May Busy Beavers - May 2015 Frugal Chatter Thread

[Andit]

Good morning, everyone.

Poor Lily dog didn't get chance to spy on the neighbours this morning (everything was still wet from last night's storm), so she's miffed. Quincy cat, otoh, is happy he got to go for a walk in the hallway, so at least half the household is happy. I've already spent a couple of hours organizing my storage locker (I started off taking down the Easter stuff that I kept forgetting to put away & one thing led to another, sigh).

I suspect it's time for a nap (a certain someone is trying to keep his roommate from napping on the bench).

Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

[Frugalbigmama]

Looking forward to my pasta for lunch (leftovers from last night). Will eat in my office then I think head to WM and walk around and try not to spend any $. Or maybe go home and tidy up a bit. That would probably be a better idea!

[SassyAshley]

Nancy I feel your pain and rant I believe it is good for everyone to get it out.

My mom thought she finally found a full time job went for the interview was asked on the spot to come back for orientation only to find out the job is not at all how it was listed in the ad and if you ask me a bit sketchy. She went in for a customer service job but was given an opportunity for another job which pays higher (does not sound like the original job was ever available and they just use it to get people in the door). Basically you become a telemarketer but you go after business selling them ad space and marketing tools (which is not how the job was explained either, it was made to sound like you work with clients with have dealt with the company before and help them put together new ads) and it is ALL cold calling. Not only that there is no base salary or hourly pay, it is all commission and under the table. I cannot fully explain it as it was so complicated but needless to say she is completely deflated and even considered trying it as she is so desperate for money but we both know it would not work. Convinced her in the end it is better to stay where she is for the time being as this will never be long term and is it worth losing her part time position where she is and end up with no job in the end.

Now on the flip side of this I think she got so excited she got a new job she may have gone and done some online clothes shopping which are now clothes she does not need or have a use for (they are dressy for office wear and cannot be worn to her current job) not to mention she would have put them on her credit card which she will have no way to pay off. Think tonight will be another try to push at the budget. We are bleeding money we do not need to bleed. Some of it we cannot control but her new I do not care my life sucks and I am going to do whatever I want attitude is really getting on my nerves as we know where this will end with maxed out credit cards and another plan to pay them off which will involve me paying them off and her paying me back which never happens.

Have a great day everyone time to get back to work.

[Crochetlady]

Nancy, I can totally relate. Neither hubby or I ever made much money but his income was of course higher since I had to go on disability. We were so used to each having our own money that we kept our own bank accounts when we got married. However we are each responsible for paying certain bills split according to income. I try to buy smart when it comes to groceries so it frustrates me to no end when he decides he wants to cook something and buys what he needs at full price without checking to see if we already have it. Last week it was celery which will spoil soon if it doesn`t get used and ground beef which we have lots of in the freezer. I realize they`re just small items but it does add up and we need to make room in the freezer because he`ll be starting the ice machine in a couple weeks. Hope you`re enjoying your alone time.

@ Avoncallingyou Enjoy your visit with Lynn. I love Sudbury. Haven`t been there since we visited my sister in 2003.

[thriftygranny]

Nancy, chin up, Maybe they had a flat or car issues? I hope it isn't an extravagance that will cause tension. My hubby spends way more freely on his on wants and sometimes I shake my head, but we can always afford to pay for the splurges and he does talk to me first but I still question his needs sometimes!!
Natalka those flowers are amazing..lucky girl!

Frugal supper tonight, I made mexican rice bowls, used half pack of the Italian sausage from the No "Frills sale ---3.00, 2 cans each of black beans and corn, both free with the pc points bonanza a while ago,3 cups of raw brown rice, (bought reduced and got 10.00 in chicken coupons in tub!!) I'll say .50, One can of no salt tomatoes---1.00. bag of frozen shrimp on sale for 4.00 regular 8.00, one green pepper---.50.There is enough for supper and lunches tomorrow and a bowl or two to freeze for a lunch of snack. So 9.00 for 8 meals and 3 lunches, for the lunches I will wrap it in a tortilla with some cheese and salsa.

[jasperandchar]

@SassyAshley I can certainly understand your frustration, it's difficult when people sharing a home & expenses are not on the same page. Hopefully your mother can return the clothes or cancel before it's even shipped.

[jasperandchar]

Nancy, chin up, Maybe they had a flat or car issues? I hope it isn't an extravagance that will cause tension. My hubby spends way more freely on his on wants and sometimes I shake my head, but we can always afford to pay for the splurges and he does talk to me first but I still question his needs sometimes!!
Natalka those flowers are amazing..lucky girl!

Frugal supper tonight, I made mexican rice bowls, used half pack of the Italian sausage from the No "Frills sale ---3.00, 2 cans each of black beans and corn, both free with the pc points bonanza a while ago,3 cups of raw brown rice, (bought reduced and got 10.00 in chicken coupons in tub!!) I'll say .50, One can of no salt tomatoes---1.00. bag of frozen shrimp on sale for 4.00 regular 8.00, one green pepper---.50.There is enough for supper and lunches tomorrow and a bowl or two to freeze for a lunch of snack. So 9.00 for 8 meals and 3 lunches, for the lunches I will wrap it in a tortilla with some cheese and salsa.

Thanks @thriftygranny , your dinner sounds delish and reasonably priced, enjoy

[jasperandchar]

Nancy, I can totally relate. Neither hubby or I ever made much money but his income was of course higher since I had to go on disability. We were so used to each having our own money that we kept our own bank accounts when we got married. However we are each responsible for paying certain bills split according to income. I try to buy smart when it comes to groceries so it frustrates me to no end when he decides he wants to cook something and buys what he needs at full price without checking to see if we already have it. Last week it was celery which will spoil soon if it doesn`t get used and ground beef which we have lots of in the freezer. I realize they`re just small items but it does add up and we need to make room in the freezer because he`ll be starting the ice machine in a couple weeks. Hope you`re enjoying your alone time.

@ Avoncallingyou Enjoy your visit with Lynn. I love Sudbury. Haven`t been there since we visited my sister in 2003.

I think guys are generally more impulsive than ladies but you're correct it does all add up - thanks

If you or your dh put the celery in water it will stay firm for longer

[Crochetlady]

I think guys are generally more impulsive than ladies but you're correct it does all add up - thanks

If you or your dh put the celery in water it will stay firm for longer

I have it in Tupperware fridge smart containers but there is a limit even with them.

[Crochetlady]

I can`t talk to hubby about finances. He says he doesn`t want to know. He just expects the bills to magically be paid. Even when we refinanced our mortgage he went to the bank with me only because they needed his signature. He sat there, listened to our options and didn`t say anything. I had to make the decision. I worry about what he would do if anything happens to me. I guess that should give me more incentive to stay as healthy as possible but unexpected things can happen.

[sweet sparrow]

@jasperandchar: You know about my financial differences with my DH so you have company. Sometimes, I think I need that room where I can jump up and down, rip up credit card bills (after paying them), and have a general fit. Then, I'd compose myself, straighten my shirt and hair, and be fine.

@SassyAshley: It sounds like your mom dodged a bullet by not taking that job!

We have two dinners to attend this weekend so I will have to think of something special for meals. Fruit and vegetables are definitely on the list.

I always have good intentions of getting in and out of the store ASAP, but after checking the clearance racks, pondering items that I think are good deals but not on the list, it's two hours later and I haven't even lined up in the endless lineups yet. I used to write down my list by store, but since I only really have one store where I PM, I should just go by section: produce, dairy, housewares, etc.

QOTD: How organized are you before your shopping trip? Are you on a tight schedule or can you take as much time as you like?

[Natalka]

Good day!

Everyone is so busy, I'm so jealous! Sure wish I could do stuff, too!
My back is almost in the clear, but it's still at the be-very-careful stage - so I don't risk much.

sweet sparrow, yes, those are the flowers, I googled pics and info. They have just a very light scent, not citrus as the info pages say, but that could just be the variety.

Well, I woke up this morning around 2:30 and my husband was nowhere to be found - turns out he was in the basement fixing the dryer! (He had slept when he came home from work, so his sleep cycle was wonky)
He was doing his work clothes and there was no heat in the dryer.
Note - this dryer is a million years old, we had gotten it secondhand. I cannot even count the number of times he's fixed it, but somehow he always does.

Got meatballs out of the freezer for supper - I think I'll make a mushroom sauce, then we'll have them over smashed potatoes, with a salad.

Have a great day, everyone!

[Natalka]

I have it in Tupperware fridge smart containers but there is a limit even with them.

You can chop it up, sautee it a bit on its own, or add some onions, then freeze it.

[Crochetlady]

QOTD: How organized are you before your shopping trip? Are you on a tight schedule or can you take as much time as you like?[/QUOTE]

I really only have 2 options for groceries but I do make a list and try to stick with it unless I see something on the clearance racks or spot a good deal. Usually I can take as much time as I need.

[Crochetlady]

You can chop it up, sautee it a bit on its own, or add some onions, then freeze it.

Thanks Natalka! I`ll try that.

Glad to hear your back is on the mend.

Hearing about what a thoughtful young man Milan is ALMOST makes me wish we`d had a kid. Those flowers are gorgeous.