The Sweet Smell of Frugality

I usually bought antiperspirant on sale (no more than 2 buck a stick).  However, after speaking to a friend who was concerned about the amount of packaging and waste of standard, store bought deodorant - I thought I would find a more eco-friendly alternative which was also more frugal.

I searched on-line and learned about coconut oil and baking soda.

I had some coconut oil, which I used in cooking.  I took a few tablespoons of this and added enough Baking Soda to make a thick paste.  I keep this Coconut oil/Baking Soda paste in a little plastic container in my washroom.

I tried it on a "home day" at first.  I was impressed.  I didn't stink (always a good thing when using deodorant).  I was also dry as a dust in a salt mine.  In fact - I was uncomfortably dry.  I needed to use a little coconut oil first under my arms, THEN add the coconut oil/baking soda paste. 

I tried it on a work day (I have a job that is a mix between desk and activity and I can work up a sweat).  Still dry.  Still no stink.

I actually need to wash my clothes LESS as they continue to smell neutral (sometimes a faint coconut smell) after wearing them.  This is even more environmentally friendly and saves myself even more money on laundry (including the laundry soap, electricity, wear and tear of the machine, wear and tear on my clothes and time).


Multi-win solution - the Frugal Cougar is pleased :)

Welcome to the Frugal Cougar.

I am your Cougar Hostess, Linda.

I started my frugal lifestyle later in life (although there were signs that I was a cheapskate at heart when I look back on my ideas and actions growing up).

It was after my family was facing a financial shock that I really started looking at where and on what we spent our money.  I sought out advice - from talking to people, reading and learning about thrift from a historical perspective (from the Canadian/American pioneers to "minimalists" to modern day "freegans"). 

By adopting different strategies, my family is living more simply, more frugally and much happier than ever before.

I decided to start a blog about the subject after a friend told me that she loved my recipes that I post on Facebook.

Being a frugal cougar is more than recipes - it examines every aspect of one's reasons for doing what they do.
BTW - I call myself a "cougar" because of my age (I'm in my 40s).  I am happily married with two children.  But I like to think of myself as a sexy cougar  and, since it's my blog - I can call myself a cougar if I want :)

Now, onto some frugal thoughts:


The first thing I want to share is the idea that you, the reader, are fabulous!

You are fabulous because of your character, you personality, and how to interact with the world.

Wearing the latest fashions doesn't make you "fabulous".  Drinking the trendiest cocktail doesn't make you "fabulous" and having the latest gadget doesn't make you "fabulous".

There are advertisements out there that make you feel less than you are.  These ads are everywhere, from Billboards to magazines to articles in newspapers. 

Stop listening to them.  Start listening to me.

You are fabulous.  You don't need the latest skin cream or makeup shilled by the latest "Cover Girl".  You don't need a pair of overpriced, flimsy brand name yoga pants (not-to-mention-any-brand-names...).  You don't need that $400 tote back (heck, I wouldn't have money to "tote" around if I bought that thing...).

You are fabulous without spinning on the consumerism machine exercise wheel, taking short sips of overpriced bottled water while trying to keep up with the ever increasing offers of 'fabulous if you buy, buy, buy".

Step off the exercise wheel.  Drink some perfectly tasty Vancouver tap water and take a deep breath.  You are fabulous.   You don't need to buy anything to change that or improve that.

Till next time friends....