15 Things We No Longer Buy That Have Saved Us Money, and Provided Us with Improved Health and Sustainability

1. Bread

I make my own bread with a homemade sourdough starter. It is not only packed with more nutrition, than your common loaf, but it also allows you to avoid the refined processing, and chemicals, that are harmful to the body, by avoiding store bought bread. Investing in a grain mill such as a Nutrimill, is a worthwhile investment to make your bread happen, and pays off in multiples year after year. I have a Nutrimill, and I get fresh milled flour daily, by using this very effective and helpful machine.

2. Yeast

I no longer have a need for yeast in my baking, because I have made my own Sourdough Starter, which I use for all my leavening needs. Now I don't have to worry about running low and finding no yeast on the shelves. Such was the case for many people, during the pandemic, when supplies were running low at times.

3. Cable Subscriptions

I do not subscribe to cable subscriptions. This has multiple benefits, in that I am not only protecting my children, from viewing potentially harfmul, and non beneficial content, I am also saving hundreds of dollars each year.

4. Body lotions/creams

I have no need to buy lotions/creams/balms/butters, because I make my own safe and effectively moisturizing body balm. I use organic ingredients including skin healing essential oils that not only protect my skin, but leave it smelling fresh, and soothes. I am also avoiding the potential toxic chemicals that are a part of many skin products on the shelves.

5. Deodorant

The skin is our first defense against invaders, and whatever we put on it, or under our armpits, has the potential to be absorbed through our pores. So, when I make my own deodorant, I am not only protected through the day, but I also save that monthly trip to the store to buy products that often times contain "aluminum", which I would like to avoid among other things. Or if not that, I can avoid spending so much money on natural deodorants that I can make myself.

6. Cleaning Sprays

It is amazing what some simple vinegar, dish soap, and essential oils can do. These simple things, make up the ingredients to one of my homemade all-purpose cleaners. It cleans well, disinfects, and smells great. Saving so much money in my pocket every month. Pair that with some reusable, and washable, cleaning cloths, and you are all set.

7. Lip Balm

This is something that so many of us buy with great frequency, in order to keep our lips moisturized, however, I also make this myself, with simple ingredients, such as almond oil, beeswax, essential oils, and a few other natural moisturizing agents. I place them in a portable tin, and it is ready to use whenever the need arises.

8. Commercial Snacks

I do not buy commercial, or processed snacks from the store. Instead, I make all the snacks that my children eat right in our kitchen. From things like sourdough scones, muffins, crackers, granola, fruit trays, yogurt and more. It is so simple, delicious and easy to do. Saving us from eating high amounts of sugars, salts, dyes, and preservatives, that none of our bodies need.

9&10. Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets

Some of us may not be aware, but the fabric softener, and dryer sheets that we use, can be a detriment to our health, since the chemicals often times linger on the clothing, and can then be absorbed into our skin. If this happens, and there are concerning chemicals within, we have just been exposed to something we could have avoided. I no longer buy fabric softener, or dryer sheets, as I can use Vinegar as a softener in my machine, and I use wool dryer balls, in the dryer to give my clothes that extra cling free softness and finish that I am looking for.

11. Paper plates

Making sure that our footprint on this earth, is as small as possible, and as sustainable as possible, in terms of what we are constantly using, and consuming is so very important. Paper plates should be avoided, all together, as well as disposable cups, since we can use a set of good dishware and utensils to supply us with the food surface and vessels we need.

All it takes is a routine wash, and you can avoid using paper plates to lessen your carbon footprint.

12. Bug/Insect Repellant Spray

Whatever we put on our skin, must be scrutinized, and this is true for the insect sprays that many of us use. Again, I make this myself, using essential oils like lavender, ginger, clove bud, and others, to help repel insects naturally, especially during the warm weather months. It works well, and I don't have to worry about potentially harmful chemicals. Your essential oil combination can be easily placed in a carrier, such as almond or coconut oil, and you are ready to go in a pump or spray bottle.

13. Yogurt

I really enjoy a nice bowl of cool yogurt, but I don't enjoy having to spend a lot of money, to get the specialty plant based ones that that I enjoy. so I was so excited when I learned how to make it myself, using my Instapot, and simple ingredients. My current favorite, is Oatmilk Coconut. All you need is a good probiotic, and some time for the fermentation. I set mine at 12 hours, and before you know it you have an endless supply, as you can keep some back as a starter, to process over and over again.

14. Coffee

I no longer drink coffee. Instead, I use a delicious coffee substitute; Dandelion tea. I get organic Dandy Tea from Azure Standard, (a family owned bulk, organic, natural food, and wholesome product supplier), during my grocery pick ups, and if I get it in bulk, the cost savings is even more profound. By avoiding chronic coffee drinking, I am improving my health, by avoiding the addictive properties of the caffeine and the headaches, that often accompany it. Dandelion tea, is also packed with nutrition, so you get the great coffee flavor you like, and the health benefits at the same time.

Try my link for your First Azure Standard Order:

https://www.azurestandard.com/start

My Code to Use for Your First Azure Standard Order

MoniqueAdu1

The cost to use the link is nothing to you, but helpful for my family and our orders. So, thank you so much, if you do!

15. Multiple Shoes for Each Outfit

I know this can be a tough one for some ladies, that really enjoy having tons of shoes, to coordinate with their outfits. However, I have found that if I buy a good durable pair of shoes, that may cost more up front, it will last me many years, and I can avoid buying shoes each year. I also try to buy a pair that is neutral, and one that will go with many of my outfits. So at most, I have 3 pairs of shoes, that I can turn to and depend on.

There are so many more ways to save money and live healthier and happier lives because of it.

I have made video's on many of the items that I make at home, and you can find them here on my website, and blog, or at my You Tube Channels

"Sustainable Living for Family, Health, and Home"

"Sustainable Sourdough + Grains"

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKpeI2lqg1C9apCV6_BSPYQ

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs1sWN7GAmvyNOvTRrdkQ3Q

I pray that we will all choose as Keepers of Our Home, to be like the Proverbs 31 woman, that looks well to the ways of her home, and is wise in helping to provide for her household.

Many blessings to you,

Dr. Monique Adu