What a lovely day. I’m not sure if the organizing made us set off on the right foot, or if it was the fact our new Saturday schedule has us home from late am and the rest of the day is declared “at home together time”, or what. But it felt good. Livingsimplyfree mentioned it seemed like we are settling into our new abode quite nicely and I think she is right!
So on day five we enjoyed early morning music lessons {my daughter is doing so well} followed by a successful shop for fruit {1/2 price organic apples and fairtrade bananas for only .99/lb} and cat litter {on sale too (at a different shop), only $3.99!}. So for almost exactly what we had left, we did it! Week one of $50/week {and we fed four most days this week as my mum was around for at least one meal/day as her kitchen isn’t ready and we fed my daughter’s friend today too!}! Hallelujah! I really wasn’t sure if it would be possible, but I’m pleased it was and we had 4 cents to spare! 
We were also able to make our monthly donation! And that felt very very good.
Next we headed home and I continued cleaning up, we read as a family and then my daughter’s friend came over. I have to say it was a lot more challenging than just having my two. But I’m pleased she had that experience. I told her she was an excellent host and she just beamed. I think she also learned hosting a friend is hard work! 
After some more reading time and discussion about working through our goals, we sat down and watched an episode of Road To Avonlea with hot chocolate, then went tobogganing at a park. Oh the squeals of delight were heart-warming. We have $2.99 tobogganing equipment and it just shows how much fun you can have in a frugal way and even wearing a mis-matched snow suit!
Tonight will be dinner and lavender baths followed by more reading and an early night. And I hope to get my little office hub area cleaned as well as one more box sorted/purged. Tomorrow is a busy day as I have work and my son has an activity to help build his upper body strength, plus I have my evening book group. I’m pleased I’ve made attending one of my yearly goals as I get very little other adult interaction and this book group not only has other adults, and is a pot-luck {the only time I don’t have to do the evening dishes}, but children are welcome, too. Win, win, win {apart from the hour drive, which is a lot of fun with my little ones, the petrol costs are something that are a tad challenging!}.
And what did I resist today? Making these almond butter cookies mentioned in the Guardian. We do have almond butter but not enough so it would have meant going over the budget. And more almond butter isn’t a need right now.
How is everyone else doing?
Well done for coming in under budget! So far I have managed to make what I have in the food cupboard last for almost a week.I didn’t stock up on anything before hand, so I have had to be creative with the ingredients! It feels great to be eating good home cooking where I know exactly what has gone into each dish. I have been through my book collection and sorted a decent amount to give away, next job my wardrobe
just some of my January goals.
WOW! That is amazing!!! Well done you!!!
I love being at home on the weekends sometimes! It is nice to just relax and get things done! And nice job on the shopping. I am so bad with our grocery budget. Our shop today was way over budget. Thankfully we have been under budget in a couple other areas.
And you know, sometimes that is the best you can do and it is A-OK! I have taken the view before of simply balancing the budget as a whole and it worked. Grocery spending is hard, start small! Also prices are certainly increasing, which makes it tougher!
That’s great you were able to make your grocery budget goals! I know how hard that can be. I wanted to tell you I made the Creamy Fish Pie for dinner tonight, and everyone LOVED it! I’ve been trying to figure out more ways to include fish in our diet since I know its so good for us. This recipe is definitely a keeper!
Wow little did I expect to see a mention of me when I started to read. I think not unpacking everything right away was a blessing in disguise for you as it gave you a chance to see the possibilities of your new home first without everything in place.
I love your blog! It is so sweet to read about you and your children and the life you are building together (brick by brick). Like you I recently bought a home. It’s bigger than my needs but I did have the thought that maybe one day I could put a little one in one of the rooms.
One question out of curiosity: are your children biological siblings? It is not important but every now and again when I read a post I have the idea that they are. Just curious because it is rare when you adopt especially if they’ve been separated and are in different homes. – Pru
Hi Pru
Yes, they are. I know it really was a 1 in a million situation. I definitely won the jackpot with them
So lovely to hear that your daughter had a friend over and that it went well. What a blessing! It does stretch a little one to be a hostess (or host), but it is such a valuable experience. My DD now loves to have friends over to her place for a small dinner party or coffee and dessert, and it helps her so much as a way to stay connected to them despite all her health problems. It all begins with having one friend over and learning to treat her well!
On the frugal front, I have had a struggle and have to say that this blog challenge has helped me tremendously. I had a lovely cash gift from my step-father a while back and decided to get a dressy winter dress. Couldn’t find what I wanted for the price, so decided a blazer would be more practical and was very happy with the purchase. On Wed. DH remembered to tell me we were invited to the wedding of some church friends on Friday. Aaarrgh–no dress to wear! Decided to wear blazer and best skirt with a satiny top (to be purchased). Realized I had neither the money nor the need for said top. Shopped the closet and drawers and came up with a simple top and nice jewelry. Had a great time at the wedding. I was the only woman not in a party dress, but guess what? All eyes were on the bride, not me!
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