2024 Frugal Friday File,

 

1.  Grocery order this week was made with an eye for the future.  'Tis the season for turkey, and my receipt shows that I paid $2.17 for a 14.5 pound frozen turkey.  It went straight into our freezer to be roasted at a later date, for sandwiches, soups, and casseroles.  Hams were also on special, so splurged on one to go with my homemade mac & cheese, and then more sandwiches and soups.  Large package of boneless beef rib meat was cubed by me, then half went into a slow cooker beef stew, and the other half was vacuum sealed and put in freezer for another stew later.

    This week's grocery order total was way higher than usual, but the proteins purchased will stretch much further than just one week of meals.  The high total also included the purchase of mixed nuts and other snack items which made a big batch of trail mix, which I packaged into grab-and-go individual servings.  We frequently skip lunch, and just grab a high protein snack instead.

2.  Using the same holiday decorations collected over a lifetime.  Will make an attempt (again) to  downsize the collection by donating some.  

3.  The trip was an inexpensive one aside from transportation (which was budgeted and paid for months ago).  We entertained ourselves with our craft supplies (I took my own with me), and talking.    My friend doesn't claim to be a good cook, but she IS.  The first night I was there she made a delicious meatloaf dinner, and since meatloaf sandwiches are one of my favorite things ever (and I discovered they are one of hers as well), we ate those on other days, along with crackers and cheese, pumpkin scones, and other treats I know I'm forgetting.  She made some shrimp tacos one evening when her family came over; SO good.  I have already made those for Carey since I've been home.

4.  We dropped off our recycling, and got our DQ treat.  Rudy loves recycling trips and treats!  Fun for the whole family, and cheap as "dates" go.  :)

5.  I'm having a challenge with my e-mail.  Almost nothing is coming into my inbox.  I've called our provider each of the past two days.  I've done what they suggested.  It is still not accepting most e-mails.  Very frustrating.  I've had the same email account for 25 years, and am not excited about having to change.  Is this frugal?  Meh.  Not really, but it was on my mind.  And if anyone leaves a comment, I won't get an email reminder to publish the comment.  :(

On the menu this week:

Saturday:  Homecooked meal from freezer

Sunday:  Family Supper at Kasey & Beau's

Monday:  me: Hot & Sour Soup, C: pot pie

Tuesday:  Shrimp Tacos

Wednesday:  Honey Roasted Veg & Sausage sheet-pan meal

Thursday:  Beef Stew and Cornbread

Friday:  leftovers

**designates meatless meal