I can’t believe I did this. But this redefines frugality. For £5 I got 5 minutes of a more … natural… pedicure. These fish are a particular breed of Carp and they gently nibble off people’s dead skin and don’t touch the new skin. It took all my nerve and I yanked my feet out at first, but eventually became OK with the sensation. Kinda. Sorta.

We all know how many messages – explicit and implicit – we receive urging us to Buy.Buy.Buy.

Only active questioning and resistance can prevent us from being mindlessly sucked in.

Here are 3 vital questions worth asking before buying.

1. Am I buying this because I think it will improve my life?

If yes, unpack this belief at least briefly, before walking up to the till.

• How will it improve my life?
• How much will it improve my life – enough to justify the cost?
• How long will it improve my life?

2. Am I buying this because I think I may need it “someday”?

In this instance, it might be worth a quick review:  Do I often buy things thinking I may need it?  If so, have most of those purchases indeed proven to be useful, or are they collecting dust?  When do I think that “someday” will occur, and until then, will I feel good about this purchase?  In light of your answer (either way), do you still wish to make this purchase?

3. Am I buying this primarily because it’s on sale?

If yes, think of at least 5 other uses for that same amount of money.   Now, would you still prefer to make the purchase (in which case, go for it), or would you prefer to use the funds for other things?

For some time now I’ve been buying free range eggs.

But I’m ruined for that now. I’m currently in England and my hosts … well, I’ll let the photos below speak for themselves.

Dear Chickens Maisey and Mrs. Pepperpot, Thanks so very much for a delicious lunch!

As ridiculous as it may sound, I’m really chuffed to have the opportunity to closely connect my food with its source. And such clucky, feathery, cheery sources!

Ready to take control of your money?

Your spending, your debt, your saving?

My on-line money coaching is in beta for four more days and while it is, it’s free in exchange for feedback.

So if you’re uber-frugal, pop by now to sign up!

BUT the soft-launch pricing (effective June 15th)  remains frugalicious – only $25!

I’ve been a fan of fleuvog shoes for years. This was cemented when I walked into their gastown store which had just opened about four years ago. I would always go into new shops and ask the managers to please treat the marginalized folks who call the area home kindly.

The manager said not only “of course” but that John (Fleuvog) hired a street guy to wash the windows whenever, and only if, he was up for it. John even outfitted him with the clothing and equipment he’d need. I thought that was fantastic. No judgment. No “be here every day at 7:30am or you’re fired”. Just, “I need my windows washed periodically. If you show up, I’ll pay you to do it.” Sweet.

Here’s an interesting vid from design to completion of a Fleuclog being made. All natural materials. Handmade.