Frugal Happenings 2/17

Happy Sunday everyone.  A new week awaits us - we are slowly moving closer to Spring (or fall) depending on where you live.
We had another roller coaster week of weather.  Next week looks to balance out in the 30's and 40's - at least nothing frigid is predicted thus far!  Here's hoping.

Hubs and I finally got my new computer up and running - all by ourselves.  I still haven't figured out some things - but I am getting there.  There are just too many options to choose from!

We did not do anything special for Valentines Day - that just isn't our thing.  We show each other love everyday.  Oh, he did get a nice ice cream sundae for dessert that night!  LOL
I didn't even buy any candy afterwards.  What I saw didn't look inviting to bring home (chocolate was gone).

My frugal week:

• I forgot to mention last week that I did get my coupon for 9.99 for a bag of cat food!
• I was given a coupon for 3 Fancy Feast for FREE
• I saved a parmesan cheese lid, and candle jar lid, and a squirt bottle lid
• Got the computer running - no outside cost
• Filled jars and containers from deep pantry supplies
• Slowly working on spring clean.  I got the ceiling fans and lights all done.  I have also cleaned under and behind furniture.  Moving along with things
• Friday I made a grocery SALE run - 3 stores all within three blocks of each other.  Aldi, Sav A Lot, and Kroger - just meat!
• Kroger I got the Jimmy Dean sausage on weekend sale - 5 for 1.99 each.  I also got a gallon of milk marked down to a $1 (not outdated)

• I ran to Aldi and got bacon for 1.99lb.  I got 5 for the freezer, as I already had some.  Couldn't pass up that price.
• Next on to Sav A  Lot - I went for the 1.79/lb. ground beef (a good deal).  It was the big rolls - which I am not crazy about, but thought I might get one.  Well I got to looking around and found the deal of the year so far for me!  I put that roll back.  They had fresh ground on 'reduced for sale' for .99/lb.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  EEK!!!!!  I got a total of 36 lbs. (all they had).  I was flying high, then looked over and saw more orange stickers.  Chicken thighs (8 per pack) for .55 lb.!  WOWZA.  I got 5 packs of them.  G loves them - me not as much - but for that price I couldn't pass up.

I wish I had taken a picture of all the packages.  I came home with 20 packages from Sav A  Lot.  I got it all divided up and into freezer.  I also gave a pack a chicken and 2 of beef to our neighbor/friend.  His grands were visiting this weekend.

All total with sausage and bacon I ended up Friday with 63 pounds of meat for a total of $59.90!!!!!!  MY SAVINGS FROM REGULAR PRICE was $80.20!!!!!!!!!!  Happy dance here.  My freezers are full, full, full.

Let's just say I was blessed this week.  I can't believe my luck.  The thing about Sav A Lot - there wasn't a soul in there shopping but me on a Friday afternoon!  Crazy - it is usually swamped.

My meals this past week:

Baked fish and beans and rice

Added beef and more beans to leftovers and made a skillet dinner

Fried fish and shrimp - fries and coleslaw (home canned)

Chili dogs and chips and dip

Homemade Lasagna -  2X

Stew

All leftover eaten or reinvented.  Had fried apples and homemade chocolate strawberry sundae for desserts

How was your week?  Any good deals?  Any stocking up on the cheap?

I pray you all have a safe and healthy week ahead.  May the Lord keep us all on track with humility and peace.  Be a good steward and spread peace and love my friends.

Blessings from my humble home to yours.

Why Prep?

I know a lot of people don't like the word prepping.  They think it brings to mind images of crazies hiding in the woods, booby traps and hoarders waiting for the SHTF zombie apocalypse!!!!!  LOL

I consider myself a prepper, but not that extreme.  I want to be prepared for anything the future has to throw at me.  I was taught to live this way, I have been through lean times, and I am unsure as to what the future may bring.

I keep  what is considered a 'deep' pantry - lots more than can be used in a short time period.  I keep a good stock of all types of things.  Food, TP, pet supplies, cash, over the counter medicinal, herbs/spices, educational books, self protection, water, health and beauty, etc.
I garden - which I would do any way.  I love gardening and preserving - it has been a part of my life always.
I love re-using and recycling - finding new ways to use things.
I am pretty handy.

WHY DO YOU PREP?  

Have you been through bad times and in need before?

Worry about financial loss?

Worry about health issues?

Worry about the future?

Worry about weather related issues? 

Are you prepared for the long haul?

I am curious as to why others do what we do!  I think by sharing, it may give others a new insight as to reasoning or  new ideas that that was never thought of before.

What say you ?

Please share your reasons and stories.

Educational and Fun - All in One

I just wanted to make a little post today about branching out and reading new blogs.
There is a wealth of information and ideas out there - ALL FOR FREE!

I am not sure how each of you ended up here, but maybe the way I ended reading other blogs.
On the right side of this blog and many others - we list a bunch of blogs that interest us.  If you click on one - it takes you there.
THEN look at their blog-roll and there are more to check out.  It goes on and on and on!!!!!! 
I can get so distracted and spend hours looking at and reading things.  There are blogs for crafting, frugal living, living simply, homesteading, religion, cooking, home schooling, etc.

So when the weather is nasty and you don't want to make a trip to the library - curl up with your computer and start trolling blogs!
I love books, but I can take my time with the blogs - read specialized stuff - make new friends - and never have to return anything!

There is so much to learn from others - the world is at your fingertips!

Frugal Happenings 2/10

Good morning to all.  Here we are beginning another new week.
We sure have had  many seasons of weather this week!  We had 60's to single digits.  We had lots of rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes in some areas, snow and wind.  One day we dropped 46* in a few hours - crazy.  We ended up with a small lake in the back forty from all the rain - then temps dropped and poof - we had an ice rink!!!!!  LOL - that was a first.
I know I keep hearing "I'm so ready for spring" - I am too - but winter has not really been all that bad in our area.  We didn't even get nasty stuff until after Christmas - so I guess we were due.  Spring will  come when it's time.  Patience!!!!!!!

We have been enjoying all the squirrels again this week.  Also the birds!  We consistently have 10 pair of cardinals and 10 pair of sweet doves, at least a dozen squirrels at a time and woodpeckers of different types.  The hawk has shown up a couple days - boy that thing is huge!  I have seen neighborhood cats that I haven't seen in ages this week as well.  I am so glad to know they are OK.
Our back yard is quite a menagerie. of wildlife.  I love it!
OH, we had our first Robin of the year show up yesterday as well.  I know some areas have them all year round - but we don't.  I look so forward to that first sighting, because it generally means warmer weather is soon!!!  I looked out and there it sat drinking at the bird bath!

My frugal week:

• I got to air out the house on four different days this week - with heat off!!!!!
• Have been picking up sticks like crazy around the yard - FREE exercise
• I went to WM and got canned cat food for the pantry.  I used $5 in coupons and also used a GC, so I got about $60 in canned food for FREE
• Had to run to the feed store - I imagine I am good till at least April now
• I then ran up to Kroger to get a couple of their weekend specials. (Yes, I shopped a bunch this week).  I got 5 packs smoked sausage for 1.88 each, I got 5 lbs. of butter at 1.99 ea.  I added coffee, tea bags, potatoes and onions to pantry.  Also found 10 lbs. of ground beef marked at 1.69 lb.  Got a few fresh veggies and got a great deal on cottage cheese.  It was on markdown for .69 carton!  G loves it and it is good for quite a while yet.  I will also make lasagna this week with some.  I got 8 cartons.  I used a $25 GC at Kroger - so got a bunch of groceries for FREE

                                                                Some of my deals!

• Started working on my deep clean again
• Came home from store and  G said he found an HP computer on sale and it sounded like what I need.  It was $200 off.  I said order it!  They wouldn't let us order on that price reduction - so I called the closest Office Depot and they had one.  I then made a trip I was expecting to, and got it!!!  EEK I got a new computer!!!!!!  I will be spending this week getting it up and running and trying to figure it out - it's Windows 10 and I AM NOT!!!!!!
• I also purchased ink for printer while there - so as to be prepared for taxes.  They are almost complete.
• All of the normal weekly cost saving activities

Meals this past week:
BBQ ribs and pizza rolls (super bowl tradition - even when not watching!)
Mushroom/Swiss burgers and home fries
Meatloaf (a small one), mashed potatoes and brown gravy (from pan drippings) and salad
Loaded baked potatoes and side salad
Goulash and salad
Fried cabbage/carrots/smoked sausage and mashed potatoes
Italian bread pizza (bread from freezer)

                                                   A pan of goulash - comfort food!

All leftovers were eaten at other meals.
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I did spend a few dollars this week!  I guess I better stay home again for a while!!!
I did get the much needed computer, which is on my 2019 bucket list.  G will need one as well (his is older than mine).  I hope to get a new couch and I definitely need new glasses.  So there are a few expensive items on that list this year.  THAT is why I try to be frugal most of the time.  I can splurge now and then and it doesn't hurt quite so bad.

How was your week?  Did you get any frugal deals? 

Prayers for a great upcoming week for each of you.  Stay safe, warm, healthy and frugal my friends.
Blessings from our humble home to yours.

Service - Yay or Nay?

I am going to post about a pet peeve of mine today.  Self check-outs.  I loathe them!
I even did a bit of research on them, just to see what was available in information.

In 1917 Piggly Wiggly was the first to allow customer to actually take items from the grocery shelves themselves and put them in hand held baskets.  It was embraced by people.
In the 80's a couple place started an idea of self check-out.  It was an expensive endeavor for the retailer to set up and it was not well accepted.  In 2001, K-mart placed some self check-outs in their stores and they removed them in 2003.
It appears more people DISLIKE them than like them.

So why do stores continue to have them?  One word - GREED!!!!!!  It has nothing to do with efficiency for you and aiding you in any way - it is all about the bottom line and their profit.   The less people they employ the more money they make, or so they think.

 

Theft is a huge problem at self scan areas.  That machine does not "see" the product that you are buying - and people often put in codes for less expensive veggies/fruit or meats when weighing their products.   It is easy for small items to simply come out of the cart and be placed in a bag or purse.
People have been known to scan bar codes on sticky labels  (at home) and then put them on more expensive products at the store.  Cheaters will always find a way to cheat!

I go to certain stores for various reasons.  Aldi - I don't mind bagging my own groceries, as I get cheaper prices there.  If I go to Kroger or Wal-Mart or Meijer I expect service.  The prices do not reflect lesser service and my involvement.
Perhaps if you were given a discount for using the self check-out, I might consider it (doubtful).

My reasons for not liking them are as follows:

• I don't work there!!!!!!  If I wanted a job, I would have one.  Odds are it wouldn't be at the grocery, because anyone who knows me, knows that would not be a good idea for me!!!  LOL!  I would not make any $ - I'd spend it.
• Self check-outs are replacing jobs.  I don't want to participate in someone not having a job because I am impatient
• I pay more at most stores - because I am paying for SERVICE!
• Self check-out machines can be intimidating.  You mess up something and you still NEED A PERSON to fix it (and I have seen the looks people get)
• I will not be admonished by a MACHINE for placing something on the conveyor at the wrong time or in the wrong place
• I am not that impatient, that I can't wait a couple minutes.  I am no better than anyone else.

I know I am not alone in this way of thinking. 
I can't tell you how many times I have been in line with others who only have a couple items, when a cashier says "self check is open", and we all just say NO thank you.

What say you?  Self check or full service?

Free or Cheap Entertainment

So many people think you have to spend a lot of money, to do something fun or entertaining.
That is not true at all.  I guess it depends on what you call fun - but I was reading a local paper, and found all kinds of neat things to do in our area for little or no money.  I bet you can too.

Of course I get entertained just in my back yard!  I love watching the squirrels and birds and the cats.  During the summer, of course I have my flowers and garden.  Yes that is also work, but in my book it is the best entertainment around.

I love to read as well as do crafts.  I have tons of books I haven't read - and well, there is the library just up the road!  Libraries can provide you with hours of FREE entertainment.  Books, magazines, movies, computers, etc.
Our library often has book discussions and reading groups.  Mix with others and have a snack or two all for FREE.

There are craft classes and reading groups for the kids - FREE

Our local colleges often put on art shows of the talented students.  FREE.  Area schools sometimes have FREE choral concerts or plays (yeah, they are kids - but it is entertaining as heck).

Area churches have dances for various reasons.  Recently there was a prom for handicapped folks at a local church.  There are sometimes singles meetings/dances.  Senior dances and get acquainted nights.
Churches often have FREE dinners for anyone in the community.  One just had a chili cook-off contest - cost nothing to participate in the contest and anyone could buy dinner (all you could eat) for $3!
There are many area churches that have great bands come in once a month to play. 

Area produce stores gives FREE workshops on eating healthy - demonstrations, samples, and cooking ideas.
There are nutrition and wellness events at area Earth Fare stores twice a month.  They have drawings, give out gift bags of goodies and give many demonstrations and cooking classes.

The conservatory at the park is a great way to spend a winter day, enjoying the beautiful plants in the greenhouse.  $3 - and you can spend hours in there.  They often have special programs for holidays.  At Christmas they did a poinsettia/train show and they do a spring  flowering bulb show - all for no money.
Check any local greenhouses to see if you can spend an afternoon touring or even volunteering in some way.

                                   An exotic from the conservatory.  So many neat flowers to see.

Senior centers often offer exercise classes or fun things like Wii bowling for FREE.

Check your area extension service to see if there are any garden clubs in your area.  That is always fun - you can share with others and get lots of fun ideas.
IF NOT - start one.  Start a gardening group or a seed exchange - I bet you would find a lot of people who would also enjoy it.

We have a German park and club in the vicinity that is open to the public.  They have great dance nights - for anyone FREE.  You can purchase dinner or have drinks - but the dancing is FREE

Volunteer at any number of places.  Many small galleries/historical sites need volunteers, area children hospitals, women's shelters, churches, animal shelters, etc..

Our local park has FREE concerts every Friday night during the summer months.  Could be anything from the orchestra to hip-hop to country.
They all have FREE outdoor movie night once a month during nice weather

Many area VFW's, Moose Lodges, Eagles Lodges, etc.  have great entertainment.  Might charge cover fee, but you can have an evening of good music and socializing.

Do family research.  Much can be found at area libraries, and there is a lot that can be found for FREE on-line.  I have found that when we do short stints at a pay site - we split the cost with someone else (family) doing research and we both use the same password and can both benefit from the materials.

Don't forget the good old standbys like hiking, bird watching, mushroom hunting, scenic drives, picnics, game nights, movie nights, etc.
Take pictures.  I am a huge picture taker.  I love photographing flowers, nature of any sort, angel statuaries (yes from the cemetery) and even strange/odd headstones (and those of ancestors).  I know I am kind of strange, but I find those things interesting.

In the summer I totally enjoy going to flea markets and yard sales and farm markets - don't have to buy a thing - it's just fun talking to others and viewing the sites.  Of course I love people watching - I get that from my Dad.  He used to love to just sit back and observe - it truly can be entertaining!!!!!!

So there you have it - a few frugal ideas for fun entertainment.   There is just no limit to what can be fun and FREE.
What do you do, that doesn't cost a fortune?

Frugal Happenings 2/3

My goodness here it is February.  We are starting the month on a much warmer note than we had for the last week of January.  What a roller coaster January was.
It s 44* already this morning and going warmer.  It is going to be better for most of the week, then colder again.  So glad to be past the frigid spell.
So how cold was it?  Schools were closed, and no mail delivery or trash pick up for 2 days.  I have never seen mail called off before - but glad for those folks that it was.

                                                          Dreaming of those warmer days!!!!
Not much going on here.  Just the same old stuff. 
Have been doing all our normal things, nothing exciting.  Got a reminder this week when reading Vickie's blog - Vickie's Kitchen and Garden that we are at that spring cleaning time of the year!  Good grief, I just finished fall cleaning a month or so ago (or so it seems).  But yes, it's time to get back at it - so we have nice weather time free (when it arrives).

My frugal week:

• My biggest thing was staying on the property all week and NO shopping or spending at all.
• Used some leftover hotdog buns as garlic toast (I love toasted buns)
• Made squirrel/bird treats from what we have at home two times this week
• Cleaning the frig and came across a tub of fudge I hid!!!!!!  YAY - yummy
• Found a pair of lined leggings that I had forgot about - they sure did help during that cold snap
• Gave myself a spa night (candles & bubbles) and a pedicure - oh my poor feet needed it!
• Made chocolate chip/brownie cookies

• Made super fast and crystal clear ice cubes outside this week!  Why not?
• Cut G's and my hair
• Used the last of potatoes in a casserole - they needed to be used up soon
• Doing all the normal stuff all week - including using what we have and cooking from scratch - made a couple meals that served as dinner more than one night

Meals this past week:
Hamburger/veggie soup - 2X
Dirty rice w/ground sausage and salad
Baked spaghetti - 2X, with garlic toast and salad
Ham/cheese/potato bake and salad
Chicken/veggie stir fry over cheesy rice
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Do you have any plans for the month of February? 
I keep hearing some people say it will be a tough month others say easy - because it is shorter!  It's 2 - 3 days shorter at most. I guess I don't understand.  It's just another month here.

I guess I will get busy with the cleaning projects again (sigh).  I will continue to use what I have and try not to go crazy at the stores.  I may end up buying a new computer, if I can find a deal.  Mine is slowly getting very persnickety! LOL

How was your week?  Cold or hot where you are?  Did you get any deals?  Give us a shout out!

Health, happiness, and safety to you all.  I pray you are blessed beyond measure.
Blessings from our humble home to yours.