Sunday, October 16, 2016

Frugal Happenings 10/16

Hi there my friends.  I hope you have had a wonderful week blessed with good health and many savings.

We have continued to have great weather, which is really unusual for this time of the year.  The next couple  of days will be in the 80's and then the temps drop again to the upper 50's at the end of the week.  No frost in our area yet. 
The fact that we have had no frost, means that our trees have not really started to turn color yet.  There are a few changing (sugar maples), but for the most part there is a lot of green out there.

I was leaving to visit my brother this week, and got just up the road when my brake pedal went all the way to floor!  I guided myself slowly back home.  I had a brake line go, therefore no brakes to speak of!!  I was lucky to be so close to home.  I had to then clean out the Blazer (I store all kinds of stuff in it), and called a tow truck to come take it to the repair shop.
I have had a couple other issues with windows as well, so we are having them fix everything.
The GOOD NEWS is, we received $2,500 about 3 years ago for hail damage to Blazer (could hardly see it), and that money is still in the account just for the Blazer.  So it will not cost us any out of budget money!!!!!!   YAY!!
*I am just happy this happened now and not on ice in the winter.  God definitely had me in His hands.

My frugal week;
  • Laundry in cold and line dried
  • No AC.  Love having the windows open
  • I dug out blue jars and a couple old square jars I found in the canning jars I was gifted this summer.  I will use them for dry storage.

  • Have picked cherry tomatoes, 2 kinds of peppers, lettuce and green onions this week.  Have some small zucchini growing in the garden still
  • Aldi had squash on sale this week.  I got 2 spaghetti squash, 2 acorn, and 2 butternut for .99 EACH!  They are all firm and great size.  Great deal and they will last us through the end of the year.
  • I did a thorough scouring of the stove with vinegar and baking soda as cleaners.  I figured most of the canning is done - so get it ready for the holiday season!
  • Did a lot of yard work.  Bundled up a lot of refuse for yard waste pick-up.  I used strips of an old t-shirt to tie stuff up.  Much stronger and versatile than twine!
  • I went to the first craft bazaar of the season on Saturday.  Did a lot of looking and got a lot of cute ideas.  I did spend $5 (basically a donation to church) for a pineapple upside down cake!  My favorite.  My mom always made me one for my birthday - that is coming up at the end of the month - so I treated myself. (sweet memories).
  • Harvested some dried bean pods I found in garden to use for planting next spring.
********************************************************
Meals of the week:
All leftovers and some fried green tomatoes (yum)
Banana/pecan pancakes
Stuffed pepper skillet dinner
Flavored rice, sausage patties and salad
Soup and grilled sandwiches
Mexican baked potatoes (topped w/nacho cheese, jalapenos and sour cream)
Cajon rice with chicken chunks and brussel sprouts

Leftovers for lunches
Snacks:  cake, jerky, and Chex Mix
********************************************************

We have been enjoying watching all the nature in our backyard.  Seems they are all getting ready for winter.  We normally have 10-12 squirrels at any given time, birds of all sorts, "Chuck" the ground hog and "Opie" the little possum, and of course the 3 kitties are out there.  We have some very young squirrels, which I find unusual this time of the year.  One little guy has what appears to be a damaged tail (it's about 2" long), so it's name is "Bobbi".  I am crazy I know!!!!!!  I name everything.

Just at dawn - IF YOU CLICK ON PICTURE TO ENLARGE, you will see Chuck and Opie and in the back ground you will kitty eyes glowing.  Everyone gets along thank goodness.


I pray you all have a safe and healthy week.  Many your frugal finds and adventures be many!
Give us a shout out and let us know what you are up to!
PEACE

6 comments:

  1. Hello Cheryl, nice post and I am glad things are good at your home.

    We are trying to be thrifty- I had some great CVS deals and thrift store finds.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rhonda. Thanks.
      I haven't gone to CVS in ages. I hear about the many great deals people get there.

      Have a wonderful week.

      Delete
  2. Hi Cheryl, pretty great picture of the critters enjoying your bounty! I am very glad you not only weren't on ice, but that you also had the money for the repair!

    I haven't been very frugal with coupons, but have been diligent to stock up a little bit each time I shop, so the cupboards are being replenished but slowly. We have been invited to a costume Halloween party and I shuddered to think of making the costumes, but the bill was under $30 for the material and props, next time though I will try to think of something less expensive BEFORE I voice the idea to The Good Man!

    WE have just begun to have fall color, with two light frosts at hand. Made a fabulous 'pumpkin' pie from a squash my daughter brought home, very easy and very delicious! Better than canned for sure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't use a lot of coupons either anymore. There just aren't many for things I buy at regular stores. Pet food about all I use now. I shop Aldi most often.
      I am glad you are stocking up as you can.

      The pie sounds great!
      Oh have fun at the party! I haven't been to a costume party in years.

      Have a great week Ellen.

      Delete
  3. It's been such a nice fall -like you we have had fans and ac off. Now though it's became cooler and the windows are closed. You have had a great thrifty week and I'm glad you were close to home when the brakes went out.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am so glad that you are ok after those brakes did not work. ((((((HUGS)))))

    I did the baking soda and vinegar treatment on my oven today and boy did it make my job so much easier. That was a great deal on the squash and they hold so many possibilities for wonderful meals. :)

    ReplyDelete