Frugal Friday

Warning: Especially if you are a man this post could qualify as too much information.

I'm a Diva!

Last month I bought a Diva Cup. I hesitated before I bought the cup. I'd seen these cups at the health food store. I discounted them as hippie contraptions that wouldn't work and waste my money.

Then I read many many glowing internet reviews. I liked the idea of it; the idea of an environmentally-friendly replacement for maxipads and tampons. And I found a great deal at South Coast Shopping. I decided to give it a go.

My hair didn't instantly dread. My armpits didn't sprout mini-bushes. I didn't start seeking patchouli like a vampire seeks blood. No. Instead I am that woman in a flowing dress running, skipping and jumping through a field of flowers. A light scarf flutters in the breeze behind me. Okay since it's autumn I donned a pair of tights, clogs and a handknit sweater. But you get my point. I feel FRESH! And CLEAN! I love it!

The insertion was a bit awkward. You fold it into a U-shape, insert then twist so it will pop open. I wasn't sure it was placed right. I wasn't sure it popped. I wasn't sure it was going to work. But it did. No leaks. And it's comfortable - I nearly forgot it was there. You can sleep with it in. And you can run and jump through a field of flowers.

I strongly recommend you give it a try. The best price I found was at South Coast Shopping. Google South Coast Shopping plus coupon for even deeper discounts. (And no I'm not getting paid in any way for this promotion).

Keep in mind there are two different sizes of cups - buy the one that is right for you. It's a frugal, environmental and clean choice!

++++++++

Back to the razors (for the last time). My razor lasted three weeks. I think it would've lasted longer had I not accidentally left it in the shower. I will continue to religiously dry it after each use.

I also found a great deal on razors this week. My local grocery store had a handle and set of three razors on sale for $5.69. Then they had a manufacturer rebate for $5.00. Razors for twenty-five cents a-piece; heck yeah! I immediately filled out the rebate form when I got home and stuck it in the post box.

Was it worth it? I figure it took about ten minutes to fill out the form, cut out the upc symbol and mail it. Ten minutes = $5.00 or $30.00 per hour. It's worth it to me. And with my razors lasting three to four weeks - even better.

++++++++

Now here's the part of my day that bordered on cheap vs frugal. The envelope I used to mail the rebate was sent to me as a self-addressed stamped envelope for a promotion. I wasn't interested in the promotion but saved the envelope because it was a perfectly good stamp. I simply taped a new address over the old. Voila! Forty-cents saved. A penny saved ...

+++++++

And a realization. You've probably read that dryer sheets can be used for dusting and cleaning. It occurred to me these don't have to be unused sheets. I pop them in the dryer and they do their job. Then as I'm folding laundry I pull out the dryer sheet and dust something. Anything. Double-duty for the dryer sheet and my house is slightly cleaner to boot.

+++++++

And finally - a healthy frugal recipe. This is the meal we pull out when we don't know what's for dinner. It's quick, easy, healthy and inexpensive. The ingredients can be kept on hand in the pantry and freezer. And it's tasty too.

Ingredients:
Brown rice
Frozen stir-fry veggies (I like the kind with asparagus)
Cashews
Soy Sauce
Olive Oil (optional)

Make rice according to package directions (a rice cooker is great here). Place veggies in a large saute pan with small amount of olive oil on medium-high heat. Cook until heated through. Add a splash of soy sauce - cook until reduced slightly.

Plate rice and veggies. Top with cashews. Serve.

+++++++++
Thank you everyone for all your well-wishes about my dog. She's still missing. We're headed back to the Humane Society today.

It's raining here. We're all cozy inside with apple cider, soft blankets and knitting. I only hope 'Tosh is somewhere cozy too.

Happy Friday!