Grocery Shopping Wrap Up

I have headed to the grocery stores a couple of times this month as we needed items. I think it went fairly well. Most of the items I bought I did not have coupons for but with buying on sale or priced best we had a good week

Cub Foods trip 1 for needed paper products ( toilet paper and paper towels plus my need coffee cream plus a treat of a magazine total cost was $22.35 ( toilet paper not in pictures I had put away already)

Cub Foods trip 2 for the majority of groceries final cost of $26.58 with a savings of 20 percent by buying sale and reduced price items

Super One trip 3 needed to buy items to make Water Gate Salad for Christmas Eve. We bought off brands or items on sale costing us a total of $3.58

Total for the week $52.51

Total for the month $147.33

Balance remaining of monthly budget $52.67

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Grocery Challange Round Up

Thanks for stopping by... lets keep saving together and please remember Never Under Estimate The Value Of A Small Amount Of Money.. Grace

11 Ways to be Weird in 2011 by David Ramsey

I am a huge David Ramsey fan and today he has a great posting on 11 Ways To Be Weird.

Here is what Dave says in this post.. please click on the link to read other great postings by Dave Ramsey
Everyone has their own definition of what “weird” means. To us, it means having some—or actually a lot—of money, because so many people are broke! If you could keep hundreds of extra dollars a month instead of paying credit card bills, car payments and your alma mater, would you want to become weird?
If you’re tired of being normal (aka broke) like everyone else, here are some ways to get started on your journey to weirdness!
1. Set a solid foundation.
Without a proper start, big plans will eventually crumble. We are here to help you along the way during this weird year that will carry through the rest of your life. Find out how to set a solid foundation.
2. Bring out your inner bookworm!
According to The Literacy Company, 90% of learning is based on reading. You would think that Americans would read a lot, right? Well, about 27% of adults read no books at all in the past year. Set yourself apart from the majority by reading a few beneficial, nonfiction books this year! Here are some suggestions from Dave’s library.
3. Take baby steps with meal planning.
Food often costs more than you think. Plan your meals ahead of time to eat healthier and avoid hitting up your favorite fast-food spot five times a week. It’s not a daunting task when you get help from eMealz for just $5 a month!
4. Compare yourself to the Joneses—really!
The Joneses are broke. They’re in debt and don’t have money for emergencies, retirement or college. Do you really want to be like them? Doubtful. So compare yourself to them and determine what you need to do so you aren’t like the Joneses.
5. Practice saying no!
There are so many good things to do, but you can’t do it all. Learning to set limits in your life will actually allow you to do more, whether it’s with your time or money. Plus, you’ll be better at those things you do since you aren’t rushing around trying to cram a bunch of stuff into your schedule.
6. Surprise!
Who says giving to others only has to take place at Christmas? Challenge yourself to continue giving like no one else throughout 2011. You’ll be amazed at how much better life is when you give to others!
7. Dream.
Just because you’re a responsible adult who’s all grown up doesn’t mean you have to stop dreaming. But don’t just be a dreamer; do something about it! Determine what’s stopping you from making your goal a reality, and challenge yourself to overcome it.
8. Sacrifice.
Most people cringe at the “s” word. But sacrifice doesn’t mean you have to live in a cave and never have fun. Maybe you need to pick up an extra job or cut out a monthly treat from your budget to get closer to achieving your goal. Think of something you can give up, and commit to following through this year.
9. Get a will for real.
About 60% of Americans die without a will. So what’s the big deal? That means that when you die, everything you owned is either left to the government to divvy out, or your relatives will fight over your belongings. Avoid that heartache by creating a will. Stop procrastinating and just do it! USLegalForms.com makes it easy for you to leave this legacy for under $30.
10. Quit your J-O-B.
Don’t love your job? Then quit it! Find your passion and do work that truly matters to you. Yes, even in this economy you can quit your job—just be smart about it. Think it through. Have a plan, and be wise about your decisions. Consider this.
11. Pass on the weirdness!
It’s cool to be weird! Tell others about your journey to weirdness and how you’re changing your life for the best. Send them our weekly email challenges, pass along your budgeting knowledge, or invite them to a free Financial Peace University class. Dave has so many resources available for you and your friends that there’s definitely something for everyone.

Okay what will I do this year to improve myself by being weird?

I already do number 3 .. meal planning this does help us to eat more at home which saves us big $.
I have started to do freezer cooking which I think is the way to go. Having meals of Chili and Spaghetti sauce in my freezer makes some nights so easy.

We already have our Wills #9 could use a small update probably.

What I think I need to do is take more time reading # 2.
I will have to take a look at what Dave has on his reading list. I want to read more American history books. I into my family genealogy and this goes along with this perfectly.

# 7 Dream and goals ..hubby and I have been working on that the last few days.. we know what we need to do just have to get going...

What do you plan to do to make next year better?

Thanks for stopping by... Lets keep saving together .. and please remember Never Under Estimate The Value Of A Small Amount Of Money... Grace

Not Your Every Day Sloppy Joe's ... Whats For Dinner Tonight Totally Yummy !!

I have shared this recipe before but never added to the food blogs so since it is on the menu for this week I am sharing again.

Tonight for dinner I am making one of my favorites. This is full of childhood memories. As a young girl in gradeschool my best friend was Patty D. Her mother would invite me and my sister over for lunch once in awhile and would make us Sloppy Joes. This is not your normal tomato soup Sloppy Joes. The taste is amazing and you really should give it a try.

Okay I have to admit I love Sloppy Joe's. Big Sloppy Sloppy Joe's . The meat sauce hanging out of the bun Sloppy Joe's. So here is my recipe...

Brown one pound of hamburger, spoon the grease off.
season to taste with pepper and salt.
To this I add 1 can of Cream of Chicken Soup ( Mrs. D also added a can of Chicken Gumbo soup but the thrifty side of me ignores this and they are still great).
After mixing this up real good I squirt a good amount of mustard and ketchup into the meat mixture. Continue to let simmer till nice and bubbly. Makes 4 Sloppy Joe's This will give us each 1 for tonight and 2 for another meal later in the week)

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Sunday at One Feature

Saturday Party at Recipes of a Cheapskate

Hunk Of Meat Monday

Monday Mania

Home Maker Monday

Delicious Dishes at It's A Blog Party

Tuesday Night Supper Club

Tasty Tuesday at Beautiful Mess

Tuesday At The Table

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday

Dr Laura's Tasty Tuesday

Take A Look Tuesday

Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays

Real Food Wednesday

Works For Me Wednesday

Pennywise Platter Thursday

Life At Mom's on Thursday

There you go easy, thrifty and so tasty...
Thanks for stopping by.. Grace

Things I Do And Can Do To Save Money

While I was drinking my coffee this morning ( at home ) and wandering around looking for new blogs (to me), I came across the Nourishing Cook and her blog post from yesterday. I have found that the best way for me to find new blogs is to become part of a blog party and then choose a few to read.
Here is a plug for one of my favorite blogs to find new people to read Real Food Wednesday
Well I am always on the hunt to look for ways to save money so off to her site I went to see what she had to say. 25 Things I do to Save Money over at the Nourishing Cook.
1. We have already gotten rid of our land line and bundled cable and Internet connection # 9 on her list.
2. We cook at home a lot more and eat out less which of course saves us a lot of money # 6 on her list. I agree it is a lot healthier than eating out. There portions are way to big.
3. We also brew our own coffee and rarely go to a coffee shop. Hubby does not like the fancy blends ( Folgers for him) and I buy my flavored coffee creamer on sale. I do have to admit while Christmas shopping yesterday I did buy a medium Mocha coffee using white chocolate. My goodness what a treat but a $4.00 treat. #10 on her list.
4. We do not go out shopping unless it is something we really need and then we price compare and if possible by used.. #5 and # 7 on her list.
5. We are cutting back on meat, instead of 1 pound of ground beef we are cutting back to 3/4 pounds. (not noted on her list but I guess it is part of her eating at home savings)
6. We buy our books at used bookstores or thrift stores and garage sales.
We sell books on eBay, amazon and on our own site.
These we have to find in good condition and mainly at thrift stores and estate sales.They have to be specific books and not the common titles.
I do not have a kindle and will not get one. They are the killer of the used bookstores plus the economy is hurting the used bookstores also. Support the independent business owner by shopping there once in awhile. # 5 and #11 on her list of saving money.

Other ways we save money

7. We do not use cash machines unless they are hooked to our bank. I hate ATM fees and would only do so in an emergency.
8. We use cash only no credit cards so no finance charges other than our car payment. We use our debit card if buying something or paying something on line.
9. Using coupons when possible but I do not buy something just because of the coupon. We price compare products.
10. Drive a used car rather than buying a new car. Drive off the new car lot and money is thrown out the window immediately. Would of been perfect if we had been able to save up the money and paid cash for the car. I did buy used from my nephew Brett who buys and sells cars in Houston so I did get a good deal.
11. Hubby pays the majority of our bills on line which saves postage costs.
12. We no longer drink Alcohol or smoke that saves us a ton of money and is improving our health.
13. We rarely go to the movie theater and mainly watch movies on no additional cost cable tv or buy at garage sales. We do not have HBO etc.
14. I do register my coke rewards that gives me some free coke, but I have not bought any coke to bring home in a month or more which is saving us $30.00 a month. I get my rewards when I buy it as a special treat or from sons.
15. We buy our gasoline from independant gas stations that can save us 02 cents to 10 cents a gallon. Plus we attempt to consolidate our shopping trips to cut down on gas.
16. We shopped for car insurance and saved $ this year.

What we can do to save money that we have not as of yet.

1. Start making my own refried beans, Nourishing Cook had a posting on Tips for making of Beans, but no recipe for her refried beans. I have never made refried beans. I never ate them till about 2 to 3 years ago, when we lived in southern California and the Houston Texas area. I have slowly fallen in love with them and now on the look for a good recipe.
Now guys please do not laugh. I grew up in northern Minnesota with lots of white colored food. Mash pototos, Mac and Cheese, Chicken gravy and even lutefisk ( never ate it ) My idea of Mexican food was Chi Chi's until then.
2. We plan to look for ways to cut our health insurance cost after the first of the year by shopping for a new policy and upping our deductible.
3. Start using swagbucks for searches more than the other big name search engine. I would love to work towards get gift cards

What's For Dinner .. Hubby's Rich "Sloppy " Burgers

I have been married to my hubby for over 20 years and early on he won me over with some of his recipes.

His beef stroganoff is fantastic and usually on the menu New Years Eve if we are staying in town. I would rather be in Vegas but with living on a budget and no longer spending money on credit cards that has not happened in a couple of years.

The other item he cooked for me early on were what he called rich burgers and boy are they rich in taste.

That is what we had last night.


Ingredients ( he does not measure so this is a guess)
3/4 pound of ground beef
about 1/3 bottle of ketchup
handful of brown sugar
Lawry salt and pepper


He browns the hamburger then spoons off the grease.




Next goes all the ingredients.

Simmer for 15 to 30 minutes

Once done this is spooned generously on hamburger buns where he has placed a slice of Velveeta cheese.

This serves 4 .. for us it gives us 2 meals.

Served with chips, dip and maybe some beans and you have a easy, very tasty meal.

Thanks for stopping by... Grace

Now Is The Time To Look At Our Finances Past And Future

With the year coming to an end it is a good time to look at our finances. How did we do this year? Did we accomplish our goals and follow our budget? Was it a good year or tough year. For us it was a tough year. We decided to move home to Minnesota.

Good because we are now near the children and grandchildren.
Bad because we lost income and the cost of moving from Texas to Minnesota was costly. Then in September I got sick and ended up in the hospital. I am thankful that we had insurance but we still have hospital/doctor bills to pay off.

Now is also the perfect time to sit down and look at where we want to be this next year. What are our goals and dreams.

This process starts first with looking at our monthly income and monthly expenses.
Our monthly income is fixed with retirement and pensions. Our other income is flexible with our Internet book business. We can only cut our costs so much increasing our income is the only answer.

If you need to increase your income to accomplish your goals there are ways to do this.
You can go to your boss and ask for a raise. Be ready with reasons why you should get this raise.

Maybe you can work over time or get a second job.

Another answer is to find a way to make extra money using a talent or skill you may have. I know some one who is handy with tools and makes bird feeders to sell on the side. We have for years bought and sold books on the Internet. This is where we will have to increase our income this next year.

Another way is to clean and sell the clutter to pay down debt. As debt goes down life gets so much better. I have so much stuff in our home that needs to be sold. Books, vintage paper and just waiting to be sold . Costume jewelry to be sold. I may try and re purpose some of it to sell.

By looking at our expenses we can determine what is important to us. We do not need or want a new car or fancy furniture.

What we would like to do is pay off our used car and my hospital bill. We want to travel and see the beauty around us. We have dreams. What are your dreams? Now is the time to start looking at where we have been and where we want to go next year.

Thanks for stopping by...Grace

Menu Plan For The Week

What is on the menu at our house this week? I love planning our menu. I am flexible and things can change if necessary. This is what I have planned this week.

Italian Chicken soup recipe to come
Beef and Green Chili Enchiladas with re fried beans and tortilla chips recipe to come
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo recipe to come
Layered Mexican Casserole
Hubby's Rich Sloppy Burgers recipe to come
Barbecue Meat Balls, Boiled Potatoes and Vegetable
Left over buffet