Tag Archives: winco

Sort of Frugal Friday

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, frugalism, home stuff, swimming by

That’s mostly due to the cost of having the trust redone in my name. It’s actually reasonable at $300 plus county recorder fees. It should be done late next week. I’m not sure it was all that necessary but I feel better knowing it’s done.

We had incredible thunder and lightning last night and a huge amount of rain. It’s over for now, and only a sprinkle is happening.

Update: it’s pouring down rain.!!!

I decided to go to the pool and not the gym. I really would like to up my swimming. I popped over to Winco and spent $60, but $10 was on wine. I’m not sure where my grocery total is, but I think it’s low. I just did a rough tally, and I’m at $300 with another week or so to go. Some of that was Costco and long-term food items, so that evens out the costs.

I was able to throw a few extra dollars on the cc, so that felt good. Probably by the time I catch up, the next round of annual bills will show up. sigh:( Oh well, such is life at this point.

I’ve been using the new Rubbermaid containers, and I really like them. I can see what is inside each one. I did a bunch of food prep yesterday and used them. What I haven’t been using is the Chef Preserve that I bought. It’s like a hand-held vacuum sealer. I’ll probably see if I can sell it on Marketplace. The idea is great, but the usage is not so much. That’s ok, I’m all about trying new things when it seems like it will help. It wasn’t expensive, costing about $60. still …

That’s about it on the frugal side of things. How is your frugal life going? Where do you save money?

Frugal Friday

Posted in bread, budgeting, budgets, California, cooking, frugalism by

This month has been good for the budget. My grocery bill came in at a little over $300, so using stuff from the freezer/pantry did pay off.

My daughter and I got sandwiches at Sourdough and Co. They were ok but pricey. I think 12.99 for a sandwich is a lot. But I had been wanting to try them for a while, so I’m glad we did, and I doubt I’d do it again. I’m trying to do/go to some places that I said I wanted to when B was alive and never did. Next, we’re planning on going to a fancier Asian place called Fats. It’s quite a beautiful restaurant, and the food is outstanding and not inexpensive. We’ll have lunch sometime soon. It’s down in Roseville, so I’ll need to plan that.

The only shopping I did was at Winco for a few things, and that came in at $80. I also bought a photo album from Amazon, but I am returning it as it smells terrible. I’m not sure if it was the leather or what, but it gave both of us headaches. I plan to do that today and then check the Goodwill for a photo album.

I might pop into Bath and Body Works, which is a recent store in Auburn, for a candle. Most of their stuff is too perfumy for me, but I did get one I like that was a ginger/orange.

Other than that, another beautiful day here. I have a few house chores to do and then just hang out on the patio. I plan to start a sourdough loaf, and this time I’ll try kalamata olives. The last one, which was rosemary Meyer lemon, was delicious.

Friday Things

Posted in California, cancer, frugalism, home stuff, plants, Uncategorized, velcade by

My shot went well yesterday, and afterwards I went to WinCo. I spent $83 on food and paid in cash. I specifically wanted Taco sauce and a small jar of peanut butter. I don’t think buying the 2-pack at Costco is worth it for just the two of us.

Today is my dex day, and so far I feel pretty good, not too crazy:) I’m still a little sinus-y, but that’s it.

Some Christmas stuff and a totally funny New Yorker comic. B and I would always joke about this from “What About Bob ” and Siggy saying that.

I need to figure out my day but I know I need to:

clean the stove and hood

vacuum

do 1 load of laundry

look at the budget for the next 2 weeks

water some plants

???

Friday things

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, cancer, cash envelopes, frugalism, Multiple myeloma by

Yesterday was quite busy. I decided since my Velcade was rescheduled for 10am, I would go down to the gym first and then the library to pick up my hold. (Shogun) Then I went back to Winco for salad stuff, wine, oat milk, and yogurt. I spent about $60 and then got $40 cash to put into some cash envelopes.

Infusion was very busy, and I guess that’s why they needed me to come later. All 5 chairs were full, and some of these chemos are ALL day, and mine is only 20-30 minutes. They are always so nice, and oncology nurses are truly special people with the knowledge and skills they possess.

Finally, I stopped at Taco Tree for some tacos for myself and my daughter. She was almost out the door for work, but it all ended up ok. I took my Dex around noon, so hopefully I would get some sleep. Ha, no luck, I woke up at 2 am, and that was the end of sleeping. But I’m home today, so I can just chill.

I’m halfway through the budget month, and things are ok. There’s not a lot left over, but at least I’m not waiting for SNAP to come through. What a horrible thing these Republicans are doing to the people of this country who need it the most. Shameful. Even more shameful, throwing a Great Gatsby party at the gold mansion. Rump has probably NEVER read The Great Gatsby. Shameful, while millions of people are going without food or close to it. And then more shamefully, blaming Democrats for it because of the shutdown. Democrats are trying to save the ACA before rates skyrocket next year. Who cares about ordinary people? Certainly not rump.

Friday Things

Posted in books, budgeting, budgets, California, cooking by

It’s been a frugal week overall.

I got gas at Coscto and it was $3.96 a gallon. That’s a whole dollar less than in my town.

After the pool on Tuesday, I went to Winco, which is across the street. I mostly needed some salad stuff, but threw in some extras like Triscuits and Popcorn Cakes. My total was @$100, so not too bad. That’s all the grocery shopping I’ve done this week.

The monthly bills are starting to come out, and I always feel better when the big bills are done. I haven’t checked Allstate to see if the bill is ready, but I did get the statement. As I’ve said, I’ll just have to pay in installments since I can’t do the full amount. I also need to have my son figure out his car situation as that’s a big part of this bill.

Yesterday, I went to the gym and the library. I was going to go to the pool, but I haven’t been to the gym in 2 weeks, so I felt I’d better tick that off the list. I didn’t have any holds at the library, so I picked up some random books off the ‘new shelf’. I came straight home after that. After I rested some, I went to work pulling out the cabinet by the stove that was beyond help. It only held our coffee things and my sheet pans.

My plan is to buy an Amazon Basics cart to put here. I will wait a bit to see how the space shapes up or what I feel it needs.

Today is a home day except for a pop-out for a coffee with one of the library friends. It’s just at our little coffee shop in town. Then, when I get home, I read and do what house stuff needs attention.

Next week is crazy with appointments, which I hate having more than one. But I’ll get through. It’s also my Velcade week, so Dex will be involved.

Last night, my daughter worked her late shift, so I had breakfast for dinner and watched Casablanca. It was great as always.

We are headed into really lovely fall weather for the next week or so. Temperatures in the 70s.

Frugal Friday

Posted in budgets, California, cancer, frugalism by

I’ve had 3 no-spend days while home this week.

I went to WinCo on Monday and spent about $30 on food. I didn’t need a lot there.

Then Wednesday after Sacramento, I went to Costco. Food was $190. My main reason for going was to get B the shoes(Sketchers) that you just slip on your feet. He’s quite unstable walking, so these have good support. He is using a cane, but still.

I’ll try and avoid grocery stores for a while:)

Today is almost a no-spend day. We are having someone come and finish the weed eating on the lower part of the property. I have a cash envelope for that, though.

I’m planning to go to the gym after he starts. The library doesn’t open till 10 on Fridays, so I don’t need to get there by 9. I need to get gas at Costco too for the coming week. I also have a Goodwill drop-off to do. It’s very convenient since it’s right across from the library/gym. They’re not very friendly, but that doesn’t really matter, I guess.

Some of the first of the month bills are out, but the bulk come out next week.

I’m thinking about a schedule for swimming and the gym. Not sure yet, plus it depends on how B is feeling. Someone needs to be here at all times with him. My daughter has a few work shifts next week, so that will change my schedule.

Yesterday I BBQed some chicken, and so we have some leftovers for lunch today.

I’ll update on Barclay soon. It’s hard to process, so I’m leaving it till I feel I can.

Frugal Friday

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, frugalism by

Since I’m not driving a lot, gas is being saved. I filled up at Costco, which is a real savings. Also, I’m using the Costco Visa card and have earned $32 so far. That includes gas and in-store shopping. That’s a big savings.

The only shop I did to last week was WinCo. I spent $150 on food. Overall, I’m good with that. This next week, I plan to go to Costco as B needs some socks, and I saw that Costco has Sketchers that you just slip on. His balance is very precarious right now, so I want him to wear some on his feet other than Birki’s.

My daughter and had brunch out, and that was $60 plus a tip. We rarely eat out, so for her birthday, it was a treat. This was from a cash envelope.

Today, I plan on getting gas in the VW and stopping at Safeway for one of their cake slices. We didn’t do any birthday cake or pie, so I thought it would be nice to get a piece. Safeway has the best cake slices.

Other than that, not much else. I have my budget for June done, and money is very tight, but I think we’ll be ok. The biggest new expense will be the increase in our UHC insurance, and the grant B has been used up. We’ll just have to adjust as best we can.

Oh, hurray, my Kappa light chains came back good. Not great as in under the high normal, but came in at 20.8, so above high normal, but Dr. L said labs look great, so I will believe him at his word. I’ll see him next week.

Midweek Musings

Posted in Blood test, books, budgeting, California, cancer, library, Uncategorized by

Well, of course, things wouldn’t go as planned. B didn’t get his labs in time for his immuno yesterday, so they are pushed over to today. We should have realized Monday was a holiday and gotten them on Friday. UGH!!!

Then, on top of that, he needs a transfusion of blood and platelets. We’re guessing the cancer is progressing(sigh) and the blood is being diverted. I am having a hard time keeping it together.

After I drop him off, I plan to go down to Maheny to do upper body weights and pick up my holds at the library. Then, I need to go to WinCo and stop and get gas at Costco.

We are headed for some very hot temperatures, like 99 degrees on Friday and Saturday. My daughter has put in 2 A/C’s in the LR and in the entry way. Next will be our bedroom and the sunroom. After the brief heat wave, it’s supposed to drop back down in temperature.

I’m back from Roseville, and it did get long. By the time I was getting gas, I was really tired. I’ve just put groceries away and am going to lie down and rest my back. At least tomorrow is a home day. Next week I plan on going to the pool. I feel I’m ready to do a little like maybe 15 minutes. They do have leg buoys to use that go between your legs so you’re not kicking. I may try and use one of those.

Frugal Friday

Posted in books, budgeting, budgets, California by

This has been mostly a frugal week. All the bills are paid for the month except Verizon, which comes out at the very end of the month, and that goes on next month’s budget.

I did hit up WinCo for a few things. I needed baker’s yeast and didn’t want to get the giant one at Costco. I also picked up curry powder, which I was out of. And then just some misc. like milk and aluminum foil. It totaled at right above $100. So not too bad.

Today is a home day since I’m on Dex. I plan on doing a few house chores and figuring out what pizza I’m having tonight.

I got my holds at the library on Tuesday and just finished reading Anne Tyler’s Three Days in June. I loved it. You have to like character-type books, as this focuses on a woman in her sixties and her daughter’s upcoming wedding. It’s a great read.

Then I started ‘Enough’ about a woman’s journey as a mountain guide and her journey to Mt Everest. It’s quite compelling. If you like personal life stories, you’ll like this.

I bought an early birthday present for my daughter off Amazon:(. A BBQ set by Cuisenart . That’s one thing she asked for. I would like to get her a preloved LV wallet, but haven’t quite found the right one on eBay. Her birthday isn’t till the end of May, so I have a little time. I can’t believe she’ll be 40. I remember it like yesterday.

Menu Monday

Posted in Blood test, California, meal planning, Uncategorized by

Using my master one month plan, this is what I have for the upcoming week.

Sunday ( last night ), was egg salad sandwiches. Easy and I didn’t feel like cooking anything.

Monday- I plan on a quiche using a store-bought pastry. I’ll do Swiss cheese, a few veggies, and I have some cream to use up too.

Tuesday- I’ll probably do black Beans. Either black bean soup or chili.

Wednesday- Homemade mac and cheese with salad. We’re still getting the romaine lettuce from the garden.

Thursday- I think a tofu scramble with potatoes. I still have half a bag of Costco’s Yukon gold potatoes so I want to use them up.

Friday- pizza of some sort

Saturday- TBD

Today, I have my labs and then I’ll head down to Roseville to get gas at Costco and go into Winco for a few things. I need some fresh produce, and I’d like to get the stuff for the Christmas lasagna. Then I’ll head up to infusion. B should be done by 10 am.

After we’re home, I’ll work on the kitchen zone and get some of that done. I’m planning on being home on Tuesday, so I can finish it then.

I also want to sit down and write up some goals for 2025. At this point, we have NO RV reservations as we don’t know how long B’s recovery will be. I’m hoping that we can at least plan a couple of trips starting in June. or maybe one longer trip. I guess it’s a wait-and-see situation.