Monday Q&A | Food Waste, an Education Book, and My Nose Ring
Every Monday, I answer a few of the questions that my readers send me. If you have a question you'd like me to answer in a future Q&A post, just leave me a comment here or email me (thefrugalgirl [at] gmail [dot] com) and put Q&A in the subject line. I look forward to hearing from you!
When I posted a photo of my fridge, several of you wondered why I keep oranges and peppers in my fridge. I've never kept peppers anywhere else (and they seem to do fine in the fridge!), but I do sometimes keep clementines and oranges on my counter, especially when I've got more than could possibly fit in my fridge (see the clementines on my table?). But I find that if I keep them out of the fridge for too long, sometimes they start to go bad. So, if I've got more than we can use in a week or so, I put the extras in the fridge.
Also, someone had written me a while back looking for a good book on education.
Unfortunately, I've lost the email conversation, so I thought I'd just share the recommendation here! Upgrade: 10 Secrets to the Best Education for Your Child
is one of the best books I've read on the topic, and though it's written by a homeschooling dad, the book is about how to get the most out of any education method you choose for your child.
The main point I remember from this book is that parental involvement is THE key to a great education. Without that, even the greatest educational methods don't work that well. And with parental involvement, even not-so-great educational situations can be improved greatly.
I am still not sure why you focus on moldy food or what was wasted. Did you waste a lot of food before?
-Shannon
Ha! I definitely did. In fact, my ridiculous amounts of food waste are the whole reason I started blogging! Check out the piles of food in this old post. Or in this one. And those two posts were written after I'd been working on my food waste for over three months...it used to be way worse than that!
It might seem silly to write about wasting a cucumber and a few green beans like I did last week, but writing about my food waste every week keeps me accountable. Even almost four years into this journey, I know I'd waste way more food if I didn't have to show it to all of you.
I am really trying to work on my food waste reduction and I need some resources on how long food stays good in the fridge.
-Jessica
StillTasty.com is THE best site for this.
You can type in all sorts of foods and it will tell you how long those foods are safe to eat. I shared a little more detail about StillTasty back in 2009, so go check that post out for more info. Or just go straight to Still Tasty!
Also, your nose is a really helpful tool. If something smells off, throw it out.
I feel us readers should be filled in on the nose stud in a future post. Did it hurt? What was the motivating reason? Would you let the girls do that? I never saw it before, but it looks so cute on you!
-Debbie
Nope, it wasn't super painful. At first it felt a bit like someone had punched me on that side of my face, but that wore off pretty quickly.
I decided to pierce it because Mr. FG had mentioned to me that he liked nose studs. He rarely expresses opinions about what I do as far as my appearance goes ("You look nice whatever you wear, Sweetie!" is usually his attitude.) So, when he suggested something, I thought I ought to take it seriously. But, it took me about a year to actually decide to do it, mostly because I was worried about what people would think. I eventually decided that I just valued Mr. FG's opinion over other people's.
For the record, Mr. FG would change most anything about his appearance in a heartbeat if I asked him to, so this isn't a one-way street kind of thing.
I didn't do it because I'm getting into body-mod or anything like that...I just did it because I love my husband. So, don't expect to see me show up with a tattoo or anything. This is it. 😉
None of my girls are faintly interested in piercing their noses (Sonia and Zoe don't even have their ears pierced), so that's not an issue at all.
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Today's 365 post: Pepperoni, Mushrooms, and Cheese
I for one LOVE the nose piercing :). In Ezekial 16, it's mentioned in a beautiful way and I've always wanted to do it!
Amen to blogging to be accountable! Whew...it sure does hold you accountable! And you rock that nose ring girl. I have have had one for 7 years and I still love it. It allows me to feel cool on days where I know I am really not:)
Thanks for letting us into your nose piercing logic. So cute. 🙂
I absolutely love your nose piercing. How long ago did you get it done? Was it done fairly recently or have I just missed it in all of the pictures of you because they were too far away to see it?
I got it done on our anniversary in August, so about six months ago now. It's pretty new, but it was in lot of pictures before anyone noticed. It's small and tends to hide in the spot between my nostril and the rest of my nose.
When I was 18, I got a tattoo that is concealed (even in a bathing suit) and now almost 16 years later, I still have no regrets. In fact, I intend to get a new one when my daughter is born--although I'm feeling much less brave than I did way back then! I feel that my message for my child(ren) about tattoos, piercings, etc., would be that these things are for real and, often, they are forever (many piercings never quite disappear, even when you no longer put in jewelry). Like so many things in life, it's a major decision with actual consequences--so consider it carefully, either way!
I keep my long hair partly because my husband has mentioned that he likes long hair. I love your reason!
I think the nose piercing is so cute too! It's nice that you shared the reasoning with us, but it would have been ok not to also. And now I'm curious, do people ever email you questions that you prefer not to answer? And how do you respond in that case?
Very occasionally, someone will ask a question of that sort, and I just say that I don't feel comfortable answering it.
Ya know, I noticed the nose stud in that photo too and I thought to myself, "Huh. That's new!" It is interesting what some of us will do for our spouses, and yes ours is a two-way street as well. My husband was growing a *ahem* very unruly beard that I really did not like and I really thought it did not look good one him. When I finally voiced my opinion (In a nice way, mind you) he actually went back to the clean-shaven with mustache look. O.K. so, he's sporing a goatee these days, but he is keeping it nicely trimmed so I don't mind. 😉
For me, I have dark hair that is now getting a bit of salt sprinkled in. Honestly, I embrace it, as I teach in higher education and its nice to finally look older than my students. 😉 But when I asked my husband if I should dye my hair he looked at me rather thoughtfully and said, "No, I think you look very nice with your new 'highlights' and I prefer if you didn't." Now, if he said yes, and explained why, I most likely would be coloring it. But honestly, I'm happy not to have to go through the expense and fuss. 🙂
Oh yes, I much prefer facial hair that is trimmed (not necessarily shaved, but at least trimmed). Unruly facial hair makes kissing not nearly as fun. 😉
Mr. FG just switched from a chin goatee to a soul patch at my suggestion...I liked the goatee, I just thought it would be fun to do something a little bit different.
I do not personally care for it. With your features, you almost have to look for it to see it. My opinion about it is not important! It will not change my following your blog.
I actually like it because of that...I wanted something really subtle. 🙂
Interesting that every comment so far is on the nose piercing (as a fellow nose-pierced person, I also noticed it straight away and, while I'm biased of course, I love it AND your reasons for doing it!)
Personally, I'm still reeling from that fact that I've never heard of or seen the Still Tasty site before! Where has it been all my life?!
🙂
I happen to like your nose piercing. I have had one the last eight years and its funny how many people DON'T notice it - even after all this time. At least once a month someone will say "did you just get that?" I just laugh and tell them I got it for my 25th birthday present (then I get the "how old are you?!" question - which opens up a whole other box of worms LOL). Besides, I think waiting till your older to get that stuff done (for whatever reason) - is more justifiable than getting it done as a teen.
On food waste- did anyone watch "the big waste" on food network last night? Really eye opening! Made me sick to see how much food goes to waste because it's not perfect.
I think the nose stud is cute! Not for me- but looks cute on you! I always wanted a tatoo that can be concealed when needed but can't think of anything I'd want on my body forever. I love my hubby s though!
Check out wastedfood.com. One of the commenters gives a run down of what happened on the show. I didn't see it but hope I can catch a rerun.
I found out it is re-airing on Jan 14.
I love your nose piercing! You're making me miss mine 🙂 I got it done in college and never regretted it. I had to take it out when I worked at Walmart in school though, unfortunately. I'd have taken it out in a couple years anyway, because my husband and I decided that it's best that I don't have it after I'm 30, for a variety of reasons. (This was our decision, I'm not commenting on yours!)
Also, I understand the whole, caring about Mr. FG's opinion more than anyone else's. I have 1, tasteful tattoo which I LOVE and got while we were dating. But my husband doesn't like tattoos, and I respect his opinion and won't get another one, even though I'd like one more 🙂 I think it's a very respectful thing to feel that way!
Cute stud! I got my navel pierced quite some time ago just because it was a way for me to embrace the idea that all of me (imperfect as I am) was worth some attention. 🙂
I would get a nose piercing in a heartbeat if my husband thought it was cute. It's the only non-ear piercing I find attractive on most women. My husband did say, after 10 years of asking, that he prefers my hair long. He actually didn't have an opinion on it until recently, when my hair reached my lower back, and he realized he liked it.
Thanks for sharing!
I have a question for you! Do you have any suggestions re: frugal skin care? What do you use for face cream, cleanser, toner, etc. I would love any advice you have to offer on good frugal options.
By the way, this is my first time commenting, but I found your blog months ago through gailvazoxclade.com and LOVE IT!!!!
YAY! A de-lurker. I love it when people de-lurk!
I must be very old among your readers. 🙂 When I was in high school and college in the 80's, the big choice was how many ear piercings to have! (I was scared that multiple piercings would look funny as I got older, so I stuck with just one on each ear lobe.) How times have changed! I'm VERY progressive with my politics, just not with my fashion. 😉 Tattoos and piercings freak me out badly...but since I'm a "live and let live" kinda gal, more power to you! Hey, what do your parents think? Is your church not that conservative in terms of dress? just curious...
Nope, my church really isn't very conservative as far as dress/appearance goes. I'm the only one there with a nose piercing currently, but no one has had anything negative to say about it. 🙂
Count me among the "Old...and I don't get it" crowd. My question is the same as Lilypad's, what did you parents think? I know you are a grown woman free to make your own choices, but that doesn't usually stop mama's from voicing their opinions.
My mom was surprised, but she knows appearance is pretty low on the importance scale. Also, she's most concerned about my walk with God, not with what I look like. 🙂 And since my piercing wasn't a result of my walk with God falling apart, she's fine with it. She wouldn't get one herself, of course, but she's not upset with me.
I should add too that if it weren't for Mr. FG saying something about it, I probably would never have even thought of getting my nose pierced! It's just not something that would have occurred to me.
That's what brought it to mind, Karen: I'm 44 and my mama still voices her opinion LOUDLY and frequently. 😉 Kristen, I think your mom is awesome and I'd love to hear more from her/about her.
I love the nose stud. I have had since I was 18. I'm now almost 32. Every once in awhile I comment to my friends that maybe I should take it out now that I'm in my 30's. They all say they don't even notice it anymore and it wouldn't be me without it. After seeing and hearing that you got yours done only recently, it makes me feel better about still having mine. I do have one question about it. Is it an actual nose stud, or is it a really small earring for your ear? The reason I ask is because mine is actually one for your ear, and I've been wanting to get a new one, but I'm not sure if the real nose ones stay in good.
Many of my friends have Body Modifications that are less acceptable in society and get looked down upon and yet they are wonderful, kind, generous people. I think they look fun. Others have more acceptable in society nose jobs, boob jobs ect and they don't lift much of an eyebrow. So sad how we all judge people.
I follow you because you keep me inspired on the frugality life and living thoughtfully. It doesn't matter that you look like this or that. It doesn't matter that you believe in god and I don't. I like you. I like your simplicity and I like your cheerfulness. I like that you keep me accountable of food waste. I found you over a year ago on You Tube and have followed you since and comment once in a while. I hope you keep on Blogging for many many many more years 🙂
Yes. I'm not personally inclined to get pierced or tattooed all over, but that doesn't give me the right to look down on someone who chooses to do that. A person's appearance is not who they are. Fat, thin, tall, short, tattooed, pierced...it's all just part of our outer shell.
I'm so glad you're enjoying my blog!
Wanted to chime in and let you know that although I don't home-school (not that common in the UK) when you post about it and discussions start about home-schooling it reminds me of how important my involvement in my Kids state education is. It's a great reminder...thank you.
Your piercing is lovely and perfect. It's exactly in the right place and matches your face perfectly!
Thank you!
I also think that your nose stud really suits you - Mr FG must really love it!!
I also have a pierced nose and got it done (for the second time) four years ago, when I was 31. My husband also in a round about sort of way also persuaded me to get it redone. I got my nose pierced when I started college and had it for several years before I took it out. He said several times he liked the look of it in the photos from the time and that he wished he'd known me when I had it. I had missed having a shiny jewel in my nostril so got it re-done, much to my husband's approval. I wear a discreet tiny diamond stud which fits in with work (and my age!) and wouldn't want to be without it.
black and white nose ring photo.... very cool and nice