This has been a lazy week for any sort of thrifty living. It also was not a thrifty week considering two expensive meals out over the weekend. I regret nothing though, as both while not frugal, were a good use of my time. This fits my definition of thrift-making the most of my time, money, and resources, but not living in such a tight mindset that I miss opportunities. Here is my summary of the thrifty positives for the week.
Time
- DH and I had a sort of date night and went out for dinner on Friday, even getting out of our own small town. We were after the Friday night rush, so (and nothing against families with children) there were no young children anywhere near us. There were also empty tables and no wait list by this time so we didn't feel compelled to eat and leave. I even treated myself to a blackberry martini.
- Likewise, dinner out to my parents favorite restaurant with my siblings was also fun. My oldest brother and a sister and their spouses were not able to come, so were missed.
- DH comes home so tired on Saturday, so he wanted to stay home, but I left him there and joined others at my sisters fro a card night. I was the big loser, but it was still fun, and I didn't stay that late.
- Trivia was fun this week,even though a different group. My friend and her two younger daughters and a fiance and I were the full team. We didn't place, but had a respectable score. It was a nice break since I was stuck in meeting after meeting this past work week and nice to put my brain power to fun.
- Per said meals out, I brought my leftovers home, and my Friday night meal stretched to Saturdays lunch and my saved ribs and large chicken thigh fed DD2 and me the next day. I know leftover containers/doggie bags are less a thing in other countries, but probably because the portions are more normal! Really, I would have been rolling out the door had I attempted to finish either of these meals, and I have a healthy appetite! I wish the American mindset of value=humongous portions would go away. Until then, I will try and not waste by bringing home my leftovers.
- Truly lazy, I have avoided grocery shopping for yet another week, using up stuff on hand and picking up a couple must have's in the dollar tree when I stopped for a couple items, quickly in and out. I think I made reasonably decent meals. I have one large cooked chicken breast to squeak out dinner one more time tonight! I look at this as both resource thrift and money thrift-and tie savings.
- We got the last of the stuff for donations packed up and to throw out of the office room-I had thought we were there last week, but my daughter helped push me to do another purge. I'm really motivated now to use things I already have in my home and not buy more stuff.
- In that vein, I offered locker mates to my niece for her daughter who is starting middle school. No response yet if she wants them, but if not, they will work in the back corner of the closet to add a bit more organization as I use the closet partially as a gift wrap and gift storage area.
- DH caught an error on his paycheck. It needs to be fixed, but not finding it would have cost him $200 of his rightful earnings.
- DD2 had another bounty last night. We ended up freezing two loaves of ciabatta bread and another package of ciabatta rolls, plus a package of naan rounds-a new product. DD1 came over and got items she will use and is bringin to friends. She also had more of the precut fruit and sweet potatoes. As a reminder, all this would be thrown if not distributed. While so many of the things she has brought home I likely would not have bought (precut fruit for example), I've utilized all and figure I've saved plenty on our grocery budget, money that can be redirected elsewhere.
Yes, again nothing phenomenal to save money and we did treat ourselves. We have a vacation week coming up, but it will be spent relaxing, doing more projects, and at the lake, all activities that fit well with my thrifty definition. Tuition, room and board is due on August 15th, plus she needs to buy textbooks. It is in the planned spending, but I always need to mentally prepare when such a huge amount of money is released. Since we'll pay that while on vacation, it will be added incentive to follow my personal thrift strategies.
I've had a spendy couple of weeks, and need to cut back until I pay off my credit card. I like to keep it at zero, and since we've been socializing more, I've been shopping more.
ReplyDeleteThat is so nice that your daughter gets to bring those extras home! I'm used to my coworkers bringing in fruits and veggies from their gardens to share - I've missed that extra fresh produce.
We do the same thing-use the credit card for convenience but don't carry the balance over. On one hand, we have a good record of where we spend, but on the other, easy to use isn't it? I have so much in the freezer, but will use this week as bruschetta with friends and lots of wine!
DeleteSounds like a lovely week filled with good things.
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to enjoy some outings with friends and family.
Hope your husband is able to get rested up, and I hope you have a good vacation.
I'm starting to feel like after summer and cold starts again, we may be dialing it back seeing people if the variant keeps expanding. He has to work tomorrow, then he'll be off until August 15th.
DeleteIt's wicked that perfectly good food gets thrown isn't it. I've heard all the arguments about why they can't give it away but they still don't wash for me. My brother worked in the kitchens at an army barracks before he retired. The troops were very well fed and had plenty of choice but anything that wasn't eaten on the spot was thrown - whole trays of lasagna, you name it. It's a screwed up world we live in at times isn't it!
ReplyDeleteI wish it was advertised more that certina days are when they purge. While a family that technically might not relay on a food shelf, budgets are tight for so many people and who couldn't use a little helping hand. Like a say, it can always be paid forward. I have heard that aobu tthrwing food-I suppose it had to do with critters and such too, but I think there is something to be said for rationing. That's why I hate over cooking-though I'll freeze extra portions, but better to cook the right amount.
DeleteI’m also on the no real grocery shopping trend. It’s funny how much food we have on hand when there’s “nothing” to eat. I got plenty of birthday freebies-a free pretzel at Auntie Ann’s, free pumpkin muffin at Panera, two free pairs of underwear from Victoria’s Secret (gave to my daughter), and $5 off at Primanti’s a local chain that you either love or hate lol. I still have a free burrito from Moe’s, a free sub from Jersey Mikes and a free dessert from Chick-fil-A. Used Ibotta, Shopkick, and Fetch for feminine care products. Love a triple dip! We got lunch Monday in between college tours and got free cookies from our waitress. I realllllyyyy need to reign in on the eating out, aside from the cost for Covid reasons. Tomorrow will be my first paycheck with my raise on it, so that’s kind of exciting. JoAnn
ReplyDeleteYou got a lot of freebies for your birthday! I may sign up for VS again just so I can get the coupons. They do have good sales on occasion, and the girl like their underwear. Heck, Target's nice underwear is over $5 a pair! They also have a good clearance section and it's nice to pick up a luxury gift item here and there for sisters and girlfriends.
DeleteI love the way you look across the various categories of time, money & resources to ensure you are prioritizing what's most important to you.
ReplyDeleteHaving the kids back home this week, with lots of sports & driving has been a fun adjustment. So much food prep, laundry & driving. They will end the week having played 40 hours of soccer each (camps & club practice), so they are definitely eating more than normal. I'm trying to balance healthy food with my own time management this week. Always a tradeoff!
I still waste too much in all areas, but I guess paying attention to all three help me have a bit more balance in life. I remember the athletic camp weeks. This would be the week my son started captains practices for football and the girls the captain practice for cross country. They are all still athletic and fit, but never would want to go back to that regiment!
DeleteI really like that you have a balance between being thrifty and having treats - I find I can swing between splurging or being a bit of a joyless tightwad at times, so I admire this kind of balance and hope to get there one day!
ReplyDeleteI sometimes get the tightwad feeling-which isn't all bad when I have a goal in mind, but I don't want to miss out on other joys because I wanted to save a few pennies. Having friend sup tot e cabin will not be cheap and I intend to splurge on their beverages of choice, nice meat and produce and well go through the gas for the boat, but how many glorious opportunities to we all have as we get older?
DeleteSo glad you got out for a few good meals. i think we some times stress over money when we shouldn't. Life needs to be enjoyed. I love that you take advantage of left overs from your daughters job. Really food waste is a sin and if no one is going to use it, why not? Makes me feel better anyway.
ReplyDeleteWaste is unfair to those hard working producers too-I like to think by using surplus, I am supporting the eco system as well. I think you have a good balance as well, Kim. I know I give you a hard time sometimes about dropping all for your kids and grandkids, but if that is your priority its a great use of your time. SAving on your groceries by crossing lines state lines,a gain, save where you can so you can splurge in other areas.
DeleteI've used more petrol this week as have been running more errands for my mum. Hopefully things will be back to normal next week, as I need some quiet time at home doing not very much.
ReplyDeleteThe allotment continues to produce so we're using that as a basis for a lot of meals.
you are so good to be there for your mom-whether she appreciates it or not. Gas went up a bit here-of course that is a political blow up, but it happens every summer eventually. I have not put gas in my car since July 4th, filled tank, but still have nearly 1/2 a tank left. It has been one expense since Covid started I've been able to reduce for myself.
DeleteI am glad you are using your resources in a way that fits your life. I think it all about being intentional, though I do think I need to be more intentional with my time.
ReplyDeleteI do a lot of mindless screen time-I could do much better in that area. Walking more for example!
Deletegood luck with the thrift strategies !
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