Frugal Friday ~ 3-20-2020
Here it is Friday and I hope that all of you are doing well considering what is going on in the world right now.
We've stayed home all week other than venturing out to the mailbox one day. I can monitor what mail is coming via my email, so we don't always feel the need to go especially when it's junk mail.
We've not been able to fill our grocery pick up order due to them being out of stock, so we've been living out of our pantry. We have been able to purchase a few things online (sugar, tea, tuna) and have those items delivered.
In the kitchen this week I took one of the hams I had stored in the freezer and made pinwheels, ham salad, and served some for breakfast. Afterwards I slow cooked the ham bone and made broth out of it. I stored that in the freezer. I also froze a gallon of milk that was about to expire into smaller servings.
We've also eaten more meatless meals than usual this week, which has helped to save money.
We're hoping that eating more plant based will help us get more nutrients into our bodies, which hopefully will help keep this virus at bay. Because of that we ordered our first box from Misfits Market.
It was so nice to get fresh produce delivered since we've been unable to get a grocery pickup.
We have really enjoyed our first box. The day it arrived I fixed the green beans and potatoes for dinner and made a salad out of the greens, radishes, cucumber, and tomatoes.
It was all so good and fresh and I love the fact that it is all organic. I've already ordered another box for next week.
If you're interested in trying it out, here is a code to use for 50% off your first box:
COOKWME-YR5TKG
How are you doing dealing with all that is going on right now? I hope you are doing well physically, spiritually, mentally, and financially.
Belinda
~ Living within our Means ~
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Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay and it helps me to earn a living here at Frugal Workshop.
I haven't been really blogging, because I've been working so many hours, I'm just too tried to get up early and stay up late. I'm torn between wanting to be really frugal since my son is very much impacted work wise by the virus and the potential need to help him in the coming months, and wanting to order take out to support local businesses.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Sam. I'm so proud of our local businesses who have stepped up to the plate during this time. I will support them as much as I can.
ReplyDeleteCode only worked for $5. something off small box and $8. something off large box for me. : }
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry it didn't work correctly, Angela. They told me it was for 50% off.
DeleteI have all of the emotions lately, but we are making it happen. we are trying to support local businesses where possible, and also practicing as much frugality as possible. We will likely help my mentally disabled aunt, who was laid off from her job as a dishwasher. She's 60+ & in an already challenging economy, so we'd like to increase the support we're giving her. We also stepped up our charitable donations, but it definitely feels like it's not enough.
ReplyDeleteLet's see, frugal things:
1) no driving/gas for one of our cars
2) Still able to charge our electric car for free
3) Being very thoughtful on grocery purchases & what we can do without, both to avoid shopping & because the stores are out of so many things
4) Organized the pantry, so I could see what we had available for meals in a pinch
5) Prepped batch meals this week, to make it easier for us to get dinners on the table. Essential after a long work week
That is so terrific of you all to help your aunt out in a time like this. An excellent list of frugal things you're doing to make it thru this difficult time.
DeleteI am anticipating feeling better. So, that is good for me. I go out carefully and briefly. I am okay and intend to keep Tommy okay.
ReplyDeleteSending good thoughts and prayers your way.
DeleteBelinda,
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always so uplifting with your "can do" and optimistic attitude!
Blessings on you all during this time. I'm so glad God has us in His hand!
Pam,
Knoxville
Thank you, Pam. I'm glad HE has us in his hand too.
Delete“Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in his hands.” Elizabeth Elliott
I just discovered that milk can be frozen up to three months, I was oblivious to that :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have your meal planning in hand, I've been trying to eat whatever fresh goodness we have first, and will eat what's in the freezer next. Trying to cut down on the portion sizes also, just in case that's something we are forced to deal with, but hopefully not.
It's a scary time, but we'll do our best !
Stay well,
~Jo
Thank you, Jo. You stay well too. I've been cutting down on portions too for that reason. Not eating meat every day helps with that too.
DeleteI'm trying to figure out a schedule of sorts for being home all the time. I have done all the shopping and errand type things I need to do for a while. All the schools, both public and private in Mississippi are closed until April 17 at the earliest. I teach and we all have been working all week getting set up to do completely online instruction. It has been a great deal of work for schools to figure out what this will look like for their particular situations. I know parents to some extent are upset and maybe unhappy but it is what it is. Belinda, I feel so for you as I know you are severely impacted financially with school closures. I pray that you and your family will stay well and that God will provide for you.
ReplyDeleteTank you so much, Frances. That means a lot to me. I'll be praying for you and your family too. I can already see how He is taking care of us and it gives my heart joy. You take care.
DeleteI've been thinking about doing the misfits boxes. When we lived in Iowa we took part in bountiful baskets but there isn't a group South Carolina so we had to stop ordering through them.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't going to do it, but with the need to stay away from the grocery store, this was a good time to try it out.
DeleteI imagine those beans and potatoes were delicious!
ReplyDeleteThey were so good and fresh!
DeleteIt is indeed a strange time. I have been lucky all my life and never been through anything like this. People in my Mom's generation were born in the depression and them moved right into war time. They understand sacrifice for the common good better than we do today.
ReplyDeleteThey surely did/do, Anne. My grandfather told me that they used to eat cornbread made with water during the Great Depression because that is all they had. I was thinking about that yesterday thinking that we may end up doing that too.
DeleteI just placed and order from Misfits Market, and used your code. I got a $5.50 discount to cover the shipping fee. Thank you Belinda. 😊
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nil. That helps me out by giving me a discount on a box later. I appreciate that very much. :)
DeleteOur years of learning to stock up are paying off, at least early during the pandemic. Still, DH was at pharmacy this morning for a needed prescription. He described it as a madhouse.
ReplyDeleteA week ago today I said, "We are here (home) to stay." Ha!!! The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray. Monday morning, we have an appointment to remove 7 staples from a skull. Surprise!
It is a time to be thankful and hopeful. Misfits encourages you, Belinda. Yay! May all your needs be supplied.
-memphis metro
Thank you, Anna. I hope and pray the same for you and Richard. :)
DeleteWe are doing good here in NY. My son is still working since he is a mechanic so deemed essential. Hubby is working from home. I have been doing lots in the yard and garden. Going on lots of walks with the dog. YD has been playing games with me and doing lots of art projects. This week was her spring break from college. They extended it another week so she still doesn't have online classes yet. I ventured to the store the other day for milk, fruits, veggies and some treats. It wasn't that bad. There were empty shelves but nothing I needed. Prices have gone up I noticed. Stay healthy.
ReplyDeleteOh it's good to hear from you, Marybeth. New York city has been hit hard by this Coronavirus Pandemic. Sounds like your are keeping busy, which is one of the best things we can do right now. We need to try and keep cabin fever at bay as best we can. Be well my friend. :)
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