How to save money on big spending months, like December, or save the pennies for another trip to Disney. Call it what you will, this is what I'm doing.
Every time I come home from vacation I run to my discount produce market, Superstition Ranch, and stock up. I have now made an exception, especially with December upon us. I decided to look through and eat all those canned foods I ignore because I've been so spoiled with eating fresh all the time. Even my back up frozen foods have gotten a good hard look.
Since I can't get my family to eat soup the majority of the year (can I blame them? Who wants soup when it's 80 degree or higher outside?) I busted out the #10 can of soup I dry-pack canned five year ago. One cup of this stuff, 8 cups of water, some seasoning, and an hour makes for a great meal. It has alphabet noodles, split peas, lentils, rice, carrot, and onion, all our dietary requirements. It goes a long way and I'm hoping to really off set any further expenses this year.
I've also pulled out the freeze-dried foods we started eating a little while back and have those out for snacks. The kids love it. Freeze-dried corn and pears - it's candy!
Soup is very well accompanied by a cool house. Cool, but not a cold house. We have turned on our heat once. In the winter I save energy by making bread or cleaning the oven when the house is too cold. Easy right? It needs to be done anyway. And those sweatshirts need a little bit of exercise in the short time we can use them.
I can really appreciate my produce even more after these sacrifices. Sometimes I look back and am amazed, who knew I'd get so excited over broccoli and lettuce from my garden or a new vegetable or fruit in my basket? I can't wait for the month to be over and can have all that lovely inspiration for meals again!
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