Somehow we are already most of the first week into 2018. We tend to pack a lot into every day, so I feel like we’ve done a lot this year already. Every once and a while, I try and convince myself that I need more down time, but then I get antsy and I’m off and running again. While this means I never really feel “caught up” on house chores, I’m never bored, and our fun happens all week long, not just on the weekends.
1. Our family of three spent New Year’s Day completely car free. We had a leisurely breakfast at home, did some grocery shopping, and spent a few hours exploring the trails behind our house. We carefully chose our location when we bought our house, and it has paid off in spades in the years since. We may not be in a walkable downtown, but we have a great balance between being in a quiet spot but still easy walking distance to groceries and trails, as well as a few other services.
2. I’ve finally learned the awesomeness that is bruised, blemished, or undersized produce. For 99¢, I’ve been getting large bags of fruits and vegetables, most of which are in really good shape. It’s been great for our grocery budget, and I honestly have a hard time understanding why most of it isn’t being sold at regular price, but I’ll take it.
2. Apparently our library has a program where you can get two passes to the children’s museum free every 90 days! While I haven’t taken advantage of this yet, I most certainly will. I had heard about this a number of times, but only when it was brought up again in my No (Low) Spend Facebook group did I finally confirm our library had the program. You can check out passes to the art and history museums as well. So awesome. Go check right now and find out what fantastic options your library has outside just books and movies.
3. It was 33 degrees this Wednesday morning, and I really wasn’t feeling it, but I got myself out of bed and ran 5.5 miles to work. It’s definitely easier to convince myself to go when it isn’t pitch dark and almost freezing, but I always feel so good once I’ve done it. Plus then I’m saving the $2.75 bus fare.
5. Our roommate made dinner again last night. I love that we trade off some because then we get all the time saving benefits of take out without the high cost. Plus, it’s cheaper per serving the more people you cook for, so we come out ahead that way as well. Not everyone has a fantastic roommate experience (we’ve had our share of awful as well), but when you find the right person to share your home with, there are serious benefits beyond just rental income.
How was your first week back after the holidays? Any frugal wins you’d like to share? I’d love to hear them.