The Sweet Life On A Budget

  This year has provided our family with 59 free items !   This year, I am focusing on seeking fewer freebies, but looking for higher quality items I 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 a little 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, my energy will be used to research how to elevate the items I purchase or get for free in our current economy.         Traditional ways of picking up freebies include: 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)...

  Menu Plan #312 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 preparation of these dishes may be higher due to inflation and location.      April 2025  USDA Thrifty Food Plan According to this plan, our family would have a budget of $189.90 per week. Since May has 4 weeks, our monthly budget is $759.60.   We elevate our dining experiences by including fresh fruits, vegetables, and higher-quality meats.  Since we have health concerns and are active individuals, we limit our processed food choices.   This month will be a little trickier because Easter is during this month.    Grocery Shopping Tip:     Here is what we did this week to make our week easier:   Clean out the refrigerator Meal Planning  Breakfast Options:  Bagels Oatmeal Lunch Options: Sandwiches Salads Monda...

  Living Large In the Cheap Seats May-June 2025 I was first introduced to “Living Large In the Cheap Seats” by a college friend, Chris J., who introduced me to lawn tickets for popular bands.   We were able to see concerts at a significantly discounted rate.   After reading Brokenomics by Dina Gachman, I revised this concept and decided to share it with you.  I have been doing this for years and enjoyed wonderful experiences for FREE! Concert in the Park Series The Keehner Park concerts are 7-9 p.m. on select Saturdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day at the Keehner Park Amphitheater.  The free concerts welcome all guests to pack a picnic for the evening.  Sorry, but alcohol is NOT permitted. May 31- New Horizons June 7 – Southwest Ohio Symphonic Band June 14 – Miami University Steel Drum Band   June 21- UC Community Band  June 28- West Chester Symphony Orchestra Kite Flying at VOA Park- Pigs Aloft Kite Association fly their extraordinary kites...