What Did You Do Frugal Today? July 2009

[simplysue]

I'm not sure what I spend on food anymore.There are weeks when there is a great meat sale, cereal or just food that stores well and we use a lot of that I can stock up for future use and spend $150 but for the most part it can be anywhere from$10 to $40 on a normal trip.My thoughts are that having the pantry and freezers enables me to buy most things when they are either loss leaders or at least 1/3 off and then when you add in the coupons that I can occasionally use.....I'm thinking there's no way under the sun that we spend even close to $99 per week on groceries and we do have full wholesome meals every day here but very little junk.Bought chips last week on sale but it was for the 4th.We avoid that kind of thing being it's not good for us anyway.I never buy baked goods other than the occasional loaf of bread when DH craves it or it's too hot to bake.Don't know how anyone can crave that chemically stuff when they have the real deal on the kitchen counter?
Jean, a good cry is a great way to release stress and sometimes stress can either make us sick or interfere with recovery so you go ahead and cry all you need too.I understand the frustration you must be feeling.You do everything the doc says and are expecting that at this point you should be doing better.Did they tell you to drink cranberry juice to help flush your system? If so, take care that you are not buying a blend...some of them have very little cranberry, go for the concentrate and be sure to read the label.
Take that frustration out on a walk every day...commit to it, while you are outside take in all the beauty in the world around you, all the sights,smells and sounds,breath deep and make it an ejoyable thing instead of something you have to do.Start with a few minutes a day and before you know it you'll be itching to get out the door so you can go for your walk....I've done some of my best thinking while out on a walk. Hugs.
Lisa, if I remember correctly, every time there was a holiday child support checks were a little behind.Might be different in IL than MI though.DH has always had it taken directly out of his checks so we didn't have to worry about it and still we've received many a phone call accusing him of not paying....of course no apologies when the support arrived a few days late...grrrrrrr.It's too bad there were so many people out there not willing to support their children that everything now has to go through the state agency.I hope the situation is straightened out for you soon.
Lauri, Barbzy it right...it's all about the HIPPA thing and all he needs to do is sign a form.Try not to be upset with the workers there because giving you that information without your son's consent is now against the law and they could lose thier job if they did.
LOL, tell your DH not to be upset about the garbage as your DS just did his spring cleaning a lil late
Connie,there is nothing wrong with you needing more in your life, that's your choice and all the power to you.
cau, I'm thinking it's a great choice your family made in reguards to your DGD...it's not like you would want him around or even in her life to influence her unless he managed to kick his addictions and became a different kind of person.
Patti, way to go on conserving water and electricity!
Missibob, I hope you are feeling better.Sorry about the loss of the pups but if it's any consolation at least they don't have to suffer with problems they probly would have had if they survived.I hope the remaining two will live long happy lives.
Jamie, I think meatloaf always tastes better the second day too...the same goes for soups, stews and a lot of casseroles.
Mish, way to go on your goodwill finds!Nice when you can find the right sizes and make it work!

My frugal today is clearing away as much clutter as possible and getting my craft room organized and functional...it's been a year now and neither of my grown children have returned to the nest so I'm thinking I can safely use my craft room again as a craft/garden room and not a bedroom.The bed is now in Jacob's room in case someone comes home to visit (Jacob's room is the biggest room in the house and is plenty big for two people to share if necessary)Before I married again, it was just me and Joe...overnight our family size doubled and room had to be made LOL.Now it's just the three of us.Will be far easier to get a grip on what goes where now that I have another room to work with.I hesitated to transform this room back JIC someone either had to or chose to come home.It's looking like my fledglings are doing ok for themselves so I feel comfortable using the room...space has been limited here for a long time now.It will be nice to have a place to do my own thing again! without having to move other things to get started and then rearrage everything again just to put it away till next time.A place for everything and everything in its place

[Lislyn66]

Sue, I'm sure it's the State and I'm very happy that it all goes thru the State as when it was the ex's responsibility, he paid when he felt like it. Have fun decluttering!

I'm making the most of my hour or so off of work and am going to get my kitchen sparkling, which means I need to get off here, lol! I think I'm going to work the latter half of the day, that way I get 1/2 personal day and don't have to make it up. Trying to make up the time, that's a bugger!

Have a great morning all, I'm sure I'll be checking in, as always!

Lisa

[bluebird]

Belive me my inlaws think I am totaly lazy and a fool. Much easier for them to think that than open thier minds and see me for who I am.
Anna neat gift!!
Lisa I am praying for you too.

[OSI]

Bluebird

And the sad part I see is that it's mostly women who believe if you stay home you are lazy... all the men we know are so happy for us and wishing they could have their wifes home.

Well Maddy decided to go to Granma's today so I'm flying solo on the soap making but I'll be doing it for the next 5 working days, so still plenty of time for her to learn. I think maybe her Dad thought she'd be in the way, will have to talk to him tonight. He was suggesting things she might be able to help with last night which unfortunately she's not quite strong enough to do the stamping so that the whole picture comes through, it's hard for me sometimes. But when we come up on the labeling part she can definitely help put all the stickers on them.

Anna

[LoriMae]

Anna, have I missed something? Is Melissa working?

[RobertaD]

Yikes $396 a month for food is more than I spend for my family of 4 plus 2 dogs. Though I think the $99 a week for a family of 4 is lower than the USDA frugal plan. LOL my husband even knew that $99 a week wasn't that great of a price.

Lisa, had a thought does your daughter eat yogurt with the live cultures? That is supposed to help keep the good bacteria where it's supposed to be. You mentioned the other day about checking to see if child support will continue while your dd1 is in college, make sure he is up to date prior to it being stopped when she turns 18 if it doesn't cover college time.

Good idea Anna. Those should make a nice cheap gift.

I have a load of laundry out on the line. Brewed tea this morning to make 2 gallons of iced tea for the day. I plan on bagging up dd2's room today to sort through and only put back what she is keeping and having the toys etc. put in a spot so she can keep the room cleaned up on her own.

The library is running "Yes Man" this evening so we are planning on going to see it, saves on renting it.

Roberta

[OSI]

Laurie

Oh yes, Melissa does work full time plus does that paper delivery for the circulars.

Anna

[missibob]

Hello everyone. The two puppies that are left are doing very well, and getting chubby. It was the first litter for my DIL to see, and I think she was overwhelmed by all that went on.
Funny, I don't seem to get a cold or flu, but after this episode on Sun. I still feel not so great. My neck glands are sore and my throat is scratchy, and I feel sort of out of sorts and tired. Hopefully, it will clear itself up, and if not, I have an appt. coming up with a dr., and will ask her to check me out.
We had peameal bacon last night for dinner, YUM! Haven't had it in ages, so it tasted particularly good.
It seems everyone has such full lives, with children, exes, etc. I hope everything works out for all of you. You are such good people.

[missibob]

p.s. sry....$99.00 here in Canada is probably about average, our food prices are significantly higher than in the USA. I haven't read the article myself, but it doesn't sound too appetizing.

[Lislyn66]

Missibob, I hope you feel better and it's just a little bug. Good to hear about the puppies!

I'm back at work. Got out of the doctor's office about 10:30. The yeast infection seems to have abated but the doc thinks she has a "condition" and I cannot of course remember the term, but it's where the vulva is overly sensitive due to the fact there are no female hormones yet, they will appear when she hits puberty. So, prescription is a steriod creme, applied 1x a day, only at night and by me as she tends to use a LOT, lol. If the irritation and pain and itching continue then we go to a dermatologist. Plus her urine is highly acidic, and she's not really had anything to make it that way. I'm praying this new treatment does it for her.

A wonderful plus, the check finally got here. I've text the ex once again, told him it was here and asked him, yet again, if he will meet me half way on Sunday. Not holding my breath, lol.

So, frugal tonight, a little grocery shopping for my girls and just hanging out at home! I want to thank you all for putting up with my venting and all the thoughts and prayers you send our way.

Lisa