Good news first: I got a note from Jane this morning and Bluey is home and slowing gaining his strength back. They still don't know exactly what happened (no stroke), but he passed out, aspirated, quit breathing, and was hospitalized - ended up with pneumonia. Scary stuff. I let her know they are still in our prayers.
My week went nothing like I anticipated - NOTHING! I went out Monday morning to run a couple errands, and as I started to back out of the drive, my brakes went out! Totally out! (Thank goodness I was not out on the roads). We had the Blazer towed to the mechanics and thought it would be a fairly quick fix. You know that saying about "the best laid plans"? Each day found another problem in that area. Oh my.
I didn't want to start anything that was involved - not knowing when they would call. I had appointments and errands that couldn't be done. Good deal was I was home all week - so no money spent! Bad news - it was Friday, late afternoon, before I got the vehicle back and almost $500 gone! YIKES!!
THIS my friends is exactly why we are frugal most of the time. Problem solved - paid cash - no debt. Blessed!
Unexpected problems can be devastating if we are not somewhat prepared.
The weather turned very cold this week. We had one day that the high was in the 30's! Friday set a record for coldest temperatures for that date in 67 years! All that after last Sunday being in the 70's with storms. Crazy weather for sure.
I got most of my errands run and things caught up on Saturday. I hustled for sure. I was exhausted at the end of the day - but I am back on track for the most part.
My frugal week:
- I made a big bowl of fruit salad with fresh and canned fruit. (home canned and store bought). Made for nice and healthy desserts.
- Dried more bread (.39 bread) for dressing
- Made up a new bottle of shampoo (shampoo, water and a bit of Listerine) - a new bottle of dish soap (water, soap, and vinegar), and a new bottle of 'Febreeze' like spray (liquid fabric softener and water) . Febreeze spray also works to cut static around the house.
- Did some soggy yard work early in week. Tried to get some leaves up - but it is a futile task at this point! Tons more to fall.
- Did quite a bit of mending
- Froze some leftover enchilada sauce (used some on burritos). Froze in cubes for easy use later.
- Watched several older Holiday Baking Championship shows. Love getting new ideas.
- I got a turkey for .49/lb. Found a 21 pounder!
- Also got several cans of 'cream of' soup to have on hand for convenience (when I don't have home made mix available) for .49 a can.
- Watched a few You Tube videos on being frugal and on off-grid living (so interesting)
- I stopped at an annual craft bazaar I always go to. Bought no crafts, but did buy a few things from the "grandma's closet" area. I got 4 lovely NEW placemats, 3 Christmas (Coca Cola) tumblers and 2 picture frames - ALL for $2.70!!!
Meals this week:
Chicken tetrazinni (homemade)
Deconstructed cabbage roll skillet
Burgers and cheese nachos
Chicken/rice/bean burritos - homemade
Fish sandwiches and oven fries
Jalapeno/pimento cheese sandwiches and chips
Loaded hot dogs
Remember that now is the time to add to the pantry - there are so many holiday specials, with some ridiculously low prices. Shop those lost leaders and get deals for yourself or to help others.
ALSO REMEMBER 6 weeks from tomorrow is Christmas!!!!!!
How can that be?
What was your week like - any good deals? Are you ready for Thanksgiving? How is your gift shopping/crafting going?
May you all be blessed with health, safety, and happiness in the coming week. God bless my friends.
So glad you were not out and about when your brakes went out. It's great to be able to pay cash when something like this happens when you live frugally. My battery went out on me last week and I paid $110 in cash for it. Glad I had it to pay and not have to charge it.
ReplyDeleteMay I ask why you put Listerine in your shampoo? I've not heard of that before.
Good deal on your turkey!
I hope you have a blessed week, Cheryl. :)
I felt very fortunate I wasn't out as well. Could have been worse. I regret having a tissy w=fit this week - as God was watching out for me.
DeleteListerine is antiseptic and helps with any itching and dandruff. It really does work. I have dry scalp and itch a lot if I don't do this.
Blessings.
I have to dry out my bread also thanks for reminding me! I still am waiting for my turkey!
ReplyDeleteHope you get a great deal on your turkey!!!!
DeleteHomemade dressing is the best!
Have a good one.
Wow! What a wonderful deal on your turkey, Cheryl. I live in the delta area of AR and our Kroger low price for turkey is 79 cents a pound.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you were close to home when you had the trouble with the car breaks. How scary. The Lord was certainly watching over you.
Have a wonderful week.
- Ellie
Yes Ellie He was. I was in such a foul mood all week - and now I am really sorry for that. So many times we overlook the obvious blessings we receive.
DeleteBummer on the turkey. That is still so much cheaper than even lunchmeat!!!! Maybe there will be a better deal this coming week!
Have a good week.
I am glad that Bluey is doing better. Life can change in a minute for us! Also glad you were safe with your brakes going out! Even though having the money to pay for things I hate to spend it that way! LOL Nancy
ReplyDeleteYou are so right - no guarantees about life. it can change on a dime.
Deleteyeah, I hated spending it that way - but you got to pay to play!
Blessings
Hi Cheryl, it is such a blessing your vehicle broke in your own driveway. I’m glad you’re safe and can roll again, and yes that is why we live frugally, isn’t it?
ReplyDeleteA blessing it was. Yes mam that is exactly why we pinch pennies on other things.
DeleteBlessings
I'm so glad your vehicle was fixed and Bluey is better. Funny how one thing can lead to another in both areas. I have leftover bread too thanks for the reminder to save it for dressing Perfect!
ReplyDeleteThanks on the vehicle, and hopefully Bluey continues to improve.
DeleteGlad to be of service!