Ruth Soukup's Blog, page 71

Day 26: Enjoy a Free Date Night

 

This is the twenty-sixth day of our 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero challenge.  Start with Day One here.

 *   *   *

So this week we’ve found ways to get free items, earn a little extra money, and we started to barter, so now it’s time to shift our focus and look at how we can spend a little time with our loved ones for free.

As I discussed in Day 20 when we had a spa day, just because you’re saving money doesn’t mean you need to feel like you’re “punishing” yourself. You still deserve to have enjoyment, happiness, and caring in your life. All of us do. Part of that includes our relationship with our spouse or significant other. Even if you’re a single parent, you still need a night out once in a while!

Unfortunately, nights out can cost money. Dinner and a movie (with a babysitter, a glass of wine at dinner, and popcorn during the flick) can set you back almost $100. Yikes! It’s time to get creative! Spending time with loved ones is good for your health, and theirs. It gives you an opportunity to reconnect, and it’s critical for the vitality of your marriage or relationship (or even friendship).

Yesterday you mastered the art of bartering, so you should have babysitting taken care of. If for some reason you don’t—that’s your first goal. Secure babysitting so you can get away and enjoy a little time one-on-one! Then use one of these ideas to create a memorable date.

29 CREATIVE FREE DATE IDEAS

Go stargazing—find a place away from the city lights. Bring a blanket and pillows so you can cuddle while you soak in the night sky. Make the evening even sweeter with a thermos of homemade spiked cocoa!

Tour a local winery or brewery—some breweries and many wineries offer free tours, which usually include a sample or tasting at the end!

Donate blood together and get a free movie ticket—I’m not sure if this is done anywhere else, but in my town any time you donate blood you receive a free movie ticket. Why not make an evening of it? First do some good and then enjoy a free movie (plus you get free cookies at the blood bank)!

Volunteer together—serve at a local soup kitchen or food bank, spend a day building together for Habitat for Humanity, or simply spend a few hours picking up litter in a neglected area of town. There are so many opportunities for giving back!

Go hiking—this is one thing I really miss about the Pacific Northwest! Research local trails, then head off to explore. For most trails you won’t need any special gear, just comfortable shoes and a backpack with water and snacks.

Do a crossword together—before kids, this used to be our favorite Saturday morning activity! We’d cook a big breakfast then break out the crossword puzzle, refusing to give up until we’d filled in every last square.

Have a picnic in the park—pack a few treats and a bottle of wine and spend the evening dining alfresco at your favorite park. Even when the weather gets a little cooler, this is a great option. Just take a few extra blankets for cuddling!

Cook or bake together—why not spend the evening trying out a brand new recipe? You could learn to bake bread from scratch, make cookies, or simply prepare and share a meal. If you want to “eat out” at home you could attempt a few of the restaurant copycat recipes from Day 5.

Attend a free concert, speech, or book reading—most communities have free events happening every week, whether it’s a free concert in the park, a reading at a local bookstore, or a speaker at your library or university. Check out your library, chamber of commerce, and colleges online, or a local paper to see what’s going on.

I went to a free piano concert at noon today, and they had a special guest “international virtuoso”! The two-piano group hosts a free lunchtime concert on the last Friday of the month. Yes, it’s a weekday and at noon, but if you can get away there’s a free date, or a lunch with the girls! —Dolores

Attend a free art show—explore the works of up-and-coming artists by touring one or two art galleries in town. In addition, many art museums offer free entrance nights for community members.

Play a game—board games and card games are such a nice way to spend time as a couple. Even puzzles can be fun! Our favorite two-person games include Scrabble, Bananagrams, Skip-Bo, Phase 10, and Canasta (played with two decks of playing cards).

Have a movie night at home—watch a favorite movie you already have, or check one out for free from the library. Most libraries have an extensive selection of movies to choose from. Make it special by adding homemade popcorn, hot chocolate, fondue, or other goodies.

Visit a farmers market or street fair—spend a morning checking out the work of local artisans. Many food booths give out free samples of their wares, and there’s often music or entertainment going on as well.

Go for a drive—if you live in a relatively scenic area, spend some time just driving around to check out the sights. In the fall you might do a color tour, and during holidays you could check out lighted homes. Or drive through a pretty neighborhood to get landscaping ideas.

Have a spa day—use the recipes from Day 19 to create a romantic spa date for two. Enjoy a romantic candlelit bath together then take turns giving foot rubs or back massages. Even the most masculine of men would have a hard time saying no to that!

Take a free class—check out free classes offered by local community colleges, libraries, or retail stores. Shops like Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma offer free decorating and cooking classes, while colleges and libraries often have classes available on a variety of topics.

Wash the car together—nothing says romance like a bucket of soapy water and a nice clean car! Doing chores together can actually be very meaningful. You get quality time in, plus much-needed tasks get checked off the list—a double bonus!

Explore a nearby tourist town—is there a popular town nearby that you’ve never visited, simply because it’s “just a tourist trap”? Stop by the visitor’s bureau or chamber of commerce for some informational brochures, then spend the day taking a mini vacation in your own backyard.

Attend a local drum circle or jam night—many parks and beaches host jam nights or drum circles where local musicians, both professional and amateur, get together and just play. It’s generally open to anyone and you don’t have to play an instrument to simply sit and listen.

Go foraging—check out a book on foraging for mushrooms, ramps, leeks, fiddleheads, and other edible finds, and go on a hunt! You’ll be surprised at what you can discover in parks and woods.

Park—I’m not talking about that kind of parking (although that could be fun too!); I’m talking about actually going to the park. If you have dog, check out the local dog park. Try Frisbee golf at a local disc golf course, as most are free. Even channel your inner kid by sitting on the swings and talking.

Catch a game—maybe you can’t afford NFL or MLB tickets, but you can check out a local high school basketball or football game. Cheer on your team and relive his glory days under the Friday night lights. It might take you right back to high school.

Race each other—if you both like to run, head out for a jog together. If walking is more your speed, just stroll around the neighborhood, hold hands, and talk.

Go for a spin—break out your bicycles and go on a little trip around the neighborhood. You don’t have to aim for the Tour de France. Take it slow and enjoy the scenery. Have a destination in mind, or simply go for a random trip through your city.

Take a walk down memory lane—dig out the scrapbooks and old photos and remember things you’ve done together. For even more romance, reread cards and love letters. If you’re feeling inspired, put away some of those precious memories in a time capsule that you will dig up in ten, fifteen, or twenty years. Talk about romance!

People watch—remember when you and your spouse were full of inside jokes? Sit on a bench in a busy area or mall and people watch. Make up stories and just observe.

One thing we like to do when my parents have the kids is to go to Barnes and Noble and just explore. We love reading, so it’s just so fun to go and get lost in all the books. Then we head to the cookbooks since we both love to cook and get inspired with new recipes. —Claire

Get artistic—guys can be surprisingly creative. What does your husband enjoy?  Model building? Drawing? Painting? Figure out how to scratch that creative itch and try making something together. Not only will you bond, but you’ll have something fun to show for it.

Get dirty—just like washing the car together, doing yard work can also be pretty fun. Pick a patch of your yard that needs a little weeding or tidying up, and do it together.

Take a nap—quite honestly, sometimes when you have a babysitter, it’s nice to just have a little uninterrupted time together, even if it’s just snuggling up on the couch for a nap.

Great ideas! When my husband and I first got married we were pretty broke, and one of our favorite weekend adventures was looking at model homes. It was fun to see how the houses were decorated, and it gave us something to do that was free on an otherwise boring weekend. —McKenzie

 

Today’s assignment? Plan a fabulous free date night for you and your honey!

Have fun, you crazy kids.

 *   *   *

Don’t forget that I will be broadcasting LIVE each day on Periscope (usually between 10am and 11am EST).  You can find and follow me there at @RuthSoukup.  Be sure to also share your photos on Instagram for a chance to win daily prizes.  (Get the contest details HERE.)  Finally, be sure to check out our BLOG TOUR page, where you can find all sorts of additional ideas and inspiration from other bloggers who are taking the #31dayLWSZ challenge this month too!

Do you have any other fun ideas for a free date night?

Pin It

The post Day 26: Enjoy a Free Date Night appeared first on Living Well Spending Less®.

Day 25: Try Bartering

This is the twenty-fifth day of our 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero challenge.  Start with Day One here.

 *   *   *

Twenty-five days into this crazy (as in, crazy awesome!) spending freeze, you might be starting to miss one or two things. Or ten. Or fifty. Just a little bit. Or a lot. Perhaps even desperately.

And that’s okay. It’s normal. If you don’t miss anything you either (a) are cheating, (b) had way too much stuff to begin with and should probably keep your spending freeze going until you start to feel the pain, or (c) are one of those people who could happily subsist on nothing, in which case you probably didn’t need to go on a spending freeze in the first place. (Just saying …)

I know for us, the spending freeze opened our eyes to some unconscious areas of spending that we didn’t even realize—like picking up a soda whenever we went to the gas station, or buying a magazine at the checkout line. —Betty

It’s those little things you buy that can add up almost as much as a weekly movie habit or restaurant visit. So what have you learned so far? What’s been your biggest challenge?

Of course, if you are anything like me, you may be, for the most part, enjoying this challenge of seeing just how much you can do without. It is forcing you to view your approach to money and stuff in a slightly different way, and while it might not always be sunshine and roses, you can see the benefit, feel the benefit, and the sacrifice is worth it.

Until, of course, there is something you really, really, really, really want (but don’t necessarily need), like a night away from the kids or a Starbucks latte or a bite of chocolate or Just. One. Beer.

Yesterday we talked about how to get something for nothing. Today we are going to get something for something. Today you’re going to learn how to trade things you have for what you want! If that sounds scary, take heart. You do not have to be a swap meet pro to barter! It can be as painless as a simple trade with a friend. The key is to figure out what you have to offer that someone else would want. It can be as easy as exchanging babysitting with a friend or doing the dinner swap that we talked about back on Day 4.

Believe me, everyone has something! Is there a particular thing you’re good at, or something you cook or bake that everyone loves? Do you love to clean, or could you babysit for the afternoon? Do you have a talent or skill you could share, such as photography or sewing or knitting? Do you have extra food or toothpaste or razor blades in your stockpile, or too many jars of homemade jam in your pantry? Do you have any gently used books or electronics or clothing you’re ready to pass to a good home? Are you willing to run errands or paint or be a handyman for an afternoon? Think hard. You’ve got something.

I love the bartering system. I’m a personal trainer and I have been able to trade my services for housecleaning, massages, and legal services (having a living trust done). Such a great deal! —Kathy

Think about what you’re good at and get ready, because we’re about to make a deal! Once you come up with your plan, the first place to tap into is your own network. This might mean asking a neighbor or a fellow parent, or putting up an ad on your church bulletin. To get you going, here are six other ways you can find a barter partner.

 

FACEBOOK

Easy, free, and (very) frequently checked, Facebook is a great place to post your bartering offers. I posted this on one particularly desperate day:

Despite a little teasing from some friends, let me tell you—I had many offers for both babysitting and beer, and a very happy husband!

It’s okay to be cheeky with your post, especially if it’s something small. If you’re nervous, have a little fun with it. Friends will respond happily and helpfully, I promise. If bartering isn’t in your “comfort zone,” all the better—if bartering is unusual for you, your friends will be much more likely to respond quickly and kindly.

If you decide to aim for something a little higher than just beer and babysitting (professional services like editing, computer programming, or consulting; or an extended stint of dog-sitting, help with moving, or labor-intensive yard work), be prepared to pony up with equal or better services. Typically the “asker” needs to bring something lucrative enough to the table to entice the “giver” to give.

Remember, you’re trying to get someone to forgo pay, so you need to make it worth their while. Gone are the days when you could entice college buddies to move your stuff with a promise of pizza and beer. As adults, we probably have to be a little more generous and reciprocate manual labor—so be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Bear in mind that you’re still getting what you need without spending a dime.

GARAGE SALES

Customarily, garage sales happen because people want to get rid of things (not accumulate more). A while ago, I read this great post from One Hundred Dollars a Month, where blogger Mavis and my friend Amber (from Coupon Connections went around to garage sales dressed as a pilgrim and a native American to barter and trade. All in all, they were quite successful in snaring kitchen items, garden items, and more in return for groceries and items from their garage sales.

Dressing up in costumes and running around your neighborhood might not be for everyone, but try having a little fun the next time you go to a garage sale. Instead of offering cash, think of what you have, and put it on the table—“I would really like this umbrella stroller for my two-year-old daughter. I see that your son has outgrown it, and my eight-year-old son has a perfect set of rollerblades that no longer fit him. Could we trade the blades for the stroller? I’ll bet your son would be the right age.” See how easy it is?

CRAIGSLIST

Back to the resource that is Craigslist. While Craigslist has gotten some bad press over the past few years, it can also be an amazing resource (as long as you use some common sense when dealing with strangers!) Often our barter section is filled with larger items (trade a small boat for a surfboard), but it’s certainly worth posting smaller items on there to see if anyone bites. The great thing about Craigslist is that people are in the buy/sell/trade mindset already so they’re looking for commerce opportunities.

U-EXCHANGE AND TIME BANKS

U-Exchange  is a similar “listing” service that’s free to use and 100 percent based on bartering. In one column, you can view all the listings in your area and the services that person is offering. In the other column, you can view what they’re seeking. Neat! You can find almost anything listed from children’s toys to dental care to marketing and consulting services.

Another site to check out if you’re really into bartering is TimeBanks . The way that time banking works is: say Person 1 needs landscaping services and is willing to trade photography services. Person 2 wants photography, but is a yoga teacher. Person 3 would trade some catering services for yoga lessons, and Person 4 is a landscaper in desperate need of a caterer. (Whew.) So, each person “banks” their time and uses it on a pay-it-forward principle. Typically time banks vary by region and are run and managed by community organizations. They often require members to “bank” a certain amount of time each month, quarter, or annually to keep the bank operating.

NEIGHBORHOOD EXCHANGES

Perhaps your neighborhood has a babysitting co-op, food exchange, or other service. Many communities are listed on the Food Swap Network , Babysitting Co-op , or are listed in groups on Facebook. Even if your neighborhood isn’t listed, you can find guidelines on how to host your own community swap or co-op. If you put up pickles this year and would like to exchange them for tomato sauce, this might be your best bet!

HOST A SWAP MEET PARTY

I love hosting a good party! While you’re on your spending freeze, parties can seem like a thing of the past, but you know what? You can host a frugal, thrifty, and fun swap meet party! First pick a theme—an accessory or clothing swap would be great to give new life to the things you cleaned out on Day 12, or try a kids’ toys or clothes exchange for your items from Day 10 . Perhaps you have a friend that has fabric but no ribbon or a friend who has a bunch of chalkboard paint—and let’s say you have a gazillion tiles for coasters. Have a “craft swap” and tell everyone to bring a component or two and host an afternoon of crafting.

To do it for free, make it a potluck and clean out the recesses of your liquor cabinet to make a fun signature drink. (Consult a mixologist app to see what can be made with say, bitters, Amaretto, and brandy, or just make it BYOB.) Light a few candles, put on some music, and voila—you’ve got a party with zero dollars spent.

I’ll warn you … bartering gets a bit addicting! You may have so much fun doing a clothing swap, or your husband may be so thrilled with your Craigslist finds that you’ll become a bartering expert! See what you can trade for, today!

 *   *   *

Don’t forget that I will be broadcasting LIVE each day on Periscope (usually between 10am and 11am EST).  You can find and follow me there at @RuthSoukup.  Be sure to also share your photos on Instagram for a chance to win daily prizes.  (Get the contest details HERE.)  Finally, be sure to check out our BLOG TOUR page, where you can find all sorts of additional ideas and inspiration from other bloggers who are taking the #31dayLWSZ challenge this month too!

Have you ever tried bartering for anything?  How did you go about it?  What was the end result?

Pin It

The post Day 25: Try Bartering appeared first on Living Well Spending Less®.

Day 24: Get Free Stuff

 

This is the twenty-fourth day of our 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero challenge.  Start with Day One here.

 *   *   *

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: What’s better than free? There is just something so thrilling about getting something for nothing, whether it be getting a free sample, finding a treasure, or discovering something that costs you nothing—like the universe just handed you a little present! Yesterday we talked about some great places to find free money; today we are going to score free stuff.

Just as a side note—just because something is free, that doesn’t mean you always need to take it. That’s an easy way to end up with a bunch of crud you really don’t need. One man’s trash can be another man’s treasure, but it can also still be trash. So resist the urge to clutter up your house with a lot of “free” treasures that require your attention (furniture that needs a lot of repair, items you intend to repurpose, but never quite get to, and so on). Also stay away from free samples of things you just don’t like. Though free is tempting, taking what you don’t like is silly. Give yourself permission to say no occasionally.

I love free stuff! I like that you posted a warning about not getting something just because it’s free—I am so guilty of that, especially with coupons! —Amanda

Still, there are plenty of great free things out there to be found! If you put out requests to friends, your church, and your family, you may be amazed at all the resources you can find.

 

AMAZON.COM

Amazon has so many great deals and great ways to shop. One thing you may not realize is that every day Amazon gives away a huge selection of Kindle books, MP3 music, and Android apps. If you don’t have a Kindle, that’s okay—you can download the Kindle app for your smartphone or device and read away!

I check the following pages frequently for freebies:

Top 100 Free Kindle Books
Artists on the Rise FREE MP3 Music Deals
Amazon App Store

For Free Kindle books, I love http://ereaderiq.com. You can import your wish list from Amazon.com and track books you want. I got all my eBooks free (or some for 99 cents when the price drops). —Paula

FREE PRODUCT SAMPLES

I’m not just talking about going to Costco on sample day! Sites like Freebies 4 Mom  are dedicated to offering hassle-free, legitimate samples and deals you can sign up for. If there are particular products you’re interested in or something new you’d like to try, you can also try to contact the company directly. So few consumers do this—yet many companies are often willing to give a free sample to an interested buyer.

EXTREME COUPONING FREEBIES

If you’ve watched anything on couponing (like TLC’s Extreme Couponing) you’ve probably wondered how on earth they end up getting so many things for free. While those shows are scripted and planned out months in advance, there are plenty of day-to-day ways to get free items when you pair high-value coupons with store sales.

For more on how to coupon, check out my Beginner’s Guide to Couponing to get started. It can seem a little challenging at first, but you’ve got a little planning time before you step in a store again, so now is a great time to check it out!

FREECYCLE & CRAIGSLIST

Freecycle.org and Craigslist.org are two online “classified ad” services that often have hundreds of items listed for free! Also be sure to check Facebook for neighborhood groups or local “Mommy Swap” groups you can join. Check the community boards at your local university, at your child’s school, or at other local institutions as well. You can practically find anything for free—you just need to look!

YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY

Just in case you’ve forgotten, right down the street from most of us, there’s a place where you can access thousands of books, magazines, movies, and music for free! Local libraries have come a long way in terms of their offerings, and many have free classes, free meeting rooms or conference areas, and free activities for kids as well as adults. Simply by signing up for a library card and remembering to return your books on time, you can literally have the world at your fingertips. Many libraries now offer Zinio  for magazines, which are easily downloaded to your tablet or e-reader.

Last Saturday my neighborhood was having over fifty yard sales. I waited until the sales were packing up for the day and we drove up and down each alley until we found some fun freebie furniture that had been discarded! I found a new dresser and a new desk! —Kim

 *   *   *

Don’t forget that I will be broadcasting LIVE each day on Periscope (usually between 10am and 11am EST).  You can find and follow me there at @RuthSoukup.  Be sure to also share your photos on Instagram for a chance to win daily prizes.  (Get the contest details HERE.)  Finally, be sure to check out our BLOG TOUR page, where you can find all sorts of additional ideas and inspiration from other bloggers who are taking the #31dayLWSZ challenge this month too!

Pin It

The post Day 24: Get Free Stuff appeared first on Living Well Spending Less®.

Day 23: Get Free Money

This is the twenty-third day of our 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero challenge.  Start with Day One here.

 *   *   *

Have you ever gotten to the end of the month and thought to yourself, “Where the heck did all my money go?” (If not, then you are clearly a much better money manager than I am!) Life can get hectic and it is easy to lose track of our money sometimes, but chances are you’ve got at least a little money hidden out there somewhere, or you are missing an opportunity to make some. Today we’re going to find it!

Did you know that on average, people have $90 in loose change just lying around their house? It’s true! And there’s even more free money to find out there—you just need to know where to look.

 

GO ON A MONEY HUNT

Today is the day to check all those pockets … and more. Go through your change jars, couch cushions, the console and glove compartment in your car, and any other sneaky places where money hides, and count it up! You aren’t spending, but you can be finding!

My kids simply love doing this—we all go on a money hunt and sort through any places we can think of where money hides. What about those old coat pockets? How about purses? Or the laundry pile?

Once you’ve gathered all the change you can find, take it in to your local bank. Though nowadays most banks accept loose change, if yours doesn’t, you’ll have to put it into rolls or trade it in at a Coinstar machine. (You can find the nearest Coinstar right from the homepage of their website. Just keep in mind that they’ll charge a commission, unless you trade in your coins for a grocery card (which can be handy!) or store credit.

FIND FORGOTTEN GIFT CARDS & CREDIT

Gift cards and certificates are pretty easy to lose track of. So it’s time to search the bottom of your purse, your junk drawer, and wherever you keep old birthday cards. Whether they are Scrip cards you bought from your school fundraiser or other items you’ve received or purchased and forgotten, the first thing you want to do when you find them is determine whether they have a balance. To check, simply call the number on the back. Then write the dollar amount right on the front with a Sharpie.

Don’t forget about e-gift cards as well! If you’re a member of Swagbucks or Restaurant.com , or if you subscribe to group coupon sites like Groupon  or LivingSocial, you might have a few items you purchased and then forgot about or have yet to redeem. (Guilty as charged, right here!)

Go through your inbox and search words like “credit,” “certificate,” and “redeem” to see if you have anything floating around. I like to keep a folder on my desktop to track these items, but now’s the time to get a filing system in place so you can remember them for future use.

Some insurance companies, like Humana, offer member benefits that allow you to redeem activity points for gift certificates. Many credit card companies also offer points and benefits for members. You may just have a few assets that you didn’t even realize!

Thank you so much for this post. It reminded me that I had bought a couple of Restaurant.com gift certificates a few months ago that I had completely forgotten about! I am putting my kids on a loose change hunt as soon as they get home from school. —Susan

EARN SWAGBUCKS

As I mentioned above, Swagbucks is an online service that gives you credit for searching the web or for printing coupons. You simply search the web using the Swagbucks search engine to earn credits (“swagbucks”) that you can trade in for gift cards to online retailers like Amazon or brick-and-mortar retailers like Starbucks. You can also earn credits by taking quizzes, watching videos, and printing coupons.

While you won’t earn a fortune at Swagbucks, it doesn’t hurt to get a little free money for something like surfing the web, which we all know you were going to do anyway … right?

CHECK OUT OTHER FREE MONEY SITES

There are a number of other sites like Jingit, Recyclebank, InboxDollars, and Ebates that allow you to earn money while you shop, surf the web, take short surveys, watch videos, or give consumer opinions. Those I’ve mentioned seem to have better results than some others that can send you on endless “spam odysseys” all over the Internet.

Obviously, spending money to earn or save money is not recommended (seeing as you’ve committed to spending zero), but it doesn’t hurt to sign up and see if you can generate some income without shopping!

Don’t forget about returning (new) things that you bought, but didn’t need, to the store. Usually you can only get a cash refund if you still have the receipt, but you may be able to get store credit if you return it without a receipt and provide your ID. —Trina

Today’s assignment is to get creative and think up all those hidden bonuses. Make a comprehensive list to track all that free money you might miss out on or lose track of!

 *   *   *

Don’t forget that I will be broadcasting LIVE each day on Periscope (usually between 10am and 11am EST).  You can find and follow me there at @RuthSoukup.  Be sure to also share your photos on Instagram for a chance to win daily prizes.  (Get the contest details HERE.)  Finally, be sure to check out our BLOG TOUR page, where you can find all sorts of additional ideas and inspiration from other bloggers who are taking the #31dayLWSZ challenge this month too!

Pin It

The post Day 23: Get Free Money appeared first on Living Well Spending Less®.

Day 22: Sell Your Stuff

This is the twenty-second day of our 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero challenge.  Start with Day One here.

 *   *   *

I have good news! We’ve made it to the final full week of the 31 Days of Living Well and Spending Zero Challenge, and you are rocking it!

In Week 1, we focused on taking care of our basic needs (especially because hunger and boredom are the two main causes of mindless spending). In Week 2, we cleaned and organized our homes, learning to enjoy the space we’re in, rather than trying to escape it. Then last week, we started to look at all the things we have in a new light, embracing our creativity and making new things out of old. This week our goal is to capitalize on our resources, both financial and emotional.

This week we’re going to learn how to earn some extra money and discover new ways to get free stuff. It’s going to be awesome!

After all, just because you’re spending zero doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to bank even more money and get free stuff while you’re saving!

Today we’re going to focus on selling stuff we don’t need. Your first step is to go back to those “Sell” piles and bags of stuff you created in Week 2. (I’ve included a handy Stuff to Sell worksheet at the end of this chapter.) You probably had quite a few things you’d like to offload, but perhaps you weren’t sure where to start or how to sell each type of item. Smart thinking! Different types of items are best sold in different marketplaces.

There are plenty of different options available for selling things, from eBay to Craigslist to Facebook—or you can even hold a good old-fashioned garage sale. Over the years, I’ve tried all four of these options with varying degrees of success. In fact, I recently made over $500 in just one month simply by selling stuff I no longer needed! You can too.

Here’s what works, plus when and how to use these great options for selling your stuff

SELL ON eBAY

When to use eBay: eBay is your best bet for selling popular brand-name items (Coach, UGG, etc.) that are in very good or excellent condition, or high-value items that are specialized and hard to find. It can be great for collectable items (think vintage postcards or grandma’s collection of brooches and pins), and unique memorabilia that has a specific target audience like sports memorabilia, breweriana, and souvenirs.

It’s free to list items on eBay, but you will have to pay a commission if and when your item sells. Because you’ll most likely need to ship your item, I also recommend planning ahead and considering the size and method of shipping before you list your item. You’re responsible for anything that breaks or doesn’t arrive in the condition promised, so bear that in mind before you box up those porcelain figurines without bubble wrap. Shipping is added to the cost of the item’s bid, but customers can be put off by inflated shipping costs, so calculate carefully.

It’s difficult to sell anything on eBay if you haven’t established a reputation. However, it only requires a few experiences of buying, selling, and leaving feedback to boost your rating. If you have many items you’re looking to get rid of that you think are “eBay friendly” (for example, if you just inherited Aunt Irma’s thimble collection), it’s definitely worth establishing a good rating.

I have had wonderful luck selling toys on eBay; I have sold toys for more than I paid for them originally! I’ve sold everything from dishes to wallpaper border to a clock that I got $107 for. If I don’t sell the item, it goes into the donation box. —Debbie

eBay Selling Tips

 Take good pictures: For the best shots, use indirect daylight (not bright sun) and no flash! Keep your background pleasant and simple, and be sure to take pictures from every angle. A white or light background works best. If the scale of an item is questionable, try using coins or another common item to establish size. When you photograph, always capture any flaws, dents, or scratches clearly. These often won’t deter buyers as long as you’re honest about them. (Read more about how to take better pictures in “8 Ways to Take Better Pictures,”.

Choose the right category for your item and write a good description: Be specific, otherwise potential buyers won’t be able to find your listing! Do a quick search for similar items so you can categorize it properly, then categorize, name, and describe each item clearly. Be sure to mention the brand name in the title, along with the condition. Be as specific as possible; don’t skimp on the details. Surprised buyers will give negative reviews if the item isn’t found to be exactly as described. You should also mention if your item is coming from a pet-free or smoke-free home, and how it has been stored. If you carried a bag for one season or bought shoes for a wedding and only wore them once, mention these details in the description; it will help the buyer gauge the amount of wear and tear that they can expect. Research and use some of the lingo relevant to your item like NWT (new with tags) or NIB (new in box).

Consider selling “lots”: If you have clothing that’s in good condition and it’s all the same size, consider selling it in a lot. Title grouped items with the common thread and a description. For example: “girls size 6 play clothes in pastel colors.” This can be a great way to sell items that are popular brands, but not quite designer (like GAP, American Apparel, or even Target). It’s also a great way to sell children’s clothing that’s outgrown but still in good condition. Selling by lot can also be helpful for craft items (like fabric and scrapbook accessories) and small, similar items.

Make sure your item fits in the box before listing it: I always keep on hand a few medium- and large-sized USPS flat-rate boxes, which are free from the post office. Always wrap your item well. (Again, you’re responsible for anything that’s damaged in shipping.) The rule of thumb with the post office is that it needs to be able to survive a ten-foot drop or twenty pounds of pressure.

Charge the USPS flat rate fee for shipping or calculate cost estimates first: This way there are no questions about shipping and no surprises at the end. If you’re shipping something that’s breakable, add insurance to the shipping price or calculate the cost of shipping it through a UPS “Pack and Ship” service.

Answer buyer questions quickly: Once your auction is live, be sure to pay attention to any questions that come up. (Be sure to check your junk folder too!) Answer all questions clearly and honestly right away. If it’s a question about item specifics, post your answer publicly so other potential buyers can see the answers as well. This will also cut down on the time you have to spend answering buyers’ questions via email.

Set a “Buy It Now” price: In the early days of eBay, many sellers didn’t set a minimum, so buyers were able to find treasures for cents on the dollar. The market has changed, and now many buyers prefer the option to “Buy It Now” rather than waiting and hedging their bets on a bid. Don’t be afraid to set your minimum price at something that’s low, but reasonable, and set the option for eager patrons to get their item on demand. Although many apps exist to help you manage your eBay account, eBay’s Selling Manager is offered through the site and free to users. I recommend it for the average person.

One tip I’ve seen is to search on eBay for the item you want to sell, look at the Sold listings for it or similar items, then calculate an average price based on the last five that sold. That gives you at least a ballpark sense of what the price should be. —Vicky

Wait for payment before shipping: Most buyers will pay quickly, but never ship an item until you’ve received your payment! You can easily send an invoice to remind buyers to pay. eBay payments are collected through PayPal, which is a secure site that helps ensure no one gets taken advantage of during the process. You can set up PayPal easily and link it to your checking or savings account so you can transfer the money as you go.

Ship your item as soon as possible: As soon as you’re paid, make an effort to ship your item as soon as possible. eBay makes this process very simple: you can actually pay for shipping and print your label at home. If you already have the box, then all you have to do is tape it up, slap on the prepaid label, and let your mail carrier pick it up, or drop it off at the nearest post office! eBay partners with UPS as well, if you prefer it to USPS.

Give feedback: Be sure to write a positive note on your buyer’s feedback page. eBay is driven by ratings, and your score is very important to boosting your profile and encouraging buyers to use you in the future. For larger retailers and eBay professionals, the occasional bad review or unhappy customer won’t make or break them. However, reviews can be key for the private seller who is just unloading a few items from home. If you leave positive feedback for your buyer, they will hopefully then return the favor so you can have even more successful sales in the future! If days pass and you haven’t heard from them, it doesn’t hurt to send a follow-up message and request feedback.

SELL ON CRAIGSLIST

When to use Craigslist: Whereas eBay is a carefully regulated and secure way to sell your items, Craigslist is much less restricted. It targets a local audience, so it’s a great option for selling items that you wouldn’t want to bother with shipping, including furniture, toys, and other household items. You can find buyers for leftover tile, yard and landscape items, appliances, and more.

You won’t get the best price on items with a targeted audience, like collectables (unless they’re very locale-specific like high school sports memorabilia), but you’ll get a wider audience than you would with a Facebook or yard sale. Think of Craigslist as the “Buy/Sell/Trade” classifieds section of newspapers back in the day. The big appeal to local buyers? Large items like furniture are easy to pick up.

Due to the unregulated nature of Craigslist, I’d shy away from selling small valuables, like jewelry or designer handbags. Buyer interaction is often face-to-face, and after a friend relayed to me a particularly harrowing story about picking up a cat tree in a scary situation, I’d advise that you proceed with caution. I always make sure that my husband is home when a buyer picks up an item, and I don’t give out my home address on the first email interaction.

Craigslist is free, which makes it an easy way to list your items. It’s definitely more popular in some areas than others—I had way more success selling on Craigslist in the Seattle area than I do in Southwest Florida. Metropolitan areas, cities, and college towns seem to see the most success with Craigslist. It’s very easy to put up a listing though, and there’s no reason not to give it a try!

I find people coming to garage sales are looking for really, really cheap prices. It might also depend on the neighborhood, but I can sell my stuff on Craigslist for a better price. I also got good deals on Craigslist for some household items without having to travel around town for garage sales. I used to sell on eBay before I got on Craigslist. There is the “going to the post office” side of it. For me, it’s much more practical to have people come and pick up stuff. —Practical Mama

Craigslist Selling Tips

Write a good description: Be sure to mention the brand name in the title, along with the condition and age. Be as specific about the details as possible. You’ll want to include the amount of wear and tear on the item, particularly furniture, and mention if it’s from a smoke-free and pet-free house. In your description, consider mentioning the style such as “mid-century modern” or “art deco,” as well as the materials (laminate, solid oak, etc.). Occasionally buyers will search nearby areas and be willing to travel for the right item that meets their style. Isn’t it more appealing to purchase a “quality contemporary end table with beautiful white laminate finish” than “white end table”? In addition, you should include a message in your listing that all sales are final.

Take good pictures: (see above)

Don’t set your price too high: We’d all like to think our stuff is worth close to what we paid for it, but the sad truth is that used stuff isn’t worth all that much. Do a search for your item to find out what other people are asking. If your price is significantly higher, don’t expect any calls. Take into consideration the value of someone picking up the item and moving it themselves, a service which can almost be more valuable than the item. When selling appliances, electronics, and furniture that would otherwise be costly or difficult to dispose or get rid of, offering a lesser price may be worth it. Leave room for bargaining (a common practice on Craigslist), but hold out for the price you want. Be sure to decide on your agreed-upon price before meeting face-to-face.

Don’t overlist your item: Follow the Craigslist rules or your post will be flagged and all your listings will be removed. Each region is slightly different, but as a general rule you can post any given item once every seven days.

Stay safe: Unfortunately there are some weirdos out there. To be safe, communicate through Craigslist rather than using your personal email. If your item is small, meet in a neutral public location, and if you’re having a buyer come to your house, arrange for someone to be home with you.

I had a lot of items to sell, so I started selling them on Craigslist, but I also started a free website at blogspot.com. For every item I listed on Craigslist, I referenced the website so they could click on it and see all of the items I had for sale. I have such a range of items for sale that hopefully while someone is looking for boys’ shoes, they notice a light fixture they need! —Jenny

SELL ON FACEBOOK

 When to use Facebook: Facebook is free and super easy, so there’s really no reason not to try Facebook first. These days almost every city has a local selling group. Once you join, snap a picture and list a price. (Follow the same selling tips as the Craigslist tips listed above.) If you can’t find a group to join, you may want to ask around to see if any of your local friends have heard of one, or you can simply post your item on your own Facebook wall. If it doesn’t sell you can always try Craigslist or eBay.

The obvious drawback is that you’re only appealing to your Facebook friends list or to the members of the selling group. Still, as a free service and a safe, easy method, Facebook couldn’t be simpler. Ask friends to share your listing, especially if you’re in a hurry to sell (if you’re moving, for example). Viral marketing is powerful, and social media can be a great tool to get the word out and find your market.

Facebook yard sale pages are wonderful in my area. Not only do I usually sell my stuff pretty quickly, but I have made some wonderful friends. If you set up a FB yard sale page for your town, county, or community, be sure to have clear rules and enforce them. At the same time, keep it friendly so people will enjoy visiting. —Mara

 
HOLD A GARAGE SALE

When to throw a garage sale: If you have a lot of stuff to sell and you live in a great neighborhood for garage sales (close to a main street, lots of drive-by traffic, etc.), then a garage sale might be a good option.

If you’re looking to make money quickly, bear in mind, garage sales can take a lot of planning and effort. Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook can be quicker, easier, and faster in terms of simply unloading a few items. However, if you’re ready for a cleanout, a garage sale might be the way to go.

I hosted a “freebie” party once for our school group just before Christmas. Each family brought as many items as they wanted to the party, and the children then got to choose Christmas gifts for their loved ones from the stash! It was so much fun and easy to host. A friend is hosting a similar event next month—her “freecycle” party! —Mrs. T

Garage Sale Selling Tips:

Set prices to move and make them clear: Get some tags and mark items to move. Be prepared to make some deals and throw in some extra items to sweeten the deal. Garage sales are often hit heavily in the morning (when the selection is the best) and then start to dwindle down as the day wears on. You can attract shoppers throughout the day by advertising 50 percent off at a set time of day, or try offering 2-for-1 deals to keep things moving. Make sure your prices are clearly marked in large writing.

Pick a prime date: Does your neighborhood do a rummage tour? Is the local fair in town and driving traffic through your area? These are great times for you to plan your sale. Base your marketing on the times when your area of town is the most popular. If you live in a college town, consider a sale the weekend that campus opens to attract students seeking furnishings and décor.

Use advertising and signage: Put those artistic and creative skills to use by making some big ol’ signs and posting flyers, and if it’s a nice day, put most of your goods outside the garage. Many garage sale patrons are impulse stoppers, so be sure that that they can see you’re offering a great reason to get out of the car.

On the day of the sale, start early: Prime rummage sale hours start at 5 a.m. Yes, you read that right. Early-morning bargain hunters get up at the crack of dawn to get the best deals. So make sure you reach dedicated garage sale shoppers by starting your sale bright and early.

Enlist help: Enlist the help of your neighbors, friends, social media network, husband, and kids. Let your kids try their hand at making signs, posting prices, or selling and making change to teach them how buying and selling works. Get friends to spread the word. If a friend or neighbor has a few items to sell, let them join you, with the caveat that they take it back with them if it doesn’t go. (You don’t want to make your yard the dumping ground for everyone’s stuff!)

Donate and eliminate leftovers: When you’ve finished your yard sale, count out your earnings and round up your remaining items. Inventory what you have left and determine whether it realistically belongs in the trash or if you can donate it to Goodwill, a women’s shelter, a preschool, or another charity in your area.

Now go sell something!

Get your printable stuff to sell worksheet here.

*   *   *

Don’t forget that I will be broadcasting LIVE each day on Periscope (usually between 10am and 11am EST).  You can find and follow me there at @RuthSoukup.  Be sure to also share your photos on Instagram for a chance to win daily prizes.  (Get the contest details HERE.)  Finally, be sure to check out our BLOG TOUR page, where you can find all sorts of additional ideas and inspiration from other bloggers who are taking the #31dayLWSZ challenge this month too!

Pin It

The post Day 22: Sell Your Stuff appeared first on Living Well Spending Less®.

Day 21: Week 3 Reflection

 

This is the twenty-first day of our 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero challenge.  Start with Day One here.

 *   *   *

It has been a very busy week. Productive, creative, fun, exciting, good … but busy. My guess is that after three weeks of stretching yourselves, most of you are feeling downright exhausted and looking forward to a day of rest and self-reflection today.

For our Week 3 reflection, I want you to start thinking about both the past and the future. When you reflect on your struggles this week, consider what it was that brought you to the moment when you decided to commit to spending zero for this entire month. What do you plan to do in the future to save? Have you found any lifestyle changes that you think you’re ready to make? How can you reuse things and be more mindful in the way you consume? What are your goals for next week?

My goal is to make it to the finish line and get to the kids’ room this coming week—and to finish the crazy garage! —Claire

I recently came across this quote that I found quite relevant and inspiring. It reminds us that we all have the power within us to shine. I had seen the first two lines before, but never the rest of it:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

—Marianne Williamson

So powerful!

Does this quote inspire you too? What did you love about this week? What was your biggest challenge?

Get your printable week 3 reflection sheet here.

Keep your chin up—we’re almost two-thirds of the way through our month of Living Well and Spending Zero!

 *   *   *

Don’t forget that I will be broadcasting LIVE each day on Periscope (usually between 10am and 11am EST).  You can find and follow me there at @RuthSoukup.  Be sure to also share your photos on Instagram for a chance to win daily prizes.  (Get the contest details HERE.)  Finally, be sure to check out our BLOG TOUR page, where you can find all sorts of additional ideas and inspiration from other bloggers who are taking the #31dayLWSZ challenge this month too!

Pin It

The post Day 21: Week 3 Reflection appeared first on Living Well Spending Less®.

Day 20: Have a Spa Day at Home

 

This is the twentieth day of our 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero challenge.  Start with Day One here. 

 *   *   *

It’s time to treat yourself! You’ve made it two-thirds of the way through the challenge. You’ve cleaned, you’ve cooked, you’ve created, and you’ve learned.

Today is the day we spa!

If you’re thinking, “Um … Ruth? I only have a shower and I don’t really like spa treatments” (I don’t know who doesn’t like spa treatments, but I’m sure you’re out there)—well, that’s just fine. What’s your special treat? A good book? Sitting out in the sun? Listening to rock and roll and singing along in your living room? Whatever floats your boat, today is the day you do it! Have your fun—for free.

Your goal is to rest, relax, and recharge.

So often there’s this mindset that saving money and spending less means you have to be poor and suffer. Yes, it’s easy to spend money, and let’s admit it—it’s fun—but you don’t have to punish yourself to feel like you’re saving money.

A big part of living well and spending less—and discovering the good life—is being able to appreciate the things you have, and that means finding beauty in everyday moments. That also means taking care of yourself and allowing yourself to enjoy life. So go ahead, pamper yourself a little.

SPA BATH

Supplies: oatmeal bath sachets, bubble bath, honey salt scrub, moisturizer, candles (optional).

Instructions: Light candles. Fill your bath with the warmest water you can tolerate; put in bubble bath and oatmeal sachet while tub is filling. Tie up your hair and apply your mask for a facial (see instructions below), if desired. Soak in tub for at least 15–20 minutes. Apply salt scrub all over then rinse with bath water. Dry off and then apply moisturizer while skin is still damp.

SPA FACIAL

Supplies: facial cleanser or soap, makeup remover, exfoliating facial scrub or washcloth, pot of boiling water, towel, honey yogurt oatmeal mask (or other mask of your choice), facial moisturizer.

 Instructions: Wash your face and neck with the cleanser; remove makeup with makeup remover, if necessary. Gently exfoliate your skin with facial scrub or washcloth, using a circular motion around your face and neck. Rinse well. Turn heat off boiling water and hold your head above the steam for five minutes, using a towel over your head to trap the steam. Gently pat face dry, then apply a mask and let sit for 15–20 minutes. Rinse mask well, gently pat skin dry, and apply moisturizer, again in a circular motion all over face and neck.

SPA MANICURE/PEDICURE

Supplies: nail polish remover, cotton balls, emery board, nail clipper, cuticle trimmer (optional), nail brush or old toothbrush, homemade bubble bath, pumice stone, honey salt scrub, honey yogurt oatmeal mask, heavy duty hand/foot cream, nail polish, clear topcoat polish.

Instructions: Remove old polish from nails. Trim nails with clipper and then shape smooth with emery board. Trim cuticles, if necessary. Soak hands and feet in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes (or take a bath). Exfoliate hands and feet, applying scrub in a circular motion; use pumice stone to soften any rough or hard areas on feet. Pat dry, then apply mask and let dry for 10–15 minutes. Rinse well, then massage in heavy moisturizer. Wipe nails clean with polish remover, then carefully paint nails, letting polish dry for 5–10 minutes between coats. Finish with clear topcoat.

These are just suggestions. It’s most important that you simply relax. This is your day to treat yourself and practice a little self-care. If you don’t have all (or any) of the above supplies, just work with what you have and do something that makes you feel melty and relaxed.

Whatever you choose to do, enjoy. You deserve it!

The Honey Yogurt Oatmeal Mask was awesome! I did grind the oats first. The homemade bubble bath was great—I didn’t have scented oil, but I had Root Awakening shampoo, so the “hint of tea tree” with some unscented Argon oil worked perfectly. —Claire

 *   *   *

Don’t forget that I will be broadcasting LIVE each day on Periscope (usually between 10am and 11am EST).  You can find and follow me there at @RuthSoukup.  Be sure to also share your photos on Instagram for a chance to win daily prizes.  (Get the contest details HERE.)  Finally, be sure to check out our BLOG TOUR page, where you can find all sorts of additional ideas and inspiration from other bloggers who are taking the #31dayLWSZ challenge this month too!

What’s your favorite way to pamper yourself at home?

Pin It

The post Day 20: Have a Spa Day at Home appeared first on Living Well Spending Less®.

Day 19: Prepare to Pamper Yourself

 

This is the nineteenth day of our 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero challenge.  Start with Day One here.

 *   *   *

Here we are, very nearly done with Week 3! Hopefully you’re feeling like you’ve learned a thing or two, you have a mild case of DIY fever, and you’ve been enjoying a productive few weeks of spending zero.

I know there have probably been more than a few difficult moments, but I hope you will be encouraged to know that we really are in the home stretch. Once again, I have to reiterate, you shouldn’t feel like you have to keep up with every single challenge, every single day. The objective here is to give you some resources and ideas for alternatives to reaching for the credit card or running to the store. It’s to help you get yourself into the savings mindset!

Today is going to be fun. This may surprise you, but I am a total spa girl! Back in the day, before I started blogging, I was the director of a large day spa in the Seattle area—yes, I actually managed a spa! Believe it or not, as part of my job description, I was required to receive regular spa treatments as part of employee evaluations and quality control. (In case you are wondering, yes, it was a pretty fun job!) I have to admit—there are times I really miss the days of frequent facials, massages, paraffin dips, and hair treatments!

We all deserve a spa day now and again—and it shouldn’t be expensive.

Tomorrow, we have a special treat in store, but today, your goal is to create at least one of these homemade spa treatments. Many of these ingredients you probably have at home. If you don’t have essential oils, you can always go with unscented versions. (If you’re interested in purchasing essential oils, I highly recommend Young Living, but be sure to wait until your month of no spending is over! You can find out more about essential oils and how to use them here.

I love that these can be created from stuff around the house and that they’re made to look so pretty! —Breanne

All of these treatments make great gifts as well, so make a double batch if you have the ingredients!

Who’d have thought you could treat yourself and someone else while spending zero?

OATMEAL BATH SACHETS

These cute little oatmeal bath sachets can also be used in the shower. Oatmeal is great for soothing sensitive skin and helps add much-needed moisture during winter months.

Instructions:

Gather your ingredients—old-fashioned oats, a bar of soap, and the essential oil of your choice. I used lavender, but eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, or bergamot would all be nice as well.
Use pinking shears to cut six small rectangles of thin fabric (approximately 4″ x 6″). I used plain muslin, but you could use a pretty pattern or anything you have on hand. Placing two of the rectangles together, quickly sew around three sides to make a little cloth bag. Repeat for the other two bags. (Alternatively, you could use small organza party favor bags found in the wedding section at the craft or dollar store.)
Measure 1½ cups oatmeal into a bowl; use a knife to shave approximately 1 tablespoon of soap into oatmeal and then add 15–20 drops of your favorite essential oil. Mix well.
Carefully pour into prepared bags.
Sew shut the open side of each bag, then trim the excess to make a square shape.


HOMEMADE BUBBLE BATH

I love taking bubble baths—the more bubbles the better—but I can’t stand the artificial scents of most commercial bubble baths. This super-easy recipe uses a shampoo base. Try lavender for a relaxing bath. (It’s great for bedtime baths for your kids too!) Or you can try eucalyptus for a soothing bath when you’re sick.

Instructions:

Gather your ingredients—unscented (preferred) shampoo, ½ cup water, salt, and essential oils.
Measure ⅓ cup shampoo into a large measuring cup or bowl; add water and mix well.
Add 1 teaspoon salt and mix well until mixture thickens; add 15 drops of essential oil.
Pour into an 8 oz. jar or bottle; use 2 tablespoons per bath.


HONEY SALT SCRUB

This luxurious scrub is both exfoliating and moisturizing, a perfect combination for the dry winter months. I love it with peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils, but lemon or bergamot is also very refreshing.

Instructions:

Gather ingredients—olive oil, honey, salt, and essential oil of your choice.
Measure ⅓ cup honey into a measuring cup; add ½ cup olive oil; mix well.
Add approximately ¾ cup salt, a little at a time, mixing well until mixture reaches a thick but scoopable consistency. Add essential oil and mix well again.
Transfer to jar or other airtight container.

My first thought when I saw this was “Christmas gifts!” So cute—I love them all! I’m definitely going to have to pick up some essential oils—I seriously want to make the salt scrub, like, today! How adorable are the oatmeal bath sachets?! —Alisha

HONEY YOGURT OATMEAL MASK

This exfoliating mask is great for most skin types. It uses only three ingredients, but must be kept refrigerated, as it contains fresh yogurt. It should keep in the fridge for approximately one week.

Instructions:

Gather ingredients—oatmeal, plain yogurt, and honey. (Note: for a less “lumpy” mask you can grind up oatmeal in a blender or food processor before using.)
Mix ⅓ cup honey with ⅓ cup yogurt. Blend well.
Add in approximately 1– 2½ cups oatmeal until mixture makes a thick paste.
Transfer to a jar or other airtight container. Will keep one week. To use, spread over face and let dry for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

There you have it—four easy and luxurious recipes that use ingredients that you probably have on hand.

Your assignment is to create one homemade spa treatment today, then gather up any other relaxing bath supplies you already have and get ready for a spa day tomorrow! If you cleaned and organized your bathroom last week, you likely found some long-forgotten goodies like hotel lotions or fancy scented soap. Tomorrow you can put them to good use!

Finally, chill some water in the fridge (add some lemon, mint, or cucumber if you have any on hand), be sure your bathroom is clean, and get ready for some relaxation!

 *   *   *

Don’t forget that I will be broadcasting LIVE each day on Periscope (usually between 10am and 11am EST).  You can find and follow me there at @RuthSoukup.  Be sure to also share your photos on Instagram for a chance to win daily prizes.  (Get the contest details HERE.)  Finally, be sure to check out our BLOG TOUR page, where you can find all sorts of additional ideas and inspiration from other bloggers who are taking the #31dayLWSZ challenge this month too!

Pin It

The post Day 19: Prepare to Pamper Yourself appeared first on Living Well Spending Less®.

Day 18: Find New Uses for Old Things

This is the eighteenth day of our 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero challenge.  Start with Day One here.

 *   *   *

My goodness—can you believe we are already at Day 18? This week has been all about creatively using the things and resources we already have. So often we resort to running to the store for a solution or throwing out something before it’s beyond its use.

Not only are these practices perpetuating the cycle of waste and causing environmental concerns, they’re also perpetuating our own cycles of spending and consuming. Thinking outside the box and coming up with new uses for things we already have on hand helps us increase our appreciation and awareness for the labor and resources that go into the pieces of our day-to-day lives. It also helps us practice gratitude and break the cycle of mindlessly spending.

Many of us have taken on a zero-spending challenge out of necessity, not just as a way to engage in personal growth, but because, well, we’re broke. We need to tighten our belts, pull up our bootstraps, and make ends meet. I realize that doing crafts, refashioning clothes, and watching YouTube videos aren’t the answers to poverty or even overspending, but thinking creatively does help you become more mindful and deliberate in your actions.

Wouldn’t it be nice to make a pretty tray, put some homemade cookies on it, and present that as a gift? —G

Take a moment to look around your home and ponder on the many things you have. If you’re like me, your home is filled with comforts and items that reflect your family, their values and beliefs, and their likes and preferences. Consider something that you might not like anymore or that’s no longer serving a purpose in its current state. This could be a clothing item, a kitchen item, or something else.

Is there a way that item could be repurposed into something else? Something that might beautify your home in some way, fill a family need, or simply give that item new life?

I’m going to make patchwork cushions out of my clothes that are too pretty and groovy to throw away. It won’t cost me a cent to add some new color to our existing spaces at home! Very excited to start this! —Nichole 

Upcycled Crib into Magazine Rack (from Tip Junkie)
Toilet Paper Roll Wall Art (from How-To Gal)
Rake Wine Glass Rack (from Tattered Style)
Tin Can Lanterns (from Grow Creative)
Cookie Sheet Serving Tray (from Living Well Spending Less)
Cereal Box 3D Cardboard Star (from Grey Luster Girl)
Upcycled Sweater Pillow (from Infarrantly Creative)
Broke Crayon Monogram Art (from Upcycle Us)
Tuna Can Tealight Holders (from Practically Functional)
Upcycled Nightstand into Kid’s Island Play Kitchen (from Paint on the Ceiling)
Paint Stirrer Garden Markers (from Living Well Spending Less)
Upcycled Books into Shelves (from Real Simple)
Pallet Plate Rack (from Apartment Therapy)
Upcycled Headboard into Chalkboard Welcome Sign (from Balancing Beauty and Bedlam)
Shutter Magazine Rack (from My Repurposed Life)
Woven Leather Belt Chair (from Saved by Love Creations)
Rain Gutter Kids Bookshelves (from Sunshine on the Inside)
Plastic Spoon Chrysanthemum Mirror (from Addicted 2 Decorating)
Mason Jar Herb Garden (from Camille’s Style)
Wine Cork Bathmat (from The Crafty Nest)
Upcycled Spoon Ring (from Through the Front Door)

I love the cookie sheet idea, and the pillow, and the monogram letters made of crayons (so going to be the teacher end-of-year gift this year!). Can’t wait to try some of these ideas! —Claire

Your assignment for the day: Look around your house with a keen eye and choose one item to either repurpose or breathe new life into.

Try to really examine all the things you have and see them in a new way. Are there any items you were considering purchasing at the end of your no-spend month that you could create on your own with what you already have? Which one of these projects inspires you the most? Pick one and run with it!

 *   *   *

Don’t forget that I will be broadcasting LIVE each day on Periscope (usually between 10am and 11am EST).  You can find and follow me there at @RuthSoukup.  Be sure to also share your photos on Instagram for a chance to win daily prizes.  (Get the contest details HERE.)  Finally, be sure to check out our BLOG TOUR page, where you can find all sorts of additional ideas and inspiration from other bloggers who are taking the #31dayLWSZ challenge this month too!

Pin It

The post Day 18: Find New Uses for Old Things appeared first on Living Well Spending Less®.

Day 17: Get a Free Education

This is the seventeenth day of our 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero challenge.  Start with Day One here.

 *   *   *

What a fun week this has been so far! Hopefully with all of this DIY-ing and refashioning, your brain is starting to feel awake and alive and excited for each new challenge! It’s time to start working on something enriching and even more stimulating … it’s time to learn something new!

Of course if you’re familiar with student loans, books, and even the cost of private education, you’re probably thinking, “Ha…education is far from free!”

Ah, but I’m here to tell you, you can always find ways to learn. Remember how we’re getting creative this week? Well, sometimes education comes in different forms too. My husband Chuck and I went through Financial Peace University (part of the very inspiration for this challenge) a few years ago, and that was definitely an education, though in a different form. We study each week when we go to church. We learn about the world around us when we travel or read the news, or even from watching a documentary on Netflix. Lately I have loved getting new ideas and inspiration from free podcasts.

Life lessons aside, the education I’m talking about for today is mostly for your own enjoyment. Better yet—it’s free! What have you always wanted to know more about? Below you’ll find a list of 50 (yes 50!) fun, free lessons that you can do right now, today, online. Escape into a little education, and you just may find yourself inspired, renewed, and revitalized—and more creative than ever before.

 

Hobbies, Crafts, and Games

Learn how to sew an easy pillowcase dress —make this cute dress in just a few hours using only a yard of fabric You can even donate your dresses to little girls in need (from Living Well Spending Less.)
Learn how to knit —watch these easy videos to master the technique. (from Knitting Help)
Learn how to crochet —links, videos, and info on basic stitches and easy patterns. (from About)
Learn how to take better pictures with your iPhone —easy tips that everyone should know! (from Ashley Ann Photography)
Learn how to take better portraits —10 amazing tips. (from Digital Photography School)
Learn some photography basics to improve your photographs —5 tips for taking better pictures with any camera. (from Living Well Spending Less)
Learn how to make homemade pickles —step-by-step tutorial. Who knew it was so easy? (from Living Well Spending Less)
Learn how to make a ruffle cake- Watch this super-cool cake decorating video, then get the Martha Stewart recipe for Swiss Merengue Frosting to make it perfect!
Learn how to play Bridge —20 easy steps. (from WikiHow)
Learn how to play Canasta —I grew up playing this fun game with my family. Watch out, it’s addicting! (from How Stuff Works)
Learn how to play Chess —a combination of videos and written instructions. (from How Stuff Works)
Learn how to tie-dye with natural ingredients —use stuff you already have on hand! (Plus, get more natural dye ingredients and instructions from Money Crashers .)
Learn how to make a freezer paper stencil —this tutorial uses glitter, but you can also just use regular paint. (from Living Well Spending Less)
Learn how to decorate with book pages —The Nester shares 20 ideas for things you can make out of old books—cool!
Learn how to draw —cool video tutorials for how to draw all sorts of things! (from Drawing Now)

I did a Yahoo search: “How to Cross Stitch” (beginners). Do a search and find out how easy it is and how much fun. It’s fairly inexpensive and rewarding. —Lisa

Self-Improvement

Learn how to give a compliment —if sometimes you just don’t know the right thing to say. (from Life Optimizer)
—10 simple tricks. (from Forbes)
Learn how to say you’re sorry —everyone could use a few tips on how to apologize. (from PsychCentral)
Learn how to be a better listener- (from Dumb Little Man)
Learn how to make a great first impression —because you never get a second chance. (from Positivity Blog)
Learn basic etiquette for all situations —8 basic tips everyone should know! (from Laurie Johnson)


Technology and Computers

Learn how to edit photographs online —a simple tutorial for getting started with the awesomeness that is PicMonkey. (from Blissful and Domestic)
Learn how to start a blog —This basic tutorial tell you everything you need to know about starting a blog for profit.
Learn how to type faster —the one-minute typing test is a little addicting. (from 10 Fast Fingers)
Learn how to search online more effectively- (from Alexandra Samuel)
Learn how to use Pinterest to organize for the holidays (or any other event). (from Creative Organizing Blog)

On Saturdays, almost every public library has at least one free program for kids. Not only that, they have free movies as new (to you, at least) entertainment … there are all kinds of books and videos on how to do stuff, plus cookbooks! All while spending zero, as long as you get the materials back early or on time. —Barbara

Home Improvement

Learn how to unclog a drain —10 easy things to try. (from Wise Bread)
Learn how to build a simple hanging bookshelf —you could easily make this shelf out of scrap wood in the garage! (from Poppies at Play)
Learn how to start a simple vegetable garden —or start planning one for next season! (from Garden Guides)
Learn how to prune a tree —check out this simple video and never again wonder if you’re doing it right! (from Land Designs Unlimited)
Learn how to paint a room —this step-by-step tutorial is great. (from ExpertRealEstateTips)
Learn how to paint a piece of furniture —I met Angela at a conference a few years ago and was so inspired to see all of the cool stuff she was making from thrift store finds. I’ve yet to try it, but she makes it look super easy. (from Button Bird Designs)
Learn how to sew on a button —something everyone should know! (from Simple Sewing Projects)
Learn to clean almost anything —Heather Solos has a wealth of knowledge on all things domestic!


Traditional Education

Take a free online course from the University of Washington —choose from several different literature, history, and life skills courses. Very cool!
Learn how to be a better writer —start reading Jeff Goins’ blog regularly and you’ll practically get better through osmosis. Bonus: sign up for his e-newsletter and get access to his eBook too!
Learn basic grammar skills —Copyblogger shares 15 common grammar errors that make you look silly.

MIT has open course work anyone can do/use. To get kids involved, look up home schooling resources (also a good way to help sharpen math skills). Don’t forget there are tons of free Amazon Kindle books available for download on many different subjects too! —Angie

Life Skills

Learn how to shop with coupons —my “Beginner’s Guide to Coupons” breaks it down to easy baby steps. (from Living Well Spending Less)
Learn how to better manage your time —10 tips for getting more out of each day. (from Living Well Spending Less)
Learn how to speed clean your house —keep things neat and tidy in just minutes each day. (from Living Well Spending Less)
Learn how to perform CPR —Watch the video … it may help you save a life someday. (from CPRCertified)
Learn how to perform the Heimlich maneuver … um, ditto. (from Howcast)
Learn how to get started with investing —3 great tips from Debt Free Adventure for how to start investing with $1000 or less.
Learn how to drive a stick shift —this video makes me think I might actually want to try! (from Jon Friedrich)
Learn how to jump-start a car- (from EricTheCarGuy)
Learn how to make scrambled eggs —something everyone should know! (from Living Well Spending Less)
Learn how to be informed about what’s going on in the world —great tips if you ever felt overwhelmed by current events. (from WikiHow)
Get prepared for the next election —a nonpartisan website to help you make an informed decision.
Learn how to negotiate —simple tips for negotiating on almost anything. (from I Will Teach You to Be Rich)
Learn how to make pretty iced sugar cookies —impress your friends and have the perfect go-to gift, party favor, or treat for any occasion. (from Living Well Spending Less)

To learn Spanish (or any other language for that matter) there’s a website called Fluencia.com that offers free language classes. —Jen

Your assignment for today is simple: Learn one new thing.

It could be anything! Don’t feel like you need to dive into all of these subjects at once. Simply pick your favorite and hit the books. Have fun!

 *  *  *

Don’t forget that I will be broadcasting LIVE each day on Periscope (usually between 10am and 11am EST).  You can find and follow me there at @RuthSoukup.  Be sure to also share your photos on Instagram for a chance to win daily prizes.  (Get the contest details HERE.)  Finally, be sure to check out our BLOG TOUR page, where you can find all sorts of additional ideas and inspiration from other bloggers who are taking the #31dayLWSZ challenge this month too!

Pin It

The post Day 17: Get a Free Education appeared first on Living Well Spending Less®.