Sharing Ways We Save

This post will be a two week compilation of things I or my family did to save money.  I missed last weeks post due to a temporary illness.

Recently we have saved various glass jars and bottles to up-cycle or reuse in the future.  I shared a Simple Centerpiece that we used some of them for.

We had already paid in advance to go to the fair twice, so we went back to the fair and received many free things like pens, pencils, emergency preparedness items etc.  We did also purchase some refillable souvenir cups to drink from while we were there, and we can use those as travel cups as summer weather approaches so that we are sure to have a drink with us.

My kids sat down on the carpet with a small tub of soapy water and cleaned their shoes with toothbrushes.  My son even went to so far as to touch up his black shoes with permanent marker.  When they were done they looked good as new.  I was very proud of them for taking care of what they have.

We used coupons for our breakfast out at Steak and Shake and saved $5.00 off of our bill and got to try a new breakfast item for free.  (We also talked and decided to limit our out of the house breakfasts to once a month from now on outside of special occasions.)

In the kitchen I made caramel and spaghetti sauce.

I have recommitted myself to intentional planning and cooking in the kitchen.  Last month we spent over 443.00 eating out according to our financial software provided for free by our bank.  (yikes) I contributed a post here about my heart attitude and realizing despite my efforts I still need a change.  This is a new venture that I hope to be able to contribute to regularly as my friend Lori and I attempt to reach out and possibly minister to others who may share similar struggles.

Speaking of my best friend we went to the beach together...it was completely free for me because she was sweet and drove....(Thank you Aunti Lori,)  we each packed our own lunches.  Lots of fun....and refreshing!  I hope she will share about our "beach therapy" soon.

(I have now survived one whole week of intentional cooking. There are moments I have had to pray because I am unsure what to put together for a meal, unsure if my kids will want to eat it, and I hate to wash dishes.  There was a night or two where I really just wanted to make that mad dash to a local drive thru...but we didn't.  It's been one whole week without McDonald's famous french fries.) Ah well.  It is doable, I can cook, meal plans can be made despite whatever past habits have been.  If you make a mistake it is good to recognize it and work to change the behavior.


I am learning more about when to shop which grocery stores around here lately.  I found at Winn Dixie veggies for .59 a can.  Tomato sauce buy one get one free at .79 a 15 oz can.  7 of those made up the 106 oz can I usually pay 5.00 for and i paid just 2.50 or so for them.  I will watch the ads more carefully now and note exactly when these sales are offered.  I believe that the Wal-Mart marks down their meat items on Sundays.

Next month it will be two years since I started blogging....it has taken me that long to get the hang of some of these frugal and intentional living practices, and I still have so much to learn.  Thank you for being a part of that journey.  You are irreplaceable and important!  How was your week?