Well this past week has been really hard making do with so little. Its been tough but doable because I have had the time, and the knowledge on how to cook from scratch, meal plan and substitute ingredients where appropriate. This coming week I don't have as much time to cook and meal plan so I am glad its pay day tomorrow.
I ran out of flour, corn flour, choc chips, eggs, bread and fruit and veges. Thankfully I do have tinned fruit (although its high in sugar) and frozen beans and peas. My kitchen gloves ripped, the soap dissolved in a gazillion pieces, my bedside lamp bulb blew and the DVD remote batteries died.
I am very grateful to my darling chookies who produced on average 2 eggs per day. These eggs allowed me to make a Father's Day treat of meringues and lemon honey along with some homegrown lemons. One pumpkin has also done very well. The chooks have had a good meal on some pieces and some seeds, I have planted some seeds, had roasted pumpkin with other veges for dinner and made pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.
Cooking and planning has also taken quite a lot of my time which has been OK as I was on holiday but now I am back at Uni its much harder. Only today and tomorrow 's lunches to get through. Meals have been creative and seriously lacking in protein and vegetables for my taste. Tonight for dinner I had satay chicken stir fry which was rather green bean heavy. The Girl had a platter of cheese, bacon, satay sauce and carrot sticks, sliced banana and orange quarters which she devoured. Breakfast tomorrow will be coffee, porridge and berry smoothie for me and smoothie and rice bubbles for the Girl. Lunch for me will be bacon and egg pie with a pumpkin muffin. The Girl will have some rice crackers, muffin, tinned apricots and some yogurt.I have no idea what dinner will be as I wont be home until 5.30 pm after I collect the Girl and get the $10 fruit and vege pack and go shopping.
On the plus side I have got some seeds planted for spring planting, I sowed pumpkin, zucchini, tomato and some corn. Next up is to dig the potato bed and plant some then focus on some yummy greens such as spinach, silver beet and various lettuces. And most importantly fence off the chickens so they cant destroy my efforts!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
Shopping success
Yesterday I went shopping and I did go over the budget but by .90 but that's ok as I did have that spare in my purse. I went to the supermarket bought all homebrand products. I everything I need to and also some super cheap yogurt (1kg for $2.79) and some more tortillas and everything came to a nice $14.05.
Next I went to the vege shop and I bought a green capsicum (1.99) an avocado (.99), two carrots (.82), two oranges (.73), half a pumpkin (1.20) and grapes (1.19) for a grand total of $6.92. I also asked them if they had any scraps that my chooks could eat and they said yes and showed me this huge wooden bin of lettuce leaves, bruised fruit and veges, cabbage leaves and other vege scraps. So I got a big bag of outer lettuce leaves, ratty looking silver beet and cabbage leaves for the girls as a treat. And I was a bit naughty and saw an onion that had a tiny gash in it and a red capsicum with was a bit soft at the top so I snaffled them and had them in my vege pasta bake last night.
In total I spent $20.90 which I am happy with. I popped $20 of petrol in the car and that should see me through to Tuesday. I realised I don't have as much cheese as I had assumed so I will swap the homemade pizza for chicken casserole with green beans and potatoes instead. And with the leftovers I will top with pastry and have chicken pie for lunch tomorrow.
Next I went to the vege shop and I bought a green capsicum (1.99) an avocado (.99), two carrots (.82), two oranges (.73), half a pumpkin (1.20) and grapes (1.19) for a grand total of $6.92. I also asked them if they had any scraps that my chooks could eat and they said yes and showed me this huge wooden bin of lettuce leaves, bruised fruit and veges, cabbage leaves and other vege scraps. So I got a big bag of outer lettuce leaves, ratty looking silver beet and cabbage leaves for the girls as a treat. And I was a bit naughty and saw an onion that had a tiny gash in it and a red capsicum with was a bit soft at the top so I snaffled them and had them in my vege pasta bake last night.
In total I spent $20.90 which I am happy with. I popped $20 of petrol in the car and that should see me through to Tuesday. I realised I don't have as much cheese as I had assumed so I will swap the homemade pizza for chicken casserole with green beans and potatoes instead. And with the leftovers I will top with pastry and have chicken pie for lunch tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Its a very tight week this week. I have had lots of bills (rates, insurances, cell phone top up, mortgage and gym membership) and I haven't been paid from one of my tiny part time jobs. I usually don't rely on that tiny income and save it but not this month with the costs of moving home after the house repairs.
The good news is the bills all have been paid, the bad news is there isn't much for petrol or food. I have $40 for both this week. I will have to spend $20 on gas which leaves $20 for all food. Thankfully I have well stocked cupboards. I have traded eggs for some amazing raw milk so that's the milk sorted. Plenty of cat food, tinned food, baking ingredients, cheese and butter. I do need bread, fruit and veges, coffee, loo paper and dog roll for the chickens. I think that is affordable as long as I buy cheap coffee and in season fruit and veges. If I have to I can bake bread (or pikelets, corn fritters, mini pizzas etc) for school lunches so I don't have to buy it and I can leave the dog roll too if necessary. The cheapest coffee at my local supermarket is $2, loo paper is $1.49 so I am hoping I can get everything I need this week.
My meal plan for this week consists of
The good news is the bills all have been paid, the bad news is there isn't much for petrol or food. I have $40 for both this week. I will have to spend $20 on gas which leaves $20 for all food. Thankfully I have well stocked cupboards. I have traded eggs for some amazing raw milk so that's the milk sorted. Plenty of cat food, tinned food, baking ingredients, cheese and butter. I do need bread, fruit and veges, coffee, loo paper and dog roll for the chickens. I think that is affordable as long as I buy cheap coffee and in season fruit and veges. If I have to I can bake bread (or pikelets, corn fritters, mini pizzas etc) for school lunches so I don't have to buy it and I can leave the dog roll too if necessary. The cheapest coffee at my local supermarket is $2, loo paper is $1.49 so I am hoping I can get everything I need this week.
My meal plan for this week consists of
- Chicken satay stir fry
- Creamy courgette and pasta bake
- Homemade pizza
- Quiche
- Roasted vege salad
- Lentil and vege curry
- Tomato soup
- Corn fritters
- Chocolate chippie biscuits
- Fruit muffins
- Toasted cheese sandwiches
- Smoothies
- Fruit and jelly.
- Leftovers from previous nights dinner
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Long time no blog!
Its been ages since I blogged! I had to move into temporary accommodation while my house's earthquake damage was fixed. Its lovely to be home again.
Now I need to eat healthy again and stop spending money unnecessarily. The garden has run riot and been trashed by builders so I need to plan what I want to grow and where its going. I though I might try straw bale gardening this year. The chooks have a new house which I aim to fence off so they can't reign seven types of hell on my veges again! So much to do, thank goodness I am on uni holidays so I have time to properly unpack, plan the garden and get the house and freezer ready for study again.
I think another budget would also be good as I have been ignoring the old one quite a bit lately and I have rates to pay and the power bill coming up in the next week. The Girl has also been sick so that has added strain to the budget, a trip to the GP is $27, then $10 on prescriptions, $3 on a measuring syringe and medicine cup, then another $8 for lemonade to dilute the taste and some ice blocks and voila there's $48 gone just like that.
Now I need to eat healthy again and stop spending money unnecessarily. The garden has run riot and been trashed by builders so I need to plan what I want to grow and where its going. I though I might try straw bale gardening this year. The chooks have a new house which I aim to fence off so they can't reign seven types of hell on my veges again! So much to do, thank goodness I am on uni holidays so I have time to properly unpack, plan the garden and get the house and freezer ready for study again.
I think another budget would also be good as I have been ignoring the old one quite a bit lately and I have rates to pay and the power bill coming up in the next week. The Girl has also been sick so that has added strain to the budget, a trip to the GP is $27, then $10 on prescriptions, $3 on a measuring syringe and medicine cup, then another $8 for lemonade to dilute the taste and some ice blocks and voila there's $48 gone just like that.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Easter!
Phew, its nice to relax! I have been super busy and now I finally have some time to relax. I have three weeks holiday after my mid terms. I had four essays to hand in and one exam, now to catch up on all my weekly readings after Easter.
Fianaces are going so-so. I haven't bought any new clothes, but I did buy a $12 pair of plain black flats from Kmart and a new bed as the old one was killing my back. And in the last two weeks before end of term I have bought a couple of coffees and slices on campus. I do usually bring lunch (toasted pita with cheese, tomato and spinach) but I haven't been baking and I do have a terrible sweet tooth. My food bill has been fairly steady, mainly due to the $10 vege packs, great value and the chooks eat anything I don't like, such as vasrious brassicas. The girls having been laying nicely, I have heaps of eggs these days which is lovely. My garden is still producing beans and tomatoes but sadly the chickens have eaten all the silverbeet and lettuce. I also have scallopinis and squash still going as well. Quinces are nearly ready, that's this weekend's job to harvest and rehome them. Now I need to get back on track and stop spending money on junk food, that should be easy while I'm on holiday as I will actually have time to cook and bake again! Such a novelty after the past fortnight from hell academically.
Now I must go prepare for the Easter Bunny's visit.
Fianaces are going so-so. I haven't bought any new clothes, but I did buy a $12 pair of plain black flats from Kmart and a new bed as the old one was killing my back. And in the last two weeks before end of term I have bought a couple of coffees and slices on campus. I do usually bring lunch (toasted pita with cheese, tomato and spinach) but I haven't been baking and I do have a terrible sweet tooth. My food bill has been fairly steady, mainly due to the $10 vege packs, great value and the chooks eat anything I don't like, such as vasrious brassicas. The girls having been laying nicely, I have heaps of eggs these days which is lovely. My garden is still producing beans and tomatoes but sadly the chickens have eaten all the silverbeet and lettuce. I also have scallopinis and squash still going as well. Quinces are nearly ready, that's this weekend's job to harvest and rehome them. Now I need to get back on track and stop spending money on junk food, that should be easy while I'm on holiday as I will actually have time to cook and bake again! Such a novelty after the past fortnight from hell academically.
Now I must go prepare for the Easter Bunny's visit.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
So much to do, so little time
Wow I have been BUSY lately! Lots of study and then travelling to study and doing the readings for various papers. Then keeping all of us alive, fed, clean, warm and happy. Plus social time with friends and family and I get very tired at the end of the week.
I have been ok living a frugal life. I haven't bought any more clothes or shoes, although I will need another pair of plain black ballet flats sometime soon as my current ones are worn through and the heel flaps terribly. The Girl was given some lovely new-to-us clothes, exactly her size from our neighbours over the back (I will reciprocate by giving them a bag of quinces when they are ready). I haven't bought any food or coffee on campus yet due to the cost and the terrible variety. I am lucky that I have an Aunt who I visit on Fridays for lunch and my friend who's a post grad is showing me where the free instant coffee is! Woot!
I am also making the most of the food I have. So I had several large ish scallopinis in the garden and masses of tomatoes so I today during my weekly cookfest I made a vegetarian lasagna with grilled scallopini instead of pasta, home grown tomatoes with lentils for the sauce with layered spinach and white sauce. Then I had a pumpkin from my vege co-op (only $10 a week and you get two bags of random seasonal fruit and veges) so I chopped that up and roasted it with the remaining veges (small amount of spinach, home grown potatoes, yellow capsicum, onion, beans form the garden) and added some leftover lasagna sauce and white sauce and voila, dinner. I also made some pumpkin and choc chip muffins for our lunches this week.
I think its been a busy yet reasonably productive weekend, the house is tidy, washing is on the line (fingers crossed it doesn't rain), chickens have been free ranged all weekend and have a clean house, baking and cooking done, the Girl has been entertained and educated with a trip to the Museum, the Festival of Flowers and then we watched the model yachts, socialised with family and friends and had a meeting regarding the future of the Young Parents Breastfeeding Group. Now to sit down with my cuppa and enjoy watching Fast Five on TV.
I have been ok living a frugal life. I haven't bought any more clothes or shoes, although I will need another pair of plain black ballet flats sometime soon as my current ones are worn through and the heel flaps terribly. The Girl was given some lovely new-to-us clothes, exactly her size from our neighbours over the back (I will reciprocate by giving them a bag of quinces when they are ready). I haven't bought any food or coffee on campus yet due to the cost and the terrible variety. I am lucky that I have an Aunt who I visit on Fridays for lunch and my friend who's a post grad is showing me where the free instant coffee is! Woot!
I am also making the most of the food I have. So I had several large ish scallopinis in the garden and masses of tomatoes so I today during my weekly cookfest I made a vegetarian lasagna with grilled scallopini instead of pasta, home grown tomatoes with lentils for the sauce with layered spinach and white sauce. Then I had a pumpkin from my vege co-op (only $10 a week and you get two bags of random seasonal fruit and veges) so I chopped that up and roasted it with the remaining veges (small amount of spinach, home grown potatoes, yellow capsicum, onion, beans form the garden) and added some leftover lasagna sauce and white sauce and voila, dinner. I also made some pumpkin and choc chip muffins for our lunches this week.
I think its been a busy yet reasonably productive weekend, the house is tidy, washing is on the line (fingers crossed it doesn't rain), chickens have been free ranged all weekend and have a clean house, baking and cooking done, the Girl has been entertained and educated with a trip to the Museum, the Festival of Flowers and then we watched the model yachts, socialised with family and friends and had a meeting regarding the future of the Young Parents Breastfeeding Group. Now to sit down with my cuppa and enjoy watching Fast Five on TV.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Wee splurge today
I had a wee splurge today, I had to replace a pair of jeans as mine ripped terribly and are now unwearable. As I need them fairly quickly and I will need more than one pair, I bought a pair of $11 jeans from K-Mart. I did however resist the plain black tee shirts at $5 each, although I do need a couple and I also resisted the black cardigans at $12 each. However, I also spotted a plain teapot on clearance for $6 (last one left!) which was perfect as I had to throw my one out last week as it had a huge crack all through one side (I blame the EQ's). And then I wandered into the children's area and they had special on tee shirts so I got one for the Girl for next summer and a cute nightie for the grand total of $7. On the way out of the mall I popped into Pumpkin Patch who also had a sale on but once again I prevailed and did not buy the gorgeous size 6 party dress for the Girl as she does have heaps of party dresses. But I did get her a three pack of pretty socks for $5 and she did need them in time for winter. So I spent $29 but I do have some things stashed away for next summer which is helpful.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Another busy day
So far today I have been to Uni, completely cleaned my house (vacuum, dishes, washing, tidying, bathroom and loo), free ranged the chickens, harvested some tomatoes, beans and potatoes, made biscuits, cooked a nutritious dinner, had dedicated activity time with the Girl and now I am ready to fall asleep! I still need to fold and put away Mt Washmore and I would like to give my feet a bit of a pedicure as well. I can do those whilst I watch my beloved bogan TV fix of Sons of Anarchy though.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Back to the daily grind ...
Uni starts tomorrow, so back to the daily grind of parenting, studying, working occasionally and looking after us, the pets and the house/garden. Back to the gigantic petrol bill (so not looking forward to that) and doing some serious meal planning around lunches for both of us and then dinners with little or no time to cook. And to make it all worse I have been hugely busy this past week so I haven't got ready to start study, mentally or financially.
So thankfully I only have two classes tomorrow so I will get my A into G and get the house ready and have a major cook/clean/bake-athon. Mental note going out for cocktails and dinner with the girls is great fun but does not always lead to a productive Sunday! Lovely to have a fun night out with good friends though, especially as I cant afford to do that often money or time wise from now on!
So thankfully I only have two classes tomorrow so I will get my A into G and get the house ready and have a major cook/clean/bake-athon. Mental note going out for cocktails and dinner with the girls is great fun but does not always lead to a productive Sunday! Lovely to have a fun night out with good friends though, especially as I cant afford to do that often money or time wise from now on!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Op-shop Haul!
I had some errands to do today and along the way I popped in at the local op-shop. I got the Girl a Jane and the Dragon DVD for $2, its a NZ DVD and it has a strong female as the lead which is always good. And I got a pair of Max skinny leg jeans for .50cents and a plain black tee for .50cents, the tee is a bit big but I might try and take it in. The girl also got a Pumpkin Patch dress for .50cents but its a bit too big so I might keep it for her or flick it on. Ditto a paisley corduroy skirt. So a jolly good haul for the grand total of $4.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Happy Waitangi Day!
The Girl and I made the fairy garden on Wednesday, well stage one anyway. After school (and when the tsunami threat has passed) we will go down to the beach and get the drift wood and make the chairs for stage two.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
So-so weekend
So a good weekend in that I got my house nice and clean. My Grandmama gave me a loaf bread she had no room for which was brilliant as I needed some for school lunches and a bag of perfect nectarines! I love nectarines they would defiantly be in my top five fruit to eat. I found some plums so I need to process them, not sure how they may just get eaten as they are also delicious. And another food related bonus is Rose (the new chook) laid an egg! So happy and the Girl had a great time collecting it, now to decide what to do with it. I really hope she might lay daily.
I was on a forum and I saw a thread about making a miniature fairy garden so the Girl and I went to the Warehouse and bought some wooden box picture frames for $8.97 down from $19.99 so the large one will be the base for the garden and I can use the others for gifts perhaps. We also got some blue stones for a path for $4. We found a feather to go in and we will go down to the beach and get some sand and shells and driftwood to make chairs (I found a easy looking tutorial). I also got hold of some succulents to add to it, so its all go after school tomorrow! I will certainly be taking some pics.
On a slight downside is I went out last night with my girlfriends and spent $6.50 on a glass of wine and $3.69 on a packet of chips and a bottle of coke. The chips were duly eaten but the coke wasn't needed so I have put it in the cupboard. I also had to put another $20 petrol in the car as I have done a lot of driving this week. And I agreed to go out for tea with my friends this week. On the plus the restaurant is halfway between both our houses and is once again cheap and cheerful so shouldn't be too bad.
I also had to buy the Girl a pair of culottes as I realised she only had one school dress and one pair of flimsy tracksuit material shorts which are far too hot for the frequent 30 degree plus days. So that was $29.99. But I also DID NOT buy the $10 pair of retro inspired high waisted togs! I am quite pleased about that. I thought about it but I already have two other pairs of togs in a similar style and quite a few others in various other styles.
So this week I will load more stuff on Trade Me and stick firmly to my budget. Groceries should be ok this week as I don't need any fruit or many veges so that should help. I picked up some super cheap cat food while at the Warehouse so the cats don't need any this week as they have the super flash Purina Cat Chow all 1.59 kgs for a grand total of $6.29.
I was on a forum and I saw a thread about making a miniature fairy garden so the Girl and I went to the Warehouse and bought some wooden box picture frames for $8.97 down from $19.99 so the large one will be the base for the garden and I can use the others for gifts perhaps. We also got some blue stones for a path for $4. We found a feather to go in and we will go down to the beach and get some sand and shells and driftwood to make chairs (I found a easy looking tutorial). I also got hold of some succulents to add to it, so its all go after school tomorrow! I will certainly be taking some pics.
On a slight downside is I went out last night with my girlfriends and spent $6.50 on a glass of wine and $3.69 on a packet of chips and a bottle of coke. The chips were duly eaten but the coke wasn't needed so I have put it in the cupboard. I also had to put another $20 petrol in the car as I have done a lot of driving this week. And I agreed to go out for tea with my friends this week. On the plus the restaurant is halfway between both our houses and is once again cheap and cheerful so shouldn't be too bad.
I also had to buy the Girl a pair of culottes as I realised she only had one school dress and one pair of flimsy tracksuit material shorts which are far too hot for the frequent 30 degree plus days. So that was $29.99. But I also DID NOT buy the $10 pair of retro inspired high waisted togs! I am quite pleased about that. I thought about it but I already have two other pairs of togs in a similar style and quite a few others in various other styles.
So this week I will load more stuff on Trade Me and stick firmly to my budget. Groceries should be ok this week as I don't need any fruit or many veges so that should help. I picked up some super cheap cat food while at the Warehouse so the cats don't need any this week as they have the super flash Purina Cat Chow all 1.59 kgs for a grand total of $6.29.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Not the best week
Another week has passed and I haven't done so well. I had to shop on Tuesday this week to get items for the Girls school lunch but I did come in slightly under budget and that included big ticket items like cat food, a frozen chicken and eco store washing powder. However I have frittered away money this week.
- I took the Girl to McDonald's as a treat for being so good whilst we shopped for stationary (which totalled roughly $55). So that was $11 gone and after wards I felt slightly blah too much sugar and bad fat for my system I think, still the Girl enjoyed it and for her happy meal she got a microphone hairbrush which is very popular.
- Then I also bought some cheap potted colour at the Warehouse, I got 36 for $3 so a wise spend I think, now I really must get onto planting the last 12!
- I put a bid on Trade Me without thinking that I am not buying any new or unnecessary clothes. The item in question is a white Workshop singlet with a tiger on it. I adore Workshop, they are one of my favourite designers. Thankfully my bid is at $2 and I wont be entering a bidding war over it.
- Parking charges for a routine hospital appointment for the Girl. Initially it was $2.70 (aka all the change I had in the car and my wallet) then the appointment was running much later than expected so I had to buy a muffin at the cafe ($3.60 for a muffin!) and get some change so another $3 went in.
- School stationary. Many trips to many shops and I spent $55 all up. Mean mummy that I am I refused to buy a new lunchbox when the Girl has 5 already and she was given a beautiful green stainless steel drink bottle for Christmas.
- A new chicken. I had a moment of madness and decided I wanted one chicken that was virtually guaranteed to lay an egg a day. So I spent $14 on Trade Me and bought a Hyline Brown. It most likely wont lay for a week or two due to the stress of moving but after that I expect results! I work it out that after one months worth of eggs (roughly 28) I will have saved the $14 purchase price. I live in hope that my other two do turn out to be pullets and not cockerels.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Eeek its been a few days since I last blogged! I managed to hold out and go shopping today, so another 8 days between shops. Although its been easier since the Girl has been spending some time with her Daddy. I spent $46 at the supermarket and then $12 at the vege shop so a total of $58 this week. I also got a 4 cent off petrol voucher, it doesn't happen often as I rarely spend enough at one supermarket to qualify for one! I do however need to buy some washing powder and peppercorns. The peppercorns I will get from Bin In and the washing powder from the other local supermache. However it will put me a good $6 over budget but needs must, its not such a good look to go out in dirty clothes. (I find my homemade washing liquid is good for sheets and towels but not so good on clothes)
It was my birthday on Wednesday and I decided to take the Girl and I out to the local flash cafe for a treat. I had eggs benedict and a coffee and the Girl had fries and a fluffy, it wasn't cheap but I don't care! I was also spoilt rotten by my family and got given vouchers for underwear, haircut and itunes, some books on urban foraging, gardening and chicken keeping, a pair of jeans (just what I needed) a bag for Uni, a hideously kitch Jesus, Mary and Joesph snow globe, some cool tea light holders, an Irish linen table runner and a key chain charm. So that should keep me going for a while!
Unfortunately in addition to the breakfast out I also went out for tea last night with the girls, and will be again on Sunday night with family so the budget for this week is well and truly blown. Buts its ok as I have sold a few bits and pieces on Trade Me so that should cover it.
I have also been given lots of lovely fresh produce. I spend this afternoon dealing with it all. So the rhubarb has morphed into rhubarb cordial and the pulp is in the freezer to become rhubarb and white chocolate muffin. The silver beet has been shared between the chooks and my freezer. The currants are now black currant cordial and red currant cordial. And the dried beans are soaking ready to be planted in the garden tomorrow. A friend is giving away some plums from his tree so I am off over there tomorrow to collect them, not sure what they will end up as, plum gin (if they are small enough) and perhaps plum jam or possibly even plum sauce. So many options! I also have some apples which I may turn into cider (need to go get a bucket and source a reliable recipe) and some lemons. The lemons are being used in glasses of water and I'm not sure what else I can do with them, might go consult one of my new books.
I really must remember to take some pics and upload them on here.
It was my birthday on Wednesday and I decided to take the Girl and I out to the local flash cafe for a treat. I had eggs benedict and a coffee and the Girl had fries and a fluffy, it wasn't cheap but I don't care! I was also spoilt rotten by my family and got given vouchers for underwear, haircut and itunes, some books on urban foraging, gardening and chicken keeping, a pair of jeans (just what I needed) a bag for Uni, a hideously kitch Jesus, Mary and Joesph snow globe, some cool tea light holders, an Irish linen table runner and a key chain charm. So that should keep me going for a while!
Unfortunately in addition to the breakfast out I also went out for tea last night with the girls, and will be again on Sunday night with family so the budget for this week is well and truly blown. Buts its ok as I have sold a few bits and pieces on Trade Me so that should cover it.
I have also been given lots of lovely fresh produce. I spend this afternoon dealing with it all. So the rhubarb has morphed into rhubarb cordial and the pulp is in the freezer to become rhubarb and white chocolate muffin. The silver beet has been shared between the chooks and my freezer. The currants are now black currant cordial and red currant cordial. And the dried beans are soaking ready to be planted in the garden tomorrow. A friend is giving away some plums from his tree so I am off over there tomorrow to collect them, not sure what they will end up as, plum gin (if they are small enough) and perhaps plum jam or possibly even plum sauce. So many options! I also have some apples which I may turn into cider (need to go get a bucket and source a reliable recipe) and some lemons. The lemons are being used in glasses of water and I'm not sure what else I can do with them, might go consult one of my new books.
I really must remember to take some pics and upload them on here.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Shopping was duly done yesterday. Once again I went to a few different shops namely two supermarkets, bin in and I will go down to the dairy when I need more milk. Doing well with the budget, this week I had to buy a battery for the smoke alarm and batteries for the heat pump remote. And I also bought some more wheat for the chooks. The grand total was $52.39. I also had to top my my Trade Me account this week, that was $10. So coming in under budget again, although I did spend $1.50 at the library for two cancelled books the Girl wanted but I am happy to buy those. My car also passed its warrant of fitness (woohoo) so that was $40 well spent.
I have sold the Girl's old unused cot on Trade Me so that money will go towards school fees and school stationary and new shoes, reading folder and perhaps a new drink bottle if the budget will stretch to that.
This week I aim to put more old clothes and toys on Trade me, to sew up my black cardigan and to sew some new hooks into an old sports bra and to make some homemade washing liquid to wash clothes, towels, sheets etc. I also want to do a through clean and tidy of my house and garden. A bit more decluttering wouldn't go amiss either!
I have sold the Girl's old unused cot on Trade Me so that money will go towards school fees and school stationary and new shoes, reading folder and perhaps a new drink bottle if the budget will stretch to that.
This week I aim to put more old clothes and toys on Trade me, to sew up my black cardigan and to sew some new hooks into an old sports bra and to make some homemade washing liquid to wash clothes, towels, sheets etc. I also want to do a through clean and tidy of my house and garden. A bit more decluttering wouldn't go amiss either!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Another good day
Another good day not spending much money today!
I went to a gym class first thing which I really enjoy and puts me in a great healthy frame of mind. I want to go to one tomorrow as well. Then after that I went to visit a friend, we had planned to go for a long walk to the library and a picnic by the river but sadly it has steadily rained all day long. So instead we had coffee and fudge cake (my contribution) at her place and then we wrapped up warm and walked to the library anyway. Jolly good exercise especially as I was lugging my giant sack of library books as well as myself and an umbrella! I got some books and magazines out and then a DVD. The DVD costs $2 to hire for a week so to make it more economical I choose a TV series that I enjoy but haven't seen before, Numb3rs Season 1. So I saved myself a good $28 by simply hiring it instead of buying it, watching it once and having it on my shelf.
After we had walked back to my friends house, we had another coffee and she mentioned she had some clothes she had to take to the op shop. Knowing she has quite good fashion sense I asked to go through the bag and I picked out a cute blue skirt (handmade) with a pink trim, it might be a bit big but that's ok as I can ask someone to take it in for me. I also scored a gorgeous black vintage woollen dress! Fingers crossed it fits me but even if it doesn't I don't care, I will sew it up myself if I have to!
Then after that I went to a facebook friend's house who had found a bag of toy horses and offered them free to her friends so I collected a plastic toy horse in which all the joints move, it will be perfect for the Girls barbies and princesses!
I am still planning on doing my weekly food shop one day later than last week, so on Thursday but I am not sure how that's going to go! I have plenty of food but I am missing some vital ingredients for my main roster of meals. Its even harder as I am trying to low carb. Still only one more day to go, so essentially I need two possible meals, lunch and dinner. Clearly I will have to get creative!
I went to a gym class first thing which I really enjoy and puts me in a great healthy frame of mind. I want to go to one tomorrow as well. Then after that I went to visit a friend, we had planned to go for a long walk to the library and a picnic by the river but sadly it has steadily rained all day long. So instead we had coffee and fudge cake (my contribution) at her place and then we wrapped up warm and walked to the library anyway. Jolly good exercise especially as I was lugging my giant sack of library books as well as myself and an umbrella! I got some books and magazines out and then a DVD. The DVD costs $2 to hire for a week so to make it more economical I choose a TV series that I enjoy but haven't seen before, Numb3rs Season 1. So I saved myself a good $28 by simply hiring it instead of buying it, watching it once and having it on my shelf.
After we had walked back to my friends house, we had another coffee and she mentioned she had some clothes she had to take to the op shop. Knowing she has quite good fashion sense I asked to go through the bag and I picked out a cute blue skirt (handmade) with a pink trim, it might be a bit big but that's ok as I can ask someone to take it in for me. I also scored a gorgeous black vintage woollen dress! Fingers crossed it fits me but even if it doesn't I don't care, I will sew it up myself if I have to!
Then after that I went to a facebook friend's house who had found a bag of toy horses and offered them free to her friends so I collected a plastic toy horse in which all the joints move, it will be perfect for the Girls barbies and princesses!
I am still planning on doing my weekly food shop one day later than last week, so on Thursday but I am not sure how that's going to go! I have plenty of food but I am missing some vital ingredients for my main roster of meals. Its even harder as I am trying to low carb. Still only one more day to go, so essentially I need two possible meals, lunch and dinner. Clearly I will have to get creative!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Still going strong
I am still going strong! I went out to a friends for homemade pizza on Sat night. There was a slight babysitting hiccup so I only went for a few hours which probably helped the budget! And big thanks to my wonderful family who babysit for me and at short notice as well.
Meal planning really helps I find. I bought a frozen chicken and so far it has lasted three meals and hopefully lunch tomorrow (although that might be pushing it food safety wise). My Grandmama gave me some lemons from her tree so I made a lemon yogurt cake and I adapted it by reducing the sugar and swapping half the flour for almond meal to make a healthier low carb recipe. It was delicious and it went down well on Saturday night for desert after the amazing pizza. My mother also gave me two litres of raw milk so the Small One and I have been drinking a lot of smoothies and milkshakes and iced coffees as it has a yummy creamier taste compared to shop bought milk.
I have been doing a lot of gardening in the last few days (quite a feat in the 30 plus degree days we have been having) and I have also finally rebuilt my gate, now to get someone to assist me with getting it on the hinges properly. I am also on a HUGE declutter mission, today I have gone through our clothes and shoes, tomorrow I am officially taking on the toy room of doom. In addition I am dog sitting my mother's extremely neurotic epileptic dog, so lets all hope that he doesn't run away or have a seizure.
Meal planning really helps I find. I bought a frozen chicken and so far it has lasted three meals and hopefully lunch tomorrow (although that might be pushing it food safety wise). My Grandmama gave me some lemons from her tree so I made a lemon yogurt cake and I adapted it by reducing the sugar and swapping half the flour for almond meal to make a healthier low carb recipe. It was delicious and it went down well on Saturday night for desert after the amazing pizza. My mother also gave me two litres of raw milk so the Small One and I have been drinking a lot of smoothies and milkshakes and iced coffees as it has a yummy creamier taste compared to shop bought milk.
I have been doing a lot of gardening in the last few days (quite a feat in the 30 plus degree days we have been having) and I have also finally rebuilt my gate, now to get someone to assist me with getting it on the hinges properly. I am also on a HUGE declutter mission, today I have gone through our clothes and shoes, tomorrow I am officially taking on the toy room of doom. In addition I am dog sitting my mother's extremely neurotic epileptic dog, so lets all hope that he doesn't run away or have a seizure.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Successful grocery shop!
Today's goal was to buy the weekly groceries. This includes a trip to the vastly overpriced but local vege shop (will not be returning in the near future), the cheap but stressful supermarket, the bakery and dairy.
Supermarket - $33.24
Dairy - $6.00
Bakery - $1.60
Vege shop - $13.16
Total - $ 54.00
So I am six dollars under budget! Woohoo! A good start indeed. My Grandmother also gave me some lemons when I visited her, so I have been having a squeeze of lemon juice in my glasses of water, most refreshing in the 30 degree heat! Tomorrow I am going to make a lemon yoghurt cake and I will try and adapt the recipe to make it lower carb than usual by substiting 1/2 a cup of flour for ground almond. I also have some leftovers to eat for lunch (chilli con carne and chicken curry) and the small person can have some cherry tomatoes from the garden and a toasted cheese sandwich. I also have some courgettes which are looking a bit sad so I shall grill them and then add some onion, garlic, mushroom, red pepper and bacon and a naughty creamy sauce and then bake for 30 mins. Easy cheap dinner which has a high vege content.
Supermarket - $33.24
Dairy - $6.00
Bakery - $1.60
Vege shop - $13.16
Total - $ 54.00
So I am six dollars under budget! Woohoo! A good start indeed. My Grandmother also gave me some lemons when I visited her, so I have been having a squeeze of lemon juice in my glasses of water, most refreshing in the 30 degree heat! Tomorrow I am going to make a lemon yoghurt cake and I will try and adapt the recipe to make it lower carb than usual by substiting 1/2 a cup of flour for ground almond. I also have some leftovers to eat for lunch (chilli con carne and chicken curry) and the small person can have some cherry tomatoes from the garden and a toasted cheese sandwich. I also have some courgettes which are looking a bit sad so I shall grill them and then add some onion, garlic, mushroom, red pepper and bacon and a naughty creamy sauce and then bake for 30 mins. Easy cheap dinner which has a high vege content.
Monday, January 7, 2013
A busy day for me today. First I went to my gym class then I dug some new potatoes for a friend and put together a few other bits and pieces as her pantry is bare (the egg and corn were for our lunch of corn fritters), then home and some cleaning, created two more tyre gardens and planted some silver beet, lettuce, peas and beans, then watered everything, then cooked some potatoes for dinner (potato salad and grilled bacon), then made some biscuits, then I am off out to the movies to see Jack Reacher. Phew, it is nice to sit down briefly! Here is the pic of my tiny food parcel for my friend, its today's official Good Deed.
I have also decided to stretch out shopping day. I was initially planning on going food shopping tomorrow but instead I shall go on Wednesday and the following week on Thursday etc so making what I have go further so one week I will save my entire shopping money as I wont need to go! Well that's the aim anyway, reality may be different!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Chicken Houses and the Reality of the Budget
Well last night I did my budget and after all basic bills are paid (rates, mortgage, multiple insurances, car wof and rego, power, phone & internet, cellphone, food, petrol and my gym membership) I will have approx $22 per week for all spending child related items, doctor, dental and vet visits, presents for all occasions, treats and all other miscellaneous spending. Somewhat depressing I must admit. Oh well, better get some stuff on TM to build up a surplus. That will be tomorrow's goal.
Today my Mother and I built the chook house for my as yet unsexed chickens. I hope they are hens, if they are not they will be dinner although not at my table! The whole house cost $19.47 and that was the cost of the chicken wire. I used the laying box from the old house, the random wood and planks were lying around my shed and I already had the nails. A few hours of hard work in the 25 degree blinding hot sun and we were done. Voila!
Today my Mother and I built the chook house for my as yet unsexed chickens. I hope they are hens, if they are not they will be dinner although not at my table! The whole house cost $19.47 and that was the cost of the chicken wire. I used the laying box from the old house, the random wood and planks were lying around my shed and I already had the nails. A few hours of hard work in the 25 degree blinding hot sun and we were done. Voila!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
New Year, New Goals
Happy New Year!
This year I have a few resolutions.
With regards to the strict budget I want to see if I can refrain from buying any (unless obviously needed) new clothes and shoes for myself and other unnecessary items like home wares etc. I would of course still buy clothes and shoes and things for the Smallfry as needed. This will be a serious challenge for me!
I also want to do a major declutter and sell off excess clothes, books and other clutter. I will either TradeMe these or possibly have a stall at a market.
Wish me luck!
This year I have a few resolutions.
- Continue to parent my Darling to the best of my ability
- Continue to do the best I can do at Uni and keep up my grades
- Continue to eat well and exercise
- Grow as much food as I can
- Live on a strict budget
- Volunteer somewhere, possibly with animals
With regards to the strict budget I want to see if I can refrain from buying any (unless obviously needed) new clothes and shoes for myself and other unnecessary items like home wares etc. I would of course still buy clothes and shoes and things for the Smallfry as needed. This will be a serious challenge for me!
I also want to do a major declutter and sell off excess clothes, books and other clutter. I will either TradeMe these or possibly have a stall at a market.
Wish me luck!
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