I’m not much of a gardener, although I try to grow a few things here and there. (It doesn’t help that the majority of my yard is deeply shady.) One plant that I grow year after year is chives, which I planted from seed at least fifteen years ago. (Who knew that they were perennial?!) Last year I dried them in the oven, but this year I decided to be lazy and freeze them.
Snip, snip, snip . . .
I’ll keep them in a small mason jar so I can add them to various recipes.
I also had a bag of potatoes that had started to sprout, so I cut off those parts and buried them in my half-barrel planter. (Located in an precious sunny spot.) We’ll see what comes up in the spring.
I also added some garlic cloves in the name of “can’t hurt to try.”
You’ve read in previous blog posts about how I grab used Bonne Maman jars from the neighbor’s recycling bin and maybe wondered what I do with all of them. I find them greatly useful for small-ish amount of bulk purchased items like sesame seeds, nuts, spices and such. I also use them for liquid items like salsa. This lil’ can of salsa verde cost around a dollar, but the packaging is designed to use the contents all at once. Instead I poured it into my handy jam jar, which I can now use over the course of a month or so. Frugality doesn’t have to be bland!
Side note . . . these small cans are a great bargain!
It was insanely rainy and windy last night, so I walked around the corner to see if any more apples had dropped onto the sidewalk. Indeed they had, although they were super bruised up. I still grabbed four to bring home for a small batch of stovetop cinnamon apples. Sure I had to cut away the nasty bits, but the price was right.
It’s too bad that frugality is nothing but terrible sacrifice.
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Looks like the cookie sheet the chives are on should be described with some adjective like “venerable.” I am never sure if my chives are perennial or if they just drop seeds at their original planting spot, as well as shooting them all over the yard.
I keep using my chives so they usually don’t get a chance to make seed heads, which are rather pretty. In any case, they continue to come back in the same spot each spring.
I am currently cooking off saved chicken bones and vegetable scraps from the freezer for delicious chicken broth. It will go into the freezer after it is strained and cooled. Like so many other “Non-Consumer Advocates” I consider the broth to be a real treasure. There were many years where I put my vegetable scraps and bones in the garbage and now, I wouldn’t dream of it. This was home economics that I didn’t learn from my mother or in classes at school. I am so glad to have been enlightened – better late than never I always say.
Growing up, my grandmother always had a large patch of chives by her back door, so of course I make sure I have one too. I love when it flowers–looks so pretty in a salad. As a kid, if my mom served plain white rice with butter, I always snipped some chives to add. Alliums 4 Eva.
My Dad was red-green colorblind, and could not see the pale purple color of chive flowers against the green blades. It was always clear for several days afterward if he hit them with the lawn mower– very fragrant!
That made me smile. My dingaling puppies keep rampaging through my not-dead-yet basil bed and then coming into the house through the dog door smelling all salad-fresh.
Dang, those cinnamon apples look so delicious! I bet they made your house smell amazing, too. I baked an apple cake last Sunday and the smell (and taste, once it finished baking) was truly heavenly!
Today has been a good day.
1. I made some slamming potato and leek soup with bacon from veggies from my winter CSA. It will be for dinner with BLTs.
2. Sold a pair of thrifted Red Head camo overalls. Made $25. Only paid less than $2 for them. I probably could have gotten more $ if I waited but a bird in the hand…
3. Listed a coffee table and a Home Interiors wall hanging that I scored from a free pile on marketplace. Now we wait.
4. Was able to sign up for a few more mystery shops. So far I have 4 scheduled for this week.
5. Just hit my 1 year anniversary at my new job and now qualify for a matching 401K from my employer. I called for my paperwork today. Free money? Yes please!
Today is my eldest son’s Birthday, however it was just announced that our province’s former premier has died.
That man was instrumental in the growth and maturity of my #1 son, treated him like a beloved nephew (my son is a friend of his son) and demonstrated what a loving marriage could look like.
It is a huge sad blow for so many folk, and it is hitting very close to home, today. I am sitting with the sorrow and holding on to the lovely memories of someone who I loved, admired, disagreed with at times, and always could rely on for a laugh and a heart connection.
Hold fast to your friends, folk, be they in low or high places.
1. I have missed some days with Non-consumer, and now have the pleasure of anticipation as I haven’t read all the comments. You folk are awesome and I take away so much.
@Katy, you mentioned that you now have an instant pot, and I am so pleased you are seeing the value of this kitchen workhorse. I used mine earlier this week to cook up a smoked turkey wing, which I then removed to pick off the meat. Into the pot of lovely broth went a jar of chicken broth from the fridge (previous InstantPot broth) plus carrots, celery, onion, a couple of bay leaves (procured from a friend of a friend) and some green split peas. I never seem to get the ratio of liquid to peas right, however this time I had a plan: cook everything and then ladle out the overflow liquid. This I did, then stick blended the remainder into a lovely thick split pea soup. The picked turkey was chopped and is added when we reheat. #2 son ADORES split pea soup, and my sneaky plan means I can now make a bit more with the remaining smoky broth.
I had purchased a loaf of french bread on discount – with a never-achieved plan of making garlic bread. As it was growing hard and stale, I cut it into cubes and fried it in Garlic infused butter. I was in a bit of a busy time, so ended up finishing the cubes in the oven in the pan – turned out lovely, and they are delicious in the split pea soup.
2. I just came in from my sad garden with an armful of kale – at least that is going to keep going through the winter. Next year the garden will look quite different, but this year it is what it is, and currently I am leaving everything (the sunflowers, for example) for the many birds. The Kale, however, is destined for a smoothie, but now i am going to make some white bean soup, or maybe some leek and potato soup with kale. I had been given a Costco chicken carcass, and used that in the IP to make more broth – and #2 son has essentially given me free rein to make soups for most of our meals, which makes me happy.
A friend of a friend offered me some already split firewood from his woodshed – I filled my truck and #2 son and I finally emptied it onto a woodpile that we fashioned right outside his door. My friend suggested I take some muffins over as a thank-you (he won’t take $), so i have a squash already cooked and will make more pumpkin loaf. I was told that I could even get more so there is a bit of urgency about making the loaf! The first truckload was worth at least $200 and another will be so helpful, I have room in my ‘real’ woodshed with a bit of creative stacking, however we have only managed to get half of big pile of purchased wood moved. Some exercise for me coming up!
Sending you love on the loss of your friend. What a blessing he was to you and your son. <3
1. My heart broke yesterday at the viewing of our close friend’s 18 yo son who overdosed on fentanyl . At the end of the four hours I took a beautiful arrangement home to bring to a nursing care facility the next morning
2. I brought cheese, crackers, and macarons to the get together afterward. I did not look at the price tag and ask the cheese monger for his best. The family is French and really appreciates good cheese. I know nothing. I try to be frugal so I can splurge when it counts.
3. Today I ran out of the house then realized I was wearing a “buck a bag outfit.” Our thrift store held a sale where they give you a bag and whatever you can fit in it is $10.00. I fit about 10 items in mine that I kept. Brand new long sleeve white cotton tees, two new grey sweat pans, a lavender vest puffy, a coral cashmere shirt and a few other things I didn’t keep. I went out shopping in a cozy fashionable ensemble for $3.00.
4. Lunch was 1/4 cup leftovers all mixed up: rice, chili, chickpeas and a little butter on top.
5. 7 friends at the Vegas trip ( a solemn affair with the prospect of the viewing ahead of us) used the app Splitwise to figure out cost sharing. It was just what we needed to avoid splitting everything everyday. Everybody just paid for something and we figured it out the last day.
Mary Ann i also live by your “live frugally so I can splurge when i want to” philosophy
@Mary Ann, I am so saddened to hear about your friend’s son – the poisoned drug supply is killing so many people who are simply looking for a good time or to relieve their pain. It is scary times for all of us with this hidden and secretive crisis – that strikes first time users as well as seasoned long-term users with impunity. There isn’t a simple solution, nor a one-size-fits-all bandaid, however there are some things that could be done tomorrow if there were only courage and fortitude in the hearts of the decision makers. Hugs to you
1. I found 2 box fans that are working. I am going to give one to the Humane Society & I’ll take one to school to use when it is hot. We do have A/C but sometimes I am hot when I teach.
2. I curb picked an oak blanket/quilt rack. I don’t care for the blue color but of course I can paint it. Not sure what I will do with it yet.
3. I found a couple of tee shirts. I’ll wash them & take to the shelter. I also found a pair of Carhart jeans that look new along w/ 4 pr. of men’s black crew socks. I washed all of it. My husband can wear the socks & the jeans can be donated.
4. I am enjoying my new (to me) Michael Kors bag that I bought at a garage sale for 15$ this past summer. It looked like new.
5. 2 weeks ago I passed by a dumpster in an apt. complex near my school. There was a box of shoes next to it. I saw 2 pairs of athletic shoes. Saucony is my favorite brand. These were like new & in my size. I snagged those & currently wear them to the gym. Walking is good exercise & I freq. find useful items while I am out & about.
YMMV planting the garlic, better chance with the potato but I’d also add YMMV. All too often produce is sprayed with a substance to help prevent sprouting. As you said, you are out nothing cash wise.
Most years I get volunteer potatoes (planted from seed potatoes) – invariably, we miss harvesting a potato. One year we dug a plant (someone who shall remain nameless gets antsy). We harvested some nice potatoes but still a good portion of the seed left. I replanted it and we harvested a few more potatoes from it in the fall. This is why I like non-GMO/heirloom varieties. Volunteer Delicata make nice decorations but I wouldn’t try to eat them.
Side note: GMO potatoes sprout the same as any others.
Yes they sprout and seeds come up. But you don’t know what you’re going to get.
To grow the same variety of potato, using seed potatoes is necessary. They’re essentially clones.
For seed that results from pollination, neither heirloom nor GMO varieties grow true to seed.
What a great idea on the chives. My parents had the same chive plant for decades. I have chives that were shared by somebody on Freecycle many years ago. I shared some with my SIL several years ago. I will try snipping and freezing some today.
I have several Bonne Maman jars and some knock off jars from Lidl. I use them to hold small amounts from large packages (like chia seeds from Costco size bags). I also use them to portion out lentil dishes.
Katy, you inspired me to purchase (on sale, of course) Bonne Maman preserves. The jars are terrific for storing smaller pantry items and the gingham lids are beautiful. I also re-use the large saurkraut jars from Aldi. They have blue gingham lids.
I live in garden zone 8a and have chives and a rosemary “bush” planted near our front entrance. It must be a micro climate, due to the house bricks, because the plants over winter and flush out every spring.
1. I have been doing rebate shopping really hard this month…it’s actually kind of exhausting. But, between rebate apps – ibotta, Swagbucks, Checkout51; receipt scanning apps -Fetch; rebates for individual items and more – aisle rebates, social nature rebates, other rebates; I have made about $150 in extra money for groceries. I also have earned an extra $155 doing yard work for neighbors or selling items that I have used for groceries.
Scanning receipts for all these apps and rebates is tedious but works to the effect of having a part time job without the schedule. I do remember extreme couponing and believe that was much more straight forward and immediate savings. However, as the grocery store savings game has changed, I have to change with it to continue to make savings. So far this month I have spent about $140 on card, $155 in cash, and $150 in rebates/rewards on groceries and we’re almost halfway through the month. I think I need a flow chart >.< lol Phew!!
2. My birthday is this month and I received a free half gallon of ice cream from Winn Dixie, bar cake from Publix, and Slice of cake from the Fresh Market. I have some more rewards at restaurants but the ones that include purchases for a free desert I will consider how many I really want to participate in.
3. For Veterans Day my boyfriend and I went to Applebee's where he received a free lunch. I ordered an app and we got waters. It was a nice inexpensive outing. We also drove through Texas Roadhouse parking lot and were given a free meal voucher to use another time.
4. My son stayed home sick for two days. I stayed home with him and the second day we sat on the couch streaming free to us shows on the Roku Channel. It was nice to be at home with him and keep it frugal.
5. I made a turkey this Sunday. I made broth with the carcass which I am working on making soup with. I also am making a homemade turkey pot pie with home made crust. I am half way done with both and hope to finish tonight and freeze appropriately to get the most out of the bird.
It's been a good but tiring week so far!
I have been thinking about the rebate/app game, and share your mixed feelings about it. In Canada we never really had the extreme couponing options that were the rage in the US, but there have been times that coupons were a thing. I find that apps drive me batty, and I forget (and again not all the rebate apps that you folk have are available up here). HOWEVER, I am also aware that time spent doing that kind of chasing-the-savings work is time that I am not spending SPENDING my money – so that is a huge win! And it can be fun!
Months ago I ‘tore off’ three coupons for $2 off a certain brand of dairy products – I didn’t need the products then, but last week I wanted feta cheese. I remembered the coupon and (you all would be SO proud of me) took the time with my phone to determine which size gave me the biggest savings per 100 grams. The larger size was cheaper per before applying the coupon, but after the coupon the smaller size won. And since I have thrown out feta lost in the fridge, before, I settled for the smaller container – and remembered the coupon at checkout. small wins.
Well done on your turkey-use efforts. Making pastry is my bugbear – I get so tired that I just can’t imagine making it and then making a pie, although I know how to do both. I have become excited about it again after seeing the foolproof pie dough recipe at Alexandra Bakes – her method is so brilliant (watch the video, who knew you could form the dough ball with a clean dishcloth?).
I’ve settled into using rebates sparingly, if we’ll already be near that store – but it does add up. Submitting in the car before I leave has helped a lot. It’s so easy to misplace or wrinkle the receipts so they become a hassle to submit. .
I share your love of chives. I grow regular as well as garlic chives. When there is a good bloom I make chive vinegar, so good in salad dressing.
Harvested chard and cauliflower from the fall garden bed. Found a recipe for Keto Cauliflower Salad that tastes similar to potato salad. Intrigued.
Random thoughts:
(1) Katy’s chives remind me that early next spring, I really need to move some of my chives out of the garden bed that (a) has always had sour, soggy soil and (b) is now largely occupied by my bird feeders. Chives and bird poop don’t mix. 🙂
(2) I too am fond of Bonne Maman jars and scoop them out of recycling whenever I see them (though this has gotten more difficult since my city’s recent introduction of massive recycling carts). I also occasionally find BM jams at my local grocery outlet.
(3) And Katy’s last tongue-in-cheek line (“It’s too bad that frugality is nothing but terrible sacrifice”) reminds me yet again of a quote I once saw attributed to the late Joe Dominguez of Your Money or Your Life fame, but have never been able to verify: “When this [= frugality] stops being fun, you’ll see my tail lights!”
1. I’m going to contact our local university community extension office for some ideas on growing herbs here in central Oklahoma. As a transplant fro So Cal I am clueless
2. My mantra is No No November. Keeping this is mind. I regifted 2 gifts for birthdays and “frankenboxed” the packaging. Postage isn’t cheap
3. Sold 3 items (2 were mine/1 for a friend)
4. Packed my commuter coffee cup, water bottle and breakfast bar for my 7-11 am
shift at the hotel front desk (I refer to myself as behind the counter intelligence) Snagged a banana to eat on the way home
5. Inventoried the limited Christmas gifts we exchange outside family and friends.
Next up finding boxes which should be easy as the hotel gets daily shipments
The apps just annoy the living daylights out of me. I did Fetch for two years and was aggravated with the paltry return on the constant reminders to shop, shop, shop. I do better having zeroed in on which stores routinely have the best deals on what we buy, using coupons given as customer rewards, and sternly limiting impulse shopping.
I’m with you. I haven’t seen good returns from shopping apps, although my DIL is a pro. I stick with sales circulars for the 2 grocery stores that have weekly discounts, and fill in at Trader Joe’s. Some days I miss paper coupons. Sigh…
I get aggravated with the apps but I always snap my receipts for Fetch. I rarely get name brand stuff but when the moons align it’s a great day for Fetch points. Keeping my points now for a Cracker Barrel (barf) dinner with my son and daughter in law at Christmas time. I can always eat before hand and maybe have a dessert or coffee.
My frugal 5:
1. Signed up to be a blood donor for the American Red Cross. Went and had my initial appointment which meant giving 7 vials of blood. Got a $50 Visa card for that.
2. Noticed that Macy’s was having a Veteran’s Day sale on beds so I purchased a full size bed and “foundation” for our guest room upstairs. It’s our daughter’s room but I’m hoping after she graduates from her Master’s program in May she will be out of the house for good.
3. Grouped errands together.
4. Did stay home for a few days last week due to hubby giving me his cold.
5. Went and had my dental cleaning today and my 3 month eye doctor appointment. Healthy teeth are good and having glaucoma and macular degeration in my eyes means staying on top of them will make them last longer. Both appointments were free due to having diabetes for my teeth cleanings (I get 4 a year) and I met my out of pocket deductible with my medical insurance.
Your “terrible sacrifice” looks delicious! ROTFL