Thursday, October 30, 2014

This and That Kind of Week


 Hi friends,




It continues to be a busy time around here.  One thing that keeps me very busy most weeks is my "secret" activity which I hinted at in earlier posts.  It deserves a post of it's own as it keeps me fairly busy.  That post will likely come in the new year after I've had enough time to assess the full benefits.

I've also been catching up to household chores (dish washing by hand, sweeping and mopping floors, laundry and general tidying). In between I am running errands and/or reading a good book.It's been awhile since I've shared what new books I've read. I've put photos on this page showing you my current reading.

Another thing that keep me busy is looking for savings every week. This week I've been looking for savings on staples for the house and kitchen. I got a great deal on liquid laundry soap for high efficiency washers at Safeway.  On top of the financial savings, I got some great bonus Air-miles points. I wanted 4 big jugs of laundry detergent which the store didn't have but they gave me a rain check and will honor the bonus Air-miles.

I also kept my eyes open for other deals. This week the best deal has to be on Honey Bunches of Oats cereal (439 grams per box) at $1.98 each.  A savings of $4.00 per box!!  I also bought 4 cans of milk at 99 cents a can. The price of evaporated milk has soared in the recent years to well over $2.00 per can.  That means the sale price is more than 50% off. It is rare to find evaporated milk at 99 cents a can these days. My other great deals of the week are: 10 kg. of Robin Hood Flour @ $9.98 and Folgers Coffee for $7.98. I usually buy Maxwell House at $6.99 per can but I haven't seen it on sale for a few months.


I also bought a bag of small eggplant (6-7 in the bag) for $1.00. They were used right away in a stir fry. Romaine lettuce, spinach and English cucumbers were this week's purchases on sale (all prices in Canadian dollars). I used the greens in smoothies. The cucumbers are for salad.

I don't have to buy any meat right now.  My eldest nephew gave me some elk meat (prepared by the butcher into ground meat, sausages, garlic coil and steaks). He also gave me some wild salmon which he caught and vacuum packed. Originally I was to get this in August but just brought it home the week before last.

I didn't mean to turn this post into "what I bought this week on sale", lol.  But as I was typing this post I realized that I spend a good deal of my time researching sale prices on each and everything I buy. Food and household shopping takes up the bulk of this time.

I try to time my purchases to get store points or Air-miles (reward miles) whenever I can so that adds more time to the planning aspect of shopping.  I kind of enjoy this aspect because it seems to multiple my savings so much.  Next I will likely buy paper towels and toilet paper at Safeway.  There is a sale on these items for a few days starting Friday.  An added incentive is that they are having another bonus Air-miles promotion.  John of John's Island asked what I will use the Air-miles for but at this moment I am not sure. It takes quite a awhile to build up points to anything of value. But I did manage to get two nights at a hotel in New York (actually New Jersey a short train ride away) last summer.

Another activity I spend a lot of time on each week is trying to improve my health.  I'm trying out this new to me powdered herb blend called Daily Turmeric. It is supposed to help with inflammation. I thought I would try one month of this blended turmeric and see if I notice anything different. I know turmeric is supposed to be good for arthritis. I do have turmeric I use in my curries and soups but this blend appealed to me.


It is quite a strong tasting blend. I tried it at the health food store where they put it in juice but I seldom drink store bought juice.  Instead I put a serving in my romaine-strawberry-orange smoothie today. I could probably just use my own turmeric powder but I don't have the black cherry to add to it in powdered form. I also do use turmeric spice in my cooking. Once I run out of the Daily Turmeric I will try just adding regular turmeric spice to my smoothies. It will be a lot less expensive.

Tonight, I have to get out my sewing machine and make an adjustment to a robe my nephew wants to wear tomorrow when he and his girlfriend go out for Halloween. He will be dressing as a judge and has his white wig ready to go.  On the news today I heard that Halloween is now 2nd only to Christmas in terms of retail sales profits.

I don't celebrate Halloween because of my faith. It's made a bit easier by the fact I never get children coming to my door for treats. My nephew says he wouldn't celebrate either but for his girlfriend who wants to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of their meeting. He is a good boyfriend; always very considerate of his lovely girlfriend. I could pass on helping with his costume but he relies on me and I love him so I will do this small favor (of course he also gets my opinions, lol).

If any of you are going out with children or friends on Halloween, please take care and stay warm and safe.


12 comments:

africanaussie said...

I see you are reading one of Alexander McCalls Smiths books. I have just got a few more of the lady detective series out of the library that I somehow missed. I love that series. By the way did you know that you can make your own evaporated milk by mixing together 1 cup of water and 1 1/4 cup of milk powder?

Joanne Noragon said...

I became aware of Halloween as a holiday years ago, when a show where I exhibited was very lightly attended on Friday night, Halloween. "Oh, it's the parties," someone told me.

John's Island said...

Hi Joyful, Another interesting post here. I enjoy reading about your thrifty shopping and efficient use of the things you buy. I am curious about your “secret” activity … I am going to guess it is something that is improving your health. Definitely looking forward to the post that reveals what you’ve been up to! : - ) Thanks for sharing your reading list. You are always reading some interesting books. What are your plans for your “air miles”? Are you planning a big trip in the near future? I hope you will excuse my post on John’s Island today which is titled Happy Halloween. After I read that you don’t celebrate the day because of your faith I am afraid you might find it offensive. But please be assured that I don’t endorse the concept of Halloween as a serious occasion. Rather, like the costume for your nephew, just a bit of fun. Well, another weekend is here … wishing you the best. John

Vicki Boster said...

Ohhh I love seeing the books you are reading-- I'm making note of them now-- thanks so much!!

It's a great thing when you can catch a good sale!!
Vicki

Mereknits said...

The book suggestions are greatly appreciated. And I think it is fantastic you are saving monery and trying to improve your health. It keeps you busy that is for sure.
Hugs,
Meredith

Joyful said...

I love the Ladies Detective series so I know why you love it! Yes I know about powdered milk but once you mix it it is not as rich and concentrated as the canned milk which I use for my coffee. Also the powdered milk is very expensive here but thank you for the suggestion and thanks for stopping by!

Joyful said...

Oh yes, the party aspect is HUGE. This is a night where many adults get to have their fun and that is they key reason Halloween has become so popular.

Joyful said...

Great Vicki! I hope you enjoy some of the books. A good book is a wonderful thing :-)

Joyful said...

Aw, another book lover I see. Have fun checking them out and thank you for the encouraging words on this post and my last post. Have a wonderful weekend!

Joyful said...

Thank you John. I'm always glad to hear from you and read your thoughts. Yes my secret activity is related to my health and one day I will share more about it as I think it is something most people (at least those I know) haven't tried yet.

Concerning my Air Miles. I am not sure what I will get out of them yet. Last time I did use the points and got 2 nights of hotel rooms in New Jersey during my trip to New York. However it took me many, many years just to build up those points. I don't shop at too many places where I can collect too many miles so when I see this bonus offer I jump at it. Safeway is not near my home and isn't my regular place to shop. If it was I would probably have a lot of Air Miles much more quickly.

Don't worry about offending me on your blog John though it is nice of you to care. It is your blog and you can do whatever you want with it. I realize not everyone shares my views or faith but that is okay. We all have a free will. I did think your bear photos were cute and in keeping with your vintage post card and brochure theme. Have a great weekend!

Denise said...

Praying for you.

Joyful said...

Thank you dear heart.xx

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