I harvested peppermint, Indian snake cucumbers, red noodle beans, zucchini, serrano peppers, and eggplant from my garden. (My experiment of growing mint under my fig tree has been very successful; the mint there is shaded from the summer heat and did not burn).
I needed to replace several fruit trees that died this summer. I have seen dead trees everywhere in town this summer, a phenomenon I haven’t seen in all my years here, so I know it’s not just me. I was able to purchase trees on sale to replace six dead fruit trees. I will plant them once it cools down; it’s still 100 F/38 C.
I wore one of my new to me dresses from my thrift store shopping. I purchased this dress a couple of weeks ago for $6 at the thrift store. I think this dress was actually brand-new! (The sandals were bought half-off from Old Navy last year and the purse is from T.J. Maxx. The earrings are from Amazon here.)
I worked out using weights I had previously purchased at a garage sale.
I tried a couple of new to me meatless meals. While neither will end up in my regular menu, I ate them anyway.
I spent time at home, working in my garden. The busy season for gardening is here, but it isn’t quite cool enough for some of my seeds to germinate like it usually is, so I am not planting yet. I spent time trimming suckers from trees, starting to prune the roses back by 1/3 before the fall flush, and pulled weeds. I have many, many things to do in the garden in the next two weeks before it’s cool enough for me to direct sow my cool-season seeds. I am watching the weather (it’s supposed to be a much warmer fall this year) and waiting to sow until it’s cool enough, or my seeds will be wasted (I always direct sow my seeds, usually this week and next).
I cut roses to enjoy inside.
My library had two new Urdu learning audio e-books available via the Hoopla app. I downloaded both to study. I am really excited about the first one so far; it repeats everything much more than the other books I’ve used so far, and I am learning new words better with this book. I have listened while driving alone and while gardening.
An influencer I follow in Britain posted about a book that sounds really interesting to me: The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World. It’s recently released in the U.K., but not available in the U.S. until April of next year. I was tempted to purchase it from the U.K. now, but it would end up costing me double. I’ve decided to wait until next spring; my library carries other books by the same author, and I can likely read it then from the library for free. I may be able to request that the library purchase the e-book, so I will try that route. They purchased the last book I requested, Maya’s Laws of Love, as an e-book.
What did you do the past three weeks to save money?
Good morning, Brandy. As usual, your photos are just lovely. Thanks for sharing them. How do you use your mint? We have a lot growing here, but–other than drying to use as tea–I really don’t know what to do with it. Thanks for any ideas.
I am making raita (look on Tea for Tumeric’s blog for a recipe) as well as drying it for tea. Tabouli is another way to use mint.
Hi Roberta! My daughter’s MIL makes an amazing salad with watermelon chunks, sliced strawberries, snipped mint leaves and feta cheese (it’s delicious without the cheese as well). It is so refreshing!
Thanks for the ideas, ladies. 😉
You can make a mint sauce with vinegar and sugar-delicious on meats like roast lamb. I bought a jar the other day and it is quite pricey!
A salad I like is: sliced orange rounds( 1 or more varieties), topped with feta cheese, your choice of nuts (I like pecan), and chopped mint.
Ooh this sounds really good!
Is there any dressing on it?
Brandy-the dress really looks lovely on you! I had extra fresh fruit and veggies over the last couple of weeks which I shared with others. One day for dinner I cooked Lancashire Hotpot which is an oven roasted lamb stew. We are from this area of England and I was fascinated to learn online that when whole families were out working in the cotton mills all day that they would take their pot of food to the community oven to cook all day-picking it up on the way home. I thought this quite ingenious-kind of like the original fast food. Mind you in the case of my ancestors who were not well off I am sure they cooked mutton which was cheaper than lamb.
Tomorrow I will be picking up another 40 lb box of fruit and veg at the depot. We are off to visit friends this weekend for Canadian Thanksgiving-the only cost will be the gas to drive there. Wishing everyone a great week.
My husband and I have been reading a fun series of mysteries called “Albert Smith’s Culinary Capers”. One of the books had to do with the Lancashire Hot Pot.
Now I think I will have to try making it myself! The books are hilarious by the way:)
The dress really suits you I love the roses on it.
Week 1
This week has been sunny and warm after this the forecast shows colder weather so winter is on its way. I have spent most of the week in the garden tidying it for the winter. I have harvested beetroot and pickled it. I have sown broad beans, winter lettuce and spring cabbage in the greenhouse to over winter. If it gets too cold I will put the old cold frame in there, cover it with old carpet and put a couple of candle butts inside. I emptied one water butt and will move it into the greenhouse as thermal mass. The other butts are full. I covered the citrus with fleece and moved them under the porch.
I have made the mince meat this gives it time to mature before I make mince pies. The smell filled the house it was lovely. I have made more cider apple vinegar, sour dough bread, yoghurt, and kefir milk.
I am reading a book on fermentation from the library and reading fiction books on borrow box.
I have cleaned all the windows and light fixtures so we have more light on dark days and checked all the curtain linings to make sure they’re in place. I bought all the house plants in from the garden.
Week 2
Weather very wet so only weeded greenhouse.A lot of slugs about I cut them in half with an old pair of scissors, snails I stamp on. I didn’t have this problem when we had ducks. They forecast frost tonight so I have covered plants, our usual first frost date is the 1st November so really early. I have been collecting seeds and have resown a few beans which have not germinated.
We have not been to the shops
Made chocolate cakes and cooked them in the remoska. Cooked all meals at home. Managed to get 4 meals +broth from a 1.25kilo chicken. Added beans to minced beef to stretch it for dinner and 4 portions for the freezer.
Checked torches, Recharged batteries ,filled oil lamps ,changed stored water for fresh.
Found hats and gloves and scarves I have changed into track suit trousers and a long sleeved shirt. I found and washed thermals ready for the bad weather
Checked food supplies and made a list of what I need .
Used eco setting on washing machine and dried the washing on the airer, read books from the library, used borrowbox for books. Only boiled as much water that I needed, we filled a mug twice and marked the kettle, cleaned with vinegar and water, used ecloth to buff mirrors and used tin foil and bicab to clean silver.
Week 3
I cut the hedge so it did not obstruct the footpath and sprayed the patio and driveway with salt to see if this will kill off the weeds
I am still picking raspberries and harvesting lettuce. I’m still sowing beet, broad beens and carrots to overwinter .
We have been told to book our RSV, Covid and flu jabs for the next couple of weeks.
I have made Mincemeat and Christmas puddings. I also made some mince pies from last year’s mincemeat to use it up. I bought and pickled 2 batches of Beetroot.
We went shopping in Aldi this week, more expensive than usual as I bought the ingredients for Christmas goodies. I am also looking at replacement batteries for hubbys mobility scooter as his walking ability is going down again and a riser recliner chair. We get VAT relief on the sale.
Have a good week
Chris
Hi Chris, so funny reading your post. I could have written it. Like you I’m still harvesting raspberries, but my beetroot has been a complete failure this year. One veg that us growing like crazy in my unheated greenhouse is pak choi, need to find more uses for it. With our chicken we’ve had 5 good size portions, 4 meals for our labrador and made soup. I get a happy feeling when I don’t waste a thing. Yes winter is on its way, frost this morning and central heating kicked on.
Thought I was the only phycho(husbands words) who cut slugs in half, there are loads of them at the moment. Must go and get washing in, still line drying which saves loads.
Slug cutter here too. Quick and efficient and no need to touch the slimy things.
I love hearing about the unheated greenhouses! We have one here too in Boston. Though the voles ate every living thing in it last January, I’m hoping for better things this year! My frugal activities this month were to sow lots and lots of lettuce seeds, (some saved from the spring varieties here in our garden), to order spinach seeds and parsley to try, and to keep harvesting chicory and Swiss chard from the garden.
I’m organizing the kids’ clothes hoping to not have to buy very many things for fall. I think if I just get things sorted well, I’ll find all I need.
We bought some sugar pumpkins for .59/lb for decoration and later eating. That’s the best deal on pumpkins around here.
I rejected buying two homeschool curricula that were too expensive and could be taught another way with things we like and have.
I ordered staples from Sam’s in time to not need last minute grocery store runs.
We cut cosmos, zinneas, asters, and mums from the garden for vases for the house. We picked up blueberry bushes from Home Depot for $8 each. They looked good too. We got 15. We also got two knock out roses to replace what died this summer. I asked about some mums in a pile that looked imperfect and was wondering about a discount. The kind lady showed me a pile I could take home for free. With lovely pots too! I’ll have some nice planters once I swap the live ones into pots together and take the dead ones out. I don’t usually indulge in mums, as they aren’t perennial for me, so this was a fun gift.
We’re setting up our greenhouse early to try to get the most growth out of our fall greens. It looks like a cold fall for us in New England.
I’m taking cuttings of Pothos plants that grow in our church sanctuary, hoping to give us some extra backup plants.
I organized our art supplies and spent some time chatting with a friend and sharpening colored pencils. The kids immediately wanted to do art. Freshening up school supplies helps a lot.
A happy and frugal week to you all!
The garden is winding down and we finally got some needed rain. The figs are finally ripening so it looks like we will have an abundant harvest. I’d love some fig ideas from you, Brandy and your readers!
Since it is cooler, I will use it to do some cooking/baking and meal prepping. Looks like autumn is finally arriving!
I quilted up 4 more client quilts this week- these first 2 for an 85 year old client: this sweet giraffe baby quilt- https://pin.it/2wmIYlJ5y with her Minkee backing https://pin.it/1v3XUZLpP. And her Bigfoot quilt for a niece’s husband who immediately offered their home to care for my client’s sister with dementia- https://pin.it/55XDU33hN and this backing https://pin.it/4JpemeLJA. The third quilt was for a client to give as a birthday gift to her sister who loves hummingbirds and flowers. https://pin.it/5XMupbx4U and close up- https://pin.it/WVEnyegKZ. The 4th was a baby quilt for an 87 year old client- https://pin.it/LD0RBVYxv. I hope I have as much energy as my two clients in their mid-80’s when I get to that age! They inspire me!
On Flashfood this week, I got 1-1/2 pounds of 80/20 ground beef for $2. and 10 boxes of Barilla penne pasta for my daughter for 80 cents a box (sell by date is 2026!). I made the ground beef into hamburger Pattie’s and flash froze them for a couple hours and then packaged into a gallon ziploc and put back into freezer. This is restocking my freezer after our family Labor Day bbq where we brought the burgers to grill (30 of them!) This is when the savings really are appreciated! We didn’t have to buy ground beef or premade Pattie’s at the last minute for this bbq. I found a 7 pound family package of chicken breasts for $4.50 and called my best friend and offered it to their family. She was excited to have it! We joke about me being her “meat distributor”! I’m grateful I can help!
This morning I bought a box of produce for $5- 2 three pound bags of apples, 1 three pound bag of cuties, 4 pears and an avocado. That will give us plenty of snacks and any leftovers will be processed, cooked or baked! A week later, I bought 20 pounds of bananas for $2.25! Made mini banana chocolate chip breads that we gave to several friends at Church who are alone and mostly stay at home. I also made enough banana nut muffins for breakfasts for a week! The rest went into freezer!
When I made 6 dozen oatmeal,chocolate chip, Rice Krispy cookies (https://pin.it/1sfc61BZb) yesterday after Church to take to a Church event a few hours later, I was humbled and grateful to realize that every ingredient needed was readily available in my pantry! What a blessing that is!
I’ve been on a mission to find ways to use/rotate my freezer foods better so, we have been discovering some wonderful meal options! Since it is getting cooler, we’ve made chicken pot pie, Hot Beef with Gravy Sandwiches, Beef with Broccoli, Taco Rice Burritos and much more! The meats from freezer or canned at home were all bought on sale and being replaced the same way.
On Friday, my right hand/wrist began to stiffen and hurt. I was up all night Friday night and by Saturday morning, I could not move my hand/fingers for the pain. I scheduled an appointment with Urgent Care and went in. PA that saw me told me my hand and I were old and arthritic and they aren’t allowed to prescribe opiates (I never asked for neither wanted any opiates! ) Sent me home with a wrist brace. I have purposely babied my right hand/wrist ever since and taken acetaminophen regularly. Hubs has been great about helping me. I wondered what my right hand does – apparently, for me, the answer is EVERYTHING! 🤪😵💫. Couldn’t even completely dress myself or brush my hair! I’ve decided my left hand better start to step up! 😉 The 3 client quilts that came in today will be picked up and quilted by my daughter/business partner. So glad to have her as a partner with her own machine so we can share/adjust our work depending on our family schedules/circumstances!
I got 2 gallons of whole milk on Flashfood today for a total of 78 cents so I am making instant pot cream cheese! First batch is cooling, second batch is in! I also had 10 big bell peppers so I am canning 2 batches of our favorite salsa because I have all the other ingredients here at home!
The garden is winding down for the season. So much sadness and contention around but I’m still humbled by the number of kind people quietly helping others in need! It gives me hope!
Gardenpat in Ohio
Garden Pat, I sympathize with you about your arthritic wrist. Two years ago, I had constant flair ups throughout my body, at one point having to use crutches to get around. A dear Amish friend recommended a herbal product called Factor 5, which combines five different herbs to help with inflammation. I took four a day for three days, ALL symptoms were gone by the third day. I continue to take three pills daily, spaced out with meals and have remained symptom free. You can purchase Factor 5 on Amazon.
Linda from Upstate New York- Thanks! I’ll check on that! It’s not as stiff as it was now , but I’m setting a timer to limit and vary the usage of my wrist and hand. 1 hour at sewing machine or longarm, 30 minutes in kitchen using potato peeler or some other labor intense tool, 1 hour pulling weeds, 1 hour reading. And a dose of acetaminophen every 6 hours or longer.
Just frustrated that my body can’t keep up with the plans/projects my brain has listed! lol!!
Gardenpat in Ohio
Hello Gardenpat. How frustrating about your painful wrist. I used to work at a physical therapy clinic, and we often helped patients with similar issues. Just wanted to mention it. Hope the situation improves soon.
Cheers, Tina
Tina S- The most frustrating part is when I sound like a cranky, whiny old lady! 😵💫 I’m trying to allow myself more breaks to read (although then my reading leads me to more to-do projects I put on my list! 🥴)
In the grand scheme of things, I have very little to complain about! So I’m going to get back on track with some slight modifications and enjoy what a comfortable and pleasant life I have!
Gardenpat in Ohio
Gardenpat, I love reading of you moving food in and out, preparing, organizing, and sharing. It is so encouraging to see you and husband taking care of what and who you have in your circle.
The giraffes are charming and the bigfoot funny! I trust your hand will improve soon.
DMSO can be very helpful.
https://www.midwesterndoctor.com/p/dmso-is-a-miraculous-therapy-for
You are right about DMSO Cara, we’ve been using it for many ailments, successfully, for years! We use it on bruises, sprains, arthritis, broken bones (before getting to the doctor) anything that it seems to very quickly relieve/help with inflammation and the like.
I love reading the stories about each quilt. I hope your right hand feels better soon.
Aspericream with rosemary. A lot of Amish around us just mix crushed finely rosemary in vaseline or use horse liniment. Mom used both.
We got some rain but hope to get a bit more this weekend. Hardin Co needs it.
Aspericream with rosemary or horse liniment (since I live amongst the Amish LOL) Hubby has that issue with his left hand.He wears a brace at night most the time.
Gardenpat,
There is a recipe for a strawberry fig jam that you make with strawberry jello that has been very popular in the South for years. Also fig preserves are super good. And dehydrate them. I think I mentioned to Brandy that dehydrated figs are supposed to be higher in calcium.
“Figs contain calcium and magnesium—two minerals that play a role in keeping your bones healthy and strong. In fact, ½ cup dried figs delivers almost as much calcium as ½ cup milk.” ~from http://www.eatingwell.com
Wow! That’s huge!
Yes! I know that recipe. My aunts and grandmother used to make it. We called it “Strawberry Surprise”. 🍓 😊
4 cups fresh figs, stems removed
3 cups white sugar
1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored Jell-O®
5 half-pint canning jars with lids and rings, or as needed
Mix figs and sugar together in a large saucepan, place over medium heat, and cook, stirring often, until sugar has dissolved. Mix in strawberry gelatin; bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 7 minutes. Mash preserves with a potato masher if desired.
Pack the fig preserves into hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings. Water bath can and process 10 minutes.
Thanks for the walk down memory lane! 😊
Hello Pat, perhaps you might want to look into DMSO. It’s available on Amazon and works well for many problems, many reviews say it has helped them with inflammation and arthritis symptoms. It’s fairly reasonable at under $20 for four ounces but it only takes a tiny bit rubbed onto your problem areas and lasts quite a while. Here is a link to their store on amazon that explains what it is and the like.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/node/20390227011?ie=UTF8&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=DMSO
Hope you’re healing quickly.
You look so pretty in the dress. Your flowers and garden look so good. Our garden is slowing down, we have small green beans and peppers and maybe a few tomatoes. I am trying again to grow sprouts and they are doing pretty good this time. We are in full on wedding mode for my step daughter. My husband has cut limbs, mowed grass, bush hogged the field, strung lights, built tables and arbor for the wedding. We are borrowing tables and chairs from the church as well. Our church had them a wedding shower and they received so many nice useful things. I attended a bow making class at the extension office and have came home and decorated my front porch for fall. I have signed up for some jelly and jam classes, My hummingbirds are all but gone, but I have a few still. I am doing a Nielsen Radio survey that has already paid $6 dollars and will pay $10 when I turn in my logs on Thursday. I trying to bake bread again, so far so good. I have ordered our free COVID tests from the post office. We are still cooking from scratch, hanging laundry, reading library books and limiting our driving.
Your garden flowers are still absolutely lush looking! I know a result of all your hard work that is not so visible on the outside looking in, such as bed preparation and ongoing care for them!
Over the past several weeks I have found a cookbook for my college daughter in a Free Little Library and added it to her bin of kitchen things we are slowly collecting for her in our basement for when she fledges. Since that is still several years from now, we are not actively purchasing anything, but my brother has given her several things, and she attended a free cooking class with me at a community center and was gifted some free kitchen things, so we have an ongoing tub of things for her.
I registered for and attended a live Zoom watercolor art class. I had great fun, and the instructor was excellent! Maybe in the end it was not frugal, because I did decided to purchase the artist’s paid 8 week class—but I am not regretting it in the least. I am normally super frugal, and have a very difficult time spending anything on myself that is not absolutely necessary. I have been going through a very difficult time personally in the past year, and the counselor I have been talking with has specifically instructed me to “invest in yourself.” So I am looking at increasing my skills as an investment. Besides that, after the up front purchase of the watercolor class, overall the supplies for water color painting are pretty inexpensive for a hobby, and it doesn’t take up much room either as it is just paper and not larger canvas. I can stack a lot of paper in a small spot on my desk!
I found a free book for myself in the same Free Little Library. I found it so encouraging that I went to the local used book store and came home with two more books by the same author! I purchased those books using store credit, so no out of pocket expense there. 🙂
The non-profit thrift store that I volunteer at had a whole week of Volunteer Appreciation. They gave out sweet treats such as a cookie or brownie or muffin each day, and one day they catered in a free lunch for the volunteers. They also had several raffles with really nice prizes. My name did not get drawn for any of the raffles, but they did give every volunteer a really nice soft throw, which I really appreciated and the free lunch was fun to attend. I was able to meet other volunteers and get to know some of them, which is a treat because the area I work in I am usually all by myself.
I have pictures of the books I found in the Free Little Library over on my blog here: https://jesuscallsmefriend.blogspot.com/2024/10/pennies-from-heaven.html
I hope all are doing well and are safe from hurricanes and hurricane damage! My college daughter went with a group from her school to help with disaster relief in North Carolina. They passed out food, water, pet food, paper products, etc. She was happy to be able to help people who have lost so much! Now that she is back home, she is working hard to get caught up on what she missed in her class work from being gone several days. The teachers are understanding, and it is an excused absence—but the students are still responsible for getting things caught up!
~Susan M. In Chattanooga
Good for you for signing up for the art class! Part of the joy of living frugally is having the means to seize an opportunity for joy when it presents itself. I hope you have a wonderful time painting.
Life is too short to NOT have art in it. Good For you.
Susan– How great to have the thrift store recognize volunteers!
I agree with Emily and your counselor: Do the water color painting for yourself. My library had a two session beginners class last month and I was amazed at how peaceful I found blending colors. With no expectations of greatness and no particular perfect product I had to produce, it was an excellent choice for me.
I have gone so far as to try to figure out how to create a space in my house for me to sewing and painting, as setting up the equipment is sometimes a stumbling block.
Such beautiful photos! It is warmer than usual here in Northern California too. We’ve had 100 degrees the last few days which has not happened before in October, in my memory. My fruit trees are hanging on and it has ripened a lot of green tomatoes.
1. I bought white rice flour and quinoa flakes in bulk from Azure Standard https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=jWb0sVFU6M
The quinoa flakes were 50% off and freeze well. I use them for high protein, gluten free (and oat free) granola.
2. I took plastic and glass bottles to Target and received the state redemption fee. I took ink cartridges to Staples and received reward points that add up amazingly. I currently have $60 of credit to use at Staples. I combine this errand with other errands so it costs me nothing in gas. I store the ink cartridges (which my husband collects) in a plastic bag outside so it also costs me nothing in space in my small house.
3. I have found that some of my usual Trader Joe’s purchases are cheaper at Costco. Since these 2 stores are across the parking lot from each other, it’s easy to do the 2 errands together.
4. The library has been the source of 30 new alphabet books for me to read to my grandson on facetime.
5. I returned an item at Costco that my husband had bought without comparing prices. It’s 1/3 of the price at Target. One day he will learn to comparison shop, I hope. It really does pay off!
I was feeling very isolated by the tendinitis. I decided to find a way to connect with people anyway. Within 15 minutes, I found a posting from a friend on the local Facebook page. She had extra fresh oregano for anyone who wanted it. When she came into town with it from her farm, she dropped off a couple of gallons of fresh vegetables as well — carrots, beets, potatoes and cucumbers. I was running out of ibuprofen but wasn’t up to walking to the store for it, and didn’t have a ride. I called a friend and asked if she could get some for me. She came the next morning with a big smile and some Super Strength Motrin. That went a long way to knocking down the inflammation. She didn’t want me to pay for it. I ordered a few items from Amazon which would support an anti-inflammatory diet. They delivered them to the post office instead of my front steps a couple of days after the Motrin. It is a quick walk across my backyard, a laneway and between two small buildings, but that was beyond me, though I was able to walk some by then. I put a post on Facebook asking for a ride. I offered to pay, but two retired couples and a younger woman, none of whom I knew, offered to drive me at no charge. The next day I was able to get the package. A couple of days later, one of the seniors’ bus drivers brought me fresh rhubarb and apples from his garden near the next town over, 35 miles away. A month before when he was driving me, he was talking about his surplus of rhubarb and I said that if he had a bus trip over to my village and thought of it, I would welcome some. This was the night before our first freeze, so this was my last chance! I also had a Facebook and a phone exchange about a cat that was wandering nearby. My neighbor is always wanting me to call if I need help, and I never do, but was shocked that I called her to find out if it was her old cat that was wandering. Sadly, the timing was bad, because her kitty was very ill, and she had scheduled to have him euthanized 24 hours later. We reminisced about his long and happy life, and shed a few tears together. So, for better or worse, I stopped feeling disconnected. I was also impressed with myself that I remembered my neighbor’s phone number that she gave me two or three years ago, even though I’ve never had reason to use it. GardenPat would have been very proud of our community for all the kindness taking place here!
I went outside this morning to get a handsaw from my garage, so I could cut down a sapling that has been blocking my back door. On the way to the house, I cut down another couple of branches that have been in the way. Then I cut the sapling down. I’ve cut the branches into small enough pieces to put in my garbage wheely-bin. It was all very manageable, and nice to do a little work outside. It has inspired me to price small chain-saw and limb-cutters, which it turns out are affordable. Over the next few weeks, I will trim more branches on the driveway, and near the front steps so that a path can be shoveled more easily when the snow comes. I’ll ask the man who cuts my grass to take the branches to the landfill once I’ve got the branches trimmed, since he has a trailer. This will all be much less expensive than hiring someone to do the job.
I got a drive from the seniors’ bus to buy groceries at the next town over. It was my first big trip after recovering from tendinitis. I asked that the driver wait for me, since I wouldn’t be able to stand waiting for him for long. He actually came in and shopped while I shopped, and then took my groceries out to the bus for me. More service than I normally get or need! (They carry my groceries from the bus to the front steps, which is plenty for me at this point.)
I focused on getting vegetables and poultry. I got very good value this trip. Fresh vegetables are abundant and relatively inexpensive at this time of year, and this store has many more varieties and larger packages of frozen vegetables that my local store. I also got a four-pack of ground turkey (.8 lb to the pack) for $10, much cheaper than any other way I can buy poultry. On the same trip, I stopped at Canadian Tire, which sells everything you need to run a home, have a pet, maintain your car, garden or go camping, hiking, and hunting. I used $33 of loyalty points there from my credit card to buy a premium furnace filter and fruit fly traps. I also have $10 of loyalty points from the grocery store now for my next trip there.
After a couple of very tight months, there has been more cash this month, though it will go to some necessary one-off purchases and repairs. I feel I’m making a little progress.
Elizabeth M- This feeling of community (something that was taken for granted when I was growing up) has become less commonplace now, leaving us feeling isolated. But I believe that it’s because of all the “noise” that distracts us and reports on all the negative. When we let our guard done and reach out to those around us, generally we are pleasantly surprised at how much we have in common and how caring we all are.
We live next to an old Victorian house that someone turned into a boarding house where she rents out rooms. It is the one sad spot of an otherwise lovely neighborhood. A 30-ish man knocked on our door a couple weeks ago in the early evening and Hubs answered. This neighbor said he lived next door in one of the rooms and has anxiety issues that are exacerbated by the noise of other residents. He said that if someone can sit quietly with him for about 10- 15 minutes that the anxiety dissipates and he can get back to his room. Hubs did not invite him in (we are old, but try to be street wise) but did sit with him on our front porch and they sometimes chatted small talk and other times just sat quietly. After a while, the neighbor thanked him and returned home. This has happened about 4 times in the past few weeks and each time, he and Hubs sit on our front porch for a while until he feels calm and goes home. I usually am in our parlour with front door to porch open so I can monitor things while I read a book. Was it a “leap of faith” the first time for Hubs to sit with this stranger during these times we hear about bad things? Yes, but he had a prompting that it would be all right. I still was just inside with my phone just in case. But these have become tender times of ministering to one who is more vulnerable than we are and probably more overlooked.
Little kind actions will build our community and world if we are willing to take the time and effort.
Gardenpat in Ohio
Hi Gardenpat,
I think that it is super nice that you are caring to this young man. I also think it is good that you are being cautious.
Many years ago my sister was riding her horse in a nearby state park, which was very close to the horse stables. A young man came out of the woods, went up to my sister and asked if she would mind talking to him for a while. He said that he’d been feeling lonely and depressed. Well, my sister has a caregiver type personality so she was tempted but then remembered what my mom had said about not talking to strange men (my sister was 15 at the time). She turned her horse around and galloped away. She felt guilty that night and wondered if she should have talked to him. It wasn’t too long a time before my sister was reading the news and there was a big picture of the same guy! It was Ted Bundy. She did go to the police and they took her statement. It was that same state park where two of his victims disappeared. I am just glad nothing happened to her!
So I think it is hard sometimes to find a balance between being really nice and helping people and a little caution or, at least, trusting your gut feelings.
Oh my goodness ElisaB! That is quite the encounter and your sister lived to tell about it! I hope she shared that far and wide, as many of us are naive and our helping souls want to think the best in people.
How brave your neighbor was to go looking for calming company when he has such a high level of anxiety, and how kind of your husband to spend the time with him.
Elizabeth M- He probably figured that “old” folks like us would have much less drama going on! lol!
He told Hubs that his caregiver is looking for a new place for him to live that will be less stressful. So hopefully, he will find somewhere that he can thrive!
How wonderful that you decided to reach out and that people have been so kind. I hope things settle down and that you continue to make good progress.
Beautiful photos. Brandy, you look so nice in that dress. I love florals on a dark background.
These past weeks have not been particularly frugal, as I spent a fair amount of money on both needs and wants. But I did my best to get the best price/deal I possibly could.
My initial plan from several months ago to find a job in medical admin/front office did not work out as planned. I ended up reinstating my massage license (after 15 years). This entailed taking a certain amount of continuing ed hours and paying various fees to the state licensing department. After a rather long wait, my license was reactivated at the end of August. I saved money on the continuing ed by taking as many free online classes as I could. Several weeks ago, I took a two day in person class for a specific technique that there is a need for (I did research beforehand). These skills will pay off in the long run.
Anyway, after receiving my massage license, I applied for 7 jobs, had 6 interviews, and found a job in 8 days. I was rather surprised, especially after clearly stating on my cover letter that I had been out of the industry for 15 years. There appears to be a shortage of massage therapists. My new job is at a spa five miles away. My first day was yesterday. The team seems great. I am starting part time (so my body can adjust to this work), but I can work as many hours as I want eventually. And it has decent earning potential.
I delayed my job start date for a couple weeks because my dad came to visit, and I had agreed to be his chauffeur. He had not visited this area in about 10 years. I have one sister that lives locally, and my other sister and her son came up for a short trip from Vegas to see us all. Ways we saved:
– I picked my dad up at the airport and drove him around so he would not have to rent a car. He paid for the airport parking and gave me some money for gas.
– He stayed in the Airbnb unit in my apartment complex, which probably saved him $35 to $50/night compared to a local hotel.
– I made a shared Google doc for all the family activities and meals. We planned everything out in advance. Cooking duties were divvied up. We had some delicious meals at home, and also went out to eat a few times. We agreed in advance to pay for our own restaurant meals, unless someone specifically wanted to treat.
– We planned some low cost activities, such as visiting a local farm. Thankfully, the weather was great.
– Having everything planned out made for an enjoyable visit.
Other ways I saved:
– Stocked up on supplements, and used a 20% off code I received after signing up for their text messaging notifications. I cancelled the notifications immediately afterwards.
– Visited Ikea on the way back from the airport (while waiting for traffic to clear). Enjoyed free coffee, and had breakfast for $3.
– I had been wanting a tiny couch for my apartment. I currently have outdoor wicker chairs in my living room. I found a loveseat at Ikea for $150, but I did not buy it then because I wanted to think about it. The next day, I ordered it from the website, and I got free shipping (for Ikea Family members). It will be delivered this week. My sister can store the wicker chairs for me for now.
– I purchased a few clothing items for my job at Goodwill. We have to wear white or black solids. Also bought some comfy work appropriate black pants on Amazon for a good price.
– I bought a kit (around $35) to refurbish the very cloudy headlights on my 20 year old car. This worked great, and only took about an hour. The results should last a year or two.
– My car is currently in the shop with my trusted mechanic. I took two buses to get home from the shop, and the trip actually went quite smoothly. I would describe public transport in my area as mostly adequate, depending on where you are trying to go.
– My new workplace is also accessible by bus if needed.
– I agreed to do a project for someone I know in trade. This may lead to paid work in the future. I figure it’s a good investment.
Congratulations on your new job, Tina!
Thank you!
You might try ordering books from the UK via Blackwells. They ship to the US for free, and their prices are reasonable. Based in Oxford for 140 years and very reliable. I use them frequently.
Good to know!
I have a lot going on right now, and other library books I can read, if I can find the time for those, even, so I think I will just wait. Perhaps I can just read it from the library and pay nothing at all!
Your garden looks amazing – despite it still being so hot! Today is the first day that I have worn my Fall jacket – it has been a lot warmer than normal for this late in the year. It is Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend and the trees are only just starting to turn colour in southern Ontario. I hope your new fruit trees survive and thrive and that you get all the other plantings into the garden over the next couple of weeks.
That dress is lovely – your thrift store shopping is certainly paying dividends!
I don’t know where September has gone – I cannot believe we are almost half way through October already! And everyone I speak with says the same thing!
I continue to put away food into long term storage – I bought a number of mason jars and a small jar vacuum sealer, along with some oxygen absorbers so I am really getting the hang of it. I have a good supply of rice, pasta, beans, oats, flour, lentils and teabags put away now and I have added to my canned food with store bought fruit, baked beans, meat and seafood – and managed to earn loyalty points on many items purchased. I spent $30 in Loyalty points a couple of weeks ago and already have another $30 earned. I am taking advantage of whatever deals I can find. I know they say that the inflation rate in Canada has come down to 2% but that doesn’t mean that food prices go down (they just don’t rise as quickly) and while there may be some deals out there, things like my favourite teabags have gone from $5.49 to $6.79 in a matter of 3 weeks! I bought a small ham for Thanksgiving at a “sale” price that I would have considered too expensive as a normal price just two years ago. I am having guests for Thanksgiving and along with the ham I will serve turkey thighs and a boneless turkey breast rather than a whole bird. I will still have leftovers and be able to make soup. While I have a lot of dried pasta I occasionally enjoy some fresh pasta and there was a sale at my local store last week so I stocked up on cheese stuffed tortellini and spinach & cheese ravioli and froze them in single serving portions. I also open froze more peppers as they are at their lowest price for the year at the moment.
I have batch cooked cottage pies, stuffed peppers, chicken curry and both the stuffing and some vegetables are already cooked and in the freezer for Thanksgiving. I just took out my last serving of HM soup from the freezer so I intend making a big pot of turkey/rice soup this weekend. I try to make a different type each week for about 3 weeks in a row and freeze at least 2 or 3 portions of each so that eventually I get a week or more off as there is enough on hand.
It was finally cool enough to have my window A/C unit removed and stored for the Winter – this will mean lower electric bills for a few months (before the Winter darkness kicks in and more lights are needed). I decided to take advantage of a deal from Paramount + streaming but dropped another streaming service so my costs actually went down a few dollars per month. As soon as the baseball season is over I plan on dropping another tv service as well.
I am trying to make do with as little clothes shopping as possible for the Winter – I think I am pretty much set aside from a pair of red wool gloves and some extra socks and undies. Coats and boots are all in good shape and I only need maybe one more pair of “dressy” pants for the office. I may just wait to see if there are any sales around the holidays as I am not desperate for anything.
It is time for my flu shot and my next Covid booster so must book an appointment at the pharmacy – luckily both are free. I continue to take snacks and/or lunch to the office and only eat out maybe once a month these days if that – people are very happy to be invited for lunch or coffee and treats at my apt. and then no one has to worry about over spending. Friends who are coming for Thanksgiving are bringing sparkling water and a dessert or two so that will help.
So sorry for everyone affected by Hurricane Helene – I have been watching videos and the destruction is incredible – and now Florida is about to get hit again. I hope everyone stays safe.
Just wondering if anyone has heard from “Margaret at Approaching Food” – I noticed that she hasn’t commented in a few weeks and didn’t see an update on her blog – although she may just be busy with back to school routine etc. Looking forward to hearing about what everyone has been up to recently.
Hi Margie! I am here! Thank you so much for thinking of me. I’m just extra busy at the moment, as in addition to working a 0.5ft job while caring for my young kids 24-7, I also just finished up an application to a graduate school program, while also dealing with a lot of paperwork in my personal life. I’ve been wanting to post on here but often I only get to bed at midnight. But I have been reading everyone’s posts when I can, and enjoy them all so much!
My frugal accomplishments are much the same as usual: walking everywhere, stacking coupons and sales and price-matching to get the best deals on groceries, packing drinks and homemade snacks whenever we go somewhere, making things myself if I can, finding free entertainment for my kids if I can (last Saturday I was able to take my youngest to an open house at Kortright Conservation area, put on by a local EarlyOn program. A mud kitchen, crafts, singing circles, wagon rides, a campfire with marshmallows, and more. She loved it! And it was all free!), borrowing library books, and just…keeping on keeping on, as so many of us are. Thanks again for asking after me, and I read all your posts and comments!
Margaret @ Approaching Food
If you need financial help for your graduate studies, you might consider looking into getting a going back to school grant (a Program for Continuing Education Grant) or perhaps a scholarship or loan from P.E.O., a women’s Philanthropic and Educational Organization that raises funds for scholarships, loans and grants for women. See its online website at P.E.O. International and look for Educational Support then read about Scholar Awards, Program for Continuing Education, and loans, if you are interested.
This is great advice, Ellie’s friend! Thank you so much! I will definitely look into it.
Glad to hear that you are well – but you certainly are a very busy woman! Good luck with the graduate program application – you are a brave person to take on more work – but I imagine it will pay dividends down the road so good luck with it. Don’t forget to give yourself a bit of a rest now and again if possible.
Lovely everything! You really do make life look so beautiful.
I made several batches of your granola recipe – minus the dried cranberries – the Mister enjoys it so much.
Was able to find a book by one of my favorite authors and a vintage book of poetry for half off. I have been devoting mental energy to something useless, and vowed to learn something (ie poetry) instead.
Making quart jars of tisanes the day ahead. Just makes it easier to drink more. I picked lemon balm, lemon grass, sage and mint from my garden for this.
My local library has a seed box (take some, leave some). This might be helpful next year for a few seeds instead of a whole pack, and will donate my extras.
Downloaded and joined some free embroidery and art therapy classes to make life more cheerful (and learn too).
Those in hurricane Milton’s path, Godspeed.
-Had a birthday recently. Made a list of all the freebies and applicable expiration dates available via apps. So far I’ve enjoyed meal from Chicken Salad Chick, normally $10, $7 worth of Nuggets from CFA. Slice of giant chocolate chip cookie, small Nothing Bundt Cake, beauty product from Ulta, Danish from Panera. Still have many more on list but these were the ones with short expiration dates. Some may go unused this year as they are only available in Memphis and I may not be going up there to pet sit in October.
– Been using computers at library to do some Excel work. They are very generous about extending your time as there are almost always available computers.
-Able to find tons of great condition books for Little Free Library for only 25 cents each at thrift store and public library sale shelves. Little Free Library was installed at local park some weeks ago in memory of my mom who passed earlier this year and loved to read. People are already donating and taking books. Warms my heart.We are having official ribbon cutting and grand opening on Nov 25 which would have been her 88th birthday.
Much sympathy on the passing of your mother. What a wonderful way to honor her life.
Brandy,
You look gorgeous in that dress. Very flattering.
Do you know what is killing trees? My daddy planted the pecan and pear trees our yard 60 years ago and none have ever died. Is it the heat and dryness where you live maybe ?
It’s the heat.
I was at a park today across town. Two large trees were dead right at the entrance. It’s everywhere in the city!I have been here over 2 decades and never have I seen this. Lots of local gardeners have been talking about it, and even people who don’t garden are noticing because it’s so many.
Your flowers are just lovely. I have had a busy three weeks. The garden totally ramped up, with corn, peppers, tomatoes, chard, zucchini, carrots, potatoes, lettuce and beets
Week 1 – Picked corn and dug potatoes for potato corn chowder. It was so yummy using so much from the garden. Made zucchini corn muffins to go with the soup. Picked, cooked, and took corn off the cob for the freezer. Made pizza with some of our tomatoes. Made 6 pints of tomato basil sauce and canned it. Had chard with garlic, green beans with garlic and hot peppers, potatoes with peppers and onions, zucchini corn fritters. Made an par baked 2 pizza crusts.
Thought we were going to get a frost so picked 7 large buckets of peppers, including green bell, red bell, anaheim, and jalapeno. Also picked tomatoes, basil and zucchini. chard, beets, carrots and potatoes can all take a light frost. Dug three hills of peppers. Trimmed the red onions for storage. Had popcorn for dinner one night.
Week 2 – Picked corn, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, onions, cucumbers and chard. Cooked and processed corn for the freezer. Cleaned the yellow and white onions and prepared for storage. Dried 4 trays of rosemary. Gave a new neighbor in the neighborhood corn, peppers onions and different kinds of tomatoes. Gave another neighbor some corn, peppers, zucchini, cucumbers and tomatoes. She is a recent a widow, so we kind of look out for her. Cooked beets for the DH to enjoy. Picked and prepped tomatoes, chard and basil and then made BLT pasta. It is so good. Made the base for our homemade salsa. I peel the tomatoes and the DH BBQs the peppers, then blends and mixes them together. We add the rest of the ingredients later.
Made 6 pints of pizza sauce for the freezer using tomatoes, garlic, peppers and onions from the garden. Made and canned 7 pints of tomato sauce.
Poured Dawn adn boiling water down a couple of drains in the house.
Purchased three packages of chicken thighs at 89¢ a pound. Received a free reuseable bag from the store.
Week 3 – Spent four days and three nights with my son and DIL. My son is back at work from paternity leave, and my DIL tore her Achilles tendon, so cannot put any weight on that foot for a month. With a 21-month old and a 3-month old, bedtime is pretty difficult. I help where I can. Cleaning, dishes, laundry, cooking, changing diapers, putting the older one to bed, just whatever they need. I was exhausted when I got home on Friday.
I was going to make stuffed peppers, but the DH said he just chops up the peppers and mixes them in, so just to chop the roasted peppers and mix them into the filling. Easier for me. BBQ’d some of the chicken thighs I got last week, and made two chicken, basil and tomato casseroles. Took half the chicken and one of the casseroles to my son and DIL when I went to visit. When I got home, made a batch of baked potatoes and had broccoli, bacon and cheese stuffed baked potatoes for dinner. Picked the rest of the corn. It was a little tough, so prepped it and froze it labelled “soup corn.” Made chicken broth with two roasted chicken carcasses from the freezer. Dried 4 trays each rosemary and thyme. Made chow mein and cauliflower soup. Picked some lettuce. Dried 80% of the laundry on the line, including sheets and pillowcases.
I was quite busy for the last three weeks, and see another month or so of garden stuff before things will settle down for winter – just in time for the holidays.
Hope everyone has a wonderful and productive week.
.
Pretty boring three weeks for us, just work and sleep, lol.
Read and returned a bunch of library books
Earned $2.50 from Ibotta
Earned a free fountain soda from a gas station
Earned $7.50 from Amazon shopper panel rewards
We had a dessert potluck at work.
Since I have been using stuff like dog food bags and grocery store plastic bags for trash bags, I managed to stretch a box of 200 trash bags from aApril 2023 until just the end of September 2024.
We have been eating meals until they are gone, or I freeze the leftovers.
We made the trip to a little country store my husband came across from doing a nearby job. It’s ran by Mennonites and the prices were pretty good. We purchased 20 pounds of chicken wings for just under $21(versus $3.48 a pound at Walmart), fresh caught catfish filets, a flat of tomatoes for $15, $4 for a pumpkin, big bags of chips for $2, bulk candies and dried fruit, granola, raw honey, huge bag of dehydrated marshmallows for cocoa for $3, candied jalapenos, bulk popcorn, and I can’t remember what else we bought. It’s definitely a bakers paradise, I’ll have to go back with a list next time. They also have a lovely little deli with delicious sandwiches (hubby and I split one because they are huge). It took a 1/4 tank of gas in my truck there and back, but we saved that alone in the price of the chicken wings.
Decorated with Halloween 🎃 decor I had, although I had to buy some orange lights and spider webs. I want to buy new things, but I’m good about waiting until everything is marked down.
Paid off the Home Depot card. Which means we’ll have to end up using it, lol.
I tutor after school on Monday and Wednesday. Instead of driving home and back, I just sit in the parking lot with a snack. I play on my phone or read(or squeeze in a short nap). I only live 10 minutes away, but if I come home, people will want me to do things and I just need to decompress. I might change my mind when it gets colder(or I can go to a nearby library also)
Seems so strange to read of you waiting to sow seeds when it was snowing here today. Not buckets, but still enough to mean we have to hustle to finish the last of the outdoor chores before it gets too cold. I have felt somewhat uninspired lately, in terms of finding new ways to save. I am still doing the usual but now routine stuff like reusing plastic bags, mending things, decluttering and selling things I no longer use, not running the dishwasher until it is absolutely full, and eating more soups and casseroles. So, I have been rereading Amy D’s Gazette series of books. Outdated in some areas but it helps me think about things I might not have considered doing to save money. It is another reason I read this blog, because almost every time I do, I find some inspiration.
Snowing! Wow! I am excited that tomorrow it will drop down to 98°!
Hello friends. Sugar cookie and I had a wonderful cruise last week out of Orlando. We used all our useful strategies to have a cheap vacation. But now, we are stranded in Orlando. After multiple delays ,our flight to Atlanta is canceled. We are holed up in a local hotel. There are no planes ,trains ,buses or rental cars available. It reminds me of the old movie with Steve Martin and John Candy. The price gouging is pathetic. We managed to get an Uber to Walmart before the ride share platform was shut down. We have P B & J and water. Im hoping we make it through the hurricane and get home Thursday or Friday. I’m afraid I just have to write off all these extra expenses as bad luck. I’m grateful for our lovely beds in a cheap hotel and that we arent on a shelter floor. I’ve down played the situation so not to alarm my daughter. I hope everyone else is well and safe.
Praying for you!
My niece has evacuated Tampa on Monday. Even then, gas stations were already running out of gas and the traffic on 75 heading north was awful.
Price gouging in times like this is sinful, in my opinion! May God place His protecting hand over you!
Lillianna,
I’m so sorry that your trip ended on a sour note. We have family in Orlando who aren’t leaving. With Helene, they only had minor damage. So, i’m keeping that in mind. My daughter is further north in Jacksonville and barely had wind. You’ll be on my mind. 🙏🙏🙏
So sorry you are both stuck – I hope you stay safe and that you can make your way home soonest.
Praying for you and your daughter.
Brandy, the dress is just lovely and I love the way you styled it. It looks great on you!
Three weeks ago we welcomed our fourteenth grandchild, our seventh grandson (we have an even number of boys and girls). We kept our four year grandson while Mama was in the hospital. I tried to stay out of the grocery store and did so successfully.
Two weeks ago we went on vacation. We were in St. Augustine and waited out Helene there since we’d planned to be there anyway. Original weather models had the storm going directly over our home and we realized if it did there wasn’t a thing we could do. We live in a mobile home and it seemed safer to stay where we were. Though vacation is an expense this is what we did to save that week: We packed food for the road and carried from home the more costly items to purchase (olive oil, foil, seasonings). I always plan to have something frozen that can thaw on the road trip to prepare for our dinner that evening and breakfast the next morning, then we go buy groceries for the week. When we plan for vacation we set aside a separate budget for groceries for the week because we know food there is higher than it is here. We did not go visit any sites or museums. We just stayed in our room and watched the ocean and the storm and then we came back home.
In the past week, I have baked bread, cookies, pizza, and made all meals at home, picked up a few discounted produce and meats, got my carton of free eggs from Kroger. I went into Hobby Lobby today and picked up candles. I was looking for frames but couldn’t justify the cost of them at this time so I left the store with candles and two wood cutting boards. I plan to get a glass cutting board to use for meats and then will get rid of my cheap plastic ones. I went into Target and picked up $50 worth of toilet paper, paper towel, and aluminum foil and got a $15 gift card back. I am setting that aside to use when the next Target Circle sale comes around.
We got a refund again this year on our electric bill which was most welcome. The savings for my electric fund meant I could pay off the propane tank fill-up right away rather than stretch it over two months as I’d thought I’d have to do.
We have had long discussions about our financial state and are actively overhauling and redoing many areas in order to try and create wiggle room, despite the continual (seemingly) increases in every category. The grocery budget is also getting overhauled. This will involve eating more and more chicken (the cheapest meat around is a whole chicken at present).
Today I went into the discount grocery and picked up for $1 per package tomatoes (6), squash (3 good sized), tomatilloes (about a pound). I found country style ribs and a portion of a beef roast that was apparently the butt end and not a full cut of the piece of meat for under $2.50 a pound.
Hi Brandy – a recent episode on the British history podcast THE ANCIENTS featured the author of The Golden Road. Here is their description “In today’s episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by William Dalrymple to explore ‘The Golden Road’ – one of the great trade routes of ancient history – and discover how India became the beating heart of the ancient world.”
I think you will really enjoy it. It is a fantastic podcast.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0RSacQ0ngYW2YjrE2UMeVF
Thanks!
Such a pretty dress! What a wonderful find. Lovely rose pictures as well, what a treat to have them all out now.
We have exciting news which is I am pregnant (I’m in my early forties). My husband and I met late and neither of us have children so we’re very thrilled and feel so blessed. I’m also very sick and fatigued! If anyone has any advice for this newbie, I’d be extremely grateful!
We are trying to save in light of our addition to the family so we’ve been eating from our freezer and not spending. I’ve started a little baby stock and have been so grateful to people giving things away on olio and Facebook, and in our village community. So far I have a free crib, cot, blackout curtains, books, blankets and a monitor. These will help hugely and I hope to find other items second hand.
We are still hosts on airbnb as we may not be able to do it in the future and are having an Australian gentleman stay for two weeks which will be helpful money. We’ve also just hosted a lovely girl from Switzerland who is here to learn English. At 18, she already speaks 6 languages so I felt extremely inadequate! She was so much fun and I learned all about tv Korean dramas from her which was something I had not come across,
We are making random (sometimes very random) meals from the fridge so there is no waste. It makes mealtimes interesting! We were gifted some money from my kind aunt last week (pre knowing our news) so feel very lucky.
Wishing everyone a happy and blessed week.
Congratulations Jenny!
Eat lots of protein; it helps build a healthy baby and also helps to keep nausea at bay.
Congrats on your pregnancy, Jenny! I had both my daughters in my early 40s, and had really, really, really bad nausea. I think just listening to your body is important. And working with your doctor if the nausea is problematic. Brandy’s suggestion of protein is great too. I found having a full stomach also helped me, so I ate often. And with my first pregnancy, I drank so much lemonade that one of my bosses told me after she was surprised I didn’t turn yellow. I think everyone has different things that work for them to handle the nausea, so trying everything until you find something that works is probably most helpful. Congrats again!
Thank you so much Margaret and Brandy! I really appreciate your good wishes and the advice x
Congratulations Jenny-so exciting for your family.
I forgot to mention earlier that I received an offer for 4 dozen eggs at 1.99 each and $3 off a $10 gas fill. Our weather continues unseasonably warm so there is little cost for heating or cooling. I am interested to see if our gas usage will go down with the new high efficiency furnace installed this summer.
Jenny: Congratulations to you and your husband, and best wishes for a happy, healthy baby!
Pregnancy clothing is some of the hardest-working clothing you will ever have. If you can keep up on laundry, you don’t need much. Fortunately, sweats and t-shirts can fill in a lot. Having pretty, comfortable clothing helps when you are feeling lousy.
Also, (I never saw. this in all the pre-pregnancy info I received), after pregnancy, your hands and feet might stay larger, even if you lose weight around your middle. I had to have my rings resized and couldn’t wear my previous shoes.
I expect there are tons of freebies you can sign up for. Babies don’t really need lots of different kinds of clothing, rarely needing dress-up outfits or shoes, no matter how tempting they are. Much of my son’s wardrobe was second hand or hand-me-downs. I stuck to soft cottons whenever possible. All the best to you!
What a wonderful thing, your pregnancy! Congratulations!!
Congratulations Jenny! Praying for a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery! What a wonderful adventure you have ahead of you!
Congratulations Jenny! Ginger was always miraculous during my terrible pregnancy nausea. I kept on hand a constant drink of hot or iced ginger tea (added small chunks of fresh ginger or 1/4 teaspoon into a small (6 cup) pot of my favorite tea, let steep for a while; eating candied ginger, or just eating slivers of fresh ginger in a pinch (although it’s very spicy so not everyone likes it). You can now buy ginger capsules, which are very convenient but more expensive. Hope this helps. Best of luck to you.
Congratulations, Jenny! What a sweet blessing for you! Like Brandy said, lots of protein all day long helps with fatigue and keeping blood sugar stable. Floradix is an excellent herbal iron supplement and helps a lot with fatigue. I’m also pregnant in my low 40s, and these two things have helped so much. Despite my age and this being my fifth baby, it’s actually been my easiest, most energized pregnancy so far. It took us years before I carried a baby to term, so every baby is extra precious for me. This time of being big and waddly and tired and achy sometimes is so brief, and the baby at the end is so worth it. And then I get to enjoy them their whole lives! Hope the pregnancy goes beautifully for you.
Gorgeous photos as always, Brandy!
On the frugal front:
I redeemed two rains checks, one for bread and the other for eggs.
I used clearance bananas to bake six dozen muffins.
We attended our town festival. My employer, a sponsor of the event, received food and drink vouchers which they shared with the employees. HH and I enjoyed a free drink and free cheese curds.
We harvested green peppers and tomatoes from the garden and apples from our neighbors tree.
I had a training event 1.5 hours from home. I carpooled with my colleagues. We received a logoed Hydroflask tumbler and lovely breakfast and lunch.
I ordered four free COVID test kits and had them delivered to DD2’s apartment.
I carpooled with a neighbor to run errands. It was fun and saved money on gas.
A friend and I carpooled to our college homecoming. We stayed overnight at a mutal friend’s home near the college town. We went to a free coffee and donut alumni event and watched the parade. We were invited to join another friend’s tailgate party where they provided lunch and beverages. I brought a homemade snack mix made with pantry staples to add to the buffet table. Tickets to the football game were only $10. It was a very fun and super affordable weekend.
I look forward to reading everyone’s frugal feats.
I won four tickets to a Big 10 college football game. It was the first time for myself, my husband, and our kids. While we had to pay for parking and we did allow the boys to each get a pop, it was probably the most frugal way to attend an event like this.
A coworker is expecting twins and while the group was collecting money for a gift card, I whipped up several burp clothes from my favorite patten with baby flannel I had on hand. I keep thinking I am out of the sewing for babies stage of life but that hasn’t proved the case just yet!
Other areas have not felt frugal at all! Grateful for this community to keep me inspired!
Brandy, I LOVE that dress. I am particularly fond of dark florals as I feel I can wear them year round. So pretty!
Where to begin? First, I must thank the couple of people that “know” me from this blog who reached out on my IG to see if we have made it through Hurricane Helene. You know who you are but you can never know how much that meant to me. We just got internet back here at the house 2 days ago (still have no power) but made it out a couple of times before to find places with a signal to communicate with friends and family. I had people from all over the world checking on us in one way or another, including people I haven’t seen in years. Overwhelming and very touching. Actually “overwhelmed” is a good description of the past 12 days. I could go on and on but suffice it to say, we were extremely lucky and extremely blessed here on our property in NW NC. Our 30 acres of forest is now reduced by about 1/3 with 100 year old trees fallen from the wind sheers and extreme rainfall. One tree fell with its uppermost branches just touching our kitchen window. I was in the bedroom and heard my husband yell, “Run!” to my boys who were in the kitchen. It shook the house like an earthquake. We had two trees just miss one equipment shed and two others fall 20′ from my bee yard. Our pond is a dammed up natural spring. The dam held but water undermined it low to the ground enough that we had a mudslide down stream. Some of our stored lumber and a few pieces of equipment took a downhill ride. Our trailer was hanging over the cliff but we got that up and on solid ground a few days later and it is unharmed. We had two large trees across our drive and one very large on still remains. It is supported by the opposite bank and we are, thus far, able to drive under it to get out. We are waiting for our neighbor with a trackhoe to hold it steady while we cut it as it has the potential to spring back without support. But, our home is undamaged and our animals are fine. I actually went out in the middle of the night when the storm was raging to check on my geese and ducks. I was so afraid they could be floating away but they were fine. Not the smartest thing I have ever done! We are grateful to have been spared the losses we see all around us. It is like a war zone. Actually, it reminds me of photos from the Civil War where all the trees were cut down and houses demolished. Add flooding and that is what it is like. I’ve seen a few videos that don’t do it justice.
We live in a remote area in a holler with only 4 other families. When you live this way, you don’t expect anyone (in the terms of government) to be in a hurry to help you. We see that all the time in terms of our road repair (surprisingly, our road is a state road, not private). Nobody here waits for anyone official to come help, we just get out an do what needs doing. And that is exactly what has happened now. When we could first come out of the house safely, we discovered that the only way out of our holler for us and the other 2 families at the end with us was blocked by a literal wall of hundreds of trees. My boys and I picked our way through, over, under and across in an attempt to get to our elderly neighbors to check on them. We did but not before I stepped into a creek crossing that normally is about 4 inches deep (and it looked the same) only to sink up to my chest. My boys had to haul me out. That was exciting! We ended up clearing a way out by the end of the day with us chain sawing on one side and 2 other neighbors with chainsaws and a track hoe on the other and we met in the middle.
It won’t surprise any of you, I don’t think, that our regular frugal and preparation practices have served us well in this situation. We have a generator for emergencies and it has allowed us to run our well, one refrigerator and the washing machine. We enjoy cooking outdoors on a normal day and have a dead wood stove and a propane turkey fryer which have been in regular use for cooking and heating water for washing and bathing. We have a pantry full of food and used up everything in the freezer first. We heat our home with a wood stove and now have firewood for the rest of our lives, probably. We have been spending our days cutting and splitting wood and will be grateful for it in the winters to come. We have been able to help others with providing food, offers to wash clothes and general clean up as well as sharing information. Our community has suffered greatly and this area will never look the same but my heart has been glad to see the scenario of “neighbor helping neighbor” replayed everywhere we have been. It’s just how it is.
My husband’s work boots were already needing replacement before this storm and they gave out the 3rd day of work. We went to Boone to the boot store ready to just spend what was needed (with our lifestyle, good sturdy work boots are a needed investment.) The owner asked where we lived and when we told him he said, “I know that you all were hit hard out there. My house was fine. You can have anything in the store for $50. That’s the only way I can help.” So, all 4 of us got boots that are normally $100-200 each for $50 each. What a blessing! That’s just one of many stories of kindnesses that are happening here.
My garden is unharmed and still producing and this storm clean up coincides with all the normal winter prep that traditionally has us scurrying around this time of year. I am reminded that our simple life, while a lot of work, is a blessing at times like these when it is so helpful to just have so much to do you just keep your head down and do the next thing that needs doing. Not much time to get sad for what you did lose or to feel guilty that you fared so well when others didn’t. And, today, I am grateful to see Brandy’s lovely roses and to hear all the good things all of you are doing. It helps more than you know. 🙂
Wow! Thank you for updating us! I was wondering how you were doing.
Thank you, Brandy. ❤️
So glad to hear you’re doing as well as you are. It must have been very scary. Thanks for such a personal glimpse into the situation.
Thank you, Chris.❤️
Mountain Mama Dawn, so very thankful you and your family (including furry and feathered family)
are okay. I don’t know why, but I thought you were in Tennessee.
I wish we lived near you to lend a hand to those so desperately affected by Helene but the best I can do is give to Samaratan’s Purse and send prayers.
God bless.
Linda – We are only 2 miles from the TN line in NW NC so you’re not too far off. There was a lot of damage in areas of East TN and SW VA, too with many roads no longer in existence due to flooding and sinkholes. A different landscape now in many ways. Thanks for the good wishes and thoughts! ❤️
So glad to hear that you are safe and that nothing hit your home. I have been watching Youtube videos of the aftermath and the damage is incredible. It truly has been neighbour helping neighbour. I hope power comes back soon – be careful with the clean up work – there could be other dangers out there.
Margie – Yes, we have been preaching caution to our boys during all the clean up. Scampering up trees like monkeys has long been one of their favorite things but not in this situation. We did have to dig my oldest son out of the mud yesterday. We were trying to extract a wheelbarrow and his boots got stuck. All ended well, however. 😁
Mountain Mama Dawn, I have been praying for you, Marley and any others in the area. We have extended family in NE TN, and are moving there by end of year, as you know. I am so relieved to find out you are all safe! Praising God!
Laura – Thank you for the prayers! I hope the area you will soon call home was not too severely damaged. East Tennesseans are some of the finest people I know. Keep me up to date on your move! Hope you will love it. 😍
I’m glad you are OK. After Super Storm Sandy we had the neighborhood all helping eachother. I’m glad you are all doing the same. Hubby and I were in Asheville in May. I can’t believe the destruction we have seen online.
Marybeth – My husband proposed to me while we sat on a stump next to the bass pond at the Biltmore. Asheville is a very special place and we have family nearby who are all ok. Many thanks for your good wishes! ❤️
Mountain Mama Dawn,
So good to hear that you are all okay and heartwarming to read of the generosity and kindness of others.
Sorry to hear about all of the mature trees that were felled!
Thank you, Ellie. My daily walks up my mountain are just not possible at the moment. My youngest son and I attempted, trying to find any sign of our old trails and they are just buried. But, we can restore some of it, make some new paths and many trees will just one day become soil for new trees to grow in. It is the normal way of things in the forest – just startling to see it happen on such a large scale all at once. Thanks for your thoughts! ❤️
Thank you, Ellie’s Friend! 🙂
Mountain Momma Dawn,
I’m glad that your family was prepped for some things and that you are ok.
Thanks so much, Tammy! 🙂
Wow, Dawn…I’m so happy to hear how well you all have managed. My mind went blank. I thought of so many folks we knew in Florida, Georgia, South Caroline, and North Carolina and then I started hearing of folks in Virginia and Tennessee and many cities in Georgia that weren’t in South Georgia. I’m so glad that all is well with you and your family and your neighbors!
First, thanks to I who shared some of her produce box with me — the pears were fantastic!
Our co-op store had a good deal on vegetables — carrots, onions, beets, cabbage at ten pounds for $6.99.
I bought beets, cabbages and potatoes for myself and carrots, cabbages, beets and potatoes for our 24/7, no-questions-asked food cupboard. A friend split all the bags up and delivered them to the cupboard (and she also contributed). I also bought two cases of tomatoes and roasted the tomatoes in one of the cases. I then froze the roasted tomatoes which will come in handy for soup and pasta.
I wanted to read the most recent edition of the Chicago Manual of Style. I thought about buying it but it is $120.
It was just published, only in hardcover, in September. Instead, I looked for it online and found that I can get a 30-day free trial so I am trying to read it all in 30 days. I also have been memorizing proofreading symbols — a good test of memory skills.
Another friend is dropping by with several cans of Dole’s pineapple which No Frills had on sale for $1.29 a can — I saved $1 per can.
My expenses will be high; I need to have two teeth extracted. Fortunately they are both at the back. My dentist suggests doing an implant for one. In his office it would cost between $5,500 to $7,000. My dental health insurance will not cover it. I reached the maximum of $1,000 this year — unprecedented for me as I only have had very little required dental work. so the extractions are not covered either.
We are busy with yardwork and trying to get things done before snow sets in.
I had to have a dental implant and allowed my regular dentist to do it. He put it in incorrectly causing the tooth next to it to fail and it needed to be extracted. I had to have an oral surgeon take the first one out, do a bone graft and then put in two implants. It is worth paying to have it done correctly. Due to all the trauma from the dentist, I now have several TMJ and need to have injections for the pain every 3 months. Thank goodness for a good oral surgeon. It’s a big deal. Save if you need to and have it done properly.
Love the new dress, Brandy! And as always, all your photos are lovely to see.
I have been doing more baking now that weather isn’t quite so hot. I’ve made biscuits and cornbread and sandwich bread. I also made hashbrown casserole and enchilada casserole.
I ordered some groceries through a Chase credit card offer that should give me 10% back, plus I used $8 in store rewards to reduce the total. I also got $5 cash back from an American Express offer for using my card in Paypal.
I had a cold last week, but I resisted the impulse to buy special things for it. I used chicken soup, medicine, and handkerchiefs that I already had.
I refreshed my eBay listings and lowered some of the prices. I made a sale for the first time in a while. Only $6 after the fees, but it’s better than nothing.
My non-resident library card that I had been using for digital loans has expired. It would have cost too much to renew it, so I didn’t. I can’t get a local library card because I’m homebound and they don’t make it easy to get one without going in person. Tried it once, but I had to jump thtogh so many hoops, it was rididculous. And they want you to go through the whole thing again every year. So I am going back to relying on reading books through Open Library online, which is free to everyone. I also have a backlog of Kindle books I got for free when I had Amazon Prime and haven’t read yet, so I am working through those slowly.
I hope everyone has a good week!
Do you know Project Gutenberg and Internet Archive? I really like those two for free online books lately.
This freebie site lists different books every day; mostly free ones. https://www.freestufftimes.com/category/ebooks
I meant to add that a friend had implants done in Nashville and he says it was only $500 each. Other friends have gone to Mexico to have them done. I cannot travel because I cannot get valid travel insurance and wouldn’t risk it.
Brandy, your flowers are gorgeous as usual and I love your “new to you” dress.
After my dismal gardening results this year, (and our total outdoor watering ban did not help), I am thinking about things I can do differently. I am thinking of getting ollas for my large pots. Has any0ne used these?
Good Morning!
July 2024 was officially the hottest ever on record. I am sure Nevada is suffering as well. My husband is a walnut farmer in Norcal. Production in the orchard has dropped 20% and this heat wave in October is not helping the harvest. Many of the nuts are damaged in the shell. Your fruit trees could be part of that cycle.
Ironically, I had a nearly serious event when I went on my 2 week Tahoe Rim Trail backpack. A freak snowstorm ( yes! snow storm) in September caught me at 9400 ft elevation. I couldn’t get my tent set up properly and faced hypothermia. My hiking buddies put me in their tent after I was soaking wet and we made it through the night. When I continued the trail two days later ( with a new tent) it was a heatwave. Sigh! Weather: 2 Mary Ann: 0.
I am reassessing my budgeting during retirement. This first free summer I spent quite a bit on bucket items. I now need to start saving more. My increased health insurance premium and OOP Maximum is now 30 % of my pretax income. Incredible. That covers my hubby, myself and my 22 yo with vision, medical and dental. I know people are paying more for less coverage because my district helps with the premium and allows me in the group plan. I am not complaining but I need to get my head around that percentage. I am very happy that there is a lot of “luxuries” that can be cut because I have faithfully followed frugal communities like this one.
Oh, that must have been frightening! Fellow backpacker here and had a friend start into hypothermia last year at high elevation in New Mexico. Glad you are okay and were with good folks to help you get warm!
The Tahoe Rim Trail has been on my to-hike list for a while, and after this year’s recent hike of the Centennial Trail in South Dakota, I’m now eyeing it for next year.
The roses are always lovely, Brandy, and these are no exception.
I have been as frugal as I can, having just gone through Hurricane Debby in August and Helene in September. It looks like we won’t get much in my area from Milton, but naturally, I’m upset over what the people are going through in the areas that will take a direct hit.
I took precautions to keep my food chilled and not have to run out and buy things when our power went out, which it did with each hurricane, and was off for several days each time. So I saved money there. It is also wise to conserve gasoline, using our vehicles only when necessary, another reason to plan ahead so I could stay home. Many gas stations run out of gas.
I had to finally toss my old summer robe. I hate the belted kimono-style robes because they won’t stay closed and tied on me, so I took time to find another that fastens down the front like my old one, and finally lucked onto a sale of 30% off. Robes have become expensive. I had it delivered to the store not far from where I work, and got free shipping.
Some have mentioned here about price gouging during the hurricanes – that is illegal in Florida, and should be reported.
My summer garden has suffered in the storms, so I’ve just ripped it out and started fall plantings. I’ve had uneven germination even with good new seeds, so I’m going to sow again.
I ordered some things in bulk from Azure Standard, checking the unit prices before I ordered.
I mended some cleaning cloths with unraveled edges.
I do the usual – pack my work lunches, cook from scratch, wash laundry in cold water, hang laundry to dry and keep the a/c thermostat set at 78 deg. F in the house all during the warm months.
How lovely to have roses to bring inside!
We received our four free Covid tests from covidtests.gov I followed the instructions to look up the revised expiration dates and wrote the longer times on the boxes. Research has shown that expiration dates on original tests were much too conservative. Tests are good for longer than expected.
I bought a jar of pesto on half-price clearance. It is amazingly strongly flavored and the rest of my family doesn’t eat it. I froze half and am experimenting with how to eat it, as using it as a dip/spread is too concentrated for me. I added half a teaspoon to some salsa, which was just enough to enhance that, and the same to butter I melted for air-popped popcorn, which was very good. Lemon juice is also a good addition to popcorn butter.
The outside edge on our new mattress has broken down quickly, so much so that my husband rolls uncomfortably toward it and is worried about falling out of bed in his sleep if he is restless. I put a pool noodle between the mattress and box spring last night, raising the edge up, and he said it helped tilt him toward the middle of the bed. I’m open for any other ideas!
Weather here in the Midwest has been cool and dry, and the leaves aren’t turning yet. I am waiting for a rainy spell so I can plant some spring allium bulbs, as in the past the rodents have left those alone. Tulips are tasty to them, though they ignore daffodils, which I have legions of.
Brandy, did you once recommend a watercolor artist your children used, either online or books? I am looking to follow up on a two session class I took at the library. For the small fee, the teacher provided us with a whole bag of paints, brushes, paper, and odd tools. It was like being back in grade school with a new box of crayons to unpack it!
Sending caring thoughts to Florida, and admiration to the responders who are standing by to help during and after the storms.
Anna Mason! She has a few mini classes that are free and then paid classes. I want to do one of her mini classes soon if I can find a moment.
You might try adding more oil to the pesto to dilute the taste.
Put the pool noodle on top of the mattress but under the fitted sheet at the edge of the bed. Then it’s like a little guardrail.
Gas is $2.46 gallon in university town and approximately $2.79 elsewhere. Same ole same ole, Aldi, if not Aldi then Bogo deals at Winn Dixie, walk in neighborhood, cut my own hair, wash work clothes in bathtub and hang out to dry, etc. I am boring!!! Dress looks beautiful on you Brandy!
Thank you Cindy!
I need some help from an experienced seamstress or seamster, and I am not even sure how to ask this question. My husband finally fits into a shear skin jacket I bought him almost 30 years ago! The problem is that chemo he had years ago left him with one hand that does not work well. The buttons on the jacket are sewn on so tight to the skin that he cannot get the button through the button hole. It is like he needs some sort of an attachment to the button that will keep it from being so close to the material. I thought of taking off the buttons and using durable dental floss to sew them on looser, leaving a little room so the button will hang a bit if not engaged. But is there something less dorky that would do the same thing? Like I would take the button off, and thread the floss through a short tube before sewing the tube and button back on. I hope I am asking this right. If anyone can understand and let me know if I can buy something like the tunnel, please let me know. I don’t even know what the tunnel would be called in the sewing world, so I cannot look this up on the net. Thank you so very much to anyone who answers!
I have seen thread replaced with skinny elastic cording on items for buttoning. That should work for you and give you the stretch you need.
Thank you!
I’d try DMSO for the chemo damage
https://www.midwesterndoctor.com/p/dmso-is-a-miraculous-therapy-for
and maybe a button implement to pull the button through?
https://www.arthritissupplies.com/buttoning-and-zipping-aids.html
You could also do what you thought of by sewing the buttons back on with more space.
Another idea would be to find some buttons with a metal shank that would also give him the space.
Good luck. I know you’ll fix this problem.
They have little buttoning tools, made for seniors- would that work? It’s like a button-assist tool.
We tried this but the buttons are made of braided leather over metal so are too big to grasp. And he would lose the device pretty quickly, I am sure. But thank you for replying.
Ah, makes sense. Hope you find a solution!
Mable, if you husband’s jacket has 7/8 inch wide buttons I have some with a post that would raise the button almost 3/16″ higher. The buttons I probably have enough of are not flat. They have a design which rises to almost 3/8″ in the center which to me are easier to grasp. I would be glad to gift them to you if you live in the states.
I posted regularly until a relative had medical issues that needed researching and lots of doctors appointments.
I love the dress!!!
– We’ve been eating a lot of meatless meals. We’ve really gotten into chickpeas and eat them on rice, in sandwiches or with pita bread.
– I cashed in our credit card rewards.
– Finished a book I borrowed from a little library.
Just to wish the Canadians here, including “I”, Margie from Toronto, Elizabeth M., ‘Margaret Approaching Food, and others, a very Happy Thanksgiving.
And the same to all of you! Have a wonderful weekend.
To you as well, Ann.
Week 1
My kids and I went out East to several of the farms. Our favorite stand had all cauliflowers for $3 each. I weighed a bunch and got the largest, 10.2 pounds. My son took some. I cooked some with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. The rest got blanched and vacuum sealed and frozen.
They also had weird shaped potatoes for $2 a bag. I weighed a bunch of bags. They weighed between 4.5 lbs and 6.5lbs. I bought 5 bags and they were all over 6lbs. 2 bags were russet and 3 were yellow harvest(like Yukon gold). I also got a bag of assorted onions that weighted 6.8lbs for $2. My son got a bag of $2 potatoes and $2 hot peppers. My daughter got a bag of the $2 potatoes. The only thing wrong with them is they are weird shaped.
We used a free library pass to go to one farm. We feed the animals($1) and my daughter got corn$4. We brought lunch and drinks with us.
We stopped at a seafood store that we love and splurged on some scallops, shrimp, and salmon. I cooked it for dinner that night. My son stayed for dinner.
I had 2 art classes at the library this week, flower pressed bookmarks and wood burning ornaments. I had fun at both and made a few stocking stuffers while I was at it.
Hubby and I went to my FIL’s to get the rest of the red wine he made last year(24 bottles). They already started this years wine but it won’t be ready until Christmas. He gave me 2 bottles of red wine vinegar that he made since I’m the only other person who will use it. We use it in all of our salad dressings. A little goes a long way. He gave hubby some tools that he was cleaning out. They are thinking of selling their huge 6 bedroom house. It will be a ton of work but better now while they are with us then after they pass. The house is just too big for them to handle anymore.
I ordered and got the 4 new covid tests.
We were supposed to have a yard sale Saturday and Sunday but it rained all day Saturday so we moved it to Sunday and Monday. My daughter and FIL both set up tables too. My son had to work but gave me a few things to sell. Between all of us we made over $700. The truckwas full of leftovers and we dropped it off the next morning at our church thrift store.
I cooked in the crockpot both days to avoid takeout.
We gave several items to our neighbor that she was interested in for her grand kids. She brought us bagels as a thank you. Yummy.
A fan my FIL was trying to sell didn’t, so I kept if for our guest room.
My daughter and I did a fall deer painting class that was free at the library. I picked up 2 new to me puzzles while I was there. I dropped off 1 in return.
I helped my son trim the kittens nails. He helped me trim my dogs nails.
Week 2
Hubby had the week off so we went traveling. Our youngest kept our dog. In my family we dog sit each other’s dogs while away. The dogs love it and there is no cost. The first 3 days we went to see our oldest daughter, SIL and furbabies in Maryland. We packed food and drinks in the car. I did a 2 good 2 go order for bagels the day before we left because that is what my daughter charges us to stay in her guest room. We brought a generator that we got for free. Hubby fixed it for less than $40. They now have a great almost free generator. Hubby went over how to use it with both of them. We brought them a fig tree from a cutting I took of ours. I brought a random bag of stuff that my daughter wanted from thrift stores/couponing/family swap. She gave us some books, a puzzle and empty wine bottles and jars. We cooked chinese one night to give them a night off. My daughter owns her own wedding business https://contentbyliz.com/ and is working 6 days a week right now. Hubby did yard work and sharpened their mower blade. I cleaned her kitchen for her. They both were working during the day. We played with the puppies a lot.
We then met my sister(#1) in an AirBNB in PA for 3 days. It was much cheaper than getting 2 hotel rooms. It was a 3 bedroom/2 bath house with a full kitchen laundry and it had an awesome massage chair. We cooked breakfast every day. I made a pound of bacon the first day and portioned it out. I brought all the food from home except the eggs, soymilk and bacon. We went to a local Shoprite, with our coupons downloaded and bought the items there. My sister treated us to dinner every night since we wouldn’t let her pay for the AirBNB. My sister and I had leftovers so that was lunch one day and hubby grabbed something quick. We bought our homemade wine and stayed up to midnight laughing and talking. She is dating again and has some crazy stories.
Laundry is in the dryer, muffins just came out of the oven, dinner is in the crockpot, my puppy girl is home next to me and I start a new client tomorrow.
Week3.
I started with a new client this week, 2 days a week from 7am to 5pm. I made hard boiled eggs and muffins for grab n go breakfasts. I packed lunch for both days. I made extra chicken on Monday to have leftovers. I pulled out sauce and meatballs for Tuesday for an easy dinner. We had leftovers last night for dinner. Whats the point of working if I need to get takeout every night.
Stop & Shop had their store brand of colduts on sale. I bought a pound of honey turkey and a pound of salami. They had a $5 off $15 coupon for coldcuts. I got 2 pounds for $11. It made easy lunches for us this way. I grabbed a loaf of honey wheat bread off of the clearance rack. Hubby was very excited since it has been May since we last got cold cuts. S&S also had chicken cutlets on sale for $1.99 so I grabbed the 2 packs I was allloweed.
Shoprite had some good sales, bacon for $2.99 for 120z. Mozzarella for $2.99 a lb. They had $6 off 2 Nature’s Bounty vitamins. I needed Vitamin B so I got 2 bottles for less then $4, A&H body wash for 99¢, Canned soup 4 for $5. I spent $99.87 and saved $108.38. I call that a win. I then did Ibotta, Fetch and Receipt Hog. Watch you receipts. I had an error at both stores and had to go to customer service to get them fixed. I am having a mistake almost every trip lately.
My sister(#3) came and dropped off her dog. She will be away for the next week+. She brought me a beatiful basket that she was given full of stuff. She won’t use the basket. I will use the basket for a Christmas gift. I will fill it with lots of food. She brought a toy for my dog, treats for both dogs, 1/2 a head of lettuce, 3 eggs, makeup and perfume samples for my daughter and a present for my son’s kitten. She took a bag of stuff for another sister(#4) that she will see before I do. She also picked figs and tomatoes. She took some and left the rest on the counter. I didn’t have to do it after work.
I made a batch of dog foodthe other night even though I was very tired.
Howdy from Houston!
Things have generally been going well. We’re smack-dab in the busy season of sports activities, which has kept me on the road a lot getting kids to/from games and practices. There’s only one football game/week, but can be up to 3 volleyball games. Traffic in the evenings can be tough, but we’ve packed picnic suppers to take along so we aren’t tempted by fast food or the concession stand.
My kids are off school today for a long Columbus Day weekend, so we used free library passes to go to the children’s museum. Fortunately, they have quite a bit for older kids, too. I parked for free a few blocks away and we just walked.
I picked up a free IKEA desk someone was giving away for my 9 year old. The top isn’t in great shape, so I may cover it with contact paper eventually.
I bought a lot of unopened soap from Goodwill Outlet. Many of these are the hotel tiny bars, but at $1.29/#, I think it’s still pretty cheap. We seem to go through a lot of soap.
I bought a lot of the Bath and Body Works hand soaps for teacher gifts during their $3.25 flash sale, which we will pair with a hand-written note for Christmas. I think my kids have between 25 and 30 teachers, combined: mostly school, but also church, scouts, etc. We know some better than others, but all will get a handwritten Christmas note from one of my kids, and most will get either a cookie plate or the scented hand soap. A few I know will eat the cookies, but the ones who get soap and don’t like it should be able to give it away pretty easily if they choose. I’m trying to keep everything under $100.
Ack, a week after we got a note from the school about lice on her classmates, I found lice in my 6 year old daughter’s hair. Ughhh!! So, I’ve been doing lots more laundry than usual. Despite lots and lots and lots of combing with metal combs, conditioner, and tea tree oil, the thing that finally got rid of them (knock on wood) was the ivermectin cream applied to the scalp and hair. I don’t want to claim victory yet, but no one has had any lice in 4 days. I had my oldest daughter check my hair, and she hasn’t found anything, but one of my fears is that I get them. I think I would have to either go to one of those lice clinics (~$250) or get a buzz cut if the cream didn’t work. This is exhausting, as sometimes I’ve been up until 10:30 at night after sports games combing out hair, and we all still have to get up and go to work and school in the morning. Thank goodness for leftovers and simple meals.
I need to figure out Christmas gifts for the kids. My great aunt gives me $100/child to buy a gift from her to them, and my dad gives me $75 to do the same. This greatly alleviates what I need to buy. I was able to get a lot at thrift stores and garage sales when they were younger, but that gets harder to do, it seems.
We went to a nursery that is giving out free pie pumpkins to kids and took a picture in front of one of their beautiful fall backdrops. We came home with a bunch of pie pumpkins, but will probably mainly use them for decoration. I still have cases of canned pumpkin I bought for .25/can a couple of years ago, so I’m not sure it makes sense to cook these down. We’ll see.
I’m trying to lose some weight by eating fewer carbs. Several people in my extended family have developed diabetes, and I could stand to lose 25 pounds. Maybe it’s my age, but after my 4th or 5th child I just couldn’t drop the baby weight, and it’s frustrating. So many inexpensive foods are carbohydrates. So, I will be working on that.
My neighbor switched to gluten-free and gave me a partial bottle of salad dressing she can’t use, but we will.
Hope you all have a lovely week!
So sorry about the lice. Regular Listerine (brown) soaked in the hair. Wrap the hair in Saran Wrap. Works great. It dissolves the eggs. Let them sit like that for an hour. I do not miss those days of little kids in school.
I wonder if you can get this comb shipped to where you are? https://www.nittygritty.co.uk/shop
Thank you; I do have a good metal comb I found at Walmart, and I think the lice are finally gone!
Brandy, I consider you my rose expert so I was interested in your cutting back your roses now. I thought the cutback was later in the season, but I am willing to follow your example. Does this apply to ALL types of roses.
Also, was wondering how your husband’s job was going.
In hot climates, David Austin recommends cutting roses back by 1/3 in September. I’ve been doing this now for a few years and it’s been a huge help. Then the major prune back by 2/3 is done in January. This is for all roses (except climbers) but only in really hot climates where they don’t flower in summer and then will give a fall flush (usually in October).
My husband is currently helping with Hurricane Helene. There’s so much loss.
We have been trying to be frugal. Today we were going to go out then decided to go to a grocery store instead for dinner. Then we realized that the grocery store we chose was more expensive than our cheap local store. So, we left that store and went to our favorite grocery store. We bought things on sale to eat, strawberries for 98 cents a quart, apple $1.48 for 3 lbs., hummus for 4 dollars less than the other store, some crackers, an inexpensive burrito and chicken, grape tomatoes for 68 cents a container, oh yes and two yogurts for dessert for only 79 cents each. They were two dollars less than another store. We talked about going to a park, but when we got to the park we realized we had to pay to park. So, we went to a free parking lot and ate in our car. I felt happy! We had food to take home and we spent so much less than we would have at the restaurant. My husband said we didn’t have to pay a tip! My husband is happy that I am happy being frugal. We thought about going to goodwill but decided to take a pretty way home and enjoyed talking. We made homemade pumpkin pie at home. I’m glad that we both enjoy being frugal. It is a fun challenge. We have been trying to be careful with what we spend. We are doing ok because we are frugal. I am soaking beans for tomorrow and will make beans and smoked sausage and cornbread and a vegetable , canned spinach or some kale. Oh yes, we also bought canned peas today at 38 cents a can. The limit was 6 so we each bought six. Also instead of buying the bottled water by the register we bought a large package of bottled water for what 2 would have cost at the register. Had I thought early enough about picnicking, we would have brought a thermos of tap water or homemade tea. We continue to use cloth napkins, towels and hankies. We found a detergent we really like at dollar tree for the watching machine. We need some more and when we go to town for another errand we will check it out and see if they have some. I called to order a book from the library. I hope I have time to read it when it comes in. I might just need to make time. I am doing a Bible study at church and have been trying to make time for that.
It’s so nice to see your flowers. This was not a great year for my garden. I got a lot of butternut squash, peppers, tomatoes, tomatillos and basil from my in laws. Before we left on vacation, I froze tons of grapes to make wine and pears to add to our cider. I froze tomatillos for green sauce, made pesto, roasted tomatoes for sauce. I’ve been using up pumpkin from last year to make muffins.
We had a work trip that we extended into some family vacation time. We packed food for the plane and I did some online grocery orders so we could do quick pickups while there. We mostly stayed at Airbnb’s so we could cook our own breakfasts, and some lunches/dinners. We were also able to do laundry. We did a lot of hiking, packing food for the remote locations. We didn’t buy any souvenirs. There were some outdoor stores, which we don’t have at home, and got some great deals on nice shoes. We needed a few jackets for kids before we left, and I got them on marketplace and eBay. I used a deal for our airport hotel to get extra credit card points.
Since getting home, we’ve been busy playing catch-up. I bought more convenience type food that I normally don’t buy, but this saved us from going out to eat. Our local apple orchards prices have gotten outrageous so we haven’t gone, and will try to find a smaller/locally owned spot to pick apples and not pay $100 just to get in. We ordered part of a cow and should pickup this week.
We made muffins to take to a event for the kids. I bought a ton of organic snacks and mixes at the pallet store for very cheap. I’m using up the organic pancake mixes. I’ll try and make some sourdough today. The weather is getting cold so I’ll switch to making more soups. I went though kids clothing for colder weather and swapped out things they’ve outgrown, passing them along to friends. I used up some shampoo and lotion samples. Passed along a few things around the house to friends and family.
I switched from a carb heavy diet to paleo/light keto for my autoimmune disorder, under the direction of my endocrinologist and a nutritionist. It’s been 5 years and my numbers are all very healthy and I lost 60 pounds and have a BMI of 18 now (from 29). Cauliflower works fantastic riced, in so many dishes, in place of rice. Zucchini “noodles”. Yellow squash “noodles” (not butternut/acorn; those are filled with carbs). I don’t eat potatoes or starchy veggies, and I also don’t eat added sugar, dairy, or soy due to my condition. I’ve maintained this lower weight, good cholesterol, low triglycerides and an A1C went from 5.6 to 4.8 and has stayed there. I mostly eat eggs and nut butters as protein but sometimes inexpensive lean meats like chicken or tuna. Most of my protein comes from properly combining plant sources. It can be done inexpensively, and overall you will have lower healthcare costs (fewer prescriptions, fewer visits, fewer health problems as you get older). It’s worth it to invest in healthy food now and not have your foot/leg amputated in 10 years or go blind from vision loss caused by diabetes or circulation problems from heart disease.
I curb shopped a storage bin, new reusable grocery bag, a few Lego pieces, and a bag of costume jewelry. I helped out at a food giveaway and was able to take home some leftovers of produce, bread, and baked goods. I got enough that I didn’t need to buy much from those categories on my grocery list. I only bought 2 packs of meat, and it had markdown stickers so less than half price. I got the weekly freebies at the Kroger chain – a loaf of bread, a pound of bacon, a big cinnamon roll, and a couple of things I forgot already. As usual, I clipped digital coupons. I took my oldest child’s homecoming photos at a local park. I checked for markdowns in the grocery store and got Dunkin’ Donuts coffee for $.80/bag after the markdown and the buy 5/save $5 additional discount. I got tea bags 75% off the same way. Unfortunately I have been spending too much in some other categories. Also, my children all needed some clothing. I hadn’t bought them much earlier in the year and they didn’t need much for summer clothing, but one of them needed bigger sweatpants, the other needed bigger long-sleeved shirts, and the oldest requested a specific clothing item for their birthday later this month. I waited until it went on sale. Hoping to cut down on the extras/non-essentials and keep up the progress in the other categories. I also need to use up some of the extras we have on hand in a few categories of groceries (spices/condiments and canned vegetables).
I am in the final weeks of pregnancy and have saved, um, pretty much negative money this month. But we are all done with things we need for the baby. (We have inexplicably lost the newborn and 0-3 size of clothes, so I bought some new-to-me ones on eBay… but at least four children in I know exactly what I like and will use.) I am planning for a home birth but have my just-in-case bag packed.
My daughters both want dolls with clothes they can change for Christmas, so I started sewing them today. I am using an old pink bedsheet and stuffing them with cut-up old socks! I thought I had some brown and yellow wool for hair but I must have used to up on something else, so one has turquoise hair and one has white hair…! I would like to embroider faces but if I don’t have time then I will draw them on with fabric pens we already have.
I also spent today making a stuffed rabbit for the new baby out of scraps and the aforementioned cut up socks. My eldest two have much beloved Jellycat-brand rabbits but people don’t tend to give presents to subsequent children, so I drew round one to make a rabbit out of some old corduroy trousers for my third child. And I have done the same thing (slightly more successfully – lessons were learned from last time!) for this fourth baby.
I love to sew, especially with no out-of-pocket cost!
We had a lot of vegetables that were on the verge of going off so I chopped them up and froze them. I gave away some carrots that we wouldn’t use to a friend.
There is a BIG Little Free Library near where we live. I dropped some books off there and came home with a carrier bag full of new-to-me ones! I also bought some used Dick King Smith books from eBay as my son has been a bit listless about reading lately and I think some new books will reignite his interest.
(As we live in a village, our nearest library is very inconvenient for us to get to – and charges £1.50 to place a hold! Per book! That’s pretty much what buying these books cost me, and we get to keep them as long as we like for everyone to read and reread. And I have not found the selection to align with our values, and it gets tiresome to keep putting back Horrid Henry and things like that if I let my children choose their own books, which they naturally want to do.)