless stuff to our house.
  2. I agreed to be the speaker for a lecture series at my son’s old elementary school  this Fall. I will speaking on “Choosing a Non-Consumer Lifestyle for you and your Family.” My first instinct was “Ack, no!!!!!” But I am taking a note from fellow Portland blogger J.D. Roth over at Get Rich Slowly, and not saying no to opportunities just because they scare the crap out of me. (I’ll be announcing this free Portland event when the time gets closer.)
  3. I took my kids to a library returning volunteer orientation yesterday. We have been volunteering for the Summer Reading Program over the past four years, and it’s been a great experience. Both my kids are shy with strangers and this opportunity forces them to interact with library patrons in a safe environment. Plus it gives us a chance to give something back to our wonderful library.
  4. I held my long awaited garage sale last week, which not only gave me $400 to add to our savings account, but also provided lots of great second hand goods for others. I only did a one day sale, and am continuing to glean the excess from our home for another sale in a few weeks. There is simply nothing better than an event that declutters, makes money and provides for others. Ahh . . . the trifecta.
  5. I have continued with the daily non-consumer habits that define my lifestyle. I hang dry my laundry, get all my books and movies from the library, dress in second hand clothing, cook from scratch, figure out free and almost free ways to landscape and garden, find free entertainment for my sons, drive minimally, obsessively check the Coinstar machine, (which has been oddly prolific lately) and oh yeah . . . write my daily blog.

Please share your five things list in the comments section below. (Yes, I’m asking five not three because I’m greedy, pure and simple.)

Katy Wolk-Stanley

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

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Food Waste — Another "Waste No Food Challenge" Update

by Katy on June 7, 2009 · 21 comments

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I did very well/poorly with food waste yesterday.

Poorly:

Into the compost went some brown rice, a half bag of edamame that no one would eat, (the Trader Joe’s edamame is juicy yet crispy with the perfect amount of salt, and has spoiled us for the cheap Asian grocery store stuff) and a small amount of cooked asparagus that got pushed to the back of the fridge and forgotten.

Well:

Dinner was a buffet of leftovers. Choices were chicken salad sandwich; (chicken was picked off a roasted chicken from two nights ago, only enough for one person. My 11-year-old snagged this one.) chicken pasta with homemade pesto and Japanese curry over rice. (My husband and I ate up all of this.) A few handfuls of cherries were served as a side dish.

I had not cleaned out the fridge in a few weeks, so this was actually three weeks of food waste, which is okay, but still not great. I have a hard time using up leftover rice, and have started cooking smaller amounts, which helps.

As an aside, my neighbor Judy whose son owns a local popular coffee shop brought over a huge loaf of day-old artisan bread. I used it for sandwiches, then french toast and finally regular toast. I had thought I was going to have to throw the last of it in the freezer for  bread crumbs, but we ended up eating every last crumb. It’s amazing how easy it is to not waste food that is rather delicious. It’s a little harder with stuff like leftover rice, which hardly sings its siren song from behind the refrigerator door. But artisan pre-sliced bread? Yum!

How are you doing with your Waste No Food Challenge? Are you putting more of an effort into decreasing the food waste in your home? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

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

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Let's Ask "Little Debbie" for an Oregon Food Bank Donation

by Katy on June 6, 2009 · 9 comments

Little_DebbieEarlier this week a semi-truck filled with Little Debbie snacks turned over on an Oregon freeway, spilling its contents onto the road. Even though Little Debbie snacks are individually packaged, then in a box, which is then in yet another box, (whew!) the entire load was sent to a landfill. This was despite the Oregon Food Bank’s efforts to glean the truck’s contents for Oregon’s hungry, (who need a delicious treat now and then!)

Here is a piece on wastedfood.com that outlines what happened.

So I figured let’s get The Non-Consumer Advocate community working to request the folks over at Little Debbie to make a sizable donation to The Oregon Food Bank.

Click here for the compliments form to make the request. I chose the compliments form because I have found that the old “you catch more flies with honey than vinegar” adage rings true time and again.

So forward this post to your friends and family, let’s see what we can accomplish as a team!

Katy Wolk-Stanley

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

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The Not So Guilty Planting of a New Lawn

by Katy on June 5, 2009 · 10 comments

Note the dirt/old leaves to the right of the patio.

Note the dirt/old leaves to the right of the patio.

My husband and I planted a new lawn in our backyard yesterday. I know the responsible trend is a move away from chemical laden, water hungry lawns, but I actually feel okay about our lawn. (We would never use chemicals anyway.) Alas, the enormous shade producing maple tree that dominates our backyard means we’re unable to grow any food in the area, which would be be my first choice.

We put in a brick patio with rock wall last year built almost entirely from scavenged materials, but we killed the last of our already pathetic lawn in the process. (I guess you can’t put down tarps full of sand and gravel without a bit of grass-o-cide.)

We borrowed my mother’s truck and picked up a $35 cubic yard of mushroom compost which we dug into the soil along with the last of the sand from the patio project. We then bought a bag of lime and organic fertilizer for $33 from Portland Nursery, (a locally owned company) to complete the soil amendment. The seed spreader and lawn roller were free from the nursery. The bag of seed was also free, but from a neighbor who bought it and then changed her mind.

We are aware that this is not the ideal time of year to plant a lawn, but felt like we wanted to get the lawn in place for the summer season. I also feel it’s somewhat disrespectful to my sister Sara to have her spend hundreds of hours building the patio and wall, and then put off my piddly share of the project.

But here’s my favorite part of having planted my lawn yesterday — It’s been raining on and off since the grass got planted! So . . .  although we did do an initial watering, we haven’t set up the sprinkler since. Other Oregonians may be cursing the return of our watery climate, but I am beyond ecstatic. I know we’ll be watering again in a day or two, but for today we’re not.

The only task left for the backyard is to spread mulch in the area below the play structure, which should be an easy score from an arborist.

And, oh yeah . . .  dust off the push mower and dream about a chicken coop.

How do feel about our planting of a new lawn? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

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

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