Sara, I use to make my own bread all of the time and I am starting to miss it. I am going to start up again here real soon. Thanks for the reminder!

I used to make it too. but haven't for years. When I was working full time I didn't have the time to do it, and then when I finally quit I had carpal tunnel(in both wrists) so bad I couldn't lift a full glass, never mind kneading.

But since I've been alot better I think I'll try it again. Thanks for mentioning it.

Danni,

I've known of folks who had bread makers and used them just for the kneading.  Generally, these were people who received one as a gift - maybe even bought one - tried it, and didn't care for the bread it produced.  Then they figured out they could knead in the machine but bake the old fashioned way!

I mention this because I've seen secondhand breadmakers as cheap as $5.00...if you thought you'd use it that way, and can pick one up from a secondhand establishment you trust, it could be a deal!

~Sara

Thanks sara, that's good info to have. I think I'll check garage sales and see what I can find. Right now I could do the kneading but when it flares up there's no way.

One of my most favorite topics!!!  Well, my parents are frugal, so I learned young.  I learned young to stay out of debt, my worst bout with debt (other than a mortgage) was an emergency that I put on the credit card that took me 2 months to pay off.  I know this is nothing to a lot of people, but for me it was a reminder of how it makes me feel (physically ill!) when I have debts hanging over my head.  I do everything possible not to accumulate any debt.  That means having a stocked pantry with sale items, buying fresh produce that is in season, making things from scratch, saving every penny I can, not wasting, try to stay/eat healthy, accepting hand me downs and free furniture, recycling, etc, and on and on.  I consider myself frugal, but not cheap.  I do recognize quality over quantity and will spend the $ when I have to, or when something unexpected comes up.  I rarely indulge in wants (I usually wait for christmas or my birthday) and try to plan ahead as much as possible to avoid a surprise.

I do our bread, but, we are not big bread eaters.  I am also practiced enough to get a batch kneaded and on the rise in 10 minutes.  I have a garden in the summer, we do free or really cheap activities and vacations are usually backyard camping (I couldn't vacation without accumulating debt, so I prefer not to).  I am able to spend a minimum in most areas, but i know I can learn more to add to my system!

WOW I am so glad I found this message board. I recently resigned from my job of 14 years and literally have no income until May 1st. One thing I am finding is that to be frugal takes time and is well worth it. Fortuanately I have been very careful over the years, but now that I am home I see so many more ways I can save money. Especially with cooking from scratch, baking my own bread, downsizing on my clothing costs.
I'm also thrilled with the time I have right now to organize a yard sale. It is just amazing how much "stuff" I have accumilated over the years here. I can't wait till all the snow is gone and the world turns back to green. LOL

I live more frugally than most people, and it's not for financial reasons primarily.

Frugal living makes my life more simple and is better for the environment.

Probably the most significant choice I've made in that regard is to minimize car usage.  The vast  majority of my in-town travel is by bicycle or public transit.  That really isn't much of hardship for me because I really hate to drive.

Yes, I do live frugally. At this time and age, you should be frugal as much as possible. With more cheaper choices you have lately, you should opt for those. Otherwise, you end up splurging your hard earned money for naught.