Today's Theme: Cost Cutting

[learnteach]

Since I am retired on disability and my husband is disabled and can't work, we have been on a very strict budget for a long time. I did talk to people at the local photo shop about how to take better photos for ebay. I plan to get rid of lots of accessories and maybe make some money. I am also weeding through my few remaining collections and thinning them out. After all, when I am gone, they will be junk for my son to get rid of. I am at the point in my life where I really appreciate a simpler life. I look forward to having a nice, neat house with more room and knowing where everything is when I need it.

I live on a large lot with trees on the south side. There is one small corner in the far back of the lot that gets the most sun during the day. I always gardened in Texas and Arizona. To save money and eat better, I intend to get back to it. I am looking at those self contained little "pots" that have an attached grow light. I could use those in the house and not worry about tripping over a mole hole in the backyard.  I will plant one or two fruit trees in the back yard. What do you plant in Washington, besides apple trees? Will cherry trees do okay at my altitude? I know I can't plant peach trees (everyone I knew in Texas had a peach orchard, and everyone in my Arizona neighborhood had grapefruit trees in their backyards).  When we lived in Tacoma, we had raised beds (one was full of strawberry plants) and beds on the side of the house also - it got a lot of southern sun most of the day (when the sun shone, this is WA).

I do all my clothes shopping at local thrift stores. If you are careful and look hard and often, you can find really great stuff (even designer clothes). I actually got my son to look the other day. He is at that age where he really cares about how he looks. He found 2 pairs of slacks for $4.99 each. My purse strap broke last Sunday (I bought it new at Target and it lasted a little over a year). I found a great heavy duty canvas purse/tote ($2.99) that has straps that go all the way around and under. It is big enough to hold my planner and the middle zip pocket is big enough for my mail, bills, coupons, and receipts.  I also got a heavy duty coin purse (1.99) made of a cute retro print fabric (my plastic one was cracking and spilling change all over my old purse). I also got a dress up purse (3.99) that is dark and smaller. I also got a new jacket and long coat. Both coats and 3 purses were all less than $15. Since I am over 55, I get a senior discount when I shop at Goodwill on Tuesdays.