Homemade Breakfast

Getting something healthy to eat and getting quickly out the door in the morning don't always go together, but it can be done.  Frugally, even.

On weekends I like to make big meals, and I also like to bake.  If you like making big breakfasts, its a good time to just make MORE of whatever you have and put some in the freezer.

When I do this with pancakes it works really well.  I make them with all whole-wheat flour so they have plenty of fiber and vitamins and its a fast breakfast I can feel good about.

If you need a good recipe I like Tammy's Recipes.

Don't Print Photos

In my early days getting used to digital photography I used to pay to have all my photos printed, then sort through them and pick the ones I "really" liked to put in albums and scrapbooks.  Then the others just sit in envelopes collecting dust.  

What a waste!

I think this is where digital scrapbooking comes in for most people. In order to eliminate a step, I've just gotten serious about blogging.  I consider that my journal/photo album/scrapbook/recipe binder, etc.  With my blogger search button I can find something in a jiffy...no need to look through hundreds of pages of random albums or envelopes to find it.

Plus, if I ever want a print book there are services like blurb that will print blogs into books.

Mass Produce Burritos

Have you ever purchased frozen burritos?  Do you know what is way cheaper and healthier?

Buy a bunch of tortillas, a huge bag of cheese, and a bunch of refried beans.  Set up a burrito making station (ie. your stove).  Make as many as you can and fill gallon size freezer bags with them laying flat side by side.

They can be taken to work (or at home) and heated up in the microwave just like the ones you buy.

Lunch!

Money Meeting Dates

Let me paint a romantic scene for you:

You and your sweetheart alone together at a fabulous restaurant ..You might just be getting appetizers or splitting a dessert like this loving couple...but nevertheless you are OUT.  And you are bonding and enjoying each other's company.

Do you know what could make it even more fun?  Make it a monthly "plan our finances" meeting.  Print off your spending records and any charts or graphs from the last month (like if you use Quicken Deluxe 2013 419324 (Google Affiliate Ad).

It's a relaxed atmosphere and a more fun way to take a hard look at what went well and what needs improvement.  Also, it helps solidify you as a "team" when working our your finances.  Cheers!

Purple Tuesday?

Please, please, please don't be like the masses that shop exactly when stores tell them to.  We are people with brains, and we should use them.  If a marketer wants you to do a certain thing it might just be so they can make money!  Nothing wrong with that, but you are in charge of your money, not them.  Take control.  Instead of getting giddy over "sales" and going out and blowing your budget or charging on a card, step back.  Do things your way.

You could buy your Christmas wrap, decor, even gifts a whole year in advance.  Try shopping the day after Christmas, not Thanksgiving.  The day after Christmas the stores have all but given up on unloading that stuff and gift sets, holiday decor, perfumes, themed toiletries....all kinds of goodies can be had for up to 75% off.  This is a key to saving: planning far, far ahead.  We don't have to shop in the pattern the stores have set up for us.  Let's buck the trend!

Tinyyyyyyyy Houses

Click on image to learn more about these houses.

Have you heard about the Tiny House movement?  Talk about saving money--not just on the house but TONS on utilities too!  I just love this idea.  Our family has lived and been comfortable in a wide-ranging variety of house sizes and I can see the benefits (especially for small families) of really, really downsizing.  Being challenged to just keep just the essentials helps your mind and body also be free to focus on things other than your stuff.  Have you seen a cute tiny house?  Show me!  I love seeing the creative ways people make these things work!

Eat More Beans

Beans are a fabulous source of protein that also packs a fiber punch, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.  They are easy to cook, they just take some time.  My favorite way is "all day" in the crockpot.  You can make a big batch and then freeze them in 1 or 2 cup portions for recipes.  This is just as easy as opening a can and you can make them with way less sodium than the canned ones have.

What is your favorite bean recipe?