PhotobucketWhy Be Frugal?

I consider frugality an art form and a religious conviction. I learned about paying cash for purchases, recycling and reusing just about everything and being generous to friends and those in need from my parents.

My faith instructs me all things are gifted by God and so I am compelled to be a good steward of my gifts. [The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to man. Psalm 115:16]

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Monday, February 6, 2012

Children's Birthday Parties on a Budget

This weekend, a fellow blogger, Molly at liveinnanny.com posted a great article on her blog about affordable children's birthday parties.

She makes some fun, creative, and frugal suggestions I wanted to share with readers.

Speaking of birthdays, check out this great list of birthday freebies I shared last February!

Thanks, Molly. Happy blogging!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Meal planning for a busy week ahead

Yesterday I saved almost 40% on my groceries at Kroger. I'm proud of myself that I updated my food inventory as I put items away. Having the inventory has helped me plan meals and upcoming shopping trips. Now I have multiples of items purchased intentionally at the lowest possible price.

I purchased 20 items included in the buy 10/save $4 promotion Kroger was running and also stocked up on Kroger eggs - 4 day sale price of $1.77, Sun laundry detergent for $1.77. Some other great deals include chicken pieces for $.99/lb (For $10 I bought 1 pack of legs, 2 packs of thighs and 2 packs of chicken breasts!); and Uncle Ben's Microwave Rice packets (part of the buy 10/$4 promo plus a coupon to buy 3, get one free).

My meals planned for the week so far:

Monday: Egg salad and bacon toasted sandwiches, cottage cheese with pineapple slices, celery and carrot sticks.
Tuesday: Boneless pork ribs in the crock pot, salad, rice.
Wednesday: Roasted chicken, stuffing, lima beans.
Thursday: California kitchen pizza, salad.
Friday: Turkey burgers, french fries, peas.

Desserts: Pumpkin chocolate chip cake, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes, ice cream.

Lunches: lunch on the run tuna salad kit, smart ones entrees (I keep a supply in the freezer at work), egg salad sandwiches.

I've got to look up some new, interesting chicken recipes that I can cook up next weekend.

What's on your menu for the week?