Last Week's Frugality

This week I packed my lunch all 5 days!  Yippee!
 
  I was able to buy 10 cans of the Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup (I know it is not good for you but I love it ) for $.19 a can!  This was with a store sale and a printable coupon!  I couldn't print the coupon anymore so I was able to get 10 more cans for just $.39 per can which is still a good deal!

  Ketchup was $.88 cents for a 24 oz bottle so I picked up 10 bottles to add to my pantry stash!

   I made 2 sheet pans of homemade granola with the bulk oatmeal from Sam's Club.  We love it as cereal with milk or on yogurt. MMM mmm good!

  I used bread ends and leftover buns to make bread crumbs for the pantry.  I put them into the oven to dry while the granola was baking. Saved on electric by doing 2 things at once!

  I have unplugged several electrical things around the house in hopes of reducing the bill. Hang drying towels still and the light Nazi lives on!!

   My bucket is still in the shower catching waste water.

  I made $40 in advertising on my other blog!  It isn't much but it is a start!   I also have orders for 4 cakes in the next week so that will help with my goal of earning $200 extra income per month.  I am getting closer and closer to my goal! 

     Also,  I had to spend money in order to make money this week.  We have a huge, empty barn just sitting behind our house.  I had gravel poured behind it to be able to drive in and out in order to rent the space for RV parking or boat storage.  I am hoping to start a new income stream this summer.  Just need to get the gravel raked out and then advertise.  I am so hoping to add $50-$75 a month to our income by renting it out.  Keep your fingers crossed for me!

  I signed up for 3 free  samples and received a coffee sample this week.  I love getting little packages in the mail!

  I have been looking over my homeowners policy and am questioning whether or not to reduce it.  The replacement cost of our home is almost $100,000 more than it is valued at.  Is this too much?  Do I dare to reduce the policy or can I with a mortgage?  Help dear Readers!  If you can weigh in on this I would appreciate it.  I just don't understand why the replacement value is so high.

Well, that is about all for me this past week.  What have you saved on and do you have any other income streams for your family?

Frugal Blessings,
Lisa
 
 

 


 

The Biggest Dilemma in Ky!

Right now we Kentuckians have a huge dilemma!  Do we bleed Red or do we  bleed Blue?




NCAA Blessings,
Lisa

Quote of the Week

                                                    

                                                          All gardening is landscape painting.
                                                                                         -William Kent

                                                                        Blessings,
                                                                          Lisa

Last Week's Frugality

    Last week I packed my lunch all 5 days!! Yeah for me!  I have to keep it up!

    I was able to pick up 20 cans of tuna for my stash at a great price--loss leader.  Our local grocery

had 24 oz. bottles of Dawn(I have tried homemade and every cheap brand but I love Dawn best) for just $1.99 per bottle.  I bought 6!   I also found Planter's Peanut Butter for $1.40 per jar and added 6 to my stash. 

   I have been garden dreaming lately, so I was inspired by Pinterest to spray paint 2 of my Goodwill  bowling balls for faux gazing balls for the yard.  My cousin gave me the paint so this was a cheap project! 

   I also spray painted a lamp I found at the Goodwill last month.  It was hot pink, but now it is black and it looks great in my living room!

    Another item sold on E-bay this week so I am $5.00 ahead because of that. Every little bit helps I guess.

   We are still catching water in the shower bucket and using it to flush.

  My Momma treated us to KFC last week!  It has been quite a while since I have tasted the Colonels  secret herbs and spices let me tell you!  Thanks Mom!

   I finally found a pair of brand new work shoes at the Goodwill Saturday!  They were $6
 but I received the 10% senior discount.  So $5.40 for a pair of brand new shoes!  Score!!  If you remember, I had to buy the gel insoles because my old shoes were so worn on the inside!  But I have managed to make do until I found new ones!  Good things do come to those who wait!

  I was able to get my cabbage chopped and frozen for future pots of soup!
 
  We have been eating as much food from the freezer as possible.  I need to get it cleaned out for future garden bounty!  I am thinking  positively!

   I just about had a heart attack when I received my electric bill.  Most of you know I have been playing Light Nazi and have been hang drying my towels. I thought this would help but my electric bill was $306.00 last month! That is right, $306.00!!
We use propane for heat and hot water and it was still $306.00!  The bill said the time period was longer than last month, and the cost went up. Boy did it go up.  This is unacceptable.....totally unacceptable!  I am still working on a plan to reduce it, but if you have any ideas, I would love to hear them!  $306.00 for February--I am gobsmacked!  Just think how much it would have been without  hanging the towels and turning off the lights! 

  Well, that's about it for me.  How have you been saving money this past week?

Frugal Blessings,
Lisa

 
 
This post shared at :  The heritage Homesteaders Blog hop http://www.heritagehomesteaders.com/heritage-homesteaders-hop-5/,
 at The Clever Chicks Blog hop http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/03/clever-chicks-blog-hop-79-with-two.html# and at the Homestead Barn Hop http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/03/homestead-barn-hop-152.html

 

 

  

 

 
   

Welcome Spring!

I don't know about you all, but I am so happy that Spring is here! It has been a heck of a long, cold winter and I cannot wait to get my hands dirty in the soil!
Spring Blessings,
Lisa

Quote of the Week

  

                            A single rose can be my garden..........a single friend, my world!
                                                                                             --Leo Buscaglia

Free Sample!

You can get a coupon for a free new hand soap from Bath and Body Work's for you and your friend.  Check out this link:  http://www.allyou.com/coupons-deals/daily-free-samples/free-sample-hand-soap-bath-and-body-works?xid=newsletter-ay-031914&PromKey=XET

Blessings,
Lisa

To-Do List and Update

So here is my To Do list for last week:

1. Make French Bread--still hasn't happened.
2. Make 1 batch of soap--didn't happen but I made 3 last week so I am still ahead of schedule
3. Cut and cure soap-didn't happen
4. Write and photograph 2 recipe posts--Finished one plus took pics for the other
5. Comment on 5 blogs--done
6. Link up to 10 blog hops--done
7. Order AA business cards-ordered and they have shipped!
8. Take pics for AA-took a couple the weather has not been great
9. Buy 2 bags of composted manure for raised bed garden-didn't happen.

 As you can see I didn't get near as much done as I wanted to.   So here is my list for next week:

1. Make that darned French Bread
2. Make a batch of soap and cut it
3. Write and photograph 2 recipe posts
4. Comment on 5 blogs
5. Take pics for AA
6. Buy 2 bags composted manure and 2 bags peat
7. Link up to 12 blogs
8. Order gravel for road to barn

Hopefully I will get more done next week

 

What is on your to-do list this week?

Blessings,

Lisa

Last Week's Frugality

   Last week was a pretty good week budget wise.    I was able to change Tom's Doctor to a practice that will accept his Medicare as a secondary. His old Drs. practice chose not to accept Medicare patients which meant we had to pay the copays each visit when Medicare would have covered it.  So now his Dr. and therapist accept Medicare as a secondary.  I figure this will save at least $80-$120 per month.  Not a savings over last year but not an increase either.  What we have to do to keep the budget balanced.  SMH!

  I was able to pick up 8 packages of strawberries for $8.00.  I flash froze half  to use for smoothies and used the other four for jam!  I am hoping they go on sale again at this price.  I would like to make some for gifts to have on hand.

 

 

 

I was also able to pick up 3 large cabbage heads for $.19 per pound.  I am going to chop one up for soup then freeze and use the rest for cole slaw.

 

I packed my lunch 4 out of 5 days.  I forgot to take my leftovers one morning-I had it packed and waiting in the fridge.  I was so aggravated at myself!

 

I hung up a load of towels to dry this week.  I also hung several of my work tops to dry as well.

Every little bit adds up!

 

  Meijer had their packages of organic broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots 40% off so I picked up 3 packages.  We have been roasting all kinds of vegetables in the oven.  Just toss veggies with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and roast.  Oh my goodness , they are wonderful!  Try this with brussel sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes.  It is yummy!

 

  Meijer also had packages of Italian sausages reduced. I picked up several for the freezer.

  

  I found 2 bags of brand new cabinet pulls at the Goodwill.  Each bag has about 30 pulls and screws!

They are brand new and I got 60 pulls for............$3.00 whole dollars!  Score!!  We put in cabinets from Habitat for Humanity in our new to us kitchen. The pulls are badly worn so this is a great thing!  I cannot wait to get them installed!

 

  I have been planning on making gifts for Christmas this year and jewelry was at the top of the list. So while searching through a box of junky little things at the St. Vincent de Paul, I found 2 strands of pink crystal beads that will be beautiful for making earrings and bracelets.  They originally cost $5.99 each but I got them both for $1.00!  Score again! 

 

  Still using the shower bucket! Again, every little bit helps! 

 

  I signed up for more free samples this week.  Hopefully they will be sent soon!  I love getting freebies in the mail!

 

So, I guess that is about it for me.  What have you been doing to save money this week?

 

Frugal Blessings,

Lisa

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

 

  

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

                                         
                                                  May you have love that never ends,
                                                               lots of money, and lots of friends.
                                                               Health be yours, whatever you do,
                                                            and may God send many blessings to you!                   
                ,

Luck o' the Irish Blessings,
Lisa

Filming of the movie Carol

Check out the link to my other blog post!  The movie Carol starring Cait Blanchett is filming at the Spare Time Restaurant in my home town! Pics included!

 

http://aroundalexandria.blogspot.com/2014/03/movie-holding-up-traffic.html

 

Too much fun!

Lisa

Quote of the Week

                            Always do your best.  What you plant now, you will harvest later!
                                                                                       --Og Mandino

                                                         Blessings,
                                                            Lisa

Exfoliating Sea Salt Foot Scrub

Summer will be here before you know it and I don't know about you but I have dry, old nasty, been wearing socks all winter so I haven't worried about how they look feet.  What to do, what to do??
Why, make your own exfoliating Sea Salt Foot Scrub of course!
  Here is what you need:
            1 cup of olive oil
            3/4 cup Sea Salt
            Essential oil (scent of your choice) Lavender is calming and eucalyptus is invigorating
            Small jar with lid

    Pour Sea Salt into jar. Add olive oil and essential oil and stir to remove any air bubbles. Let scrub sit for 2 days. To use, just soak feet in warm water, then rub the foot scrub on,  concentrating on the heel and the ball of your foot. Rinse and dry.
  
   This Sea Salt Foot Scrub will help your winter feet look prettier for Summer sandals!

Blessings,
Lisa

 PS  This Sea Salt scrub would make a wonderful gift-just add a ribbon!

This post shared at Fabulously Frugal Blog Hop

Guess What is Coming Soon!

My kitchen smells so good but you cannot eat what I made this past weekend!  Can you guess what I have been up to?  Here is a hint:

 

French Vanilla, Lavender, and Rosemary Mint!

Herb and Botanicals will be open for business soon!

Blessings,

Lisa

 

Last Week's Frugality

    Last week wasn't a very frugal week for our family.  I have been trying to get my Herb and Botanicals business started,  have just started a local blog, and have been so stressed at my full time job that I haven't felt like cooking much this week.  I'm guilty and I confess........we ate out one night!
I know, I know, I am so ashamed but I'll try harder this week!

   I did, however, pack my lunch all week! Yes!
 
   The bucket is still in the shower collecting cold water while we wait for it to warm.  I have been using it to flush the toilet.

   I trimmed my own hair--just a little on the sides.

   I made one meatless meal this week.

   The free samples I started signing up for, have started to arrive--Finish DW sample and a coupon for tuna came Saturday.

   My Uncle Howard gave me a box of canning jars this week.  I hope to grow enough food to fill every jar I own!  I certainly have high hopes do I not?

   DH and I went to Sam's for eggs, butter, turkey bacon and oatmeal.  I am very careful about what I get there--some things are more expensive than at the grocery.  Be careful--that place is dangerous to your budget!

   DH and I went to the cheap seat theater with GC's from Christmas. We stopped and bought theater boxed candy at the grocery and smuggled our own water bottles in inside my purse! I won't tell if you won't!  Total cost of our date night was under $5!  Even without the GCs, it would have been under $10 so we decided to go at least once a month!  We deserve it!!!

  So what have you saved money on this week?

Blessings,
Lisa



  

  
  
  
 

To Do List and Update

To Do list for last week:

1. Make French Bread--didn't happen I must get this started
2. Make a batch of soap--I made 3 batches!!  French Vanilla, Lavender, and Rosemary Mint!
3. Cut soap and let cure--Done!
4. Write and photograph 2 recipe posts--I wrote more than 2 posts-just not on recipes!
5. Comment on 5 blogs--commented on 3
6. Link up to 10 Blog Hops--Done
7. Write 3 posts for Around Alexandria--Done
8. Order business cards For AA-didn't happen
9. Survive the ice and snow storm!  Done--barely!

So here is my To Do list for this week:

1. Make French Bread
2. Make 1 batch of soap
3. Cut and cure soap
4. Write and photograph 2 recipe posts
5. Comment on 5 blogs
6. Link up to 10 blog hops
7. Order AA business cards
8. Take pics for AA
9. Buy 2 bags of composted manure for raised bed garden

 

   I am so stoked to have made 3 batches of soap last week!  I am ahead of schedule but I have many more batches to make before getting my soap business off of the ground!  Wish me luck!  It has to cure for 3-4 weeks before I'll be able to list it for sale.  Did I tell you I am  excited!  Although I have not been getting all of the things on my list done each week, I am making so much more progress than I would have without it!

What have you been up to lately?

 

Accomplished Blessings,

Lisa

 

Quote of the Day!

Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.

Oscar Wilde

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/o/oscarwilde121811.html#U4eVjfFihTgD4hSO.99

Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.

Luther Burbank

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/l/lutherburb277482.html#hmQ7r80RYzdbXY9P.99

Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; They are sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul!
                                                                                                  Luther Burbank

Blessings,
Lisa

Last Week's Frugality

  Last week went by in a blur!   My DH fell Wednesday and hit his head meriting an ER visit-we were there almost 8 hours but he is ok except for a headache.  Thank the Lord!  We did end up eating out that night because we were starved and tired.  Not very frugal were we. :(
  We did have one meatless meal last week but I still would like to have 2 per week.

   We didn't have to wash towels this week.  I have been harping on the kids to reuse their towels a couple of times before putting them into the hamper.  It helped this week!

     I found reduced bananas, reduced gala apples and several packages of reduced meat at the market last week!  I love the reduced fruit--I know we have to eat it asap but it is a cheap way to buy fruits and have fresh fruit in the wintertime not to mention the need to bake that old standby we love--banana bread!!!  We had fried apples for dinner and I used the peels and 2 left over apples to make apple butter! My house smells so yummy right now!

 
   I packed my lunch all week!  Go me!

I found a summer top for work at the Goodwill for $1.65 and it is just too cute!  I also found a very nice item for a Christmas gift(I cannot tell you what it is because the intended recipient follows my Blog) at the Good will.  I think she will love it!

  My Mother and I went to the Family Dollar store and they had little girls PJs and winter outfits reduced 60 % then there was another 25% off of the reduced price.  We both got several gifts for Christmas for $1-3 each.  I have finished both of my nieces birthday and Christmas shopping already and have almost all of my grandbabies shopping done as well.  A
little at a time and it will get finished before Thanksgiving....I hope!

   Our local Meijer had Crystal light (which I love) on sale for $.99 when you buy 8. Then they had a Catalina coupon print for $4 off your next order!  What a deal!  I stocked up on those, let me tell you!  Much cheaper that the soda my DH loves!

   We are getting some bad weather right now --so I batch cooked food for the week just in case we lose power.  Just heat on the fire and eat later.

  I did list 6 items on e-bay to raise extra cash  this month.  Last month if you recall, I made $54 on one sale.  I hope this helps tide us over until I get my soap business up and running!  My goal is to increase our income by $200 a month by December 2014. Wish me luck!
What did you do to save money last week?

Frugal blessings,
Lisa


  This post shared at Tuesdays with a Twist


  

 

To Do List

In order to accomplish my goals this year,(my goals are posted on the right margin) I have taken them and broken them down into weekly to do lists.  I really need, need, need, to increase my income by at least $200 per month.  We have lots of catching up to do on saving for retirement and paying ahead on our mortgage so this is crucial!

So here is my To-Do List from last week:

1.     Make 3 loaves of artisan bread --Not done-will try to get done next week
 

2.     Purchase Soap Ingredients--Completed!

3.     List 3 items on E-bay--I listed 6!!

4.     Join 10 Blog Hops--Joined 12!

5.     Post comments on at least 5 blogs--Posted on 3! 

6.     Serve 2 meatless meals--I only served 1.

7.     Write 2 blog posts for next week--Have written several and launched my new blog Around Alexandria-Local what's happening in our community blog!

8.     Write down my meal plan for the week --Done!

As you can see, I didn't get everything on my list done but I did accomplish a great deal--probably more than I would have without my to do list. Here is my To Do list for this week:

1. Make French Bread
2. Make a batch of soap
3. Cut soap and let cure
4. Write and photograph 2 recipe posts
5. Comment on 5 blogs
6. Link up to 10 Blog Hops
7. Write 3 posts for Around Alexandria
8. Order business cards For AA
9. Survive the ice and snow storm!

 

 I will be posting and reporting my progress next week!

What have you accomplished in the past week towards meeting your goals?

Blessings,

Lisa

This post shared at Tuesdays with a Twist!

Birthday Freebies!

Well, as my Birthday gift to you during my Birthday month of March, here are some links to sign up for newsletters (which sometimes contain coupons or coupon codes) and the companies also offer freebies for your Birthday!

 Old Navy     http://oldnavy.gap.com/?cid=5151&tid=onaff3052056&ap=2&siteID=onafcid80

Applebee’s     http://www.applebees.com/about-us/email-sign-up

Cold Stone Creamery   http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/mycsc/

Dairy Queen    http://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/Blizzard-Fan-Club/?localechange=1&

Baskin Robbins    https://www.baskinrobbins.com/content/baskinrobbins/en/signin.html

Black Angus Steak House   http://assets.fbmta.com/clt/blckangus/lp/join/5/location.asp

Denny’s    http://assets.fbmta.com/clt/dnny/lp/join/join_ent.asp

Don Pablos   http://donpablos.com/

Johnny Rocket’s   http://www.johnnyrockets.com/promotions/rocket-eclub 

Red Lobster   http://www.redlobster.com/club/

Outback Steak House   http://www.outback.com/365

I know most are a on a budget, but we all need a special date night for our birthday, so enjoy the savings! 

Birthday Blessings,

Lisa