Friday, March 20, 2020

Frugal Friday Wrap Up 3/20/20 Pandemic Edition

Comfort in a bowl...Udon noodle soup



   Life has changed in so many ways with the covid-19 virus and all that changes it has brought to people's lives all over the world.  My heart just aches for all the loss and sorrow, fear and anxiety that this has caused.  I am used to staying at home for the most part but this not being able to see my children and grandchildren is the hardest thing for me at the moment.  Jeff continues to work at his job but luckily he does not come into contact with many people while doing this.  I think that all of us at some point will know someone who has lost or has someone who is fighting this awful disease in their lives.  I pray for everyone.

   In light of all of this and the changes that this has brought, it is so important to live a frugal life at this point when so many people have lost or may lose their income at any moment.  I think we are all in for a very bumpy road ahead, even when the initial threat of the virus itself has passed.  The financial loss and setbacks will be with us for months, if not years.  People are starting to go back to learning how to make their own bread and cooking from scratch once again.  If nothing else, I think that learning these skills, which many do not have, is a good thing.

   Here are some of the frugal things we have done this week:

~Baked 2 loaves of bread
~Made a huge pot of potato and corn soup
~Cooked up 4 artichokes in the InstantPot
~Bought the loss leaders at Safeway and picked up a few more things at Dollar Tree
~Got my glasses fixed for free at our optometrist
~Line dried some bathroom rugs outside after washing them
~Trying to be so careful not to waste food
~Jeff brought home so more free lumber
~I bought some more garden seeds from the Dollar Tree to start my garden
~I put the bottoms of the celery and lettuce in water to regrow more
~I dug out a bunch of books on gardening and frugal living to read once again
~We have been using Facetime to visit with our kids and grandkids since we cannot see them in person
~I have started a compost can to put kitchen scraps in so I can bury them in the soil to enrich the garden
~I cut Jeff's hair
~I found a code to add more minutes to my Tracfone
~With all the students home from school, I am trying to help my friends with resources to keep their kiddos learning
~I'm making more of my honey/lemon/ginger syrup
~I put the used coffee grounds around the blueberry bushes who love the acidity from them
~Jeff and I are taking walks with Caesar


   Be blessed everyone and stay safe.

8 comments:

  1. Thanks Deb. You have no idea how this post made me feel better. Just you doing you, normalcy, how you cope. I so needed that today my friend.

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    1. You are so very welcome. I think we all need a dose of normalcy at times like this. ((((HUGS)))))

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  2. Good to hear that you and Jeff are doing OK and your loved ones, too. Thank goodness for face time and other ways to keep in touch with family and friends.

    Sounds like you are being very frugal, as usual. Our whole state has been told to stay home and shelter in place, only essential trips such as for groceries and medications are allowed.

    Take care and stay safe!

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    1. I thought of you my friend when I saw the order to shelter in place for your state. I have many friends and relatives in California and you are all in my prayers.

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  3. So glad to see your post this morning. I'm trying to figure out a new normal and new routines. I've been inside since Monday afternoon except for two very quick trips to take the trash out..whoppee. I also placed my first online order with one of our grocery stores. Couldn't get delivery at all. The earliest pickup date was April 2nd, yikes. But I took it.
    I'm still fighting the anxiety but know I'm in better shape then most mentally and with my pantry. Sending hugs.
    SJ in Vancouver BC

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    1. (((((HUGS)))) back Sally. I have thought about doing the Walmart pick up for groceries also. I do have an order from Imperfect Foods coming next week again but they said it may be delayed a bit. I understand about the anxiety...I'm doing everything I can to fight it myself. Being able to be outside really helps me cope better. Much love to you!

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  4. Debbie - I placed my order Thursday night, March 19, and the first pickup date available was April 2. IMO - place the order, you can always cancel. At least that's true for my grocery store. I can also add to the order up to 24hrs before the pickup date. Charges don't go through on my credit card until they pick the order. Cheers
    SJ in Vancouver

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    1. Oh my goodness, that is so far dated out! I think that everyone is going to be trying to limit their time in the stores as much as possible so this may become the norm. :( Praying that you will be ok until then. Much love to you my friend!

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