Did you watch the Royal Wedding?

I had not planned to... but there was nothing else on this morning so I did. LOL

It is interesting the different perspective I have for this one compared to the wedding of his mother and father 30 years ago.

I remember being awed by the pomp and circumstance of the other one....whereas my older self is thinking that this is alot of show for something that is a very private and personal matter.  But then again, I am not one for big showy weddings.  Whether you are a "royal" or a "commoner."

I guess it had to be an "event" considering who they are......but in this day and age does any country NEED a royal family???

Random thoughts on a Friday morning.  I need to go wake up my daughter, so I might revisit this subject later. :-)

Days go by quickly......

I have been contemplating my shopping habits lately and feel the need to challenge myself where my grocery budget is concerned.

Starting May 1st, I am going to challenge myself to only spend $400 for the month.  This will include foodstuffs, paper products, cleaning products and pet items.

I will keep a tally and post here my totals.

Review of Yoder's Country Market.

All in all a nice little market.  Not worth the drive unless I was in the area for other reasons, but I do not regret going.

Most things were not less expensive than local places, but there were a few items that would be a cost savings if it was not for the drive.

I did buy some bulk sucanat.  I have been wanting to try it for awhile, so I got some. :-)

I am going to an Amish store tomorrow!

Thanks to a link from a friend, I have found one that is about 40 miles south of me.

Yoder's

With the kids off this week for Spring break, I decided a little road trip was in order.  The kids will enjoy the drive and I will find out if this is a place that is worth the drive.

I will let you know how it is after our little trip.

My new baby

This is Jasper.  I had to wait until he was all tuckered out from playing to get a picture of him that was not blurred.

Frustrations

I always have such great ideas for my blog....but they never materialize.  Either life gets in the way....or I develop writer's block and can not get my thoughts down on the computer screen.

I had such grand plans to have blog posts for each day of Spring break....and alas, I have only made two and this is one of them.

Spring Break

It is day 2 of our Spring Break.

Yesterday I concentrated on laundry.  I did not finish it, but I put a large dent in the pile!  Today will finish it up.  (For now!)

I actually got to hang towels out on the line yesterday!  It was wonderful.  Of course today is supposed to be rainy with scattered T-storms.

Also working on my school work.  I hope to not only get this week's done early, but to work ahead on next week's assignments.  It is week 5 of 8.....not much longer to go for this semester.  Then summer will start. LOL

Spring is trying to come!

One day it's 70, the next it's 60 and rainy.

Yes, that is Spring in Northern Virginia!


- Posted by Country Tea

Having pets and being "frugal."

About two and a half years ago, I wrote a post concerning having pets and being frugal on my previous blog. (here)

A lot has changed since then, but we having pets is not one of them.  Some of our pets have changed, but having that type of companionship is still important to us.

Our household of pets currently consists of 1 dog, 2 cats, and an aquarium of guppies.

I make sure that I budget for their expenses.  Sometimes I can find coupons for their brands of food, but if not, that's okay.  I do try and find the cheapest source for it, but will not change around their food.  I have found changing their food causes more issues than the price of "their" brand.

This is also a case of weighing the costs vs. the benefits.  The companionship and protection received from our animals is far greater than the costs associated with keeping them.  The entertainment that the cats provide is sometimes better than anything on television!

Again.... you need to plan for the expense of a pet, but it does not have to be considered a luxury!

Fail to plan.......plan to fail

Okay..... maybe saying that I have "failed" is a tad strong, but it is how I am feeling with my grocery budget lately!

I feel like I am in a rut as far as my dinner meals are concerned.  DH said it is just me, but I just hate that I seem to make the same things over and over.

I need to get out my cookbooks and start looking for new inspirations.

One thing I need to look into is more uses for ground beef.  Seems that all I use it for is tacos, burritos, and chili. DH is not a fan of Hamburger Helper, so that is out.  He is also not a big fan of casseroles.  He will eat them, but they are not his favorite thing.

I am also trying to improve our meals as far as fat and sodium content.  Yeah, I am a glutton for punishment!

Hopefully it will be nice today and we can grill! LOL

Beautiful Day

Currently 81 and sunny. Yay!


- Posted by Country Tea