Normal is broke. So I think weird is a compliment!

As it turns out I am in fact my grandmothers child.  Growing up my mother was concerned as it seemed I adopted none of the homemaker genes.  I had no interest in cooking, cleaning, sewing, gardening.  To me that stuff was stuff I did when I was forced.  It seems that living on my own and then getting married has flipped a switch.  Maybe you don't adopt those skills until they are needed.

Hubs and I are working the Dave Ramsey plan to pay off our debts.  But in order to have more money to throw at the debt snowball we have started trying to save in other areas. My focus has been the grocery budget I can tell he thinks I am taking it to an extreme but it has become a sport to me.  Each weekend I sit down with the weekly circular for 3 different grocery store looking for the best deals.  I plan my meals around what is on sale.  And what isn't on sale I shop around to find the best possible price.  I realize this is weird.  But I can't explain the thrill I get from walking out of stop & shop having spent less than $20 and having gotten $50 worth of groceries.  It feels like I am getting away with something!   It's a rush.  You should try it.  I haven't really even gotten into coupons yet.  That is my next step.  

I think if I make it back to a place I can grow food to lower my food bill even more, my husband won't even know what hit him.  Poor kid! 

Cutting down our expenses also means we don't get to go out to eat as much.  I actually love this! 

It gives me more opportunities to cook.  

My crock pot has become my new best friend.  I use it probably 3 times a week.  Taco soup, Chili, Beans,  Stew, and Chicken.  Yum Yum!

This week I discovered how to cook a whole chicken in the crock pot  on this blog.   This is my new favorite thing.  I have always used frozen Tyson's chicken breasts.  But I was paying nearly $11 for a 2 lb bag!   The cost per unit on that was horrible!  I discovered I could get a 7 lb chicken for $ 0.99 a lb.  

It lasted for 3 meals.   The first day we had chicken with veggies.  The next day we had chicken sandwiches , then on the third day I baked the rest into a chicken and rice casserole.  It also let me make my own chicken broth that I will be making chicken noodle soup with later.  

Before I sign off I want to give you a link to the  Simple Dollar.  This blog has inspired me!

Oh and I think you need some pictures!

My grandmother.  I hope someday to be as thrifty as she is.  

 My crock pot chicken. So yummy!

Did I mention I am now making my own bread?