Frugality...

Now that I am officially a SAHM (stay at home momma) I am learning how to be more frugal.  Before staying at home I spent and spent on what ever my heart desired.  If I wanted a coffee, new shirt, new shoes, you name it I just went out and got it.  While at times I miss those days I am more amazed at the fact that truly I never needed those "things" at all.  That is exactly what they were...things.  Now, it is more important that I not have those so called things so I can get to stay home with my new little man.  I wouldn't trade going back to work and having that extra money for anything. This small window of time with him is priceless.
While before my challenge was to find a good sale now my challenge is to avoid those sales and figure out how I can be frugal and NOT use my debit card.  While this is at times as scary as getting ready to bungy jump it is a rewarding endorphin raising challenge because it almost becomes a game of me finding the best deal.  My mind wanders throughout the day with the question of how can I spend the least amount of money or better yet get/do something without spending a penny?  With this new found challenge in mind I came across this article today which really got me thinking about all that we as individuals are gifted with in the area of talents yet we rarely share those gifts with others.  Why oh why do we not partake in this age old activity of trading anymore?  Back in the day I know this was truly the way of life.  Is it because we are too proud, too busy, do we not believe that we have anything to offer others?  I personally think it is probably because we are too lazy.  If we can pay for something that is MUCH easier than trying to find something/someone to trade services or any other item for.  Sadly, in the community I live I think this is the case.  Maybe I can bring trading back...I just might give it a try!  So...if anyone needs cupcakes, cakes, frosting, desserts...I am your stay at home gal!  What can you offer me?!