- I find I cannot eat roast beef anymore. The taste is too strong for me (D loves it). It tastes a lot like venison (which I don't prefer). So I lean to ground beef or stewing beef (the colour of them is deep deep red, like a burgundy wine) as cooking it with vegetables, herbs, spices, wine, makes for a more balanced taste for me.
- Love the pork roasts. The taste is so full, quite amazing and the smell while it's cooking is exceedingly yummy. Minimal spices needed for either type of roast, just sea salt and pepper. And the fluid that does come out of the roast is clear and strong.
- Each batch of meat (any kind) tastes different (texture too). Made us realize how accustomed we were to uniform food.
- Roasts come out better with the slow cooker than oven. The meat is leaner and stronger so slow cooking works well and helps prevent premature dryness. As D tends to like his beef rare, he had to get used to using lower temperatures and longer cooking times.
- The fat content of grass fed animals is higher in omega 3 & 6. When we have cooled leftover fat from cooking bacon for example, it can be rinsed off the pan because it is more soluble vs needing to scrape it off with a paper towel or needing hot water to "melt" it. Same with when you get it on your hands, less detergent needed. Neat!
- Despite it being organic, I cannot eat ham roasts whereas I can eat bacon (can go through a pound without breathing hard. D says one day he'd like to try some too...). There is something in the roast that keeps me up at night. It is as if I ate MSG which it doesn't have but there must be some other additive in it that is affecting me. Mind you I get a lot done when I cannot sleep as I'm super alert but it's the next working day that kills me.
- I can't seem to find a middle ground with respect to fish. I love sashimi and deep fried halibut. The in between pan fried fish (any kind) just doesn't do it for me, wild or not.
- There are cuts of meat and kinds of fruit and veggies I cannot get from our delivery service so I'll either go local if organic is not an option or I'll just go for it.
- Our pure food costs are in the $400 - $500/month range.
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Food Update 2
In my haste yesterday I forgot to mention some important observations with respect to our food:
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Food Update
We've had a month's worth of our new organic grocery service. Long enough to be able to comment on the experience. Overall it has made our lives easier. Much time has been saved and when we do find ourselves at a supermarket, it is only for a small list of things.
Choosing to buy organic pastured meat means we don't need to go back to where the meat is at the grocery store. There is a minimum order so we have extra food in the fridge. The quality and taste speaks for itself. It would be very difficult to go back. Not wishing to eat processed foods means we can bypass most of the middle of the store as well.
With veggies and fruit, we are using the "dirty dozen" and "clean 15" lists as a starting point. We found with our particular service, it was cheaper to buy most organic veggies and fruit at the organic section of the supermarket than through them. And we have also found more choice at the store vs online. So we stopped getting their weekly produce boxes.
Our eating has become simpler and better. Portions have shrunk because we are feeling full faster. Makes paying the extra for better food less pricey. We have also found we don't need to snack much at all -- Higher nutritional quality we believe. We now time our big cooking days around delivery weeks. It has meant better and more consistent lunches for D and I.
When we were out west, it was easier to find good food. British Columbia is known for healthy living so organic supermarkets etc are a dime a dozen. Prices were slightly higher but they always seem to be. Since we've committed to this course, I don't blink at the cost because the taste and how it makes us feel makes it worth it.
This summer, we are looking forward to visiting more farms. I've been compiling a list. It will make for some great weekend drives. I want to buy some pastured poultry. Because of my soy allergy, even organic chickens and turkeys are out because they get fed soy in their feed.
Choosing to buy organic pastured meat means we don't need to go back to where the meat is at the grocery store. There is a minimum order so we have extra food in the fridge. The quality and taste speaks for itself. It would be very difficult to go back. Not wishing to eat processed foods means we can bypass most of the middle of the store as well.
With veggies and fruit, we are using the "dirty dozen" and "clean 15" lists as a starting point. We found with our particular service, it was cheaper to buy most organic veggies and fruit at the organic section of the supermarket than through them. And we have also found more choice at the store vs online. So we stopped getting their weekly produce boxes.
Our eating has become simpler and better. Portions have shrunk because we are feeling full faster. Makes paying the extra for better food less pricey. We have also found we don't need to snack much at all -- Higher nutritional quality we believe. We now time our big cooking days around delivery weeks. It has meant better and more consistent lunches for D and I.
When we were out west, it was easier to find good food. British Columbia is known for healthy living so organic supermarkets etc are a dime a dozen. Prices were slightly higher but they always seem to be. Since we've committed to this course, I don't blink at the cost because the taste and how it makes us feel makes it worth it.
This summer, we are looking forward to visiting more farms. I've been compiling a list. It will make for some great weekend drives. I want to buy some pastured poultry. Because of my soy allergy, even organic chickens and turkeys are out because they get fed soy in their feed.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Arm Yourselves: Food Resources
Here's a small list of Authors to read as you start or continue on your own journey towards Food (World) Awareness:
Pamela Rice does an excellent job introducing the main issues. If you are new to this information, it will be shocking and embarrassing and sickening that humans are capable of such behaviour. Highly moving and motivating.
Michael Pollan is so calming to listen to. Nothing seems to phase him. And he knows his stuff. He has numerous books and DVDs under his belt. I would recommend anything of his.
Lierre Keith changed my mind about going vegan. Read "The Vegetarian Myth: Food, Justice and Sustainability" whether you eat or never want to eat meat. It's a book for everyone. She takes the highly charged issues presented by Pamela Rice and weaves it together into much larger and often surprising pictures. I would recommend you run, not walk, to get your hands on her book and make up your own mind. You can read Chapter 1 for free.
Joel Salatin is a champion farmer. He is so passionate about sustainability and runs his farm in such a logical way, you'd wonder why the heck isn't this the norm? Well spoken and grounded, he has authored a number of books about farming and his struggles against the industrial machine. I would spend my food dollars at his farm if I lived in the area. Luckily we have some pretty great ones around here who follow the same sustainable philosophy.
Pamela Rice does an excellent job introducing the main issues. If you are new to this information, it will be shocking and embarrassing and sickening that humans are capable of such behaviour. Highly moving and motivating.
Michael Pollan is so calming to listen to. Nothing seems to phase him. And he knows his stuff. He has numerous books and DVDs under his belt. I would recommend anything of his.
Lierre Keith changed my mind about going vegan. Read "The Vegetarian Myth: Food, Justice and Sustainability" whether you eat or never want to eat meat. It's a book for everyone. She takes the highly charged issues presented by Pamela Rice and weaves it together into much larger and often surprising pictures. I would recommend you run, not walk, to get your hands on her book and make up your own mind. You can read Chapter 1 for free.
Joel Salatin is a champion farmer. He is so passionate about sustainability and runs his farm in such a logical way, you'd wonder why the heck isn't this the norm? Well spoken and grounded, he has authored a number of books about farming and his struggles against the industrial machine. I would spend my food dollars at his farm if I lived in the area. Luckily we have some pretty great ones around here who follow the same sustainable philosophy.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Start Where You Are
We thought it was easiest to tackle the area of food first (not!). The learning curve has been steep as we attempted to identify the sources of the products we consume. At first we just figured it was as simple as increasing the budget to pay for "organic", "non GMO" etc. Then he discovered the middle zones of non certified organic or natural farms and grass fed or grain fed and the pros and cons of each...Confusing!
It's easy to be overcome and overwhelmed trying to do the "right thing". So it was also necessary to take a step back to recognize and acknowledge incremental steps in the "right" direction as also valid. Not everything can be done at once with giant leaps and bounds...I've always had a tough time with that one.
Turns out that in our province (Ontario), meat raised and sold has to be growth hormone and antibiotic free. We are more in line than I thought. They will use antibiotics in cases of illness but are supposed to leave enough time for residues to leave the system before processing. We've also been told that antibiotics exist in feed, especially with turkeys. And yes, we have CAFOs in Canada.
There are a number of area farms that run an organic vegetable "produce box" pick up or delivery service. Some will give you a break on the cost if you are willing to roll up your sleeves and help out at the farm. My only concern is wastage. I know we don't eat as many vegetables as we'd like so getting a whole tub full weekly freaks me out a bit. They will provide recipes to help you out with cooking new to you veggies.
I think us driving around all over the place to various organic farm stores may not be the best answer either. I've been busy identifying both certified and non certified organic farms within a 50 km radius of where we live as an FYI. We had the pleasure of visiting one (learned so much!) over the weekend and I'll be writing a post about our experiences shortly.
In reality, purchasing medium or large orders at once or having them delivered is actually cheaper and more efficient. We've also found a service that works with area organic farms and stores (within 100 km) so you could actually do most if not all of your weekly shopping through them for a very minimal delivery charge ($5). I've set up an account and will be giving them a go.
It's easy to be overcome and overwhelmed trying to do the "right thing". So it was also necessary to take a step back to recognize and acknowledge incremental steps in the "right" direction as also valid. Not everything can be done at once with giant leaps and bounds...I've always had a tough time with that one.
Turns out that in our province (Ontario), meat raised and sold has to be growth hormone and antibiotic free. We are more in line than I thought. They will use antibiotics in cases of illness but are supposed to leave enough time for residues to leave the system before processing. We've also been told that antibiotics exist in feed, especially with turkeys. And yes, we have CAFOs in Canada.
There are a number of area farms that run an organic vegetable "produce box" pick up or delivery service. Some will give you a break on the cost if you are willing to roll up your sleeves and help out at the farm. My only concern is wastage. I know we don't eat as many vegetables as we'd like so getting a whole tub full weekly freaks me out a bit. They will provide recipes to help you out with cooking new to you veggies.
I think us driving around all over the place to various organic farm stores may not be the best answer either. I've been busy identifying both certified and non certified organic farms within a 50 km radius of where we live as an FYI. We had the pleasure of visiting one (learned so much!) over the weekend and I'll be writing a post about our experiences shortly.
In reality, purchasing medium or large orders at once or having them delivered is actually cheaper and more efficient. We've also found a service that works with area organic farms and stores (within 100 km) so you could actually do most if not all of your weekly shopping through them for a very minimal delivery charge ($5). I've set up an account and will be giving them a go.
Monday, February 13, 2012
The Amsterdam Story
D's boss is apparently still laughing over a story he told him about me in Amsterdam. I thought I had written about it but searching back here it appears I hadn't.
Also found out my subject tags and history search didn't work that well either but that's a different problem for another day.
The story begins in Berlin when I discovered and fell in love with a yogurt made by Movenpick. It tastes like whipped cream and my favourite flavour was mandarin orange/lime combo. I'm sure my cholesterol level shot up with each tablespoon but I didn't care.
In a land where you could buy a pint of beer at a grocery store for .35 euro, spending a few euro dollars per small cup of yogurt was a bit of a stand out. And again, I didn't care. I ate as many as I could. I don't drink milk but am a serious lover of whipped cream and cream in general.
Fast forward almost a year later when we visited Amsterdam and stayed on a houseboat. Imagine my delight (I believe I even let out a small scream of surprise) when I saw a large container of the dutch version of the Movenpick yogurt. Same coloured container, with the same print of the mandarin orange and lime slice on the front. I bought 2 each only costing over a euro each --cheap!
As soon as we got back, I tore open the tub and started scooping it down. OMG, did it ever taste good! D tried a couple of tablespoons and agreed it was so creamy and yummy. In my mind, I was trying to figure out where I could find a houseboat to buy and move to Amsterdam.
I was a 1/3 rd of the way down the 900 ml tub when I said to D I was going to dig down to the bottom to get to the fruit to balance out the creamy taste. So I dug and nothing. There was no fruit. I had manage to almost consume half a tub of whipped cream that tasted like the Movenpick yogurt.
It never occurred to me to google "slagroom" until now. I just assumed it was whipped cream and used up the rest of it (and 2 more containers) in my morning coffee (I don't drink morning coffee but happily did so as a whipping cream delivery system as D called it). Apparently I was doing a dutch thing without knowing.
Also found out my subject tags and history search didn't work that well either but that's a different problem for another day.
The story begins in Berlin when I discovered and fell in love with a yogurt made by Movenpick. It tastes like whipped cream and my favourite flavour was mandarin orange/lime combo. I'm sure my cholesterol level shot up with each tablespoon but I didn't care.
In a land where you could buy a pint of beer at a grocery store for .35 euro, spending a few euro dollars per small cup of yogurt was a bit of a stand out. And again, I didn't care. I ate as many as I could. I don't drink milk but am a serious lover of whipped cream and cream in general.
Fast forward almost a year later when we visited Amsterdam and stayed on a houseboat. Imagine my delight (I believe I even let out a small scream of surprise) when I saw a large container of the dutch version of the Movenpick yogurt. Same coloured container, with the same print of the mandarin orange and lime slice on the front. I bought 2 each only costing over a euro each --cheap!
As soon as we got back, I tore open the tub and started scooping it down. OMG, did it ever taste good! D tried a couple of tablespoons and agreed it was so creamy and yummy. In my mind, I was trying to figure out where I could find a houseboat to buy and move to Amsterdam.
I was a 1/3 rd of the way down the 900 ml tub when I said to D I was going to dig down to the bottom to get to the fruit to balance out the creamy taste. So I dug and nothing. There was no fruit. I had manage to almost consume half a tub of whipped cream that tasted like the Movenpick yogurt.
It never occurred to me to google "slagroom" until now. I just assumed it was whipped cream and used up the rest of it (and 2 more containers) in my morning coffee (I don't drink morning coffee but happily did so as a whipping cream delivery system as D called it). Apparently I was doing a dutch thing without knowing.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Food Rant
I've entered into the cranky phase of my dietary change. The first month I felt great, then cheated a few times while in France and once before Christmas (client gave me some homemade peppermint and chocolate bark) and since then I've felt less than great.
D went through it too and has since moved to feeling pretty good. I hope I move through it soon.
I've tried some soy alternatives and the only thing I really like is Starbuck's Cafe Mocha with soy (no whip). The soy and sherbet ice cream bar was awful and soy creamer made my tea taste horrible.
I miss table cream, whipped cream and cake and pizza like crazy! And our kitchen desk is piled up with tins of cookies and chocolates given to us we cannot eat (will be given away).
This must be what withdrawal feels like. Other than the above, can't say I really miss eating eggs or almonds or pineapple or peanuts or clams.
D went through it too and has since moved to feeling pretty good. I hope I move through it soon.
I've tried some soy alternatives and the only thing I really like is Starbuck's Cafe Mocha with soy (no whip). The soy and sherbet ice cream bar was awful and soy creamer made my tea taste horrible.
I miss table cream, whipped cream and cake and pizza like crazy! And our kitchen desk is piled up with tins of cookies and chocolates given to us we cannot eat (will be given away).
This must be what withdrawal feels like. Other than the above, can't say I really miss eating eggs or almonds or pineapple or peanuts or clams.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Curiosity
It is back on the non dairy, non egg business for D and I. We did "cheat" while away.
I resisted for about 3 days and I started nibbling on corners of the pain au chocolat which led to entire ones as well as croissants eaten. I also had a couple of cafe cremes and tiramisu. D went all out and enjoyed every bite.
He was given this supplement to counteract the effects of eating dairy after being off of it for a while. It is really ironic that having eaten it all his life with no pain, after being off of it for 6 weeks has meant stomach cramps now.
I didn't get any pain myself but after a particularly heavy dairy day, I decided to take one of his pills just in case. Well, that was a mistake because I broke out in hives all over my back.
It took 2 days of anti histamines to get rid of it. D had no issues so I don't know what happened with me. Needless to say I will not be partaking in those pills again.
Curiosity almost took out the cat.
I resisted for about 3 days and I started nibbling on corners of the pain au chocolat which led to entire ones as well as croissants eaten. I also had a couple of cafe cremes and tiramisu. D went all out and enjoyed every bite.
He was given this supplement to counteract the effects of eating dairy after being off of it for a while. It is really ironic that having eaten it all his life with no pain, after being off of it for 6 weeks has meant stomach cramps now.
I didn't get any pain myself but after a particularly heavy dairy day, I decided to take one of his pills just in case. Well, that was a mistake because I broke out in hives all over my back.
It took 2 days of anti histamines to get rid of it. D had no issues so I don't know what happened with me. Needless to say I will not be partaking in those pills again.
Curiosity almost took out the cat.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Living Life
We had a great long weekend up north. Both of us want to spend more time there during the fall. My travelling didn't make that possible this year but we are going to make it a priority next year.
Was tempted by a KLM seat sale but didn't act on it. For those who are interested, the sale ends today. As part of my research, I found a nice apartment in Budapest for when I'm ready to go. There are lots to chose from on Homeaway.
I for see 2012 as more of a reflective year. I'm already feeling that way. Lots to digest after the changes of this year.
It has been a challenge eating out with our dietary restrictions. We have been told that once off the offending foods for a few weeks, interaction with them will create symptoms. D has been at it for 6 weeks now and he gets stomach cramps immediately after eating dairy.
I haven't been off of things long enough to feel it much. But apparently, once our 6 months are up, we will be able to re-introduce the foods in a moderate way without total relapse. One thing I have noticed is my energy has gotten better. Too soon to tell if it is just coincidence.
Happy Halloween!
Was tempted by a KLM seat sale but didn't act on it. For those who are interested, the sale ends today. As part of my research, I found a nice apartment in Budapest for when I'm ready to go. There are lots to chose from on Homeaway.
I for see 2012 as more of a reflective year. I'm already feeling that way. Lots to digest after the changes of this year.
It has been a challenge eating out with our dietary restrictions. We have been told that once off the offending foods for a few weeks, interaction with them will create symptoms. D has been at it for 6 weeks now and he gets stomach cramps immediately after eating dairy.
I haven't been off of things long enough to feel it much. But apparently, once our 6 months are up, we will be able to re-introduce the foods in a moderate way without total relapse. One thing I have noticed is my energy has gotten better. Too soon to tell if it is just coincidence.
Happy Halloween!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Food & Life
Am still waiting for my travel refund cheque. They tell me it is "in the mail"... I'm doing my best not to think of it. On the other hand, the roof over charge payment came back so that's great.
I'm anxious to get the travel cheque because I managed to have spent it all and some (knowing it was coming) in Turkey buying a tiny silk on silk carpet (2 ft x 2 ft) and a sheet of original Arabic writing (blessing from the Koran). I'll see if I can get some good pictures of them and post them up. I've paid for them already but it would be nice to replenish my dream account.
The appointment has been confirmed also for the purchase of my rims. As it is a private sale, I will be paying in cash. Total price $2150. D has made an appointment for me to get them on my car in Nov. He has also confirmed with the plumbers to close our cottage as well. Nice to have things falling into place.
The big news is my food allergy test results are back and they are even less pretty than D's. I too am reactive to dairy and eggs as well as peanuts, almonds, pineapple, kidney beans and clams. Like D, I have no symptoms when I eat those foods but my body is fighting them on the inside.
Considering my favourite dish in Italy is "Spaghetti alle vongole veraci" (spaghetti and clams) and I just ate some in Taormina as well as pineapple daily and eggs at breakfast...I'm not a milk drinker or cereal eater but will take cream in coffee/tea and eat it in the form of whipped cream and such in desserts.
And the kicker is we are leaving for France soon and it is the land of dairy! D has already decided he doesn't care and will eat anything he wants as he figured if he never got tested, he would have gone his whole life not knowing.
I'm still in aftershock but right now I think I'm going to try and work around it. Breakfast will be the most difficult because I love my croissants and pain au chocolat...
I'm anxious to get the travel cheque because I managed to have spent it all and some (knowing it was coming) in Turkey buying a tiny silk on silk carpet (2 ft x 2 ft) and a sheet of original Arabic writing (blessing from the Koran). I'll see if I can get some good pictures of them and post them up. I've paid for them already but it would be nice to replenish my dream account.
The appointment has been confirmed also for the purchase of my rims. As it is a private sale, I will be paying in cash. Total price $2150. D has made an appointment for me to get them on my car in Nov. He has also confirmed with the plumbers to close our cottage as well. Nice to have things falling into place.
The big news is my food allergy test results are back and they are even less pretty than D's. I too am reactive to dairy and eggs as well as peanuts, almonds, pineapple, kidney beans and clams. Like D, I have no symptoms when I eat those foods but my body is fighting them on the inside.
Considering my favourite dish in Italy is "Spaghetti alle vongole veraci" (spaghetti and clams) and I just ate some in Taormina as well as pineapple daily and eggs at breakfast...I'm not a milk drinker or cereal eater but will take cream in coffee/tea and eat it in the form of whipped cream and such in desserts.
And the kicker is we are leaving for France soon and it is the land of dairy! D has already decided he doesn't care and will eat anything he wants as he figured if he never got tested, he would have gone his whole life not knowing.
I'm still in aftershock but right now I think I'm going to try and work around it. Breakfast will be the most difficult because I love my croissants and pain au chocolat...
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Food and More Free Stuff
We went over our customary 2 week food budget by around $35 due to surprise meat sales and we wanted to stock up. Now that we don't eat much meat, this shop is expected to last quite a while.
It never fails to shock us just how much we can buy if you shop what is on sale vs what you are craving as well as real food vs processed food.
Continuing on the theme of getting stuff for free, we are a bit peeved that our blue Air Miles program no longer offers the 2 for 1 movie vouchers. Really, they are the only rewards we are interested in getting from them.
As they are not available anymore, we will opt for $20 grocery gift cards instead. I remind myself it is still free...
It never fails to shock us just how much we can buy if you shop what is on sale vs what you are craving as well as real food vs processed food.
Continuing on the theme of getting stuff for free, we are a bit peeved that our blue Air Miles program no longer offers the 2 for 1 movie vouchers. Really, they are the only rewards we are interested in getting from them.
As they are not available anymore, we will opt for $20 grocery gift cards instead. I remind myself it is still free...
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Free and Not so Free
We received our 3rd $50 gas card courtesy of Mastercard today. It's fun to get something free, especially when the card doesn't cost us anything. Pretty much anything we can charge on the credit card we do.
The partial roof replacement has finally been done and when it gets charged on our Visa, we will be getting yet another gas card. We have been driving around more lately so free gas is definitely welcomed.
Our eyes were opened when we were at our local bulk food store to buy gluten free flour. Three scoops came to over $9! I don't know how people who have to eat gluten free can afford all the pre-made foods.
The partial roof replacement has finally been done and when it gets charged on our Visa, we will be getting yet another gas card. We have been driving around more lately so free gas is definitely welcomed.
Our eyes were opened when we were at our local bulk food store to buy gluten free flour. Three scoops came to over $9! I don't know how people who have to eat gluten free can afford all the pre-made foods.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Allergies
D and I decided to make appointments with a Naturopath to find out ways to become healthier. We were wondering about any latent food allergies.
One way to find out is via a fairly pricey blood test which D took. I haven't had my appointment yet.
Well, the results came back and they are not pretty. Turns out our eating will be changing as it has been found that D is quite allergic to dairy and eggs, two of his favourite food groups.
Re-testing will take place in 6 months but in the meantime, it has been recommend he avoid those foods.
Now I'm nervous about my appointment and what I may be finding out. It is shocking to find out you have allergies to something when you don't have overt symptoms while eating those foods.
As you can imagine, D is not impressed. Meanwhile we are off learning about food substitutes.
One way to find out is via a fairly pricey blood test which D took. I haven't had my appointment yet.
Well, the results came back and they are not pretty. Turns out our eating will be changing as it has been found that D is quite allergic to dairy and eggs, two of his favourite food groups.
Re-testing will take place in 6 months but in the meantime, it has been recommend he avoid those foods.
Now I'm nervous about my appointment and what I may be finding out. It is shocking to find out you have allergies to something when you don't have overt symptoms while eating those foods.
As you can imagine, D is not impressed. Meanwhile we are off learning about food substitutes.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Extreme Couponing
D and I saw our first episode of "Extreme Couponing". It was something! Foreign concept for us Canadians as we don't (or at least my area doesn't) get many coupons at all.
Once in a blue moon, we'll receive an envelope with some coupons in it for $1 off some product that costs $3.50 or buy one dinner get the 2nd at 1/2 price. And the dinner is in the $14 - 17 range.
When there are useful coupons, there is also a limit of 4 or 6. It is unheard of for us to buy things in the hundreds at a time or for stores to double a coupon or mark something down such that a coupon could cover the entire cost of an item.
Both D and I felt royally ripped off after watching that show.
I am not a hoarder but if I lived in an area that offered an opportunity to get something I use for free, I know I would take advantage of it. With some organization, you can get weekly/biweekly groceries for "free".
We don't eat a whole lot of processed food so that would cut out a lot of the things we saw people were buying on the show.
There is also no reason for me to want hundreds of hand soap or deodorant or shampoo. I'd just keep an eye for sales and coupons when I know I am getting down.
Once in a blue moon, we'll receive an envelope with some coupons in it for $1 off some product that costs $3.50 or buy one dinner get the 2nd at 1/2 price. And the dinner is in the $14 - 17 range.
When there are useful coupons, there is also a limit of 4 or 6. It is unheard of for us to buy things in the hundreds at a time or for stores to double a coupon or mark something down such that a coupon could cover the entire cost of an item.
Both D and I felt royally ripped off after watching that show.
I am not a hoarder but if I lived in an area that offered an opportunity to get something I use for free, I know I would take advantage of it. With some organization, you can get weekly/biweekly groceries for "free".
We don't eat a whole lot of processed food so that would cut out a lot of the things we saw people were buying on the show.
There is also no reason for me to want hundreds of hand soap or deodorant or shampoo. I'd just keep an eye for sales and coupons when I know I am getting down.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Food and Cars
We are doing super with the great freezer eat out. For those who don't know what I'm talking about, D and I decided to eat what we have (mainly meat) from the freezer since January.
And we are still going. There isn't much left and I cannot believe we had enough food in there to last us this long.
Next stop is the pantry. I got a start on it recently and cooking with what you have in stock really tests your creativity as well as points out any glaring deficits in your pantry stock.
We are finally at the point with our food account where there will be money starting to build up. I was hoping for it to already happen by now but a slew of household items needed re-stocking so our unspent food money went towards that.
I haven't decided if we'll just let the excess money build up or use it for something else. There aren't any more household items I can think of needing replacement.
No new news on the car hunt. Now that I've priced out new ones and insurance to match (worst case scenario for my pocketbook), I'm looking at used cars when available to get an understanding of depreciation of the different brands.
I've also learned a tonne reading the various owner forums. The information gleaned from them and chatting with friends who know someone who drives a "insert brand"...has helped me rule out some from my list, potentially saving me a bunch of money and headaches.
Newer cars are so complicated it seems which can mean increased maintenance costs and sophisticated computer managed systems don't come cheap to replace or fix.
I feel old and resistant to change when I get looking at some of these cars. I'm used to manual dials for heat and air conditioning, not a center touch screen where I can precisely adjust the heat on the car seat for the spot in between my shoulder blades...
It was mad confusion for D figuring out how to turn my seat warmer off as I don't like it, as I drove off a the dealership lot during a test drive.
There is a big gap between what I mentally classify as wanting something "fancier than my car" and where new cars are now having been out of the game for 14 yrs. For me, it is almost too much. The learning curve has been steep enough.
D groaned when I told him last night I will probably end up with a 4 -5 yr old Subaru Forester or Outback. He's still holding out on the hope I'll pick something a lot more fun than that. So much so, he has offered to pay for half...
And we are still going. There isn't much left and I cannot believe we had enough food in there to last us this long.
Next stop is the pantry. I got a start on it recently and cooking with what you have in stock really tests your creativity as well as points out any glaring deficits in your pantry stock.
We are finally at the point with our food account where there will be money starting to build up. I was hoping for it to already happen by now but a slew of household items needed re-stocking so our unspent food money went towards that.
I haven't decided if we'll just let the excess money build up or use it for something else. There aren't any more household items I can think of needing replacement.
No new news on the car hunt. Now that I've priced out new ones and insurance to match (worst case scenario for my pocketbook), I'm looking at used cars when available to get an understanding of depreciation of the different brands.
I've also learned a tonne reading the various owner forums. The information gleaned from them and chatting with friends who know someone who drives a "insert brand"...has helped me rule out some from my list, potentially saving me a bunch of money and headaches.
Newer cars are so complicated it seems which can mean increased maintenance costs and sophisticated computer managed systems don't come cheap to replace or fix.
I feel old and resistant to change when I get looking at some of these cars. I'm used to manual dials for heat and air conditioning, not a center touch screen where I can precisely adjust the heat on the car seat for the spot in between my shoulder blades...
It was mad confusion for D figuring out how to turn my seat warmer off as I don't like it, as I drove off a the dealership lot during a test drive.
There is a big gap between what I mentally classify as wanting something "fancier than my car" and where new cars are now having been out of the game for 14 yrs. For me, it is almost too much. The learning curve has been steep enough.
D groaned when I told him last night I will probably end up with a 4 -5 yr old Subaru Forester or Outback. He's still holding out on the hope I'll pick something a lot more fun than that. So much so, he has offered to pay for half...
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Finishing Up
D and I will be eating our way through our fridge until all the food is mostly gone before buying more. We have cut back on meat consumption so much that we feel there is too much of it in the freezer and that bothers us. Plus I don't want some of it going bad from being in there too long.
I'm looking forward to the positive effects it will have on our food budget as we will only need to be buying fresh fruit, veggies and staples for the next little while. Some extra monies built up in the food account would be great. It makes me feel like we are ahead of the game.
I spend an hour or so getting the rest of my 2010 bookkeeping completed. It is looking like I may owe taxes above and beyond the installments I've already paid. So, I am playing around with potential RSP contributions vs. just paying what I will owe.
I'm looking forward to the positive effects it will have on our food budget as we will only need to be buying fresh fruit, veggies and staples for the next little while. Some extra monies built up in the food account would be great. It makes me feel like we are ahead of the game.
I spend an hour or so getting the rest of my 2010 bookkeeping completed. It is looking like I may owe taxes above and beyond the installments I've already paid. So, I am playing around with potential RSP contributions vs. just paying what I will owe.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Odds & Sods
The roof over our sun room needs to be replaced according to D. I haven't gotten around to calling our trusted roofer for a quote. It's a small job that D and a friend (who owes him a roof job) can do but D has too much on his plate so it will be a hire out job this time.
We finally decided that growing vegetables are not our forte. We definitely spent more money on buying pots, soil, plants etc than we got back in produce. What we did get to eat was great but it just wasn't enough to be sustainable. So it will be back to supporting local farmers next year.
With the summer BBQ season, I've noticed our meat consumption go up and the way I feel, go down. Could be all the stress of my work change this summer too. But I'm back on the reduced meat band wagon. Come to think of it, it could also be all the ice cream I've been eating too.... :)
End of summer sparks a lot of summer sales. D and I managed to pick up some summer work clothing on drastic sale from stores we'd never buy from otherwise.
I've decided on a work strategy. As I am loving the shorten work week, I will be doing my best to schedule myself this way first and only use the extra day when there is no other way around it.
Income wise, we've just gone through (last day today) what is traditionally two of the slowest months of the year. My income has been on target and slightly above.
If the regular work cycle follows, it will get busier come the fall. And if I've managed this last month working 3 less days... then it is looking good for future sustainability. At least that is what I tell myself. Time will tell.
We finally decided that growing vegetables are not our forte. We definitely spent more money on buying pots, soil, plants etc than we got back in produce. What we did get to eat was great but it just wasn't enough to be sustainable. So it will be back to supporting local farmers next year.
With the summer BBQ season, I've noticed our meat consumption go up and the way I feel, go down. Could be all the stress of my work change this summer too. But I'm back on the reduced meat band wagon. Come to think of it, it could also be all the ice cream I've been eating too.... :)
End of summer sparks a lot of summer sales. D and I managed to pick up some summer work clothing on drastic sale from stores we'd never buy from otherwise.
I've decided on a work strategy. As I am loving the shorten work week, I will be doing my best to schedule myself this way first and only use the extra day when there is no other way around it.
Income wise, we've just gone through (last day today) what is traditionally two of the slowest months of the year. My income has been on target and slightly above.
If the regular work cycle follows, it will get busier come the fall. And if I've managed this last month working 3 less days... then it is looking good for future sustainability. At least that is what I tell myself. Time will tell.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Would You Pay For This?
I was really surprised to find out that an acquaintance of mine had joined a multi-level marketing/pyramid scheme. For some reason, I thought that whole type of business didn't really exist anymore?
Back in the late 80's and early 90's they seemed to be everywhere and was a source of income for stay at home moms who weren't already involved with Avon or Amway.
The one he has linked up with requires a fee to join and monthly quotas whereby if he doesn't sign up at least 2 people to work on behalf of him, then you lose your "status", whatever that means. To me it seems like a lot of pressure.
The product he is representing is a health supplement which costs at least $300 a month. When I was given the sales pitch, all I could think about was "holy smokes, that is more than our monthly food budget...".
I have a hard time justifying that expenditure and I can afford it. What would I need to hear to convince me to shell over the money? Personally, I didn't hear anything that overrode the $300 plus dollars a month echoing in my head. I'm going to stick with eating better and exercising.
Back in the late 80's and early 90's they seemed to be everywhere and was a source of income for stay at home moms who weren't already involved with Avon or Amway.
The one he has linked up with requires a fee to join and monthly quotas whereby if he doesn't sign up at least 2 people to work on behalf of him, then you lose your "status", whatever that means. To me it seems like a lot of pressure.
The product he is representing is a health supplement which costs at least $300 a month. When I was given the sales pitch, all I could think about was "holy smokes, that is more than our monthly food budget...".
I have a hard time justifying that expenditure and I can afford it. What would I need to hear to convince me to shell over the money? Personally, I didn't hear anything that overrode the $300 plus dollars a month echoing in my head. I'm going to stick with eating better and exercising.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Liquidity
I have not been great at succeeding in making stock (veg, chicken, beef) of any sort yet. I end up buying the canned stuff and it adds up.
Recently, D talked me into using the powdered variety and it has worked pretty well. Our costs dropped by over 50% and it tastes mostly the same even though it is from the same company -- Knorr.
I received a couple of compliments from one of my friends the other day. When I told them that I track the Bank of Canada rate like a hawk, they exclaimed "If you are worried about mortgage rates going up, then 99.9% of Canadians are going to lose their homes!".
Later in the week, they asked who we use for car insurance and when they called to get a quote, they couldn't believe how much lower it was. They told me that they will just turn over all their finances for me to handle.
For the record the person saying this is very responsible financially and far far ahead than most their age. They will be mortgage debt free in 3 years and are only in their very early 30's. They do not need any financial help. I find their determination inspiring.
D is considering moving some of his non registered money into registered, like what I did in the fall. What that will mean is it will be considered an RSP contribution and he will get a tax refund in the mid $1000.
Most financial planners will have you reinvest your refund or use it to pay down debt etc. What does D want to do with it? He wants to come on the next trip with me.
We had to sit down and calculate just how much we have in non reg. assets and if we are comfortable with that number. Once monies are shifted in RSPs, it is not supposed to moved or used until we are retired as there are fees for withdrawal etc. My earlier move and this potential move affects our liquidity.
Recently, D talked me into using the powdered variety and it has worked pretty well. Our costs dropped by over 50% and it tastes mostly the same even though it is from the same company -- Knorr.
I received a couple of compliments from one of my friends the other day. When I told them that I track the Bank of Canada rate like a hawk, they exclaimed "If you are worried about mortgage rates going up, then 99.9% of Canadians are going to lose their homes!".
Later in the week, they asked who we use for car insurance and when they called to get a quote, they couldn't believe how much lower it was. They told me that they will just turn over all their finances for me to handle.
For the record the person saying this is very responsible financially and far far ahead than most their age. They will be mortgage debt free in 3 years and are only in their very early 30's. They do not need any financial help. I find their determination inspiring.
D is considering moving some of his non registered money into registered, like what I did in the fall. What that will mean is it will be considered an RSP contribution and he will get a tax refund in the mid $1000.
Most financial planners will have you reinvest your refund or use it to pay down debt etc. What does D want to do with it? He wants to come on the next trip with me.
We had to sit down and calculate just how much we have in non reg. assets and if we are comfortable with that number. Once monies are shifted in RSPs, it is not supposed to moved or used until we are retired as there are fees for withdrawal etc. My earlier move and this potential move affects our liquidity.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Complacent
Our Costco membership expired at the end of Nov/09. From a reader tip, we bought a cash card that will allow us to shop there without a membership. We have not used our card yet. Surprisingly, we have been getting good deals from our local grocers and have not really missed Costco.
In fact, we have found that some items we had been buying (ie. brown sugar) are more expensive than our local bulk food store. It's too soon to tell if we will not bother ever renewing our membership.
There are a couple of people I know who are entertaining the thought of working in Europe. Funny enough, after hearing their stories, I stumbled on an ad for a position I would be suitable for overseas. D is encouraging me to look into it. After all, we aren't tied down here.
I don't have any real details but my guess would be they are looking for someone to run the whole division and the hours of work per week would be like I was starting at the beginning again. So would a new location, higher pay (with higher cost of living) and new challenge outweigh the amount of work I would like to do at this point of my career?
I would love to live in Europe and we have sufficient assets to be able to buy a place to live if it turns out to be a permanent thing. It's neat to mentally consider the ins and outs of it. I'm not sure though if I will pursue this any further. Some days I'm itching to start new elsewhere. Some days I like my routine. I just hope I'm not getting complacent.
In fact, we have found that some items we had been buying (ie. brown sugar) are more expensive than our local bulk food store. It's too soon to tell if we will not bother ever renewing our membership.
There are a couple of people I know who are entertaining the thought of working in Europe. Funny enough, after hearing their stories, I stumbled on an ad for a position I would be suitable for overseas. D is encouraging me to look into it. After all, we aren't tied down here.
I don't have any real details but my guess would be they are looking for someone to run the whole division and the hours of work per week would be like I was starting at the beginning again. So would a new location, higher pay (with higher cost of living) and new challenge outweigh the amount of work I would like to do at this point of my career?
I would love to live in Europe and we have sufficient assets to be able to buy a place to live if it turns out to be a permanent thing. It's neat to mentally consider the ins and outs of it. I'm not sure though if I will pursue this any further. Some days I'm itching to start new elsewhere. Some days I like my routine. I just hope I'm not getting complacent.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Food and Supplements
D and I have come up with a couple of new frugal initiatives this year -- relating to food stuffs. He was decided to drink less expensive coffee. That is a big one for him as he has been a bit of a stickler. He will be saving the "expensive" stuff ($17 a pound) for special occasions.
For me, it is less expensive chocolate. I would spend $8 for 1/2 pound and I have found just eating dark chocolate bars or chips to be good enough that I don't miss the other.
The other category that we are considering is vitamins. We take a number of different kinds and I'm going to seriously look at cheaper over the counter substitutes and see if it is worth making the change or make the change and see if I notice a difference. This costs $500/yr right now for supplements that are ordered through a health professional.
For me, it is less expensive chocolate. I would spend $8 for 1/2 pound and I have found just eating dark chocolate bars or chips to be good enough that I don't miss the other.
The other category that we are considering is vitamins. We take a number of different kinds and I'm going to seriously look at cheaper over the counter substitutes and see if it is worth making the change or make the change and see if I notice a difference. This costs $500/yr right now for supplements that are ordered through a health professional.
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