Ugh!!Why does WP hate me???
I have been trying to post for the last 2 hours..finally managed to post on the other blog.And today is the worse..my posts keep disappearing!
LOL!
so,I cheated..and published a one-liner at 12!
Now for the post..hope it works this time.
It was a nice day.We went out shopping..grocery,essentials and the likes.Last month,I experimented with my budgetting.I had tried weekly grocery shopping,bi-weekly grocery shopping and so,last month,every time I ran out of something,instead of running to the stores to buy it,I put it on a list.
On another list,I put down the things,that I was going to need during the month-grocery,cleaning supplies,craft supplies,cleaning supplies,other essentials..everything. So,on pay day,we hit the shops,armed with these lists and a pen.
I was buying veggies on biweekly basis earlier ..this time,I just bought everything together.And guess what it was much much economic.I have realised,everytime,we pop into a shop to pick up one thing,we end up buying more than one thing.On an average,we end up spending,anywhere from 10-30 dollars.This way,we just plan and buy in advance. And when my pantry is already well stocked,I don’t need to go in for one or two things..and thus,save time and energy and ofcourse,MONEY!
I have found a nice farm fresh shop and everytime,I buy fruits and veggies from there,they last longer.Today I found a nice big cabbage for $1.49. I know,we are not going to use so much in one go.So,I cut it into portions.And cling wrap it.And when I am doing this,I chop half of it into shreds and freeze it.This way,when I am short of time,I have chopped vegetables ready.
Everytime,I chop vegetables for noodles or pasta,I cut extra and freeze the extra portions.
I do the same thing with meat as well..buying in bulk is more economic and more value for money.We don’t eat a lot of non-veg,just about 2-3 times in a month..so,I just clean the chicken/fish,smear some salt and turmeric and divide into portions and freeze.
When buying pantry staples like pasta,I prefer home brands like Coles-they taste good and cost less:)
I have tried shopping after planning a menu,and that worked for a while.But,I am more of a spontaneous cook and even if I have planned the menu myself,I might feel like making something else..so this works wayy better for me.But,more than anything else,I love how I am able to stretch the dollar.
What do you do to save on your grocery bills?Do share your ideas.
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Here’s presenting a hottie,for Ms.Aadya(she insisted on modelling it herself)
The pattern is courtesy a pattern giveaway that Nima hosted.When I first read about Nima’s pattern giveaway,I was tempted..I love her blog and her FOs and being able to make something that she has done,would be like WOW!! But,when she announced it,it was a crazy busy time for me and I didn’t ask her for the pattern,simply because,I wasn’t sure if I would be able to finish any project,big or small,in the time frame.So,I just lurked on her blog,to see the beautiful hat pincushions that the others had crafted.Until,the day,that Ms.Aadya caught me lurking..and asked for the same hottie..Hottie is Aadyaspeak for hat.I think it came from hat+hoodie:)
So I emailed Nima for the pattern and this is what I came up with:)
I used a multicolored 8ply Anchor cotton yarn for the top and for the brim,I used a plain blue 8ply Anchor cotton yarn.Since the yarn itself is so beautiful,I didn’t use any embellishments.Then,Ms.Aadya,wanted me to put the orange flower on it..so,I did:) But I like it without the flower too.See:
What do you think? Do check out Nima’s blog for her beautiful Finished Objects:)Edited to add: After I wrote this post,I sent the link to Nima and asked her,why my hat,was looking short..and she asked me to check something in the pattern..and guess what,I had skipped 5 whole rows!So naturally it was short.I ripped it off and worked in those 5 rows and I loveeeeeeeee the new finish.
See the difference:
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Its a rainy day and it was also school day.But,I kept Aadi home.I think the medicine is too strong for her.Last time she had the ear-infection,the doctor gave her a 125mg in 300mL suspension of amoxicillin,to be finished in 15 days.
This time,the infection is back with a vengence..and she is on Edited:250mg in 300mL suspension to be finished in 7 days.She is drowsy,cranky,tired,her legs hurt..and her appetite is gone for a toss.And I am just giving it to her two times a day,instead of three…its ok..I will stretch it to 10 days.
So,anyway..I kept her home today and one of my school mom friends called up,to see why we were late,and if I needed a ride.The bus that I take to school runs every 30 minutes and so if I miss my bus,and take the next one,I will get there half an hour after the school has started.So,anyway,I told her,about Aadi being sick..and she asked me,if she could pop over for a bit.I said OK.
Guess what,she popped over after some time and brought us a box of Chole(chickpea curry).I was soo touched.I have known her only a few months..and it was nice gesture.I just made some rice and we had lunch.Her short visit cheered us,both up.
Another time,when I lost my wallet,friend S,turned up with a bunch of flowers and that cheered me up..Isn’t it amazing how the smallest of gestures can make us smile and brighten our mood,considerably?
And yesterday,Swaram added me on IM..and I saw her online and I was sooo excited,as if she is sitting right infront of me,in my living room!!hehehe..
What makes you smile??Do tell..:)
And have you left a comment on my Li’l birdie Giveway post?? Click on the cute birdies pic on the sidebar to leave a comment..and if you like,grab the code and put the widget on your sidebar. -
DH wanted a low key birthday…he is the one who likes to do things quietly,doesn’t get too excited about birthdays and stuff..Even festivals would be normal days if he had it his way.
This year was no different..He goes into this weird funk as his birthday is nearing..he is moody,thoughtful..and generally not a lot of fun to be around.
Yesterday,I asked him,what he wanted to do for his birthday and his answer was “Nothing,its a work day”.
I asked him,”what do you want to eat?” and his answer was .. “sada dal-rice or khichdi”..huh??
And the cake..he wanted a plain vanilla cake..No frills..I was like Nooooooo..One nasty look and he was like fine do what you want..but I just want a simple cake.humphh.I said “OK”
He was busy all day long..but again work is something he loves…So,I would say,he had a nice day.:)
I baked a cake,fought Ms.Aadya for the batter.Well,she fought with me..and scolded me,for wanting to bake the batter!She wanted to just sit down and eat the whole bowl of cake batter with a spoon.And she was very upset that the batter had to be put in the cake tin!!
When the cake was in the oven,she looked at it and said,”wowww..you are baking a beautifullllll cake,mummy”..The girl sure knows how to talk:P
Once the cake was done,she wanted to”Cut Papa Cake ,righttttttt NOW!” when I said,No,she was upset again..and scolded me..”Look mummy,I am waiting for so long..and you are soo naughty,not giving it to me”…sometimes I wonder who is the mother.
The cake was frosted and kept in the fridge.When DH came home,she took him by the hand and opened the fridge and said,”Ta da ,there you go..Happyyyyy Birthdayy”LOL!
So,yes it was a Happy Birthday..:)
I am not super happy with the cake..specially the decoration..but ,its OK,practice makes one perfect:)What do you say?
Ohh and I made the chicken Biryani for dinner..Aadi was not really cooperative,so,had to drop the pita bread idea..:P ummm..The man who wanted Khichdi,didnt complain ..:)
