Extreme Cheapskates

TLC has done it again....  I watched this show last night.  Extreme Cheapskates looked at the lives of 4 families, The first guy was a dumpster diver who found wilted roses, and a tea kettle for his wife for their 25th wedding anniversary.... yes he found these "treasure's" in the dumpster.  While he was at a cafe for dinner he would go around to other people's tables and ask them for their left over food.  He embarrassed his wife a couple of different times. 
The second family features a creative way to save on toilet paper.  She makes her own toilet paper out of cloth, her clean cloth's hang right next to the toilet (in her bathroom) and her used cloth's go in a bucket right next to the toilet...  she claims she never has to touch them, just picks up the bucket and dumps them in the wash machine.  This lady has 6 kids and shops at a grocery outlet that deals with expired food, and that is what she feeds her kids along with salad that she picks or forages at the park.
The third story featured a couple that I am actually familiar with...  Jeff Yeager has actually written a couple of books.  The Cheapskate Next Door (and I cannot remember the other one right now.) At various times during the year he goes on a fiscal fast, where he spends absolutely no money for the entire week.  At least not his money...  he does scrounge around for loose change in couch cushions, phone booths, and laundry mats.  Jeff did some bargaining with a butcher for a couple of goat heads that he cooked for he and his wife for dinner.  Jeff was very funny and entertaining...  I enjoyed his take on frugality. 
The last story featured a young man who bartered for different things...  he recited poetry at a donut shop for a donut and coffee, and helped out his friend with bartering who was putting together an engagement party.  He also worked by taking out trash and sweeping at a barber shop so that he could get his hair cut. Very creative ways to work for things that you need. 

This show was completely entertaining and gives a whole new meaning for the definition of Cheapskate....  It was an extreme look at outrageous ways to save a dollar....AND after watching this show, my kids no longer think of me as a cheapskate....

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!

Boots and Scarfs

I survived Halloween, 136 trick-or-treaters at my house.  I spent 82.00 total on candy and goodies and that was with sales and tons of coupons.  I have noticed that the packages are much smaller with fewer goodies in them.  Makes me wonder if I will even keep my porch light on next year.  Yes it is fun, and it is cool to see all the kids dressed up but it is sooooooo expensive.

The weather has turned cold here now and we are just waiting for snow, 41 degrees this afternoon on my way to work.  I broke out my boots, and scarf's. There is just no point in being cold.

I have really been watching extreme couponing, and the reruns, trying to learn all the tricks and secrets, for maximizing my cash flow in order to pay off some more debt.  Bad news at my job too, we don't know how much longer we will be here.  Other entities no longer want (or can afford) to pay for technology and service so no telling how much longer I will be employed. 

It is okay though, my plan is to keep paying those bills to the fullest possible potential....  I just paid off the IRS this month and that was a great feeling, It will give me an extra 150 bucks a month to pay on something else. 

I keep reading my frugal books, cooking at home, packing my lunch for work, and hanging in there.

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!

Frugal Pantry

Frugal Pantry:

Cooking at home is less expensive than eating out or convenience food. By eating at home you will spend less and eat better. I work 40 to 50 hours per week outside of my home and spend roughly $350.00 per month on groceries. I feed 2 teenagers, 2 adults, 3 dogs and 1 cat. I live in a small town so I don’t have the choices for shopping that those in a metropolitan area would have. To make matters even more challenging, I only get paid once a month so for me to keep my pantry well stocked is an important part of keeping my sanity. I would tell you that I am organized but the truth of the matter is that I am not very organized, but I do try to plan ahead.



I don’t really have a meal plan or make menu’s but I do utilize what I have on hand in order to get dinner on the table every night. I stock up on items that are on sale. I make my own salsa, jelly, jam, asparagus and pears…I can them myself. I also have a small garden every summer. In the garden I grow my herbs. I love to cook and my family eats well. I take left-overs to work for my lunch because my food is better than jail food.



I make my own breakfast burritos, egg muffin sandwiches and freeze left overs for later use…especially the days where I am feeling lazy. I use my crock pot every week, and I also make home made soup when I clean out my refrigerator. I am going to show you how to eat and eat well for less.



I shop at the Dollar Store for spices, crackers, tea, spaghetti sauce, muffin mixes and cleaning supplies.



I shop at the Grocery Outlet for miscellaneous canned food and toiletries. I usually pick up canned fruit and vegetables, tomatoes, beans, rice, pasta, canned soups and lots of wine.



I shop the day old bread store for whole grain breads, bagels, English muffins, buns, and snack items for lunches.



I shop my local grocery store for the weekly advertised specials or loss leaders.



I buy the Sunday paper each week just for the coupons. Check out the website Couponmom.com. I match up coupons with the weekly advertized specials at Walgreens and Rite Aid and usually I can get out of the store with only spending between 20 and 50 dollars and will have anywhere from 80 to 160 dollars worth of products.



Let’s go ahead and take a look at my pantry, freezer and refrigerator.



Canned Food (store bought)



Evaporated milk, peaches, pears, pineapple

Mandarin oranges, applesauce, tuna ,chicken

Corn, green beans, peas, mushrooms

Tomatoes- Rotel, diced, flavored garlic and Mexican style

Tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian tomato paste

Kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans

Chili beans, butter beans, refried beans

Spaghetti sauce green chiles, olives

Cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup

Tomato soup, low calorie Progresso soup



Condiments



Honey mustard, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup

Bbq sauce, salsa, salad dressings

Pickles, jelly



Dry Pantry Items



Dry beans, Bisquick, peanut butter, almonds

Cashews, instant potatoes, Jasmine Rice

Long grain white rice, brown rice, rice-a-roni

Popcorn, cereal (hot and cold), olive oil

Cooking spray, sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar

Powdered milk, yeast, bread, crackers

Jiffy corn muffin mix, cake mixes, brownie mixes

Muffin mixes



Pasta



Spaghetti, egg noodles, whole wheat noodles, macaroni

Bow tie, ramen noodles



Freezer



Bread, English muffins, berries, mixed vegetables

Broccoli, green beans, stir fry veggies, ice cream

Pizza, lasagna, egg beaters, coffee beans

Chicken, bacon, Canadian bacon

Ground beef ,ground turkey, elk burger

Elk steak, venison, salmon

Tilapia



Refrigerator



Eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt

Butter, sour cream, cottage cheese, lunch meat

Tortillas, fresh veggies, salad fixens, fresh fruit

Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, vinegar

Rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce

Tabasco sauce



Spices



Salt, pepper,lemon pepper, garlic

Cumin, mustard powder, ginger

Onion powder, Johnny’s seasoning salt, chicken bouillon

Chili powder





You can get recipes on the internet to make your own Bisquick baking mix, Rice-a-roni, taco seasoning, shake and bake, spaghetti seasoning as well as a variety of ingredients that you’ll use on a weekly basis. I personally don’t have time for this but I do understand that desperate times call for desperate measures. Now, you can get out those cookbooks and make dinner for your family tonight,

Hearty Chicken Pot Pie

This recipe was on the Bisquick website under emergency meals..... This would be a great dish to make when short on time....... Dinner in 30 Minutes...  Prep time is about 15 Mins.  You totally know that the left overs are going for my lunch.

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day !!!!!!!




Hearty Chicken Pot Pie







Nothing warms you like hearty chicken pot pie. This one’s loaded with vegetables and has a tender, flaky crust made with Bisquick® mix.



Prep Time

15 Minutes



Total Time

45

Minutes



Makes

6 servings



1 package (16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed



1 cup cut-up cooked chicken



1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup



1 cup Original Bisquick® mix



1/2 cup milk



1 egg





1.Heat oven to 400ºF. Mix vegetables, chicken and soup in ungreased 2-quart casserole.



2.Stir remaining ingredients in small bowl with fork until blended. Pour into casserole.



3.Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown.



Makes 6 servings

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

I am heading off to a pot luck birthday party today and this is the dish that I am making to take.  This is a delicious recipe and it is easy to make, it is always a big hit, and the left overs (if there happens to be any) are just as good....  Every time I make this, I end up wishing I would have made more..........
This is a fabulous gourmet pasta salad, that is absolutely better than anything you can get at the deli, and not to mention much cheaper




2 chicken breasts ~ grilled (I grill mine on my George Foreman)

1 pkg Bow Tie Pasta~ cooked according to package directions

1 small bunch of Romaine Lettuce... (you can use pre-washed and bagged lettuce but I personally think it is a waste of money). Wash the lettuce and tear it up into bite size pieces.

1 bottle of your favorite Caesar Salad dressing.

Grated Parmesan Cheese



Grill and season your chicken breasts to your liking, and let them cool. Cut them up into bite size pieces Cook your pasta and drain, rinse in cool water, and add these ingredients in a fairly large bowl along with your bite size pieces of Romaine lettuce, mix in at least 1/2 the bottle of salad dressing, and toss all ingredients until just moist... You can definitely use more dressing if it seems to dry. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.... and enjoy. If the salad seems dry the next day add more dressing or a bit of mayonnaise. You can also use french dressing if you would like another variation.



Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!!

Easter Dinner

Well, I am planning my Easter Dinner.....  Looks like it will be ham, they are on sale this week and I actually think I will buy 2 and stick one in my freezer for later, and I also can use those left overs for sandwiches to pack in my lunch next week. Planning ahead is crucial in frugal living and saving money everyday.
Because I have been dieting, I think I will cook some asparagus, make some deviled eggs and a green salad.  I know it is not the "traditional" Easter Dinner but I think it will be absolutely fine, not to mention frugal. 

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!

Fabulous & Frugal Quiche

This is a Fabulous and Easy way to use odds and ends of Left-overs in your refrigerator to make something "new"

2 cups or 8 oz shredded cheese~ any type you like
1/2 cups of any add ins~ chopped ham or chicken, diced peppers, onions, chopped broccoli
3 eggs beaten
1 1/2 cups of milk
3/4 cup baking mix, such as Jiffy or Bisquick

Preheat oven to 400. Grease an 8x8 inch square glass dish or a 9 inch round pie pan.  Spread the cheese on the bottom of the pan....add any of the add ins listed above spread this over the cheese.  Mix the eggs, milk and baking mix together and pour over the cheese.  Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until inserted knife comes out clean.  Allow to cool slightly and serve.

You can serve this for breakfast or with a salad for lunch or dinner.  Remember to take left-overs for your lunch.

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!!

Soup & Biscuits

For what-ever reason, it snowed here last night, and we have had hail storms off and on today.  I decided to clean out my refrigerator and make a nice pot of hot soup.  Cleaning out the leftovers and throwing them in a pot, I call it Love Soup.  So today I built a fire, and have hot soup and biscuits for dinner.  I am going to lay around and watch a couple of Netflicks Movies.  This is going to be a Fabulous & Frugal Night.

Happy St. Patricks Day

Happy St. Patricks Day.........
Hope you all have green on today so that you may avoid getting pinched. 

Green is the color of money, and I am all about saving money.  I have been on my journey of saving money now and paying off my debt for almost 2 years.  I have made great progress, and have had many trials along the way. 
I started by making a budget.  Recording everything coming in.... and everything going out.  I realized there were a few areas that I could cut back on, mainly groceries and entertainment.  To cut back on groceries I started using coupons with a vengeance, and for entertainment, I just cut back, I also started reading more books for entertainment.  I really don't go out to the bars very often anymore and when I do, I stay away from the Lottery Machines.  My husband and I now only go during dollar beer time.  I also stopped eating out so much.  I used to eat out every week, Now I only eat out about twice a month.  I also started cooking the majority of my meals at home, and packing my lunch to take to work.
In the last almost 2 years, I have paid my car off, and paid off 3 of my credit cards.  I have managed to build a savings account.  I now have a thousand in my savings account, or emergency fund.  I also have a small stash in a safe place.  You just never know when something will come up that you need cash and the bank may not be opened.
It has taken me awhile to pay down debt and establish my savings account, it has taken patience, time and determination.  I would not go back to my "old" ways.  I really put my heart and ambition into becoming debt free, and I am so thankful I did not have to go through Consumer Credit Counseling.

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!!

The Money Class

Last night on OPB (Oregon Public Broadcasting) I caught Suze Orman, it was The Money Class.  In this program Suze unveils new and powerful advice to help us get through these tough economic times.  The Motto of the show was to "Live Below Your Means but within Your Needs" This is the "New American Dream."  The Focus is all about you, and I do mean all about you.....  Not about stuff. 
Suze explained real estate, owning it and renting it.  She talked about not giving your kids an allowance, she has another strategy. The other topics covered in depth are home, family, career and retirement.
Suze also has a new book out called "The Money Class" and during the show you could also purchase kits, and other literature that she put together to help you with wills, living trusts, and anything legal. 
Suze's advice will bore some of the more advanced financial pioneers, but if you are just starting out, learning to save and control your spending, or have no financial background, then Suze will teach you basic finance and how to effectively save money.  I love how she talks about Credit Card Interest Rates.....  It is such an eye opener every time I hear it, and I have been working on paying off my Credit Cards for about 2 years now.  Paying Off your Credit Cards requires patience and diligence, and you will not get results over night, unless you have won the lottery.
I highly recommend reading and watching Suze especially if you are just starting out.  My only recommendation is that you buy her books used.

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!

Things You Should Buy At The Dollar Store

Ok, here it is.  I have compiled a list of items that you SHOULD buy at the dollar store.

1.  Cleaning Supplies ~ Why pay more for something you clean with that literally goes down the drain?
2.  Personal Supplies or Toiletries ~ Disposable Razors, Deodorant, Toothpaste, Shampoo ~ Unless you can do better with coupons...you should be buying these items at the Dollar Store
3.  Batteries~ Some people have told me that the batteries do not last as long as name brand batteries, but can you go wrong for a dollar?
4.  Drain Cleaner~ this will be Generic  Drano or Liquid Plumber, yes it is bad for your drains but if you are desperate and need some, I have seen it in grocery stores for $6.00 a bottle
5.  Mailing Supplies~ packaging tape, envelopes, and bubble wrap....yes you guessed it, all for a buck.
6. Condiments~ BBQ sauce, mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire....you got the idea, Don't buy this at the grocery store when you can pick it up at the dollar store...  just be sure to check the expiration dates.
7. Dog Treats & Dog Toys~ I am sure this will go for kitty toys as well.
8.  Cooking Spices ~ yes, cooking spices, pick up your seasonings at the Dollar Store.
9.  Fiber Bars~ I just picked up 5 packs of Special K Breakfast Bars...  yes 5 bars for a dollar.

Just remember to be smart when you shop and not buy crap (because we all know there is some pretty cheap crap) at the Dollar Store.  Think of it more like a "Dollar Stretching Store"

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!!

Not Very Frugal Lately

Wow, I hate to admit this but I have not been very frugal lately...  Lots going on in my life.  My Son has come home on leave from Iraq. So there was a great sense of celebration and the need to really spend some quality family time doing some really fun things. I have made some great home made meals, I have eaten out, I have been out to a bar (or two) I have been to a Casino, I spent the night at a resort, and threw one hell of a party at my house.  It was a crazy week I must admit.  I really need to get my finances back in order....  I must tell you that I am super happy to have my savings account....  and the good news is.....  I did not charge one thing on my credit cards.  So that has been worth the pain and sacrifice of saving.  I sort of feel like I went off the deep end though.  I rarely ever eat out, and spend money at resorts and casino's.  By the way I even gambled and did not win one thing (yikes) But, I did not care, I was spending quality time with my son and family.  And....  as my Idol Suze Orman tells me every week, People First, Then Money, Then Things.  We really created some great memories this week, and I am so grateful for my family.
Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!! 

How to Begin Saving

Hi there, saving money is never easy and especially if you are new at it, I have tips and strategies for getting started and sticking with the savings plan. I only recently began saving in 2009. I started out with 5 dollars a week which was equal to 25.00 a month. I did this for 4 months and decided that it was not hard to save 5.00 a week, so I went up to 10.00 a week. I also did this for 6 months, so then I decided that I wanted to save 100.00 a month… So, what I did was take 5% of my income and on my payday I would calculate 5% and put it in my savings account. I have done this type of savings for basically a year now. Also, anytime I cash in cans and bottles or I get a check for my birthday or for Christmas….. I take that amount no matter how small it is and put it in my savings account. My new goal for my first Paycheck in January is now 10%. I believe that if you start small, and then work your way up it is far less painful. I also can tell you having that money in my savings account has saved me from having to put car repairs on my credit cards, at least the entire amount anyway ;-)
Think of this method of saving like the old drip coffee pots.  A drip here and a drip there, and pretty soon, you have a full pot.


Happy Savings and a very Happy New Year to all of you.....  Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!