When growing up I spent quite a bit of time in the GDR (former East Germany). One of the foods that I ate there as a starter many a times was a soup called Soljanka, which created as a way of using up left overs - what a frugal thing to have :)
The recipe here is actually an original from the GDR. I cannot remember where I have it from but I found it in one of my recipe folders and decided to actually make it this week...
This is enough for a family of two adults and two smallish kids as a main meal
500 g meat - anything really goes, fillet, cheap cuts, even sausages or deli meat.
1 large onion
1 tbs oil
1 small jar of pickled cucumbers, 400 g - the ones in vinegar not salt!!!!
1 can of crushed tomatoes, 425 ml
a little chopped garlic (optional)
3/4 liters broth
1 dash of dry white wine
3 tablespoons sour cream or creme fraiche (parve)
Cut the meat into small cubes. Peel the onion and chop.
Heat the oil in a pot and fry the meat and the onion.
In the meantime, cut the pickles into small pieces.
Add the pickles, tomato, tomatoe sauce, garlic (if using), broth and white wine. Bring everything to a boil and cook over medium heat for about 40 min, stiring occasionally.
Serve the soup garnish each with a dolop of sour cream or creme fraiche.
Serve it with slices of bread.
Tip: I remember it being a mix of meat and deli meat. I actually make it with about 300gr of a cheap cut and 200gr of deli meat that I buy as one piece and not sliced.
Showing posts with label frugal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label frugal. Show all posts
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Sunday, October 14, 2012
What to do with a whole chicken and how to maximise what you get out of it.
Chickens are a staple in my family. However, buying chicken parts can be VERY expensive over here, so I usually try to buy chicken parts (chicken breast, wings etc) only when there is a good deal out there.
I usually buy whole chickens. Two whole chickens make at least 5 to 6 meals in my family.
Trying to take a chicken appart is... well... sort of an adventure at first. A few years ago I tried it and it took me something between 30 to 45 minutes for a chicken. Definately not worth the hassle and I just bought pre-cut chicken pieces.
However, since I love watching the butcher at work I realized that some use just a knife and it takes them less then a minute to take a chicken appart. Now, that is what I call effective.
I got talking to one of them and he told me that he uses a special knife.... I bought myself a very sharp knife (not the one he told me to get cause I didn't get to that shop yet), but what a difference. I think that I need something like 10 minutes now per chicken to take it appart and get it all packed away....
The good thing is, that some of the things are already automized:
The thighs are usually packed all in one bag - sometimes I already put in the marinade - and makes up 1 full meal for the four of us and left overs for a meal for me to take to work (and sometimes I have enough to serve the kids the next day too).
The wings I either throw in with the thighs or collect in a seperate bag (in the freezer) so that I have enough for a meal.
The breast I usually play around with - sometimes I mince the meat, or I make chicken nugets, I cut it up into cubes or stripes for all kind of recipes. But from two chickens I get easily 2 to 4 meals out - depending on what I cook.
And then, last but not least, I always, always dump the bones (sometimes the skin... depending how clean (from feathers) it is) into a pot. I add water and boil it for quite some time, adding water as neccessary. When the "stock" is cooked, I strain it. If I really can be bothered I pull off any meat I can to be used in the soup. You will be surprised about the amount of meat you get out of it.
This stock is the basis for many a soup.... if I really cannot be bothered to make a soup right there and then (or the next day), I just freeze it. The soup usually lasts for 2 meals.
Soooo, today, I took care of the chickens I bought. And while I am writing this, the stock is boiling, the chicken thighs, wings, and half a chicken breast is in the freezer for future uses. The other half of the chicken breast is to be used for a curried lentil and chicken soup. One chicken breast was used to make chicken with cashew nuts
I usually buy whole chickens. Two whole chickens make at least 5 to 6 meals in my family.
Trying to take a chicken appart is... well... sort of an adventure at first. A few years ago I tried it and it took me something between 30 to 45 minutes for a chicken. Definately not worth the hassle and I just bought pre-cut chicken pieces.
However, since I love watching the butcher at work I realized that some use just a knife and it takes them less then a minute to take a chicken appart. Now, that is what I call effective.
I got talking to one of them and he told me that he uses a special knife.... I bought myself a very sharp knife (not the one he told me to get cause I didn't get to that shop yet), but what a difference. I think that I need something like 10 minutes now per chicken to take it appart and get it all packed away....
The good thing is, that some of the things are already automized:
The thighs are usually packed all in one bag - sometimes I already put in the marinade - and makes up 1 full meal for the four of us and left overs for a meal for me to take to work (and sometimes I have enough to serve the kids the next day too).
The wings I either throw in with the thighs or collect in a seperate bag (in the freezer) so that I have enough for a meal.
The breast I usually play around with - sometimes I mince the meat, or I make chicken nugets, I cut it up into cubes or stripes for all kind of recipes. But from two chickens I get easily 2 to 4 meals out - depending on what I cook.
And then, last but not least, I always, always dump the bones (sometimes the skin... depending how clean (from feathers) it is) into a pot. I add water and boil it for quite some time, adding water as neccessary. When the "stock" is cooked, I strain it. If I really can be bothered I pull off any meat I can to be used in the soup. You will be surprised about the amount of meat you get out of it.
This stock is the basis for many a soup.... if I really cannot be bothered to make a soup right there and then (or the next day), I just freeze it. The soup usually lasts for 2 meals.
Soooo, today, I took care of the chickens I bought. And while I am writing this, the stock is boiling, the chicken thighs, wings, and half a chicken breast is in the freezer for future uses. The other half of the chicken breast is to be used for a curried lentil and chicken soup. One chicken breast was used to make chicken with cashew nuts
Monday, October 8, 2012
Dealing with leftovers
Leftovers ... Just the mere sound makes most people cringe. Re-heated food isn't the most favourable thing to eat for most people. A really simple trick to make reheated food taste good is: Adjust the seasoning. Most food goes bland when reheated, so by seasoning it you revive it.
To be honest, I am one of those people who doesn't like eating the same food over and over again (with the rare exception here and there). And yes, a minimum of 5 out of 7 times a week I cook and most of the time it is not what we had the day before. I guess it is no wonder my kids eat a lot of varied foods, they just don't know it any other way.
First, let's think what usually gets cooked too much of?
In my family it is rice, potatoes, vegetables (side dish), beans and lentils. Very often we also have a little bit of meat or chicken that for some reason did not find their way into our stomachs.
So, what can you do when you have cooked too much?
Potatoes
Whether they're baked, cooked or mashed, potatoes can be easely turned into a new meal with ease. In fact, they're just as versatile the second time around as they are the first: Baked potatoes can find new life in a soup, potatoes can be mashed (or mashed potatoes)and form the savory crust in a traditional shepherd's pie or you can turn them into potatoe croquettes. You can also fry left over potatoes, either with onions and garlic, and/or with spices to turn it into a new side dish. And let's not forget that you can always turn it with the addition of a few eggs into a Spanish omlet. I have been known to use left over potatoes and veggies for burgers.
Rice
Rice makes a great left over. When it comes to rice, the sky is the limit with salads, fried rice, croquettes and even desserts like rice pudding. Of course, you can add rice to soup or make a main dish (either with it or use rice as a side dish). Really easy is it if you just freeze it and use it another time.
Pasta
Now, left over pasta is actually the hardest for me when it comes to side dish leftovers. Freezing doesn't work well (not to my experience anyway). Of course, you can always whisk together some kind of sauce, but how many days in a row can you eat a pasta-and-sauce dish? Why don't you try making pies, casseroles, fittatas or pasta salads? Of course, you can always throw them into a soup (I think you are getting the hang of it... yes, soup is a great way to deal with leftovers). All of those ideas are not just easy on your budget since you are using things up that you would throw out, but they are quick to make too.
Chicken and Meat
Don't just heat your main dish up over and over again. For me that is just such a big no-no. Take your left overs and turn them into (yep) soups and stews, salads, use them as sandwich fillings. Or how about shredding them up to use in tacos, buritos and Co? You can always mix them up with pasta or rice for some stir fry or pasta dish.
Beans
If you've got a cup or two of beans left over, you can always freeze them. You can always use them for casseroles, spreads, burgers, soups, Indian or other ethnic food. No matter what, beans can always be used up.
Veggies
Leftover vegetables work wonders in the kitchen. You can turn them into soups, and pies. Or maybe some burgers, put them into casserols or pasta sauce.
Bread
With all good intentions of making bread, I buy my bread. I pay a bit more per loaf, but buy bread that does not have any stabalizers or preservatives. That means that my bread goes stale VERY quickly. However, we hardly ever throw stale bread out. First of all, we simply toast it.
On Friday night we always do the traditional Shabath meal, which involve 2 loafs of Hallot (traditional braided bread). On Saturday morning I make French toast. Any left over is frozen and is reheated as needed/wanted in our toaster - it actually comes out fresh.
Other ideas that use up stale bread are croutons, bread puddings or making bread crumbs. If you have baguette or ciabatta left over you can make stuffed breads, or bruscetta, or a "student style pizza".
Left over pitta bread can be turned into something totally yummi by drizzeling some olive oil over it, add some garlic and herbs (in Israel we use Satar) and grill it for a few moments. Devine....
Fruits
Ok, this, as bread, is not something that you actually make, but sometimes you just have fruits kicking around that you just have no idea what to do with. The easiest is to just turn it into a smoothy. Add some water, milk or yoghurt and you have a good breakfast.
Another one is to just turn it into a muffins or cakes (here a simple fruit cake recipe )
Using left overs does not have to be borring. It is a very economical way of using up what you have anyway. And with a little bit of imagination and practice, you can turn your "blah" into "mmmm"
To be honest, I am one of those people who doesn't like eating the same food over and over again (with the rare exception here and there). And yes, a minimum of 5 out of 7 times a week I cook and most of the time it is not what we had the day before. I guess it is no wonder my kids eat a lot of varied foods, they just don't know it any other way.
First, let's think what usually gets cooked too much of?
In my family it is rice, potatoes, vegetables (side dish), beans and lentils. Very often we also have a little bit of meat or chicken that for some reason did not find their way into our stomachs.
So, what can you do when you have cooked too much?
Potatoes
Whether they're baked, cooked or mashed, potatoes can be easely turned into a new meal with ease. In fact, they're just as versatile the second time around as they are the first: Baked potatoes can find new life in a soup, potatoes can be mashed (or mashed potatoes)and form the savory crust in a traditional shepherd's pie or you can turn them into potatoe croquettes. You can also fry left over potatoes, either with onions and garlic, and/or with spices to turn it into a new side dish. And let's not forget that you can always turn it with the addition of a few eggs into a Spanish omlet. I have been known to use left over potatoes and veggies for burgers.
Rice
Rice makes a great left over. When it comes to rice, the sky is the limit with salads, fried rice, croquettes and even desserts like rice pudding. Of course, you can add rice to soup or make a main dish (either with it or use rice as a side dish). Really easy is it if you just freeze it and use it another time.
Pasta
Now, left over pasta is actually the hardest for me when it comes to side dish leftovers. Freezing doesn't work well (not to my experience anyway). Of course, you can always whisk together some kind of sauce, but how many days in a row can you eat a pasta-and-sauce dish? Why don't you try making pies, casseroles, fittatas or pasta salads? Of course, you can always throw them into a soup (I think you are getting the hang of it... yes, soup is a great way to deal with leftovers). All of those ideas are not just easy on your budget since you are using things up that you would throw out, but they are quick to make too.
Chicken and Meat
Don't just heat your main dish up over and over again. For me that is just such a big no-no. Take your left overs and turn them into (yep) soups and stews, salads, use them as sandwich fillings. Or how about shredding them up to use in tacos, buritos and Co? You can always mix them up with pasta or rice for some stir fry or pasta dish.
Beans
If you've got a cup or two of beans left over, you can always freeze them. You can always use them for casseroles, spreads, burgers, soups, Indian or other ethnic food. No matter what, beans can always be used up.
Veggies
Leftover vegetables work wonders in the kitchen. You can turn them into soups, and pies. Or maybe some burgers, put them into casserols or pasta sauce.
Bread
With all good intentions of making bread, I buy my bread. I pay a bit more per loaf, but buy bread that does not have any stabalizers or preservatives. That means that my bread goes stale VERY quickly. However, we hardly ever throw stale bread out. First of all, we simply toast it.
On Friday night we always do the traditional Shabath meal, which involve 2 loafs of Hallot (traditional braided bread). On Saturday morning I make French toast. Any left over is frozen and is reheated as needed/wanted in our toaster - it actually comes out fresh.
Other ideas that use up stale bread are croutons, bread puddings or making bread crumbs. If you have baguette or ciabatta left over you can make stuffed breads, or bruscetta, or a "student style pizza".
Left over pitta bread can be turned into something totally yummi by drizzeling some olive oil over it, add some garlic and herbs (in Israel we use Satar) and grill it for a few moments. Devine....
Fruits
Ok, this, as bread, is not something that you actually make, but sometimes you just have fruits kicking around that you just have no idea what to do with. The easiest is to just turn it into a smoothy. Add some water, milk or yoghurt and you have a good breakfast.
Another one is to just turn it into a muffins or cakes (here a simple fruit cake recipe )
Using left overs does not have to be borring. It is a very economical way of using up what you have anyway. And with a little bit of imagination and practice, you can turn your "blah" into "mmmm"
Monday, April 11, 2011
Things you can seriously do without
Yesterday I was driving with my husband to a meeting. It was rush hour and I took a shortcut that he didn’t know. I actually commented to my husband that it is a good thing that we don’t have a GPS as this way I always learn about detours.
Following this line of thought I actually came up with a whole bunch of things that we could do without.
1. GPS Devices. Of course, this is how the whole thing started. I don’t believe in GPS devices and for the life of me don’t understand why we cannot use a road atlas. I actually know Israel really well because when I moved here a few years ago I was constantly getting lost LOL. A road atlas costs about $20 in this country and is good for at least 3 years, depending on how much road work is going on.
But not just that, by getting lost, or having to take a slightly different way, I made some great discoveries – shops, restaurants, parks etc.
2. Microwaves. Now, if there is one kitchen item I really can do without, and do without, is the microwave. First of all, I read that it is not exactly the healthiest way to heat up the food. But regardless, I actually timed how long it takes me to heat up something on the stove top and in the microwave – and the difference was maybe one minute!!!
Next to the fact that you have to BUY a microwave (most people actually do have a stove/oven), you also have to get the right utensils to use the microwave. AND it takes extra space up in the kitchen.
True story, when I moved in with my husband he had a microwave. We lived together in his apartment for a year. We used his microwave exactly 3 times during that one year – to make popcorn!!! Yes, you guessed right. We passed the microwave on to someone who thought that this is one kitchen item that he really cannot do without.
3. Electronic Book Readers. Why not just read a real book?!? First of all, you need to buy the device and then buy e-books. I can see that it will get rid of the space problem at home, but honestly, just go to the library, the books there are for free. Where I live, even signing up is for free!!! In Germany you have to pay an annual payment of EUR 5, which is also not a lot.
I take my kids once a month to the library. Ok, they are 2.5 and 1.5 years old, so I usually choose the books that we take home, but they really look forward to going. We sit in the library, I read books to them, they love pulling them out and making a mess… which I don’t have to tidy up afterwards LOL.
But honestly, going to the library is one of those cost efficient leisure time activities that you can enjoy with your kids. This way you may also implant the love of reading in your children’s life. Oh, and as a side effect, they may not even want to spend that much time in front of the computer (my space/Facebook or whatever other popular trend is taking them in their grip).
4. Tanning Salons. Now, if there is money waster, this is really high up there on the list. It totally is beyond me why anyone would pay for something that you get 100% for free just about every day of the year??? And I won’t even go into the health issue!!!
5. Internet on Cell Phones. Yes, although it is available, why do it? First of all, it is expensive. And where would you use it? At home? Don’t you have a more comfortable alternative you’re your computer? While traveling? Ok, I am not even suggesting that you do it while driving in the car, but what about when you are on the train or bus? One option is to just read a book, relax, do a crossword…
6. SMS Another one of those senseless money wasters. Granted, SMS is quite a useful feature if you really have to contact someone urgently but cannot get hold of him in any other way (too late, no answer). I don’t understand why I have to spent loads of money on conversations that go something along the way of “See you later” “ Sure, where” “You choose” “No, you choose” “No you choose”… you get the picture. Totally mindless. And what fascinates me is that once it was the teens that where SMSing senselessly, now, it is just about anyone.
I don’t have a plan for the SMS service. I just pay whatever I use. Yes, sometimes I send about 4 per month, most of the time I send out 1 or 2.
7. Wii, Xbox, PlayStation and the like. I remember that when I was a kid I really wanted one of those Gameboys. My parents were very adamant about not getting me one. I hated them for about 2 month, played on my friends’ one during the spring trimester (I was in boarding school), and when we came back from summer holiday I had but forgotten that I really wanted one. A few years later (erm, over 15) I remembered the whole episode as one as my brother-in-laws (who was 17 at the time) got a PlayStation that he REALLY WANTED AND COULDN’T DO WITHOUT. And he has hardly ever played with it…. (this was a few years ago). Still collecting dust at my in-laws.
Ok, I have to admit that I really like Wii Fit and actually used my sister’s a few times. I even considered getting one. BUT it is quite costly, sport is not really that high up on my agenda at the moment (way, way, way too tired at night), and I am sure that with my two kids the “Stepper” of the Wii wouldn’t last too long…
What can you do instead? For any function that is mimicking something (playing guitar, dancing, sport) go do the real thing!!! (Except the shooting stuff, of course). And for all the other things, just find a hobby, read, meet up with friends (not on the Net).
8. Health Clubs. Why pay a lot of cash to go to a gym? You want to walk/run? Do it outside! The weather doesn’t allow it, go to your nearest mall (not something done in this country, as the malls are quite small, but then we have good weather most of the year). If you live near a beach you get free swimming resources. Maybe you have some free exercise equipment available for you. If not, grab some bottled water, cans or use your own body weight.
9. Bottled Water. Now, here is a total money waster. Although water is not for free 100%, the stuff that you get out of the tab is really cheap. You can get yourself a reusable bottle (like a sports bottle) and hey presto.
Granted, there may be places, where the water you get out of the tab is undrinkable, so bottled water may actually be not negotiable.
10. Disposable Bags. In my household we use containers (plastic, jars, dishes) and when we finish we just wash them and reuse them. We have some disposable bags, but hardly ever use them. Not only is it more cost efficient, it is also better for the environment.
11. Plasma Televisions. My sister has one, my parents have one, my in-laws have one. We don’t. We have one of those old fashioned TV’s. Since we don’t watch that much TV anyway it doesn’t really make such a difference. And I cannot complain about the TV quality.
12. More than one TV. Why have more than one TV? Totally beyond me. Why have a TV in every room? There are places that have a TV in the Bathroom/Toilet!!! Get real. Make watching TV a family event. If you have one TV only everyone learns to negotiate. Kids, never mind what age, don’t need their own TV. You want to have control over what and how much they watch. And the last place you want a TV is your bed room. Talk about intimacy killer.
13. Cigarettes. I am not just talking all the health risks associated with it, and that it smells like hell (and your cloth, your skin, your hair, your house). But every time you lighten a cigarette you actually burn money. Not a very clever thing to do.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Extremly easy tomato sauce
Very often recipes call for tomato sauce. Now, if there is a money waster it must be ready made tomato sauce (or pasta sauce). I NEVER purchase tomato sauce. It is just not justified.
Usually, I buy small tubs of tomato paste and reconstruct it to tomato sauce by doing the following:
Mix together: 1 part tomato paste : 2 parts water.
Add salt and pepper if you really have to, but usually I don't as I season the whole dish in one go.
Want to make pasta sauce? Just add fresh or dried Basel or Oregano.
Want to make Mexican style tomato sauce? No problem, just add some cumin, coriander, chili and/or cayenne pepper and salt. Or just a Mexican/taco spice mix.
This week, I asked my husband to buy a large tub (in this country they come in small or large plastic containers, or in a large tin). He told me that they were out of the small ones and the large tub cost about 3 times the amount as the one in the tin - and the tin holds more!!!!
What I did was I just used what I needed for one meal and transferred the rest to a plastic container which I put into the fridge. I did this, instead of freezing the rest in two small Tupperware type containers, as the weekly menu plan anyway called for tomato paste this week.
What are the things you wouldn't dream of buying? Please drop a note, I always like to learn from others.
Usually, I buy small tubs of tomato paste and reconstruct it to tomato sauce by doing the following:
Mix together: 1 part tomato paste : 2 parts water.
Add salt and pepper if you really have to, but usually I don't as I season the whole dish in one go.
Want to make pasta sauce? Just add fresh or dried Basel or Oregano.
Want to make Mexican style tomato sauce? No problem, just add some cumin, coriander, chili and/or cayenne pepper and salt. Or just a Mexican/taco spice mix.
This week, I asked my husband to buy a large tub (in this country they come in small or large plastic containers, or in a large tin). He told me that they were out of the small ones and the large tub cost about 3 times the amount as the one in the tin - and the tin holds more!!!!
What I did was I just used what I needed for one meal and transferred the rest to a plastic container which I put into the fridge. I did this, instead of freezing the rest in two small Tupperware type containers, as the weekly menu plan anyway called for tomato paste this week.
What are the things you wouldn't dream of buying? Please drop a note, I always like to learn from others.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Gift Ideas that will not make you go bankrupt
Pessach/Easter is near. And if it is anything like where I live you HAVE to get presents. This year we decided to get our kids one present that they have to share. The only other person to receive a present from us is our nephew. Anyone else will just have to do without.
Honestly, I think it is a disgrace that we live in such a consumption-focused society that we HAVE to buy something. And you have so many occasions – next to birthdays, which I think are the only occasions that may call for more expensive presents, you have any religious holiday, Valentine's Day, Mother's/Father's Day, anniversary… I am sure that you will find a lot of occasions where you just HAVE to give a present to someone.
I personally love to buy gifts for my children. But I usually buy it on deals. And I carefully choose the presents. Very often it is something as simple as a coloring in book or stickers that I get at a local "everything for 1 Shekel" (which is the equivalent of about 30 cents). They love it and no-one can honestly say that my kids are poor or have nothing to play with.
You've probably heard it before: you don't have to spend a lot of money to find that perfect gift for someone. Just be sure to put some time and thought into it and your gift will be well received.
When I was a child my mom used to tell me that she rather receives a single rose that was carefully chosen then a large bouquet that was bought in haste and without thought. And this is the key, everyone appreciates our time and love more than anything.
So, before you go out and spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on presents (per occasion or per year), STOP! Read through the list of inexpensive gift ideas, maybe there is something that you think could work for you or you come up with something else. I would love to hear any new ideas, so, please, do post them.
- There are hundreds of great gifts that can be purchased or made by hand for under $10, you just have to be a little bit imaginative
- Home baked bread, include recipe
- Homemade cocoa mix in a pretty jar
- Home baked cookies
- Homemade cookie mix with instructions for baking
- Baking pans and supplies
- Muffin mixes with muffin pan
- Pepper mill and fresh peppercorns
- Pretty glass jar filled with candy
- Gourmet coffees with a personal coffee cup
- Teacup with box of herbal tea
- Special coffee cup filled with candy
- Set of Turkish coffee cups with Turkish coffee
- Set of dish towels and dish cloths
- Serving bowl or platter
- Decorative napkins and napkin rings
- Basket filled with kitchen gadgets
- Specialty cookbook
- Handwritten copies of your favorite recipes
- Craft supplies
- Child's artwork, framed
- Collage of special photos
- Gel pens and pretty stationary
- Pretty box for keepsakes
- Makeup tote
- Makeup brush set
- Nail polish kit
- Special soaps and bath puff
- Puzzles
- Board games
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Frugal Living and Clutter
What's the connection, you may ask. Why should I bother telling you my two cents worth why clutter is everything but frugal? Because there is a direct link - you'd be surprised.
Anyone who knows me personally knows that I am not exactly the most organized person on this planet. And, yes, my husband and I have suffered a few times from "CHAOS" - Can't have anyone over syndrome (definition by Flylady - www.flylady.com). This doesn't mean I try to keep the clutter to a minimum.
In today's world at least 90% of us have too much stuff (I am talking about the countries that are defined as developed/western/industrialized/rich - could someone please enlighten me what the current politically correct phrase is). And still we always seek more. OK, and now to the whys (yes, there are more than one reason):
Anyone who knows me personally knows that I am not exactly the most organized person on this planet. And, yes, my husband and I have suffered a few times from "CHAOS" - Can't have anyone over syndrome (definition by Flylady - www.flylady.com). This doesn't mean I try to keep the clutter to a minimum.
In today's world at least 90% of us have too much stuff (I am talking about the countries that are defined as developed/western/industrialized/rich - could someone please enlighten me what the current politically correct phrase is). And still we always seek more. OK, and now to the whys (yes, there are more than one reason):
- In order to "organize" your clutter, and trust me, there is no way you can organize clutter, you need storage space - boxes, shelves, cupboards etc. They all cost money. If you don't have clutter, you don't have to waste money on storage equipment.
- Of course you also need the place for it. Just imagine you could rent a smaller space (or buy something smaller). I am not necessarily talking about the amount of rooms you need, that may actually be fixed, but the square meters. Of course, you may not want to go for a smaller space (unless you really have to save money), but it is much nicer to live with space, then to have all walls filled with shelves, cupboards and the like.
- Since clutter cannot be organized you may not know what you have or don't have. So you just go out and spend money unnecessary on stuff you actually have.
Here is a true life example. When I moved in with my (now) husband, I found that he had purchased at some point or the other several liters of floor cleaner (different brands). I don't know if they had been on sale or if he had forgotten that he owned them, but there you had it. Now, when we moved places (twice) we actually took them with us - and I am allergic to two of them!! At some point I just through them out - we were not going to use them up anyway, and my husband, bless his cotton socks, had just bought a new type, as he thought we had run out!!!
So, how do I try to keep our clutter down? First of all, I go through my cloth twice a year and sort out what I still like and wear and what can be donated (I don't through clothing away - just because I don't like it anymore doesn't mean that someone else can't enjoy it). I then make a list of those things that I need. I hardly ever impulse shop on clothing - well, not for me anyway.
Another thing I do is that I stopped purchasing books - well, I reduced it to nearly 0. What's the library for anyway? Like this I also don't waste money on books that, in the end, I find out that I don't like it. I just return it and get something else.
I am not telling you to declutter your home in one go - you'd go crazy, will be disillusioned and just give up - hating yourself and me in the process. Not even to do it a bit every day. But if you go to one area once a week, work on it for, lets say, an hour (or even half an hour if that is all the time you have), you will be clutter free in a few month.
And the stuff you may not want anymore could either be given away to charity shops (blessing someone else with it) or turn it into cash by selling it online, in a yard sale etc.
So, how do I try to keep our clutter down? First of all, I go through my cloth twice a year and sort out what I still like and wear and what can be donated (I don't through clothing away - just because I don't like it anymore doesn't mean that someone else can't enjoy it). I then make a list of those things that I need. I hardly ever impulse shop on clothing - well, not for me anyway.
Another thing I do is that I stopped purchasing books - well, I reduced it to nearly 0. What's the library for anyway? Like this I also don't waste money on books that, in the end, I find out that I don't like it. I just return it and get something else.
I am not telling you to declutter your home in one go - you'd go crazy, will be disillusioned and just give up - hating yourself and me in the process. Not even to do it a bit every day. But if you go to one area once a week, work on it for, lets say, an hour (or even half an hour if that is all the time you have), you will be clutter free in a few month.
And the stuff you may not want anymore could either be given away to charity shops (blessing someone else with it) or turn it into cash by selling it online, in a yard sale etc.
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