High Cost of Food

I guess it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see we are all paying more for our food. Last year I really began to notice the price increases in my regular staples I buy every week. I shop at Walmart for my basic things and noticed for one the pasta I buy went from .78 cents to $1.48. And what about Bread!! My god I am thinking of baking my own. For the past 3 years I have kept chickens and they lay quite good. I've been selling my surplus to neighbors and friends for $1.00. Boy did I get a shock to see what they are in the store. I'm glad I have them now. Also last year I had tomatoes and peppers in my garden- tomatoes did so-so but the peppers did great- and we loved them in our pasta salads and green salads. I am already planning another small garden this year. Today as I read the paper I noted an article on how much of an increase we are seeing in food prices--it was right on the mark on what a lot of families are doing and how they are coping. I certainly have become much more in tune and have tightened my belt--funny I am eating better and have kept my spending down. The biggest time saving thing I did was figure how to incorporate more left overs and plan of all my meals to keep that in mind. Not only has it helped my budget but has helped with cooking my nightly meals because I plan ahead and have almost stopped the impulsive eating out at fast food. So try eating more leftovers- it's a little challenging at first but you'll get better at it!!

Read more...

Trying Times

It is without a doubt "trying" in these times in which we live. I don't know how people are living right now with car payments , mortgage payments, the cost of food and gas....I make a good living but find myself with less and less disposable income. I've have decided to live quite simply -simply. I now plan my days of "going" into town and do my errands all at once to save gas. I make do and really ponder if I need to buy something or not. I budget. I save. I recycle. I am decluttering my life. I have learned I like living this way. I am learning time is everything. I enjoy the birds and porch sitting. Which by the way is a thing of the past! How many people do you see actually sitting on their porches watching their kids play or watching the cars go by? Our times are too hurried.

Learn to relax and in doing so you may too simplify your life!

Read more...