Thrifty Fun

I recently returned from a visit to South Florida to see my family and co-host a baby shower for one of my oldest friends. (And by oldest, I mean longest-lasting - we've been best friends for almost 15 years.) As I was getting ready to leave for my trip, my husband quipped "Maybe you can pick up some good Housewifery tips from your sister". My sister is easily the queen of Housewives - not in a Real Housewives kind of way, but in a disgustingly creative and homemakery kind of way. She decorates, she sews, she paints, she crafts, she home-schools, she breast feeds to at least one year, she makes bread by hand, she even makes her own yogurt and crackers for goodness sake! And despite the annoyingly sarcastic way I think and say all these qualities my sister possesses, I can't help but be impressed and a little bit jealous. After all, she is my big sister - if there's one person I can love and hate (just a little bit, of course) at the same time, it'd be her. So despite myself, I managed to be inspired by her during my visit. I know I don't stand a chance in matching her creatively, but I know I could at least try to best her in the kitchen. (Even if she doesn't know I'm competing with her...) Love you Meg!




We've been trying to cut our expenses and a great way to do that is to cook from scratch. And when you're cooking from scratch it's so easy to make sure you are using the most fresh and healthy ingredients you can get your hands on. After Matt and I got married I went on a fresh produce only kick because Matt doesn't prefer frozen veggies. This was great for a while until I found out that many of the vegetables you can buy from your produce department are already over a week old by the time you get them into your basket. And if you're like me and keep a head of broccoli in your crisper for a week before using it, your vegetables have lost many of the good vitamins and minerals they had when they were fresh picked. I certainly still buy fresh produce, but I always make sure to use it within two days. When I make casseroles I always use frozen veggies. Hopefully before too long I will have a garden sufficient enough to serve our family's needs!

I've also found that shopping in bulk stores are a good way to save money. However, you must always check and compare the price per pound for many of the items you buy. Don't always assume that things bought it bulk will be cheaper. One thing I have learned that is always cheaper, whether bought in bulk or in smaller scale is block cheese (usually...unless shredded cheese is BOGO). It's almost always cheaper to buy block cheese and take it home to shred and divide up on your own. You have to dedicate some time to doing this, but it's worth the saved money. You can also do this with bulk ground beef and just divide it up when you get home.

Whole chickens are also always cheaper by the pound than cut up chicken.  It makes sense - the more work someone else has to do to prepare your food, the more money it will cost to buy it. If you have the time, it is totally worth buying and cooking your own whole chicken. I have one in the slow cooker right now and will be sure to post my recipe soon.

My goal is to start meal planning a week at a time in order to shop more efficiently and spend less on compulsive buys. Hopefully I can get into a rhythm and stick with it. I'm certain once I really realize how much money I'll be saving I won't want to take it easy and spend more money on already prepared foods. For example, canned beans are generally one of the cheapest things you can buy at the grocery store, but buying dried beans in the bag is always cheaper. Soaking and cooking them yourself will ensure that you know exactly what is going into your food, and will also limit your sodium intake.

There are so many different ways to save money and cut corners, but these are just some tips I've come up with today. If I discover anything else earth shattering I will be sure to share!