Years ago, in the Frugal Community, there was a concept floating around called the Un-Grocery List. Basically the Un-Grocery List was a list that you made of all the food products that you would no longer buy because you were making them yourself, or because you’ve decided to do without that product. I’ve taken it a step further in including things besides groceries so we’ll call it the Un-Shopping List. Here’s how to make your own Un-Shopping List!
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The longer your list, the better! That’s because the longer the list, the more money you’re saving. What I like about the Un-Shopping List is that after you’ve made it, it becomes a great frugal motivation tool as you get to see all the things that you used to buy that you’re no long purchasing.
The Un-Shopping List- Things to No Longer Buy
So let’s talk about about how to think up things for your own Un-Shopping List. I like to make mine by category, like Food, Cleaning, Beauty Supplies, etc. Then I pick products that I usually buy for those categories, and try to find out if I can easily and frugally make them myself. Remember, the whole point of this list is to save money, so if it’ll cost you more to make something (and your homemade version doesn’t come with any special benefits), just buy that thing. Not everything is cheaper when homemade.
Anyway, say I chose the Cleaning category. I then would look into making homemade cleaners. So if you used to buy Lysol, Windex, 409, toilet bowl cleaner etc., those would go on your Un-Shopping List. If you used to buy paper napkins and paper towels but now use cloth versions, paper napkins and paper towels would go on your Un-Shopping List. If you make your own Swiffer cleaning cloths instead of buying them, that goes on your list. If you’ve decided to use The Keeper or make your own sanitary pads (many people do) then Kotex or whatever would go on your Un-Shopping list. Maybe you used to buy little pots to start your seeds in and now you’ve discovered how to use other things as pots. Well, seed starting pots would go on your list!
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Probably the biggest category would still be convenience grocery items. For example, I no longer buy taco seasoning mix, brown sugar etc. I make my own. Maybe you make a great salsa and stopped buying the store made ones. Perhaps you bake bread now, make your own noodles, your own popsicles, cakes, puddings, ketchup, etc. If you can name it, then you can make it! Remember, before brands and stores took over the creation of food, most people were making 90% of their food from scratch. There’s virtually nothing you can’t make at home (given you have the right equipment).
Now it does take more time to make things from scratch. Especially your first time around. But generally it’s less expensive than buying convenice AND you know what’s in it! Besides, I’ve got more time than money (especially if I use my time wisely)! But just like when you’re trying to integrate anything new into your life, start slowly! Don’t just decide that all of a sudden you’re going to make everything from scratch. You’ll just overwhelm and discourage yourself.
I keep my Un-Shopping List in my Home Management Binder. It’s a great motivator to see your Un-Shopping List get longer and longer! To know that you can manage without running to the store for every little thing is great!
Here are some DIYs and recipes to help get you started making your own things and building your Un-Shopping List!
DIY Cleaning Products
Not only do you save money making your own DIY cleaning products, but you are also helping the environment. So many store-bought cleaners are loaded with harmful chemicals that most of us don’t want around our families and pets. Plus, so many of the homemade products work a TON better than anything else. The reason why the ones at the store are so popular is the convenience factor. But these DIY cleaning products are actually really easy to make, it’s just most people don’t realize it. Try a few and you’ll see just how easy it is to make your own homemade cleaners!
Reusable Homemade Dryer Sheets
Homemade All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes
DIY All-Natural Soft Scrub Cleaner
Citrus and Lavender Toilet Fizzies
DIY Scented Fabric Softener Crystals
All-Natural Streak-Free DIY Window Cleaner
Homemade Laundry Detergent Tabs
Food/Seasoning Recipes
Once you try making your own food and seasonings yourself, you’ll be amazed by the flavor! You can create some impressive seasonings and food that will beat anything you can buy at the store. Putting in a little effort goes a long way in being frugal and having tastier meals than you could have ever imagined.
Homemade Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
Homemade All-Purpose Muffin Mix
Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola
Homemade Flour Tortilla Recipe
Homemade Blueberry Simple Syrup
Immunity-Boosting Elderberry Gummies
Beauty Products
I am practically addicted to making my own beauty products! Why? Because they work so much better, smell amazing, and I can save a lot of money. You already know that I try to be frugal whenever possible, but once you try these homemade beauty products you are going to love how your skin feels. Don’t be surprised when all your friends start asking you where you are buying all your beauty products!
2-Ingredient Homemade Mica Lip Balm
Green Tea and Peppermint DIY Bath Salts
Orange and Comfrey Shea Butter Soap
Honey Oatmeal Homemade Face Mask
Coconut Lime Whipped Body Butter
Lemongrass and Chamomile Foot Scrub
25 Perfume Roller Bottle Blends
Homemade Clove Cedarwood Shaving Cream
Soothing DIY Eucalyptus Shower Melts
Grapefruit Mint DIY Shower Steamers
Soothing Green Tea and Peppermint DIY Bath Salts
Rose and Lavender Bath Bomb Bars
DIY Lemon Raspberry Sugar Scrub
What’s already on your Un-Shopping List?
You might also be interested in: 10 Old Fashioned Money Saving Tips from Grandma
interesting!! i like this idea…
I’ve never run across this mix recipe before. I’ll add it to my other homemade mixes (taco seasoning, salad dressings, muffin mixes, etc. ) Thanks for posting it. Sally
I love the idea of your un-shopping list.
I made pancakes from scratch for breakfast and I have made them hundreds of times.
but today, I also made homemade pancake syrup – I am not sure if it is the cheapest syrup but it sure tasted better than that last few bottles of store bought syrup we have had. I don’t think my hubby will ever want storebought syrup again.
Great idea Manuela, about the un-shopping list but please excuse me I have to ask “How do you make pads”? And out of what? Curiosity is killing this cat. Deb
Well, I’m all about saving money and being smarter. Great idea! I’m going to give your cream of ??? soup a whirl.
These post you are doing are so great. People need to learn how to go back to a simple life. Back to the Basics. Now if we could teach my hubby to cook from scratch! I have talked him through a lot, the last few years. He has breakfast down to pat. But we still have prepared food on days, I can just use the mike. I tried some, but I keep burning up my favorite pans! Now you have to laugh. I do!! But I enjoy the post you do and I am looking forward to the days of homecooking from scratch!
Great post Manuela, I’m going to make note of the Cream of Soup recipe.
Blessings,
Niki
Cooking from scratch is a great idea it’s much healthier for us too. Love all your little tips. Mimi
These are all great ideas…I wish we could have been doing this all along…then the current economic crisis, maybe wouldn’t be so…critical.
Thanks for the info…
Blessings,
Susie
Oh! I love the cream of ___ soup recipe!
Thanks for sharing it!
This is extremely interesting to me. I will have to evaluate and count the cost to see if I can make some switches.
Thank your for the Cream of _____ Recipe!
Love that recipe Manuela! Great post!!
Great Post Manuela I sure wish I could get my sister to look at your blog ( she’s not a blogger ) she is thinking of taking a part time job to supplement their income and I know if she would just change a few of her spending and house keeping habits she would be able to save more than she would be able to make. Love her dearly hate to see her struggle so. If you could pick any one book that would be a good go to resource for someone who is completely overwhelmed by the day to day house and home responsibilities and finances?
Thanks so much
OK…I have to try this! thanks!
Wonderful post Manuela! I make most everything from scratch too and it does save a lot of money and is so much healthier whether it be food or cleaners, homemade is best. You know exactly what is going into it. I love making and using cloth napkins as well.
You are always so encouraging! Thank you! Paula
It is good to find you. I love all your brown transferware. I have some too. I’m always looking for more. I’m not as organized with my food shopping but you’ve given me some motivation. Great article.
I’ve been thinking exactly about this topic too the last few days.
I’m pretty frugal already, but increasing costs has gotten me to the point of omitting many things now. I look at some of the costs and refuse to pay what they want.
If you make some of your own products you’ll also know for sure what is in them. Great post, Manuela, thank you.
Thanks for stopping by on Friday for S&T! It's been another hectic weekend since we are now less than 3 weeks to our youngest daughter's wedding! I am hoping that I can once again, be more timely in visiting everyone's S&T offerings when the craziness is behind me!
I used to watch Little House with my girls when they were little! I should get me a set of those books so that I can read to the grand-daughters when they are over!
Happy Monday!
Connie
PS I pick up the trunk this morning!
Thank for the tips. Many of us are feeling the pinch these days.
Oh I love this un-list. I have never thought of it that way. By the way another reason for making things from scratch, it taste SO much better xoxoxo Clarice
Manuela, that is so good. The “unlist.” I really like that. Lets see, I make my own tortillas, my own salsa, cook my beans, soups, sometimes bread, so that is a good start. Your lists are always good and I commend you on your blog. Have a good Sunday.
Sorry about that last post…too many typos.