Well .............
We planted our own corn. Saved the cobs and did away with Charmin.
We started doing our own auto repairs to save money - and ended up with 2 broken cars. Now we ride bikes. I hate the comments - "hey lady did yer butt swallow the seat or do ya like to ride on a stick." but I'm the one saving gasoline. I've been riding for 3 months and haven't lost a pound, had to replace the tires 2 times, but recycled the cut up innertubes to tie up the corn.
Instead of lights we have been using candles. Once a week I allow myself 5 minutes of internet time to get on craigslist and freecycle to beg for used wax and then ride my bike all over to get the used candles to melt for new candles. (note to self - you can not use cut up innertubes for wicks)
Instead of using the lawn mower - we got a goat. Not those fancy fainting kind - (no laying down on the job in this house we're saving money) and we use the goats milk for the kids' cereal. We use the goat "pellets" for making fireplace pancakes to heat the house. The smell takes a little getting used to but now when we get teased by the neighbors that we think we're Hot "goat pellets" we can answer truthfully - yes. Yes we are. Try some?
I've cut out all beauty aids, like deoderant, shampoo, makeup, nail polish - phew what a savings. No literally - P.U. The downside is obvious - but the upside is that between not purchasing or using deoderant and the goat pancakes we don't have mosquitos within 100 yards of our home and have saved so much on vet medications for the dogs - we' were able to get another goat.
I've also taken up sewing to offset the cost of my bike maintenance. Learned how to hunt with a bow and arrow since bullets are expensive and irretrevable. REcently I made a coat of of my trappings......problem is I look like a sexy goat in my deer skin coat and well - you guessed it. I can't feed the goats any more.
I refuse to give up my toothbrush, but in an effort to lessen household expenses have gone to brushing my teeth with the baking soda I take out of the fridge. You think mint and cinnamon would be all the rage but week old pot roast and three year old popsicle aren't too bad for a change of taste. We rinse with rain water, we bath with it, wash our clothes in it, water the goats with it. We all have this lovely global glow.
So far those are the only tips I can think that could be helpful.
I'm still clipping coupons though - and hope to get a cart for my bicycle with the money we're making toting aluminum cans home each day.
