2022 Household and Personal Care: November

 YTD Personal Care:  $216.36  spent.       Budgeted  $200        Over  $16.36

YTD Household:   $184.98 spent         Budgeted   $300     Under   $146.02

Household:

Coffee grinder   $8.49    Ollie

Two bathroom hand towels   $5.58.    Ollie

Total:  $14.07

2022 Frugal Things: November

 1.  By using a coupon, Mike got $6 off his haircut.

2.  A local store had a great sale on onions:  33 cents/pound!!!!  I haven't seen that in months.  I bought 18pounds to slice and freeze.

3.  The same store had carrots for50 cents/pound!!  I bought six.

4.  I took advantage of a10% coupon when buying six gifts and I qualified for free shipping.

5.  We took advantage of several Veteran's Day specials for free food and a haircut.

6.  Took advantage of a15% off coupon for a local store and saved $9.66.

7.  Gratefully received two pounds of ground beef from a friend for whom I had done a favor.  Not expected.

8.  Mike used his free senior bus pass from and two the garage where the car was being worked on.

9. Was gifted three pumpkins for cooking from my free group.  Lots of side dishes, baked products, soups and curries.  Lovely!

2022 Buying and Eating: November 1-22

 Monthly Allocation :   $220   We are leaving for vacation after that.  Meals are included.

Cushion:  $931.89

What We Ate:  vegetable latkes, applesauce, green beans  ; grilled tuna and cheese, cheesy potato rounds;  rosemary chicken, seasoned wild rice, savoury acorn squash; mulligatawny soup and poppadoms; bbq ribs, cheesy potatoes, green bean casserole, fruit; leftovers; leftover ribs and sides; baked pasta casserole, garlic bread, salad; bacon, olive and cheese loaf, sweet potato, cottage cheese and onion, fried cabbage ; sausage and bean casserole and leftover sides; Veteran's Day specials; leftovers from Veteran's Day.; ham and cheese quiche, Caesar salad, broccoli; lasagna, garlic bread, salad; jambalaya, cottage cheese and fruit, banana bread, spinach and cheese fritters; turkey sandwiches and popcorn; madras lentils, pumpkin, salad, poppadoms; turkey fried rice and fruit; tuna chowder and grilled cheese sandwich; BBQ pork sandwich, fried potatoes, salad; leftovers

What We Bought:

Sanders:  potatoes (20#), breakfast sausage (2#), Italian sausage (3#),Polish sausage (3#), marbled rye bread     $30.46

Sam's:  chicken and beef bouillon  $13.96

Sanders:  sweet potatoes, beef boneless shoulder roast (3#), French bread, stuffing (2))  $15.63

Price Rite:  onions (18#), baby back ribs, sweet peppers (2),, carrots (6#), ginger, romaine (3), pie crust  $31.07

Tops:  bananas, sugar, cream cheese   $4.98

Aldi:  butter (12), pie crust  (4)     $33.78

Country Fair:  eggs $3.49!!!!

Tops:  beef broth  $1.19

Price Rite:  coffee (6), turkey (12.33#), sugar    $20.21

Ollie:  pie filling(3), pickled beets (3), coffee (6.25#) ,, everything bagel seasoning (2)  $31.65

Aldi:  butter (3).  $7.47

Costco:  2 gourmet cheeses, jarlesburg and cabernet  (3.25#)   $24.Cu

Aldi:  butter (3)  $7.47

Total Groceries:  $190.30

Eating Out:

Breakfast with Mike after doctor.  $21.18

Joyce's birthday lunch  $19.30

Mike lunch in Cleveland:  $1.65

Total Eating Out:  $42.13

Grand Total:  $237.43

Into Cushion:  $17.43

New Cushion Amount:  $914.46

Stocking up on potatoes, butter, onions, coffee and carrots took us over.  No regrets.

2022 Household and Personal Care: October

 YTD Personal Care  $207.37     Budgeted   $180    Over  $27.37

YTD Household    $154.98     Budgeted  $270     Under     $  115.02

Household:

New Remote   $30.000

Personal Care:

Mike Haircut   $8.99  Great Clips

2022 Frugal Things in October

 1.  I now have $10 in free food at Giant Eagle after both Mike and I got our flue shots.

2.  I'm back to consistently using tvp to help stretch meat in recipes.

3.  I'm searching for more low meat and no meat recipes to cook.  

4.  I gratefully accepted a dozen eggs from a friend who raises chickens.

5.  We have another $15 in free food because we had a prescription filled at Giant Eagle.

6.  I gratefully received some yarn from a member of my free group.

7.  We needed to have a dying tree removed.  By using a coupon and with the senior discount, we saved $150.

2022 Buying and Eating: October 16-31

 Remaining Allocation:  $175.87

Cushion:  $863.01

What We Ate:  chicken sandwiches, potato chips, tomato salad; chicken stir fry over rice with yogurt and fruit; baked potato bar, red cabbage and apple, apricots and yogurt; vegetarian stroganoff, noodles, pea salad; split pea soup, cheese and crackers; madras lentil. with panneer, curried potatoes, yogurt; leftover smorgasbord; stuffed pepper soup; Reuben casserole, potato skins, pea salad; steak with mushrooms and onions, baked potato, salad; fish pie, waited cabbage, apple and grape salad; oyster stew, garlic and cheese biscuits, sliced tomatoes; grilled pastrami and Swiss, chips and dip, fruit salad; meatless chicken fried steak, butter beans, mashed potatoes; white bean and garlic Alfredo over pasta, garlic and cheese biscuits, fruit salad; homemade supreme pizza and sweet potato fries

What We Bought:  

Costco:  flour (25#), cheddar cheese (10#)    $26.98

Sanders:  bananas. $0.81

Aldi:  grapes (1.83#), egg noodles, olives (2), bagels, cream cheese, half and half, onions (3#)   $17.45

Sanders: French onion dip   $1.50

Aldi:  bagels (2), broth, parmesan cheese (3), cottage cheese, garlic powder, onion powder   $18.45

Save a Lot:  peas, carrots (2#)    $2.98

2 Week Total:  $76.07

Eating Out:

Johnny B.  With Pat  $18.69

Breakfast with Cindy  $12.23

2 Week Total:  $30.92

2 Week Grand Total:  $106.99

Monthly Total:  $241.12

New Cushion:  $931.89

YTD Groceries:  $1123.07

YTD Eating Out:  $485.66

YTD (270 days)  :   $1608.73.      $5.96/day.       $2.98/person/day

2022 Household and Personal Care: September

 YTD Personal Care:  $177.37     Budgeted     $160     Over.    $17.37

YTD Household:  $151.23.    Budgeted    $240.00     Under     $88.77

Household:

Efferdent (2)  $2.50

Coffee filters (150)  $1.25

Total:  $3.75

Personal Care:

Pedicure  $30

2022 Linus Project and Such: July-September

 YTD:

Linus blankets:  60

Operation Gratitude Scarves:  26

Pet blankets:  11

Operation Gratitude Scarves: 10

Linus blankets:  23

Pet blankets:  8

Dishcloths:   60  (family and neighbor gifts)

Extra large porch mat

Kitchen rug for by the sink

Thrifty Shopper:  44 skeins for $56.24 or $1.28/skein

Goodwill:  9 skeins     $9.33    $1.04/skein

Free group:  20 skeins

Salvation Army     15 skeins for   $6.40   $.43/skein

Thrifty Shopper:   21 skeins for 21.71    $1.04

Free group:  9 skeins 

Free group  29 skeins

St. Vincent de Paul:  50 skeins for $42.95      $0.86/skein

Thrifty Shopper:  12 skeins for $9    $0.75/skein

Total:  $145.63 for 151 skeins   $0.96/skein   plus  58 free skeins

2022 Buying and Eating: October 1-15

 Allocation:  $310

Cushion:  $863.01

YTD Groceries:  $993.88

YTD Eating Out:  $433.73

YTD (239 days):  $1427.61.    $5.56/day.    $2.78/person/day

What We Ate:  taco pizza; fish pie and coleslaw; pasta with bleu cheese sauce and homemade Italian sausage, salad; baked potatoes and meatloaf, fried green tomatoes; spaghetti squash with meat sauce, garlic bread, concord grapes; chicken and pasta with basil pesto, garlic and cheese biscuits, green salad; sausage and white beans spaghetti squash, tomato salad with cottage cheese, garlic and cheese biscuits; homemade; mulligatawny soup, yogurt and fruit macaroni and cheese, salad, fruit; leg of lamb, baked potato, green beans with almonds ; Reuben casserole, beets, salad; tacos, queso dip, refried beans; lamb gyros, hummus, salad; mulligatawny soup and salad; Mexican pizza and popcorn; falafel, hummus, fruit and yogurt

What We Bought:

Price Rite:  oil (gal), sugar,white tuna, pot pie (2), salad fixings (2), peppers (2), tomatoes, cottage cheese (2), cheese (1#), baby carrots (2)  $29.94

Tops:  sugar  $2.29

Sanders:  potatoes (20#)  $3.99

Aldi:  butterflied leg of lamb (3#), cheese (2#), sour cream   $25.04

Sanders:  pepperoni (2#), peppers (8),  plain yogurt (32oz)  $12.19

Aldi:  butterflied leg of lamb #2, cucumber  $21.45

Aaldi:  tortilla chips (2) , feta, mushrooms (2#)  $9.89

Tops:  rotisserie chicken, Italian bread, corn  $8.33

Groceries:  $113.12

Eating Out:

Panera:  $12.78  birthday lunch with Ginger

Lunch after doctor:  $8.23

Eating Out:  $21.01

2 week total:  $134.13

Remaining Allocation:  $175.87

2022 Frugal Things in September

 1.  Eating mainly from the stockpile.  These are foods bought on sale so it saves us money.

2.  Frugal Fail:  having to buy cream cheese and eggs at the new higher regular prices.  My stockpile ran out.  Sticker shock!!!

3.  Gratefully accepting a spaghetti squash, Hungarian peppers, green tomatoes and concord grapes from a friend.

2022 Household and Personal Care: August

 YTD Household:  $136.74  Budgeted:: $210  Under:  $72.26

YTD Personal Care:  $158.37  Budgeted:  $140  Over:  $18.37

Personal Care:

Toothpaste (7)     $7.00     Salvage

Mike haircut   $12   Great Clips

Total:  19.00

Household:

Zip lock bags (4), liquid hand soap, foil sheets (4) , vinegar (gal) $13.24  salvage

Limeaway  $1.25     Dollar Tree

Total:  $14.49

YTD Household:  $151.23     budgeted  $240     under    $88.77

YTD Personal Care:  $177.37     budgeted    $160       over     $17.37

2022 Buying and Eating: September 16-30

 Remaining Allocation:  $300.00

Cushion:  $603.22

What We Ate:  chili spaghetti with carrot salad; Welsh rarebit, carrot salad, green beans,; calzones will baby potatoes in garlic and butter; Huevos rancheros, carrot salad, cheese bread;  leftover Welsh rarebit, three bean salad, fruit salad; beef and vegetables stir fry over rice; pastrami and Swiss sandwiches, sweet potato fries; wanted shrimp in coconut milk sauce, parmesan carrots, three bean salad; olive, bacon and cheese bread with smashed garlic potatoes and applesauce; broccoli, chicken and rice with fruit; pork stew over mashed potatoes and applesauce; chicken noodle casserole with carrots and apricots; sloppy Joe and fried potatoes with three bean salad; cheese and bean burritos, nacho chips, apricots; madras lentils, bread, fruit

What We Bought:

Amazon:  vital wheat gluten  (4#)   $19.99

Save a Lot:  cabbage (3#), cream cheese, eggs (2.5)  $12.68

Aldi:  acorn squash (2.25#), butternut squash (5.75#)    $5.55

Aldi:  apples (3#)  $1.99

Total:  $40.21

Remaining Allocation:  $259.79

New Cushion:  $863.01

YTD Groceries:  $993.88

YTD Eating Out:  $433.73

YTD (239days)  $1427.61       $5.56/day     $2.78/person/day

2022 Buying and Eating: September 1-15

 Allocation:  $300.00

Cushion:  $603.22

YTD Groceries:  $953.67

YTD Eating Out:  $433.73

YTD (209 days):  $1387.40     $6.64/day     $3.32/person/day

What We Ate:  vegetable pancakes, fruit salad, sliced tomatoes; seafood crepes, parmesan noodles, Apple crepes; BBQ pulled pork, butter beans, stuffing, winter squash;  Indian vegetable korma with homemade flat bread and salad; seafood pasta, tossed salad#3, cheese bread; leftover Indian; fried chicken, potato rounds, Caesar salad; pork quesadillas, black bean quinoa salad, mixed fruit salad; leftover fried chicken and potato rounds with cucumber and onions salad; scrapple, Fruit salad with yogurt, cucumber salad; Taco salad and nacho chips; British beef and ale stew with dumplings, yogurt and fruit, acorn squash; taco pizza; leftover beef stew, fried green beans , lettuce with sour cream dressing; leftover taco pizza

Mike is recovering from knee replacement surgery so we haven't been shopping.  Instead we have been eating out of the freezer and cupboards.  That is why I shop to keep my stockpile full.

2022 Frugal Things in August

 1.  I gratefully received three dozen eggs from a friend who raises chickens.Perfectly timed.  I was down to three eggs.  :)   

2.  I used a 15%off coupon when purchasing yarn and saved $3.78.  Small amounts add up over time.

3.  9 skeins of yarn from my free group.

4.  Another 29 free skeins!

5.  $15 off lunch at the Yacht club using my birthday coupon.

6.  A free photo greeting card from Walgreens.

2022: Buying and Eatin August 16-31

 Remaining Allocation:  $201.16

Cushion:  $667.36

What We Ate:  chili spaghetti, cheese toast, grapes; leftovers; Mandarin Orange chicken, pork pot stickers, cantaloupe; supreme pizza and Chex mix; BBQ chicken, zucchini, salad, fruit; smoked salmon pasta, Greek salad, fruit; ham, baked potato, artichoke, fresh tomatoes; fresh tomato sandwiches, salad, popcorn; English fish pie with acorn squash; enchilada casserole, refried beans, corn meal muffins, roasted radishes; Orange chicken, pot stickers, Asian noodles; chef salad and corn bread muffins; macaroni and cheese with fruit.

What We Bought:

Salvage Shop # 4-8: 

blueberry Cheerios, fajita style veg. (2# ) ' kielbasa (2), pastrami (3#), bacon (3.5), egg rolls (2) 89,   Italian green beans (28 oz. )  (2), cream soup (4), chili, Carmel corn (2), peas (3), chick peas (2), white moderna vinegar, albacore tuna (3), fruit mix (9), white clam sauce, olives (2), tomatoes (28 oz)  (4), pasta sauce (7), Vegall (29 oz)  (2), lemon curd, evaporated milk (6), corn (2), carrots (3), corned beef hash, tomatoes (7), beef broth (9), pineapple, peaches, cake mix (4), taco kits (4), coffee (15), whole wheat flour, sesame chicken sauce (2), wine vinegar, pine nuts (3), paella mix, corn bread stuffing mix, horseradish sauce, canned chicken breast (8), sou sauce (2), pink salmon (4), cranberry sauce (2), hotel tomatoes (3), pizza sauce (4), Thai red curry sauce, beef stew sauce, lima beans, Delhi saag, French green beans, cold brew coffee concentrate (3), fruit cups (18), tomato paste, artichoke hearts (2), chutney, raisin sauce, parmesan cheese (2), Alfredo sauce, Velveeta sharp cheddar,, sage (2), flour tortillas (4), broccoli beef stir fry sauce, matzo ball mix, rice (6#), applesauce cups (4), mashed sweet potatoes (2), nestle morsel (3), onion soup mix (8), pie crust mix, dal burkhara mix, ranjma masala mix,  almonds(2), cashews, mayo, pudding mix (4), lemon shortbread cookies, fresh carrots (5#), sweet potatoes (3), dry great northern beans, applesauce (48 oz.)  (2), stove top (2), saltines (3), Tuscan chicken mix, coconut dream cookies, gnocci, shelf stable milk (3), Ritz crackers, rye crisps, sugar pops, tortilla chips, pork rinds, wafer cookies        $171.00

Middlefield Cheese:  about5# of cheese  $18.64

Roadside stand:  Fresh tomatoes  (6)  $2

Sanders:  acorn squash (2), radishes, artichokes (3)   $3.29

Aldi:  bagels (3), onions, romaine, cucumber   $11.40

Total Groceries:  $196.33

Eating Out:

Lunch while salvaging  $3.75

Lunch before doctor:  $6.24

Lunch heading to DC   $4.03

Dinner DC   $14.16

Lunch with kids  $21.00

Frozen custard  $4.97

Dinner in DC:  $14.82

Total Eating Out:  $68.97

Total:  $265.30

Into Cushion: $64.14  Our first month into the cushion this year.  Not bad.

New Cushion Amount:  $603.22

YTD Groceries:  $953.67

YTD Eating Out:  $433.73

YTD (209 days):  $1387.49.    $6.64/day.    $3.32/person/day

2022 Household and Personal Care: July

 As of the beginning of July:

YTD Household  $131.03          Budgeted  $180        Under budget       $58.97

YTD Personal C   $124.37         Budgeted  $120         Over Budget      $4.37

Household;  

Salvage:  bowl covers (2), hand soap (2)  $3.96

Dollar tree:  comet bath cleaner (2)  2.65

Total:  $5.71

Personal Care:

Salvage:  toothpaste  (2)  2.00

Pedicure  $32

Total:  $34

2022 Linus Project and such: April-June

 YTD Scarves:  12

YTD Blankets:  33

YTD Pets:  6

Linus blankets: 27

Pet blankets:  5

Operation Gratitude Scarves:  14

Yarn at thrifty shopper  $ 19.00    13 skeins  $1.46/skien  we had to search and be selective because prices are definitely up

Yarn at Humane Society thrift   $9.20 for   7 skeins   $1.31/skein

Yarn from a member of my Free Group     15 skeins     free

Yarn from Goodwill  70 skeins for.     $50   $0.71/skein       we found some good deal ins!

Yarn from Thrifty Shopper:  $30.00 for 21 skeins    $1.43 /skein

Yarn from Salvation Army:    $2.99 for 4 skeins     $0.75/skein

Total:   $111.19 for 115 skeins , plus 15 skeins for free

2022 Buying and Eating: August 1-15

 Allocation:  $310

Cushion:  $667.36

YTD Groceries:  $757.34

YTD Eating Out:  $364.76

YTD (178 days):  $1122.10     $6.30/day     $3.15/person/day

What We Ate:  leftover Asian and pears; clam chowder and garlic cheese toast with sliced tomatoes;  queso de freir and burrito casserole; beef stew over potatoes, sliced tomatoes; Curried rice and beans with chicken, sliced tomatoes, grapes, bananas; fried potatoes and Cajun sausage, cauliflower, nappa cabbage salad; BBQ rib bites, butter beans, creamy artichoke hearts; madras lentils, curried rice, crumpet, waited cabbage; lasagna, garlic bread, sauteed artichoke hearts, marinated cucumber and onions; toasted ham and cheese on homemade rye with homemade pickles; Spanish rice, spinach fritters, sauted pineapple; homemade cream of mushroom soup and cheese and crackers; scalloped potatoes, kielbasa, Greek salad; fried rice , acorn squash, broccoli, Greek salad; Asian leftovers and egg rolls

What We Bought:

Tops:  celery, bananas (2#)  $1.64

Aldi:  grapes (2.3#)   $2.19

Aldi:  chicken leg quarters (10#)  $6.49

Aldi:  crescent rolls (2), sour cream, deli ham, deli Swiss   $9.19

Sam's:: olives  (2)  $13.94

Price Rite:  yogurt (4), tomatoes (5), cucumbers (2) $4.09

Sanders:  acorn squash (2), potatoes (20#), peppers (3), donuts, grapefruit (2) Zucchini, $15.47

Aldi:  melon  $1.69

Middlefield Cheese:  Cheddar, smoked gouda, smoked cheddar (5#)  $18.64

Total for Groceries:  $73.30

Eating Out:

Dairy Queen:  blizzard  $5.29

Frozen custard    $3.50

Yacht Club:  $23 for my birthday lunch

Lunch while shopping:  $3.75

Total for Eating Out:  $35.54

Two Week Subtotal:  $108.84

Remaining Allocation:  $201.16

2022 Frugal Things in July

 1.  I am taking advantage of the 50% off sale on Tuesdays in July to treat myself to Starbucks.   :)

2.  I use my food processor A LOT.  The blade has gotten dull.  So, on Amazon Prime day I purchased a new one and took advantage of the sale price.

3.  Two free 5x7 photos from Walgreens.

4.  Twenty skeins of yarn from my local free group.

5.  Used a $5 off coupon at the thrift store to help keep the cost of my yarn down.

2022 Buying and Eating: July 16-31

 Remaining Allocation:  $154.56

Cushion:  $651.71

What We Ate:

Taco salad; chicken paprikash soup; pepperoni pizza bake and salad; pasta fagIoli with cheese and crackers; chef salad, garlic bread and peaches; shrimp and rice, nappa cabbage salad, zucchini; enchilada casserole, fried cabbage,, fresh peaches; grilled pork, pea salad, peanut butter noodles; buffalo cauliflower, bananas with yogurt, baked potato, sliced tomatoes; homemade fried rice, sliced bananas, garlic bread; enchilada casserole, corn, pears; mooshu, bacon wrapped water chestnuts, tomatoes with mozzarella, strawberries; French bread supreme pizza, tomato and feta salad with cucumber and onions; beef burrito casserole, corn, tomatoes

Eating Out:

Breakfast with Lucy   $23.65

Lunch in Pittsburgh  $3.70

Lunch with Joyce  $10

Mike lunch in Cleveland  $1.61

2wk :  $38.96

What We Bought:

Costco:  Swiss cheese, panneer cheese, Mexican frying cheese, Bordeaux cheddar  $ 40.33

Aldi:  peaches (2#), cauliflower (2.25#),  mozzarella (2#), green beans (2))   $10.03

Sanders:  bananas (2.25#)   $0.87

Price Rite:  pasta sauce (4), tomatoes (4),  onions (3#), hotdogs (2), shredded cheese (3)  $15.69

Frank's:  zucchini   $0.25

Wal-Mart:  olives (3)   $10.03

Save a lot:  enchilada sauce  $2.29

Sanders:  potatoes (20#), Greek yogurt, Italian bread   $8.49

Tops:  bananas (2.5#), bacon (1#)  4.99

Aldi:  tortillas, bagels (2), strawberries (1#)  $6.98

2wk:  $99.95

2Wk subtotal:  $138.91

Month groceries:  $236.30

Month eating out:  $58.05

Monthly Total:  $294.35

To Cushion:  $15.65

New Cushion:  $667.36

YTD Groceries:  $757.34

YTD Eating Out:  $364.76

YTD (178 days):  $1122.10     $6.30/day     $3.15/person/day

The effects of inflation are easy to see.

2022 Frugal Things in June

 1.  I have started to whip a pound of butter until light and airy.  I add one half cup oil to stop it getting hard again.  It's easier to spread and we use less.  Money and calories saved.

2.  Two free donuts on donut day.  Yum!

3.  When it came time to stock the RV with food, I used food from my cupboards and freezer that I have purchased on sale cheaply.  We could have shopped as we went, but that would have been more expensive since we can't count on sales.  More work but worth it.

4.  I gratefully accepted the gift of three dozen eggs from a friend who raises chickens.

5.  I have been revisiting frugal recipes from early in our marriage.  Bread, rice, potatoes , pasta and beans are showing more often.

6.  A free 8x10 of the cats from Walgreens.

2022 Buying and Eating: July 1-15

 Allocation  $310

Cushion:  $651.71

YTD Groceries:    $521.04

YTD Eating Out:  $306.71

YTD (147 days) :  $827.78.     $5.63/day     $2.81/person/day

What We Ate:  Spanish seafood paella, green beans, salad, peaches; curried rice, pineapple, green beans; hamburger, potato, salad;  BBQ chi, coleslaw, baked beans; Prime rib sandwiches, peaches; pasta with clam sauce, cheesy garlic bread, peaches; sausage in a bun, salad; the lake with Mike's family for a week; pork fried rice

What We Bought:

Price Rite:  peaches, sweet pepper   $1.43

Tops:  cantaloupe, BBQ sauce  2.98

Aldi:  grapes (1.77#)    $1.66

Salvage 2&3:  date bread mix, mFeat and cheese tray, vinegar, garbanzo beans, red beans, vegetable suet, kidney beans, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, tomato soup, marjoram, caraway seed, rosemary, pinto beans, albacore tuna, green beans, baby corn, crab meat, peas, vegetable bouillon, Poppy seed, dill, cranberry jelly, fried apples, beef broth, vegall, corn, three bean salad, peas and carrots, spinach, Roger tomato, coffee, bbq sauce, cocktail sauce, bleu cheese dressing, cream of chicken soup, succotash, kraut, lentils, black eyed peas, great northern beans, tomato sauce, curry sauce, mushroom stock, oatmeal, chocolate chips, dry limas, mayo, sesame marinade, poppy seed dressing, couscous, poppadoms, tabouli, noodles and parmesan, Velveeta, jambalaya mix, dry milk, vanilla sugar wafers, flour, walnuts, gelatin, pita chips, tikki masala mix, Korean beef mix, Greek dressing, , Caesar dressing, lemon basil dressing, mango pineapple mix, mixed fruit, mandarin oranges, Pam, taco shells, tortilla bowls, shortbread ready crust, chess melt crackers, salt, brownie mix, pound cake mix       $130.28

Total Groceries:  $136.35

Eating Out:

Sweet roll a d coffee with Ginger  6.13

Aunt Cookies sub   $12.96   (yearly treat)

Total:  $19..09

Two Week Total:   $155.44

Remaining Allocation:  $154.56

2022 Household and Personal Care : June

 As of the beginning of June:

YTD Household:  $103.33     $150 budgeted    $46.67 under budget

Personal Care:   $$107.22     $ 100 budgeted     $ 7.22 over budget

Personal Care:

Dollar Tree:  deodorant (2), body powder (2)  $5.15

Mike hair cut  $12

Total:  $17.15

Household:

  Salvation Army thrift  $1.98  for two 8x10 frames

Salvation Army thrift    $3  for backpack for travel

Goodwill     $5.99   electric mixer

Goodwill     $16.73    seven 8x10 frames

Total:  $27.70

2022 Salvage Shops 2&3

 Time to work on restocking the cupboard.  I paid a total of $136.24 for the following items.  Prices were somewhat higher but not as much as I had expected.  Still on the hunt for some items.

Date quick bread mix     79 cents

Hillshire Farms meat and cheese tray.    $1.99

Cider vinegar (gal).    $2.39

Garbanzo beans (29 oz)    3     79 cents

Red beans (15 oz)    4     39 cents

Garbanzo beans   (15 oz)     39 cents

Cannellini beans    (29 oz)     69 cents

Diced tomatoes     (28 oz)     4     59 cents

Tomato soup  (2)     19 cents

Pinto beans     (15 oz).    39 cents

Cannellini beans    (15 oz)    4     39 cents

Albacore tuna    (5 oz)    5     99 cents

Italian green beans   (27 oz)    79 cents

Baby corn    (15 oz)     39 cents

Cut green beans    (15 oz)     3     39 cents

Crab meat     (6oz)      $1.49

Peas.    3     39 cents

Vegetable bouillon    (8.5 oz)     59 cents

Marjoram     59 cents

Caraway seed      6      59 cents

Rosemary     2     59 cents

Poppy seed     $1.49

Dill weed     $1.49

Cranberry jelly     25 cents

Fried apples     3     79 cents

Beef broth    (14 oz)      25 cents

Vegall     35 cents

Corn     35 cents

3 bean salad     59 cents

Peas and carrots     35 cents

Spinach     2     25 cents

Diced tomatoes     8    25 cents

Rotel tomatoes     3     35 cents

Coffee     (10.5 oz)     2     99 cents

Coffee.    (12 oz)     10     99 cents

Coffee   (11 oz)     2     99 cents

Coffee    (8 oz)    4     99 cents

Coffee.   (8oz).    4     49 cents

BBQ sauce     2     49 cents

Cocktail sauce     49 cents

Bleu cheese dressing    2     29 cents

Cream of chicken soup     69 cents

Succotash     39 cents

Kraut    2     39 cents

Italian green beans     39 cents

Lentils     39 cents

Blackeyed peas     2      39 cents

Great northern beans     39 cents

Tomato sauce    4     29 cents

Madras curry sauce     69 cents

Rogan Josh curry sauce     69 cents

Mushroom stock   (32 oz)     99 cents

Oatmeal (18 oz)     4       89 cents

Chocolate chips     3     89 cents

Dry kidney beans   (1#)     79 cents

Dry lima    (1#)     79 cents

Dry lentils      2     40 cents

Mayo.   2     59 cents

Asian sesame marinade     49 cents

Poppyseed dressing     49 cents

Couscous     59 cents

Pappodoms     19 cents

Tabouli     79 cents

Noodles and parmesan     59 cents

Velveeta  (2#)     $4.99

Jambalaya mix   (26 oz).    $1.99

Dry milk.    3.    $2.99

Vanilla sugar wafers     49 cents

Flour     (5#)     3     $1.19

Walnuts    (10 oz)    $1.00

Parmesan couscous.    55 cents

Gelatin   3     25 cents

Pita chips     10 cents

Tikki masala mix   3   25 cents

Korean beef mix     3   25 cents

Greek dressing     25 cents

Sesame dressing    25 cents

Caesar dressing     25 cents

Lemon basil dressing     25 cents

Mango pineapple mix     99 cents

Mixed fruit     99 cents

Mandarin oranges     99 cents

Pam  (12 oz)     $3.19

Taco shells.    2.      10 cents

Tortilla bowls.    10 cents

Shortbread ready crust     25 cents

Cheese melt crackers.    2     19 cents

Salt     39 cents

Brownie mix.    5     89 cents

Pound cake mix     49 cents

Bowl covers    2.    99 cents

Hand soap.    2     99 cents

Toothpaste     2     $1.00

2022: Buying and Eating: June 16-30

 Remaining Allocation:  $196.81

YTD Groceries:  $382.95

YTD Eating Out:  $181.62

YTD (117 days):  $564.60    

Cushion:  $614.89

What We Ate:  fried macaroni and cheese zucchini fritters, salad, garlic bread; homemade vegetarian supreme pizza; steak on the grill, bleu cheese wedge salad, salt potatoes; leftover Chinese takeout;  steak salad and cheese bread; grilled salmon, small potatoes in cream sauce, salad; bleu cheese pasta, zucchini, wedge salad; homemade pork lo mein, fresh peaches; prime rib sandwich, chips and dip; kielbasa on the grill, rice pilaf, creamed peas; madras lentils, fresh peaches, salad; kielbasa, creamed peas, creamed potatoes; cheese tortellini, garlic bread, salad

What We Bought:

Tops:  cheese (2#), mushrooms  $7.98

Market Place:  pepperoni (2#), zucchini (1#)   $7.89

Hillside Pantry:  navy beans (4.75#), Dehydrated potato (2#), ginger snaps (1#), poultry seasoning, pumpkin pie spice, fennel seed, rye flour (3#)  $15.90

Price Rite:  kielbasa (2), tomatoes, peaches, Cabot cheese (3), ice cream  $14.09q

Trader Joe:   baguette, pistachios, pork pot stickers, Mandarin Orange chicken, sweet potato fries, gnocchi am gorgonzola, 5cheese Greek spiral, spans militia  $31.72   A treat for us of things we like but don't often buy.

Two Week Total:  $77.58

Eating Out:

Breakfast with Pat:  $15.03

Father's Day dinner:  $26.86

Breakfast  $6.15 

Support of EAN fundraiser at Max and Erin's   $26.69

Lunch  $11.00

Mike lunch  $2.68

Two Week Total:  $82.41

Two Week Grand Total:  $159.99

Monthly Total Grocery:  $138.09

Monthly Total Eating Out:  $125.09

Monthly Grand Total:  $263.18     $8.77/day     $4.39/person/day

YTD Groceries:  $521.04

YTD Eating Out:   $306.71

YTD (147 days):   $827.78     $5.63/day     $2.81/person/day

A much higher month due to eating out and inflation.  Time to reevaluate.

To Cushion:  $36.82

New Cushion:  $651.71

2022 Frugal Things in May

 1.  A free 8 by 10 from Walgreens.

2.  Our bread store closed.  :(   So, I have been making regular bread, cinnamon raisin bread , flatbread, rye bread and English muffins.

3.  I made two dozen biscotti from a 65 cent cake mix.

4.  I finally read the tags on our winter coats.  They don't have to be dry cleaned like I had assumed.  They are now on a cold, delicate cycle and will then be line dryed.  Many dollars saved.

5.  Some pretzels we bought awhile ago had gone stale.  I popped them into a warm oven to recrisp them.  Money saved.

6.  I found a large pork shoulder marked half price.  I paid 75 cents per pound!  Lovely pulled pork on a budget.

2022 Buying and Eating: June 1-15

 Allocation $300

YTD Groceries:  $ 382.95

YTD Eating Out:  $ 181.62

YTD (117 days)  $564.60     $ 4.86/day.    $2.43/person/day

Cushion:  $614.89

What We Ate:  chicken and rice, peas, applesauce; meatloaf, baked potatoes, salad; bean burritos, Mexican quinoa salad; meatloaf sandwiches with potato skins; chicken divan, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese and apple salad; tuna macaroni salad, green salad, crackers and fresh strawberries; leftovers, strawberries, corn on the cob; cottage pie, artichoke, cottage cheese and tomato salad; grilled chicken and corn, cabbage salad with poppy seed dressing;  chicken paprikash soup, cheese and crackers; grilled sausages, Greek salad, wanted onion, peppers and mushrooms, red grapes; ham salad sandwich, cottage cheese and fruit; chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes with sliced fresh peaches and sour cream biscuits; homemade four cheese macaroni and cheese, fresh peaches, zucchini fritters; sloppy Joe, corn on the cob, bananas and cream

What We Bought:

Walmart:  sour cream, cottage cheese  $3.94

Dollar Tree:  lentils, great northern beans  $2.50

Aldi:  green peppers, onions, carrots  $6.27

Road side stand:  fresh strawberries   $10

Sanders:  chicken leg quarters, artichokes, sweet peppers, corn on the cob, cucumber, peaches  $11.39

Aldi:  leg quarters (10#), half and half, mushrooms (2), bagels (2), grapes  $15.98

Price Rite:  potato chips, tomatoes (4), lettuce, hotdogs  $5.74

Sanders:  French onion dip (2), corn on the cob (3), sweet potatoes (2), small potatoes (1#), bananas (2#)  $6.19

Two Week Subtotal for Groceries:  $60.51

Eating Out:

Lunch while loading in the RV  $10.57

Breakfast  $ 5.71

Lunch  $7.42

Lunch with Joyce  $18.98

Two Week Subtotal for Eating Out:  $42.68

Two Week Subtotal:  $103.19

Remaining Allocation:  $196.81

2022 Household and Personal Care: May

 As of the beginning of May:

YTD Personal Care:  $107.22     $80 Budgeted  $27.22 over budget

YTD Household:   $98.08     $120 budgeted  $21.92 under budget

Personal Care

Household:

Laundry detergent  (4)  $4.00

Coffee filters  $1.25

Total:  $5.25

Personal Care:

-$0-

2022 Buying and Eating: May16-31

 Remaining Allocation:  $232.14

Two Week Subtotal Groceries:  $38.18

Two Week Subtotal Eating Out:  $19.18

Two Week Total:  $57.36

What We Ate

Homemade chicken noodle soup, tuna and cheese on crackers, Greek salad; Seafood paella, salad and green beans; Hummus with tvp sausage and onions, falafel, homemade flatbread; Roast chicken, stuffing, baked sweet potatoes, red cabbage and apple; madras lentils over quinoa and homemade flat bread,applesauce; seafood fried rice, wanted pineapple, onion pancakes; hot chicken salad, scalloped cabbage, cranberry sauce; vegetarian scotch eggs, mixed vegetables, applesauce; sandwiches with ham, lettuce and tomato and homemade Chex mix; Pot roast casserole and salad; beans and franks, Cole slaw, cornbread; bleu cheese pasta with Italian sausage , salad and garlic bread; kielbasa and sauerkraut, leftover mac and cheese and coleslaw with corn muffins; madras lentils, curried potatoes, homemade flat bread, applesauce; hamburger and French fries; BBQ pulled pork, coleslaw, baked beans, corn muffins

What We Bought:

Miller's grocery salvage:

flour (20#), pine nuts (3),_sliced almonds (2), blueberry muffin mix, egg noodles (2), evaporated milk (6), Velveeta shells and cheese (4), lasagna sheets, soy sauce, pesto sauce, tomato paste (2), spinach, pinto beans (2), fried apples (3), Starbucks (2), eight o'clock (2), espresso(4), Arabica (6)  $45.23

Tops:  roasting chicken (6.42#), sharp cheddar, goldfish crackers, tuna, bananas (3.71#)  $11.58 

Co-op:  caraway seed, ginger root  $0.74

Aldi:  mixed vegetables, cheddar cheese (1#), bagels, chicken croth, Worcestershire sauce, mozzarella cheese (1#)  $9.78

Price Rite:  coffee (2), Pork shoulder (10.29#), cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, celery, eggs (18)  $ 23.54

Save a Lot:  potatoes (8#)     $3.29

Grocery:  $94.16

Eating Out:  $-0-

Monthly Total Grocery:  $ 132.34

Monthly Total Eating Out:  $ 19.18

Monthly Total :  $151.52/  $5.41/day.    $2.71/person/dayq

Amount to Cushion:  $137.98

2022 Household and Personal Care: April

 YTD  Household:  $98.08    $90 budgeted  $8.08 over budget

YTD Personal Care:  $107.22       $60 budgeted  $47.22 over budget

Nothing was purchased in April.

2022: 1sr Salvage Shop of the Year

 We took a ride to Sherman to check out flour and coffee.  Below is what we purchased.

Flour.    20 pounds.    $2.00

Pine nuts   1 1/2 cups     $1.50

Sliced almonds  1 cup.   $1.00

Blueberry muffin mix     $0.50

Egg noodles  (2)     $2.00

Evaporated milk  (6)  bbb$1.50

Velveeta shells and cheese  (4).    $2.00

Lasagna sheets     $0.75

Soy sauce  15 oz     $2.50

Pesto sauce  6.35 oz     $0.50

Tomato paste   6 oz      (2)     $1.50

Spinach.    $0.49

Pinto beans  (2)    $0.49

Fried apples  (3).    $2.07

Starbucks  12 oz.    (2)     $5.98

Eight O'clock coffee  11 oz   (2)     $5.98

Expresso  10 oz    (3)     $4.97

Arabica coffee   11oz.   (6)     $9.00

Expresso   10 oz.     $1.50

Total:  $45.23

2022 Buying and Eating: May 4-15

 Allocation:  $280

Cushion:  $476.91

YTD (89 days)  $413.08     $4.64/day  $2.32/person/day

YTD Groceries:  $250.64

YTD Eating Out:  $$162.44

  

What We Ate:  supreme pizza; tortellini with meatballs and sauce, roasted artichoke hearts, garlic bread; Reuben casserole and butter beans, pear halves; tacos, seasoned black beans; hamburger and potato casserole with three bean salad and sauteed pineapple; Asian and homemade egg rolls; Joyce's chicken salad; soupa Toscana, crackers and salad; prime rib sandwich with French fries and Greek salad; pasta with ham and cheese, salad and fried green beans; ham and cheese sandwich, Greek salad, macaroni salad

What We Bought:

Amazon:  truffle oil  $10

Co-Op:  egg replacement, fennel, nutmeg, molasses  $ $8.50

Price Rite:  coffee (48 oz.  2), turkey sausage (2), lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber  $18.69

Tops:  Italian bread  $0.99

Eating Out:

Lunch with Joyce  $16.50

Mike lunch  $2.68

Subtotal Grocery:  $38.18

Subtotal Eating Out:  $19.18

Two Week Subtotal:  $57.36

Remaining Allocation:  $ 232.14

2022 Household and Personal Care: March

 YTD Household:  $89.74 spent/ $60 budgeted ; over by $29.74

YTD Personal Care:  $13.50 spent/ $40 budgeted; under by $26.50

Household:

Masking Tape (2)  $2.65  Dollar Tree

Led candle set (4)  $5.69  Goodwill

Total:  $8.34

Personal Care:

2 shampoo for silver hair  $11.98 Rite Aide

Razors (36)   $34.99  Costco

Mike haircut  $13 

pedicures  $30

Toothpaste (3)  $3.75  Dollar Tree

Total: 93.72

2022 Frugal Things in March

 1.  We used $25 in credit at Giant Eagle to stock up on seafood using lenten specials.  We bought scallops, mussels, oysters and seafood mix.

2.  A free 8x10 photo from Walgreens.

3.  Learning to make homemade flatbread.  So easy and taste soooo  good.

4.  I bought 20 pounds of rice for $5, saving $15 over buying in small bags.  I will share with my neighbor.

5.  We paid our city and school taxes early and saved 2%.

2022 Linus Project and Such: January- March

 Operation Gratitude Scarves:  12

Linus Project Blankets:  33

Pet Blankets:  6

MJ Scarf

Bathmat

Yarn Purchased:

13 skeins of cotton for $8.00

 14   Skeins for $9.99  Goodwill

Total:  $17.99

2022 Buying and Eating: April

 We are on vacation and meals are provided.  No money is budgeted.

Cushion:  $476.91

YTD (89days)  $413.08

YTD Groceries:  $250.64

YTD Eating Out:  $162.44

2022 Buying and Eating: March 16-30 (then vacation)

 Remaining Allocation:  $214.75

Subtotal Groceries:  $46.65

Subtotal Eating Out:  $38.60

Cushion:  $296.38

YTD (59 days) :  293.62     $4.98/day.    $2.49/person/day

YTD Groceries:  $174.43

YTD Eating Out:  $119.19

What We Ate:  cheesy potatoes and ham, winter squash, beet and bean salad, Irish soda bread; Reuben and cheesy potato pieces; talapia, mashed potatoes, beet salad; Indian butter TVP chicken, curried potatoes, Cheesy rice and vegetables, homemade flatbread; leftovers smorgasbord; meant casserole, buttered corn, applesauce; Assorted appetizers; chicken divan over rice, applesauce; chicken and rice soup with garlic cheese toast; paella and hearts of palm salad; homemade fried rice and egg rolls; chicken and rice, lima beans, corn; chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwich

What We Bought:

Costco:  Swiss Cheese  $14.62

Price Rite:  coffee (4), rice (20#), Pam  $14.94

Total Groceries:  $29.56

Eating Out:

Dinner at hotel  $4.62  Cosrco

Two Week Total:  $ 34.18

Monthly Total Groceries:  $76.21

Monthly Total Eating Out:  $43.25

Monthly Total:  $119.46

To Cushion:  $180.53

New Cushion:  $476.91

YTD (89 days):  $413.08   $4.64/day     $2.32/person/day

YTD Groceries:  $250.64

YTD Eating Out:  $162.44

2022 Frugal Things in February

 1.  Dry cat food (a name brand) was $1/pound at Price Rite and only $0.60/pound at Sam's Club.  It pays to shop around and check prices.

2. I made white and rye bread for about fifty cents per loaf.  Even the bread store is more.

3.  I mixed up some refrigerator potato dough for dinner rolls and breakfast sweet rolls. It is good for a week or so in the refrigerator.

4.  Mike loves croutons in his salad.  I make them from homemade bread.  Inexpensive, easy and delicious.

5.  I can make bagels but they are a lot of work and mine are ugly!  So, I bought them at the bread store.  Retail cost would have been $14.97.   My cost, $3.29.  An easy savings of $11.66.

6. On Twosday, 2/22/22, we got a 22% discount on tickets to the Erie Playhouse.

7.  We went to DC to visit the kids and paid for our hotel room with points.

8.  We paid the RV insurance in full and saved $100.

2022 Buying and Eating: March 1-15

 Allocation:  $300   Then we start vacation until early May.

Cushion: $296.38

YTD (59 days)  $293.62        $4.98/day           $2.49/person/day

YTD Groceries     $174.43

YTD Eating Out     $119.19

What We Ate: leftovers and fruit salad; pierogi casserole, applesauce, peas; Pasta; hummus, falafel, baba ganoush, homemade flat bread, tzatziki; sloppy Joe and crispy potato skins; macaroni and cheese, salad, zucchini pancakes; chicken and rice, marmalade squash, Italian bread, salad; leftover smorgasbord; French bean stew with Italian bread, salad; chicken and rice, broccoli, applesauce; shrimp scampi with pasta and salad; taco pizza; savory bread pudding with cheese and tomato ; Reuben casserole, beet and bean salad; corned beef and cabbage soup with egg salad sandwich

What We Bought:

Save a Lot:  salad mix , tomatoes  $2.53

Giant Eagle:  red wine vinegar, mussels, seafood mix, scallops, capers, oysters, rolls (2)  $5.23  (plus $25 in credit)

Tops:  Italian bread, cabbage (4#), broth, eggs (2)  $5.88

Costco:  yeast (2#), chicken bouillon  $10.98

Price Rite:  coffee (4), corned beef (2), potatoes (5#), carrots (2#), pot pie (3)  $22.03

2 Week Total Groceries:  $46.65

Eating Out:

Lunch after dentist  $7.71

Lunch in Cleveland  $30.89

2 Week Total Eating Out:  $$38.60

2 Week Subtotal:  $85.25

Remaining Allocation:  $214.75

2022 Household and Personal Care: February

 Household YTD:  $21.98

Personal Care YTD:  -0-

Household:

Laundry detergent (4)  $3.08  Price Rite

Rid-X  $15.74  Sam's Club

Cleaning Supplies:  $18.82  Walmart

Candles (2)  $1.98  Goodwill

Kleenex (10)  $18.39  Costco

Candles (2), Tupperware container  $2.77  Goodwill

Four plates  $2.99 Goodwill

Led lights $1.99  Goodwill

Total:  67.76 (Way, way over!)

Personal Care:

Hair cut for Mike  $11

Bath powder (2)  $2.50  Dollar Tree

Total:  $13.50

2022 Household and Personal Care: January

 Household:

LED Light bulbs (12)  $21.98  Sam's

Personal Care:

   -0-

A quiet month.  Setting up a cushion for future months.

2022 Buying and Eating: February 16-28

 Remaining Allocation:  $165.91

Cushion:  $223.41

YTD (31 days): $86.59   (2.79/day)

YTD Groceries:  $72.98

YTD Eating Out:  $13.61

Two Week Total Groceries: $69.06

Two Week Total Eating Out:  $45.03

What We Ate:  beef stew and sliced bananas; Valentine's Day leftovers ; pork fried rice and stir fried vegetables; deli meat sandwiches and Doritos; pork chops, Italian green beans, butter beans; mooshu pork and salad; bacon and lentil soup, homemade bread, salad; homemade macaroni and cheese, fried green beans, cucumber salad; augratin potatoes with ham, fresh strawberries; macaroni and cheese with tuna, fresh strawberries, chocolate chip scones;  bean tacos and beans and rice, strawberries; garlic noodles with chicken, artisan rolls, strawberries; pizza and Chex mix

What We Bought:

Price Rite:  pork loin (8#), strawberries, cheese (2#), frozen shrimp (3#)  $27.23

Lidl:  baguette, taco dinner kit, crusty rolls (2)  $5.16

Eating Out: 

Lunch with Mike and Gail:  $33.00

Lunch with the kids:  $20.25

Lunch from DC:  $7.30

Groceries2 Weeks:  $32.39

Groceries Monthly Total:  $101.45

Eating Out 2 Weeks:  $60.55

Eating Out Monthly Total:  $105.58

Monthly Total:  $207.03

$7.39/day            $3.70/person/day

2022 Buying and Eating: February 1-15

 Monthly Allocation:  $280.00 

Cushion:  $ 223.41

YTD (31 days):  $ 86.59  ($2.79/day)

YTD Running Total Groceries:  $72.98

YTD Running Total Eating Out:  $13.61

What We Ate:  Paella, cottage cheese with onion and chives, waldorf salad; minestrone soup, cheese bread,, salad; taco casserole, salad; Cuban black bean burgers, cheesy scalloped cabbage, baked sweet potato;  bean soup, toasted homemade crumpets, salad; bean burgers and cheesy potato rounds; ham and Swiss casserole, salad, garlic bread; French onion soup and salad; bleu cheese pasta with sausage, roasted parmesan carrots, cheese  scones; roasted eggplant meatballs with sauce and pasta; chili spaghetti, salad; pizza; pot roast with veggies; chicken pot pie soup

What We Bought:

Price Rite:  mushrooms (2), lettuce, tomatoes (4), red sweet peppers (2), cucumber, cream cheese (4)  $12.00

Costco:  Swiss cheese, olives (2)  $24.19

Price Rite:  red sweet pepper, potatoes (10#), cracker barrel cheese (3), digorno pizza (4) peas (2)  $25.26

Food Co-op:  caraway seed  $0.86

Tops:  chicken broth, bananas, pasta, tuna, Doritos  $5.34

Price Rite:  coffee (24 oz), cucumber, Greek yogurt (2), eggs (3), mixed veg, broccoli (2)  $11.41

Two Week Total Groceries:  $69.06

Eating Out:

Lunch in Cleveland  $3.00

Valentine's Dinner  $42.03

Two Week Total Eating Out:  $45.0

Two Week Total:  $114.09

Remaining Allocation:  $165.91

2022 Frugal Things In January

 1.  Baking bread, pretzel bites and English muffins at home instead of buying them.

2.  Eating from the stockpile almost exclusively.  January is not a great month for sales.

3.  Being serious about not wasting leftovers.

4.  Made a large batch of homemade laundry detergent for the animal shelter.

5.  Using homemade roux with stock rather than canned cream soup for recipes.

6.  Discovering that the electronic coupon can be used four times but the same paper coupon only once.  Guess what we use.

7.  Sent a new prescription to Giant Eagle and earned $15 in free groceries.

8.  I used my food grinder to grind ham and chicken to make hamloaf.  Much cheaper than buying them pre ground.

9.  Used pasta for tuna casserole.  Cheaper than egg noodles.

This was a Suzy Homemaker month.  Just lots of small things.  But they do add up.

2022 Buying and Eating : January 16-31

 Remaining Allocation:  $246.77

Cushion: -$0-

Two Week Subtotal Groceries:: $49.62

Two Week Subtotal Eating Out:  $13.61

Two Week Total:  $63.23

YTD Averages/Day (31 days):

What We Ate:  augratin potatoes and ham, yogurt and fruit; fried rice and stir fried vegetables; ribs, corn, coleslaw; cottage pie and scones; taco pizza and crispy potato skins; ham and bean soup with scones; Southern BBQ pork, lima beans, coleslaw; ham loaf, spinach and apple salad, potato;  ham salad on homemade rye and popcorn; Tuscan potato and sausage soup with parmesan wine supper bread; loin pork chops, spinach and pasta salad, parmesan wine supper bread; augratin potatoes with ham, salad, garlic stir fried vegetables; ham, turkey, bacon and avocado sandwiches and fries; Huevos and ancheros, pineapple and cottage cheese salad, cheese bread; tikki masala, nann and waldorf saladq

What We Bought:

Price Rite:  flour (20#), sugar (16#), coffee (4), cottage cheese, fresh spinach , cinnamon , Italian seasoning  $23.36

Monthly Subtotal Groceries:  $72.98

Monthly Subtotal Eating Out:  $  13.61

Monthly Total:  $86.59

Monthly Cost/Day:  $2.79

Monthly Cost/Person/Day:  $1.38

Cushion:  $223.41

2021 Linus Project: October-December

 Operation Gratitude Scarves:  26

Linus Project Blankets:   21

Pet Blankets:  9

9 skeins for $8.18  Goodwill

Yearly Totals:

Linus Project:  71

Operation Gratitude:  68

Pet Blankets:  20

Yarn Bought:

349 skeins

Cost:  $196.22

Average Cost/ skein  $0.56

104 skeins were Also donated

I have about a year's worth of yarn in inventory.

2021 Household and Personal Care: December

 Household:  

Laundry detergent (4)  $3.08  Price Rite

Spic and Span (2), toilet cleaner (2), foil sheets (3)  $7.42  Dollar Tree

Personal Care:

Toothpaste (2)  2.12  Dollar Tree

Yearly Totals:

Household:$329.82 or $27.49/month (over the $25/month budget)

Personal Care:  $176.21 or $14.71/ month (well under the $30/ month budget)

2022 Buying and Eating: Jan 1-15

 Allocation: $310

Cushion: -0-

YTD Groceries:

YTD Eating Out:

YTD Total:

What We Ate:  bbq pork ribs, carrot and pineapple salad, butter beans, cabbage salad with mandarins and poppy seed dressing; smoked pulled pork, sweet potato fries, leftover sides; polenta with marinara and sausage; stuffed pepper soup and cornbread; baked potato bar and leftover sides; pork fried rice and fruit; homemade sausage pizza; chili spaghetti;  chicken cordon bleu casserole, scalloped cabbage, dilled carrots, apple salad; creamed chicken and vegetables over cornbread, apple salad; vegetation tikki masala, nann, pears; corned beef and Swiss sandwiches with homemade pretzel bites; vegetable pancakes, scalloped cabbage, green beans, yogurt; beef stroganoff and leftover sides; stuffed pepper soup and homemade bread

What We Bought:  

Aldi:  corn syrup  $3.55

Amazon:  mamade Seville oranges for marmalade  (3)  $33.00

Bread Store:  bagels (2), cinnamon raisin bread  $3.29

Sam's:  parmesan  $9.78

Groceries:  $49.62

Eating Out:

Holiday lunch with Joyce  $12.00

Mike lunch Cleveland  $1.61

Eating Out:  $13.61

Two Week Total:  $63.23

Remaining Allocation:  $246.77

2021 Frugal Things in December

 1.  Used points to get a free coffee with an extra shot of expresso at Starbucks.

2.  We needed to feed ourselves a few times while in DC.  Instead of eating out, we bought sandwich fixings and ate in our room.

3.  I used a $5 coupon at Aldi.  Every little bit helps.

4.  Mike saved $22 on this year's tax software by taking advantage of a preseason sale.

5.  We saved $34 by having our new passport photos taken at AAA rather than the drugstore.

6.  We used a $10 gift card to help pay for lunch at the yacht club.

7.  We needed to renew our passports.  The price was due to increase, so we did it a little earlier and saved $24.

8.  We purchased cards and gift bags for next Christmas, taking advantage of the sales.  We saved $35.83.

2022 New Budget Amounts

 Buying and Eating:  $10/day, the same as last year.  I had a sizeable amount left over in 2021.  It does not carry over, but I hope it is enough to allow for inflation and more meals out with friends.  I may regret this!  We shall see.  But the math will continue to be easy.

Clothing:  $12/month /person (up from $10) to allow for their prices, which have been rising.

Household:  I am increasing the monthly amount to $30 (from $25) to account for our overage in 2021.

Personal Care:  I am lowering the monthly amount to $20 (from $25) to more accurately reflect spending levels of 2021.

Linus:  I am fairly well stocked with yarn.  So, my max cost/ skein will stay at $1.

2021 Buying and Eating: December 16-31

 Remaining Allocation:  $126.79

Cushion:  $901.23

YTD (287 days)  $1800.14 or $6.27/day

What We Ate:  baked ziti with salad and Italian bread; cheeseburger salad and cheese bread; chicken cordon bleu casserole, salad; ham baked sweet potato, salad; Joyce's chicken salad, garlic bread; beef stroganoff, noodles, baked Brussels sprouts, spinach salad; pizza; leftovers; assorted appetizers; rib roast, mashed potatoes with brie, spinach salad, roasted carrots, pumpkin cheesecake; roast beef sandwiches; Sausage stuffed mushrooms hasselback potato, corn, Greek salad; beef sandwiches on homemade rye; chili; like lasagna pasta; assorted appetizers

What We Bought:

Aldi:  butter (6), ribeye roast (4.71#), yellow onions (3#),sweet potatoes (3#), potatoes (10#)  $45.61

Food co-op:  tarragon   $1.20

Tops:  Italian bread  $0.99

Aldi:  butter (6) spiral ham (11#)  $21.34

Aldi:  butter (6), spinach  $12.73

Price Rite:  onions (6#), carrots (5#), minced onion, onion powder, garlic powder  $5.97

Groceries:  $87.84

Eating Out:

Lunch with Jim, Robin and MJ:  $16.40  Panera

Erie Yacht Club:  Mike's birthday lunch  $33.13

Sam's:  lunch coming home from Cleveland  $5.96

Eating Out:  $55.49

Two Week Total:  $143.33

Monthly Total :  $326.54 or $12.56/day, $6.28/person/day.

We are over and into the cushion by $16.54

Final Cushion Amount:  $884.69

YTD:  313 days; $2126.68 total spent or $ 6.79/day; $3.40/person/day