2012 Frugal Challenge!

[Starlight9803]

01/05:

* heat on 60
* planning grocery trip to pick up best deals and loop errands
* going with DH later when he goes to Sam's club to pick up some business supplies that he needs, I'll pick up the few items that I get there while we're there. Keeps me from going back there later
* putting off laundry one more day so it is warmer when I hang things out
* lights off all day, limited use at night
* going to rig up some type of cover (blanket, sheet, etc) for front door. It has all new weather stripping and caulking, but still leaks air something awful. I have to figure something out where I can still use the door, since the dogs get taken out that way (back door is our "people" entrance lol)
* leftovers for lunch and dinner

[RaineyDaye]

1/5/12: I repaired 2 brackets that are supposed to hold the bar across a shelf on the door of my refrigerator. A replacement bracket is $6 and I would have needed two. I think my idea for repairing them will work as well if not better than the original design.

[Telephus44]

Just a quick addition for today, since I am at home and not work due to a very un-frugal event - I took the time to cancel my membership for automatic delivery of K-cups. It runs about $50 every 3 months. Since I'm pregnant and have to cut back on caffeine AND I have the re-usable K-cup and a HUGE bag of coffee grounds, I figured I would cancel it.

I also spent more time on Mint and added a few more accounts. I think I now have everything in except our mortgage, but I need to go to the bank in person and get a login/password set up. I can't do it online since I don't have a checking account at this bank, only a mortgage.

[Mamaw]

*car will not start so no driving again today! LOL...hopefully will not be a costly repair when DH looks at it tomorrow
*home alone so eating leftovers for lunch and supper
*plastic on 1 more window...that makes 3 so far..Good for ME!
*no laundry or dishwasher as no full loads
*no need to use electric heater in my office as temp was not as bad today
*recycled coffee grounds for 2nd pot
*entertainment tonight will be TV and book I already own
*put hold on next library books that I wanted on line saving a trip
*verified menu for the next week, making sure I have most of the needed items in the pantry...i do...

[Maine Girl]

Tuesday - Thursday

All meals from home
lights on at dark
grocery shopped on way home from work
being mindful of not wasting food
didn't leave the office on lunch break to save gas

[brennasmom]

[QUOTE=Mamaw;1599957]*car will not start so no driving again today! QUOTE]

My car was hesitating this morning too. Hrmph! It did start but I am going to have DH check the battery.

Thursday

* making roasted potatoes for dinner, made extra for leftovers
* took coffee and lunch to work
* kids packed lunches
* only drove to work, picked up kids, and home
* reading my library book... it's pretty good called Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock. Hope to finish it tonight so I can pick up my library holds tomorrow
* making breakfast for dinner (eggs with ham/cheese and the potatoes above )

[alaska_tiger_36]

My bf is putting a blanket on my water heater as I type.

That's all today.....

[gottadance]

heat down during the day
leftovers for dinner
Looked at ways to cut wedding costs

[NikoSan999]

Only one spend day this week and that was grocery store. Combined it with an errand for work so no extra gas. This was the only "side" trip this week so far besides to work and back.

All lights off unless necessary except the outside lights. The kid is working the late shift at Olive Garden. Sometimes they're on a LONG time.

Dishwasher not ran this week yet as we've been using paper plates. Heat dry turned off when I do.

Using my one cup coffee pot for a cup of decaf after I get home versus making a pot.

Toaster oven versus oven when I baked chicken and whenever I can.

Meals have been from stuff in pantry/freezer. Grocery trip was almost all fruit/vegetables, bread, milk and eggs.

[Jojaby]

I never thought of freezing cabbage before using it - I've frozen cabbage rolls and frozen cabbage soup. What will you use it in after it's frozen and how did you freeze it?

I cut it up in small squares and place in freezer bags. I have a recipe for Almost Cabbage Rolls that I cook all the time and when I get ready to use it I just pour whatever amount I need in the pot. I try not to freeze it too long though because it doesn't do too well in the freezer but I figure it's better than throwing it away

[Jojaby]

Past couple days

- Cut up huge bag of carrots in fridge that I was afraid was going to spoil and put in freezer. Never froze carrots before so hope they turn out okay.
- Was given big bag of turnips. Never cooked turnips before - since there are so many I'm wondering if I shouldn't cut some of them up and freeze them to but I'm not sure if you can freeze turnips.
- Lights off as much as possible. Received electric bill and it's still a little higher than I would like but I know a lot of it is from having to use the dryer and heat so much
- All laundry in cold
- Scanning grocery ads and coupons to try to plan a shopping trip this weekend
- DS has to wear a LSU shirt to school Monday (BCS championship game) so since he doesn't have one going to try to make a trip to Goodwill also and see if they have any. If not might try to make him one.

[madhen]

RaineyDaye, isn't it funny how sometimes that is the case? I wonder how much practical use the mfrs put their things through before they approve designs!

Mamaw, hope the car was a minor thing!

Didn't spend any money yesterday, remembered to take my extra Half and Half to work so I wouldn't be tempted to go out and buy a coffee (!), stayed late but just ate trail mix at the office so I wouldn't be hungry enough to be tempted to pick up dinner!

[Maine Girl]

Today
all meals from home
no stops on the way home from work
no money spent today or tonight

[gottadance]

Today:

All meals from home
Leftovers for lunch
electronic thermostat on 60 while I'm at work
No spend day

[Mamaw]

*drove to town and my moms today. Total 12 miles so not too bad
*picked up Moms wash to combine with mine. Washing 2 loads tonight but at least full loads
*no dishwasher run yet as still not full
*eating leftovers
*groc store run for TP on sale..4.50 for 12 rolls of Scott. Less than 38. per roll which is great for my septic.got 2 12 packs.
*picked up 1 box holiday cards and 6 rolls wrapping paper reduced as well as cantelope, tangarines and milk. Resisted any impulse buys like ice cream and candy.....tempted though...
*decluttered bookcase and added a few more books to the GW pile
*planning loop errands with my mom tomorrow. limit it to 1 round trip
*thawing freezer stuffed peppers to have for dinner tomorrow. Will save us eating out and Mom enjoys home cooking more