Sorry, I meant to include the links, but ran out of time. The ice chest method comes from The Frugal Girl blog (another favorite) and the crock pot version came from a friend who got it from a Crock Pot-lover's blog. As Google search should work. Basically, you heat the milk, let it cool a bit, add starter and keep it warm (incubate it) for about eight hours. Same process, two ways of getting there. No added sugar or artificial taste either.
Freecycle is another great resource. When I shop at my 99 Only Store, I look for things that are packaged in Mason-type jars that are threaded for canning rings. That way I get the fruit or pasta sauce that's inside and then have a jar to re-use. I stock up on canning rings and lids on clearance at the end of the summer. BTW, Kristin at TFG has a great homemade granola recipe too. About that laundry soap, I started with TSD's liquid version, but eventually switched to a powdered version, which seems to be more effective in a HE washer using cold water. I think it came from Katy over at the Non-Consumer Advocate.
Just a few random thoughts: I love to be frugal but try to do it in ways that help me and don't hurt others. For example, if I do eat out with friends, I never quibble about how to split the bill even though I'm a vegetarian and usually drink water. Part of the expense is enjoying the company of friends, so a few dollars extra doesn't hurt, as I don't do it that often. I also tip generously to make up for not ordering drinks and for good service and out of sheer gratitude that I don't have to work on my feet all day any more. I am generous at gift-giving occasions. Because I plan ahead, it never gets out of hand or strains the budget. I try to spend wisely, not wantonly.
Another frugal friend uses my trash service. I don't charge her for it, and often make dinner for her on trash night. In return, she alerts me to great grocery deals and checks to see if I need anything when she makes a Costco or Winco run. Win-win, as I have no interest in perusing the sale flyers (I think it actually increases spending for single folks as it's so easy to over buy). Since she's similarly frugal, she knows what a really good deal looks like. Generally, when she finds a screaming deal, she's happy to pick up some of whatever it is for me too.
I really liked your question because of the way you asked it. Frankly, I'm growing weary of how-I-got-myself-out-from-under-a-mountain-of-debt stories. Uh, don't create the mountain in the first place?
It's much more interesting to look at frugal living and FI from your "badassity" perspective. Thanks for posting an awesome question.
