Malek Musings
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Cooking is my creative  outlet and my writing is "food for thought"  

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"Tiny Houses" - An Attractive Living Alternative For Some

10/29/2014

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Picture
Tiny home mounted on trailer base. Image credit: tumbleweedhouses.com
Picture
Tiny home on permanent foundation. Image credit: tumbleweedhouses.com
It seems that newspapers and magazines often feature and promote living in luxury "dream homes".  It's not hard to find photos of spacious, beautifully decorated examples of housing.  How can you not experience....<sigh> "house envy"?   Who wouldn't want to live in a beautiful, big home with creature comforts like a gourmet kitchen, tall ceilings, theater room, designer bathrooms, wine cellar and groomed grounds with fountains, swimming pools, hot tubs and outdoor kitchens?  Pinch yourself back to reality.  How to pay for that? How to pay for the upkeep?  How environmentally wasteful is living this lifestyle and how does it align with your personal beliefs?

Of course, there are those that live this lifestyle because of their particular circumstances and desires. However, luxury living is but a dream for others.  Most people are just trying to find a job, keep a job, or find a job that can provide enough to make ends meet.  It's a natural desire to live comfortably and to be able to have things that you really want.  Luxury homes look great but are out of reach for many.

Most of us know about the housing crisis of years past, but its residual effects are still being felt. 
Potential buyers are delaying entry into the housing market for a variety of reasons.  With foreclosures in their lending history,  people are finding it difficult to get mortgages.  Lenders have tightened up their lending policies in general.  In addition, debt, job loss, or reduction in earnings have restricted people from taking on additional costs of home ownership.  Some are reluctant to buy because they need "mobility" to be able follow jobs to other areas of the country.  And for some, owning a home and assuming the responsibilities of home ownership are just not appealing or important to them.

There is a growing interest in a different housing option,that is quite different than traditional home ownership.  Enter "Tiny Houses".  These tiny homes are compact, often measuring less than 300 sq ft, but some are available in larger size.  Minimalist living does not necessarily mean sacrifice.  Simpler living and freedom from crushing expenses can actually lead to a fuller, happier life for some.  Occupants of these houses tend to be committed to less restrictive, less costly, less cluttered and environmentally friendly living.

Tiny houses are built on trailer platforms although some are permanent structures.  Even though they are compact, they offer lots of features found in typical homes.  Depending on the size of the tiny home and how it is designed, at the very least you will find the following:

A compact kitchen with counter, smaller refrigerator/freezer, microwave and oven/stovetop. 
Great Room 
Full bath with a shower. 
Sleeping area(s) often located in a loft. 
Closet(s) and cabinets
Porch

You can purchase plans to build your own or buy them prefabricated.  There are many sites dedicated to Tiny Home living and many manufacturers of plans and structures, both permanent and mobile.

I have some experience with minimalist living for extended periods of time.  As a family of 4, we have traveled throughout the country in a 24 ft travel trailer, later upgrading to a 28 ft trailer with a slide out.  One trip lasted 4 weeks with a family of 4 in the 24 ft. trailer.  We had no problems sharing the smaller space.  We had creature comforts: a kitchen with gas stove/oven, microwave, double sink, full bath with shower and bathtub. Queen bed in a separate bedroom, sleeper sofa and dinette.  We had a covered outdoor with a retractable awning, air conditioning and furnace.  We used our RV in the summer and in cooler weather, but it was not outfitted to be usable in the winter.  Living in our trailer was a learning experience, as we had to adjust what we packed and what we felt was important to have.  Ultimately, we were quite comfortable, and did not have "space" issues while living in the cozy quarters.  However, upgrading to the 28ft trailer with the slide out was more comfortable, as we had a bit more elbow room in the great room area.  We had suitable interior and exterior storage space for equipment, clothing and personal items.  Designers make creative use of space, and we were creative in how we used that space.  With downsizing, you learn to be minimalist, having what you need, but carefully considering what you "really" need.  There's a learning curve for those who chronically over pack.

Tiny Home living is a different lifestyle and not for everyone.  However,  I think Tiny Homes is entirely doable, if you can bring yourself to let go of excess in living, learn to be efficient and find pleasure and joy in other things besides having a large home.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/home-squeezed-home-living-in-a-200-square-foot-space/2012/11/27/e1a02858-2f35-11e2-ac4a-33b8b41fb531_story.html

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2014/08/30/tiny-homes-living/14052371/

http://thetinylife.com/what-is-the-tiny-house-movement/

http://www.countryliving.com/homes/real-estate/tiny-house#slide-1

http://affordablehousingdesigns.com/companies/





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Economizing - Help Your Budget Without Really "Suffering"

8/28/2014

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I retired a few years ago, and with the resulting change in income,  I'm all about learning how to economize. Economizing means using personal and family resources where they will do the most good. You use what you have to get what you need or want.  Strategies you might use include:  substituting, conserving, utilizing, cooperating and finding free goods and services.  (source: PennState)

Believe it or not,  economizing not that hard to do and it doesn't necessarily mean you have to live a spartan life and be miserable because you are doing "without".  Simply changing habits, re-prioritizing and learning to be a wise consumer will make a big difference in your budget.  Yet, you can still be happy.

It's pretty obvious that w
e have become very used to convenience and getting things "fast".  People are very busy, time is "limited" and we try to pack as much as possible into our day.  We have also been subjects of very clever marketing and advertising strategies that are based on science and human behavior research that takes advantage of our habits and facilitates decisions we make.  (This was a topic of an earlier Musing - Power of Habit.) Generational changes have also created a mindset of "I deserve it ", "I'm worth it." and "I want it now.".  (That topic was discussed in an earlier Musing - Generation Me.)  Consumers also tend to very wasteful.  We discard functional items just because we want the newest, latest and greatest.  We have a tendency to overbuy, impulse buy, and practice daily living habits that lead to waste.  (ie. An easy way to save water and money is the subject of an earlier Musing) 

Living On a Dime website (link appears below) offers great ideas in a variety of areas that you can choose from and incorporate into your lifestyle.  Some of their ideas are very easy, and some require more effort and commitment. 
What works for you may not work for someone else.

Food and groceries consume a large part of our budget.  Learning to economize in this area can make a significant impact on your budget and life!  Here are some ideas from Living on a Dime that I have found make a difference for us.

1.  Control trips you make to the store.


I found this habit change was very significant.  Naturally, by doing this, you will be saving money on gas AND you will be saving your TIME, which is valuable too!  Just being present in a store increases the likelihood you will make purchases, and most importantly, make unplanned purchases.  Limit your trips by planning, and grocery shopping less often.  A great idea is to eliminate going for one week (and if you must go to get bread or milk, STICK to your list, grab those couple of items and leave before you end up loading your cart with unplanned purchases).  Make an effort to plan meals with what you already have in your pantry vs. running out to get what you need.  I try to have a pantry/freezer day at least once a week, using only what I already have on hand.  You can be creative!  You will use your food pantry items that might end up being forgotten about and ultimately being tossed in the trash.  Our family even practices a tradition we call "backwards day".  Eating together as a family for a traditional breakfast is a rare occasion for us.  Every so often, I will have "backwards day" and serve breakfast for dinner!  This helps me to use things from the freezer (sausages, bacon) and pantry (ingredients for pancakes, waffles or french toast) and even eggs (I don't know about you, but I sometimes end up with an overabundance of eggs that I bought on sale). 

2.  Be flexible and learn to substitute.

Find out that you don't have what you "need" to make a meal?  Sometimes it is tempting to just run out and pick up the missing item from the store.  (see #1).  Often you can simply substitute an item
to make things work!  Yesterday, we had pulled pork for dinner and I had planned to use hamburger buns (in my case, homemade) to make sandwiches.  However, I had a "failure" and my buns didn't turn out as planned.  Did I run out to pick up buns?  Nope! We went to Plan B.  I had flour tortillas in the fridge, so we simply had pulled pork wraps vs. pulled pork on a bun.  This substitution worked out just fine and I saved a trip to the store.

3.  Shop sales, take advantage of coupons and try generic brands.

This idea has been around a long time.  One excuse for not using coupons is "I don't have time".  Things have changed and many stores are promoting the convenient use of e-coupons.  You have savings available straight from your smart phone!  Don't forget to visit websites of favorite products.  They often have printable coupons available!  Store sales fliers are now on line too.  Many times, generic brands can be substituted for brand names
.  Give them a try and find out which ones you and your family likes.  There can be significant savings by simply switching to generics.

4.  If shopping warehouse stores-exercise good judgement.

Warehouse stores are very popular avenues to "save money".  They really do offer great prices, but not on everything.  Sometimes, when using coupons and sales, you can actually get items cheaper at your local store.  Warehouse stores have packaging that requires you to buy in bulk/large quantity. 
One great idea is to split your bulk purchases with others.  You will share in the savings and end up not throwing  away money OR product! If you can't use that amount of product in a reasonable time, you may not be saving money at all.  In addition, the ever changing inventory in warehouse stores also encourages shoppers to "browse" to see what's new.  Fun to do, but dangerous as you will most likely come home with unplanned, impulse purchases!  Make sure you shop with a list, don't be tempted to overbuy in large quantity, which may result in waste and be sure to put some thought into that impulse buy item you have put in your cart.  Evaluate whether you really need the item, or is it simply the "great bargain" that's driving your purchase. 

Pennsylvania State University has a great document about economizing and cutting corners. (link appears below).  It has over 100 GREAT ideas you may want to take advantage of depending on your circumstances and personal situation.  Here is a synopsis of their general strategies.

1. Substitute

Substitute less costly for more costly resources.  Develop a habit of thinking "What can be substituted that would do the job for less money?"

2.  Conserve

Avoid waste.  Develop a habit of thinking "How can we make all items last?  How can we use it more efficiently?"  (example- see my Musing about Saving Water and Money)

3.  Utilize

F
ind new uses for resources your already have.  Develop a habit of thinking "What are the talents, time or other resources we have that could be put to new, more productive use?"

4.  Cooperate

Resources can be multiplied when you cooperate with others. Think: "How could I or other family members share time or talent with others to stretch our resources?"

5.  Find Free Community Resources

Personal or family resources can be greatly enhanced through use of community resources.  Think" "How can we use and support public services for family welfare, education, health and recreation?"  (easy examples include: using your public library, community parks and recreation programs, and visiting free concerts and fairs.)

http://www.livingonadime.com/saving-on-groceries-make-do/

http://osceola.ifas.ufl.edu/pdfs/FCS_HF/cuttingcosts.pdf
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Daily Shower Spray - Make Your Own

7/16/2014

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There are all kinds of commercial cleaning products on the market that you can buy.  They are ready to use and convenient, but you also pay premium for that convenience.  Many of the products have toxic ingredients or are not environmentally friendly.  (just check the labels).  I'm always looking for ways to save some money and for ways to help the environment. 

That's why I decided to make my own shower spray. It's very easy to make.  Using a daily shower spray will help reduce the accumulation of mold and mildew in the shower, requiring major clean ups less often.

There are a variety of recipes online, most quite similar.  There are vinegar based recipes, alcohol base recipes and some using various combinations of ingredients including soap, hydrogen peroxide or tea tree oil.  I've been using an alcohol/water recipe and it has worked out pretty well.  Take a look at the link below or do some additional internet searching to find a recipe you like.  Then gather your ingredients, measuring utensils, and an empty spray bottle.  Get mixing and give it a try!

http://www.ehow.com/way_5167015_homemade-daily-shower-spray.html



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