Thursday, January 6, 2011

Renewed Ambitions for the New Year

New Year’s Resolutions 2011

I haven’t been in the practice of making resolutions, because in my opinion they are usually broken and I feel a resolution can be made at any time or any day. Not just on a New Year!

This year FEELS different. I’m not sure why, but I have the urge to really set some goals and accomplish them! Money, as always, is TIGHT. With that being said, my focus is to keep expenses down while not feeling like I’m in poverty.
We’ve already bought most of our seeds for our MASSIVE garden (not sure, I hope it turns out ok). I plan on starting my tomatoes and peppers indoors. I have had one other garden before with LOADS of help from others. Last year, I was way too late. This year it’s all on my and my oldest to get it planted and cared for. My mom and Granny Clara have graciously volunteered to help. My mom is going to help with the canning/freezing process. Granny Clara is going to help watch little ones as needed. I have a Farmer’s Almanac and I’m ready to roll! I just hope we get it all done. We were even lucky enough to be given about 100+ jars for canning….we’ll just have to clean them up. I sure don’t mind to do some cleaning! I figured for our family we’re going to need 400+ jars for tomatoes, green beans, salsa, jelly, turnip greens, and such. I plan on keeping a track on my expenses too, so by the end of the year I hope to be able to say if this has been a money saver (I’ll definitely have to work at it, but I’m not doing much of anything else at the moment).

Meat costs. This is one of the hardest costs to trim. To start the new year I haven’t bought meat since Christmas Eve. I’m using what we have in the freezer and fresh deer that was given too us. I’m making sure that all the stuff in the freezer is properly labeled/dated/rotated. Hard work, but in the end worth it!

Toiletries. My last trip was December 30. I didn’t need any. But such good deals I couldn’t pass up! Between the $100 in groceries for my stockpile and $50 in toiletries, I’m also getting a $40 rebate! So awesome! I also have so much stocked unless I get it ABSOLUTELY free or make money I will not be buying any more for quite some time! One less expense to deal with.
So the next time you hear from me, I hope to have a freezer meal day planned, my garden dates set (weather permitting of course), and maybe some good deals from CVS under my belt!

4 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great plan! Good luck!

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  2. Hey, I think we will be able to help each other!!! We are thinking alot alike!!!!!! Good Luck with you blog!!

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  3. That's what I was thinking Michelle when I read yours last night! lol

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