In the last six months we have started practicing portion control- not just for our food, but for our homes and lives, too. This year I really don't want to buy more than we *need.*
I had four kids in four years and believe me - it was a CRISIS if I ever ran out of anything. Now if I run out of something we can usually do without it until grocery day - or go to the store and buy it. For example - we were out of pepper for a week. That is a LONG time for us to be out of pepper, but we managed. There were no lasting side effects... probably... I wouldn't go a day without soap or toilet paper, though. Let's be reasonable!
The first month we started measuring our food it was tough- REALLY tough. We all felt really pathetic taking a half a cup of pasta or 1/4 cup of rice noodles. But now it is habit and we don't want or need more. No one is starving or even losing weight- except Luc and I and obviously we had some to lose.
It is the same with any kind of consuming, I think. When you cut back it *feels* painful at first, but you come to realize that you aren't going to starve. You aren't merely going to survive, either- you are going to thrive.
I have this sickness where I will buy anything for a dollar. I really will! It is a magic number. If I am at a garage sale I can buy pretty much anything for a dollar. I really can because sometimes the person holding the sale will sell me things for a dollar just to get rid of me... :-D It is a gift, really, but I have, at times, broken the first rule of super heroes... Only use your gift for good and never evil...
Sometimes, six months later I look around and think- what the HECK was I THINKING? Anything? Nothing? Probably closer to nothing... :-/
Our shopping has dropped a lot in the last 6-12 months and there are very few things that we miss. Brown Bear DOES miss take out pizza and gazes wistfully out the window when we drive past, but we get him a couple small pieces of nice cheese and make our own and he's pretty happy with that. You wouldn't think that $6 of deli cheese would be equal to Pizza 73, but apparently it can be.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
I made pizza crust...
with three kinds of flour made from gluten-free whole grains. I realize that people have been grinding whole grains and making their own flour for thousands of years, but *I* still think it's cool that I can do it myself.
So far I've done long grain brown rice, quinoa and buckwheat and they have all come out beautifully. I've never had FRESH flour before and I'm telling you it is not the same as what a person buys in the store. First of all, it smells like food! Second, everything I bake with it has an airiness about it. This is a minor miracle because gluten- free food can be stodgy. *Really* stodgy.
I *highly* recommend a grain mill despite the cost, noise and messiness. It is worth every penny.
So far I've done long grain brown rice, quinoa and buckwheat and they have all come out beautifully. I've never had FRESH flour before and I'm telling you it is not the same as what a person buys in the store. First of all, it smells like food! Second, everything I bake with it has an airiness about it. This is a minor miracle because gluten- free food can be stodgy. *Really* stodgy.
I *highly* recommend a grain mill despite the cost, noise and messiness. It is worth every penny.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Small spaces- teen girl's room
Sunshine's bed sits on these two 6 ft long benches. She has all of her art supplies on one side. You can buy something like this, but we realized that we already had it in the house... ;-P
Some day it will probably be converted back into benches for the dining room table.
Monday, December 28, 2009
The living room
We are living in a fairly small space, but we've lived her for nearly 5 years so we know what works and what doesn't, now. There are two entries to the living room and we've blocked one with a 6 ft. shelf. This makes more 'floor room' in the living room.
When we moved here we bought new end tables and a reclining chair. We intentionally chose furniture that was a little smaller and had storage. The tables are black wrought iron with tile top. We need furniture that can stand up to the pace of our life and still look okay.
Tip #1 - Get the best quality and the most functional piece that you can. Now, most of our furniture comes for free or nearly free, but I have discovered that you don't have to take what is offered. If it is not your style or doesn't really FIT with your life say no thanks! :-) There is going to be another free couch offer! Honest! Our latest free couch has a fold down center and reclining ends.
The thing about me is that I need everything away... but not away because if I can't see it - it's gone. The way I fix that is by having fewer things in the living room and everything has a place. I also have some things in baskets. I'm not a big fan of baskets, but I got some that I liked and in a neutral colour and they are very useful for things I need to contain, but not look at - like paper.
The blankets go in the blanket chest and DVDs go in the movie cupboard. I tried many cheaper options for a movie cupboard but I hated all of them. I got the cupboard (an old canning cupboard) for $20 at Value Village on half price day. I used it for school stuff for a while, but it wasn't big enough. It was re-purposed when we needed somewhere to put movies. I definitely do not want to SEE dh's movie collection all the time!
Tip #2- if you only have things that you love (or really like) they will all match in an odd sort of way. Also- if you paint everything the same colour- it will all match, too.
I'm at a place in my life where things REALLY have to work for me (OR ELSE!) I have very few books or knick knacks out. We live one km from the library and use it often. My kids are bigger so they have their own books in their rooms and the school cupboard is in the dining room.
Your rooms *really* have to grow with the ages and stages of your family.
When we moved here we bought new end tables and a reclining chair. We intentionally chose furniture that was a little smaller and had storage. The tables are black wrought iron with tile top. We need furniture that can stand up to the pace of our life and still look okay.
Tip #1 - Get the best quality and the most functional piece that you can. Now, most of our furniture comes for free or nearly free, but I have discovered that you don't have to take what is offered. If it is not your style or doesn't really FIT with your life say no thanks! :-) There is going to be another free couch offer! Honest! Our latest free couch has a fold down center and reclining ends.
The thing about me is that I need everything away... but not away because if I can't see it - it's gone. The way I fix that is by having fewer things in the living room and everything has a place. I also have some things in baskets. I'm not a big fan of baskets, but I got some that I liked and in a neutral colour and they are very useful for things I need to contain, but not look at - like paper.
The blankets go in the blanket chest and DVDs go in the movie cupboard. I tried many cheaper options for a movie cupboard but I hated all of them. I got the cupboard (an old canning cupboard) for $20 at Value Village on half price day. I used it for school stuff for a while, but it wasn't big enough. It was re-purposed when we needed somewhere to put movies. I definitely do not want to SEE dh's movie collection all the time!
Tip #2- if you only have things that you love (or really like) they will all match in an odd sort of way. Also- if you paint everything the same colour- it will all match, too.
I'm at a place in my life where things REALLY have to work for me (OR ELSE!) I have very few books or knick knacks out. We live one km from the library and use it often. My kids are bigger so they have their own books in their rooms and the school cupboard is in the dining room.
Your rooms *really* have to grow with the ages and stages of your family.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Decluttering
Remember when I changed the living room around. I'm still decluttering and reorganizing because of it. When you live in a small space you can't organize one room without having spill0ver to the other rooms.
Tomorrow I will share some of the space saving solutions I have for the living room. Most people don't need a bigger place- they just need better furniture. :-)
Tomorrow I will share some of the space saving solutions I have for the living room. Most people don't need a bigger place- they just need better furniture. :-)
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve
I have to tell you that I have received a LOT of positive feedback about my Christmas choice. I really thought it would be a lot more controversial, but perhaps I'm not the only one that finds Christmas a bit of a chore. :-)
I do want to clarify that it is not that we can't 'afford' it... we just don't WANT it. There is nothing that my children want or need. There REALLY isn't.
So to expand on my thought from yesterday- when is it enough? When do we have enough stuff? Enough stress? Enough dessert? Enough debt? Well, my friends I've got plenty and don't want it.
I want more time, more love, more joy and more simplicity. And they aren't selling it in the store... :-)
I do want to clarify that it is not that we can't 'afford' it... we just don't WANT it. There is nothing that my children want or need. There REALLY isn't.
So to expand on my thought from yesterday- when is it enough? When do we have enough stuff? Enough stress? Enough dessert? Enough debt? Well, my friends I've got plenty and don't want it.
I want more time, more love, more joy and more simplicity. And they aren't selling it in the store... :-)
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
On Poverty
We are not poor and never will be. We are broke, not poor and there is a BIG difference between the two. Sadly, a lot of people are broke this year so there is a spotlight on people who used to have a lot and this year have less.
On the CBC Newsworld this morning there was a family that advertised on Kijiji (Canadian online classifieds) for donations because the father lost his job last month and the mother's part time job doesn't cover the basics. I understand how parents want their kids to have nice things or a nice Christmas. At some point, though, I think a dose of reality is required for the children AND for the parents.
When do you turn to the kids and say "Kids, if you don't have the money then you can't buy things." When do you turn to YOURSELF or your partner and say "no, we can't afford it."
Lest you think I am making too much of cyber begging - try typing cyber begging or online begging into your search engine and look at how many hits you get! WOW! I don't know if it all started with Karyn but I never heard of cyber begging before 'Save Karyn.'
I've heard the same rationalization over and over now for months- a person does what they have to do to feed their families. Believe me - I agree! *I* am doing everything I have to do to feed MY family, but I'm not lying, stealing or begging to do it. I am working two jobs, cutting back on everything and making a LOT of soup. That is everything that *I* can do to feed my family.
Now- I don't tell you this to illicit sympathy (OR MONEY) but to present another side to the argument.
There is poverty and there is a poverty of spirit and I fear that society has lost the ability to distinguish between the two.
On the CBC Newsworld this morning there was a family that advertised on Kijiji (Canadian online classifieds) for donations because the father lost his job last month and the mother's part time job doesn't cover the basics. I understand how parents want their kids to have nice things or a nice Christmas. At some point, though, I think a dose of reality is required for the children AND for the parents.
When do you turn to the kids and say "Kids, if you don't have the money then you can't buy things." When do you turn to YOURSELF or your partner and say "no, we can't afford it."
Lest you think I am making too much of cyber begging - try typing cyber begging or online begging into your search engine and look at how many hits you get! WOW! I don't know if it all started with Karyn but I never heard of cyber begging before 'Save Karyn.'
I've heard the same rationalization over and over now for months- a person does what they have to do to feed their families. Believe me - I agree! *I* am doing everything I have to do to feed MY family, but I'm not lying, stealing or begging to do it. I am working two jobs, cutting back on everything and making a LOT of soup. That is everything that *I* can do to feed my family.
Now- I don't tell you this to illicit sympathy (OR MONEY) but to present another side to the argument.
There is poverty and there is a poverty of spirit and I fear that society has lost the ability to distinguish between the two.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
3 more sleeps until Christmas... :-)
It snowed all day yesterday and all night, too, so snow blowers and ploughs have been out all morning trying to clear it.
Today I want to get my room tidied up a little so I don't have to spend my three days off cleaning.
The big news at our house... well, okay it's the only news... is that I put $250 on the Visa and we are now one tenth of the way towards our first party.
December is always a good time for me to pick up hours so I should have a few extra dollars next month to put against the debt - so watch for that!
I accomplished my debt goals last year and I want to do the same this year. I find that I can get a lot of momentum when I start this time of year. Sometimes there is an extra cheque in December, Christmas money, extra hours, too cold to go out to the store - whatever! It usually just works out that there is a little extra then it is income tax return time.
Now - about income tax! I have my with-holding set as low as it can go, but last year I got a refund and I'm sure I will this year, too. We are also far enough north that we get half of the Northern Living Allowance. The Northern Living Allowance is a bribe from the provincial government to live and work in the north.
It doesn't work out to very much and it is a drop in the bucket when you put it against increased living expenses, BUT it does help to make the return a little higher. Those lump sums *really* make a difference when you are trying to pay down debt.
Today I want to get my room tidied up a little so I don't have to spend my three days off cleaning.
The big news at our house... well, okay it's the only news... is that I put $250 on the Visa and we are now one tenth of the way towards our first party.
December is always a good time for me to pick up hours so I should have a few extra dollars next month to put against the debt - so watch for that!
I accomplished my debt goals last year and I want to do the same this year. I find that I can get a lot of momentum when I start this time of year. Sometimes there is an extra cheque in December, Christmas money, extra hours, too cold to go out to the store - whatever! It usually just works out that there is a little extra then it is income tax return time.
Now - about income tax! I have my with-holding set as low as it can go, but last year I got a refund and I'm sure I will this year, too. We are also far enough north that we get half of the Northern Living Allowance. The Northern Living Allowance is a bribe from the provincial government to live and work in the north.
It doesn't work out to very much and it is a drop in the bucket when you put it against increased living expenses, BUT it does help to make the return a little higher. Those lump sums *really* make a difference when you are trying to pay down debt.
Monday, December 21, 2009
The darkest day...
Today is the shortest, darkest day of the year and since it has snowed all day it really has been a dark day. It was like the sun didn't even BOTHER to show up today.
Today sunrise was at 9:20 a.m. and sunset will be 4:28 pm - that is 7 hours, 7 minutes and 50 seconds for those of you who want to know precisely.
We celebrated by going to the bank to deposit Christmas cheques (THANK YOU, Grandma and Grandpa!! :-P) and by waiting in post office line to send an international parcel. Oh, and we also made a debt thermometer!
What is a debt thermometer you may well ask. Sunshine and I broke the debt into four pieces of $2500 each. The debt isn't quite $10,000- but close! We are going to mark off how much is paid each month and at the end of each $2500 we will have a party... that doesn't cost anything... :-)
I thought maybe it could cost something, but Sunshine says "no, that would defeat the purpose."
So it was a good day... A good, dark day. Don't worry- tomorrow will be SIX seconds longer!
Today sunrise was at 9:20 a.m. and sunset will be 4:28 pm - that is 7 hours, 7 minutes and 50 seconds for those of you who want to know precisely.
We celebrated by going to the bank to deposit Christmas cheques (THANK YOU, Grandma and Grandpa!! :-P) and by waiting in post office line to send an international parcel. Oh, and we also made a debt thermometer!
What is a debt thermometer you may well ask. Sunshine and I broke the debt into four pieces of $2500 each. The debt isn't quite $10,000- but close! We are going to mark off how much is paid each month and at the end of each $2500 we will have a party... that doesn't cost anything... :-)
I thought maybe it could cost something, but Sunshine says "no, that would defeat the purpose."
So it was a good day... A good, dark day. Don't worry- tomorrow will be SIX seconds longer!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Sigh
There is supposed to be a wonderful picture right HERE here of Schmidt lighting the candles. Sadly, the camera battery is DEAD. If I were perfect it would only discourage you, right? ;-)
Tomorrow I'll try and be more interesting - no promises, though! Tonight is night six of my rotation (6 on, 1 off, 4 on, 3 off) and I am *ready* for a day off.
Tomorrow I'll try and be more interesting - no promises, though! Tonight is night six of my rotation (6 on, 1 off, 4 on, 3 off) and I am *ready* for a day off.
Friday, December 18, 2009
The stress free Christmas... One week to go...
Everywhere I go in real life and on the Internet there is only one question - are you ready for Christmas. Why, yes! Yes, I am! :-)
So far in the spirit of Christmas we've put fuzzy socks on the Giving Tree at the library. They collect socks, mitts and toiletries for the kids at the women's shelter. If those items are donated then it doesn't take out of the operating budget to provide them for women and children in need.
We've watched the fireplace on TV and listen to Christmas carols in English and French.
We've watched hockey in English... and French.
Schmidt (the authour) started reading about Hanukkah for a story he was writing. He asked if we could like Hanukkah candles and I said - Sure... why not! :-) No more about that now- there are pictures to follow.
Sunshine donated all her candles to the living room and we've lit them each night and keep them burning after the other candles are blown out. Something we discovered when it was colder than -40... Candles put out a fair amount of heat.
Now- how many presents have I made? None.
How many presents have I bought? None. My youngest is nearly 16 and they are all very aware of our financial situation. I told them that we would keep satellite TV for another couple months and everyone was happy with that.
Oh- and I want to say that I've checked with them and none of their spirits were crushed in the making of this stress-free, guilt-free Christmas. 'Don't Know/Don't Care' went over to her friend's house and they did a cookie exchange there. She also decorated the tree with her friend.
The kids know that any money we don't spend goes into savings and I think they are all old enough *and* mature enough to understand that.
Cards? :-) Not sending any!
Mall trips? One this month- I zipped in to check on the grain mill situation.
Travelling to family? We've been invited and declined. There is only enough room for half of us in the truck. We'll just stay home together, instead.
Decorating? None! :-) Just candles everywhere. We might still do something... but we might not.
So far, we are having a great time. This is the best Christmas of my adult life. :-)
So far in the spirit of Christmas we've put fuzzy socks on the Giving Tree at the library. They collect socks, mitts and toiletries for the kids at the women's shelter. If those items are donated then it doesn't take out of the operating budget to provide them for women and children in need.
We've watched the fireplace on TV and listen to Christmas carols in English and French.
We've watched hockey in English... and French.
Schmidt (the authour) started reading about Hanukkah for a story he was writing. He asked if we could like Hanukkah candles and I said - Sure... why not! :-) No more about that now- there are pictures to follow.
Sunshine donated all her candles to the living room and we've lit them each night and keep them burning after the other candles are blown out. Something we discovered when it was colder than -40... Candles put out a fair amount of heat.
Now- how many presents have I made? None.
How many presents have I bought? None. My youngest is nearly 16 and they are all very aware of our financial situation. I told them that we would keep satellite TV for another couple months and everyone was happy with that.
Oh- and I want to say that I've checked with them and none of their spirits were crushed in the making of this stress-free, guilt-free Christmas. 'Don't Know/Don't Care' went over to her friend's house and they did a cookie exchange there. She also decorated the tree with her friend.
The kids know that any money we don't spend goes into savings and I think they are all old enough *and* mature enough to understand that.
Cards? :-) Not sending any!
Mall trips? One this month- I zipped in to check on the grain mill situation.
Travelling to family? We've been invited and declined. There is only enough room for half of us in the truck. We'll just stay home together, instead.
Decorating? None! :-) Just candles everywhere. We might still do something... but we might not.
So far, we are having a great time. This is the best Christmas of my adult life. :-)
Thursday, December 17, 2009
On trimming the budget
A year ago this time we had about twice as much income as we do now. We also had a lot more debt and a lot more savings, but that is not what this post is about.
I flipped open my book to the budget from a year ago. First of all, it is a chicken scratch mess and I can't really tell what I was thinking at the time, but I was mostly concerned with debt repayment and the food budget.
I trimmed the debt repayment. I know that doesn't SEEM right, but the debt repayment has to fit your current income not your income today. We started started off the year with two credit cards, the line of credit and a vehicle loan. I whittled away at the lowest credit card to pay it off and saved up enough to put against the vehicle and pay it off. I did it because I knew I would be able to make those payments now. The remaining credit card and line of credit are from the same place so only one creditor. This saves a minimum of $350/ month.
Food - my food budget started at $1200+ and I *KNEW* it would be hard to cut it drastically so I did it in stages. I cut to $900, then $800, then $700 and we are down to $500 now. I always give myself a couple practice months when I'm cutting back (and save the difference) so even though I was $69 over last month - I don't beat myself up about it. I think I'm close to $100 lower than I've EVER gone.
We eat a LOT of bulk whole grains, very little bread or pasta and whatever vegetables are on sale. This week it is yams... We are going to be eating a lot of yams in the next two weeks... :-)
We also eat mostly free meat from family. This time we had to go get it (hence the increased transportation costs) but it was an upright freezer full for about $30 so it was worth it. We only eat meat a couple times a week, at most. It's not meatless Monday - it is more like meaty Monday. ;-)
Transportation- We used to fill the gas tank every other month or so. Now we are filling every 3 or 4 months. We can't let it get too low in winter, obviously, or it won't start. I was buying a bus pass every month ($54) or pass pack three times a year ($162.) Lately I've been walking or staying home. I have tickets in case it is very cold or icy. I won't endanger myself to save $1.40, but when I can bundle up and walk I do. I've walked to work 94% of the month (so far.)
Entertainment- We never were big on entertainment, but we would usually do something like get pizza once a month or something like that. One time neighbour boy and his brother were over when we ordered. The pizza place called to make sure it was a real order and not kids playing around. No... it was real alright! =8-|
Our entertainment budget is now zero. We can get movies from the library and inter library loan or DD and her friends trade. The kids are buying their own computer games (used) instead of us buying them. Between books, pizza, movies and the occasional game for the kids we save about $100-$150/ month.
School- I used to buy things every month through out the year. This year I bought in September and we haven't gotten anything else.
Clothes- It was never very much ($25- 50,) but it is zero, now, too. We buy something when it is really needed and the item it is replacing is worn out. You can get a lot more wear out of clothes than you think you can! It helps that my kids are all bigger and not growing much. It also helps that the clothes horse is buying her own clothes!
Cell phone- first we put a hammer lock on DD's thumbs then 6 months later we severed the contracts (AND talked them out of the $300 fee to sever!) This is saving us between $50 and $150/ month.
Hobbies. It was $50, but I never spent that much every month. Some months it was $30 or zero or $70... $30-$50 was more the normal average. This is now, sadly, zero. All that buying did provide a fairly healthy stash and I don't really NEED anything. I helped Brown Bear make a card for his girlfriend in Australia. I didn't even KNOW I had stickers that say Happy Birthday. I would have bet money that I didn't, but I do. Why the HECK would I need to go to the store?!
We are in the process of getting rid of the home phone. Everyone in my life HATES it and it will save about $40/ month.
We are also in the process of getting rid of the satellite. That will save $60- $75/ month depending on the package we have at the time.
So that was basically it- I trimmed and trimmed and trimmed. We are also practicing using less. Sometimes stuff only has one more day left in it and you just use it for one more day. Sometimes it has one more day left in it- three times or ten times or twenty times.
Your efforts will be rewarded. :-)
I flipped open my book to the budget from a year ago. First of all, it is a chicken scratch mess and I can't really tell what I was thinking at the time, but I was mostly concerned with debt repayment and the food budget.
I trimmed the debt repayment. I know that doesn't SEEM right, but the debt repayment has to fit your current income not your income today. We started started off the year with two credit cards, the line of credit and a vehicle loan. I whittled away at the lowest credit card to pay it off and saved up enough to put against the vehicle and pay it off. I did it because I knew I would be able to make those payments now. The remaining credit card and line of credit are from the same place so only one creditor. This saves a minimum of $350/ month.
Food - my food budget started at $1200+ and I *KNEW* it would be hard to cut it drastically so I did it in stages. I cut to $900, then $800, then $700 and we are down to $500 now. I always give myself a couple practice months when I'm cutting back (and save the difference) so even though I was $69 over last month - I don't beat myself up about it. I think I'm close to $100 lower than I've EVER gone.
We eat a LOT of bulk whole grains, very little bread or pasta and whatever vegetables are on sale. This week it is yams... We are going to be eating a lot of yams in the next two weeks... :-)
We also eat mostly free meat from family. This time we had to go get it (hence the increased transportation costs) but it was an upright freezer full for about $30 so it was worth it. We only eat meat a couple times a week, at most. It's not meatless Monday - it is more like meaty Monday. ;-)
Transportation- We used to fill the gas tank every other month or so. Now we are filling every 3 or 4 months. We can't let it get too low in winter, obviously, or it won't start. I was buying a bus pass every month ($54) or pass pack three times a year ($162.) Lately I've been walking or staying home. I have tickets in case it is very cold or icy. I won't endanger myself to save $1.40, but when I can bundle up and walk I do. I've walked to work 94% of the month (so far.)
Entertainment- We never were big on entertainment, but we would usually do something like get pizza once a month or something like that. One time neighbour boy and his brother were over when we ordered. The pizza place called to make sure it was a real order and not kids playing around. No... it was real alright! =8-|
Our entertainment budget is now zero. We can get movies from the library and inter library loan or DD and her friends trade. The kids are buying their own computer games (used) instead of us buying them. Between books, pizza, movies and the occasional game for the kids we save about $100-$150/ month.
School- I used to buy things every month through out the year. This year I bought in September and we haven't gotten anything else.
Clothes- It was never very much ($25- 50,) but it is zero, now, too. We buy something when it is really needed and the item it is replacing is worn out. You can get a lot more wear out of clothes than you think you can! It helps that my kids are all bigger and not growing much. It also helps that the clothes horse is buying her own clothes!
Cell phone- first we put a hammer lock on DD's thumbs then 6 months later we severed the contracts (AND talked them out of the $300 fee to sever!) This is saving us between $50 and $150/ month.
Hobbies. It was $50, but I never spent that much every month. Some months it was $30 or zero or $70... $30-$50 was more the normal average. This is now, sadly, zero. All that buying did provide a fairly healthy stash and I don't really NEED anything. I helped Brown Bear make a card for his girlfriend in Australia. I didn't even KNOW I had stickers that say Happy Birthday. I would have bet money that I didn't, but I do. Why the HECK would I need to go to the store?!
We are in the process of getting rid of the home phone. Everyone in my life HATES it and it will save about $40/ month.
We are also in the process of getting rid of the satellite. That will save $60- $75/ month depending on the package we have at the time.
So that was basically it- I trimmed and trimmed and trimmed. We are also practicing using less. Sometimes stuff only has one more day left in it and you just use it for one more day. Sometimes it has one more day left in it- three times or ten times or twenty times.
Your efforts will be rewarded. :-)
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The new grain mill is here!
Very exciting stuff! I can convert anything to flour and it is SO exciting! I did some brown rice yesterday and it is exactly the same as what I buy in the store only it SMELLS like rice.
Okay - true confession time! I spent $569 on food this month. I did put $1300 into savings, though! I know people are going to email me at home and ask where I got it so here is the breakdown.
Extra EI cheque- $886
Rent from DD#1- $300
Skimmed wherever I could- $114
Extra expenses this month- Vet bill - $100
Transportation- half a tank of gas + 20 bus tickets put me $6 over
Food- $69...
medication- $89. I bought an extra 3 weeks for ds to keep us out of Costco and dh is weaning from one med and starting a more expensive one so there is extra costs this month.
Grain mill -$40 was the difference between Christmas money from my mom and the cost.
Grand total - $294
Now, I know people are going to say- but Kim, *I* didn't get an extra cheque this month so it is really unfair that you would say that if you can save I can save. That may be true, but I think everyone gets an equal amount of chances in life. We could have taken that money had a traditional family Christmas with it. You know - the kind with a Wii... :-) My family *Really* wants a Wii. And just as soon as dh gets a job we'll get one, but not before.
So that brings me back to my point that ALMOST every family can save. I really want want to encourage people to get in the habit of putting SOMETHING away each month. Even if it is $5 every pay cheque it is still more than zero and if you are in the habit of doing it you will save more when you have more- trust me!
Okay - true confession time! I spent $569 on food this month. I did put $1300 into savings, though! I know people are going to email me at home and ask where I got it so here is the breakdown.
Extra EI cheque- $886
Rent from DD#1- $300
Skimmed wherever I could- $114
Extra expenses this month- Vet bill - $100
Transportation- half a tank of gas + 20 bus tickets put me $6 over
Food- $69...
medication- $89. I bought an extra 3 weeks for ds to keep us out of Costco and dh is weaning from one med and starting a more expensive one so there is extra costs this month.
Grain mill -$40 was the difference between Christmas money from my mom and the cost.
Grand total - $294
Now, I know people are going to say- but Kim, *I* didn't get an extra cheque this month so it is really unfair that you would say that if you can save I can save. That may be true, but I think everyone gets an equal amount of chances in life. We could have taken that money had a traditional family Christmas with it. You know - the kind with a Wii... :-) My family *Really* wants a Wii. And just as soon as dh gets a job we'll get one, but not before.
So that brings me back to my point that ALMOST every family can save. I really want want to encourage people to get in the habit of putting SOMETHING away each month. Even if it is $5 every pay cheque it is still more than zero and if you are in the habit of doing it you will save more when you have more- trust me!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
-42 C this morning, Blog Fans
The weather channel doesn't tell me how cold the wind chill is - only that there is an extreme wind chill warning. So that is nice! :-/
Luckily I put the vegetables in the crock pot last night to make stock for soup at lunch. :-) I wanted to get up early and get bread going for lunch, too, but I haven't been out from under a blanket so I don't think it is going to happen. A hearty soup should be enough.
Now- my grocery shopping quandry! I told you all that I was going to spend $500 this month on groceries and I'm on track with that- BUT if I spend $220 this week I get 8000 points. I haven't entirely reconciled to giving up the points. I think I'll just go and get what I need for the rest of the month and not worry about it, though.
I bought one of those step exercise things at the thrift store the other day ($10.00) and the kids and I have all tried it. It is much harder than you would think it would be! Even with out the treadmill we are still losing weight. I am 139.6 lbs (down from 163 lbs) this week and Luc is 294 lbs (down from 310 lbs) He fed himself for a couple weeks and his weightloss slowed down a bit, but that is all over now and he is back to losing 3 lbs/ week. He's only been losing for a couple months, though, so he is doing pretty well.
Last night on the food channel they were talking about roasts for Christmas day. I swivelled my attention that way because we are having roast for Christmas day! Then he said pork and beef. PORK and BEEF? Yuck! What about Venison and bison? We are going to have a lovely and tasty bison roast. Bison is a free range, organic, local meat. Why would I eat anything else?
Oh, and that brings me to veganism. Luc and I are eating mostly vegan meals, but sometimes we have an egg or a little cheese on something. We just keep animal products under 5% of the calories for the day. We aren't starving and we don't miss it. In fact most of the time we don't WANT it. We are getting protein from seeds, nuts and quinoa. So that brings me back to Christmas roast. We are having roast beast for Christmas, but I will have a tiny slice (or maybe none depending how I feel on the day) and Luc will have a small slice. The kids aren't limited, but are encouraged to make healthy choices with regards to portions.
Luckily I put the vegetables in the crock pot last night to make stock for soup at lunch. :-) I wanted to get up early and get bread going for lunch, too, but I haven't been out from under a blanket so I don't think it is going to happen. A hearty soup should be enough.
Now- my grocery shopping quandry! I told you all that I was going to spend $500 this month on groceries and I'm on track with that- BUT if I spend $220 this week I get 8000 points. I haven't entirely reconciled to giving up the points. I think I'll just go and get what I need for the rest of the month and not worry about it, though.
I bought one of those step exercise things at the thrift store the other day ($10.00) and the kids and I have all tried it. It is much harder than you would think it would be! Even with out the treadmill we are still losing weight. I am 139.6 lbs (down from 163 lbs) this week and Luc is 294 lbs (down from 310 lbs) He fed himself for a couple weeks and his weightloss slowed down a bit, but that is all over now and he is back to losing 3 lbs/ week. He's only been losing for a couple months, though, so he is doing pretty well.
Last night on the food channel they were talking about roasts for Christmas day. I swivelled my attention that way because we are having roast for Christmas day! Then he said pork and beef. PORK and BEEF? Yuck! What about Venison and bison? We are going to have a lovely and tasty bison roast. Bison is a free range, organic, local meat. Why would I eat anything else?
Oh, and that brings me to veganism. Luc and I are eating mostly vegan meals, but sometimes we have an egg or a little cheese on something. We just keep animal products under 5% of the calories for the day. We aren't starving and we don't miss it. In fact most of the time we don't WANT it. We are getting protein from seeds, nuts and quinoa. So that brings me back to Christmas roast. We are having roast beast for Christmas, but I will have a tiny slice (or maybe none depending how I feel on the day) and Luc will have a small slice. The kids aren't limited, but are encouraged to make healthy choices with regards to portions.
Friday, December 11, 2009
The treadmill
The repair guy came out yesterday and replaced all the buttons. Sadly it wasn't the buttons, but the ground wire that need replacing so they are going to order all new electronics. It will take ten business days. Yes, that IS Christmas eve and no, I don't think they are going to run right over with it so we can get in exercise on Christmas weekend. :-/
No treadmill until the new year, I'm sure.
No treadmill until the new year, I'm sure.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Money for savings
I want to put more than a thousand dollars into savings this month and I will share as I go.
Everyone can save something and I hope that my ramblings inspire you to save a little, too.
:-)
Everyone can save something and I hope that my ramblings inspire you to save a little, too.
:-)
Monday, December 7, 2009
Busy day
Today we are cleaning up the entry and the coat closet. Honestly- how did it get to be December and this hasn't been done? =8-o
After that we are going to the grocery store for dh's medication then Costco for Brown Bear's medication... and laundry soap. I hope I won't be standing in line for hours because I need to come home and do hours of laundry instead.
I tried to convince the kids to plan a Christmas vacation, but they weren't having it. They told me in September that they weren't having a vacation at Christmas so I should have known... okay... Fair enough. They do need to keep working if they want to meet their goals.
Now... aren't you glad you came today and read this post? Aren't you glad that I'm not one of those perfect people with everything done and reading my posts just makes you feel badly about the state of your own life.
:-) Now go make yourself a hot drink (if you have a clean cup...) and think of one thing that you could do today that would make a difference.
After that we are going to the grocery store for dh's medication then Costco for Brown Bear's medication... and laundry soap. I hope I won't be standing in line for hours because I need to come home and do hours of laundry instead.
I tried to convince the kids to plan a Christmas vacation, but they weren't having it. They told me in September that they weren't having a vacation at Christmas so I should have known... okay... Fair enough. They do need to keep working if they want to meet their goals.
Now... aren't you glad you came today and read this post? Aren't you glad that I'm not one of those perfect people with everything done and reading my posts just makes you feel badly about the state of your own life.
:-) Now go make yourself a hot drink (if you have a clean cup...) and think of one thing that you could do today that would make a difference.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Trying something new at the grocery store.
This month we bought everything that we could on 15% off day. We bought any fruits and vegetables that would keep two weeks or more and anything we could freeze like soy milk. We got enough eggs for two weeks and cheese for the month. I used to only shop once a month and I saved a lot of money doing that so I'm going to try and go back to that.
A person might think why not just buy soymilk weekly. Good question! While we are in the store for soymilk and perishables the cart usually gets filled with other not so necessary things- especially this time of year. Soy milk is $4/ 2 litres, but I had a coupons for 60 cents off and it was 15% off day so that brings it down to $2.89. I was pretty happy with that because I was going to buy my usual 1 litre rice milk 2/$5.00 Just the savings of the 15% off is significant, but I was very happy to get the deal with it.
I'll shop once more for more fruit and vegetables, but I should be set for everything else. I usually spend $250-300 on 15% off day and shop 2 or 3 more times in the month. This is very time consuming and can be more expensive. We didn't really try to keep it low, but we did fill two carts rather quickly with fruit and vegetables so that makes you think twice about what you put into a second cart.
My goal for the month is $500, but I have more and I'm very willing to go over that amount if I need to. I figure it is all a lesson and will help me keep on track in a couple months when I really will need to spend less.
I will let you all know how it goes! :-)
A person might think why not just buy soymilk weekly. Good question! While we are in the store for soymilk and perishables the cart usually gets filled with other not so necessary things- especially this time of year. Soy milk is $4/ 2 litres, but I had a coupons for 60 cents off and it was 15% off day so that brings it down to $2.89. I was pretty happy with that because I was going to buy my usual 1 litre rice milk 2/$5.00 Just the savings of the 15% off is significant, but I was very happy to get the deal with it.
I'll shop once more for more fruit and vegetables, but I should be set for everything else. I usually spend $250-300 on 15% off day and shop 2 or 3 more times in the month. This is very time consuming and can be more expensive. We didn't really try to keep it low, but we did fill two carts rather quickly with fruit and vegetables so that makes you think twice about what you put into a second cart.
My goal for the month is $500, but I have more and I'm very willing to go over that amount if I need to. I figure it is all a lesson and will help me keep on track in a couple months when I really will need to spend less.
I will let you all know how it goes! :-)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Noel Nog
Noel Nog is a gluten free, dairy free, egg free seasonal soy product. It is pretty tasty and good for calories, too.
Egg nog and fruit cake are my favourite things about Christmas and I did have a moment of sadness when I realized that there is no such thing as gluten free fruit cake. :-( I fondled the bin of glace cherries when I was in the bulk aisle of the grocery store yesterday. Mmmmm.... sickly sweet fruit...
I've come to my senses, though. I'll drink my soy nog and eat an apple and just be glad for the good instead of the sticky fruit. I cheated with some wedge potatoes last week. What was I thinking?? It wasn't worth the side effects at all.
Egg nog and fruit cake are my favourite things about Christmas and I did have a moment of sadness when I realized that there is no such thing as gluten free fruit cake. :-( I fondled the bin of glace cherries when I was in the bulk aisle of the grocery store yesterday. Mmmmm.... sickly sweet fruit...
I've come to my senses, though. I'll drink my soy nog and eat an apple and just be glad for the good instead of the sticky fruit. I cheated with some wedge potatoes last week. What was I thinking?? It wasn't worth the side effects at all.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
In search of a grain mill...
I've always been deeply interested in making my own flour. I am not going broke buying gluten free flours... but... I'm not getting rich either.
I'm nearly out of egg replacer and it is $8.00 a box. $8.00! It is soy flour and a couple different kinds of starch. I bought soy flour instead, but it was $3.00 for a small bag. It's soy beans that have been turned to powder. That's it.
And this brings me to my search for a grain mill. I went all over the city and talked to some very interesting people. On a tip from the restaurant supply store I did find what I was looking for - a small grinder that will grind anything and it only costs THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS. The nice lady in the store is checking for some that don't plug in. I have four teenagers- surely to goodness one of them can grind the grains and do the hard work of making flour!
I got a large electric coffee grinder ($40) and it works really well on buckwheat and quite good on brown rice. It wasn't heavy duty enough for popcorn, but come on! Popcorn is hard!
It only convinced me that I really, really, really want a grain mill because the bread that I made with it was very beautiful and filling whole grains.
The whole grain mill experience was a bit of a snipe hunt, but I'm not giving up! I'm going to get it and I'm not paying $300 for it, either!
I'm nearly out of egg replacer and it is $8.00 a box. $8.00! It is soy flour and a couple different kinds of starch. I bought soy flour instead, but it was $3.00 for a small bag. It's soy beans that have been turned to powder. That's it.
And this brings me to my search for a grain mill. I went all over the city and talked to some very interesting people. On a tip from the restaurant supply store I did find what I was looking for - a small grinder that will grind anything and it only costs THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS. The nice lady in the store is checking for some that don't plug in. I have four teenagers- surely to goodness one of them can grind the grains and do the hard work of making flour!
I got a large electric coffee grinder ($40) and it works really well on buckwheat and quite good on brown rice. It wasn't heavy duty enough for popcorn, but come on! Popcorn is hard!
It only convinced me that I really, really, really want a grain mill because the bread that I made with it was very beautiful and filling whole grains.
The whole grain mill experience was a bit of a snipe hunt, but I'm not giving up! I'm going to get it and I'm not paying $300 for it, either!
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