Paperless Kitchen==Frugal Idea!

So as I started couponing last year, I began to think of ways our family could cut expenses and lower our grocery budget. I decided to try to go paperless in our kitchen (meaning no paper towels or napkins). Sounds crazy, huh? Well, I loved it! I decided (from an idea found online=can't remember where) to pull out my cloth napkins, which I had plenty of from wedding presents and use those at meal times and cleaning up. I found that if I kept 2 baskets in my kitchen, one at the sink, and one under the sink, I have easy access to towels for cleaning up a dirty child's face from a meal, and access to towels used for cleaning the counters and table. It actually turned out to be pretty fun to have friends over and have them ask where the napkins were for dinner and I pulled out the "pretty" napkins. Overall, it really doesn't add any more loads of laundry, I add it to a load I am already doing. Savings have been great though! Just think, A roll of paper towels go for about $1 right? You go through 1 a week (if not more), plus the napkins, and that can really add up! And I have found that if I don't have them, I don't miss them. The same goes for paper plates and such, do you really need all that? Yes, there are certain parties that paper is just easier, but for my family, it is worth the few minutes to load the dishwasher to save the money. And, I will "buy" napkins or paper towels if they are free at the store, I just won't put out money for them any more :) When we are trying to squeeze our budget, this is something that really has helped us!
So, I encourage you, find things around your kitchen, maybe paper products, that you really don't have to have and see if you can go without it, even if you just give it a try, you might find it to be fun!
Whether we need to save some money or not, we are all called to be good stewards of the money God has blessed us with. When it boils down to it, it isn't really our money anyway.
Proverbs 3 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, ad he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine."
So I encourage you this morning, search your heart (as I daily try to search mine) and see where in your life you can Honor the Lord. He will bless you! We are called to seek His face daily (or really each moment of our lives) and live out the gospel through all aspects of our lives!
Well, the little one awakes and we shall go get some breakfast, y'all have a lovely day, go outside--the sun is shining!! It's going to be a lovely day!