Menu Plan Monday ~ Saving Money in my Frugal Kitchen ~ Week #4 March 2025

 My Frugal Week

We've done no grocery shopping this week instead we’re using what we have on hand here to make meals. I took a big package of bone in chicken breast, bought on markdown, and cooked it in my slow cooker on Wednesday. It has been the basis of our meals the rest of the week. 

Sometimes when we are out of a certain item, I will either substitute that item or just do without. For example, I didn’t have any cheddar cheese for tacos this week, but I did have mozzarella, so I used that instead of going to the grocery store for cheddar cheese, which saves us money. 

I made an0ther spice container, for thyme this time, using a pint size canning jar and a parmesan cheese lid. I made a fancy label for it with masking tape and a Sharpie. LOL

 

What’s for Dinner

Monday ~ Orange Chicken, Cauliflower Rice, Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Red Peppers. 

Movie Night Tuesday ~ Bailey had the last of the Orange Chicken & Cauliflower Rice with Roasted Carrots on the side. I had a Baked Potato with Cottage Cheese Ranch, and Black Olives with Roasted Carrots on the side.

Wednesday ~ Chicken Enchilada Bake, Cabbage & Onions, Corn. 

Thursday & Friday ~ Crockpot Chicken, Cabbage & Onions, Green Beans & Onions. I bought these huge packages of bone in chicken breast marked down at Kroger and they are so big, almost as big as  small turkey breast. The bone in chicken always has such good flavor. 

Saturday ~ Chicken Tacos, Red Onion, Corn or Flour Tortillas, Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Black Olives. Corn as a side dish. 

Sunday ~ Vegetable Soup made for this week’s lunches along with Chicken Sausage, and Potato & Onion Bake. 

What’s been on the menu in your home this past week?

Belinda

Homemaker at Heart

Mortgage & Debt Free~ Living within our Means ~My Linktree
~ She looketh well to the ways of her household ~Proverbs 31:27

Frugal Friday ~ Fourth Frugal Friday of March 2025

Welcome to Frugal Friday! 
Quote of the Week

Do not save what is left after spending, spend what is left after saving. 

~ Warren Buffett

My Frugal Week

On the day of my surgery we unplugged multiple items in our home and we ended up only using 8 kWh in electricity! That is proof to me that unplugging items really works!
If you’re interested, here is a X-ray of my new left knee:

This surgery had me in more pain than the last one, and due to the lymphedema in this leg, the swelling was worse, which made it hard to bear weight on that leg. However, I've had three physical therapy sessions this week, and I can feel myself getting stronger every day. 
The weather has been beautiful here this week. Sunny spring days with flowers and trees in bloom. I've been walking some in our driveway to get some steps in, and I'm hoping, one day, to become one of those people (like Bailey) who gets 10,000 steps in everyday.
Freebies

Bailey won a Hulken bag! Apparently they have giveaways on their Instagram page from time to time, which is how she won. She was so excited and used it on my recent hospital stay. It’s a great bag and glides over thresholds and even elevators effortlessly. She received several compliments on it while we were there. 
I received a $15 Walmart card from my Insurance company for getting a test done. I used it to buy me a strap like they use in Physical Therapy to stretch my leg. I've been watching The Fall Doc on TikTok and he speaks a lot about how people in their 50s and 60s need to build strength in their legs in order to handle getting older and trying to prevent falls in our aging years. 
What I've been Reading This Week
Words to Eat By, written by Karen Koenig. This book teaches you how to use word power rather than try to rely on willpower to overcome your struggles with eating. Someone asked me recently what I was doing to lose weight and I mentioned to them that I had done a lot of reading on the topic. If you struggle with this issue, I would definitely recommend this book. 
Outsmarting Overeating ~ another book written by Karen Koenig. This book really spoke to me about not having the life skills to handle everyday living but turning to food instead and how to go about changing that. 
Mrs. White who writes over at over at The Legacy of Home has written wise blog post entitled, Extreme Thrift.  It’s a well written post that I hope you find time to read this week. 

Thank you for dropping by my frugal blog, you are always welcome here. 
We would love to hear all about your week in the comment section.

BelindaHomemaker at HeartMortgage & Debt Free~ Living within our Means ~My Linktree
~ She looketh well to the ways of her household ~Proverbs 31:27

Menu Plan Monday ~ Saving Money in my Frugal Kitchen ~ Week #3 March 2025

 

Thank you all for the well wishes you sent to me this week. You are such blessings to me. 💕 

My Frugal Week

Those $2 rotisserie chickens I bought recently really came in handy after my surgery. I took the breast meat off and warmed it up in a skillet with onions and seasonings and we ate it on salads for a couple of days after I came home. I was very grateful to have them in the freezer. 

We didn’t practice a lot of frugality while I was in the hospital as Bailey did bring protein bars, but did get a salad at Subway one night. I did have a little bit of food waste at home this week, but it is what it is with me being out of commission part of the week. 

How are you doing? How are you doing navigating grocery store prices these days? Mrs. White over at The Legacy of Home wrote a good article about this topic called, Getting By with Little Money. It’s a look into the past in 1940 when times were also hard financially and people had to make do because of hard financial times.

Here are some ideas that might help:

Saving money in the kitchen is all about smart shopping, reducing waste, and maximizing efficiency. 

1. Plan Your Meals – Create a weekly meal plan to avoid impulse buys.

2. Make a Shopping List – Stick to it to prevent unnecessary spending unless you find amazing markdowns. 

3. Buy in Bulk – Purchase staples like rice, beans, and pasta in bulk to save per unit cost.

4. Use Coupons & Discounts – Check for deals, use cashback apps, and shop during sales.

5. Buy Seasonal & Local Produce – It’s fresher, cheaper, and tastes better.

6. Limit Processed Foods – They cost more and are often less healthy.

Reducing Food Waste

7. Use Leftovers Creatively – Turn extra veggies into soups, stir-fries, or omelets.

8. Freeze Excess Food – Preserve fruits, meats, and leftovers before they go bad.

9. Store Food Properly – Keep produce fresh longer with proper storage techniques.

10. First In, First Out (FIFO) – Use older ingredients before opening new ones.

11. Make Your Own Broth – Use veggie scraps and bones to make homemade stock.

Cooking Efficiently

12. Cook in Batches – Prepare meals in bulk to save time and energy.

13. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances – Pressure cookers, air fryers, and slow cookers use less power.

14. Cover Pots While Cooking – This reduces cooking time and saves energy.

15. Use Residual Heat – Turn off the oven a few minutes early; food will keep cooking.

DIY & Substitutions

16. Make Your Own Coffee & Drinks – Skip the expensive coffee shop habit. I love to make my own protein drinks with either a protein shake or protein powder and almond milk, ice, and a squirt of calorie free skinny syrup. Bailey does the same thing with protein and coffee. 

17. DIY Cleaning Products – Vinegar and baking soda work wonders. We are out of Lysol for the moment, so I mixed up some Dawn and water in our spray bottles until I can get this replaced. 

18. Grow Your Own Herbs – Basil, mint, and cilantro are easy to grow at home.

19. Use Less Meat – Swap in beans, lentils, or tofu for budget-friendly protein.

20. Bake Your Own Bread & Snacks – Homemade versions are often cheaper and healthier.

How about you? Any tips to share with us? In the meantime, here is what we had for dinner this last week. 

 

What’s for Dinner

Monday ~ Chicken Tacos, Corn or Flour Tortillas, Cheddar Cheese, Tomatoes, Black Olives, Red Onions, and Corn on the side. 

Movie Night Tuesday ~ We used Sunday’s chicken to make chicken quesadillas and then I put what is left into the freezer for another day. 

Wednesday ~ Ginger Chicken Stir-fry, Salad, Roasted Carrot Hummus, Red Bell Peppers & Celery Sticks. 

Thursday ~ Hospital dinner of Turkey and Dressing with gravy and green beans. 

Friday & Saturday & Sunday ~ We had plenty of salad fixings in the house, so we’ve been eating those to make it easier to clean up while I’m recuperating. 

What’s been on the menu in your home this past week?

Belinda

Homemaker at Heart

Mortgage & Debt Free~ Living within our Means ~My Linktree
~ She looketh well to the ways of her household ~Proverbs 31:27

No Frugal Friday Today

 

Happy Friday everyone! I came here to say there will be no Frugal Friday post today as I just had my second knee surgery yesterday. The surgery went well and we just got home from the hospital and I’m going to rest today, but I’ll be back soon. 💕

Thank you for dropping by my frugal blog, you are always welcome here. 
We would love to hear all about your week in the comment section.

BelindaHomemaker at HeartMortgage & Debt Free~ Living within our Means ~My Linktree
~ She looketh well to the ways of her household ~Proverbs 31:27

Second Frugal Friday of March 2025

Welcome to Frugal Friday! 
My Frugal Week
The final tally is in from the consignment sale and we made a total of $749 just from items we decluttered. Bailey is going to use part of the funds to pay her tax preparer. We went back on Monday to pick up several big items that didn’t sell. 
I also went to the eye doctor on Monday for my yearly checkup and got a good report. He said my eyes looked good and to keep up with the injections from the retina specialist. 
Afterwards I went next door to America’s Thrift Store. Their prices are higher than I like to pay, so I didn’t buy much, just two shirts for me. They want $2.99 for one canning jar when I can get them at The Samaritan Center for $1.00. 
On Saturday I took my handheld chainsaw and trimmed one of the holly bushes near the bottom of the stairs. I was even able to move the picnic table a little. I raked up and then used the leaf blower to move some leaves and the area looks much better. I've been reading many of you have also been wanting to get out in your yards too. 

This big bottle of Dawn is heavy for me to lift with my bad shoulder. So, I took a plastic water bottle and pour just a  little bit in the bottom and added water. I then poked some holds in the lid of the water bottle and it is much easier to lift and by diluting with water, it saves money too. 
Freebies

I've got a new CapTel Captioned Telephone that is closed captioned for the hearing impaired. I always have my cell phone on speaker phone, so I can hear. I often had trouble hearing students at school when I subbed due to the background noise, so this is perfect for me! The screen types out what the person is saying so you can hear their voice and read what they are saying. This is provided free of cost to anyone with hearing loss. 
On a side note, I went to a senior expo last week and learned that the same high blood sugars that can damage your eyes (like mine), can also damage your hearing. I didn't know that before, but it does explain things. 
Saving Money on Entertainment
I’ve been watching Mama’s Family for free on Pluto this week. Sometimes I like to just zone out with a TV show even when I know what is going to happen and this fit the bill this week.
What I've been Reading This Week
As far as books go, I am currently reading Dr. Dean Ornish's book called, Eat More, Weigh Less. This book first came out in 1994 and I read it back then, but I like his take on things and so I decided to reread this one.
Other items I've read this week include:
How to Make Your Own $2.00 Charcoal Grill
20 Recipes You Can Make with a can of Beans

Thank you for dropping by my frugal blog, you are always welcome here. 
We would love to hear all about your week in the comment section.

BelindaHomemaker at HeartMortgage & Debt Free~ Living within our Means ~My Linktree
~ She looketh well to the ways of her household ~Proverbs 31:27

Menu Plan Monday ~ Saving Money in my Frugal Kitchen ~ Week # 2 March 2025

 

My Frugal Week

This was another week of eating at home to save money. No eating out, take out, or fast food. I wash my dishes several times each day,  so my kitchen stays neat and tidy, so that I want to go in there and cook. 

 

What’s for Dinner

Monday ~ Chicken Tacos, Tortillas, Red Onion, Cheddar Cheese, Tomatoes, and Lettuce. 

Movie Night Tuesday ~ Homemade Pizza 

Wednesday & Thursday ~ Lentil Loaf, Mashed Pot, Green Peas. 

Fish on Friday ~ Salmon Patties, Green Beans with Onions, and Baked Sweet Potatoes. 

Saturday ~ Bailey attended an event in Marietta, Georgia, so I was on my own for dinner, which was a plant based meal to save money on meat. Baked potato with broccoli and black olives and a salad. 😋 

Sunday ~ Chicken made in the slow cooker, using one can of enchilada sauce. Roasted Vegetables (Potatoes, Celery, Carrots, Onions), and Steamed Broccoli. The chicken was so good with the enchilada sauce. I’m going to make it that way more often. 

We served two meatless meals this week to save money on meat.

What’s been on the menu in your home this past week?

Belinda

Homemaker at Heart

Mortgage & Debt Free~ Living within our Means ~My Linktree
~ She looketh well to the ways of her household ~Proverbs 31:27

Frugal Friday ~ First Friday March 2025

Welcome to Frugal Friday! 
Quote of the Week

The best cure for hard times is to cheat poverty by being industrious. 

My Frugal Week
Last Thursday & Friday I caught up on all the laundry after having the shower fixed, which had backed up our laundry schedule for the week.
There are so many things I want to do in our yard, but I have to be careful as I’m still using a walker and can easily trip out there. But, I’m hopeful the day will come when caring for the yard will provide physical activity the old fashioned way, in the fresh outdoors, in manageable daily doses while being both productive and economical in our home.
On Saturday I did manage to go out in the yard for a few minutes to clean up a few things in the area we call the moat. It’s a wide ditch that surrounds the back of the house. My dad built a retaining wall there years ago. 
I also went out there on Tuesday and cleaned up one of Dad's sheds, which was a workout and tiring. 
Apparently, unbeknownst to me, Dad also collected broken snow shovel handles and must have had at least a dozen. And they must have made the move with us from Illinois because it doesn't snow that much here to break a shovel. LOL
Anyway, there are four contractor bags full of junk that I had the garbage men take off today. Both areas looks so much better now all neat and tidy. 
Afterwards, Bailey and I went to the Providence thrift store in Dalton, Georgia. They were giving away free bread in their entrance, but we didn’t need any, so we left it for others.
One of the things I bought was one quart sized Ball canning jar (I find the older thrifted ones to be higher quality and pick them up as I see them), two lighthouse pillows, four pairs of pants, three shirts, and one sleeveless jacket. 
The tag sale color of the day was white and those items were 50% off. I found four pairs of pants with white tags marked at $2.99, so $1.50 with the sale. I bought all four to try out as I’m still losing weight and my clothing needs are still changing. The other items were on the 99 cent clearance rack, so eight pieces of clothing for $10, which I consider to be a very good deal. 
Sluggy has decided to return to doing a giveaway. Be sure to go to her blog and enter to win. She lets you enter once per day. 
On Monday I had to go to the county courthouse and renew both my driver's license and my car license plates. Since I was out of the house I decided to go to the thrift store. I found a pair of Torrid pants in my size in the 75 cent section along with a Liz & Me top and a Catherine's top all for $2.25. I was thrilled!
This Weeks Not Frugal

My former neighbor made a post on Facebook this week about his neighbors yard being toilet papered the night before. My first thought was “what a waste of money”. Then I read the comments where he said he loved it. I still think it was an incredible waste of money and have to wonder if the toilet paper throwers paid for the tp or if someone else did, like their parents. 
Savings & Photo of the Week

Seven rotisserie chickens from Walmart for $2.02 each! I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Score!
Avoiding Spending
Having done our monthly grocery haul this week, we did not avoid spending money this week. 
Saving Money YouTube Videos
25 Old Fashion Frugal Habits that Need to make a Comeback ~ A video by Frugal Queen of France. I like Jane’s sweet and gentle nature as she is a stark contrast to Prepper Princess. In this video, Janes gives sound frugal tips from the older generations back in the day that they used in their lives to save money that will still work for us today.
What I've been Reading This Week
How to Save Money on Groceries ~ 22 Clever Ways from Clark.com

Thank you for dropping by my frugal blog, you are always welcome here. 
We would love to hear all about your week in the comment section.

BelindaHomemaker at HeartMortgage & Debt Free~ Living within our Means ~My Linktree
~ She looketh well to the ways of her household ~Proverbs 31:27

Menu Plan Monday ~ Saving Money in my Frugal Kitchen ~ Week #1 March 2025

My Frugal Week

Bailey & I went out of Saturday to get groceries. We first went to Kroger and then headed to UGO.  We found several markdowns at Kroger and found Bailey’s favorite breakfast turkey sausage at UGO ($2.49) for much cheaper than Kroger ($9.49). 

UGO also had red bell peppers for $1.00 rather than the $1.50 price of them at Kroger. Shopping at UGO really helps us save money on our grocery bill and budget. 

 

What’s for Dinner

Monday ~ Leftovers from Sunday ~ Chicken Fajitas, Corn or Flour Tortillas, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onions, Cheddar Cheese, Jalapeños, Cottage Cheese Chipotle Ranch,  Taco Sauce, and Corn. 

Movie Night Tuesday ~ Everyone was on their own for tonight, but I did make Bailey a homemade pizza for her movie night. We were out of turkey pepperoni, so I took two hotdogs and cut them thinly and air fried them for a few minutes to make our own pepperoni and she enjoy them made that way.

Wednesday ~ Leftovers of Swiss Steak, Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes, and Rainbow Swiss Chard, which we got free from one of the free community gardens in Chattanooga. It had been picked that morning and was so fresh and delicious. 

Thursday ~ Korean Beef, Roasted White Sweet Potatoes, Rainbow Chard. 

Friday ~ Bailey has book club this night, so I was on my own for dinner. I tried a new recipe that Carol posted in the Living Simply Facebook group for Black Bean & Rice Burritos. It was definitely delicious and similar to several of the Mexican recipes we make. 

Saturday ~ BBQ Pork Chops, Macaroni & Cheese, Brussel Sprouts. 

Sunday ~ I took the leftover burrito filling from Friday and turned it into soup adding a can of mild enchilada sauce. 

What’s on the Menu for This Coming Week

We served two meatless meals again this week to save money on meat. We also did not eat out at any restaurants, order take out or eat any fast food in February, which makes a two month streak for us. 

What’s been on the menu in your home this past week?

Belinda

Homemaker at Heart

Mortgage & Debt Free~ Living within our Means ~My Linktree
~ She looketh well to the ways of her household ~Proverbs 31:27