tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495095594720006102011-04-21T22:52:46.543-04:00This Blog is so I can share and save the frugal information I have come across and actually use.Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.comBlogger661100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-52437783798900045262008-10-03T15:18:00.002-04:002008-10-03T15:53:07.671-04:00

Monday- Cheese Enchiladas, Black Beans and Corn, and Spanish rice Cheese I buy in bulk and I use about 12 ounces in this recipe cheddar and Monteray jack the cheese cost about $3.50 the sauce is 99¢ a can Black beans and corn are 56¢ and 99¢ respectively. The rice I can't calculate since it came with Angel Food and I have quite a few bags, I will just add Salsa and spices to it, a cup of salsa

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-15165373763101671962008-09-22T14:10:00.002-04:002008-09-22T14:21:22.969-04:00

Ok I am going to try a little harder this week, its been stressful not making my goals....Monday, Spaghetti with meatballs and garlic bread .79+1.00+1.00+.50=3.39 =to feed a family of 3Tuesday, Sweet and Sour Chicken stir fry (from a kit) 1.69+2.50+.99=5.18 each person in a Chinese restaurant would cost moreWednesday, Bratwurst and Buns, Baked French Fries, Corn and

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-85286322252212686472008-09-18T23:10:00.002-04:002008-09-18T23:18:41.814-04:00

Over the past month, I have been back on the job hunt....I know we COULD make it on one income, but we really need 1 1/2 to make things more uhm, whats the word I am looking for? Uhm, this will work, LIVABLE.With gas prices rising, we need more income coming in, less going out doesn't seem to be happening really well, not with EVERYTHING going up.I have put in more than 20 job applications across

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-38580211005608796032008-09-17T14:57:00.002-04:002008-09-17T15:04:17.255-04:00

This morning I boiled 5 pounds of ground beef, Now what am I going to do with it?Tonight we are having Sloppy Janes and French Fries,Sloppy Janes are very similar to sloppy joes, one exception, they are served in hot dog buns instead of hamburger buns.Other meals that will come from this 5 pounds of meat?Well We have Stroganoff, Add one can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 can mushrooms, and one cup

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-21469959262437528022008-09-10T12:34:00.002-04:002008-09-10T13:18:24.074-04:00

This week, Well we are starting today because I goofed yesterday and only DH had dinner, Lauren and I ate a VERY late lunch so we werent hungry. We also finished our shopping....now I spent a lot to stock, but remember, the grand total spent in August was less than $30 since our foodstamps got screwed up. Due to my workers mess up, we had $375 to cover August and September.Now before We get

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-75714435655794297412008-09-10T12:19:00.003-04:002008-09-10T12:34:27.101-04:00

Before we moved, our bills were150 Utilities60 car insurance50 House Insurance100 property taxes728 Mortgage100 Phone and InternetGas and Medical are not includedthat total is 1188 My medical bills average anywhere from 38-240 per month and gas cost about 50 a week there are no groceries at all in that budget.DH brings home 1320 per month.After we moved,Utilities 150Car insurance 60Lot rent

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-697927997424896682008-09-09T11:56:00.003-04:002008-09-09T12:05:25.125-04:00

Well, frugality became more of a necessity rather than a fun challenge this last month.It was much harder without any room for error. It didn't always work, and my family now is far from fond of Chicken as that's what I had a large stock of on hand.Did you know that 8 pounds of chicken will last about 4 weeks even if had for almost every dinner?I get my chicken breasts on sale from Meijer for

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-68041922559372453362008-08-17T20:58:00.002-04:002008-08-17T21:02:54.221-04:00

Ok our finances stink right now, we are frugal by nature, but this is a bit ridiculous.We have $30 to make it til Thursday afternoon when I can deposit Chris's next check, its just a little too tight.We have gotten seriously behind in our bills because of medical bills and whatnot, our foodstamps have been temporarily cancelled thanks to some carelessness and I am beyond frustrated at our

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-14407858826971927302008-08-08T19:10:00.002-04:002008-08-08T19:53:29.813-04:00

What's for dinner?I have Chicken, Chicken and More chickenI have Bison SteakI have Ground BuffaloI have Pathetic Looking Pork ChopsI have Minute SteaksI have Hot DogsI have a roll of SausageI have 3 bags each Frozen corn and Green BeansI have SalmonI have chicken Fried steakI have frozen bread doughand a goal of spending less than $50 over the next two weeks, can it be done??Ok, I do have spices

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-77363970811474056502008-08-06T20:50:00.002-04:002008-08-06T20:53:10.372-04:00

Normally I wouldn't do this, but we had a huge sale here not that long ago on Chicken Voila, since I had orientation tonight this made a good quick dinner.I added two chicken breast halves and voila, dinner for 3 quick and easy.Total cost less than $4 for the whole meal.

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-44721055441678383872008-08-02T22:06:00.003-04:002008-08-02T22:14:50.574-04:00

This was an improvised recipe that we really liked.The original recipe was14.5 ounce Rotel Tomatoes1lb ground beef1 can eachBeef BrothCornkidney beansChili beans all undrained1 packet taco seasoning1 packet ranch dressingand 1-2 cans waterCook in Crock pot all day.Now we like the original recipe, but since we just moved, I still don't know where everything is, and I didn't realize what we wanted

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-48271987688421304982008-08-02T21:57:00.003-04:002008-08-02T22:16:10.058-04:00

No, we aren't eating brains around here, but mine have been quite scrambled lately, my menus have been a shambles and I can barely tell which end is up at this moment.menu plan for this week though....hopefully baring any total misery.Sunday, Spaghetti and Meat SauceMonday, Neuro-Opthamologist appointment, Chicken Voila (easy and I don't need to see what I am doing)Tuesday, Minute Steaks cooked

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-50794982677903973162008-07-21T09:37:00.002-04:002008-07-21T09:53:58.042-04:00

We are just about finished with our move, it significantly decreased our costs, its too bad my medical bills are offsetting any real savings at this point...hopefully that will change soon.This month has been a real challenge for us, my in laws have made lots of comments about our financial situation, I don't think they really comprehend that even if we made what they do, we still would not live

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-57462121222070381462008-06-24T14:53:00.002-04:002008-06-24T14:59:25.445-04:00

Its Hot, ok, its not really hot, but I am hot and I want something cold.For next to nothing, I can fulfill that craving with a strawberry smoothie. I got a 4 pound bag of Frozen strawberries on clearance for $4.80, that will net me more than 10 smoothies, so about 48 centsThe yogurt, From Kroger's 39 cent sale, I use whatever I have, today, its going to be Vanilla LightThe Milk, I use about 6

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-17828541466528463252008-06-21T08:57:00.002-04:002008-06-21T09:02:48.306-04:00

So much to do this week its unbelievable.Today we have to make a trip out to the new house, we have a couple of boxes to take, have to drop off a sheet at the office, and have to pick up a staple gun to seal the shed.We are using what we have and putting up landscape fabric instead of screening in the shed to keep out the wasps. We will likely also bomb it too, since they are really bad.If the

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-4363110295005185222008-06-12T10:51:00.002-04:002008-06-12T10:55:58.557-04:00

Not my thing.I just got home from a Chiropractor appointment, I was informed today that my insurance did not pay their part.As part of a frugal family, you need to be aware of what your insurance covers, we are covered 100% for 24 visits, NO Co-Pay.They covered the 1st visit, but the next 6 visits were covered with a copay of $30 each....No thank you. I came home, called Blue Cross, now they are

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-53511829778543520852008-06-09T19:14:00.002-04:002008-06-09T19:18:05.977-04:00

We are now the proud owners of a 2002 mobile home.Today we closed, I am so excited, it was a LONG day, but well worth it.I am so excited, it seems we don't do much for ourselves like that but this was oh so worth it to me.Our mortgage payment will go down significantly, our gas will increase a little bit because we are further out now, but I dont think that will be a huge increase.I am just so

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-7287876547984574302008-06-06T20:19:00.002-04:002008-06-06T20:25:06.794-04:00

We are buying a new house, a smaller more affordable house, we close on Monday at 2pmAs far as frugal posts, I have been quiet because I haven't been very frugal lately, we have been running around like chickens with our heads cut off getting ready to move, going to the chiropractor, and just keeping busy being away from home...with not being home however it becomes very challenging.I am going

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-29941021836728182942008-05-24T17:15:00.002-04:002008-05-24T17:32:30.440-04:00

For more great Menus check out Organizing Junkie.On to the Good stuffThis week I am determined to NOT go off the plan more than changing the days around, so I am not even going to list the days.For BreakfastEggs, Sausage and English Muffins for DH, Lauren can have cereal, and I will have Egg Beaters and cheese with veggies.For LunchSandwiches, Veggies, and Granola Bars My sandwiches will be

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-7018134508177110192008-05-22T13:25:00.002-04:002008-05-22T13:33:07.370-04:00

Ok, Please tell me I am not alone here..I do a good job of planning our menus I have been doing this for a long time now, just started posting them in hopes it would make them easier to follow.Our Chicken Chili, we had on Tuesday, DH wanted to go out on Monday. Wednesday we ended up going out as well because we were out at dinner time. Tonight, I have spaghetti sauce in the crock pot, and will

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-17553848072926587212008-05-19T10:29:00.002-04:002008-05-19T10:45:06.620-04:00

Aiming for a High Protein diet like I was instructed to this past Monday is a LOT harder than I thought it would be.Monday-White Chicken ChiliTuesday-Traditional Spaghetti and meatballs but the spaghetti will be my ONLY carb for the day.Wednesday-Grilled Chicken breasts, Baked Potato, and Steamed Broccoli (I have to remember to choose potatoes for Lauren and I that are very small)Thursday-Pulled

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-58159318352111475972008-05-15T09:28:00.002-04:002008-05-15T09:38:02.166-04:00

Trail MixTrail Mix is a very expensive treat in our house, unless its homemade. The stores sell individual servings for about $1 each. Currently GFS has Country Style Trail Mix on sale for $7.99, That is 33 1/4 cup servings, but a quarter cup is barely enough to satisfy my darling husband.Homemade is healthier, I can choose to use more nuts and less M&Ms and Raisins, which Chris doesn't

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-63705856590852758142008-05-12T12:45:00.003-04:002008-05-12T13:16:22.114-04:00

This will change somewhat since today I was informed that I need to go on a diet that is High Protein, Low fat, Low calorie, and Low carb for the PTC.Sunday, We ate at the In laws for Mother's DayMonday, We are having Tacos with the fixings tonightTuesday, Spaghetti and Meatballs Wednesday, Sausages with Pork and Beans Thursday, Chicken ChiliFriday, BurritosSaturday, Homemade PizzaI have no idea

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-5955753665828515282008-05-07T20:51:00.002-04:002008-05-07T21:03:05.170-04:00

We are praying, and praying hard for God's will, but DH says to pack up and lets go.Due to a lot of circumstances we can not control, we have really been struggling as to whether to keep our house or not. Well since we have been struggling with this for several months, we decided to check on mobile homes.I found several I liked really affordable, but under the circumstances, we weren't sure if

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-27002469414420714042008-05-05T06:49:00.003-04:002008-05-05T07:00:34.983-04:00

This week I have to plan more than ever, its crunch time and I have to do a pantry challenge since the only thing I plan on buying before Friday is Toilet Paper (with a coupon its only going to be $2.47 for a 24 pk)Cinco de MayoChicken Fajitas with Pintos and RiceTuesdayBurrito Casserole (since dh can have it ready when I get home) with leftover rice.WednesdayBBQ Ribs in the crockpot, Steamed

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-6133536602995712782008-04-29T09:32:00.004-04:002008-04-29T10:10:50.873-04:00

Well I am terribly bummed. I have been watching what I ate for the last 8 weeks, in the first 4, I lost almost 7lbs total. But, in the second 4 weeks, I gained it all back plus 5. Now I didn't change my eating, I still ate between 1200 and 1500 calories a day, with increased veggies and decreased carbs...I was warned this may happen because the Lyrica I am on causes weight gain but it still

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-83897996857288052382008-04-26T15:36:00.002-04:002008-04-26T15:56:02.891-04:00

Well we are off and running, I just loaded 8 pounds of potatoes into the oven. $2.50 for 16 potatoes. 3 will be eaten for dinner tonight as baked potatoes, leaving 13 to be converted into twice baked.Twice baked Potatoes13 baked potatoes1 cup sour cream1/2 stick butter cubed2 cups cheese dividedSlice potatoes in half, scoop out insides leaving slight shell.Mash the potatoes, sour cream, butter,

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-29931195206829183192008-04-24T09:53:00.004-04:002008-04-24T10:23:32.928-04:00

Today I had grand plans of making a triple batch of meatballs to go with my Favorite spaghetti sauce recipe, but decided at the last minute that I am just going to use the meat as is in the sauce.I will be cooking up 3 pounds of ground meat with about a half cup of dehydrated onions and about a quarter cup of dehydrated garlic and about an eighth of a cup of dehydrated Vegetables. Why all the

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-67701720126221403062008-04-19T13:50:00.002-04:002008-04-19T14:03:43.754-04:00

Yesterday we had a reality check.Chris was put down to 4 days per week for a while, we don't know how long but for a while.I had already made a menu plan for the week, but I have had such a hard time sticking with it.This time we have NO choice but to stick with it.For breakfasts we will be havingCinnamon rollsYogurt and fruit (twice)Eggs and toastCottage Cheese and PeachCereal and milkPancakes

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-80366476358483109042008-04-16T09:14:00.002-04:002008-04-16T09:24:36.418-04:00

Unfortunately this year I am not likely to be in any shape to actually garden.Every year since we moved out of apartments we have had at least a few tomato and pepper plants. I have planted from seeds most years but this year was kinda under the weather when it came time to plant. I am considering investing in a Topsy Turvy to plant one plant and hang it, just for that fresh flavor.Fresh

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-27215981501180454532008-04-14T20:27:00.002-04:002008-04-14T20:37:13.728-04:00

We are changing our household diet.Now I know many people eat naturally to begin with, but we...well, we didn't. My pantry was and to some extent still is, lined with pre-made things. Right now though the only real premade thing we have in that pantry is spaghetti sauce, most of the rest is now in ingredient form.We have had some issues with Lauren's attitude, major issues. So we have decided

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-83429549401847975722008-04-01T20:16:00.002-04:002008-04-01T20:21:06.820-04:00

Do Not let food go to waste. We had a BAD experience today. I attempted to make a chicken dish. I put the BONELESS SKINLESS Chicken thighs in the crock pot and discovered after a couple hours that they have Bones and skin. YUCK! They smelled so bad I nearly lost it. Needless to say they are garbage. I think they were in the freezer too long or something, they tasted aweful and I didn't even

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-1491524456254681132008-03-29T13:09:00.002-04:002008-03-29T13:14:11.422-04:00

Today we made a trip to Meijer, I got LOTS of goodies, but my favorite is the 10 for 10 sale get the 11th free, I spent nearly $30 on those items. However, I got the benefit of several coupons to make up some free things. The Betty Crocker Cookie pouches were Free with Coupons for 50Cents off doubled, so not only did I get 3 items free, I also got two additional packs of cookies for free

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-70358017425998678432008-03-12T14:44:00.002-04:002008-03-12T14:50:48.175-04:00

My meds are supposed to cost almost as much as my mortgage right now. If you are low income remember that lots of drug companies have programs to assist in getting the meds you need.Don't be afraid to contact them and ask for help.Also, we went to CVS on Saturday to fill a prescription for my Proventil. I chose to go there because the script was cheaper and I had a $25 gift card for filling a

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-64121570430743727772008-03-03T09:51:00.003-05:002008-03-03T09:56:09.448-05:00

With all thats been going on I was a bit distressed. Our Car insurance is pulled directly out of our checking account every month. In December we sold my van, so I called to pull it off. The amount they sent me to balance out the remainder of the year was $120 for 4 months, however in January I noticed my bill was still 154.24, $34.24 more than it should have been, but I had misplaced the

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-22155245770179747762008-02-27T06:42:00.002-05:002008-02-27T06:48:14.224-05:00

Things right now aren't too frugal around here. Even though I prepared ahead of time for my surgery, I was prepared for 2 weeks of recovery time not the nearly 6 months that we are now expecting due to the complications.When I got home from the hospital, my father in law offered to pay a housekeeper to come in and keep the house maintained while I recover, a good thing with a tornado living here

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-30196683583737886472008-02-13T22:11:00.003-05:002008-02-13T22:31:57.424-05:00

Tomorrow is a very romantic Holiday.How do you do it affordably? Now, I do not know if my husband plans on taking me out tomorrow because of my inability to stand and cook us a nice dinner (which is what we would typically do)Last year though, we had Chicken Cordon Bleu, made by wrapping Chicken Tenders with strips of Swiss Cheese and ham, I buy the chicken tenders for $2 per pound or less, then

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-36145778138788689202008-01-31T11:42:00.000-05:002008-01-31T11:53:17.145-05:00

Ok, nothing really failed, but at the same time, something in me hit hard this year. I want to go back to work, not just any job, but REALLY go back to work, I want to go back to school, get a degree, and go get a real job. We will still be nearly a one Income family when I am working as DH will drop down to just part time and be the one homeschooling our DD. I have decided, and applied, to go

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-63477284802022741472008-01-27T10:20:00.000-05:002008-01-27T11:01:41.941-05:00

This past week I made a huge pot of soup, a triple batch of Vegetarian Tortilla Soup, The recipe was actually an alteration on Don't Panic, Dinner's in the Freezer's Chicken Tortilla soup. I subbed homemade Veggie broth and omitted the chicken, we will add that when we thaw the leftovers and reheat it over the next month.Out of that triple batch of Veggie tortilla soup, I put away 8 packages of

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-82659526431549359782008-01-18T12:02:00.000-05:002008-01-18T12:11:46.158-05:00

What do these two have in common? Clutter costs me money all the time. I can't find this, so I replace it, only to have two when the other one shows up. It keeps me out of the kitchen and out of the house where it becomes increadibly easy to spend more money trying to get things organized.Why do these things drive us so crazy? I am not sure the answer to that, but I am on the path to

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-19021341242605582812008-01-11T14:13:00.000-05:002008-01-11T14:35:01.056-05:00

Yesterday I went to Meijer, I spent about $50 and came home with 8 bags of groceries. I thought prices were going up.Yes, its true, prices are ever increasing, however, that does not mean you have to spend alot.My receipt shows that I spent $55.25 now that includes more than just groceries as I am working on a Baby shower gift for my sister in law as well, and my kitty wanted treats.They have

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-45919228723832756742008-01-09T14:12:00.001-05:002008-01-09T14:19:21.734-05:00

Ok, I know I am not technically reducing consumption for frugal reasons, My church called a Daniel Fast and Meat and sweets have been severely limited in my house.However, the one thing I have noticed, our grocery bill has gone way down, even out of season veggies and fruits are still cheaper than using meat as your main course.I am not doing a complete fast, but on Sunday I made Bean and salsa

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-37742175115998283552008-01-04T19:14:00.000-05:002008-01-04T19:43:25.128-05:00

After a hard day, discovering a pay cut that we got out of a raise, we decided we were going to celebrate how God has provided for us, and will continue to with made from scratch pizza.Costs for Pizza from Scratch for our family.Flour 21 cents (bought in 25lb bags)Yeast 3 cents (bought in bulk)Salt negligibleSugar negligibleOil 16 cents (I use special Pizza oil with Garlic in it)Garlic 10

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-60269608178783753492008-01-03T12:37:00.001-05:002008-01-03T12:52:39.549-05:00

Its only the 3rd day of 2008 and we are preparing for a major expense in our house, although anticipated, we were not expecting such a high lay out right off the bat. See, our insurance deductible doubled, so the surgery I am scheduled for on February 1st will be a cash outlay of probably $2500.Now, for surgery that does not seem unreasonable, except when you add in the fact that, Dh will not

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-54777952051477636142008-01-02T06:40:00.000-05:002008-01-02T06:57:03.270-05:00

What are you doing to help yourself live within your means this year?Are your means getting smaller? Ours certainly seem to be, we have insurance premiums coming out and costs going up. The rest of our bills will all stay the same or relatively close to the same.Are you praying over those means, so that God can stretch them and maximize their potential?I will be printing off some general ledger

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-48953950886485898302007-12-29T10:46:00.001-05:002007-12-29T11:02:26.671-05:00

Ok, Two posts in one day is kind of strage, but it did not quite fit with the other post.When making a purchase, think about its usage and how much things really cost.I have to replace a 4 slice toaster sometime, I am not sure when because it is currently working as a two slice toaster and I am GOING to find out what the best toaster is out there before I buy another one.I paid $20 for this

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-46534135747846188612007-12-29T10:32:00.000-05:002007-12-29T10:46:02.605-05:00

Ok, so its just a piece of bake ware, but its a toy to me.I have had the worst luck with homemade pizza. It's a favorite dish around here, DH and Bug absolutely adore pizza, I think the only thing dh likes more is Mexican.Well, I have a few different crust recipes, but no matter how I rolled it, tossed it, or stretched it, my poor cookie sheet just was not a good pizza pan. With the gift card

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-42933362357495189242007-12-24T19:05:00.000-05:002007-12-24T19:17:43.351-05:00

Ok, Technically its not a NEW resolution, its one I have been working on for MANY years, My goals for 2008 are to become more financially stable. I recently joined Frugalvillage.com and was really encouraged by some of their challenges to stay within budget. My Budget for 2008?$70 monthly for gas$200 monthly for groceries$103 Phone, Internet and Cable$752.54 Mortgage (this includes a little

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-60265882353278231322007-12-21T21:12:00.000-05:002007-12-21T21:21:40.527-05:00

I do not usually like Budget 101, but in the crafts section this past week I saw the COOLEST gift for my Brothers in Law. http://budget101.com/crafts/fcp4.htmI could not do it 100% the way the directions tell you to because I could not get the hands off the clock, but for $4 plus a battery, We have a beautiful clock with a wedding photo now how cool is that for a frugal gift.I am waiting on my

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-51294851680591147912007-12-17T12:10:00.000-05:002007-12-17T12:22:08.851-05:00

Lands End sells these really amazing cookies for $20 for 1lb. To me that is a ridiculous amount to spend on cookies or almost anything else for that matter.I use Nabisco Famous Wafers (chocolate wafer cookies in a yellow package, sold in our Kroger near the ice cream cones) for $3.99 for 40 cookies, I dip these in white chocolate, a half a pound of chocolate goes a LONG way. and add pulverized

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-84970330706418505502007-12-09T17:40:00.000-05:002007-12-09T18:18:46.396-05:00

Ok, I dont actually HAVE a price book, but I do stay aware of what things cost and where.Today, I went to Aldi, I had a few things I needed to help the Bare cupboards and Aldi has the best prices even with sales. One of those things, Kidney Beans, At Kroger they are on sale for 50 cents per can, a typical sale price around here, and a good price for most people, at Aldi however, the same can of

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-20412845981663290932007-12-05T17:15:00.001-05:002007-12-05T17:28:50.334-05:00

This has been anything but a frugal week.For starters, it seems when one thing goes wrong, the rest seem to fall apart too.I did stay out of the grocery stores this past week, but I don't think it helped us since I was not doing a pantry challenge.Yes, we have eaten at home a bit, but the bit certainly hasn't been enough.Tonight, we are having a freezer meal, tomorrow hopefully the same, except

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-26701042422869475502007-11-29T10:50:00.000-05:002007-11-29T11:03:34.070-05:00

Well, we haven't exactly been as frugal as we could have or should have this past few weeks. I have been busy with doctors appointments, tests, and still have some to go.I guess frugality is truly a seasonal thing, some weeks or months we do really well, but when Mom is barely functional, I guess frugality goes out the window.Tonight, though, I am making Chili, which will net us a minimum of 2-

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-5909398405599242602007-11-13T13:53:00.000-05:002007-11-13T14:00:04.081-05:00

Although not a totally frugal post, I wanted to share this to remember that its Okay to need to take a break.I have a rare condition that right now is getting the better of me. Bug is home schooled.Put those together and some days, you don't get much accomplished. Since Wednesday last week I have barely been able to get out of bed. I get up, do somethings and try my hardest to not fall back

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-44220027374448894332007-11-09T13:17:00.000-05:002007-11-09T13:40:51.395-05:00

Oh how I would love a REAL pantry, but that's not going to happen for a while, and when it does, it will be a space saver version in my kitchen (we plan on removing some useless cabinets to place two prefabricated pantries in that area)In the meantime, I use the closet that is under our stairs as a pantry, it holds a short and a tall set of metal wire shelves, I also have a set of these shelves

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-18338392678099379272007-11-08T05:34:00.000-05:002007-11-08T05:47:02.945-05:00

This morning, while making DH's Lunch, I stood at the counter thinking that packing a lunch was supposed to save me a significant amount of money, after all, he isn't going out and spending $5 at the local fast food place every single day, right?However, rising prices seem to have lead to the cost of his daily homemade lunch DOUBLING.Granted, it still cost a lot less than going out, but why did

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-91863282316739210052007-11-05T15:21:00.000-05:002007-11-05T15:55:32.627-05:00

Today we got our local grocery ads. I was totally befuddled. Of course we all know prices are going up, but I guess that means its time to start more cooking from scratch.So what did I do today? I made a list of Twenty meals and some side dishes. Eight Chicken meals and Twelve Beef, all of which require very few convenient components. (Tortillas is the main one that I have yet to make from

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-78806432880486605302007-11-01T05:47:00.000-04:002007-11-01T06:10:36.223-04:00

On Gas?On a Meal out?On a meal at home?DH works fairly close to home (about a 15 minute drive) Has a car that averages 25mpg city, and fills up the rest of the tank about once a week (we don't let it get below half if we can help it)We put in $20 a week (give or take, that's what it averages out to) We could often eliminate one tank every 3 weeks or so though.On a meal out, fast food cost our

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-32288643247674470152007-10-26T11:33:00.000-04:002007-10-26T12:54:36.407-04:00

All money that comes in has a place....where is it all going?DH brings home $339 a week, of that $240 automatically goes into our Money Market account so it can build interest, that is used to pay our mortgage, and the interest, well, that's savings, that I am being PAID rather than me having to add it in myself.$20 of it goes in the gas tank (DH's car gets great mileage, we use about $60 a month

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-34964332213876930742007-10-20T12:00:00.000-04:002007-10-20T12:15:26.233-04:00

Yesterday my bug spiked a fever of 102.7 she was miserable. A little Tylenol and a lot of sleep went a long way to make her feel better. The Generic versions of Tylenol work just as well. Even though Bug is 5 we are still using infant Tylenol and Baby size doses because we don't want her having a lot of meds and getting a high drug tolerance like her momma has.On Wednesday I spent the day in the

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-70024826372078506882007-10-18T11:58:00.000-04:002007-10-18T13:21:03.145-04:00

How much do you pay for store bought bread?Here, it cost about $2.19 for whole wheat bread (and thats the cheap bread)Using Expensive whole wheat flour at $0.82 per pound 4 1/2 cups per poundYeast $1.93 lb 112 teaspoons per poundPowdered milk $0.55 quartSugar $0.72 lb 2 1/4 cups per pound 108 teaspoons per poundBread Flour $0.82 lb 4 1/2 cups per poundButter $2.50 lb 32 Tablespoons per poundSalt

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-22890644136711451332007-10-16T17:45:00.000-04:002007-10-16T17:56:50.450-04:00

While Highlighting the authors, bloggers, or websites that have blessed me by helping our journey, its time to highlight Joyful Momma. I purchased a wonderful package that included some of Kimberly's work, I was very impressed. I actually met her through a weblist I no longer even read but I could so relate to her financial situation at the time. She had been through a lot with her husbands job

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-43444364688897631122007-10-15T11:15:00.000-04:002007-10-15T11:26:39.772-04:00

This weeks menu in No particular order since I only know What we are having Today and Wednesday at this point.Monday- Tacos, Corn and refried beans (pantry Meal)Tater Tot CasseroleWednesday we are having Crock Pot Chili as we wont be home most of the day thanks to my tests.Burgers with all the fixings and Potato WedgesTaco Salad (fixed with leftover CHili)Spaghetti with homemade sauce and

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-20992632232001724722007-10-15T11:07:00.000-04:002007-10-15T11:15:14.934-04:00

Shop at home is her motto. Dh loves her site as well because of how much learning to CHECK before we bought has helped us.We have a grocery budget of only around $80 a month plus whatever DH gets in overtime in a month and how low I can keep the Electric and Gas bills as they are the only ones that move.Every month, we print her Inventory lists and dig through the pantry, fridge, and freezers

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-26937620536190430502007-10-13T19:50:00.000-04:002007-10-13T20:10:06.469-04:00

I think one of the most frugal sites I have ever found for ANYTHING would be Miss Maggie's Hillbilly Housewife. Her site happens to be the one I recomend to almost anyone who asks for anything frugal. I have gotten ideas, recipes, and more inspiration from this site than Any others I have found in a LONG time.

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749509559472000610.post-45039573935144646912007-10-13T19:33:00.000-04:002007-10-13T19:35:35.683-04:00

I come across Lots and Lots of frugal findings almost every day. I usually file them away and can never find them again. This Blog is specifically so I can find what I have learned from and refer back to it at a later time.Thank you to all the bloggers who have shared your frugal findings and blessed others with them already.

Charlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02502021743680827546noreply@blogger.com0