Ever wondered how you can easily save money, while being creative and having fun? Our Curious Teacher of the Week, Sarah Mock of How I Pinch a Penny, can show you how.
A homesteading blogger and home/garden DIY expert, Sarah hails from Pennsylvania where she lives with her three children and husband. She's a pro at cooking (and canning) delicious food, cleaning, organizing, gardening and crafting -- all on a budget.
We chose Sarah as Teacher of the Week because we think it’s awesome that her projects save money and the earth. Her lessons are the epitome of resourceful.
Without further ado, meet Sarah!
Curious: Hi Sarah! To start off, tell us about what you teach on Curious.
Sarah Mock: I teach creative ways to save money and live a frugal lifestyle. Some of my lessons include How To Make Homemade Laundry Detergent and How to Dry Oregano without a Dehydrator.
C: Can you tell us a little more about How I Pinch a Penny?
SM: How I Pinch a Penny is a lifestyle blog. It offers a peek into how my family saves money, finds discounts, and discovers saving techniques in the kitchen and garden. I started the blog in 2009, when I was pregnant and my family’s financial bottom fell out. I began writing about how I was saving money and the blog started growing organically, and has really progressed.
C: At Curious, we love your lessons because they’re very well-taught (our team's favorite: How to Make and Can Peach Jam). How did you get started with teaching?
SM: Well, I’ve been teaching my whole life. When I was 13, I started taking cake decorating classes and taught my sisters and mom what I’d learned. Then, after college, I became a TA and a fellow. My teaching background helps me on Curious, because it allows me to communicate what’s in my head and get my ideas across to students. Teaching just comes naturally to me.
C: Why is teaching important to you?
SM: It’s important to pass on what you know for the greater good - the whole “give a man a fish” metaphor.
C: Definitely. At the office, we sometimes discuss the best teachers we’ve had over the years. Who is the teacher who’s had the most impact on you?
SM: Chef Karl Guggenmos, the University Dean of Culinary Education at Johnson & Wales University. At the time we met, he was my professor at Johnson & Wales. He inspired me because he took an interest in the whole student - not just the grade or technique they were studying, but who they were as a person, what they wanted to achieve, and how they processed life.
Thanks for talking with us, Sarah!
Watch How I Pinch a Penny lessons on Curious: curious.com/howipinchapenny
