Four Frugal Things -- "Cheap, Healthy & Yummy!"

1) I finished reading August Lane and immediately started Cherry Baby, by Rainbow Rowell. I like to take advantage of reading momentum to delve into the next book before reading mode switches off. Think chain smoking, but fostering an addiction to reading instead of cigarettes!

Like most of my library holds, I forget how Cherry Baby came on my radar, but that's neither here nor there. This book looks to be a fun read, which is good as I need to take the occasional break from books with Serious Themes.

I also put two books on hold that were recommended from Young House Love's Instagram page. A favor for "future Katy."

I've seen authors talk about how the most powerful marketing tool for book sales is "word of mouth" and that's certainly rings true for me. These books will likely take awhile to come in at the library, but that's okay as "past Katy" looks out for "future Katy."

Future Katy is a very lucky woman!

2) I listed my late mother-in-law's art easel on Facebook Marketplace for $300. This model sells new for up to $1197, so hopefully some lucky Portlander will come by to snap it up.

I procrastinated this task as it was filthy and needed a thorough wipe down. It's a really cool piece and infinitely adjustable. We just have no need for it.

3) I threw together a pot of soup, which used up the last of some bulk black beans. It was a last minute decision, but using my Instant Pot meant it took less than an hour from idea to consumption.

No recipe, but it did include:

• Black beans -- duh
• A small amount of browned sausage. It used ⅓ of a $1.99 Jimmy Dean sausage tube.
• Soy sauce
• sautéed onion
• garlic powder
• chopped cabbage
• chicken broth
• Cumin, paprika, chili powder, seasoned salt, steak seasoning

Like chili, black beans soup is all about the toppings. The only thing missing was cilantro, but I'm hesitant about raw veggies in current dystopian America.

Cheap, yummy, healthy!

I just need to remember to add "black beans" to my Winco shopping list!

4) Speaking of Winco bulk bins, I continue to enjoy my daily oatmeal, complete with bulk bin raisins and almonds.

Have I mentioned "cheap, healthy and yummy" lately?

Now your turn, what frugal things have you been up to?

Katy Wolk-Stanley 

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without."

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