We are trying to be more frugal with our spending. I've been making more meals at home (which has been hard as I've been horridly sick w/sinuses & will soon be having sinus surgery). But on the days that I feel pretty decent, I make enough to have leftovers & then freeze the leftovers (sometimes individually, sometimes family size). That way on days I don't feel good I can just pop leftovers on & be done with it.
I've been searching out recipes & putting them into "practice" ... things like what to do with old bananas (sick of banana bread & smoothies) so I've been making banana pudding w/nilla wafers & such. Found an awesome recipe & my son, has been requesting that I make certain things. For a Momma who has always been a little reserved that I could make a good home cooked meal, I've been less concerned with how perfect it comes out as to experimenting & seeing if we like it. If we like it, then I keep the recipe, if not, it was a lesson learned. So far, I've had way more "keep" recipes than "not" lol ... I have a full pantry, so that helps! It's just I'm not always certain how to use it to the best of my ability. BUT!!! I'm learning!
Because I've been trying out new recipes & cooking more, I've noticed I stay home more & out of the stores. I've been getting more & more organized, making sure laundry is done, cleaning, redecorating (with what I already have on hand), & spending more time just hanging out with my husband & son. I've really been enjoying it! :hat:
We haven't even begun Christmas shopping, however, the more organized I get this house, the more "stuff" I'm finding... several times during the years I would have gifts I'd've bought my niece or nephew & then it "disappeared" on me & I'd have to get another one. So now that I've found those presents, it can either go to them for Christmas (if appropriate) or go to another kid in our family, etc.
I've also been impressing on my dh that he needs to take his lunch to work (instead of getting it from fast food etc) & he's been doing very well at it!!!
Another thing I've been doing is counting my blessings. I don't really NEED anything other the medical stuff going on now, we don't NEED anymore clothes or shoes, etc. Reminding myself that "this new thing" will not make my life better in any way, helps me to see reality rather than to get up on the hype of "what if" ... if that makes any sense lol...
Kim