This is What Frugal Looks Like: Jenna from Jenna’s Cottage

This is What Frugal Looks Like is a series that highlights different ways that people can be frugal in their lives- after all, frugality doesn’t have to be drastic or just about clipping coupons. Frugality can be fun and easy. Each respondent answers the same four questions. Today’s interview is with Jenna from Jenna’s Cottage.

What does frugality mean to you?

For me, frugality means being sensible with my money. It means not participating in the consumer culture. It’s not about being cheap. Its about being smart with my money. It means buying quality vs. quantity.

What is something that you do that is ‘typically’ frugally?

I do what I consider the usual stuff. Shop for my produce at produce stands and farmer’s markets, grow what I can myself, get clothes, furniture and other items through Freecycle first, thrift stores second and brand new only as a last option for things we really NEED. I shop around for prices for things I need to buy brand new. (I’m in the market for a new camera so I’m comparing models, features and prices.) I buy in bulk and don’t have many brand name loyalties. (Spice Island spices being one of the exceptions. They are more expensive but the quality is outstanding so I’m will to pay more.) I buy heirloom and open-pollinated seeds for my garden so I can save them from year to year. I also cook everything from scratch. It’s SO much cheaper and healthier!

What is something frugal that you do that is unusual?

I use baking soda and vinegar for all my hair care needs. I works amazingly well. The baking soda is made into a thin paste and you apply it to wet hair concentrating on the scalp. It attaches to the oils which carry the dirt. When you rinse your hair, it carries away excess oils and the dirt & odors with it leaving your hair clean without stripping. However, our hair is acidic by nature so the pH balance has to be restored. Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (don’t use any other kind!) to 1 cup of water. After you’ve rinsed the baking soda from your hair very well, you dip the ends of your hair in the vinegar water. After a few moments of that, you can pour the vinegar and water over your head. Don’t rinse your hair!!! Let the excess vinegar water drain off then gently wrap your head in a towel to soak up more excess. After a couple of minutes, gently pat your hair then brush it. Be careful how you brush. You don’t want to pull and stretch your hair because that weakens and breaks it. I admit my hair has never been healthier in my life.

What are some of your long term goals that being frugal will help you to accomplish?

I have two huge dreams in life. To be successful with my photography and to own my own home. When I say own my home, I mean own it. I don’t want a mortgage. I want to have a nice LITTLE home and raise fruits, veggies and herbs in my yard. I want to have a few chickens, maybe some rabbits and potentially some dairy goats. Being frugal will help fund the set up and make it easier to live on my little farm without requiring huge amounts of money. The more money I’d worry about earning, the more it would take me away from the home life I love so much.

Read more about Jenna here.