Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling for the holidays

So this year I've decided to save all the bows and ribbon's from the presents that were opened on Christmas morning to use for next year. They are still in perfect condition since they were simply torn off the presents and tossed aside, and i can simply tape them on the gifts next year (I have to tape them half the time anyways since the sticky part of the bow doesn't always stick to the wrapping paper). Bows and ribbon don't cost that much to buy new so its not a huge savings but every penny counts on our mission lol. Also I'm trying to find ways to cut down on purchasing new items and buy second hand or in this case "reuse".

Brown Sugar

      I decided to start making my own brown sugar instead of buying it. We buy generic store brand any ways (which is just molasses and sugar) so why not make my own. Its cheaper if you make it your self anyways and lets face it if going for self sufficiency cheaper is better :)

      LIGHT BROWN SUGAR:

            1 CUP SUGAR
            1 1/2 TABLESPOONS MOLASSES

      DARK BROWN SUGAR:

            1 CUP SUGAR
            1/4 CUP MOLASSES

      Simply combined the sugar and molasses until well blended.  You can add or subtract the amount of molasses depending on taste and how strong of flavor you want for your brown sugar, this is simply the measurements i use.

Trash free

This is the coolest thing, this couple produces almost NO trash at all!!!! Just imagine if everyone went to the effort they did.....our landfill problems would almost dissapear! I give these two mad props!!!! What they are doing is amazing.  And on a frugal note i bet they dont have a garbage bill for trash collection :)

Amazing book!

I just finished reading a book the other day called "possum living, how to live well without a job and with almost no money". This book really hit the spot for me. Its "almost" exactly what were shooting for.....to be free, to not be tied to having to go to work everyday just to pay our bills and feed our family. I agree 100% with her philosophy on if you like working and like your job then great....continue, but if not then why continue to do what you hate? Her and her father acomplished what we hope to....to live out our lives as we want and not be forced to work because we dont want to lose our house or our cars or starve. Possum living is what were striving for...its our goal.......and i cant wait to reach it!!! :)