Good day or evening to you dear reader!
I just put in my Walmart grocery order for the week. Just before hitting checkout, I added the items needed to make my family's favorite green bean casserole recipe for Thanksgiving. Early? Yes. But.
There are two reasons that I ordered the items now. First, I don't have money saved up for Thanksgiving dinner at this point. This year, I plan to order a few items I need each week in order to spread out the cost of a very expensive meal. Second, with all the uncertainty in the availability of items this season, I want to do my best to prepare early not only for Thanksgiving, but after that, the Christmas season as well.
Last week, I visited a small thrift shop in my town and found a set of cooling racks new in the package for just $3. I snatched them up. They will make a nice Christmas gift. Over the years, I have done much of my shopping second hand. I've found some nice sweaters, shirts, and a brand new wool coat ($2) among other things. My family knows it, and they still enjoy the items I purchase for them.Thrifty is not just an idea for me. It is a way of life. Over the last year or so, with four surgeries and covid, I've become a bit lax; but, I sense a season coming when my thrifty ways will not just be helpful but necessary.
I don't have a well stocked pantry. I am beginning now by buying just a few extra items at a time. I know from experience that God always provides, but I need to do my part.
I am also busy making birthday and Christmas gifts. I am knitting items using yarn that was given to me supplemented by a few skeins that I've purchased. I also have some sewing to do. It's time to start making my lists and getting busy with my kringling! I suggest you do the same.
Well, enough for now. I'm making a thrown together quiche for supper tonight with the items I have on hand.
What are your thoughts about the coming season? Are you feeling a need to prepare what you can early?
Blessings,
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
Doing what I can with what I've got on a shoestring budget
May I suggest?
Christmas Gifts for Children... Precedents, Disappointment, and Gratefulness
I'm starting to plan ahead, too. I've picked up things for gifts and pantry in the last few months and feel good to be getting so prepared.
ReplyDeleteI think being prepared early is a really good plan. Especially this year.
DeleteEnjoy the process!
"...God always provides, but I need to do my part."
ReplyDeleteGod provides. I have seen it. I get what you are saying about shopping ahead, but His provision is real and it doesn't depend on us. He will take care of you. ❤️
I keep a dull pantry - but for those that have used theirs do to unforeseen circumstances - now is the time, as you said - bit by bit to stock.
ReplyDeleteHopefully this year more will celebrate the TRUE reason for the season. I hate all the commercialism. I am doing a homemade Christmas.
Blessings to all
I was afraid the grocery stores would be empty by Thanksgiving, so several months ago, I bought canned chicken, gravy, stove top stuffing and cranberry sauce.... just in case. 😬
ReplyDeleteME ENCANTAN TUS IDEAS, SIEMPRE REGALO COSAS HECHAS POR MIS MANOS A TODA MI FAMILIA EXTENDIDA, SOMOS MUCHOSSSSSSSSS,JAJAJAJA, TENGO 12 NIETOS DE DISTINTAS EDADES, DESDE MESES HASTA 16 AÑOS, TENGO 12 HIJOS PROPIOS Y ADOPTADOS, AMO AMO LA FAMILIA QUE DIOS ME DIO, ME SIENTO TAN BENDECIDA¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ESTOY PENSANDO EN HACER PORTACELULARES, SON FACILES Y RAPIDOS, EN UNA TARDE PODER HACER VARIOS, CON 2 CAPAS DE TELA Y UNA CAPA DE GUATA, LE PODES PONER UNA CINTA GRUESA PARA COLGARLO DEL CUELLO O NO, SI PREFERIS PÓNERLO DENTRO DE LA CARTERA, PRACTICOS Y UTILES, QUE ES LO QUE ME GUSTA REGALAR, IDEAS QUE SEAN MUY UTILES TANTO EN LO PERSONAL, COMO PARA LA FAMILIA. BENDICIONES HERMANA QUERIDA¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading your thrifty tips. Like you, I’m being to prep for the holidays. Yesterday I purchased two 15 ounce cans of Libby’s pumpkin and a bag of chocolate melts. I also ordered silicone molds for making hot chocolate bombs. Enjoy your day! Hugs 🤗 Tina
ReplyDeleteMy family and I love going to thrift stores!! I get excited when I look at my clothes and think how much money I have save that can go for other things. I get furniture and even have found like new shoes too. The one place I’m not good at is the grocery store but I’m working on it. Hugs,
ReplyDeleteHave you considered tutoring children in your area? You were a home schooling mom and have experience. Years ago, while I was an elementary school teacher, I needed extra income and I tutored children in my spare time. Before I knew it, I had a list of people wanting me to tutor their children. It was a blessing to the children, and provided necessary income for me. I was a single mom, raising a child alone after my husband left. If your area is a poor one, you could charge $10 to $15 an hour and tutor a small group of kids at a time. The money adds up. Pray about it.
ReplyDeleteHi Laura, I started my walking journey as part of rehab for a spinal cord tumor I had removed in 2012. I'd been through a lot of physical therapy and one of the neurosurgeons I spoke to told me the best therapy for what I had was to keep walking. It was tough, but as a year (or two) went by I kept at it. I made a resolution to try to walk 1000 miles in 2017 and I did it. I didn't make it in 2019 when I had my hip replaced or last year, but I came close. It's one of the anchors to my day and it keeps me active. Thanks so much for visiting Buttercupland.
ReplyDeleteI tell ya, girl I can't even think that far ahead lol. I'm not sure what to make for people. I've been trying to take mental notes of things my family might have been eyeballing lately.
ReplyDeleteAs for meals shopping early is a wise thing to do. Dollar Tree has already gotten its Thanksgiving staples like broths, stuffing ,etc.
You are such an inspiration! I have never been able to think ahead or make plans and stick to them. I would love to change that. Need to run to the store for a few things so I think maybe I will pick up an extra item or two for the holidays. Thank you Laura. Oh, got to tell you...There are two mockingbirds that have moved into our yard. I just love them! and think of you every time they sing so beautifully. Remembering your blog with the singing birds. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Penny!
DeleteI remember when the kids were little, I had to have very detailed lists since I did everything myself. Now that they're older, they've each learned a dish to make for our traditional Thanksgiving. I am more of a coordinator for that meal. Well, I make sure we have the food, cooking dishes, etc. Gee, there's still a lot to do!
Something changed and I am unable to add the music to my blog at this time. I miss the birds, too. So glad you have the birds to sing to you in your yard. ~happy today~
Laura