In this fragile economy, I thought it might be informative (and a little entertaining) to share all the ways we’re making-do.
So I’m launching the Make-Do Mondays carnival.

You can borrow the Make-Do Mondays button if you participate. Simply document and explain how you’re making-do, then pop back over here and use the comments and/or Mr. Linky to let us know.
This is what made me think of it:

About a month ago, I bought the cheapest floss in the dental care aisle.
The plastic box fell apart the first time I used it.
It was bedtime, but in spite of my grogginess, I tried to stick the roll in place, pop the top back on and click it back together. It kept falling apart.
Now that I’m awake and thinking through ways to make-do, I realize that I should have duct taped it. Instead, aggravated, I gave up and tossed it.
But I didn’t toss the innards. I did have enough focus to realize I could make-do with what was left. Since then, every night, I have to unroll the strand from the roll by hand and hold the metal piece in two fingers to slice it off. The first few nights I would drop it on the bathroom counter and chase after the floss as it unrolled like a ball of yarn. Winding it back up, I’d question if maybe I was a being a little too frugal:
Maybe I should toss this and buy a new one? After all, I could just use this roll to slice cake. That’s making-do, too. I should just purchase a name-brand floss and stop being so cheap.
Then my fingers figured out how to handle the roll and now it’s fine.
Besides, it’s not so much about the floss.
Now it’s the principle of the thing.
It’s about making-do.
Now it’s your turn. How are you making do?
Write about it. Photograph it. Post a YouTube demonstrating it.
Have a little fun and join Make-Do Mondays.






13 comments
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December 29, 2008 at 1:56 pm
erinstraza
Neat idea! Here’s the first one that’s come to mind: We have hosted family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas for many years now, resulting in an odd (and quite large) collection of paper napkins.
This year, instead of purchasing paper, disposable napkins and plates that all matched, I decided to purchase reusable melamine plates and then use what napkins I had.
The various napkins created a colorful array on the table, and the plates were fabulous! And I’m so glad that I won’t need to buy paper products that only contribute to the trash heap!
December 29, 2008 at 5:12 pm
shepherdsgrace
we are “making-do” with leftovers…I also froze a bunch of turkey to use in an upcoming casserole, I haven’t decided which one yet!
I was dropping by to see when our next mega memory month was beginning…smile…I think I have a verse that will lend itself to sticking in my tired brain easier…because it speaks to me so much…so I will pop by later!
thanks for the encouragement!
Sarah
December 29, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Kristin
Today I spent a lot of time going through my office tossing magazines (actually to take to the Dr.s office) and tossing catalogs. At one point I realized that I was totally out of note cards. I send cards all the time to people and I made a point this year to not buy any more cards until the dozen or so boxes were gone. I had a Thank You note to write and nothing to write on. So I looked through my magazines and found a DWR catalog. It has beautiful pictures in it, lots of white space on each page and it was free!
So I wrote my Thank You on a page from the DWR catalog. I tore out about 40 pages from the two catalogs I had and I now have lots of free stationery to write notes on all year.
I wasn’t going to say anything about this for a few days until I blogged about it – but since you brought it up, I had to say something! I’ll blog about it this week, though
I can’t wait to see more ideas!
Kristin
December 29, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Meme
making do was how I was raised -as a farmer’s daughter in the fifties – but like all things one does slip away from good habits- now I am green again—-
I put all those left overs of bubble baths and body washes (gifts ) into one container and using it as a hand wash at bathroom sink-
this is an E blog- will come back another day
December 30, 2008 at 12:22 am
Jenni
I love this idea! I don’t think that people realize how empowering it is to come up with creative ways to use things lying around, or just to summon up the willpower to use it. In effect, they’re throwing away a bit of self-confidence/reliance when they toss out something that doesn’t work perfectly.
Our toaster went on the fritz about a month ago. We are using the gas broiler to make toast when we really want it. I got this idea from Mark Bittman, a food columnist at the New York Times, who had a blog post on his meager kitchen (go to http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/mark-bittmans-bad-kitchen/) if you’re interested – it’s great reading).
We are also driving beat-up cars that run well until they gasp their last breath.
Looking forward to more ideas, and participating!
December 30, 2008 at 10:10 am
annkroeker
erin: What a fun idea to have reusable holiday plates paired with all that color and variety of the leftover napkin collection–a conversation starter for guests that *you* can feel great about as hostess!
Sarah: I need to get smarter with leftovers. We eat 80-90 percent of ours, but if I had some good recipes (hint-hint), maybe I could be smarter about setting aside leftover chicken. Do you have a winning casserole to share??
Kristin: I *love* that idea of using a beautiful catalog in such a creative way! I had to search for DWR (Design Within Reach, right?) to figure it out. You’ve got me thinking if there are other catalogs that would offer the same classy background.
Meme: What a simple, fun idea. I’m going to call the kids to do exactly that this very day! Bubble baths, body soaps, etc. Anything liquid, right? I’ll bet it smells delicious!
Jenni: You made such wise observations–that it’s empowering, and that we toss our own self-reliance and self-confidence when we throw away something that doesn’t work perfectly. I do believe I’ll quote you next week! And now, I do believe I’ll pop over to the link you provided–thank you!
December 31, 2008 at 8:35 am
Jennifer
Love this idea…I’ll be back Monday!
December 31, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Kristin
Yes, DWR is Design Within Reach. I took pictures yesterday so I’ll have the blog post up the 1st or 2nd of January – I’ll come back and bring the link. I didn’t mean to be vague lol
I’ve made my own envelopes out of cool magazine pages, too. I have envelope templates that I use – it’s just easier that way – but if you google envelope templates you might be able to find some to download for free.
Kristin
January 1, 2009 at 2:19 pm
January 2009 is Mega Memory Month « Ann Kroeker
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January 1, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Kristin
I’ve put my blog post link into Mr. Linky
Thanks!
Kristin
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