Frugal Village Forums - Blogs http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php Frugal Living Forums, a community that emphasize debt reduction, responsible spending, consuming less, recycling and helping each other bridge the gaps for a sustainable future. en Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:55:32 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg Frugal Village Forums - Blogs http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php Menu Plan Nov. 8th - 14th http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4074 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:48:33 GMT Sunday- glazed pork chops, dilled carrots, spinach pinwheels Monday - beef/rice casserole, peas Tuesday - cornbread chicken, broccoli, sliced tomatoes Wednesday- oatmeal burgers, oven fries, pumpkin ice cream Thursday- chili, cornbread, crudites Sunday- glazed pork chops, dilled carrots, spinach pinwheels

Monday - beef/rice casserole, peas

Tuesday - cornbread chicken, broccoli, sliced tomatoes

Wednesday- oatmeal burgers, oven fries, pumpkin ice cream

Thursday- chili, cornbread, crudites

Friday - seafood pitas, 3 bean salad

Saturday - breakfast pizza, fruit compote ]]> sunshine http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4074 Opportunity Cars - Transportation For Hardworking Families http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4073 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:52:57 GMT *_Opportunity Cars.com (http://www.opportunitycars.com/index.htm)_* *Opportunity Cars* is a network of more than 150 nonprofit organizations dedicated to increasing private automobile ownership for low wage working families to support their ability to find and retain quality employment. *_Good... Opportunity Cars.com
Opportunity Cars is a network of more than 150 nonprofit organizations dedicated to increasing private automobile ownership for low wage working families to support their ability to find and retain quality employment.

Good News Garage.org
Good News Garage, LSS, Inc. is a non-profit social enterprise car donation program mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable transportation options to individuals and families in need to be used as a Wheels To Work tool to access employment and job training. ]]> C@rol http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4073 Organized Christmas - Simplify Your Holiday! http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4072 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:37:33 GMT *_Organized Christmas (http://christmas.organizedhome.com/)_* Our mission: to help you simplify your holidays and get ready for Christmas. Organized Christmas
Our mission: to help you simplify your holidays and get ready for Christmas. ]]> C@rol http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4072 Soap Naturally - Resource For Natural Soap Makers http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4071 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:31:47 GMT *SoapNaturally.org* (http://www.soapnaturally.org/index.html) Soap Naturally home of the ultimate resource site on soapmaking information for all those who want to make their own skin care products that are good for the skin and for the environment. SoapNaturally.org
Soap Naturally home of the ultimate resource site on soapmaking information for all those who want to make their own skin care products that are good for the skin and for the environment. ]]> C@rol http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4071 SHARE - Volunteer-Run Food Buying Club http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4070 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:19:44 GMT
SHARE.org

S T R E T C H
Your Food Dollars With SHARE
SHARE's nonprofit food buying club offers good, nutritious products at reduced cost through a volunteer-run, community-based distribution system. Everyone is welcome!
]]> C@rol http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4070 SwapTree.com http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4069 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:08:19 GMT SwapTree.com
SwapTree is a place where you can trade books, music, dvd's and video games. ]]> C@rol http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4069 BookMooch.com http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4068 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:04:05 GMT *_BookMooch.com (http://bookmooch.com/)_* Give books away. Get the books you want. BookMooch.com
Give books away.
Get the books you want. ]]> C@rol http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4068 November goals http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4066 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:42:30 GMT I am a bit slow to get to this. I highest priorities for this month are 1.raising money to finish fixing up homes.a. Swap meet b. ebay c. pawn jewelry 2. Getting organized at the home office. 3. Business plans. 4. boarding houses in CA.5.get second job after Thanksgiving if not enough money... I am a bit slow to get to this. I highest priorities for this month are 1.raising money to finish fixing up homes.a. Swap meet b. ebay c. pawn jewelry 2. Getting organized at the home office. 3. Business plans. 4. boarding houses in CA.5.get second job after Thanksgiving if not enough money raised. 6 Student loan.7. Save money on grocery 8. rebates. I am going all out to get them fixed and then worry about paying them off after.9. List some properties.10. grow some food- garden.11. cut back on utilities. ]]> frugal-fannie http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4066 Oh my ! http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4064 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:18:44 GMT I keep adding to my To Do lists and not marking much off ! I want to and need to, do bunches of stuff. I started to panic today about Christmas. I will settle down as soon as I get a few more gifts out of the way.
"Patience is a virtue" I keep telling myself !:jug: ]]> Imarachne http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4064 Nov freezer challenge week 2 http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4062 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:25:52 GMT I found chili and lamb in the freezer this week and have added it to the list.

In just 2 weeks I have used all or some of 12 different items, putting me 1/3 of the way through my challenge.

For next week's menu:

pot pie (puff pastry and filling)
pizza (sauce, sausage)
chicken breast
mushroom swiss burgers (uses 'shrooms from pizza)
??

The tally so far:

bbq ribs gone
lamb for gyros
chili
puff pastry
pot pie filling
meatballs (dinner)
kielbasa (dinner) gone
tomato sauce (pizza)
roasted tomatoes (pasta) used some
whole tomatoes (soup) used some
dirty rice (dinner)
peas gone
bbq beef (for bbq beans) used some
pesto used some
won ton wraps (chinese dumplings)
choc chips
cheesy corn gone
refried beans gone
cube steak (dinner) gone
chicken thighs (fajitas) gone
pierogies
breakfast sausg used some
ground pork (chinese dumplings)
pot roast
green chilis
cincy chili (chili dogs)
chicken breast
walnuts
short ribs (dinner)
ham end (soup)
tamales
sauerkraut
smoked pork
corned beef
maple sausage (pigs in blankets)
bbq pork
baked beans gone
hot dogs (chili dogs) ]]> Contrary Housewife http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4062 Shaping up http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4061 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:27:52 GMT My Christmas gifts are showing signs of coming together--at least I think so. Also, my food plan and budget is way ahead so far. Now if I can keep up this momentum and knit myself to death, I'll be rolling toward December !! ]]> Imarachne http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4061 11 3 09 http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4055 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:44:28 GMT I did very poorly on my daily goals this month. I am working on drinking more water. I did get much more organized in the office. The house is cleaner and needing much less work and more maintaining. Tonight I am going to pay property taxes for a bunch of properties. The workers have begun the... I did very poorly on my daily goals this month. I am working on drinking more water. I did get much more organized in the office. The house is cleaner and needing much less work and more maintaining. Tonight I am going to pay property taxes for a bunch of properties. The workers have begun the house in Canton. I have a guy doing the sofit and spouting and will be done in the next week. I am waiting for the mortgage company to come and look at the work completed on the main house so they will release the check from the insurance company. It totally ticks me off because, I upgraded the floor that most of the money is for after I purchased the house and yet they have to come and inspect that I have replaced the floor I installed.:pdoff: I also owe 110k on the first and the house is worth 550-650k. I have called and chewed someone out daily this week. I finally got them to call to schedule an inspection in the next 3-5 days. ]]> frugal-fannie http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4055 <![CDATA[November's first grocery trip]]> http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4054 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:43:36 GMT Purchased: Frozen sweet cherries (on sale) $3.49 Frozen mixed fruit $4.15 Frozen sugar snap peas (on sale) $1.99 Frozen peas (2 bags on sale) $3.58 Organic arugula blend salad $3.99 Organic baby lettuce salad $3.99 Organic herb salad $3.99 Tilapia (fresh, they mischarged me 5.99/lb for... Purchased:

Frozen sweet cherries (on sale) $3.49
Frozen mixed fruit $4.15
Frozen sugar snap peas (on sale) $1.99
Frozen peas (2 bags on sale) $3.58
Organic arugula blend salad $3.99
Organic baby lettuce salad $3.99
Organic herb salad $3.99
Tilapia (fresh, they mischarged me 5.99/lb for "raw shrimp" but I didn't notice it until I got home. It should have been $8.99/lb!) $6.41
Dog treats (2 bags) (on sale) $9.98
Plastic baby crib toy (on sale) $1.99
Organic bulk oatmeal (.72 lbs at .99/lb) $.71
Bulk diced almonds (.92 lbs at $7.99/lb) $7.35
Bottled water (6 gallons on sale + CRV) $6.29
Potting soil $8.99

Okay, pretty much everything except the tilapia and water is for animals. The veggies and fruits (frozen) and almonds will be used to make up the next bulk batch of fresh food for the parrots. The salad, oatmeal, and baby toys are for the bunnies. The dog treats are hard chewy rawhide-type treats with glucosamine. I am trying to give the boys more chewy, take-a-long-time-to-finish type toys at night, hoping it will curb Riley's penchant to start barking at 2:30am. It seems to be working. Maybe his jaws are tired. :) The treats were on sale (normally $7.99/bag, so $3.00 off), so I decided to give them a try (approx 8 treats per bag).

The water is for me. The only way I can make myself drink at least 8 glasses a day is to have cold water in the fridge, and my little Brita filter pitcher can't keep up to all my needs AND to all the birds and bunnies' needs.

The potting soil is for the Boston fern I have to replant. I got it on sale a few weeks ago, for $5.00. It is HUGE, but very rangy and badly in need of TLC. I have read up on how to propagate it, and I'm hoping to end up with three to four smaller plants, but I needed soil to repot it. I also need the soil to replenish what the chickens keep trying to kick out of my potted bay laurel tree.

I am having a moral tug-of-war as to whether to tell them about the price mistake on the tilapia. The butcher was a really nice fellow, and he asked me if I had tried the herb-crusted tilapia (which they also had). I told him I hadn't, and he extolled its gustatory virtues, but then told me not to buy any today, because it would be going on sale tomorrow. So I'll probably go back tomorrow and point out their mistake. I doubt they'll charge me the extra, but even if they do, my conscious will be clear. :) ]]> madhen http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4054 Woohoo ! http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4053 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:53:24 GMT I managed some savings at the grocery store and was able to conserve my budget while beginning a meager starter stockpile. Baby steps, baby steps. I'm getting so much info and tips from the forums and by this time next year, I'll be priding myself on what I've done. Phooey, I'm already pumped !! ]]> Imarachne http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4053 Goodness its been a while…. http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4048 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:10:20 GMT Yep, time is just flying by and it's so weird that in a couple of weeks it will be Thanksgiving. Things have been very busy my way..with tons of things going on between working, weekend projects its very easy to get wrapped up in things.
Plus things at work are kinda on the weird path. They decided to streamline a lot of girls in our office, meaning getting rid of a bunch of positions, all while keeping the same amount of attorneys 10 in our office. They have givin our two paralegals their marching papers and told them as of January they will no longer have a job, unless they want to move to Indiana to be in our remote office. Well that wasn't even an option for the two girls, one who has 25 plus years at this company, so she was told that if she wants her severence she has to stay till the end (i.e. sometime in January) they haven't let her know the date, so she is more or less stuck, because she would get like 6 months severance. The other girl is only here less time than me and would get maybe 6 weeks severance, so she is looking for another job. Yay Holidays. Our secretary staff of 5 girls is now being cut down to 3 girls we believe, and I have been pretty much told that I am one of the ones they are keeping, which is fine by me. I would prefer to leave on my own if I find out the work is going to be too hectic, then opposed to being told you are only gonna be here till January. I would only get 6 weeks severence, I would still be able to collect unemployment, but me being me, that is not my way of survival. I do my job well and everyone knows it, not to mention I work for the one attorney who is 2nd in command. So I was told over and over again, on a hush hush basis that I am one of the girls they are keeping and to stop worrying and getting my self all worked but, but that is how I tick, I am a planner, and I hate not knowing. So they state they will tell us in the next 3 weeks, my guess is right before Thanksgiving. So what is even funnier is about 3 weeks ago I was given this Bravo Award, the 2nd award I rec'd in my 2 1/2 years here, which inturn came with a large monetary gift that I got to choose out of like 20 gifts. I chose a Sony Camcorder valued at approximately $550.00. So that’s whats funny, I told my boss, oh ya give me an award then you're gonna ax me and she again said Traci, omg, stop, your not going anywhere. My feelings on this are, I will believe it when I hear it officially. Its just sad because I know of the girls here desperately needs her job, like most of us. There are a few that have husbands who definatley can support them on their own and not have to worry about a 2nd income. Me on the other hand, I use to not have to worry about a second income because when I was married, I was the "stay at home mom" given a credit card and told to not worry about anything. Boy have times changed since 2001. I now need to work, to keep everything under control.

My stature has defiantely changed from last year at this time. I feel that I have grown in so many ways from when I first stumbled upon this website. I now am in a much better situation moneywise, I now a full fledge frugal-lite lol. I budget, I make my own laundry detergent, I buy and stock up items for a rainy day. I no longer have any pay day loans to my name (that was the biggest hurdle) and I am at a position in my job where I am making a nice salary and have money left over for little adventures, a savings account and have much breathing room. I just pray and pray that I am one of the ones that is safe and that I will still have a job, so I can stay on this path with my head way above water and my pond will just be there for looks and not to drown in.

This post was way way on the rambling path, but it has been bugging me for at least a month. I look around at the girls who are leaving this firm and I see they are not stressing, so in a way, I keep telling myself, things will be fine, but I guess I just need to get over this hurdle… to see for myself!. ]]> jestagrrrl http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4048 A week on the ranch (October 26 - November 1, 2009) http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4047 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:04:39 GMT And just like that, another month gone. For the first time ever in recorded history (well, at least the first time I can remember), it was NOT freezing cold on Halloween!! I always use Halloween as my deadline for outdoor projects, because even if it it 80F on October 30th, it will always be... And just like that, another month gone.

For the first time ever in recorded history (well, at least the first time I can remember), it was NOT freezing cold on Halloween!! I always use Halloween as my deadline for outdoor projects, because even if it it 80F on October 30th, it will always be 40F by the 31st. But this Halloween, the temps stayed in the upper 70's, and I had to open the windows to cool the house off. What is the world coming to, when I can't even count on Halloween anymore? :)

Picked up my kit for songbird rehabbing this week, including several screen-line baskets, some hemostats, some syringes, and some basic meds. All that is missing is the bird! :) I am waiting for a call to go to my first supervised triage.

I have been waiting for some financial records to come in for a case I am working on, and they finally squeaked in on Friday - all TWENTY-THREE legal-sized bank boxes of them!! I guess I know what I'LL be doing for the next couple of weeks! I even dreamed about the stupid things last night!

The great sourdough experiment was a bust...again. But I am undeterred. I will be washing out the crock and starting anew. Some day, I will make the perfect sourdough starter. And then I will nourish it and feed it and care for it until my death!! Because apparently, making the perfect sourdough starter isn't easy!!

Chewy had an odd incident this week. He suddenly stopped eating (which, for Chewy, is a big thing) for several days. I took him to the vet, but we couldn't find anything wrong with him. I was disappointed to find that he STILL weighs over 90 pounds! He has been on a diet since his last vet visit, but he tipped the scale at 90.1 pounds. For a dog with hip dysplasia, extra weight is a big no-no.

Fuji the parakeet joined his mate in her cage this weekend. I had to isolate her when one of her cage mates, another hen named Dawn, viciously attacked her after years of living peacefully together. I think Dawn wanted Fuji for her own, because she started to sidle up to him and make eyes the minute Daisy was out of the picture. But Fuji was loyal to his first love, and he would hang on the side of his cage closest to Daisy's cage and sing to her. She was badly injured, so it took a couple of weeks for her to heal. But I put him in with her on Saturday, and after a few hours of stress from being in a new environment, he was at her side, chattering and squawking his love to her. She was happy to have him back, as well. Dawn, on the other hand, looked pretty annoyed. (She still has a cage mate, another male named Avis, but apparently, Fuji was the "catch" in that group.)

Operation "Here Kitty Kitty" continues. Schroedinger now enters the bathroom without hesitation, and she either can't hear me or is unphased by me moving around in the kitchen while she eats. I've been moving the food dish a little closer to the hall door each time, and we are about half way into the bathroom right now. I have even left bits of cooked chicken in a trail to the hall, and she has eaten that, so she is okay with moving forward all the way to the interior bathroom door. Now it is just getting her into the hall and getting her to the point of not running when she sees me. The only downside is that I have to leave the door to the outside wide open, a problem when it is cold outside and I'm trying to keep warm! I am debating putting in a cat door in the exterior bathroom door, mostly because: a) I don't think she'll use it; and b) I think every other wild critter in the area might find it.

I think the summer garden is just about finished. I am still harvesting banana peppers, but that is about it. The tomatoes still have some green fruit on them, but very few, and the leaf growth has stopped entirely. Happily, the peas and garlic I planted this summer are starting to take off. No sign of life from the carrots, and I'm wondering if maybe the seed packet I had was too old.

Well, I hope everyone had a great October, and that your November leaves October in the dust! See you in a week! ]]> madhen http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4047 Rainy Day http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4045 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:03:13 GMT Its raining today and I am using this dreary weather to clip coupons and check my supplies. The weather makes us slow down a bit from running around spending money !
I'm on week three of my coupon strategy and only one week to go to see if this works. Those of you who regularly clip them will laugh at my naivete.I need suggestions and tips , so I methodically check forums for ideas.
Now I'll try and organize all these bits of paper ! ]]> Imarachne http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4045 How To Save A Dollar on Dog Treats http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4044 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:06:59 GMT For moms like me, it's not easy to budget every single dollar we have especially if we have house to pay,insurance and the list can go on and on. But as a mom who survived going to college with only a dollar or two in my wallet, I've learned to live doing things on my own and be wise when it comes to buying food that are very affordable but healthy, food that will meet my body's nutritional needs. It has become my habit to look closely at the labels to know the ingredients and its percent nutrition value.

Owning a dog comes with responsibility along with all the joys and smiles it brings into the family. If you are serious with the idea of adopting a dog, have a self-check first if you are ready to spend money, spend time with the training, and spend time researching on the best approach, because if not you will both suffer.

With limited resources which is common today, buying high quality commercial dog food will empty our almost emptied wallet. So I would suggest that we make our own dog treats and dog food. Don't get me wrong, if you have more than enough money and got no time to make your own homemade dog treats then buy. But do a product research and choose wisely where to buy quality homemade dog treats both your wallet and your dog will be happy.

Always remember, a little research, a little time, a little effort will help you save a dollar on dog treats.

http://woofgangbakerylakewoodranch.com/category/health-and-wellness ]]> colshe http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4044 Menu plan for Nov. 1st - 7th http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4043 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:33:47 GMT Sunday: tuna melts, raw veggies/dip, chocolate cake Monday: cabbage soup, grilled cheese sandwiches Tuesday: chili dogs, sweet potato fries, slaw Wednesday: mock lobster, rice pilaf with peas and carrots Thursday: ham, mashed potatoes, green beans Sunday: tuna melts, raw veggies/dip, chocolate cake

Monday: cabbage soup, grilled cheese sandwiches

Tuesday: chili dogs, sweet potato fries, slaw

Wednesday: mock lobster, rice pilaf with peas and carrots

Thursday: ham, mashed potatoes, green beans

Friday: baked chicken, rolls, mixed veggies, salad

Saturday; pizza, chips, ice cream ]]> sunshine http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4043 Nov. freezer challenge, week 1 http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4042 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 03:55:37 GMT Last week, before I officially started we used up the kielbasa, cheesy corn, and one of the frozen ears of corn.

This week I am planning to use up (or put a dent in) several items from the freezer:

tomatoes - soup
pesto - " "
chicken thighs - fajitas
refried beans - " "
cube steak
baked beans
bbq beef - to make the beans into bbq beans
bbq ribs (just found these the other day)
tomatoes - pasta

With fresh vegetables that covers 5 dinners. I'm also doing a roast one night for company, and we will have leftovers one night. ]]> Contrary Housewife http://www.FrugalVillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=4042