Frugal Living

01/02/2026

January is National Soup Month, and it’s the perfect time to lean into warm, nourishing bowls that match the season’s slower pace. From immune-boosting broths to hearty comfort classics, here are top picks for soups that suit chilly Oklahoma days and cozy evenings at home.

Cozy & Nourishing Soups for January
These soups are ideal for winter wellness, easy prep, and satisfying flavor. Many are slow cooker or Instant Pot friendly for low-effort meals.
Hearty Comfort Soups
• White Bean & Sausage Soup – Packed with kale, carrots, and tomato broth
• Beef & Barley Soup – A one-pot classic with deep flavor and filling grains
• Zuppa Toscana – Creamy, savory, and full of potatoes, sausage, and greens
• Creamy Potato Leek Soup – Smooth and comforting with a mild onion flavor

Immune-Boosting & Light Options
• Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup – Bright, brothy, and great for cold season recovery
• Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Soup – Vegan, hearty, and gently spiced
• Carrot Ginger Soup – Smooth, warming, and full of anti-inflammatory goodness
• Ukha Russian Fish Soup – Clear broth with fresh fish, potatoes, and herbs

Plant-Based & Vegan Picks
• Creamy Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with Apples – Sweet, earthy, and grounding
• Roasted Mushroom Broth – Deep umami flavor, perfect as a base or light meal
• Slow Cooker Carrot Soup – Mellow and sweet with minimal prep

Quick & Easy Favorites
• Instant Pot Creamy “Marry Me” Chicken Soup – Rich and ready in 35 minutes
• Instant Pot Potato Soup with Roasted Red Peppers – Creamy with a twist
• Vegetable Pasta Minestrone – Classic Italian comfort with beans and noodles

What's your favorite?

01/02/2026

Frugal Spending on Home Necessities

Smart spending isn’t about doing without — it’s about making intentional choices that keep your home running smoothly without overspending. Here’s how I stretch our budget while keeping both the house and the RV stocked with what we need:

Buy in Bulk—Strategically
I stock up on things we use constantly—like paper towels, dish soap, and cleaning supplies. I always check unit prices and make sure I actually have space to store it at home.
Personal note: Bulk buying works great for the house, but I only take smaller portions to the RV so it stays clutter‑free.

Use Rakuten for Cashback
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Personal note: Since 2022, I’ve earned over $400 back just buying things we already needed. It truly feels like getting paid for being intentional.

Repurpose & Reuse
Old towels become cleaning cloths, jars become pantry storage, and cardboard boxes become organizers.
Personal note: I love doing this at home, and it helps me keep the RV organized without buying extra containers.

Shop Discount & Dollar Stores
I check Dollar Tree and Big Lots for basics like foil pans, dish soap, and even name‑brand laundry detergent.
Personal note: I stick to a list so I don’t walk out with bargains I didn’t actually need.

Plan Ahead for Seasonal Sales
I stock up on essentials during post‑holiday clearance and back‑to‑school sales. That’s when I grab extra cleaning supplies, paper goods, and pantry staples.
Personal note: Keep a small “stock‑up” calendar so you don’t miss the best windows!

Frugal living isn’t about less — it’s about more creativity, more intention, and more peace of mind!

12/14/2025

The Sparrow and the Peacock
Once upon a time, in a bustling marketplace, a sparrow admired the peacock’s dazzling feathers. The peacock strutted proudly, spending his coins on jewels and perfumes to match his beauty.
The sparrow, though plain, saved her crumbs and tucked away seeds for the winter. She traded wisely, never buying more than she needed.
When the cold winds came, the peacock had nothing left but his fading feathers. The sparrow, with her careful stores, shared her seeds with others and sang joyfully through the frost.
The villagers gathered around her, grateful for her foresight, while the peacock hid in shame.
Moral: True wealth is not in what dazzles today, but in what sustains tomorrow.

12/14/2025

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12/14/2025

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12/14/2025

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12/14/2025

Frugal Living Focus: Meal Planning Magic
One of the easiest ways to save money (and time!) is by planning your meals ahead. Not only does it cut down on impulse grocery buys, but it also helps reduce food waste—every dollar saved in the kitchen adds up!

Quick tips to get started:
• Shop your pantry first—use what you already have before buying more.
• Plan 3–4 core meals for the week and repurpose leftovers creatively.
• Stick to a grocery list to avoid overspending.
• Batch cook staples like rice, beans, or roasted veggies to mix and match.

Remember: frugal living isn’t about cutting joy—it’s about making intentional choices that stretch your resources and simplify your life.
Let’s keep building habits that save money and make life easier.

12/12/2025

Frugal Holiday Tip: Spend More Moments, Not More Money

The holidays don’t have to drain your bank account to feel magical. Some of the most meaningful traditions cost little to nothing—but create memories that last for years.

Here are a few budget-friendly ways to make the season special:

• Host a cozy potluck instead of a full dinner—everyone brings a dish, everyone saves.

• Swap gifts for experiences, like a game night, cookie bake-off, or volunteering together.

• Use what you already have to decorate—old ornaments, scraps of ribbon, pine cones from the yard, even jars filled with lights.

• Set a family challenge: Who can create the best $10 gift? The creativity (and laughs) are priceless.

• Shop your pantry first before buying ingredients—holiday meals often start with what you already have.

The joy of the season isn’t found in the price tag—it’s in the people, the moments, and the gratitude that fills the room.

What’s your favorite low-cost holiday tradition?

12/05/2025

12/04/2025

Join the fun!

12/02/2025

Today is a great day to be !