Welcome to another thrifty week at Harvest Lane Cottage. I am glad you've found me! Each week I share my thrifty and frugal projects, ways of saving money, and my blessings from God.
I am so glad you dropped in for a visit today—or tonight!
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Hey Y'all!
It's an absolutely gorgeous day here in Southwest Missouri. It's like an early spring day with sunshine, a nice breeze and 77°!!! It's glorious.
If I have my way, though, it will snow next week. ~grin~ Still waiting for our first real snowfall of the winter. Missouri has such fickle weather. After months of looking forward to winter, I just cannot let go of my hopes yet!
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."
Proverbs 13:12
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Here's my thrifty week:
- I cut my husband's hair. I've been cutting his hair for over twenty-five years now! This is a big money saver!
- I cut my own bangs. I keep my hair long and usually have it cut by a stylist only once a year.
- We had a super cheap meal of "fried rice" with 3 cups of cooked rice, chopped celery, leftover frozen peas, and leftover cooked broccoli. I scrambled 6 eggs and added them to the mixture and heated it through.
- Ground venison that our friend gave us made chili a cheap meal.
- I bought a small one ounce skein of acrylic yarn to use in a project at Walmart. It was the perfect size and the perfect price at just fifty cents!
- Last week, I used a 40% off coupon to buy more cotton yarn for one of my numerous dishcloths. I make them for shower gifts, Christmas gifts, and for our family's use. I might just start putting some in my Etsy shop. It's time to start adding some inventory!
- I cleaned and organized my main food cupboards. I threw out some pectin that had been around way too long. Last year I didn't make any jelly or jam since I was working part-time. If I make jam or jelly this year, I want the pectin to be fresh.
- I received a new book for review—The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller.
- I worked on making an apron using an old beloved apron that is getting tattered. I'm making a tutorial as I go.
- One foot of real estate cleared. I took some things to our homeschool co-op and gave them away.
- Price Matcherz alerted me to some Aldi sales. Baby carrots $.49 lb bag, yellow onions $.79 for 3 lb bag (I bought 3!), oranges $1.99 for 4 lb bag, red grapes $1.98 for 2 lb bag, and 6 on the vine tomatoes for $1.69.
- My daughter, Amy, made some delicious guacamole using avocados I got for $.40 each at Walmart. We substituted white onion for red since I already had it on hand.
- My daughter, Emily, made some delicious butternut squash soup from some squash her friend gave to her.
Well, that's my thrifty week.
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What are you doing in your home this week?
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A peek into my life... |
| I prepared my favorite, tattered apron to be used as a pattern. |
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ღLauraღ
...doing what I can with what I've got
where I am on a short shoestring budget!
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You might enjoy reading...
I saw those 50 cent skeins at Walmart and thought they were a great idea.
ReplyDeleteFried rice is one of our favorite meals too. I like to make a really big batch to have some for leftovers.
A stomach virus is visiting our home right now so not much of anything is going on. I was very glad I had Sprite, Gatorade, jello and saltines in the pantry.
I do hope all are well at your house now. I want to go buy a couple more of those little skeins. They're so cute, and I run out before I get tired of the color.
DeleteSmiles,
Laura
I hope your apron turns out. I am always sad when something I love wears out.
ReplyDeleteMe too Wendi! I sometimes keep things too long because of it.
DeleteThat fried rice sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
I hope you get some snow out there...
We have had some beautiful snowfalls here in Pa. : )
Have a cozy evening, my friend.
I feel like I just want to spend the winter visiting other bloggers and readers to enjoy their snow. ~smiles~
DeleteHave a lovely Sunday,
Laura
I was just thinking about your weekly thrift post on the way home, and here it is!
ReplyDeleteYou did well!
Have you tried cauliflower fried rice? I have not, but the reviews I have seen make it sound great? Cauliflower here is very expensive, it wouldn't save us any money, but if I get any extra at some of t, I may try it. We love fried rice with pieces of smoked sausages or smokies in it, a rare treat due to the sodium content.
I cut my bangs this week, it was not great, but not bad. I cut his week before last. I have you beat, my poor man has been getting cut by me for 38 years! I still don't have the knack, but I pray hard! He probably does too, but is wise enough not to say!
I did turn in purchase proof for a two dollar gift card this week, not sure when it may get here.
I got a new book to review in the mail today, a murder mystery. I don't read that type often, but this from a Christian publisher, so hoping it will still be clean with no profanity.
I printed off a free French fry coupon, but have not used it, it will be a rare thing also for mre to get.
I got several just released books from the library, and a new to me DVD, a reprint of an old Don Knotts, Tim Conway movie. Very stupid, and corny but something to laugh over after the very hard week my family has had.
I attended a sweet birthday party for my son, a nice time and good simple food supplied by my DIL.
I returned a brand new vehicle battery back to Walmart, it went dead four days after we bought it! Hoping the replacement will be fine. At least no cost was incurred!
I donated two large religious pictures to a new fellowship hall, a blessing when a fellow asked, and it freed up some "real estate" here. Honestly, sometimes it just blesses you to help a stranger. It did me! Even though I was very attached to them, one of them especially.
I stretched a meal of mine to four, just by adding veggies for salads. Much healthier for me, as well as saving money.
I also disposed of two old videos, I felt I should. I know as time goes on, I need to just get rid of some things not because they are bad per se, but because my tastes have changed, and simplified. I trashed these, I could have donated them, but decided against it..
I also bought some garden seeds, from the dollar store last year was a severe drought, so I'm not sure how well they will do, but there is always hope!
I went to the thrift store, but did not buy anything, that in itself can be a good thing!
Blessings to your coming week!
Hi Annie!
DeleteI always love to read your notes. They make my day...or evening...smile.
I have not heard of cauliflower fried rice. I'm not sure if I'd try it. Cauliflower is nearly $2 a small head here. Fried rice is rare here. I'm trying not to base meals around carbs lately. It's hard to be frugal without carbs though.
Once, years ago, my husband and I fought right before I cut his hair. I accidentally used the wrong plastic guard and cut it too short. Oops! I wondered if he thought I did it on purpose. I'm glad we don't fight like that anymore.
You've had a super frugal week! I'm proud of you. Though, to be honest, if you're like me, a lot of it comes naturally through years of practice. Well done!
Blessings,
Laura
I'm sitting right next to the author!!
ReplyDeleteI love your ideas and your family, you are such incredible givers!!
Are you serious?
DeleteOh my! I will not be jealous. I will not be jealous!
~smiles~ I can't wait to read the book.
Thank you for your kindness.
Mrs. Laura Lane
Good Morning, friend...at this point in time, we can exchange places, giggling. I think I am ready for spring like weather, none around here, sad to say.
ReplyDeleteI also cut my husbands hair, he has always kept it in a high and tight (thanks to the Marines). Hmm...thrifty, let's see, oh I sewed some holey socks, does that count? grinning.
Have a beautiful week, Laura, send some of that sunshine and warmer weather to western NY, pretty please. smiles
Yes, holey socks count! I actually threw away a pair of hand knitted slippers, because I've been too busy to learn to darn! Not very thrifty, but realistic. They were taking up real estate!
DeleteBlessings from southern Missouri,
Laura
Wonderful! I hope you'll share your apron when you're finished with it. When we moved into this house, there was a six? pronged coat hanger hanging near the front door. Because it's a narrow walkway and because we'd need one twice that big anyway, I decided to hang pretty aprons on it. I've been one apron short since June but yesterday, as I was digging through a tote looking for spring linens, I found one more vintage apron to hang up! It looks so pretty! Anyway, I've got a thing for aprons... :)
ReplyDeleteHope you have a lovely week!
You should post a photo. I'll bet it looks so vintage and pretty.
DeleteIn my home this week, I have been crafting. I made 4 stained glass projects and pocket letters. I am pleased with how they turned out. I even posted them online. So you know they look good ;) This week I hope to do some Bible scripture art. By the way, I like Aldi too!
ReplyDeleteI'll go take a look Ginger Dawn. Thanks for dropping in!
DeleteHi Laura: Just a private question for you... I am a big reader of Christian books fiction and non-fiction and wondering how I can get started reviewing books for publishers?
ReplyDeleteI am nearly your neighbor over east in Republic, Missouri😊
I miss winter, too!!
Hi Lori,
DeleteI'd suggest you look into BookLook Bloggers or Blogging for Books. I'm sorry. I couldn't keep it private since I didn't have your email. Please let me know your blog. I'd love to visit.
Blessings,
Laura
http://www.bloggingforbooks.com/
http://www.booklookbloggers.com/
I would love to send you some snow, and trade you for the 70 degree weather, lol! Your fried rice sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWill look forward to seeing the apron you craft out of your old one! Have a lovely week!
Hmmm... how could we do that Marilyn? It would be a good trick. Fifties today, but I'm seeing daffodil greenery poking up. The crocus were in bloom at the park the other day...BUT I've seen crocus with snow on them. I will not give up hope yet!
DeleteWell you have done really well this week my friend! Can not wait to see the new apron
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I haven't been able to work on it again since then. I hope to get to it this week.
DeleteThe rice sounds so good..[One of my favorite meals]. You found good deals at Aldi..wish we had and Aldi store.
ReplyDeleteI need to make some aprons..Mine are getting old too.. I only have one good one..[a blogging friend made me]. Have a great day.
It's funny, Judy. I only have one good one, too. It was made with a pattern using a jellyroll, and the whole thing cost close to $70 and several hours to make. All the "ingredients" were gifts from my family, but it seems to special to use! I use aprons hard. ~smile~
DeleteI hope to work on this one some more.
God bless!
Laura
What a great thrifty week. Fried rice...yum.
ReplyDeleteHappy week to you Mrs. Chrissy!
DeleteYou've been busy, Laura. As always. Spring is in the air around here as well and it is so nice to be outside.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Hi Amalia,
DeleteIt does seem springy here. I will do some spring prep things, but I'm still looking forward to winter.
Blessings,
Laura
We've had a completely WEIRD winter here in Kansas. I think we've only had a dusting a snow once. But several days nice enough to open the windows and air the house out. Sat. it was 73 out. 6 yrs. ago on the same day, it was MINUS 17!! I just hope our quiet winter doesn't make for an action-packed tornado season. :::shudders:::
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna expand my real estate in the office closet this week. I heard things moving in there by themselves last week!! That means the pile shifted. In fall, there wasn't a pile. So, it's time for the pile to go away.
Have a good week!
I've had similar thoughts about the weather. We have bugs in Missouri. No winter usually means more bugs.
DeleteHappy investing!
Good Afternoon, Laura,
ReplyDeleteI love to make fried rice when I have a lot of leftover vegetables ... It's an easy way to get my Mr.B to eat more vegetables.
I am planning a trip down south in a few weeks to welcome our 1st grandchild, and ..., I know this may sound weird, but, I hope to tour an Aldi's grocery. We do not have them up here on the Montana prairie and I'd love to see all those GREAT grocery prices I keep reading about on various blogs (grin).
Your weather report is a great reminder that spring will eventually come to the Montana prairie. If you are ever seriously interested in "real" winter weather, just contact me as we have a lovely guest room that is always empty during winter months. We are currently enjoying a celebrated break from the gray skies, below zero temps, feet upon feet of snow and howling 20+ mph winds. Today's sunshine brought a smile to my face. Yup!, summer is the season to visit the Montana prairie.
Blessings,
Mrs.B
Oh, Mrs. B, you made me smile so big. I told my husband about your invitation. He was not enthusiastic. He doesn't like winter weather as much as I do like it. I want to move north; he wants to move south. We're stuck in southern Missouri. ~smile~
DeleteWho knows? Maybe I'll take you up on that invitation someday. ~smile~ You're very kind to offer.
I do hope your spring comes soon!
Blessings,
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
Laura, I love reading frugal tips. And you mentioned two of mine I've been using for many years -- cutting my husband's hair and cutting my own bangs while spreading out my visits to the hairdresser.
ReplyDeleteHi Jean, So glad you found the courage to cut your husband's hair. It's a major money saver!
DeleteGod bless you!
Laura
I love this! What a great way to share frugal-mindedness and accountability. I have been less than frugal this week (Target is my nemesis), but this is a good reminder to try harder next week. Thank you for sharing with the Homestead Blog Hop!
ReplyDeleteKeep trying Lauren!
DeleteYou are such a thrifty shopper Laura and make delicious meals with your bargains. I love that you are teaching your kids to be thrifty as well. I think it's such an important lesson for kids to learn. After all, money doesn't grow on trees! :) Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Yes, Jann. My daughter, Emily, actually writes the Thrifty Pretty posts for The Christian Home Magazine!
DeleteLove it. Hope your new apron is just as pretty. Sounds like a good week:)
ReplyDeleteIt should be if I get busy on it! Have a great week.
DeleteWhat are you working on?
Blessings,
Laura