Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do, or Do Without!

[frugalmomof1]

I got to thinking that it would be interesting to read about the ways different people

1. Use it Up
2. Wear It Out
3. Make it Do
4. Do Without.

#1 and #2 seem kind of obvious, but let us know if there is something creative you have done!

For example...I posted last week that I buy pumpkins every fall for decoration and pumpkin seeds to eat. This year I got the idea to use the pumpkin to make pumpkin spice bread. I froze the excess for another bread in the future...therefore using up the whole pumpkin.

[LuxLiving]

Family does pumpkin shoots. Everyone goes out with the bow and arrow after the turkey dinner dishes are done and shoots at the pumpkins. Always a good time.

[mom-from-missouri]

I take bath towels that wearing out, cut them into smaller squares for washclothes. Then when they are too bad for washclothes, I use them for swifter pads.
Other clothing becomes rags, or gets cut into 2 inch strips which are then sewn together and rolled into a large ball. When there is enough, it gets turned into a rag rug, or rag placemats/coasters/pot holders.... I save buttons, hooks & eyes and zippers out of worn out clothing. Old sweaters and blankets can be cut to make mittens, hats, potholders and scarves. During the fall I even save my tin cans. Punch holes in them, drop in a candle and light the paths for halloween, and at christmas. I save my candle and crayon bits to remelt for more candles...
Yes, I use up everything I can. That is one way I can continue to be a sahm

[Thrifty Ray]

I recently ran out of Spray n' wash...and my DH is a diesel Mechanic so we deal with lots of grease!! I reused the bottle and added a little: water softner, dawn dishsoap and concentrated All....and those stains came out like never before!! So #3 making do really made it better!!! (and cheaper!)

Also, one of my two pair of jeans ripped last month, but I had challenged myself NOT to buy clothes for the rest of 2006... so I am #4 doing without and just #3 making do with what I have!!!

My current tennis shoes are a perfect example of #2 wear it out. My daughter commented on the little worn spots (holes) just today...but they still serve their purpose as far as I am concerned!!

[getforfree]

One of my work pants got a few small holes in them because they got too old. I will wear them untill holes will get at least a quarter size. My work shoes are old too. I cleaned them really good a few days ago, so even tho people notice that they are old, they will also see that they are clean.

As for pumpkins, I don't buy anything for decorations. I will not buy anything for holidays this year. Maybe just really cheap turkeys for thankgiving, I already stopped buying meat and by that time I will use up all the meat we have. And on christmass I will reuse my fake tree and lights if I decide to splurge on electricity.

[tinapbeana]

my mom and grandmother make pancakes and biscuits from spoiled milk. i have no oven and cannot make biscuits *pout*

[LuxLiving]

Tinap - didn't you say you had a woodburning stove or fireplace? Get yourself a cast iron pan w/lid. Flour + fire = bisquits

[tinapbeana]

Originally Posted by LuxLiving

Tinap - didn't you say you had a woodburning stove or fireplace? Get yourself a cast iron pan w/lid. Flour + fire = bisquits

good point, lux! i currently don't have a cast iron dutch oven, but i've been coveting one for a while. did you know you can buy them pre-seasoned now? they're never in thrift stores/yard sales here, people know better, so i may have to buy one new. since i have no oven, pre-seasoned may be the way to go...

[Fern]

Canned pumpkin is so cheap, i just use that. Used to use real pumpkins for baking, but who wants to stick their hands in those slimy, cold pumpkins? It's always stringy and a mess. Not worth the trouble.

I've been "making do" with a wheelbarrow all summer that my ex-boyfriend broke one handle off. You can actually still hold and push one of those things with just one handle and by holding onto the rim of the wheelbarrow with the other hand. I plan to sell my house within the next few years so i'm trying not to invest in various yard tools i won't be needing for that long.

[LuckyRobin]

I have a pair of shoes that are several years old. I have replaced the insoles 2 times and use black shoe polish to touch up the worn spots at the toes. The sole is starting to wear down smooth so I cut some of that adhesive traction grip stuff you put on outdoor stairs to fit the shoes' soles and put them on the bottom to regain traction. I love these shoes, they are stretched out perfectly. I've had them 3 years and hope to get at least another 3 years out of them. It would cost me less than $20 to replace them with the exact same pair new, but I don't want to. These ones are comfortable now.