No cash has made me more creative

**daddys3chicks** · 11-01-2005, 12:23 PM

Well, I guess the one upside of filing bankruptcy and having little discretionary income is that it has made me more creative and think "out of the box".

For example, we have been living out of the pantry and freezer for almost 3 weeks. We have bought very little - some bread, milk. margarine, eggs, cheese, a few veggies on sale. But, I think my meals are actually better because I have to be creative.

I made meatloaf in the crock pot for tonight. I had some fresh broccoli I cooked the crowns of the other night. I didn't want to waste the stems, so I saved them and chopped them fine and they are in my meatloaf. Sneaky mom strikes again!

I had a frozen pie crust in the freezer. It was cracked, but I figured so what? I had some granny smith apples and we are having homemade apple pie for dessert. Veggie - we had tons of canned potatoes (DH loves to buy these for some reason), so I tossed them in crock pot 2 and added the remnants of the ranch dressing to coat. If they stay firm we'll eat them that way, if not, they'll be mashed.

Amanda needs pants. I went to Target today to check out a price on something for my Mom. I looked at pants and saw that leggings wer $4.99 a pair. Jeans - $9.99 a pair. I figured I would tell DH if we can find a way we need to get them some. Then I thought - wait. Katie has some jeans she has outgrown, and while they are a tad too big in the waist for Amanda, I can take them in and hem them!

I also thought that I need to go through the winter stuff and call the local Kids consignment store. If I can consign some things, I can can get extra credit to shop there and get the girls some new to them stuff.

I also ripped the thigh in a pair of jeans today (I guess it was time they were probably 10 years old!) So, now I am thinking, what can I make from them - draft dodgers for the doors?

I am trying to look on the bright side of this whole financial fiasco. What I am hoping is that this trying time will give us all some new skills that will carry us forward.

Sorry for the novel.....

**babymav** · 11-01-2005, 12:27 PM

That is great that you found ways to be creative.

**mom22grls** · 11-01-2005, 12:30 PM

I know what you mean, Cheryl.

I'll be in "creative mode" this month, too.

Isn't it funny the things we would have just wasted that can be made into or used in perfectly good ways?
Another thing, this is probably going to be the best meatloaf they've ever had!!!! They'll beg for more!

That's what I've found. And, the potatoes....well, that'll become a family favorite & when the little missys grow up, you can tell them how to make it & the story behind it.

Isn't it the truth, though???

**jlxian** · 11-01-2005, 12:40 PM

Cheryl, I'm very impressed by your positive outlook!

**FreesiaE** · 11-01-2005, 12:56 PM

You are doing a fantastic job! Sounds like you have lots of love and creativity; what more does one need!

**Michele Annette** · 11-01-2005, 12:59 PM

That's great Cheryl! Yes, creativity comes (I think) more easily when you don't have the extra cash. Do you have lots of craft supplies? If you do, think of all the things you can make as gifts. Do you have a local Salvation Army? I'm making a new futon cover from squares cut out of jeans that were on sale there for a $1 a pair. I found some great clothes there as well for me for this Winter season.

The key is don't give up the creative thinking once you find yourselves in a bit better situation. That's the best part about being frugal...finding new ways of doing things.

You're doing great Cheryl!

**PrairieRose** · 11-01-2005, 05:27 PM

**forestdale** · 11-01-2005, 05:34 PM

Cheryl, I have found in my life that you learn so much more in times of adversity. It's great you can see this while it's happening as it probably helps you get through it. With my thick skull, I only ever saw the silver linings when I looked back at my grey clouds.

Your job as mum and wife has taken on a new importance now. It's up to you to get your family fed and clothed using as little money as you can. I'd see that as a challenge and it looks like you have too. It's great to see a strong woman who becomes better when times are tough. It's a good lesson for your girls.

**Dixie** · 11-01-2005, 05:35 PM

WTG!

**canadian gardener** · 11-01-2005, 05:38 PM

Way to Go CHERYL!!!! the stuff you are teaching your kids right now, by your example is terrific. It will carry them thru their own hard times, and adversity, even if the adversity they face isn't with money.

They'll know how to look trouble in the eye and keep smiling and going forward.

Plus they will know how to be frugal and that's not a small thing either!