My discovery of blender soups has led me down strange paths. I bought a ten pound bag of carrots because the price was right. I knew I could not eat them all as carrot sticks, so I steamed some for blender soup. When we grilled last Sunday I realized we were at the bottom of the ketchup and mustard containers (we bought more). So I took some water and put it in the ketchup and mustard bottles, shook’em up, and poured into the blender along with some dry milk powder and carrots, blended, and made Mustard Ketchup Carrot Soup.

I tasted it and I’m almost giddy……it tastes great. I’d serve it to guests as Cream of Carrot soup, though.

My Guy was in the mood to go out tonight. We decided on a little local Mexican place; we’ve been going to it since it opened, and we quite like the owner. Since I’m trying to eat lighter, I ordered two incredible tacos instead of a meal. One adobada, one carne asada, both on tasty corn tortillas with cilantro and chopped onion. Wonderful. A glass of water, and chips and salsa. $4 plus tax and tip totaled $6. It’s great how my Credible Threat Challenge and Minimum Wage Challenge can come together like that. We had a great time, great service, great food, I’m not over stuffed, and I’m not out big bucks.

I got a lot done today. Walked to work and back, powered though quite a few tasks at work, did six miles on my recumbent, at a good dinner, wrote a crazy freakin' long entry about laundry.

Now it's time to check some other blogs, nuke some popcorn (my daredevil living paper bag method), and sleep the sleep of the content.

That's a misleading title for an entry that really should be called:
Laundry: Washing and Hanging

I think my method of handling laundry is fairly easy and fairly cheap.

Quantity

•I don’t automatically toss clothes I’ve worn in the hamper. I certainly don’t re-wear stinky or soiled clothing, but often I’m able to wear a shirt or pair of pants more than once.

•I take off my work clothes as soon as I come home, most times. At first it was just because I liked being in my jammies, but then I realized that it was enabling me to get another wearing between washings.

•Sleep clothes especially can take a few wearings. I even re-wear my "sleep socks," since they haven’t been walked around in.

•I only wash full loads, without over-packing my washer.

Frequency

•I used to wash once a week. Now that I’m doing almost all hang drying, I find it better to wash more frequently, so that I have enough room on my line and rack for all the clothes.

•Since I wash more frequently, I can get by on fewer clothes. I seem to be wearing the underwear at the front of the drawer and not getting to the ones in the back, due to frequent laundry.

Detergent

•I use to use the cheapest of the cheap powder. I then got a huge bottle of liquid as part of a product survey, and I kind of liked it. (Don’t voluntarily upgrade….you can become discontented with what used to be satisfactory.) I’m now back to my cheapie cheap powder, but I do have a bottle of the cheapest liquid if I feel like splurging. (What a splurge, huh?)

•The cheapest powder is actually not hard on my clothes, because I use a half measure. Our clothes aren’t heavily soiled: we work in offices. In all my time using less detergent, I’ve been perfectly happy with the results.

•When I use the liquid, I drop the cup in the washer so all the soap is used up.

Additives

•I do sometimes use bleach on my whites, maybe once a month.

•I never use liquid fabric softener.

Washing

•A couple years ago, the hot water stopped feeding into the washer. It probably wouldn’t take too much effort to fix it, but we’ve been happy with just washing in cold. Cold wash, cold rinse on everything. If I fixed it, I might use warm on towels. I don’t have any kids or immuno-suppressed people in the house, so I’m not worried about germs the way other people might need to be. Colors never bleed, either.

•I use the short cycle almost always. Again, mostly light wear on the clothes, and I’ve been happy with the results.

•If I want to soak clothes, I leave the lid of the washer up and my washer stops part way though. I get to soak without using the soak cycle.

•Doing the short wash and cold all the time, I’ve found that I don’t need to sort laundry. I can wash a blouse with undies with a white towel with a pair of jeans. It’s a madhouse.

Drying

•I’ve just moved to line drying all the time, instead of just during the summer.

•I re-spin clothes in the washer to get extra water out.

•For some shirts, work slacks, and blouses, I do use the dryer. This way I don’t need to iron. I know I could hang them then use the dryer the last few minutes, but I’m okay drying one load a week.

•If I have to choose what to line dry as far as space or time limitations, I always line dry the big heavy items: jeans, towels.

•I use a half dryer sheet sometimes when I think of it. The last cheapo off brand box we bought has lasted over a year. Sometimes I reuse them. Our clothes smell fine and don’t cling without them, so I guess I could give them up. But hey, sometimes I like to live it up. With a dryer sheet.

Line drying

•I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how cool it can be outside and clothes can still dry. I’ve heard over 60 degrees is outdoor drying weather.

•I’ve been pleasantly surprised that clothes can dry in the house overnight.

•Hanging in the house for me means pinning even jeans to a hanger, so that everything is on a hanger, then finding places to hang the hangers. I could get an indoor clothesline; I haven't ruled it out, I'm just not unhappy with the status quo. Shorter items can go on door knobs. I found more things I could put a hanger on than I expected.

•The first time I hung clothes it took a while. I can now do it quickly. I worked at being patient with myself.

•I bought 2 packs of clothes pins at the dollar store years ago, and they are still going strong. I also love them for other uses (closing food bags, etc.)

•I use a small wooden folding drying rack that I bought at a garage sale years ago; I can’t remember the price. This is what I use for socks, undies, dishtowels, and napkins. Line drying has made my underwear last longer-no fried elastic.

•Outside I have a retractable line: on one side of the house permanently mounted, and can be pulled out and attached to a hook on the opposite side of the yard. We’ll take it with us if we move.

•I hang t-shirts and knit shirts and nightgowns on hangers; this gives me more room. If I didn’t have space considerations, I might hang them by pins upside down (under the arms seems to dry faster that way).

•I don’t mind stiff clothes. If I did, or had guests using the towels, I might throw them in the dryer for a minute to soften.

•Line dried clothes smell fabulous.

Whew. I’ve mentioned my unmentionables.

I know there are other methods and strategies. This was not meant to be a comprehensive list. This is just what I do, a gal who has a decent income but who has chosen to live on CA Minimum Wage for a year. A lot of things I had already been doing. On The Challenge I have become much more consistent and paid much more attention.

I’m closing in on the end of Month Four of my (Modified) Minimum Wage Challenge, success in sight. June has been much easier than April and May, actually; I’m very comfortable with my new spending habits. I am more at peace with my money than ever before. Four months will be one third of the year I’m planning to be on the Challenge, which is also my $20 Challenge.

My trouble is that I’m spending very little, but not necessarily explaining how I am spending a little less than $1073 a month and still having a full rich life. I wouldn’t be doing this otherwise; frankly my income would accommodate willy-nilly spending, and my belt-tightening is purely by choice.

I’m working on writing down my strategies specifically; thanks to Tightwad Kitty for the idea. I’ve got ideas for breaking down particular areas, such as food, entertainment, and the like, as well as general themes, such as “Buying Less Means Clutter Free” and “Lowered (Not Low) Expectations Mean Met Expectations.”

Not only do I not want to have a boring blog, I want to have a record for five, ten, thirty years from now to keep me grounded and have a base to build on. If I get in the company of spendthrifts I’ll need to remind myself how good it felt to be in control of my spending and be able to put a lot in savings while still feeling undeprived.

(I’m still going traveling in September. As stated pre-Challenge and pre-ticket purchase, the one thing I don’t want to pass up is opportunities for world travel. So this is the one area I will spend outside the Challenge. We got a deal to London round trip for $450, so we are flying to Europe. Most of our time will be in Croatia and Serbia, with a little time in London. My friend and I did some planning yesterday, and I am getting pretty excited. I will be tracking all trip expenses, because another thing I do want to convey is that world travel can be done with moderate spending. As yet, the $450 is my only expense. I’ve had no luck searching for recent used Croatian guide books, so my next expense will be a new guide book. I’ll live.)

We had folks over for grilled oysters and barbecue this evening. A great day in the yard, and a productive large grocery run.

Some one was posting about whether feeding guests would be considered entertainment or groceries. I do a little of both. If I buy something that would only ever be bought for a guest, maybe a dessert or a fancy cheese, I might call that entertainment. However if I feed guests the same thing I’d eat, I call it groceries. That’s even if it’s a treat, because the truth is My Guy and I sometimes have small treats ourselves. We love grilling up oysters.

The house is clean, I am relaxed, did four miles on my stationary bike, and I’m ready for bed. Work promises to be jam-packed this week, and I want to go into it with a positive, solution-oriented attitude.

The grocery run was $109, split between the two of us. I was able to add a lot of items to my price book. We did quite a bit of stocking up on peanut butter, oatmeal, sugar, powdered milk, and the like. It’s very satisfying to have a full pantry.

I don’t understand why people love shopping. I really don’t. I was in Sacramento for three meetings in four days, and I was really surprised at how many people mentioned the shopping opportunities (Downtown mall with a –gasp-Macys, Arden fair Mall, etc.). I had time between my last meeting and my flight, and people were actually incredulous that I wasn’t going to shop.

I mentioned to a couple that there wasn’t anything I needed right now, and they suggested I window shop and try things on for fun. To me, that’s actually a very unpleasant way to spend time. I just can’t see doing it voluntarily.

I’m glad I’m like this, I guess. My mother was a shopper but it never caught on. I’m kind of tomboy frugal hippie non-conformist nerd. I’m okay with that. It saves me money.

Now, if there was a series of great garage sales or thrift sores, maybe I could have gotten into that. Still need to do Christmas and other gift shopping. I really enjoy gift-giving. Since I had to fly, I decided not to try thrift store shopping since my bag was full. Perhaps next time, I can bring only carry on to Sacramento and check a bag on the way bag if I hit the thrift store.

I’m so very glad to be home. Usually travel is okay, but these meetings stressed me out a little-I had to be on my best behavior. Also, it seemed longer than usual.

The house is tidy and I’m having a low key day puttering, hanging laundry, tidying, and relaxing.

I did spend $3.49 on decaffeinated black tea, 60 bags, at Trader Joe’s. At less than 6 cents a bag it was a great deal for decaf black. I was able to update my new price book. Other than that, no spending.

I love my peanut butter tubs; I use them for bulk foods. I use Red Vines Licorice tubs, which are behind the PB tubs, for items I use more of, like milk and flour.

At my work, it seems like all sorts of people bring in licorice tubs. I love them, and also use them for my “on its way to compost” bin.

I didn’t label all my tubs at once. I know some of these were labeled years ago, some in the last month. I think overall I have made labels - used a Sharpie on Post Its and taped to tubs - three times. (Yes, I know the beans aren’t black. I’m now on the pintos, but I kept the old label.)

I travel for work this week. Yes, again. I have a regular two day, one night trip a month, but it seems like there has been an extra trip or two every month lately. I leave tomorrow quite early and fly back Friday night. I may get in a trip to the fancy thrift store.

I spent money today: $10 at the cobbler shop, to get some shoes repaired. I needed my mary jane Dansko’s fixed, because I’m wearing dresses (!) in Sacramento. The cobbler was adorable; three kids, all MDs, one just got her PhD, and he had the commencement announcement right on the counter. I am not usually into the proud papa deal-goes along with not being interested in kids, therefore not interested in parenting-but I loved this guy. He had no doubt I'd be into hearing about his kids. Two of his children came out of med school with no debt. This man just glowed. I think he might be a first generation American, and he was so very proud of his children. I could tell he worked very hard for them.

Here's the bulb I bought at a garage sale, that I couldn't explain. It's in our one bare bulb fixure in the laundry room. It's not my usual style-I tend to like simple and plain-but this little bugger called to me.

Here is a picture of my pretty little dinner.

Aren’t the shells nice? I use regular tortillas, in my new little molds, $1 at a garage sale. If someone was interested, I’d recommend maybe just folding an aluminum pie pan into the right shape, or snagging a pot pie pan from a spendthrift bud. Bake at 375 after spraying with cooking spray. Or you could go old school and oil it.

I’m still using canned refried beans. I know I should be making my own from dried beans-I’m getting there. The shredded cheddar/jack was a nickel a pound less than the block; unusual, and good, since I have better luck freezing shredded than block cheese. I’m not interested in making my own tortillas yet, but someday I may.

My Guy set it up so I can download pictures from his digital camera to my computer. It’s a bit too exciting-watch out!

I’ve been thinking about buying a freezer for many years. Often with a big purchase I contemplate for a really long time, so that when I buy it I’m sure.

About a year and a half ago, I finally committed to the purchase. After three farcical attempts to buy it at Costco (I’d call, they’d have one, I’d drive there, it was sold five minutes ago, etc.) I gave up. The message seemed to be "it is not the right time."

Now I’m having pangs again. Costco has a 7 cubic foot, dishwasher size, for $199.99. I don’t know what the energy usage is. Sears has a 5 cubic foot for $169.99. The energy usage, on a scale of 166 to 245, is 242, which is disheartening.

We have really old wiring in the house; some might be original-we see the actual cloth wires on the outside of the wall. We haven’t had big problems, but we have had minor problems, and My Guy has a valid concern that a freezer could strain the wiring.

I periodically see chest freezers for free on Freecycle, but they are older. I know that Amy Dacyczyn isn’t the final word on everything, but freezers were one of the few new purchases she recommended, due to the significant increases in energy efficiency in newer models. I know I want a smaller one, so many of the free ones might be too big.

We aren’t big meat eaters, so we wouldn’t use a freezer for that much. I would use it for plums from our tree, because they all get ripe at once and I can’t process that many for canning all at once. I’d use it for thrift store bread. I want to make two serving dinners in big batches-lasagna, chili, stew, casseroles. I’d use it for blackberries. (Lay on cookie sheet, freeze, then put in bags, to avoid clumps. That way you can have a handful at a time.)

I’d put in par-baked pizza dough-I’m intimidated by baking, and if I could make 4 or 5 pizza bases at one time I’d be more inclined to learn. I’d freeze large batches of grains, like oatmeal and flour, for 24 hours to prevent bugginess.

I think that five cubit feet would be fine for me. I would be using my Minimum Wage Savings to buy this, so it would come out of my $39 a month, for $156 so far, and the rest I’d have to just take out of other categories-I just can’t see cheating on The Challenge.

My Guy suggests waiting until later in the summer, when I actually have fruit to put in it. He’s not really for the idea; he thinks it would take up too much space and strain the wiring, though he’s not anywhere close to invoking a veto.

(We use the “veto” to judge how strongly someone thinks about something. “Do you want to go on a grocery run?” “Not really” means you could be talked into it. “Veto” means end of discussion. We try not to overuse it; it’s a really nice way of conveying firmness in the refusal without being argumentative.)

I’m thinking of watching Freecycle for a couple months, then taking a chance with a Sears or Costco freezer at the end of the summer. I am concerned about getting an old one, but maybe Amy D’s advice is outdated-a 1992 freezer may have been light years better for electric usage than a 1986, but a 2002 freezer might be as good as a 2006 freezer. I’m gonna call some local places to see if they have used, refurbished freezers. I looked at Target’s site, and the options were more expensive than Costco and Sears. I don’t have a Home Depot or other building store, or any other department stores that I think would have freezers.

I welcome any opinions, from the grocery aspect to the electric usage to the old wiring to the cubic feet part. Also any other uses that freezers have that I didn’t mention, and any other plusses or minuses on brands, etc.

With my little bit of energy I organized today. I’d never actually done a price book, despite my love of Amy Dacyczyn. I decided after a Costco visit that it was time-I knew from the prices that I keep in my head that the prices on a couple items were great, but other items were not good deals, to say the least. It’s time to give my memory a break, and let other items besides prices find room in my head. I feel good about my grocery expenditures-average of $103 over the last 17 months-but it will be nice be able to stock up confidently when I see a truly great deal.

I did already have a lot of prices in my head, and was able to make more entries in my spreadsheet Price Book than I thought. I have a Rule of Thumb column, for standard cutoffs that I use all the time at all stores (pasta 50 cents a pound or less, etc.). I have columns for the four other stores I shop at regularly, plus a column for “other” stores. Instead of one page per item, I did a list of items, so I will have two landscape pages total to start. By using just 2 grocery receipts and what’s in my head I’ve got a good head start. It’s surprising how many prices I’ve memorized, and then I just had to peek at the container to check the total weight.

I also put together a list of what I have in my Presents Stash. I have 16 person-specific gifts, and nine miscellaneous gifts that could go to anyone, and are good hostess gifts, or even “it’s been a bad week-feel better” gifts. Making the list also helped me figure out where holes are, so I can look that much more carefully at garage sales and thrift stores for certain people.

I’m going to bed early tonight. Still not up to par, and just a whole lot of nothing on TV.

The lack of posts mean nothing except a bad cold. Still on the Challenge, Month Four. The gas & electric bill is down even more. No spending other than the monthly utilities.

Other Saving Advice people have serious health issues, mine is just a cold that makes me sweat in bed so my poor bed smells. I get cold outside the covers then sweat in the covers. Grrr.

I’m cranky but nothing sleep and patience won’t fix.

I went to Costco today, and it was a little overwhelming. I was so very grateful for The Challenge. There was so much stuff, and so much unnecessary stuff, it kind of stunned me. Huge cans of nuts, and sweets, and tasty gooey fatty rich stuff. There was some granola at $8.69 for a bag the same size as my homemade batch. Even if I bought a handful of dried cranberries and pecans, mine would cost less than $2. Bread at a "deal" for $2.50 a loaf! A lot of items I wouldn’t have bought regardless, but on other items, I was glad to be able to say, "No, not on The Challenge."

It reminded me of when I’m invited out, and I don’t really want to go, and I say “I can’t stay up that late”, which is true, but I’m glad I have the excuse, I’m not upset about it. Declining a purchase due to The Challenge isn’t a burden, it’s freeing.

I also saw a large number of...large people. I’m overweight, I’m not trying to ding anyone, it was just that the excess was a tonic for my system, and made me less interested in the foods.

I think I might actually do a price book. I’ve been a Huge Amy D fan, fanatic, for years, and I don’t have one. (Usually just levels in my head: tuna never more then 50 cents a can, pasta 50 cents a pound, canned veggies 3/$1). But there were some items, a very few, that were better prices, and I’d like to be able to track that. I was able to get good cheddar for $1.85, where I’ve been fighting to get $2.25 cheese elsewhere, and in fact I got grated real cheddar for $1.78 a pound.

So in this place of mighty mounds of massive muchness, I bought: cheese, tortillas, spinach, carrots, and eggs.

My Guy used the new tortilla molds, and I ate a very pretty, very tasty tortilla shell bowl filled with beans and spinach, with some cheese and non-fat sour cream and salsa. The shell was great, and it’s baked so it’s low fat. And it really was pretty; not something I usually notice about my food, but pleasant.

I’m re-reading Tightwad Gazette, for the zillionth time. Every time I’m energized, and every time I take away a new idea. This time, I’m planning on making more gift items, food and craft, for birthdays and Christmas. If I get really together, I could do a weekend a month on craft things. Shhhhh...don’t ell the people I’m trying to convince I’m lazy. I am lazy, but I find making bath salts and other gifts fun. Some people might not believe me.)

Making food items would be practice for Christmas and used for birthdays. Also, for those who have been generous with hand me down items. (Can the term hand me downs be used for non-clothes items?!?) Two ideas to start-the homemade toffee, four ingredients, and candied orange and grapefruit peels: uses “waste” and syrup can be used for waffles and pancakes. I know that when I have a large stash of jam, I like bringing jars to people for various reasons: they quit smoking, a birthday; they’ve had a rotten week, they helped me out at work. It’d be nice to vary the little treats.

I walked to work today, and walked back, with a stop at the post office and a thrift store. I rode my free recumbent bike, and ate well. I have avoided “bad” TV. So much clean living. I love reading the forms and blogs; I really feel like I have found a frugal home. I am surprised at how fond of or connected to people I can be, when I’ve never met them.

Spending: The thrift store had a whole lotta nothing going on, but I did give my P.O. $1.21-three regular stamps and a couple two centers to use with old 37 cent stamps.

Upcoming spending: the Oyster Festival is next Saturday, and I love oysters, cooked and raw. I also want to go camping in the next few weekends; we have the gear and would use regular groceries, but extra gas and site fees would be expenses. Otherwise, I see no expenses in my near future that aren’t them same old utility bills, groceries, etc.

Thrifty Ray bought a blender. As I commented on her blog that I like to make breakfast shakes, I also mentioned that I’d been meaning to try and make pureed soups. So I stood up and made one, using some steamed broccoli I had the other night. Reconstituted dry powdered milk, broccoli, a tiny but of bouillon, and about a tablespoon of ranch-type dressing (left over bottle-I put a dash of water in it, swished, and poured it in the blender). I then blended, nuked, and had really good soup.

Usually I like my own concoctions, and sometimes I’m the only one that eats them. But this soup passed the My Guy test! So now I have a new simple recipe. I think I’ll play with variety-cauliflower, carrots, pumpkin puree. Try some spices. I love being able to control the ingredients-sometimes low-fat foods have a lot of gunk in them. I’d be willing to serve this to guests, it’s that good. I can also use the idea to make “cream of” soups used in casseroles and other recipes-I can make it thicker to have the condensed version.

I love finding a new little trick. This one, homemade soup in minutes from left over veggies, is definitely a keeper.

Using the recumbent exercise bike is becoming a habit. I think once it hits a month it’ll be pretty routine. Also, watching less TV is becoming a habit. I’m using the time on the bike as my time to watch “bad” TV without guilt. Otherwise, I’m watching mostly TV I deem decent, or even better, listening to more music.

Today repetition paid off; I was able top bust out a double batch of muffins and a batch of granola in minutes. Plus I made my first batch of homemade popsicles in my new ten-cent mold.

I used the big bag of quick oats I got from Freecycle, as part of the grain in the muffins, and for the granola. I took a cheapo can of papaya, drained part of the juice for popsicles, and blended the rest into a puree for the muffins. I put some of the puree back in the popsicles for texture and color. I used some homemade bread crumbs for the muffins too; we make them more quickly than we use them. I also use soy flour instead of eggs, and substitute apple sauce for half the fat. Since it’s the second time I made the granola, I altered the recipe to make it cheaper, and lower-calorie. (I can’t necessarily say healthier; I’m trying use up some corn syrup, which ain’t the best, and I also used some Splenda, which some might object to.) The oven was used for both the muffins and the granola, and now I have snacks and breakfast galore.

The first time I made muffins it took a while. Now it’s so familiar, and I can use what I have on hand.

It’s Amy Dacyczyn’s basic recipe, Tightwad Gazette II, page 164.
* 2 to 2-1/2 cups flour/grain (substitute oats, cornmeal, bran, etc. for part of the flour)
* Up to ¼ cup fat (Oil, lard, butter, etc. Applesauce can be substituted for part-or all if you don’t mind dryer muffins.)
* 1 cup milk (reconstituted dry powdered, or regular, or soy, or some juice)
* 1 egg (can substitute 1 heaping tablespoon soy flour and one tablespoon water)
* Up to ½ cup sweetener (sugar, corn syrup, brown sugar, Splenda, honey)
* 2 teaspoons Baking powder
* ½ teaspoons Salt
* Up to 1-1/2 cup additions (moist or dry. Raisins, shredded zucchini, mashed banana, sunflower seeds; the choices are endless)

Preheat to oven to 350. Bake 20 minutes at 350 in lightly greased muffin tins.

Homemade breadcrumbs: put bread bags with unused heels or broken pieces of bread in the freezer. Next time the oven is used, put all the miscellaneous pieces in a metal container in the oven after using it; let the left over heat dry the bread out. Put these pieces in a tub in the cupboard (I use a one gallon mayonnaise tub). When the tub is full get out the Universal grinder, and grind all the pieces. Store in an airtight container. Use as a topping on casseroles with butter or margarine; used as a breading for oven-fried fish; sneak into muffins. I only dry the bread every few months, and I grind the crumbs maybe once or twice a year, when I’m in a rare kitchen putter mood.

Friday was payday. I hadn't known. I've been spending so little it wasn't a concern. It was a glorious feeling. I could see some wo-workers were a little surpised.

I transferred some money in to my ING account to celebrate. In fact, more than the paycheck was. The Challenge? It's Money in the bank, Baby!

Today’s Garage sale Haul:

Five smaller gifts $2.00

Manual chopper .10

Popsicle molds .10

Potholder (silicon) .25

Crazy light bulb .25

5 CDs 10.00

Colander .25

Tortilla shell molds 1.00

Raspberry Bar .50

That’s $2 gifts, $11.95 household, and 50 cents entertainment.

The CDs were the big expense; otherwise it would have come under $5. However, I feel like a good used CD, in a case with inserts, is not a bad deal at $2 each (they were 2.50 each, 5 for $10). I got The Best of Eric Clapton, Tori Amos- Little Earthquakes, Rolling Stones-Stripped, Neil Young-Harvest, and Patsy Cline’s Greatest Hits.

I tried to find a picture of the light bulb online and was unsuccessful searching for novelty bulbs. It’s an incandescent, regular bulb shape. But it has silicone “spikes” on it, in a pattern, in three different colors. A little odd, but it spoke to me. It’s not exactly my style, but we have a bare bulb fixture in the laundry room so I put it in there.

The five smaller gifts include a nice bunch of candles for one of the women who periodically brings me gorgeous cardigans. My gifts stash, or either person specific or good general gifts, is growing nicely.

For the household items, My Guy was really excited by the Tortilla mold set; I figured he’d be which was why I was willing to spend a dollar. It came with instructions, and we hope to bake some molds soon. I love the idea of the tortilla shell for a salad being low-fat baked instead of fried. The chopper also excited him, as he plans to use it for onions. The colander is a nice sleek metal thing which will replace the battered melted plastic one we had. I’d kept my eye out for months for one at a low enough price.

If you ever hold a garage sale, consider hanging the clothes. I’ll bet you sell at least three times as much. At a few places, since I don’t need any clothes except fancier work stuff, I’d take one look at a piled high table and pass. It was even worse when the stuff was piled on sheets or tarps on the ground. Maybe there were excellent items in those piles, but I wasn’t up to looking, whereas I’ll always flip through any hung clothing.

The popsicle molds excited me; not sure how soon I’ll play with it yet. I have lots of ideas re: gelatin, yogurt, jams, iced tea, juice, canned fruit, canned fruit juices, etc.

I had a bunch of clothes that I took in to be exchanged. These were bought pre-Challenge, so I wasn’t sure how to handle the money aspect of it. I could have gotten cash back but I certainly wouldn’t have counted it as income. I exchanged for 3 items, and spent less than I exchanged for. (I used the rest of the credit to pants for My Guy for which he’ll reimburse me). I got two $10.99 dresses and a $12.99 skirt. I wasn’t going to count these an expense on The Challenge because I didn’t put any money out, and if I didn’t have exchange credit there’s no way I would have ever bought them. If anyone has an issue with this, I can reconsider posting it as an expense. I have some work events coming up that are going to require that I bump it up a tad; I know that to some an $11.99 dress is cheap, but to me it seemed quite high end.

I forgot to conclude the Clear Lake story (driving down to help my dad’s wife with a piece of property a couple weeks ago). As far as gas (3 hour drive), D paid to fill up my tank, and I almost worried about it, except for two reasons. First, My Guy and I went down there to perform manual labor to help her. Second, sometimes when I feel generous and give someone something or treat them, it can be a small frustration when they say “oh no, you shouldn’t,” or act embarrassed, when I truly want to be generous. So I figured that it’s good to learn to graciously receive if you want to give a lot. On that note I also accepted when she took us out to eat, at a nice little Mexican restaurant with very reasonable prices. As an extra bonus, I got a little travel kit that she wasn’t using-a facial scrub, cleanser, lotions, etc. It was awfully nice seeing D, and I was a little jealous of My Guy who went later in the week to get some more done.

I traveled for work again. For this trip I had 2 co-workers with me, and I went to a Department Store for the first time in quite a while. Idly browsing, as the others were the ones who had chosen this activity, I was just flabbergasted at the prices. I know we all gasp at $1,200 blouses and $3,000 dresses and the like. I can now be shocked at much less. I was looking at 50% off racks, and being just shocked that a skirt could be $120 reduced to $60. Some of the clothes were quite lovely, but I just can’t see shopping like that. I suppose that I could conceivably want a high end work outfit at some point and buy a nice skirt and blouse, but it would be such a rare, thought out occasion. As in once every five years, perhaps.

The funny thing for me is that I could have bought clothes if I had wanted to. I have money. I thought to myself, “Maybe if there is a deep clearance $10 skirt I’ll try it on.” I further thought, “Do I actually want any of these? Am I not buying (or even seriously shopping) because of The Challenge?” I was very pleased to be able to answer that no, I wasn’t interested. The Challenge is something I take quite seriously-I’m on Month Four and I’ve really worked very hard at not bending any rules at all-I mean I sweated whether recycling income was acceptable on The Challenge. (I decided it was.) But no, I wasn’t longing, craving, desiring, or even kinda wanting. Challenge or No, I am not depriving myself when I choose not to buy clothes at this price level. I felt very free, actually. Light and unencumbered.

And the end of the story is, my workmate bought a purse and wallet, and she was going to toss her old wallet. Now I have a beautiful wallet in excellent shape to replace my current one that has had a broken clasp for months. Of course I will look for a way to repay her; she didn’t want money, and even if I did have homemade jam in stock her family wouldn’t eat it. However I firmly believe that to continue to be gifted with hand-me-downs, it’s important to offer a tangible “thank you” periodically to those who hand down. Perhaps the next time I make a batch of bath salts she’ll get a jar.

Amongst those on the forums I get so used to the frugality that I am surprised at the spending and consumerism “out there.” It’s very heartening to come back and be re-grounded with the benefits of simplicity, frugality, and gratitude.

My Guy had a job fall in his lap; what a good day. It’s part time, so he can still be kind of a bum, which he defines as “being incredibly involved in his own pursuits.” The job is for a non-profit, small and local, so he’ll feel god about working there. A bonus is that it’s decent money, so the part time will pay full bills. (He spends like I do, which is nice.) He wasn’t even looking for work, which makes it all the better.

I used a huge chunk of this month’s entertainment budget and treated him to a big celebratory burrito, and even got him a SoBe drink he loves-it surely does takes a mighty celebration for me to pay for a beverage at a take out place. With my little burrito, I spent $13 out of entertainment, and I feel good about the expense.

My water aerobics buddy wants to take a “semester” off too, so that’s good. I biked five miles today on the recumbent, and may do some more. I’m fitting in to some stuff I couldn’t before, so another good thing. Saving on the workout budget will help with the medical bills I’m still working on.

There’s nothing on TV tonight, and I’m glad. I’ll take a bath and blog and bike and putter. The end of the season has come at an excellent time for me, right when I wanted to cut out some bad TV. That will leave me with 6 regular shows next fall in primetime, many of which I tape (an hour becomes 40 minutes!). I do still watch some syndicated sitcoms and news and Oprah from 5 to 8. Since I have no kids, and my commute is 3 minutes, and my house is pretty clutter free, and I’ve admitted I’m lazy, this should come as no huge shock.

I figure if I’m cleaning house, hanging laundry, biking, washing dishes, etc., I shouldn’t feel too guilty about watching. I would like to move more towards music though. When I was younger, boy I had no time for TV, it was music music music.

The coffee is pre-made for tomorrow and the smoothie is in the blender just waiting to be blended for breakfast. Nice.

I think I’ve decided not to do the water aerobics for one session. I have the recumbent bike (24 miles so far), and $3.88 a class is a lot, especially since I miss some due to work travel. I’m bummed at leaving my friend, but maybe I can save in that category and go in August for the next session. I’ll be able to walk to work most days if I skip water aerobics, which is a definite plus.

I’ve spent $504.02 this month. That includes rent, and sadly enough a couple of May expenses. One was on purpose; I had so many medical bills in May post-dated a check and mailed two payments in one envelope. The other was accidental; My Guy bought stuff at Staples that I needed to pay ½ of, for $18.76.

I’m in such a cranky mood today; another headache. I’m going to watch movies on the couch.

When I was little, we’d get to pick one item each time we went to the grocery store. The item was usually on the cheaper side; maybe grapes, or a can of smoked oysters. I still sometimes treat myself to one item. It’s usually no more than three dollars, and is still usually fruit or smoked oysters. The idea that shopping always involved a treat probably wasn’t the best lesson; however learning that treats can be little is something that I still benefit from.

I have a case of popsicles in the freezer that I got for a dime apiece in the winter. They are the fancy all fruit kind, very tasty. They are a treat. It’s not the cost that makes them a treat; it’s that they are a sweet and that I have no more than one every couple of weeks.

If I live simply, and without too many frills, little things can feel like such treats. The less I spend the more bang I get for my treat buck. I spent ten times more dining out in two months, January and February, than I have spent in the last three months. I am enjoying the recent meals out so much more.

Cheap(er) treats (the more infrequent, the better):
Sticking a load of laundry in the dryer instead of hanging it.
“Blowing” $5 in a thrift store or at a garage sale.
Having one can of soda.
Getting a burrito from the local place (less than $5)
Making a day a no chores day, even if I have to do a little more the night before.
“Blowing” three dollars at the dollar store.
Sharing a fancy $2 can of soup and not cooking.
Having a fancy three dollar coffee or smoothie from a store
Getting a couple items off the dollar or value menu at a fast food place.
Pulling out the dusty paper plates to avoid dishes.

I’m not talking about having these be treats because I can’t afford more. Heck, I could do all these things at least once a week if I wanted to. But why would I want to start taking something for granted, when I can really appreciate it as a luxury?

Treat items can be things that were previously taken for granted. I’m working my way off of club soda and seltzer, and am drinking tap water. Bubbles are now a treat. (Originally when I quit drinking years ago, I gave myself permission to spend as much as I wanted on non-alcoholic beverages. Now I'm trying to get over being spoiled.) If I got a mocha every day, it wouldn’t be a treat, but since I always make my coffee at home, a store-bought cup once every six months can be pretty special. Forget the ski trips, the Nordstrom trip, the daily Starbucks trip, the luxury car – I’m easy, give me a popsicle.

I’m not sentimental, yet Garrison Keillor made tears rolls down my cheeks, with a simple prayer.

I’ve read Lake Wobegon Days numerous times and always love it. I just now picked up Leaving Home, a Collection of Lake Wobegon Stories. The stories are funny and poignant. You may have heard some of the stories on the radio show A Prairie Home Companion. I see Keillor’s books all the time at yard sales and library sales.

At the end of the first tale, a man lies in bed and thinks, “Thank you, God, for this good life and forgive us if we do not love it enough.”

I need to print that for myself, for when I forget to be grateful.

Well, I am a major goob. I was moping like a big baby, then I looked at a few blogs and Hot Diggity, there is a mighty amount of success going on. So many goals reached and exceeded. Ignore the fuss in this corner-some people are total rock stars right now!

I felt like Taylor Hicks, doing the full three months of spending less than half my net, and I'm dancing around on top of the world, and I got only one (cherished) kudos. I guess need more validation than I thought. My savings account is full, but clearly I have issues than money can not solve. It's funny, I'm a grown woman but sometimes I'm just like a little kid.

I love the recumbent bike. I earned 9 miles of cruddy TV tonight.

And I'm weaning myself off of club soda. I miss the bubbles, but I'm hanging on.