Our health has improved overall, and all our doctors are pleased with the progress. My doctors say I'm totally recovered, but I'll stick with the current low gluten, low sugar diet to keep from back sliding. I'm grateful to finally feel like myself again.
Currently, we're in the process of getting permits for our new house build and we're living with my mom until our rental house is ready. It's a little tough with four of us in one bedroom at Mom's, but we're making it work and I think we're all adjusting reasonably well (though I think we're all glad it won't be longer than a few more weeks!). We're grateful for this time that's rent-free to build up savings a bit, and have been able to help Mom with some projects around her house that have needed attention. But we're certainly looking forward to not having everything in boxes and storage and having some space of our own soon.
Here's the frugal accomplishments for this week/summer:
- Found most school supplies for little man for kindergarten at home or in my stash of extras at school. We only had to purchase a few things, and Mom graciously took him back to school shopping for a few new clothing items and a new book bag.
- Have been making use of the things hiding in Mom's freezer for meal planning, so we're working that down. With our CSA veggies and veggies from our neighbor, we've had to purchase very little other than fruit the past few weeks. I've been doing most of the cooking, and I think Mom's happy with the arrangement.
- Moving and packing has made us rethink some of the things we really "need" so we'll be very selective when we begin unboxing things in the rental, and eventually the new house. I have a feeling we'll be sending several more loads to Goodwill.
- We made great use of the library this summer, including children's reading program and story time. I also used it as a place to do some tutoring this summer.
- I tutored younger students this summer for a fee and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm hopeful that a few will repeat with me again next summer. It was a nice way to supplement our income, and didn't take too much time away from my family.
- I stayed away from back to school sales, saving us on cash. I didn't purchase any new clothing for me, though I am watching ThreadUp because I have a credit with them after sending in a bag before our move.
- We spent tons of time outside the last few weeks, which has given us good exercise, vitamin D, and free fun. The boys played with bean bags, squirt guns, and side walk chalk. We also played with bubbles.
- We were grateful for friends and neighbors who helped us move. We couldn't have done it without them, and it really helped to have them help us pack.
- Made most meals at home, and Mom treated us to a few meals out. We used a gift card for our anniversary dinner out.
- We kept up with our recycling, composting, and sending scraps to the chickens all summer. Now that we're at Mom's, there are cows to send scraps to also, so there's very little organic waste that makes it's way to the trash, which is super nice. We're also finding that our compost is getting more sun at Mom's and breaking down faster, which is great.
- I was wanting some succulents for my classroom to decorate with and help with air quality. I found some on clearance at Lowe's for $4. They were hugely marked down (originally over $35), so we had to get an override. Four dollars was a great price for what I was wanting them for!
What did you do to live and save green over the summer? I'd love to hear from you!
