The Frugal Mama

Hello and welcome to my blog! I hope that you find the ideas I share on these pages to be helpful in living a frugal and full life.

A little bit about me. 

Originally from just outside of Washington, DC, my husband Matt and I moved to California in 2006 to pursue his dream of becoming a winemaker. I gladly came along for the ride and quickly found myself more at home on the West Coast than I ever could have imagined. Leaving the frantic pace of city life behind was like taking a breath of fresh air - one I didn't even know I needed at the time - and allowed me to discover an appreciation for a slower, simpler life focused on family, friends and building a happy home.

Early in 2012 Matt and I experienced the most joyous moment of our lives when our son William entered the world. Since that day I've found a new sense of purpose in raising a healthy, happy child - and an even greater appreciation for a lifestyle that offers me quality time with the people I love.

We are lucky to call the beautiful Napa Valley home, and four years ago - after two years of graduate school in viticulture and enology (and the student loans to prove it) - Matt was successful in reaching his goal of becoming a winemaker. 

After Will was born, I returned to work part-time in public relations. Going from a dual-income to basically a single-income household wasn't easy (what's left of my income after childcare goes to those above-stated student loans), but enabled us to focus on what is really important in life. New car? Not important - we drive a hand-me-down Honda and a 10 year-old Golf that I bought soon after college (true love is having a husband that agrees to drive a beat-up VW when his old BMW finally bites the dust). Emergency fund? Important - we contribute every month. New clothes? Not important - I've discovered a new appreciation for consignment and thrift stores. Healthy food? Important - our garden takes up half our backyard and when we buy groceries, we shop for whole grains, organic fruits and vegetables and sustainably raised meats.

Our life isn't perfect - there are days when dishes pile in the sink, I get frustrated by a little boy who is on a nap strike, and the 'to do list' seems insurmountable. But at the end of the day, we count our blessings for a roof over our heads, our friends, a loving family and good health.

Though our bank accounts aren't what they were a few years ago, I find immense satisfaction in stretching our dollar as far as it can go and started this blog as a way to share some of the tips, tricks, and recipes I've learned along the way.

I hope you enjoy the Frugal Mama Files!

Julie