One Month Shopping Challenge - Week 3 & 4

Well, I have to confess I blew it, I went shopping Saturday. It started out harmless enough, I had some basics (milk, eggs, etc) to pick up. But the weather has been unseasonably warm so I broke the challenge and picked up a few pairs of capri pants, hanging flowers baskets to plant fuchsias in for my front porch, and some other miscellaneous items, some of which are for some craft projects I have been wanting to make. All in all I spent about $100, and since I know I won't be doing any shopping for the rest of this week (week 4), that puts my total for the month (including gas) at a little over $150. An average of less than $40 a week for all out of pocket moneys spent this month really isn't too bad.

My purpose for the whole thing was really only to break a bad spending cycle I had got myself into. This usually happens at the beginning of every year when I am doing a large chunk of my Christmas, birthday, and clothing shopping for the up coming year. I just need to know when to say, "enough!" My focus now is to clean out and use up anything and everything I can. We are still trying to decided on having a yard sale verses hauling it all to the Salvation Army. Guess I'll have to wait and see how much stuff we want to get ride of! ;-)

One Month Shopping Challenge - Week 2

Well, this second week of my month of no shopping went ok, unfortunately I did end up having to shop. It was brought to my attention that we were in desperate need of cat litter. Turns out the two plastic totes in the garage I thought were full, instead were very empty. My job is just to buy the stuff - the deal has always been I don't feed or clean up after any animal in the house. Four kids is enough for me to deal with in those regards. I knew I wasn't going to get through the entire month without shopping at all, especially since milk doesn't last very long around here. I also had some coupons for free stuff I didn't want to expire so I just combined it all into one trip. After 20 minutes at the checkout at Target, and talking to three different employees explaining the difference between one coupon per purchase verses one per transaction, I finally made it out with $60 worth of goods for $25.10 and a $5 Target gift card. Not too bad considering that is the only money I have spent in the past two weeks. I haven't even had to put gas in my car - I love that little Versa! So here it is - my menu for the past week.

Sunday
Was my daughters birthday - ate out. This was planned from the get go.

Monday
Chicken Cacciatore with Whole Wheat Linguine
Mixed Greens Salad
Rocky Road Brownies

Tuesday
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Peas

Wednesday
Shrimp Vegetable Rice Medley

Thursday
Buttered Pasta with Parmesan Cheese
Mixed Veggies

Friday
Meatloaf
Garlic Smashed Taters
Green Beans Almondine
Rocky Road Brownies (My daughter requested them again because she had a friend over for dinner.)

Saturday
Poached Salmon or Tilapia (I let everybody pick their favorite.)
Potato Galette
Left over Green Beans Almondine
Pizza Cookie

One Month Shopping Challenge - Week 1

Last Sunday I decided to challenge myself to not shop (except for necessities like milk, etc.) for one month because...well..Okay I'll admit it - I shop too much and a deal isn't a deal if you just can't use it. I have too much food in this house and it's time to clean it out and start all over. After a week of this I am beginning to think I could make it two or more months quite easily. Which really is a good thing with the threat of an inevitable zombie attack always looming on the horizon. My goal isn't to wipe out my stockpile completely, but to A. alter my shopping habits, B. get back to cooking 99% of our meals, and C. use up some of the stuff that has been sitting around a while.

Let me interject here a few of my feeling regarding breakfast, lunch and snacks. Except for my youngest, it's every man/woman for him/her self. I make dinner leftovers intentionally for lunches, and I (starting again this week)am making muffins a few times a week for breakfast and snacks. My muffins are made with oatmeal, wholewheat, wheatgerm and other healthy stuff like that. If cold cereal is eaten for breakfast during a school day it has to be high in fiber and low in sugar. Sugar cereals are for treats, and weekends. I also keep fresh fruit, veggies and garden salads on hand to round out meals and for snacks.

Although I have stopped doing my own reclaimed food pantry my friend still does hers, God bless her. Two years and a completely worn out minivan was enough for us. Because she sometimes has a surplus, and because my family will eat fruits, veggies, and whole grain breads that a lot of folks don't seem to care for, we are fortunate to be able to supplement our food budget with these items. So if you notice during the last few weeks I list salads and fresh fruits in my menu you'll know how that is possible.

I'd also like to point out a few other observations from this first week. I had two friends approach me with fundraiser stuff their kids were selling. I usually (but not always) would buy something even though I didn't want it, need it, and it's horribly overpriced. But because I have a specific goal it was easier for me to say thanks, but no thanks - I'm not buying anything this month. I have also found something else to divert my attention to - spring cleaning and organizing my house. It's a win win situation this month!

Week One Menu

Sunday
Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Meatballs
Garden Salad and Italian Bread

Monday
Beans and Rice
Sliced Kiwi
2 dozen Banana, Oatmeal, Pecan, Choc Chip Muffins

Tuesday
Baked Ziti with leftover Meatballs and Spaghetti Sauce
Mixed Greens Salad
Fresh Cantaloupe and Pineapple

Wednesday
Crockpot Pork Tenderloin with Apples, Onion, and Cabbage
Salt Potatoes
Mixed Greens Salad
2 dozen Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins

Thursday
Ham Steaks
Mixed Veggies
Instant Mashed Potatoes
For some crazy reason my kids love this TV dinner like meal.

Friday
15 Bean Cajun Soup
Cheddar Drop Biscuits
Pizza Cookie (Used a package of sugar cookie mix instead of cake mix)

Saturday
Big Fat Loaded Grilled Cheeseburgers on Italian Bread
Cole Slaw
Tater Tots (I love them!)
Peanut Butter Bars

Exceptions to the plan - Monday it dawned on me that Easter was in the middle of my shop free month. Although I have already purchased the kiddie type stuff, we are having company for dinner that day. We have decided to try and stick to the plan as much as possible and forgo the traditional ham dinner for BBQ short ribs and chicken, but there are still a few things I will need to pickup. Combined with things like milk and eggs we will need, I have set a limit of $50 for the month, but will still try and keep it as low as possible. Also, my daughter's birthday is tomorrow and we will be going out for dinner - this was planned weeks ago.

Check That Receipt Update

I went back to Wal-Mart last night and ended up getting the same cashier as before. As it turns out I was paying attention, and she did scan my coupons. I had two more Muir Glen Organic Tomato coupons last night, and after she scanned them she checked the register, sure enough they just didn't show up. She said, "I knew I scanned them before!" Even more reason to check your receipts, know exactly how many coupons you use, and what the value of them is.

Check That Receipt

I try very hard to pay attention during checkout, but I get distracted quit easily. HaHa It never seems to fail that when I do, I find a mistake on my receipt. Yesterday, I was having a great shopping day at Wal-Mart. My total was approximately $85 and after coupons should have been about $23, but instead came out to $29. Turns out the cashier forgot to scan 6 $1.00 off coupons. Always look your receipt over before you leave, and don't be afraid to speak up- politely, of course!

Gift Journal

I have been keeping a gift journal for so many years I don't even think about it, and am surprised to learn most of my mom friends do not keep one. Any notebook or journal will do, but a small one has the benefit of being easy to hide and will slip into my purse - if I'd ever remember to take it with me when I go shopping. I also like one with enough pages to last for a few years. Then I can reference back to previous years and avoid giving someone the same thing. Yes, I have done that and it is very embarrassing!

So what do I write in it? For my immediate family (husband and kids), I have sections not only for Christmas and birthdays, but also for every holiday I buy stuff for, such and Easter and Valentine's day. I also track back-to-school supplies and ALL the clothes I buy for the year. I list what I bought for each person and how much I spent. This really helps me stay in budget. I also list the full price of the item, as this really helps me to not over spend. I might have only spent $10 for a gift for my niece and feel like maybe I should get something else, but if I see the retail price was $40, I won't be tempted to over spend. I only give Christmas and birthday gifts for extended family and friends so I track their items on the same page. That way I can see at a glance what I gave/am giving them for both occasions. For items I bought, but haven't decided who I want to give them to yet, I just list them all on one page and then cross them off as I assign them.

One last section that is often overlooked, and can eat away at a budget, is gift wrap and party supplies. I would also include cards, craft supplies, and decorations for particular holidays. These items I especially try to find during 80%-90% off clearance sales, because they can wreck havoc on a budget.

I am really not a very organized person and I am sure someone with much more enthusiasm could find a better way. The idea is just do what works for you.

At Last

Ahhh, my seasonal job is finally over and I couldn't be happier about it. I have really missed my family and my routine. But that's not what I really wanted to talk about, I just couldn't help but mention it. ;-) If you haven't been to the mall or department stores in the past few weeks I strongly encourage you to venture out. Not only have I got a big jump on birthday and Christmas shopping for the coming year, but also school clothes shopping for the fall. Most of the larger stores have their clearance items at 75% - 80% off. Today I picked up king size pillows that were originally $60 for $7, twin sheet sets for $6.50, and a lot of clothing items for super cheap. In the past few weeks I have also found men's and boy's underwear, socks, and undershirts on clearance. I will pack up all the clothes and in the fall will have most of my back to school clothes shopping done. This is also a great time to get P.J.s, robes, slippers, sweaters, and coats. The trick to maximizing your savings is to think about what you need for the entire year, not just the season at hand, and plan ahead. Except for some jelly beans, I have Easter done too.

Proverbs 27:12 (New International Version)

12 The prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

Still Here

Well, my little neglected blog, I just want to you to know I haven't giving up on you. This year I decided to get a seasonal mall job and it turned out to be much more intrusive into my family life than I had anticipated. The plus side is that it more than paid for Christmas, and since the job isn't quite over I am now using the money to buy back-to-school clothes and items for my gift closet at all the clearance sales. I do this every year, and normally have to budget for it well in advance. Most stores are now at 70% and 80% off for their clearance items. So even with all the chaos, I am still considering doing it again next year. I will just have to be better prepared time wise.

Fast Food Tip

Be prepared for those nights went you have absolutely no time to cook and are tempted to spend too much money on fast food. This week hamburger was on sale for a price I was willing to pay. I bought 30 lbs, made a gigantic meatloaf, cooked 10 lbs, and froze the rest. The meatloaf served 2 dinners and a few lunches. The 10 lbs I cooked was crumbled and frozen to be used on those nights when I have very limited time. I can throw together a pot of chili, sloppy joes, taco, etc. in about 15 minutes.

Church Sale Haul Part 2

-2 camp stoves - to donate to Boy Scouts
-metal lunchbox - for an altered arts type project
-7 books - for projects (they will be ripped apart mom)
-Spanish computer course - Shorty wanted the microphone
-Never opened puzzle - for art projects
-Sponge Bob Typing Computer Program
- 2 books of post cards - for trading on Swap-Bot
-2 hats - mine still had $34.00 tag on it
- 3 little dishes - for condiments like sauce for Chinese dumplings
-Orange melamine bowl for fall
-2 new packages jingle bells- to put on hand made ornaments
-ski pole - Shorty wanted it for a walking stick
-10 shirts- guitar hero shirt still had $9.99 tag on it
- 1 mans sweater
and

wait for it

yes
1 mans
toupee! - for our costume tote - the kids do a lot of volunteer work with the Youth Bureau and library - you just never know!

Grand total = $3.60

Afternoon with Shorty and Mr. Left Brain Thinker - Priceless! (He made me say that-really)

And by the way, lunch WAS yummy!

Deja Vous Church Sale Haul Part 1

Ever have one of those days when you look in the mirror and see your much younger self? I'm talking to the over 40 girls now! I just love it when that happens, as it did this morning. It usually occurs when I am feeling particularity happy, and I'm all smiley and glowy. So why am I so happy today you might ask? I am going to Ithaca. I go at least twice and month for the food pantry, and that doesn't get me excited - that's work. Today is the last day of the Unitarian Church sale - everything is .10. Yes, everything is a dime!! Last year I got 47 articles of clothing for $4.70, plus I picked up some free stuff as well. Oh yeah, I also picked up a bunch of LP's that I melted into bowls, forgot about that! Mostly I look for t-shirts for the scrubbies I sell, but I found some other great stuff as well. Mr. Left Brain Thinker and I are taking Shorty (youngest boy) with us, and I'm taking them both to Ithaca Bakery for lunch - Yummy!! If DH wasn't going, we would go to The Commons, but that's not his cup of tea. Too college town hippie for him haha! I will take pictures and post about my finds - that is if I get out of here and go!!

Total Disfunction!

When we bought our home it had a large, long, unfinished room on the back of it. There was one doorway into it off the kitchen. It had no heat, a concrete floor, a huge stone fireplace right in the middle, wood paneled walls, super cheap windows, and to top it off, the entire roof leaked where it was tied into the main roof, as well as the entire north wall leaking at the floor level. When we bought the house there was only one small leak under an exterior door and we could not have imaged how bad it would become, or how fast it would deteriorate. We had wanted to gut and finish the room right away, but it ended up taking a lot more time, work and money than we had anticipated, and the problems seemed to grow rapidly.

Well, last year the inside was finally done. We ended up with three rooms; a walk-in laundry room/pantry, a family room/studio for me room, and a much needed forth bedroom. We just barely got the heat installed before winter last year, and I didn't have the money or ambition to finish my "wall". My own little space in the world to create, pay bills, mend clothing, or whatever I want. Well, except for a filing cabinet that will be replaced with one that is currently being refinished, it is done!! The picture above is the thrown together mess of the last year. Tomorrow I will post the new and improved version.

Here's my frugal advise about this. Since we didn't have the cash to do this all at once - we didn't. Because the entire roof needed replaced we did end up having to finance it. We waited until that was paid off before we did anything else, and we paid as we went for the rest of the project. We traded the drywall work on two of the rooms, with a friend who has his own contracting business, for cut, hauled and delivered firewood. My MIL had some trees go down on her property last year, and our friend heats his house with a wood burning stove. Don't be afraid to ask! We are now saving for new windows for the rest of the house and new siding. I am an immediate gratification kind of girl, and it very hard to live with half finished projects. What's harder for me though, is living with debt!

Do not Call - Register Your Cell Phones

Your cell phones are now open game for telemarketers, and you get to pay for the call! Talk about a double whammy!! Register your numbers at the National Do Not Call Registry, or by calling 888-382-1222. It only takes a minute and could not only save you some cash, but some sanity as well.

Hit and Run Zucchini

By now you are probably wondering what to do with all that zucchini and yellow squash your neighbors keep leaving on your door step. This was actually a problem when I lived in Iowa! A human can only be expected to eat so much zucchini bread in their lifetime. That's when I started grilling it. Kids who previously would turn up their noses at squash, were now requesting it for dinner! We prefer it the simplest way, cut in half length wise, toss with olive oil, salt (Kosher works well) and pepper, then grill. If you have more time you can sweat the squash first so the end result is a bit less "watery". Cut in half, lay on a cookie sheet cut side up then sprinkle on a generous amount of salt. The salt will draw out moisture. Let stand for about 1/2 hour, rinse well, dry and continue as stated above. What to do with leftover grilled squash? Chop, then toss with bow tie or penne pasta, cooked chicken and Italian seasonings to make it a meal. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

A Better Burger

Tired of the same old fat laden grilled burgers? John, over at Patio Daddio BBQhas a great post about Barber Food's Chicken Grillables. He not only discusses some nutrition facts about them, but also has some really kicked up recipe ideas for them! If you click his find a location link and then "special Offers", you will get a $1.00 off printable coupon. I'm heading to the store!

Time to get Real

I strongly believe one of the most frugal things you can do is take good care of yourself. It cost a lot of money to be sick. I have put on some serious weight over the years and a few months ago I finally had enough. I had reached a number on the scale I NEVER thought would be possible. I was at that weight for exactly 1 day. I immediately joined a gym and got some personal trainer sessions. Hmm, well that doesn't sound very frugal. I figured if it gave me the push I needed to start taking my health serious, it is very much worth it! I have a family history of diabetes and cancer. At 43, and with menopause right around the corner, I felt I was way over due with getting serious. It's not that I don't know what I should be doing, I am just not doing it. We have always eaten fairly healthy. We not only eat a lot of salads, fruits, and veggies, we also eat tofu and soybean products. We eat meat, just not every day. None of my kids are over weight, they hardly ever get sick, and I have only been sick twice in the past 10 years. My problem is lack of exercise, eating too much, and snacking.

Well, I have been working on this for a few months now. Although, I have fallen off the wagon a few times, I am down 16 pounds and a few inches here and there. I have been reading up on some of the latest breakthroughs with natural remedies and will be posting about some of them.

Utility Bills

I never would have thought I would be able to achieve utility bills approximately the same as I had 10 years ago. Our local gas and electric company is notorious for it's sky high prices. (As is most everything else in the great state of New York!) I know quite a few folks who live over the border in Pennsylvania and are willing to drive the extra half hour/hour a day because they save thousands a year on their overall cost of living. About two years ago I started making small changes which included replacing almost all light bulbs with CFLs, unplugging infrequently used appliances that draw vampire energy , and most importantly, vigilantly turning off anything not in use. That is easier said than done with 4 kids in the house! We have also replaced most of the major appliances in our home. Some, like the hot water heater and the deep freezer, because they were so old. The others because they were old and broke! Remember that washer?! Well, I think the LG front loader has really made a big impact. Our last 3 bills have been under $150. For a family of 6 that's just unbelievable. In 11 years that had only happened a few times - years ago! I strongly encourage anyone to start making small changes every month and see if they don't have a big impact.

Homemade Dishwasher Soap

I found this easy recipe for homemade dishwasher soap on Craft Leftovers. If you like free patterns and tutorials, I suggest you spend a little time checking out the rest of the site. I don't have a dishwasher right now but I have hopes for the future!

So Much Waste

I run a reclaimed food pantry from my home. Twice a month I travel about 30 miles, pick up food that would other wise be thrown in the trash, drive back home, unload and organize, and then approximately 50 families come to my home to pick up the donations. Most of the food I pick up is bakery and produce items that hours, or even minutes before I loaded it into my van was sitting on the store shelves. The food pictured about would have been thrown in the trash because of one bad strawberry, tomato, blackberry, or lettuce leaf in the package. If you would like to learn more about the reclaimed food organization I volunteer for, or how to start one in your area, please check out the Friendship Donations Network (FDN) website.

Amy Dacyczyn

Yay! A recent article about Amy Dacyczyn. I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels a fond connection to her. After reading the books individually and then finally owning and almost wearing out my copy of "The Complete Tightwad Gazette", it would be hard not to. I have been meaning to share some of the more inspirational articles with some friends of mine. Especially the one on creative deprivation. If you are not familiar with this book I highly recommend you check it out of the library. I can honestly say it changed our standard of living!

Thank you, Amy. You were, and still are, most definitely right, a family of any size can live on one income.