Thrift

If you know me at all you know that I love to shop. Since we're on an austerity plan, I don't get to shop any more, except for groceries. Back in the day, when I took a sabbatical and lived on my savings, I had $20 a week for groceries. I was single then so I'd make a big baked ziti with ground turkey, buy some turkey bologna and hot dogs and a box of corn flakes. I'd supplement these staples with things like .59 chicken hind quarters (leg and thigh) a sack of potatoes, whatever was on sale. I didn't starve, I didn't even mind it much. But it is challenging when you're trying to decide between toilet paper and tomatoes. (I didn't see a tomato for over a year.)

I subscribe to a service called The Grocery Game, it's similar to Coupon Mom. Both give you a list of loss-leader sales at your local supermarket and match coupons. It only requires paying a little bit of attention and I save anywhere between 30% and 50% when I shop. It's fun for me, I try to see how much I can get for my money.

I have stopped going to the expensive salon Midtown. They charge $55 for a haircut and $135 for color and highlights. I have returned to the Aveda Institute, where haircuts are $15 (done by a student) and I'm going back to color in a box. The good news is that I was able to drive there, get my cut, hit two grocery stores (one for my favorite sponges, BOGO-Buy One Get One free) and still get home in under two hours. If I go to midtown it takes bout 3 to 3.5 hours, with no grocery stops.

Anyhoo, I got lamb chops for $11 at Kroger! They're marinating as we speak and will be grilled for dinner. It makes me want to break open a bottle of red wine, I'm so excited. I also got some tenderloins. I actually waited for the guy with the big basket of meat to mark down what I wanted.

I notice that commercials are using the thrift/value proposition now. "Times are tough, that's why a grilled cheese sandwich made with Kraft singles is so budget friendly." My value proposition is "Times are tough, that's why if you want to eat well you have to wait for them to mark down the meat." Although I like grilled cheese too.

I've rediscovered ramen. You know, it's pretty good. And .17 per serving.