I know this is not going to seem like a big deal to a lot of you. But those of you who have been reading Being Frugal.net for a long time will know what an accomplishment this is.
Let me paint the picture. The last two days have been busy. Monday I went from homeschooling, to blogging, to doing Frugal Coast2Coast, to more blogging and a late night.
Yesterday I woke up, tired from not enough sleep. It wasn’t a particularly great day for homeschooling, as my son had to learn a hard lesson.
As soon as homeschooling was over, my husband arrived home, and I headed out to run all the errands I haven’t had time to do lately. I went to Walmart to pick up some cat food and party streamers, fighting the late afternoon back to school shoppers. I hit Pet Smart to pick up dry cat and dog food.
Then I headed across the street to my UPS box to pick up a couple of packages, before heading to the other end of town to Winco to do the grocery shopping. And it was over 100 degrees out.
I finally arrived home from grocery shopping around 4:40. The kids were hungering and bickering. I still had a blog post to write and a video to record. The perfect storm was brewing.
What storm, you ask? It’s on days like yesterday that I usually beg my husband to pick something up for dinner, because I don’t have the time or energy to cook. But I refrained.
Instead I took a 20 minute break to check my email and get off my feet. Then I headed into the kitchen to make Mediterranean Pasta, which was on my menu plan. And you know what? It tasted much better than a Quarter Pounder with Cheese!
Hopefully the next time I’m tempted to order out, I will remember this success and build on it. Because that’s how frugality works. One step at a time.
Photo by Georgio.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
That is a frugal victory. Eating out too often is our biggest “nonfrugal” issue that we have had a really hard time trying to get under control. Good for you!
Congratulations. I’m sure your dinner tasted even better with the sweet taste of victory mixed in.
Lynnae, I could see it coming through the entire post – oh, no – she’s going to stop for fast food on the way home!!!! I’m so proud of you for NOT. You are an inspiration and I thank you for that.
Nice Job!!!! That can be a problem, the nice thing here is that there are no places to grab dinner on nights like that.
That is awesome! Your meal plan is finally working for you. I think it’s one of the most important things you can do week after week. Way to go!
Victory!! You made it through the hectic day AND stuck to your menu plan! Sometimes I can’t even make it through the entire day and get everything accomplished that I had planned. Congrats!
Hooray!
I know what an issue this has been for you – so this is a BIG step! Hooray again!
May I suggest dragging the kids out early to run those errands if you have to – when it’s cooler out. These next few days are going to be scorchers.
Another suggestion – make dinner – or at least start it/prep it, while you are helping the kids with the school work early in the morning. (I wish I could just do dinner in the morning and nibble the rest of the day… would work much better with my mindset :) ) Set it in the crockpot and it will be ready for you at dinner time. Or do those double meals and freeze one to take out on the bad days.
Used to be I had a problem evenings ‘deciding’ what to have for dinner – and that meant I procrastinated. Then I decided to start taking out the meat for the next dinner on the evening before – once defrosted, that had to be dinner by default…. much easier to NOT be able to procrastinate :)
Wow that is a big one! I have been trying so hard to force myself lately to stick to the plan and only eat out when it is scheduled. It can be very difficult on a super busy day. I am hoping in the long run that our wallets and waist lines will thank us. :)
~Amber
Good for you! The cool thing is that you did this once and it will be easier the next time. I agree with other commentators, have meals in the fridge, freezer that can be pulled out last minute. They help release temptation.
Mediterranean Pasta > QPwC any day but it’s always good to celebrate the small victories. Just last night I wanted a snack but stopped myself (twice), saying that it was late, I didn’t need the calories. I have to admit, I brushed my teeth to remove some temptation but it’s a small victory. :)