Simple Inexpensive Facial Care

 Now that I'm older, I find most skin care products too strong for my sensitive skin. I still have slightly oily skin, so twice a day I use witch hazel with a cotton round to clean my skin. After it dries, I use cold pressed jojoba oil, avoiding the eye area. That's it! I've saved quite a bit on skin care, and it's a simple and quick routine.

A bit about witch hazel and jojoba oil:

Witch hazel is a powerhouse natural astringent derived from the bark and leaves of the Hamamelis virginiana shrub. It has been a staple in skincare for generations due to its high concentration of tannins, which offer several functional benefits for the face.

​Key Benefits for Skin

• ​Refines Pores and Controls Oil: The tannins in witch hazel act as a natural astringent, temporarily shrinking skin tissue. This helps "tighten" the appearance of pores and removes excess sebum without the harshness of synthetic chemicals.

• ​Soothes Inflammation: It contains gallic acid and antioxidants that help calm redness and irritation. This makes it particularly effective for soothing razor burn or minor skin sensitivities.

• ​Fights Acne-Causing Bacteria: While not a replacement for medical acne treatments, its antimicrobial properties help reduce the growth of bacteria on the skin's surface, potentially preventing future breakouts.

• ​Reduces Puffiness: Because it constricts blood vessels (vasoconstriction), it is often used under the eyes to help reduce swelling and "tired-looking" skin.

Jojoba oil is unique in the world of skincare because it isn’t technically an oil—it is a liquid wax ester. This distinction is important because its molecular structure is nearly identical to human sebum (the natural oil your skin produces), making it exceptionally biocompatible.

​Why Jojoba Oil is Effective for Face Care

• ​Deep Hydration without Clogging: Because it mimics your skin's natural oils, it can "trick" the skin into thinking it has produced enough oil. This helps balance oil production for oily types while providing deep moisture for dry skin. It is also non-comedogenic, meaning it's unlikely to clog pores.

• ​Antioxidant Protection: It is naturally rich in Vitamin E and B-complex vitamins. These help protect the skin from environmental stressors and oxidative damage, which can lead to premature fine lines.

• ​Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory: Jojoba has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and calm skin conditions like eczema or rosacea.

• ​Antibacterial Properties: It contains iodine, which helps fight harmful bacteria growth that can lead to breakouts, making it a safe choice for acne-prone skin.

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A Week's Worth of Dinners for $25

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$40 for Groceries and 12 Recipes Using Those Ingredients

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More With Less Cookbook

Inexpensive Vegetable Bean Crockpot Stew 6 Quarts

 Easy vegetable stew in:

• One 32 oz box of any stock. I used chicken.
•  One large can of diced tomatoes
•  One or two cups of beans
•  Frozen or chopped onions
•  A TB of diced garlic
• Three bags of frozen vegetables. I used zucchini, peas and carrots, and spinach
•  Any leftover vegetables. I used leeks, spring onions, and bok choi
• Bag of mini potatoes
• Seasonings to taste: pepper, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic salt, onion powder, cilantro, hot sauce, and low sodium soy sauce.

 Cook for three hours on high or until your beans are soft. Serve over rice. Add more seasonings, if needed.

Sometimes I add leftover meat, such as taco meat or ground turkey; however, the beans count as protein.

This lasts all week for three people.

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Spicy Caribbean Pineapple Crockpot Chicken and Spinach Rice Recipe

 This is a freestyle recipe, not an exact detailed recipe. It is recommended that you season to your own taste.

 Spicy Caribbean Pineapple Chicken

Ingredients:

5 Frozen chicken breasts

Goya Sazon

Can of Rotel diced tomatoes and chilis

Large can of diced pineapple, drain some of the liquid off, and save for another meal. Should cover 2/3rds of chicken.

A splash of dark rum

A bit of oregano, cumin, onion powder, turmeric, dried cilantro, truffle parmesan & black pepper seasoning

Spoon or two minced garlic from a jar

One lime

Directions:

Cook on high until chicken is defrosted and cooked through. Turn down to low until tender and then shred it into small chunks. Time? A few hours. I tend to check every hour. 

Taste test. You may need to re-season for taste.

When done, pour out into a serving bowl with a cover, and then use the crockpot for rice. Refrigerate for the next day or evening. If you have a rice cooker or another crockpot, great! 

Tips: To reduce the liquid when everything is cooked through, I put the crockpot on high, vent the top a tiny bit, and put a towel over the top. This is not recommended at the beginning for food safety. The reduction should take about a half-hour to 45 minutes. Do this at your own risk. I am not a crockpot expert.

Crockpot spinach rice:

Ingredients:

2 cups rice and cover with chicken stock. I use about 3 cups and a little to get good coverage.

Sprinkle with frozen spinach.

A splash of oil

A spoonful of diced garlic from a jar

Seasoning salt and any herbs you prefer. 

Directions:

Cook on high until the rice looks puffy, then reduce to low and check for doneness every half hour. Liquid should be gone when done.

A rice cooker gets the rice perfectly cooked, but a crockpot works too. It takes some experimenting over time to learn how to make it the way you like it.

Serve chicken over rice.

Simple Peruvian Crockpot Chicken Stew

 I cooked this chicken in a crockpot with spices, garlic, onion, and soy sauce. It may surprise some, but Peruvian food has some Chinese influences. After that, I shred the chicken and add it to the chicken stock with beans, potatoes, tomatoes, peas, aji, and lime. Simple, but tasty.  

Ingredients:
Three chicken breasts
Two chopped onions
Two chopped garlic cloves 
Sprinkles of soy sauce
Sazon Goya 1/2 packet

Tiny sprinkle of ground cloves
Sprinkles of paprika 
Sprinkles of onion powder

Cook chicken, soy sauce, spices, onion, and garlic on high for a few hours in a crockpot with some oil under tender.

Shred chicken with a fork, add back to crockpot, and add a large container of chicken broth, peas, two cans of red kidney beans, aji amarillo to taste, a large can of diced tomatoes, one lime, and a few diced potatoes. Cook on low overnight. 

Four of us can eat this for two nights of dinner.

Inexpensive Healthy Meal Ideas

1. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice:

   - Ingredients: Mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas), tofu or chicken, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, cooked rice.

   - Instructions: Heat vegetable oil in a pan, add minced garlic and ginger. Stir in the vegetables and cook until tender-crisp. Add tofu or chicken if desired, and cook until cooked through. Season with soy sauce. Serve over cooked rice.

2. Lentil Soup:

   - Ingredients: Red or green lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, spices (such as cumin, coriander, paprika), salt, pepper.

   - Instructions: Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in a pot until softened. Add lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and spices. Simmer until lentils are tender and flavors are well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Chickpea Salad:

   - Ingredients: Canned chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper.

   - Instructions: Rinse and drain chickpeas. Chop cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. In a bowl, combine chickpeas, vegetables, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. Serve chilled.

4. Baked Sweet Potato with Black Bean Salsa:

   - Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, canned black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper.

   - Instructions: Preheat oven and bake sweet potatoes until tender. In a bowl, mix black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, diced red onion, lime juice, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Serve the salsa over the baked sweet potatoes.

5. Veggie Omelette:

   - Ingredients: Eggs, mixed vegetables (such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions), cheese (optional), salt, pepper.

   - Instructions: Whisk eggs with salt and pepper. Sauté mixed vegetables in a pan until tender. Pour beaten eggs over the vegetables and cook until set. Add cheese if desired. Fold the omelette and cook until cheese is melted.

6. Rice and beans: 

This classic combination is not only cheap but also nutritious. You can cook a big batch of rice and beans and customize it with spices, vegetables, or even some leftover meat.

7.  Pasta with tomato sauce: 

Pasta is an affordable staple, and you can make a simple and delicious tomato sauce with canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. Add some grated cheese on top for extra flavor.

8. Potato hash: 

Dice potatoes and cook them with onions, garlic, and any other vegetables you have on hand. You can also add some sausage or bacon if you like. This dish is versatile and filling.

9. Omelets: 

Eggs are a low-cost source of protein, and omelets are a versatile way to use them. You can add vegetables, cheese, or leftover meat to create a satisfying meal. Serve it with a side of toast or salad.

10.  Baked potatoes: 

Potatoes are inexpensive and filling. Baking them in the oven and topping them with ingredients like cheese, sour cream, and chives can make for a satisfying and budget-friendly meal.

11.Veggie quesadillas: 

Quesadillas are quick and easy to make. Fill tortillas with cheese and your choice of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Cook them on a griddle or in a skillet until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crispy.

12. Chickpea curry: 

Canned chickpeas can be transformed into a flavorful curry with the addition of spices, coconut milk, and vegetables. Serve it over rice.

13. Oatmeal: 

Oatmeal is a nutritious and inexpensive breakfast option. It can be made by cooking oats with water or milk and can be topped with fruits, nuts, or sweeteners like honey or brown sugar. Oatmeal provides energy and keeps you full for longer.

14. Bread and soup: 

A humble meal of bread and soup can be made by pairing a slice of bread with a simple vegetable or bean soup. The soup can be made using inexpensive ingredients like canned vegetables or beans.

15. Potato and cabbage stew:

Saute cabbage, onion, and potatoes. Cook in both with seasoning and herbs. Use bouillon cube or canned chicken or beef broth. Water it down to cut salt. Add some tomato paste, if desired.

Frugal Living Tips - 100 ways to Save Money and a Few Money Making Ideas

I last updated my list of ways we save money a few years ago. It's essential to take inventory of cost-cutting measures and re-access them every few years or even yearly if there are frequent changes in our lives. 

So here is a brain dump of everything we do to save money and make a little:

1. Limit household lighting to overhead lighting or small task lights.
2. Use a microwave or crockpot instead of a stove or oven.
3. Handwash dishes in dishpans.
4. Use cheap paper plates. It's probably not super frugal, but it saves time and water.
5. Eat simple whole foods.
6. Limit snacks to whole foods.
7. Grow vegetables and plant fruit trees and berry bushes.
8. Live petless. This was a difficult decision after we lost our kitty to old age.
9. Painted floors and polished concrete for ease of maintenance and long-term savings.
10. Paint the walls a dark color to hide stains and marks.
11. Use simple washable cleaning items that don't require expensive replacements.
12. Turn off shower while lathering and scrubbing the body.
13. Use thin beach towels instead of bath towels. They dry faster and last longer.
14. Wash in cold water and use half the recommended amount of detergent.
15. Drink tap water.
16. Make your own coffee.
17. Bag lunches.
18. Buy food in bulk and freeze portions.
19. Use a floor freezer to store bulk foods.
20. When using power strips, turn them off when not in use, or find ones without the standby light.
21. Periodically check your water bill to avoid missing leaks.
22. Visit the thrift stores, flea markets, and yard/church sales for clothing and other needs. Do this often to build up a wardrobe and stockpile of necessities.
23. Keep up with home maintenance to avoid costly repairs and energy inefficiencies.
24. Ditch the dryer and hang clothes on racks to dry.
25. Learn to repair and DIY.
26. Avoid subscriptions.
27. Use the Facebook Events button to find free events.
28. Use the library for books and media.
29. Use YouTube and free social media for entertainment.
30. Save gas and mileage on vehicles with tipless grocery delivery services.
31. Rent a car when traveling long distances to save mileage on your vehicle.
32. Travel off-season.
33. Make use of savings portals when shopping for cash back.
34. If you're responsible and pay off your balance every month, take advantage of cash-back credit cards.
35. Exercise at home with free YouTube videos.
36. Save money by taking CLEP for freshman-level college classes.
37. Go to a junior college and then transfer to a four-year university if you plan to earn an undergraduate degree.
38. Work remote jobs to save on transportation and vehicle costs.
39. Learn to cut your own hair.
40. Get regular checkups and be your own advocate. Use Google and ask pointed questions of your physician.
41. Find a teaching college for medical needs like dental or massage.
42. Donate plasma for cash.
43. Enroll in paid medical studies.
44. Take vacations to destinations with free attractions and inexpensive transportation and /or walkable.
45. Sell stuff online.
46. Craft and upcycle items and sell them.
47. Take a free personal finance course online.
48. Auto-invest with index funds with low fees.
49. Find high-yield savings accounts online.
50. Consider treasury bills that have high returns atm.
51. Take advantage of free courses offered online at places like Coursera.
52. Teach English online.
53. Drought-proof your lawn and garden with native perennials.
54. Controversial, but I do use Temu for dollar store-type items because they are less expensive and offer free shipping.
55. Podcasts for frugal living, finance, and personal wealth. Clark Howard is a good one.
56. Check your medical billing for illegal out-of-network "Surprise medical bills."
57. Use discount online prescription eyeglasses sites for frames and lenses.
58. Watch for free items offered at fast food stores. Taco Bell just had an offer of free tacos with no purchase necessary.
59. Buy loss leaders at grocery stores.
60. Give up alcohol and soda.
61. Buy a bullet blender for healthy smoothie snacks.
62. We have yet to do this, but...downsize and move somewhere that has a lower cost of living.
63. Look for employment closer to home to save on your commute.
64. Look to lower your taxes by adding to retirement funds and HSA. Take advantage of tax-free college funds.
65. Stick to simple Google Chrome books and Android phones.
66. Consider an extended family home/multi-generational where everyone pitches in and shares living expenses.
67. Avoid going out to eat, and consider just dessert or an appetizer when you do.
68. Cook from scratch.
69. Buy vehicles that will last a long time, like Hondas.
70. Use a budget app like YNAB
71. Buy T-bills for the extra interest.
72. High-yield savings account.
73. Shop around for lower home and auto rates every few years.
74. Eat smaller portions.
75. Use receipt apps for free gift cards.
76. Use half the recommended detergent and cleaning products.
77. Go camping instead of renting a hotel.
78. 50/30/20 rule - needs/wants/savings
79. Buy store brands
80. Simplify and minimize your wardrobe with mix-and-match basics in darker colors(hide stains).
81. Clean your drains regularly so you don't have to call a plumber.
82. Drive more slowly for better gas mileage and less wear on the brakes.
83. Clean your own car
84. Plan your route for errands to save on gas.
85. Walk to the grocery store.
86. Find employment closer to home.
87. Look for free classes online to boost your skills
88. Use an HSA for health expenses.
89. Avoid debt.
90. Dividend stock investing.
91. Use Hoopla and Kanopy for free movies and shows with your library card.
92. Use discounts where you can, such as senior, military, veteran, student, etc.
93. Price check vegetables at ethnic markets. Sometimes, they have better deals than the supermarket. 
94. Ask for old vegetables free at local health stores. Sometimes, they are still good for soup. I use them for compost if they are too old. 
95. Check out Reddit frugal living and recipe ideas. Search Google with Reddit and topic for better results
96. Try Poe app for AI help on a variety of topics.
97. Work somewhere that allows free meals.
98. Look for re-training for in-demand jobs via your city or state/federally funded programs. Some are free or greatly reduced. They also help with job placement. Young people can try Job Corp age 16-24.
99. Volunteer with a food pantry in exchange for food.
100. Buy even tickets directly from the event to avoid commission fees.

Free Tacos

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