Getting back to Frugality

Since my surgery we haven't been as frugal as we would like. With my new diet demands food is more expensive. I was eating 5-6 small meals plus protein shakes and I like variety, that adds up to a high grocery bill. However all of this changes today. Today I was graduated to regular foods and only have to eat 3 meals a day. So it is back to being frugal for this household. I also hope to put my clothes line to good use. The weather has been unseasonably cool so that meant waiting to line dry. Drying our clothes outside really helps our electric and gas bills, which can climb into the $400.00 a month range if we are not careful. I also have plans to put two old fashioned screen doors in and a screen on the patio door so when Donald is at work we can turn off the AC and sweat it out, it isn't that bad, we have an inground pool. This too will help keep the utility bills down.

What are some of your tips and tricks for cutting costs during the summer months?

The itch has begun...

Every Spring I want to simplify our lives. I chalk this up to the normal ritual of Spring Cleaning. However I also would love, love, love a small log cabin (pioneer style) on 10 acres of land. I would love to own a milking cow, chickens and goat. The older I get the more I want a life that is free from material possessions and rich in family time and quiet. Perhaps one day I will have my little cabin on 10 acres....

My Frugal Score Today.

I headed to Kroger and Save A Lot this morning for a few groceries and found some really great deals.

Kroger: .87 Smuckers Grape Jam and .14 Cook and Serve Chocolate Pudding, Kroger Brand.
Save A Lot: 3.00 Chickens, .50 cupcake mixes

All in all not a bad score.

Magic Pill Syndrome

Before having gastric bypass everyone told me not to view this as a magic pill. It would still take hard work and devotion to achieve my goals. Surgery just gave me a new, very powerful tool to fight the battle with. I really thought I was prepared to not feed into this mindset. That is until my appointment this past Monday. I found out my total weight loss was 30lbs since surgery, I should have been excited, instead I was disappointed. I found myself wondering why my weight wasn't just melting off, afterall I had been on an additional liquid diet for 4 weeks. What I didn't think of is I had surgery, my body needed my reserves to heal. I am sure my metabolism slowed down since all I had been getting for 6 weeks were liquids and exercise was slow going since I was healing. So after a heart to heart talk with myself I have decided to look at the fact that since November I have lost 68lbs, with another 32lb loss I will have lost a 100lbs. This is something that seemed impossible just a few short months ago. And no matter what happens I have taken a step in the right direction for a healthier, better future for myself and my family. So if you are waiting for surgery try and prepare for the work that comes not just physically but mentally as well. This is sometimes an intangible battle that can get the best of you. Stick to your plan of action no matter what and keep your head held high and you will see many rewards.

Living Life With No Regrets.

The term "Living Life With No Regrets" is usually used in our society when people do things they should be ashamed of but don't want to take responsibility for their actions. For me it has come to mean something totally different.

A couple of evenings ago Donald and I were talking with my dad about life and the topic of accomplishing your dreams after you raise children came up. My first thought was "There is nothing I want more than to be home raising my children". Then I thought is that too easy? Am I taking the easy way out? So over the next few days I did some soul searching and have come to the conclusion that being married to a Godly man and raising our little ones are my dreams. It is all I have always wanted and I have it. I wouldn't do well juggling work and family, I am the type of person that has to give one thing my all and for me that one thing is my family. How could I ever regret all the afternoons helping the children with their homework, playing games and cooking dinner together? The rewards that I get from being with them are immeasurable and I am sure they will draw on these memories when they are parents raising their children. I also want to be an awesome Grandma when that time comes. You know the type that bakes cookies and holds summer camp at her house for all the grandchildren, yep that is me. I want to pass down a Godly heritage to as many generations of our family as God will allow. How blessed I am to have all that I have always wanted at 37 years old.