Author |
Nifty Thrifty: 2011 and Thriftyness |
JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 06:04:51 AM
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Happy New Year!! If your like me, I always make a few New Year Resolutions. This year it is about being thriftier,saving for retirement,work on making all my Christmas Gifts throughout the year (rather than last minute) and having a great garden to harvest and put up as much of our own food as possible including wild harvesting.
I feel if I share my goals it helps me to stay focused when those real trying times pop up. . . So I am re-assessing everything I do, from shopping, how many errands to town I make each week,and looking at all the small things that I can change that will add up to make a big difference in our lives.
What about you? Do you have an new goal for the new year? I would love to hear them and maybe we can keep each other focused on our goals so at the end of the year we can see all that we accomplished!
Joanna #566
JojoNH http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com http://www.Eastwooddesigns.com "For all your Promotional Needs" www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time" |
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tracy043
Farmgirl in Training
23 Posts
Tracy
Batesburg
SC
USA
23 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 07:11:11 AM
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Joanna,
I so relate with you I too made the exact same list. I would love to share with you all the great finds and thrifty ways I find to cut a corner and save a penny.
We are building our own home paycheck to paycheck so money is a real issue for us this year. We decided to build our own home to save money and since retirement is only 13 years away we choose to not do a mortgage. We live on 20 acres in the country and are trying real hard to live a more sustainable life style.
I am already thinking about Christmas and looking for ways to make all birthday and Christmas presents from the heart and not from a store this year. I already started yesterday working a present for my daughter-in-law birthday next month.
I look forward to sharing with everyone!
I look forward to keeping each other focused this year.
Finding the good in everyday!
http://oursimplelife-sc.com/ |
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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 07:32:55 AM
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Sounds like a great idea - sharing helps us stay strong... We all have our weaknesses - and I always think its just a little thing - but I didn't realize how much it was adding up... I'm sure you're familiar with Amy Dacyczyn - I found this video and like to watch it from time to time - just for inspiration... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUFyD-FTf-E We can do this!
Lorraine (aka Tea Lady) Farmgirl #1819 www.birdsandteas.com |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 08:01:00 AM
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Hi Lorraine, I love her too! I actually gave my copies away ( years ago) to a couple that just had their first child and really needed help. I may look for them at my local library just to re-read them . . . one never knows what you will pick up from them that you have over looked or forgotten about! Oh, and thank you for the link, I never saw that one before. Your right, she gives you the "lift" you need
Joanna #566
JojoNH http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com http://www.Eastwooddesigns.com "For all your Promotional Needs" www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time" |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 08:49:57 AM
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I have very similar goals this year - using what I already have craftwise (fabric, yarn, patterns etc.) making presents, gardening and canning etc. I have only been buying what we really need and even though we are on a really tight budget I have money left over at the end of this week for the first time in I don't know how long - my next step is to pick one debt and pay it down, I will have an extra $40 per week starting in March so that will go towards that. Oh and I am almost finished with a pair of slippers for my MIL's b-day in March, just started them Monday:) Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224 "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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natesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1735 Posts
angela
martinsville
indiana
USA
1735 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 09:01:42 AM
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I have a lot of problems implementing the things I learned from the books.
I am unable to locate supplies for a good enough price to make a lot of the from-scratch recipes for less than store bought. Plus, prices have shifted so much so that now the outside ring of the grocery store is twice as expensive as the middle!
I am growin as much of my own as I can and am investin every little bit extra I can scrounge into cannin jars. I have even worked for people to earn them! My Hubby was hired to tear down an old shed for an elderly couple and it had 20 cases of jars in it they had forgotten about. I had him go to them and talk them into lettin us have them. We had to agree to haul off all the trash and scrap, but we got the jars!
I am determined to have a root cellar to go with my cold room before fall this year. I have been able to keep and use my potatoes and onions for months now thanks to my cold room, but carrots and cabbage aren't gonna keep in that dry space very well.
I am also determined to use my dehydrator more.
I guess my resolution would be more about bein self-sufficient. I will make it work somehow!
Farmgirl Sister #1438
God - Gardening - Family - Is anything else important? |
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tracy043
Farmgirl in Training
23 Posts
Tracy
Batesburg
SC
USA
23 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 10:03:22 AM
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Ladies,
I had never heard of Amy Dacyczyn before and enjoyed watching her video. I am going to go to the library this week and see if they have her book. I would live to read it and see if I can learn from her.
The past week I have planned our weekly meals around what was on sale at my local grocery store. I only bought those things I have a coupon for or what was on sale. It took some extra time going over the weekly ad and looking through my coupons but already I have seen a savings. My total bill was 128.43 and after coupons and the store discounts my final bill was 90.56. On our new budget there is only room for $100 a week so I was really glad my total was under that. The great thing was I stocked up on a few things and since some of the sale items were hamburger and pot roast, buy one get one free, I will not have to buy meat next week. Next week I should see a much lower grocery bill. My garden seed money has to come out of my grocery budget so I was able to put 9.44 in my jar to be saved for seeds.
I challenge us all to plan our meals around what is on sale next week and look at your grocery receipt tod see how many things you had to buy that were not on sale or you had a coupon for.
This week I had to pay full price for: 1 bag of flour - 2.29 2 cans of tomato soup - 1.98 1 can of mushroom soup - 1.35
I bet I can do better next week...how about you?
Have a great Sunday!
Finding the good in everyday!
http://oursimplelife-sc.com/ |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 11:42:43 AM
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I've been doing the same thing Tracy - sale stuff and what I already have only!!! I am usually so guilty of numerous trips to the store in a given week and I have lots of food in the cupboards and the freezer. It is really forcing me to be more creative about cooking, which is inspiring too. Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224 "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 1:01:21 PM
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Tracy - you will love Amy's books. Lots of good info and recipes. One of our downfalls is our grocery bill. Its just my husband and I and we spend way too much. I've been working on watching it more, but I get in a hurry and don't pay attention. I get so annoyed with myself when something goes bad in the fridge. There are a couple blogs I like - one is Frugal Girl - http://www.thefrugalgirl.com/ and another is is the Nonconsumer Advocate - http://thenonconsumeradvocate.com/ I enjoy reading both - and yet they are very different styles.
Lorraine (aka Tea Lady) Farmgirl #1819 www.birdsandteas.com |
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tracy043
Farmgirl in Training
23 Posts
Tracy
Batesburg
SC
USA
23 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 2:56:25 PM
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Amy,
The nearest grocery store for me is 20 miles away so I try and only go to the store once a week. There is a store on my way home from work but I don't like that store so it keeps me from making extra trips. We are building our own home so when we sold our house in town last year we moved into our 5th wheel to save money and storage space is very limited. When I lived on our big house my cupboards were always full but now besides a small freezer in the barn I really can only keep enough food for one week at a time. It has really help me use up what I have and I don't have a chance to let things spoil in the fridge. With planning ahead like I did last week I was able to figure out and plan on what I was making for dinner each night and plan any leftovers it has worked great. Yesterday I made a pot roast and with the leftovers today I made vegetable beef soup for my lunch all week. Today I made a homemade mac and cheese that has plenty for tomorrows night dinner. I can't wait to see how I do next week.
Lorraine it is just my hubby and I as well and I used to spend way too much but after we moved to the country last year and tighten our spending I saw that our grocery bill was one place I felt I could make a real difference. Thanks for the links to the blogs I am going to go take a look at them.
Finding the good in everyday!
http://oursimplelife-sc.com/ |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9094 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9094 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 3:22:35 PM
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So funny to see this topic, I just got in the mail yesterday a used copy of " THE COMPLETE TIGHTWAD GAZETTE" BY Amy Dacyczyn. Been reading it all day today whenever I sat down. Lots of good ideas.Its big, like 900 pages.
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 3:43:41 PM
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Looks like we will be able to really help each other to achieve our goals this year!! WAHOOO!!! The more information we share the better we will all be. So here are a couple of things I do to stretch my food budget:
First, since I don't have a freezer and my garden did not produce well enough last year, I need to shop for our veggies. One Big savings in on the canned veggies. . . I purchase the Super Large Cans. . you know, the ones that can feed 20 people! Well, they cost about $2.50 at Walmart's food center. When I open one, I take out what I need for our dinner then bag the rest in ziplock bags in serving sizes and freeze them. I do the same with tomato sauce. It is a huge savings in our food budget, they can be stacked anywhere, only need enough freezer space for the bags once a can is opened and I recycle the ziplock bags for the next can to be opened.
Some of us are having a challenge finding food in bulk. Not everything in our local stores is of quality and the prices are through the roof! If any of you have any online sources you can share that would be wonderful. . . and don't forget to check out what MJF has to offer as well!!
Joanna #566
JojoNH http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com http://www.Eastwooddesigns.com "For all your Promotional Needs" www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time" |
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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2011 : 4:54:38 PM
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Joanna - that's a great idea about buying the jumbo cans and freezing what you don't use. I never thought of that... Thanks for sharing.
Tracy - I've been really paying attention to what I'm buying and how much I spend - then looking at what goes to waste in a week. Its a real eye-opener. There's definitely room for improvement in the groceries.
Nancy - So glad you got the "total" Tightwad Gazette. I bought it years ago with a gift card. Its great - not only does it have good ideas and recipes, but I like her attitude about frugality. Its kind of like she has an enlightened state about money and "stuff." Makes me feel good to read it. I know I'm good with money and a frugal person - but its so easy to not pay attention to the small stuff when you get busy. Reading good books and/or review blogs helps as a reminder..
Lorraine (aka Tea Lady) Farmgirl #1819 www.birdsandteas.com |
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tracy043
Farmgirl in Training
23 Posts
Tracy
Batesburg
SC
USA
23 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2011 : 03:56:51 AM
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Ladies,
I am going to go to the library and check out a copy of Amy's book. Normally I would have gone right to Amazon and bought it but in my effort to pinch every penny this year I am going to the library instead. Would have gone on my lunch break at work today but since an unexpected ice storm in SC has closed my office for the day I will have to wait until tomorrow and work on a finishing a birthday present for my daughter-in-law today. I also have to make a batch of homemade laundry soap. I have been making it for a few months now and works great and saves me over $50 a month compared to what I was spending on Tide and fabric softner.
12 cups Borax 8 cups Baking Soda 8 cups Washing Soda 8 cups Bar soap (grated)
* Mix all ingredients well and store in a sealed tub. * Use 1/8 cup of powder per full load.
I also have been using white vinegar added at the rinse cycle as fabric softner.
Have a great day all!
Finding the good in everyday!
http://oursimplelife-sc.com/ |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2011 : 04:39:31 AM
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Tracy, Thank you for sharing your recipe I may try this one since it is a powder not a liquid. ( easier to store a large batch)
Tip of the day:
Keep a permanent marker in your kitchen to write the date on your cans of when you purchased them. This way, if they get moved around while looking for something else ( you know this will happen!) you will always use the oldest can of goods first.
Joanna #566
JojoNH http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com http://www.Eastwooddesigns.com "For all your Promotional Needs" www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time" |
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annielaurel
True Blue Farmgirl
912 Posts
nancy
fernandina beach
florida
USA
912 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2011 : 05:36:42 AM
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What I did with Amy's book when I had it was to write down the ideas that I could use on 3x5 cards and put them in a file box. That way I would not only have a better way to remember them I could just go to the box and follow any directions easily instead of having to go to the book. Also, it would have saved me the money of having to buy the book if I didn't already have it. my children are all grown. If you have children her books are filled with wonderful ideas and tips. |
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tracy043
Farmgirl in Training
23 Posts
Tracy
Batesburg
SC
USA
23 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2011 : 05:50:28 AM
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What a great idea I will be sure to do that once I check her book out of the library...
Finding the good in everyday!
http://oursimplelife-sc.com/ |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2011 : 06:25:11 AM
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Ok Joanna I see I'm going to be following you all year. LOL
I haven't heard THE COMPLETE TIGHTWAD GAZETTE" BY Amy Dacyczyn in years. About 15 years ago I owned her books. I don't know what ever happend to them. The food bill and power bill is the big one with myself. I seem to spend just as much now with just my husband and I at home as when we had 4 childern under foot. One thing that worked for me and I guess I'll have to try again. Is I got cash for grocery and put it in an enevlope and that was what I had to work with. It amazing how hard you want to hold that cash and never think twice to whip out the checkbook or debit card. Homemade gifts are the best. I collect canning jars from thrift stores and anywhere I can get my hands on them. I have a great garden, fruit trees and berry bushes. So during the summer I make all kinds of "reduced sugar" jams and jellies with Pomona's pectin and my DH and I pass them out like crazy to freinds and family durig the holidays. Along with canned items this past year I made quilted welcome banners for my children for Christmas gifts.
The same for me shopping in town is a 25 mile drive one way. My goal is to limit my trips to town no more then twice a week then stick to the list once I'm there.
I love your tip of the day. I've found cans too old and had to toss them. One of my weak points if fabric. I love sewing and have a collection. My goal is not to buy fabric unless it is needed to finsh a project I already have going.
Farmgirl Sister #1599
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2011 : 09:01:51 AM
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Fudsy, I love fabric!! Like you I have an extensive stash and decided the same thing, use it until it's gone. . . only purchase what is "truly" needed!
Everyone seems to be commenting on the price of food and electricity. Remember, we are spending way more on the basics now than ever before. My electric use to run $80 - $120 per month depending on the time of year. Now my average bill runs between $170 - $220 per month and we are using less of it than before as well. A major increase in a budget that is still the same as it has always been.
Tip for saving Electricity:
1: Your Coffee Maker is an energy hog! Make your coffee and then put it into a thermos and turn the coffee maker off! Also, you can unplug it while it's not in use. . . that little bit of power that keeps it lit and shows the time is costly. . I have a watch so just need to look at my wrist to know the time!
2: Use your clothes rack to dry your stuff. You can always toss it into the dryer for 10 minutes to "soften up" stiff jeans or towels. That is another huge cost savings each month.
Don't forget, you can barter with other farmgirls for things you may need. . . even the swaps are a great place for some things like seeds for your garden.
Joanna #566
JojoNH http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com http://www.Eastwooddesigns.com "For all your Promotional Needs" www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time" |
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kluckingbear
True Blue Farmgirl
52 Posts
Tabitha
Ellensburg
WA
USA
52 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2011 : 4:27:42 PM
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We've been eating out too much! My accountant husband calculated how much we spent eating out each month last year, however much less we spend each month this year we're donating to the food bank. It's not that we're rolling in money and would mind saving it, but we did okay last year w/o the cash, so why not eat our own food and help other families to eat too.
After cleaning out my craft room for the new year, I'm also making a huge effort to use what I have! Using what's available actually opens up the door to more creativity and a sense of accomplishment anyways. Yarn's going to be the hardest to do this with , but I'm sure going to try!
~Come visit me at my blog www.kluckingbear.blogspot.com |
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Bellepepper
True Blue Farmgirl
1207 Posts
Belle
Coffeyville
KS
USA
1207 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2011 : 5:36:29 PM
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Groceries are my biggest problem when it comes to saving money. Even though I have what I think is a very good system. I check the grocery ads (we have one store), if nothing is on sale that I use, I don't go to the store. I don't buy anything that comes in a box. I buy pasta when on sale but not the flavored pasta or rice. The only thing I buy on a regular basis is dairy products. When something is on sale I buy 6-12 of the item. They go down in the celler. I buy meat at a butcher. Not cheap but local grown. Every summer I grow, can, freeze or dehydrate everything that I have time and energy to do.
Arn't I the most efficient person you ever saw?? NO. I throw away way too much stuff. I get tired of eating it or it ends up in the back of the fridge or rots in the crisper drawer or sprouts in the pantry. Didn't feel quite so bad when I could feed it to the chickens but they went to the grandsons for the winter.
So my resolution is to not waste so much food after I buy it or cook it.
Oh and I am very good at keeping up with expiration dates. That is why I have a can of milk and a can of pumpkin on the counter ready to make a pie tomorrow. Milk is outdated by a month.
Belle |
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phonelady
True Blue Farmgirl
323 Posts
Carla
Loveland
Colorado
323 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2011 : 8:05:52 PM
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I've been out of work for quite a few months now, so I can't afford any extras. I've eaten all the stuff in the freezer [and I end up with the leftovers from Dad's cooking -he won't eat them and I can't throw all that food away unless his experiments are reallll bad!] Milk and other perishables are only bought when needed [and if the fruit and veggies are any good. The produce sent to the groceries seems to be green or looks like it's been used in a badminton game!]. I get frozen veggies and fruit if it's on sale and stock up [just plain bags, not that veggie dinner in a bag, because they charge extra for that]. I only shop the perimeter because I can't have any preservatives or other junk. Meat is outrageous so I only eat the recommended amount of meat per meal and I make sure I look through the manager' specials [that's how I know what I'm gonna be having for dinner - whatever is in the manager's special bin].
I've cut out all extras [except purchasing the occasional magazine...]. Basic TV [they've threatened to raise the rates on me, so I'm going to let them know that I'll have that cut off all together - no one ever died from not having TV].
It drives me crazy to have to watch EVERY PENNY but I can't see being a waster either. Especially since I want to be debt free.
We gotta work on it girls!
Smiles! Carla
It's not just life- It's an adventure!
http://familyhistoryfindings.blogspot.com/ |
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tracy043
Farmgirl in Training
23 Posts
Tracy
Batesburg
SC
USA
23 Posts |
Posted - Jan 11 2011 : 03:56:32 AM
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I feel like I can be doing so much more...as I sit drinking my morning coffee I am trying to think how I can go through my day cutting energy cost. I made my coffee this morning then shut the pot off and unplugged it, I don't have to go to work until Noon today so I am letting my hair dry naturally instead of waiting until the last minute and blow drying it. I unplugged my toaster oven and every other appliance including my sewing machine that I always leave plugged in. My cell phone is fully charged so I unplugged it...I am going to make an effort to only leave things plugged in well using them. I have read that things still use power even while plugged in.
The next thing I am going to do is try to work in another meatless meal into my weekly menu. My hubby is a big meat eater but meat is a big expense. I have been able to get him to eat his pasta with no meat since I started to make homemade sauce now I just need to sneak in one more meal that is meatless.
Do any of you ladies have any suggestions?
Carla...I too treat my self to an occasional magazine but I just ordered one because the prices at the news stands are most times double then what you have to pay if you subscribe to them. I have found few favorites, Hobby Home & Grit and of course MaryJane and have them coming to the house instead of buying them off the news stands. We don't go out to eat or to the movies so I count them as my entertainment. Any other magazines I want to look at I check them out at the library.
Have a great day all!
Finding the good in everyday!
http://oursimplelife-sc.com/ |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Jan 11 2011 : 04:35:46 AM
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Well I can see as Farmgirls, we are going to accomplish our goals this year for sure! As many of you mentioned, meat prices are through the roof, basic foods are rising and our budgets are shrinking. Being thrifty with what we have is a must at any time.
Tip of the day:
If you find yourself "wasting" foods make a note of which ones they are. Chances are it's something you don't use on a regular basis and can "do without". Try not purchasing it for a month, see how many times you actually went to use it and remembered you were out. . . your going to be surprised at the end result!( how many times have I thrown out celery? I don't use it often enough to buy it regularly. .now it's a treat when I do)
If you find you purchase a food item for a particular meal and don't use all of it and the other half is going to waste, then think about creating a "double batch" and freeze the left over for a meal later on. ( a full freezer and fridge use less electricity than one that is half full)
The one thing I have noticed for myself, if I plan well I spend well. If I am in a hurry it costs us in the long run. So each day I sit at my desk for 30 minutes ( even if I need to get up that much earlier to do this) I plan my day, my meals, errands, make my lists, do my correspondences and work at being frugal "today". I'm not perfect, I make mistakes, however, each day is a new beginning and I am right back at it, after all I'm a Farmgirl and Farmgirl's Get'er Done!
Joanna #566
JojoNH http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com http://www.Eastwooddesigns.com "For all your Promotional Needs" www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time" |
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AuntPammy
True Blue Farmgirl
488 Posts
Pamila
williamstown
wv
USA
488 Posts |
Posted - Jan 11 2011 : 05:02:06 AM
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Wow, so many great ideas! I have managed to reduce my grocery store bill by a whopping eighty dollars a week! I only buy what is on sale and shop the perimeter. I make careful lists and plan my menu weekly. I feed five grown people every week for usually 120.00 dollars or less. It is often a challenge but I manage to do it every week. I buy a lot of store brands and use my shoppers card religously. Of course, this doesn't come without the extra work...I make our own snacks (right down to the chips) and bake bread twice a week. When my kids were younger I had to do this out of necessity (my husband was often laid-off from work)...now, I do it to live a better life for us! Good luck to everyone out there trying to live their dream.
"We were given: Two hands to hold. Two legs to walk. Two eyes to see. Two ears to listen. But why only one heart? Because the other was given to someone else. For us to find." Source Unknown |
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Nifty Thrifty: 2011 and Thriftyness |
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