Price book

I wrote before that I was setting up a price book. I have a really good memory, and I've found if I take the time to write things down (longhand, not typing) it sticks in my memory even better. So now I do look through my price book, mostly when I'm at the computer going through the online ads. But being able to remember the best prices really helps in the store. If I see a good bargain, I know it's a good bargain. Plus, I do a lot more of thinking 'nope, not a good deal although it looks like one'.

So, I am getting better at buying frugally. Plus using the library as a place to get DVD's has worked out great.

Barbara

Bread making

I'm making a loaf of whole wheat bread today. I only make one at a time for now. Two reasons. One, I'm still learning this fine art and I'd rather mess up one loaf than a whole bunch of them. Two, my partner and I take about 2-3 days to eat a loaf. Once I get the hang of it, I'll make multiple loaves and either freeze the dough or make extra loaves to freeze.

I got the video "Escape from Affluenza" from the library. Quite interesting, about simple living and frugality. It's good to see frugality in action, so to speak.

My partner is much better now, but I'm still fighting off a cough and sore throat. I HATE being sick.

Barbara

Both I and my partner have had colds the last few days. I've found that Walgreens has some really good prices on OTC medicine. I've also been researching old time home remedies, since my partner can't take a lot of OTC medicine due to bad reactions.

Any suggestions or websites would be welcome! Please post a comment if you have anything that might help. Thanks!


Barbara

Back from vacation

I'm back from my trip with my partner to the coast. We had a great room, stayed in our budget and had a great time! Of course, I do have a page with a few pictures. Click here to take a look.

It was great just to spend time together. No tv, phone, or computer.

Barbara

Chicken and dumplings

I'm glad my partner is pretty easygoing when it comes to food. I had chicken in the freezer that I had cooked and stripped. The recipe for chicken and dumplings called for peas and carrots. Didn't have either, so I used frozen corn and some fresh cauliflower. It came out tasty, although my partner did give me a hard time about it not being 'colorful enough!'. Dumplings came out nice and fluffy.

Barbara

Waste not

Yesterday was a use up things so they don't spoil kind of day. Because of my partner's work schedule, I was up and back home by 6:15am. I had the remains of a ten pound bag of potatoes that I'd had for about two weeks. I was worried about them going bad, I had already had to get rid of two of them. So I pulled out 3 of them (fairly small russets) to microwave for dinner. The rest I sliced up and made potato scramble. This will provide 4-5 meals for us. I also sliced up a LOT of apples into my Nesco roaster and started some apple butter. I still have some apples left. I think I'll take a couple on our trip to use as snacks.

I could make an apple crisp but I don't know if we can finish it off before leaving on Tuesday, so I think I'll wait. Ditto on a fresh loaf of whole wheat bread.

Barbara

Writing a lot

I feel that part of being frugal is not just about saving money. It's about investing in yourself, your family, and your health. In addition to this blog, I have two others. One is about my writing, fiction mostly. That is called NW Writing Adventures.

The other is one I feel very strongly about. It's called Real Health and I'm very proud of it. I am trying to live not only frugally but healthily, and improving my health, which has not been the best. This blog chronicles my efforts, links to useful articles and articles I've written about health.

I've always felt that having a variety of interests is a good thing. It keeps your mind active and helps you to keep your mind open to learning new things and seeing things from a different viewpoint.

Barbara

Vacation frugality

In less than a week, my partner and I are off for a couple of days at the coast. This is our first vacation in 2 years. We've done a couple of day trips, but that's all. I'm trying to be frugal about this one too. We will eat out once. Otherwise, we are bringing food. Our room (which we got a great rate on for a room right on the ocean) has only a refrigerator and coffee maker so we can only cook things with hot water. But it will be fun anyway!

Barbara