So here’s the thing. Nearly two years ago I started a weight loss journey, and I’m not going to be humble about it: I’ve done remarkably well. Yay me. But nobody warns you about the side effect. Suddenly you’re standing in front of a closet full of clothes that don’t fit, and honestly? That’s a…
I’ve always said: waste nothing if it still has something to give. My freezer helps me put that into practice. It holds ingredients for future dinners, little odds and ends that still have a purpose, and homemade meals for those days when I have absolutely no interest in cooking. Nothing fancy. Just a few bags,…
Sunday is a good time to look at the week ahead and figure out what we’re going to eat. Nothing elaborate. I don’t need every bite assigned a time slot, but I do like knowing what’s for dinner before everyone starts asking. We are a “stock the pantry” kind of household. An ingredient household. We…
Yesterday I glanced at the chicken broth on the store shelf. $3.39. For that little container. Excuse me? Meanwhile, I’ve got FIVE chicken carcasses sitting in my freezer, bagged up and waiting for their moment. Today is that moment. Today is chicken broth day! Here’s the best part. This is the easiest thing you will…
I am retired now, so I’m usually around to let dinner cook for six hours and check on it when needed. Before retiring, I worked from home for 13 years as a recruiter. Being home, however, did not mean I had all afternoon to fuss over dinner! We loved this one. Salsa chicken is a…
By The Real Frugalist Sometimes you don’t need a whole new career. You need a little extra money for groceries, a bill, Christmas gifts, or whatever expense has decided to show up uninvited. We talk a lot about spending less around here, but earning a bit more belongs in the conversation too. Especially when you…
Because something being on sale does not automatically make it a bargain. First — NEEDS before WANTS. I keep a running list of things we need or things I know I’ll need to replace. A sale is a good time to check that list and see if any of those items have actually dropped in…
With so many pressures on our finances right now, maybe it’s time for a lot of us to buckle down a little. Not panic. Not stop living. Not sit in the dark eating beans straight from the can because electricity costs money. Just pay more attention to where the money is going. When people hear…
Sometimes, when you’re trying to stick to a budget, you have to put on your imaginary crown and become the Queen of No. No, we aren’t turning up the heat. Put on a sweater. No, we aren’t getting takeout. There is food in this house. No, we don’t need another box of snacks just because…
I added up every grocery trip we’ve made since August 1 because even I thought the number had to be wrong. Including the infamous $40 chicken nugget, smiley-fry and Cheez-It extravaganza, we’ve spent $493.88 in six weeks. That’s $82.31 a week to feed five people. No, there aren’t any secret Sam’s Club orders lurking in the shadows. My…
