I was thinking about what I could write about and decided since I am not keeping up with the frugal journal I planned for the year I could just do that here on the blog. I do enjoy it more than facebook and I am so addicted to blogs so why not be a little addicted to my own and track my journey here.
First, frugal accomplishments for 2009 (at least what I can remember right now)
No longer buy jar pasta sauce - make and freeze homemade marinara
No long buy yogurt except for starter - use the recipe from www.thefrugalgirl.com and totally love it! I even have Kyle & Lake hooked on it. Parker and I love it but Lainey won't try it. She has never been a big yogurt fan. Last Saturday I made two batches...one for me and one for Kyle. 8 quarts, 2 pints and 1/2 pint. Walmart's gallon milk makes more than 4 quarts of yogurt. Kroger's milk is exact...weird. Just found out that WM does not buy milk from farmers that use growth hormones. Haven't researched Kroger milk.
Started Couponing - I have sporadically used coupons but last year due to the economy which caused furlough days at work on top of no raise for two years I got serious. I researched the great world of couponing and learned tons! I went to a class given by a local woman at our extension office in November. I am doing pretty much what she is doing but I just try not to use as many processed foods. I embarassed the kids a few times in 2009 by getting so excited about the deals I was getting. Especially the day I was getting Celestial Tea for free! That doesn't happen too often.
Started CVSing - Was really diligent about it at the beginning of the year but my stockpile of toothpaste and deodorant was pretty full so I slacked off a little. Now the deals do not seem to be as good. Although they are starting a promotion of doubling bucks tomorrow. Not sure exactly how it works though.
Frequented Goodwill and consignments.
Utilized the library more.
Cut cable back to less than half the monthly bill but only had 20 channels. Now have satellite and have changed the phone/internet plan. Now saving $10 a month by combining satellite/phone/internet and canceling cable.
Sold books on amazon.
Come home for lunch most days. Don't order pizza....make homemade.
Started using Microsoft Money program - this has helped me track my money/bills better than any system I have ever tried. It has really helped me track my spending at the grocery store, ATM withdrawals and dining out.
Made homemade laundry detergent from thesimpledollar.com
Made lotion recipe that Mom's neighbor gave her. Made it possibly in 2008 and am still using it. Definitely good frugal lotion. Will probably make more next month. Going to use coupons for the baby lotion that goes in it this time.
Started a coupon book.
Grew a garden - even though it was small I didn't buy much lettuce at all this spring. Except from my favorite farmer at the farmer's market.
Clean my face using the oil cleansing method simplemom.net and it feels amazing! Using a lot less moisturizer.
Started canning salsa.
Gave a lot of homemade Christmas gifts.
Goals for 2010
- Implement one new frugal thing each month
- Keep a list all the books I read this year.
- List more items to sell on ebay & amazon
- Complete more craft/decorating projects
2010 is already feeling like it is going to be stressful.
5 more furlough days at work. 3 full-time people's jobs were eliminated on Thursday. One of my best friends that has been there the entire time I have been there. My back-up person that covers for me when I am gone no longer sits beside me. Already feeling the stress of how time off is going to work in our department. How will we be able to take a week off at a time? How will I like working there now that my friend is no longer at her desk? She is no longer there to laugh with, to meet at the coffee pot for a vent session....it just isn't right! This recession stinks and these people losing their jobs stinks!
Now I have the thoughts of how will I make it when my job is eliminated or the doors are closed for good. People keep saying it won't happen but two years ago I would not have believed the changes that have taken place in our office. Too many chairs are empty.
What would I do....a 42-year old single mom in a small rural town...what would I do?
This post turned long and sad.
Today's accomplishments
- Lainey found her prom dress. Green & yellow and short. 25% off a short dress is a lot less than last year's. It is on layaway so only $60 more to go.
- Made a big batch of granola to go along with the yogurt.
- Marinara batch.
- Cleaned out dresser drawers and found items to post on ebay plus more organized.
- Unclogged bathroom since with the baking soda / vinegar /Dawn method and boy did it need it!
More soon.....
