Budget Challenge

We've been living pretty frugally these last several (seven!?!) months. At the beginning we spent nearly nothing and managed to eek by when it came to the bills. Then with both unemployment and my job, we relaxed a little. Still not extravagant, but we aren't being as conscious of our spending as we should.

With the end of unemployment checks looming, we're trying to get ourselves ready. I've decided to attempt Owlhaven's sept grocery challenge. She has a family of 12 and it cutting her budget to $75 a week! (Really only possible because it's harvest time in her garden/farm.) For me, that's going to mean no more than $25 a week. I think I could do it with less, but this challenge is for me, not John. And that wonderful man does the majority of the cooking while I'm working. So I need to stay under budget while not making life too hard on him.

$25 a week isn't to bad for us at the moment. We have a large amount of dry goods in our food storage and a well stocked pantry thanks to food stamps back in the spring. Really, we only need milk, fresh fruit and veggies, and the occasional loaf of bread when I can't fit in making it myself. Plus a few odds and ends each week so that John doesn't have to spend lots of time every evening in the kitchen.

I think it's more than doable. Wish me luck!

I Don't Recognize Myself

When I look in the mirror it's still me. But when I review my days lately, I find myself looking around to see who's pulling the strings.

I've mentioned before how much this move has motivated me to be a homemaker. Cooking, cleaning, just doing more of what I should have done all along. And I'm liking it. Now, I have a new calling as well. Provident Living. Food storage, emergency prep, resource management (finances), and more. In general, planning and preparing for the future. Or, learning to be self-reliant both now and in an uncertain future.

This added focus is coming out all over the place. I baked with yeast. I soaked beans instead of using canned ones. I've been feeling like we have too much stuff. I'm considering cutting our spending significantly next month. I even realized I could mend a torn shirt instead of throwing it away!

What next? A wheat grinder?? Probably.

If anyone is interested, my first newsletter will be on Food Storage. Articles will include "3-months vs. 1 year", "What am I going to do with 400 lbs of wheat??", and "Baby Steps". Email me if you want a copy.