The Sweet Life On A Budget

  Menu Plan #324 NOTE-  1- Click on the picture and get a link to a post sharing the recipe.  2- Although all prices were correct at the time of the blog postings, the current cost of these dishes may be higher due to inflation and/or location.      Published September 2025:  USDA Thrifty Food Plan According to this plan, our family has a weekly budget of $190.50. Since  October has 5 weeks, our monthly budget is $952.50.   We elevate our dining experiences by including fresh fruits, vegetables, and higher-quality meats.  Since our family has specific dietary needs, we limit our consumption of highly processed food.   Grocery Shopping Tip:     Turkey breasts are on sale again this week.    I picked up an extra breast to cook on Thanksgiving.    My game plan is to slice it for deli turkey.   It will go in the freezer to use in the upcoming weeks for lunches.   Here is what w...

  Thankful List 2025 On  Thanksgiving Day, I post a list of 20-25 things I’m thankful for.  I picked 20-25 random things, so please don’t judge. These are not in order of importance.  That would make this job way too hard.  I just type them as they pop into my head. I’m thankful: My Spiritual Journey  My family My home Having a Positive Mindset Embracing Problem Solving  Living Intentional  My Health Journey Everyone in my household is employed Being able to support my charities of choice Supportive Friends and Colleagues  The beauty that surrounds me daily Having stable transportation Access to Information  My Public Library My tutees  The skills I have developed over the years Having food in my home Free community events Youtube Free streaming services Wood Fireplace Our grove of trees Proximity to stores and services Leftovers Home Gym

  With inflation on the rise and salaries not increasing, our ability to make ends meet is decreasing. Therefore, we must be more careful with our money. The Frugal Five is a series that celebrates the daily or weekly activities that help us live a frugal life.     I am exploring ways to reduce costs during busy weeks. One strategy is to watch the pennies because they add up. Here are some of my tips and tricks.    1- Yogurt Making  By writing down and tracking your pantry items, you can maintain a consistent grocery rotation and utilize the food you have already purchased.   Each month, I create a list of pantry items that are approaching expiration and make an effort to incorporate them into our menu planning.      2- Our Rich Backyard - Fall Leaves The trees are finally displaying their beautiful leaves, turning our backyard into a colorful backdrop.     It is time to prepare the firepit area and get...

  With inflation on the rise and salaries not increasing, our ability to make ends meet is decreasing. Therefore, we must be more careful with our money. The Frugal Five is a series that celebrates the daily or weekly activities that help us live a frugal life.     I am exploring ways to reduce costs during busy weeks. One strategy is to watch the pennies because they add up. Here are some of my tips and tricks.    1- Pantry Inventory  By writing down and tracking your pantry items, you can maintain a consistent grocery rotation and utilize the food you have already purchased.   Each month, I create a list of pantry items that are approaching expiration and make an effort to incorporate them into our menu planning.      2- Our Rich Backyard - Fall Clean Up When fall approaches, our family will invest some time into preparing the outside of our home for the winter.     This weekend, the weather started t...

  This year has provided our family with 128 free items !   This year, I am focusing on seeking fewer freebies but looking for higher-quality items to pick up.    However, I will pick up all the free bees my family will use within the year.  As a result, I may need to pay more for items previously picked up for free, but I am comfortable with this.    Since I have changed my focus, I will not be making a goal this year.    Instead, I will use my energy to research how to elevate the items I purchase or get for free in our current economy.         Typically, I pick up freebies by leveraging digital coupons, store coupons, reward programs, samples, and rebate apps, such as Ibotta.     I will seek additional ways to buy items at a significant discount or for free.        January (13 Items)  February  (14 items) March  (16 Items)  April (...