Cost of Living #8

[Ethan Reigns]

The dogs will tell you that they know how to make you share pizza. Don't worry about needing a new skill, they will demonstrate it for you.

 

[Joan the Vampire Slayer]

Well, more plumbing issues. My sink broke, and I'm working to fix it.

Trying to save money on food, but with prices as they are, it seems impossible. I'm spending around $100/week on food, which seems too high to me.

Doing my budget for this year is giving me major anxiety...

 

[nightshade]

Well, more plumbing issues. My sink broke, and I'm working to fix it.

Trying to save money on food, but with prices as they are, it seems impossible. I'm spending around $100/week on food, which seems too high to me.

Doing my budget for this year is giving me major anxiety...

Does that include pet food? If that includes the pet food it's not too bad, but if its just human food then it's quite high for just you.

Maybe do a food diary for a week, see exactly what you eat and what you spend.

 

[nightshade]

Good zero waste haul today, ham slices, eggs, bread, carrots, sprouts and some pork stuffing.

Had toasted ham sandwiches for lunch, will make more soup with the veg, and I've got a chicken coming in my food delivery so the stuffing will go with that tomorrow.

 

[nightshade]

Another zero waste haul, carrots, parsnips, coriander, chocolate bread, seeded bread, spaghetti, strawberries and some cheddar cheese in the raffle.

So more soups to be made!

 

[Joan the Vampire Slayer]

I made potato soup yesterday, and it turned out really well! I would have made a double recipe but I don't have any room in my freezer to freeze any portions. It's cheap to make, and it's always good.

All you need is: potatoes (russet preferred), flour, butter, water, onion, garlic, milk and salt and pepper.

Just peel and dice the potatoes, and boil until soft. In a separate pan, on medium heat, saute diced onion with butter until translucent, then add garlic. Saute for a few more minutes, then add some flour and stir to coat onion and garlic. Then add milk, bring to boil, then immediately turn down and stir, while simmering, until sauce is thick. Add salt, pepper to taste. Drain some of water from potatoes, then add milk. Use a potato smasher to smash some of the potatoes to make a creamier texture, and this will help soak up some of the water to make the sauce thicker. If too thick, add more water. You can top with bacon, cheese and chives, and serve with bread, or salad, or just as is. This soup freezes well too.

 

[nightshade]

See, I like the idea of potato soup, but it's just runny mash to me. I love mash, so I'd rather just a bowl of that!

 

[Joan the Vampire Slayer]

It's insane how expensive paper towels have become. I'm about to start using the reusable, washable ones...

Does anyone use these?

 

[November]

Nope, I used to but couldn't physically keep up with the washing. So thats why I moved to paper towels. I had never used them in my life before that point haha. I only get them when they are half price on special. I have the room to stock up.

Food went up again here. I'm finding it really hard to keep up with cooking now too, especially in the heat. It'll probably be easier again in winter.

 

[nightshade]

It's insane how expensive paper towels have become. I'm about to start using the reusable, washable ones...

Does anyone use these?

I have some cheap cloths that I'll use for some things, but mostly buy paper towels.

There's loads of eco brands for cloths but it's just extra money, the cheapest ones do the same job.

If I had more space I'd by the bulk packs, it's like toilet paper, cheaper to buy in bulk, but then have to store it.

 

[NotASlayer]

It's insane how expensive paper towels have become. I'm about to start using the reusable, washable ones...

Does anyone use these?

If you mean kitchen roll, yes. I get the four packs. The six packs are usually cheaper, but they are so bulky!

 

[hoponlilmama]

I'm always on the lookout for when paper towels are on sale so I can grab a couple!

 

[Kendar]

We tend to use rags for most cleaning, and washable napkins for eating. We do keep some paper towels for dog accidents so rags dirtied in that fashion aren't sitting around until we have a full load.

 

[nightshade]

I might have a big car bill coming up, looked at what my advisories were last year, and if they're not longer advisories then that's going to cost me.

So yeah, who needs food right!

 

[nightshade]

Chopped up the last of my free carrots this evening, so I'll either have to get more or make something else for snacking.

I always have a bag of popping corn in the cupboard, so I might do that next week for a treat snack.

I'll have at least 1 extra work day, and maybe 2 if I'm lucky at the end of the month, so that'll help with the car fund

 

[Joan the Vampire Slayer]

I always have a bag of popping corn in the cupboard, so I might do that next week for a treat snack.

I bought a huge box of that on sale recently, since I'm trying to eat healthier and cheaper snacks. What do you top it with? I did get some ranch and garlic powered flavoring, but I don't want to use butter.

I'll have at least 1 extra work day, and maybe 2 if I'm lucky at the end of the month, so that'll help with the car fund

What's wrong with your car? I had to pay to get my starter replaced, which was unexpected.

Well, I know I should be prepared, but I guess I momentarily forgot that my gas bill doubles in the winter, while the electric goes down.

Living is so expensive, ugh.

 

[nightshade]

I bought a huge box of that on sale recently, since I'm trying to eat healthier and cheaper snacks. What do you top it with? I did get some ranch and garlic powered flavoring, but I don't want to use butter.

What's wrong with your car? I had to pay to get my starter replaced, which was unexpected.

Well, I know I should be prepared, but I guess I momentarily forgot that my gas bill doubles in the winter, while the electric goes down.

Living is so expensive, ugh.

Errm, I don't, I just have it plain, occasionally I'll put some cinnamon sugar on it, but it's a cheap treat so I don't buy extras for it.

My car has some corroded springs that might need replacing, hopefully not, but if not this year then next.

 

[nightshade]

I looked at booking a cat sitter for when I go away later in the year, and she wants 50% up front, so that's not happening. Unfortunately the one I used to use no longer does it, but I'll find someone.

It's more money but I'd rather book someone than have to rely on friends or family to do it.

 

[November]

I make sure I'm only ordering the minimum required for grocery delivery. But its not quite enough anymore. I have been going to the shop in town after going to the pool lately, its very expensive, but I can get stuff that isnt available on delivery. It feels a bit over indulgent, but on the other hand, it saves me cooking that day. I'm just trying to justify it 😂 I went in yesterday, pretending I was rich, and got everything I wanted for lunch. It was $24 and that doesnt seem so bad for a takeaway day, especially because I still have a mango, half an avocado, a quarter of a watermelon and almost a full packet of lollies left. Its definitely not frugal of me to do this, but I always think I might as well go into the shop while I am in town and already used the petrol...

 

[Kendar]

My brother: "I'm looking for a used car. Under 70K miles, everything works, and I don't want to pay more than $5k".

Me: "There are some Matchbox and Hot Wheels that meet your criteria".

Wife and I have always preferred used cars, but these days it might be worth getting a new one given the price of used.