I’ve not always been a frugal person. Even my beginning years as a single mother. While I may have been very careful how I spent my money–that didn’t make me frugal. My frugal journey really only began about 2 years ago when we started Dave Ramsey’s FPU. The last year or so, I’ve really amped up my frugal-ness and I truly desire to be Frugally Domestic. With that being said…I’ve had my fair share of Frugal Flops!
For instance:
- Homemade Dishwasher Detergent. While it will definitely work in a pinch, it isn’t something that I will continually keep on hand. I will stick to my Electrosol. Especially since they like to roll out those awesome $2.50 coupons now and again.
- Oat Bread. I guess it wasn’t technically a flop since I converted it into some awesome bread crumbs. But as far as being bread–uh no!
- Black Bean Brownies. Which was totally my fault to begin with. I went all crazy health nut, and tried to improve on “perfection” and it went over like a led balloon with my husband! I’m going to give it about a month and try it for real this time. I promise.
- Buying a tiller from an auction. My husband and I love going to auctions, and are able to (generally) score some great deals. My piece of advice–check out the goods before you bid cause it could be nothing more than a yard ornament. ‘Nuff said.
- My first attempt at hummus. A few months back I decided that I would try my hand at hummus, although I was unable to get my hands on tahini. I had never previously heard of it before, so I was confident in thinking that it didn’t matter (although deep down I knew otherwise!) and that I could still get a good product. Yeah, don’t do that. Use tahini. Today I used this recipe, along with these homemade pitas. Awesome!
- And…while it may be too soon to tell (and I truly hope it is)….Herbs. I really had/have high hopes of growing a ton of herbs this year. Not only for me to use in the kitchen, but for aesthetics and medicinal purposes. I’ve successfully killed cilantro, attempted to germinate rosemary, killed a rosemary plant that I bought…and forgot to germinate countless other seed packets. Are you sure you want my gardening advice?!
- At the end of last year when I was still actively couponing, I would sometimes buy multiple copies of All You Magazine or our local paper. Only to never use those coupons.
Bad, bad couponer!
I’m sure that along the way I’ve missed some. Being frugal is definitely a journey that isn’t always full of successes. But, don’t let it get you down! There are far more successes than failures, atleast in my experience.
Have you had any Frugal Flops while on your journey to being Frugally Domestic?
**I know that Mr. Linky has been pretty wonky this week. If he happens to disappear, leave your link in the comments and I can add them all in when I return on Tuesday.**
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I used to make the exact same mistake with coupons! Too funny.
And I’m so glad you found a recipe for hummus that you like. I don’t think I could live without hummus.
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You made me laugh!
One of my biggest frugal flops was when I got the idea to go and pick loads of strawberries to make all these wonderful things with. Not factoring in that the next few days we would be gone or too busy, and most of them molded and rotted. Ugh. Bad (expensive) mistake!
And then to top that, I decided to go all cash after reading FPU so took all my $$ out of the bank, thinking I calculated everything out. I forgot the bank fee of $4, incurring a bounce fee, and it went downhill from there. Thankfully, they reversed the charges and it was all good!
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I feel your coupon pain! I’m in the same boat and organizing them today is top priority.
Black Bean brownies?! Ok,I can’t wait to hear about your next attempt. I’ve never heard of such a thing, but could be a great way to sneak in extra protein.
Great theme idea!
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I did the same thing with hummus. Yes, apparently tahini is an essential ingredient. Otherwise it is just garbanzo bean paste. Eew. I also just burnt my homemade granola because I tried to use quick oats. (note, use old fashioned and stir frequently!) Hee hee! Thanks for the funny post, it makes me feel better!
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I actually don’t like tahini in my hummus. Guess I’m the oddball here
But I do use sundried tomato pesto in my hummus and it is so flavorful you don’t feel like you are missing anything.
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Mom and I did the homemade Hummus thing years ago and it took us forever to find tahini around here. I believe we found it at a weird store off the square, but I’m not sure it even exists anymore…
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We have been on the Total Money Makeover as well. We are now facilitators at our church for FPU. Don’t give up on the couponing. I am having everyone at FPU asking me to teach a couponing class!
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Thanks for making me laugh with your “Frugal Flops” – we have started couponing after taking FPU at our church. It has been an adventure and thankfully my husband loves treasure hunts!
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