2022 Frugal Challenge
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Hoping 2022 is better. Hubby and I both enjoyed the movie, his foot was tapping during most of the songs. Idiots setting of fireworks at midnight got dog2 wound up, so I did not fall asleep until after 1 am. French toast muffin cups stuck in the pan badly so discarding that idea for future reference. Just use a small casserole dish in future. Soaking the black-eyed peas for later. Hubby is making pork chops for supper. Rainy but warm here for the 3rd day, lots of dirty dog towels to wash.
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Happy New Year everyone. 17F this morning and we have a trace of snow. News says it is icy, not going to test it. We're supposed to get several more inches today. Planning to stay in until it melts, lol!
Too bad about the french toast Dlr, that sounded delicious. I set up the crock pot to make oatmeal overnight. We had some fireworks and gunfire, but it didn't last long and most was a few streets away so it didn't bother the cats too much.
We have leftover bbq for lunch, I got buns to make sandwiches. Going to make broccoli cheese soup for dinner. Leftover NYE snacks for in-between, too. I plan to give the fridge and freezer a look and make up a meal plan for the rest of the week.
My condolences on your father's passing, Ren. I wish your family peace.
Too bad about the french toast Dlr, that sounded delicious. I set up the crock pot to make oatmeal overnight. We had some fireworks and gunfire, but it didn't last long and most was a few streets away so it didn't bother the cats too much.
We have leftover bbq for lunch, I got buns to make sandwiches. Going to make broccoli cheese soup for dinner. Leftover NYE snacks for in-between, too. I plan to give the fridge and freezer a look and make up a meal plan for the rest of the week.
My condolences on your father's passing, Ren. I wish your family peace.
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Doing laundry in case we go through a repeat of February. It was balmy when I went out to feed the chicken. I just went out a couple of hours later to put straw down and it is windy and cold. Making Reuben sandwiches for dinner. Hope 2022 is a better year for all.
Happy New Year!
DH has jambalaya in the crocker. I noticed that he put uncooked rice in a liquid measuring cup and let him know that he has to use dry measuring cups....I measured it properly and good thing- it would have been adding 1/4 C more of rice. Now I know why the beef stew always came out like oatmeal (too much barley and not enough liquid).
I heated up bbq chicken & ribs. I have the dough rising for the garlic/italian seasoned buns. We'll have lots of leftovers tonight.
I ordered the vacuum today. Free with GC's and free shipping.
DS2 went to bed early (for him) last night and got up to work. He's home now and in bed. He says he's cold and I know allergy season is bad so maybe it's allergies? DH has bad allergies and the doc wanted DS2 on injections but we said no. I hope it's just allergy issues.
Enjoying ginger tumeric tea and keeping an eye on DS2 before church.....
DH has jambalaya in the crocker. I noticed that he put uncooked rice in a liquid measuring cup and let him know that he has to use dry measuring cups....I measured it properly and good thing- it would have been adding 1/4 C more of rice. Now I know why the beef stew always came out like oatmeal (too much barley and not enough liquid).
I heated up bbq chicken & ribs. I have the dough rising for the garlic/italian seasoned buns. We'll have lots of leftovers tonight.
I ordered the vacuum today. Free with GC's and free shipping.
DS2 went to bed early (for him) last night and got up to work. He's home now and in bed. He says he's cold and I know allergy season is bad so maybe it's allergies? DH has bad allergies and the doc wanted DS2 on injections but we said no. I hope it's just allergy issues.
Enjoying ginger tumeric tea and keeping an eye on DS2 before church.....
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Ruj, barley, like pasta continues to absorb any liquid around it after cooking. When I make barley soup it turns into a solid mass after dinner. Always have to add extra beef broth to the leftovers, otherwise you could eat it with a fork.
Hope DS2 is ok, maybe he's just tired from the early day.
Going to get cold tonight, negatives by morning. Hope you don't freeze GB, but winter is here!
Hope DS2 is ok, maybe he's just tired from the early day.
Going to get cold tonight, negatives by morning. Hope you don't freeze GB, but winter is here!
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Happy New Year, all!
And thanks for all the good suggestions last year. I am so happy to announce that I managed to scrounge, save, scrimp up and accumulate over three hundred dollars last year by downsizing, selling things off and generally being as thrifty/frugal/sensible as I could! It may seem like a small amount to some people, but for me living on $185 a month it's a huge step forward to reclaiming my independence. Keep the suggestions and sharing coming, please.
My goal for 2022 is to use up everything, and I do mean everything, that's not an essential in my little bedsit before buying anything else. No extra clothing, no new crafting items, no "but it's so cheap" purchases. Just make do with what I've got. By next New Year's I'll probably be having lima beans and Jell-O for dinner to finish off the odd corners of the pantry, but if it pays off like last year did I'm in!
I also saw the floor of the garage I share with roomie last week when I sold the canner and five flats of jars
. The lady who got them was so happy - she's never gardened before so she thought eleven hills of bush beans sounded about right for herself, her small son and her parents. Yes, beans do very well in the PNW -- as she found out on her 8th round of harvesting them. When I told her about Jackie Clay's canning method for dried beans she about did a cartwheel in the driveway. I could have got a bit more for the canner, but I held out for someone who really wanted to can with it, not just resell it, and this lady certainly has plans for canned beans, canned soup, canned whatever doesn't escape her vegetable basket. She's 30 years younger than me, so she grabbed that canner and two flats of jars and practically ran to her car. I like the thought that what I'm downsizing is helping somebody younger get started living more sustainably.
And thanks for all the good suggestions last year. I am so happy to announce that I managed to scrounge, save, scrimp up and accumulate over three hundred dollars last year by downsizing, selling things off and generally being as thrifty/frugal/sensible as I could! It may seem like a small amount to some people, but for me living on $185 a month it's a huge step forward to reclaiming my independence. Keep the suggestions and sharing coming, please.
My goal for 2022 is to use up everything, and I do mean everything, that's not an essential in my little bedsit before buying anything else. No extra clothing, no new crafting items, no "but it's so cheap" purchases. Just make do with what I've got. By next New Year's I'll probably be having lima beans and Jell-O for dinner to finish off the odd corners of the pantry, but if it pays off like last year did I'm in!
I also saw the floor of the garage I share with roomie last week when I sold the canner and five flats of jars
. The lady who got them was so happy - she's never gardened before so she thought eleven hills of bush beans sounded about right for herself, her small son and her parents. Yes, beans do very well in the PNW -- as she found out on her 8th round of harvesting them. When I told her about Jackie Clay's canning method for dried beans she about did a cartwheel in the driveway. I could have got a bit more for the canner, but I held out for someone who really wanted to can with it, not just resell it, and this lady certainly has plans for canned beans, canned soup, canned whatever doesn't escape her vegetable basket. She's 30 years younger than me, so she grabbed that canner and two flats of jars and practically ran to her car. I like the thought that what I'm downsizing is helping somebody younger get started living more sustainably.
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Mme - funny story about the beans. Better too much than not enough. I used to grow bush AND pole beans to stretch the season. I hope the weather is not too bad for others, just lots of rain here, likely snow tonight as it gets colder. I will need to clean and do laundry when it stops - Tuesday? The fridge and freezer are full and I need to manage that. Hubby may cook chicken stir-fry for supper tonight.
Downloaded 2 audio books to my phone from hubby's Audible account, trying to figure out which ones the library doesn't have. Worked on friend's cross-stitch yesterday and plan to do more today, also continue knitting hats. Have a good day.
Downloaded 2 audio books to my phone from hubby's Audible account, trying to figure out which ones the library doesn't have. Worked on friend's cross-stitch yesterday and plan to do more today, also continue knitting hats. Have a good day.
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Cold AF here. Back door is frozen shut so DH is going out front and walking around the back to feed the outdoor cats (who have two snug shelters and a heating pad to keep them warm). Cars are iced over, but hopefully it melts in the sun. We didn't get the snow dump that was predicted, which is nice.
No need to go out today so we are hanging out at home enjoying the last day of DH's holiday days off. We were given a pound of coffee as a gift, I ground some beans yesterday so we may try that. Leftovers for lunch, and I will fry up brats with potato and carrot for dinner.
I know a couple more people who got COVID for Christmas, so far not serious but you never know if you're going to be that small percent that ends up on a ventilator. So I'm avoiding people as much as possible this month. Have a doctor visit which should be safe, but I'll skip my shopping trip downtown afterward. Not much in the way of holiday clearance this year anyway, from what I've seen at other stores.
Hope everyone is warm and enjoying the long weekend.
No need to go out today so we are hanging out at home enjoying the last day of DH's holiday days off. We were given a pound of coffee as a gift, I ground some beans yesterday so we may try that. Leftovers for lunch, and I will fry up brats with potato and carrot for dinner.
I know a couple more people who got COVID for Christmas, so far not serious but you never know if you're going to be that small percent that ends up on a ventilator. So I'm avoiding people as much as possible this month. Have a doctor visit which should be safe, but I'll skip my shopping trip downtown afterward. Not much in the way of holiday clearance this year anyway, from what I've seen at other stores.
Hope everyone is warm and enjoying the long weekend.
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The Omicron virus acts like allergies. Wouldnt hurt to test
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It was 18 here this morning. I started a fire in the fireplace. Watched church online and then made pancakes for everyone. Making chicken pot pie for late lunch/early dinner. DH and DD go back to work tomorrow. Yay!
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That's cold GB....it only got to 32 here....we are snug in our home....not doing anything today and won't be going out. Have no idea what we will eat....trying to eat better....
DH goes back to work tomorrow too....Yay is right....I get nothing done when he is here....if I start something he wants to "help" me....or he makes a comment about what I'm doing which irritates me...or I'll be in he middle of something and he wants to talk to me.....I'm grouchy I guess.
CH I'm with you and staying away from people.... It's all very scary and It's very scary for people who have health problems. I had family members (in another state) get Covid over Christmas too and all I heard was whining and crying about missing Christmas and not being able to see the granddaughter open her gifts....I wasn't very nice....if you are out working in the public and don't wear your mask and refuse to be vaccinated, sorry I have no sympathy for you......
My husband family get together usually on New Years Day but we told them we were not coming ....I don't believe they are vaccinated and I doubt they wear masks......the nieces and nephews all have young children and they are all out and about and act like they don't have a care in the world.... Yesterday we heard they cancelled at the 11 hour as they all were sick.... it's a good think we declined....
I feel bad for sil who hosted as she always goes all out. Doubt they would have missed us.....few years they forgot to invite us....now all she had to do was invite my husband and one sister, it's not like she had 20 people to invite.........my kids and grandkids do not attend....they went once or twice and that was it... my husband understands and he see why they don't attend so it's okay by him.......holidays are tough with crazy families.....
Started packing what little I had out for Christmas....it seems like a lot now that I'm packing it back up....will be glad when I'm done...
Have a good week...stay safe...stay warm....stay healthy
DH goes back to work tomorrow too....Yay is right....I get nothing done when he is here....if I start something he wants to "help" me....or he makes a comment about what I'm doing which irritates me...or I'll be in he middle of something and he wants to talk to me.....I'm grouchy I guess.
CH I'm with you and staying away from people.... It's all very scary and It's very scary for people who have health problems. I had family members (in another state) get Covid over Christmas too and all I heard was whining and crying about missing Christmas and not being able to see the granddaughter open her gifts....I wasn't very nice....if you are out working in the public and don't wear your mask and refuse to be vaccinated, sorry I have no sympathy for you......
My husband family get together usually on New Years Day but we told them we were not coming ....I don't believe they are vaccinated and I doubt they wear masks......the nieces and nephews all have young children and they are all out and about and act like they don't have a care in the world.... Yesterday we heard they cancelled at the 11 hour as they all were sick.... it's a good think we declined....
I feel bad for sil who hosted as she always goes all out. Doubt they would have missed us.....few years they forgot to invite us....now all she had to do was invite my husband and one sister, it's not like she had 20 people to invite.........my kids and grandkids do not attend....they went once or twice and that was it... my husband understands and he see why they don't attend so it's okay by him.......holidays are tough with crazy families.....
Started packing what little I had out for Christmas....it seems like a lot now that I'm packing it back up....will be glad when I'm done...
Have a good week...stay safe...stay warm....stay healthy
Everyone seems good today and DS2 sounds fine. I hope the snow melts. Thermostat set to 65 but I am cold with tshirt/sweatshirt/fleece pants/wool socks so I bumped it up to 68 temporarily. We have solar and don't worry about cost of electric anymore.
Lots of leftovers today. Heading out to gym today with the family.
Our job contracts are up and voting will be taking place. I worry about the "s" word (s- - i k e) and hope it doesn't come to that. I have a food stockpile and meds to last a few months, since DH and I work for the same company. Today was voting so we'll have to wait to see the results.
Lots of leftovers today. Heading out to gym today with the family.
Our job contracts are up and voting will be taking place. I worry about the "s" word (s- - i k e) and hope it doesn't come to that. I have a food stockpile and meds to last a few months, since DH and I work for the same company. Today was voting so we'll have to wait to see the results.
Happy New Year everyone ! yes families are a soap opera lol sorry to hear about your father Ren. Allergies suck hopefully just that not covid. You do have to be careful. Someone i know is in the hospital fluid think cancer but no covid shot cus is one of those clean living ..supplements etc seem to be two camps of no vax. dh is up for his booster so booked it. We aren't yet. Funny when the outside cat comes around ..all of sudden my cats are willing to go out in the show. walks are clear and getting to 40 instead of 10. dh had to break up a bunch of ice on front step cus melting and dripping there. School has been pushed back another week to go back so yes family is home longer. love them but ... told dh to deal with dd getting a job.
ds was at sleepover last night so came home and he can get the tubs out of the attic so I can put away xmas stuff. tree is nice but all the clutter is getting to me. outside lights etc will stay up. watching Open by Christmas..really good esp for hallmark good actors. have been lazy here.. dh and I catching up on shows and netflix list. We didn't do much for new years I was asleep before 12 only day this week lol allergy pill and couple drinks do it. dh up early cus he went to bathroom and stepped in cat puke. his cats revenge for snow I guess lol and ds not home. apparently taking over beds only counts if you are sleeping in it.
going to michaels later. car in shop cus holidays, snow (world stops here) and then they had flood too so no rush until dh goes back to work. I have work stuff to do and mail. have a lot of craft stuff but... lol ordered some more wooden puzzles model kits on sale for gifts for dh in future like 50% off. put a roast in crockpot w older leeks (very smelly and oniony) carrots, nugget potates etc for pot roast dinner. need to do pantry challenge etc. though safeway as some really good sales on stuff family eats for the next couple of days.
ds was at sleepover last night so came home and he can get the tubs out of the attic so I can put away xmas stuff. tree is nice but all the clutter is getting to me. outside lights etc will stay up. watching Open by Christmas..really good esp for hallmark good actors. have been lazy here.. dh and I catching up on shows and netflix list. We didn't do much for new years I was asleep before 12 only day this week lol allergy pill and couple drinks do it. dh up early cus he went to bathroom and stepped in cat puke. his cats revenge for snow I guess lol and ds not home. apparently taking over beds only counts if you are sleeping in it.
going to michaels later. car in shop cus holidays, snow (world stops here) and then they had flood too so no rush until dh goes back to work. I have work stuff to do and mail. have a lot of craft stuff but... lol ordered some more wooden puzzles model kits on sale for gifts for dh in future like 50% off. put a roast in crockpot w older leeks (very smelly and oniony) carrots, nugget potates etc for pot roast dinner. need to do pantry challenge etc. though safeway as some really good sales on stuff family eats for the next couple of days.
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Pot roast sounds really good and comforting, M.
We're up to 17F and ice is clearing off my car windows. Supposed to get above freezing tomorrow. Yippie!
Did a kitchen freezer inventory, and we're more than good for a few weeks so I can ignore those pretty grocery ads with perfect avocados and strawberries this month. Wish I had a few more onions to hand but we'll manage. There is tea, milk, TP and cat food, all the essentials.
Ruj, hope the dreaded word doesn't happen and leave you with no income.
We're up to 17F and ice is clearing off my car windows. Supposed to get above freezing tomorrow. Yippie!
Did a kitchen freezer inventory, and we're more than good for a few weeks so I can ignore those pretty grocery ads with perfect avocados and strawberries this month. Wish I had a few more onions to hand but we'll manage. There is tea, milk, TP and cat food, all the essentials.
Ruj, hope the dreaded word doesn't happen and leave you with no income.
That is good ch! started raining here so dh got the car wash he wanted from the salt lol wind too. did get decor deals at michaels and yarn. stopped by my moms and she didn't want to go to safeway but we went.. $105 later lol but lots of markdowns esp bakery but forgot that they were closed for new years so of course. cheese bread, ww bread, german choc cake, icebox cookies, small brisket half price 2 quart of eggnog was 1.99 from 4.99 ..belguim choc cookies half price but that tin will be put away. the very cheap small box of toffee is in my belly already lol plus milk etc. 4 packs of the hotdogs on sale w buns too. 3 for freezer plus american slices were on sale. 2 new things they had were the green giant niblets corn on the cob on sale so got one plus sara lee individual cheesecakes for my cravings. plus bandaids etc.
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Rujerro-- best wishes for the s-word!
We are predicted to have a different kind of s-word here... and school is already cancelled for tomorrow... kill me...
I did TRY to be frugal today... carried a drink from home with me on my errands, didn't overbuy groceries, etc... then DD14 wanted to get her hair trimmed up before school tomorrrow, which was followed by pizza next door... also, bought a new bathmat and decorative towels for the bathrooom-- not USABLE towels, mind you, just ones that hang there and look pretty and I will beat anyone who pulls them down and uses them...
I still have dishes to wash, and I sooooooo don't want to...
We are predicted to have a different kind of s-word here... and school is already cancelled for tomorrow... kill me...
I did TRY to be frugal today... carried a drink from home with me on my errands, didn't overbuy groceries, etc... then DD14 wanted to get her hair trimmed up before school tomorrrow, which was followed by pizza next door... also, bought a new bathmat and decorative towels for the bathrooom-- not USABLE towels, mind you, just ones that hang there and look pretty and I will beat anyone who pulls them down and uses them...
I still have dishes to wash, and I sooooooo don't want to...
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Z - snow here too, icky wet slush. Fortunately don't have to drive, just walk the dogs. Power flickering, not good. Leftovers for supper tonight.
Ruj I hope the jobs situation turns out OK.
I found a small amount of leftover blueberries in the freezer, will combine with leftover fresh cranberries for muffins, probably tomorrow.
Ruj I hope the jobs situation turns out OK.
I found a small amount of leftover blueberries in the freezer, will combine with leftover fresh cranberries for muffins, probably tomorrow.
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Cold and sunny, at least double digit temps today. Supposed to get above freezing. Cat has a routine visit this afternoon, main roads should be clear. Other than that, not much going on.
Dlr, muffins sounds good.
Dinner will be lemon chicken, green beans and stuffed mushrooms.
Hope everyone survives the weather.
Dlr, muffins sounds good.
Dinner will be lemon chicken, green beans and stuffed mushrooms.
Hope everyone survives the weather.
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