In my February grocery budget post, I mentioned creating a price book to track prices. Given the rising cost of eggs due to the bird flu and the rising cost of other grocery items as various tariffs kick in, we are going to see prices rise. Prices have already been rising at the grocery store... Continue Reading →
february grocery spending
In May 2024, I challenged myself to reduce our grocery bill. At the time it was about $1,300. At the end of January 2025, I had brought it down to $1,007. Unfortunately, for February, we were back up at $1,320.91. Granted this includes Valentine's Day shopping, dessert for my birthday, pizza from Domino's for my... Continue Reading →
seed starting update
Since we moved the greenhouses upstairs to our breakfast room to avoid the field mouse inhabiting our basement, I've been busy starting more seeds. I'm using a combination of Burpee seed starting trays, trays from last year that held Jiffy seed starting packs, and recycled plant containers. Vegetables and Herbs Started Creeping Thyme Tomato Cabbage... Continue Reading →
baking with substitutes
Yesterday, I made cookies and started a batch of no knead bread for my family. Given the cost of butter and eggs right now, I wanted to try 2 substitutes for fat in the cookies. I substituted bacon grease for shortening in the soft molasses cookie recipe on the left. When I tasted the raw... Continue Reading →
Citibank Cash Card for grocery budget
One of my savings strategies this year is to maximize the savings when we spend money. I already do this through various programs like Ibotta and Rakuten. I also make use of coupons. And I like to maximize the cash back from my credit cards.  In January, I signed up for Citibank’s cash card.... Continue Reading →
reframing my scarcity mindset
I've been quiet here thanks to my new job at Kohl's starting in November 2024. During the holiday season, I juggled 30 hours weekly with trips to Pennsylvania, holiday preparation, and normal family stuff. It was a lot, especially the physical side of the job. While being an Associate is not physically taxing, I did... Continue Reading →
frugal friday 11.15.24
Even though we've had quite a few expenses recently between a funeral, car repairs, and medical stuff, I'm focusing on saving where I can. Recently, a financial newsletter I read weekly talked about saving money as the skill of spending. I really liked that! Not buy Starbucks or Joe Beans coffee; made coffee at home... Continue Reading →
frugal friday 11.8.24
Using stuff up in the fridge - We have a somewhat empty fridge this week. Now that I think about it, I like having a somewhat empty fridge because it pushes us to get creative with our cooking. We arrived at this status thanks to a trip to Pennsylvania for 3 days for a funeral.... Continue Reading →
frugal friday 10.25.24
A few days late.... Grow cuttings from the garden for next year - I've been having some success starting cuttings from my garden for next year. Generally, I dip the cutting in rooting hormone and pop it into the soil. I saved the containers from plants I purchased this year to use for this purpose.... Continue Reading →
frugal friday 10.18.24
Only 4 things to report! Make chicken and beef stock for my dogs - Our dogs cost as much as our kids. Seriously, both dogs receive heartworm and tick medication and an antihistamine supplement. One dog, Winston, is on Apoquel for his allergies. Tobey is on Glycoflex for his hip and elbow dysplasia. I decided... Continue Reading →
2 dogs and a house 