I feel like I have to confess something to you guys. While I have been doing a fantastic job making my own chicken (and turkey) stock recently using bones and skin from Sam’s Club breasts and the carcass of our Christmas turkey, I got a little complacent. I was so proud looking at that gorgeous silky, FREE stock (just a few spices and some leftover bits of veggies required) that is filling up my freezer I forgot about a few other things- like the half loaf of delicious homemade bread I just had to toss out because dang it- mold spots.
As you know, I hate throwing out food. Hate it. It’s made me think- maybe from now on I need to keep a schedule on the fridge. Make bread on Monday? Make bread crumbs, croutons or freeze leftovers by X date. It wouldn’t require too much effort- just a quick note while something is cooking, and a simple scratch line if we use it all. I already menu plan so this is just a slight extension of that. Lunch: Homemade Tomato Soup, Dinner: Mississippi Pot Roast Also: Make bread crumbs. It’s simple and easy. I could also put it in my phone, but I have a tendency to be busy and go “oh yeah, I’ll totally remember that” and then absolutely not remember that thing.
My daughter got money from her uncle for Christmas, and let me tell you that money has been burning a hole in her pocket! She begged and begged to spend it, so I asked her to tell me the NUMBER 1 must have oh my gosh I need it item she wanted to buy. Y’all, she chose a Baby Yoda plush. I didn’t buy her one for Christmas because I had no idea she was interested! So, she and I had a lesson on smart shopping. We went to shopDisney (through topcashback) for 3% cash back. We browsed and chose the Child Bundle with Key- because it’s the same price as just the plush, but she gets something extra! Then I used a promo code that got her 10% off using my Disney Visa- and my big triumph was the free shipping code I had. All told, she saved $0.60 on the price of her bundle- and that’s after tax and shipped. She was very pleased to get change back for her piggy bank. I think this is going to be the real start of her couponing adventure.
Speaking of big savings- My travel agent, Erin, saved me $500 on our 2021 trip! I am over the moon excited about that savings. I won’t adjust my trip savings goal, because anything leftover will just go into savings account! Or, if I’m feeling really confident, maybe we’ll splurge on an unexpected treat. I had forgotten special discounts were coming out that day- this is why I prefer using an agent. Not only did Erin remember, she literally applied the deal before I even got out of bed. After that sweet discount, I really, really hope we can go this year.
If you see me write “panel” or “Community panel”, that’s simply an ongoing panel I’ve been invited to participate in through various sources.
Goal: $5500
January 4th- January 10th
$25- Swagbucks
$15.25- Community Panel
$15- Panel
$15- Mercari Sale
$10- Different Community Panel
$5- Crowdtap
$5-Bing
$4- Field Agent
$3- Pinecone Research
Total earned this week: $97.25
Fund Total from last post: $4442.25
Current Fund Total: $4539.50
Still Needed: $960.50
I’m averaging $116.40 a week! EEEEEK guys! In the homestretch, under a thousand dollars to go! This is great, because we’re definitely seeing a drop in earnings.