Our Frugal Lifestyle

My photo
Passionate about eco-frugality. I used to party hard, clubbing my way from pay-packet to pay-packet. Never getting ahead, just getting by. Then came our much wanted baby with no savings in the bank - only an old car. Changes were made to our lifestyle and we didn't turn back. In the past 6yrs we purchased a flat, found employment, lived below our means, built an emergency fund, purchased a reliable car and saw the financial benefits of our frugal lifestyle. Our only debt is our mortgage. Our aim is to manage our cash flow wisely, pay off our home quickly and eventually work for pleasure, not necessity. Join us on our journey, share insights, tips and tricks to help us and others to get ahead while having a good time.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Bargain Galore

I load my arms with some of the best goodies on offer, head to the self service machine, swipe my card, bag up my items and leave smiling. I get that same "entertainment feeling" that shopping gives without the guilt and gloom as my bargain was FREE. I shopped at the public library and the card was the good old fashioned library card.

Friendly Children's Area - Where Kids Can Play and Read.
People need to use their libraries more. The more people use them the more books will be on offer and the less risk of libraries closing down due to the lack of use. This particular library I frequented today has a eclectic group of patrons. It's Sunday afternoon, there is nothing to do and it's balmy hot. The library offers a friendly, airconditioned facility, furnished with chairs, desks, computers and lounges. And best of all it's full of reading material for all types of people and tastes.

As I've mentioned before I love the fact that I can take a whole pile of books and movies home and return them when I'm done. A great solution to my hoarding behaviour. And because it's FREE, I take a risk in my book choices knowing if I don't like my pick it's not a problem as I can swap it for a better choice.

I use 3 libraries and they come under the 1 city council body. This means I just need one card and I can return my books to any of them at any time through a outdoor slot. I love the ease. Our local libraries have also recently added the offer of WIFI. Today I saw a blue collar worker sitting back chatting to a mate through Skype. And I thought how wonderful the facilities on offer are. They really do allow for people to come together under one roof without the need to spend $$$.

Here's my very interesting loot today. I've already dipped into The Spend Less Handbook. Gittinomics looks super interesting, click here to read a few pages. Daddy's Little Earner is one of those sad life stories of abused children. Soap making still on my mind...

All Non Fiction and 3 DVDs

Here's Dolly's pile to expand her imagination and reading knowledge. How lucky we are to have access to books and to know how to read.

Charlie & Lola, Unicorns, Santa's Birthday, Fairies and Talking Animals

The Rambling Expat still has 8 popular and recent French books to get through that I purchased earlier this year for 50 cents each at the op shop!!! Top score, as I must admit the library can be lacking on recent books in French. But look at this great community announcement on the noticeboard.

FREE Japanese Cultural Day and Activities.

Have you been frequenting your library in search of those eco frugal living books such as money, crafting, cooking and the likes? What's been a great eco frugal inspiring book you've read lately? Mine has been Radical Homemaker. LOVED IT!!! Ask your library for it as you might enjoy it too. By the way, I'm a Feminist and do not view this book as move away from Feminism. I see the world issues of global warming needing new leaders, new ways of doing things and that also means new waves and theories of feminism. So what book has inspired or interested you lately?
Posted by Frugal Down Under
Labels: , , ,

6 comments:

  1. DebbieNovember 6, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    We love our library too! Similar set up in that we can visit any library within the region and take out up to 15 books at a time - each! I've been reading on a variety of topics from war-time rationing and cooking, quilt making, cross-stitch patterns, money saving, and cookbooks galore. I get the same rush as you - that "shopping" feeling, and all for free!

    Best wishes
    Frugal Wife

    ReplyDelete
  2. Practical ParsimonyNovember 6, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    I live 2 blocks from the library and use it often for checking out DVDs. I requested FARM CITY by Novella Carpenter, so they bought it and I got first dibs. Try reading that book. I can use my card at any library in the county, but I live near the main library, so the others would have offerings so small and not be open as much.

    When the library first got wifi, it was strange to see people parked very late at night with a strange glow coming from each car.

    I went to the library to read the local newspaper until it went online. I read magazines sometimes, not as often as I did years ago, sitting in comfort in upholstered chairs.

    It's always a thrill to get a book I have been waiting for ages to read.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownNovember 6, 2011 at 9:49 AM

    I LOVE OUR LIBRARIES...SUCH A GREAT FACILITY. Our little local one even offers you coffee and tea.

    My class love Clarice Bean!

    Sft x

    ReplyDelete
  4. MooBear DesignsNovember 6, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    Arh yes... I think some communities forget they have libraries. We have always used libraries. I remember borrowing craft mags to scan projects I wanted to do rather then spend the $$$ and forget I had the mag. Kids videos and read along books and are great. These days I think parents often think their kids do need 'new' toys regularly but really they just need new stimulation... As do us parents when it comes to learning with them...

    Ps I borrowed a nurses kit with gown, hat, patient (a little doll) and all the equipment to go with it from the toy library today... Do you have a toy library?

    Xo Steph

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownNovember 7, 2011 at 2:17 AM

    I love my local library! I do wish more people made use of it. Hey I like your new blog layout BTW, very clean

    ReplyDelete
  6. Practical ParsimonyNovember 7, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    Coffee and tea? I get in trouble if my water bottle is in my purse and they can see it. I am told I am setting a bad example even if I don't drink from it. So, my cold water bottle in the summer has to be hidden in the purse. So dumb! They told me to leave it in the car. NOPE....to hot out there in the summer.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for commenting - I love getting feedback, sharing experiences and learning from you.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)