Saturday, November 6, 2021

Savings Saturday-And Answering Some Reader Questions

 

The hard part, it is done!

Since I missed Frugal Friday.  But first can I tell you how much I hate, hate hate tonight?  Enough already. Personally I would rather the (northern hemisphere) warm weather time  was "normal time". But either way, pick one and stick with it already.  

As for weekly money savings.........

  • I make my season list of "things I can do for nothing or almost nothing" at home or in my neighborhood (a few drives  are included). Some of this list doesn't change, and I am fairly good at  keeping myself amused but this list is good for my "what shall I do today"moments which happen a few times a wekk at least in my world
  • I ordered prepared meals that just need to be heated this week which included Cowboy chili and corn muffins, , Pancetta Chicken Alfredo, Apple Cider glazed pork chops with rice and vegetables,  Slow cooker chuck with potatoes and green beans, and broccoli cheese soup. There may have been a dessert in the mix. All are two servings and range from 9.99 to 14.99. Not frugal on the surface, but saves me from the temptation of unhealthy pot pies, pizza and takeout or fast  food, so I am trying this a couple weeks a month. Fortunately soup and slow cooker season is here since that's all I could cook.
  • I went to return said shoes to Amazon via Kohl's today and managed to walk out the store without looking at a thing as well as not  going into Joanne's, Ross or the other stores in the center. I literally got a hair cut, did my return, and came home. If you know me at all, knowing I avoided Joanne's is.......well it just is.
  • I've filled up multiple carts this week and then emptied them or let them sit. Eventually I'm going to have to get a couple long sleeved tunic style tops and another cardigan and heavier socks, even in Texas. Christmas will be too late. But for now, I have yet to push that button.
  • Like a  few others who use the app, I see  that bunch of free things in the  Ibotta app that are supposed to make a  free Thanksgiving. Although I don't host I will probably get get all the things  cause I can probably add them to others.
  • Instead of monthly budgeting, I have jumped on the paycheck budget wagon, even though my pension and SS are rarely a full to weeks apart.
Now, for the reader  questions. In no particular order, here are some quick answers to a few questions, from my tapestry loom to those shoes and on.

1.  The puzzle and the puzzle tray. The puzzle trays are not big enough to lay all the pieces out. But since my table is small I am using them to sort by color. As I work through the colors, I figure then I'll pull the suggested baking sheets to spread them all out. If I decide to  continue after this one. I'll obviously look at something else.


2. Regarding the loom. For those who speak the language, I am getting a good quality table top tapestry loom rather than a "rigid heddle" loom. My plan is to start with wall pieces and expect there will be failure before success. And my goal is to end up with the bigger one at some point. 

What I'm looking to buy


The type of projects I have in mind

The long term goal I think, maybe

3. I didn't make clear in the previous post that the shoes were going back, and they were definitely too big. In fact, before I order another pair I intend to order some truly indoor slipper type shoes that are similar that I can walk comfortably and be supported in the house in. 

They are very suppportive although you cannot see the sole here

4. Christimas.  Just to be clear, I do not decorate for Christmas at this time of year. I do knit and quilt and  sew for Christmas year around. I bake for Christmas  ahead of time and freeze sometimes. And I grab gift cards starting in September because I know what my kids need.

5. And finally.............I get bunches of comments and requests for how I am working out. Possibly amusing for a seriously overweight gal with issues  who doesn't exercise as much as she should by far. I have changed my exercise routine because the Dr says that walking at ten minutes a time is not enough, and I need to do a full thirty minutes. I alternate between three options: Walking ten minutes, doing a ten minute fast aerobic routine and then a seated twenty five minute routine is m best option. My other alternative is a full 45 minute sit stand and move routine that includes aerobics, weights, an exercise band and a ball. The third option is still walking as much as I can at one time multiple times a week.

 For those who ask for links, Youtube has a gazillion and a half, find one that's for you. I also subscribe healthy U TV. I also do chair yoga (meditative) through YouTube. I have to add here, exercise  does not weight loss equal and I am living proof. I've gotten stronger and heart healthier without losing weight and so I need to return and plan some Jenny Craig type meals for me.

What did I miss????


18 comments:

  1. Re. the walking: breaking your thirty minutes up into three 10-minute sets provides the same aerobic benefits as one 30-minute walk! Can you walk in your apartment? Back when we lived in Portland I was able to create a route through our downstairs so even when it was raining I could fit in 15 minute walks throughout the day. I walked around tables, through the kitchen, etc.

    We've been budgeting for a while by payday (we have three each month); it has worked well for us versus trying to spread things over the month especially because of when our SS payments fall - they can be anywhere from 3 to 10 days away from the next payment!

    Laura
    The Occasional Nomads

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Laura. Unfortunately both my Dr and my Pt want me walking or exercising g for a full 30 minutes t least a couple days a week and are pretty firm. I Do also walk at ten minute intervals in the apartment on the other days. But they don't have a problem with seated aerobics being part of that.
    They're getting me a walker to help with the falls and balance. Do time it but will do it. I only have two paychecks but I'm trying to work it out. Especially since the one on the first of the month is less than the rent so I need to add to it from that SS on the second Wednesday!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I understand the budgeting issues as I receive my pension funds once a month. When I was working there was a paycheque every two weeks so budgeting in retirement required a change. Thankfully, my expenses were reduced (no longer paying into said pension or other retirement savings, no parking, and other costs), so the transition wasn't as difficult as I originally thought it might be.

    I wish there were free activities to do around here. I have booked a day trip with a bunch of other ladies for later this month. Since I'm not travelling this winter I figured it was okay to spend a few dollars to get out of town for a day. Not having to drive is a bonus!

    Take care, stay well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have to keep an eye out for them but they exist. As do real low cost ones.

      Delete
  4. I do my back and knee exercises regularly, but otherwise my exercise is sporadic. I should get a routine. Maybe you'll inspire me.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Not many free activities here either and I have looked for them.

    I am hoping to order my loom right after Christmas if the boys do not get me one as a combined birthday/Christmas gift.

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sadly the free activities I seek don't involve a lot of people. Still staying away from the masses.
    I do attempt exercises but know I could do a lot more. I walk for 5 minutes, ride my stationary bike for 5, then sit at the computer for about an hour. No balance there. Thanks for the reminder that we need to move.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most of my activities have moderate numbers. Crafting classes offered by the library so on. Also I've now been boosted and while I'm cautious I need to get out a bit.

      Delete
  7. I like your idea of a list of free or inexpensive things to do and am going to try it. We can cheer each other on in the getting a good exercise routine habit going consistently.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. I may need to make myself share weekly what I've done or not done!

      Delete
  8. I love the list idea. When it gets deep in winter here, I avoid going out into it so the list will be helpful. I have the same problem when I go out to do errands, Michael's and the bookstores call to me and it is difficult to ignore them.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love how you are always so full of ideas and things you want to accomplish.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I would love a loom too! Can you tell me where you can order a loom and the pattern for the project you are looking to do. I love it!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The loom will come from Amazon. As will an instruction book or too. I don't know about that pattern
      It's just in the picture

      Delete
  11. Sigh... I should be exercising more. I do walk 30 minutes maybe three times a week, if I'm lucky. You have so many projects and are truly independent. I really admire that and wish I could be more like you.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by! I love to hear from others, and I also love to hear all points of view.. Just leave the profanity and insults at home, OK? Thanks!!