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 (dd 5)
I contacted my pastor for someone from the church whom I could trust (even though I have been there almost a year, I still don't know a lot of people there He gave me a family in need, the husband had been laid off and she will be coming the first time on Thursday. DD will also enjoy this because as of next week she will be bringing her daughter and mine will love the playtime.
Last night, after a funeral at church, my pastor also dropped off TWO huge grocery bags full of already cooked food for us, granted it was leftover from a funeral, but it will make my life lots easier.
I have always had a horrendous time accepting help even when I needed it, but this has been a learning experience as I truly can't do as much as I was expecting and I am going to learn to accept help from people who offer it.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Valentines Day
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 I baked til done, about 45 minutes at 350.
We served with a side salad and rolls. For dessert, DH's favorite, imitation French Silk Pie.
I use cookie or graham cracker crust and mix Chocolate Pudding (instant made according to directions with 1 3/4 cups milk for a 4 serving package) I also mixed 1 package dream whip (generic, kroger brand) and combined the pudding and dream whip, comes out almost the perfect texture for French silk Pie.
Grand total expense, about $7 for both of us.
Now because I had complications from my surgery 2 weeks ago, I dont think I will be cooking this, but at the same time, its there if we need it. I will be recovering for about 2 months...so my posts will be kinda sporadic, Our expenses will be increased but not out of control.
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 I baked til done, about 45 minutes at 350.
We served with a side salad and rolls. For dessert, DH's favorite, imitation French Silk Pie.
I use cookie or graham cracker crust and mix Chocolate Pudding (instant made according to directions with 1 3/4 cups milk for a 4 serving package) I also mixed 1 package dream whip (generic, kroger brand) and combined the pudding and dream whip, comes out almost the perfect texture for French silk Pie.
Grand total expense, about $7 for both of us.
Now because I had complications from my surgery 2 weeks ago, I dont think I will be cooking this, but at the same time, its there if we need it. I will be recovering for about 2 months...so my posts will be kinda sporadic, Our expenses will be increased but not out of control.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
When all Else fails, our new endeavor
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 to school to be a nurse. I was studying to do that in college a little over 10 years ago, but things just weren't right back then. I feel God had me there to discover who I was rather than get an education since I couldn't tell you anything I actually learned while there and to prove it, only 2 classes could potentially transfer over. I had a terrible time settling into any one path...which is how it was supposed to be because Nothing would be the way it is today had I continued in school, graduated with an actual degree in a field.
I would have been a work-a-holic (worse than when I met DH) I would not have had our daughter because there wouldn't have been time. I would not have moved to the Detroit area because I would have not have even come back to Michigan. I certainly would not know how to make the best of what we have, because I would have been making enough to spend without thinking (and that is in my genes)
So, now that I am going to be going back to school, We will be getting all of our debt under control (a lot easier with an income that actually exceeds what you actually OWE in any month)
Dh will only continue working to provide for Social Security reasons. His income will all be savings and investments (oh and play money, entertainment really is nescessary sometimes)
I am very excited for what we have learned and grateful that God will be able to work in this new chapter of our lives. I like that healthcare cannot be outsourced to China or elsewhere making it a lot more stable career than what DH is doing in manufacturing as well.
I have decided, and applied, to go to school to be a nurse. I was studying to do that in college a little over 10 years ago, but things just weren't right back then. I feel God had me there to discover who I was rather than get an education since I couldn't tell you anything I actually learned while there and to prove it, only 2 classes could potentially transfer over. I had a terrible time settling into any one path...which is how it was supposed to be because Nothing would be the way it is today had I continued in school, graduated with an actual degree in a field.
I would have been a work-a-holic (worse than when I met DH) I would not have had our daughter because there wouldn't have been time. I would not have moved to the Detroit area because I would have not have even come back to Michigan. I certainly would not know how to make the best of what we have, because I would have been making enough to spend without thinking (and that is in my genes)
So, now that I am going to be going back to school, We will be getting all of our debt under control (a lot easier with an income that actually exceeds what you actually OWE in any month)
Dh will only continue working to provide for Social Security reasons. His income will all be savings and investments (oh and play money, entertainment really is nescessary sometimes)
I am very excited for what we have learned and grateful that God will be able to work in this new chapter of our lives. I like that healthcare cannot be outsourced to China or elsewhere making it a lot more stable career than what DH is doing in manufacturing as well.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Be Ye Prepared
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 soup each one has the potential of being multiple things. I can use the soup as a base for a simple chili by adding beans and a little tomato paste. I can use it for Chicken tortilla soup by adding a chicken breast or thigh. I can use add ground beef and use it as taco meat or burrito filling, or a topping for taco salad. The possibilities are endless.
Since we had already eaten 3 meals out of this pot of soup before I put it in the freezer, we got at least 11 meals out of it. Total cost for those 11 meal bases is about $6
Now I subbed a lot of ingredients, instead of using tomato soup, I used a giant can of tomato juice (since you add water anyhow, I just left that off) it also helps to shop at Aldi, The diced tomatoes and rotel style tomatoes are only 39 and 49 cents per can respectively. Spices come in bulk from either Gordon Food Service or Sam's which ever I get the best deals at when I am running out.
Out of that triple batch of Veggie tortilla soup, I put away 8 packages of soup each one has the potential of being multiple things. I can use the soup as a base for a simple chili by adding beans and a little tomato paste. I can use it for Chicken tortilla soup by adding a chicken breast or thigh. I can use add ground beef and use it as taco meat or burrito filling, or a topping for taco salad. The possibilities are endless.
Since we had already eaten 3 meals out of this pot of soup before I put it in the freezer, we got at least 11 meals out of it. Total cost for those 11 meal bases is about $6
Now I subbed a lot of ingredients, instead of using tomato soup, I used a giant can of tomato juice (since you add water anyhow, I just left that off) it also helps to shop at Aldi, The diced tomatoes and rotel style tomatoes are only 39 and 49 cents per can respectively. Spices come in bulk from either Gordon Food Service or Sam's which ever I get the best deals at when I am running out.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Clutter and Money
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 decluttering my house, making sure everything has a home and getting my daughter trained to not go through what I have.
Clutter is very costly. I know too well...Oh I don't have any clean dishes, lets go out to eat....or I can't find any socks (not that I didn't just buy 10 pair 3 months ago) so lets go buy a new package....or bills are late because the checkbook got burried under the clutter on the desk, late fees.
I was really blessed earlier this week to learn of The Colossal Clutter Clean up, we are going to work through this, my daughter and I, not only is it going to help our house, but our hearts, Amy has many printable to help us, and I am excited about not only getting my house in order, but also training my daughter to not follow in my path and make those same mistakes I have made in cleaning She also helps with the true issues of clutter, the Heart issues. Its a total blessing to see this, and so encouraging as well.
Why do these things drive us so crazy? I am not sure the answer to that, but I am on the path to decluttering my house, making sure everything has a home and getting my daughter trained to not go through what I have.
Clutter is very costly. I know too well...Oh I don't have any clean dishes, lets go out to eat....or I can't find any socks (not that I didn't just buy 10 pair 3 months ago) so lets go buy a new package....or bills are late because the checkbook got burried under the clutter on the desk, late fees.
I was really blessed earlier this week to learn of The Colossal Clutter Clean up, we are going to work through this, my daughter and I, not only is it going to help our house, but our hearts, Amy has many printable to help us, and I am excited about not only getting my house in order, but also training my daughter to not follow in my path and make those same mistakes I have made in cleaning She also helps with the true issues of clutter, the Heart issues. Its a total blessing to see this, and so encouraging as well.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Groceries on a Budget
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 their buy 10, get the 11th item free. I bought baby carrots, mushrooms, spray butter, 3 jars of Ragu (I even had a coupon to get 50 cents off two, doubled, means one of those jars was free) 2 stuffed sandwiches (Meijer Brand Hot pockets), 4 rolls of Crescent roll dough, 2 Oscar Mayer Wieners, 3 Aunt Millies buns, Lenders bagels, lobster chunks, and Chicken patties, Our grand total for those Dollar deals was $20
After my dollar deals, I got a gallon of milk, $2.77, 6 cans of spaghetti o's, $3 (coupon item 40 cents off 3 doubled), 12 Dannon yogurt pots, $4.80, (coupon $1 off), 10 packets Chipped Lunch meats for DH's Lunch (5 varieties, so he doesn't get bored) $4, 8lbs baking potatoes, $2.50, and Flash Frozen Boneless Skinless chicken Tenders, 8lbs or 14.98 (2 4lb bags B1G1 Free)
The cat treats were $2.39 and 1.69 if I bought both I got the cheaper ones for free with a coupon. For my sister in law, I got a Teether, a Rattle, and a Hat/Socks package for my nephew...those cost almost $9.
All the coupons, bottle slips (from before we gave up pop) We did pretty good. Now if Only I could get the CVS or Walgreens Register rewards to work that well for me, but I rarely get that great of sales.
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 their buy 10, get the 11th item free. I bought baby carrots, mushrooms, spray butter, 3 jars of Ragu (I even had a coupon to get 50 cents off two, doubled, means one of those jars was free) 2 stuffed sandwiches (Meijer Brand Hot pockets), 4 rolls of Crescent roll dough, 2 Oscar Mayer Wieners, 3 Aunt Millies buns, Lenders bagels, lobster chunks, and Chicken patties, Our grand total for those Dollar deals was $20
After my dollar deals, I got a gallon of milk, $2.77, 6 cans of spaghetti o's, $3 (coupon item 40 cents off 3 doubled), 12 Dannon yogurt pots, $4.80, (coupon $1 off), 10 packets Chipped Lunch meats for DH's Lunch (5 varieties, so he doesn't get bored) $4, 8lbs baking potatoes, $2.50, and Flash Frozen Boneless Skinless chicken Tenders, 8lbs or 14.98 (2 4lb bags B1G1 Free)
The cat treats were $2.39 and 1.69 if I bought both I got the cheaper ones for free with a coupon. For my sister in law, I got a Teether, a Rattle, and a Hat/Socks package for my nephew...those cost almost $9.
All the coupons, bottle slips (from before we gave up pop) We did pretty good. Now if Only I could get the CVS or Walgreens Register rewards to work that well for me, but I rarely get that great of sales.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Reducing consumption
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 burritos, a grand total for the entire meal to feed 3, less than $3 Monday, I made a Huge pot of marinara sauce, DH gets sausage balls, that whole meal cost $6, but divide that figure by 3, since I will get at least 3 meals out of that batch of sauce., $2 per day
Tonight, We are having Twice Baked Potatoes, (leftovers, but about 15 cents each) and Caesar Salad, DH will get chicken on top of his, A total of about $4 for two meals each.
We will be eating like this til the 29th of January. Right now, I am starting to feel better, so I think it may actually last longer, Tomorrow I am making Vegetarian Chili.
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 burritos, a grand total for the entire meal to feed 3, less than $3 Monday, I made a Huge pot of marinara sauce, DH gets sausage balls, that whole meal cost $6, but divide that figure by 3, since I will get at least 3 meals out of that batch of sauce., $2 per day
Tonight, We are having Twice Baked Potatoes, (leftovers, but about 15 cents each) and Caesar Salad, DH will get chicken on top of his, A total of about $4 for two meals each.
We will be eating like this til the 29th of January. Right now, I am starting to feel better, so I think it may actually last longer, Tomorrow I am making Vegetarian Chili.
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