- Thread starter
- #11
tortoise
Wild Hare
I used this stuff to make my homemade iced coffee next-level. It's amazing in anything chocolatey too (hot cocoa, chocolate pudding, etc.)
Is a frugal lifestyle miserable?
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- #12
tortoise
Wild Hare
That reminds me of my decadent frugal luxury: homemade vanilla extract! It's a little pricey up front to buy the vanilla beans and a long wait (6-12 months), but after that you get amazing vanilla extract.
I bought this pack of vanilla beans, for $9.45 in 2021. It made 32 ounces. Actually more, because I left the beans in one bottle and top it off with vodka every once in a while.
I had been paying $10/ounce for vanilla extract, so I figure this is worth $310 (32 oz x $10, minus $9.45. The vodka was a gift.)
On the other hand, I use more vanilla extract than I used to because I can afford to and we all love it.
I bought this pack of vanilla beans, for $9.45 in 2021. It made 32 ounces. Actually more, because I left the beans in one bottle and top it off with vodka every once in a while.
I had been paying $10/ounce for vanilla extract, so I figure this is worth $310 (32 oz x $10, minus $9.45. The vodka was a gift.)
On the other hand, I use more vanilla extract than I used to because I can afford to and we all love it.
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- #13
tortoise
Wild Hare
Homemade caramel or praline would probably taste better and cost less per serving. I made this praline sauce for DH - and still have a couple jars left.
Trying2keepitReal
Almost Self-Reliant
I make my own extracts too! I made cinnamon and lemon last year. This year I am doing vanilla (lots because we use a lot) and orange
baymule
Sustainability Master
I made my own pain killer with 3 cups of powdered wild lettuce and a fifth of 80 proof cheap vodka. A friend gave me the wild lettuce and the vodka was $12. They harvested the wild lettuce in the road ditches for their own use and shared with me for my knee replacement surgery. It helped dull the pain. It made 2 quarts. I only used a little, so will give them the rest, as they use it frequently. That, and Arnicare cream and pills, got me through the recovery pain.
Trying2keepitReal
Almost Self-Reliant
I have not been living as frugally as I would like but setting new goals for the next year and the years after will get me to the point where I am content. The one thing that I struggle with the most is sewing, so I spend (will always spend) money on clothes, bedding, linens, etc. BUT I shop at thrift stores or only buy clothes on clearance - min 75% off, takes some searching but it can be done. The hardest to find deals on is winter gear, it is so expensive!
baymule
Sustainability Master
I’ve purged my closet almost to the point of nakedness. I’m going to have to haunt the sale racks-and I hate shopping.
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- #18
tortoise
Wild Hare
I bought ceylon cinnamon sticks to make cinnamon extract! Kids asked for it.
flowerbug
Sustainability Master
good vanilla extracts are divine. 
Phaedra
Lovin' The Homestead
Being frugal with purposes is a lot of fun! I love it.
After moving to Germany, my life is very much changed. I enjoy cooking, but I always had plenty of choices when I lived in Taiwan, where street food can be found almost everywhere.
As a freelancer working from home, I started gardening and cooking almost twice or three times daily. The more I grow and cook, the less I am willing to eat in restaurants. Home food is so much better.
After moving to Germany, my life is very much changed. I enjoy cooking, but I always had plenty of choices when I lived in Taiwan, where street food can be found almost everywhere.
As a freelancer working from home, I started gardening and cooking almost twice or three times daily. The more I grow and cook, the less I am willing to eat in restaurants. Home food is so much better.
