I have a confession to make. I am NOT a frugal person in the core of my being. I never have been, I suppose. My Dad tells the story that I would get my allowance and it would burn a hole in my pocket until I spent it, while my sister would save and save. I would rather buy one pair of $60 jeans that I love then have ten pairs that I paid a dollar each for that feel frumpy. I enjoy eating out and the way that I show love best is gift giving.

But here’s the deal, I’m learning to be a frugal person out of necessity. AND I am enjoying the learning process. I love canning, I love hanging clothes out, and I love feeling like I have beat the grocery store at their own game. I learned this summer that I enjoy garage sales, not all of them, but some of them. I have learned that I get a great high after eating in and saving the money we would have spend. BUT—and here comes the next confession- today I bought a gift for my Mom just cause I love her and I still would save my pennies to find that one pair of jeans that I feel great in.