Prairie Eco-Thrifter

AUGUST 22, 2013

Tickets for $30 each, but valid only for use on Thursdays. Bring snacks and a drinking cup to use in the park. Slide a few crackers, cookies or energy bars into your purse or pack and bring a water container that you can fill up at the numerous drinking fountains – to save on food and drink costs. How did you save money?

Saving Money 199

Saving Money Money Food and Drink Tickets 199

Family Balance Sheet

JULY 13, 2015

At one time, we ate out every Friday night and again on Saturday and Sunday for lunch. Those days are long gone for us now as we’re working hard to cut corners and save money. But we still want to enjoy a meal out and do so about once a week, usually for lunch. Let us know in the comments.

Eating Out 100

Eating Out Saving Money Money Restaurant 100

Family Balance Sheet

OCTOBER 23, 2013

On Sundays, we’ll meet here to catch our breath, and let everyone know how we’re finding our $1000. Years ago when I worked in retail buying I went out to lunch just about everyday–not the best habit to fall into. Towards the end of my retail career, I wised up and started to pack my lunch more often.

Lunch 100

Lunch Lunches Finds October 100

Family Balance Sheet

APRIL 6, 2016

However, there are simple things we can do every day that help Mother Earth by using less energy, sending less trash to the land fills, and conserving our natural resources. And the bonus to starting these new habits is that you can save quite a bit of money too. 6 Everyday Changes that Save Money & Help our Planet.

Saving Money 100

Saving Money Gift Cards Money Giveaway 100

Family Balance Sheet

MAY 14, 2013

We look forward all year to our summer vacation, so the last thing that we want to do is stress about the money spent while on our trip. A little up front planning will help you save money while on your trip, so that you can have the relaxed vacation that you''ve been waiting for. How do you save money while on vacation?

Vacation 153

Vacation Saving Money Money Food and Drink 153

Saving Everyday

AUGUST 1, 2022

You can use pre-printed grocery lists to keep inventory and add extra items on the side. Consistently using things you already have not only saves money but also prevents food waste. Throwing food away is throwing money away ! That said, you can have a loose plan and still save money. Have a plan.

Groceries 52

Groceries Grocery Food and Drink Saving 52

Saving Everyday

AUGUST 1, 2022

You can use pre-printed grocery lists to keep inventory and add extra items on the side. Consistently using things you already have not only saves money but also prevents food waste. Throwing food away is throwing money away ! That said, you can have a loose plan and still save money. Have a plan.

Groceries 52

Groceries Grocery Food and Drink Saving 52

Family Balance Sheet

SEPTEMBER 8, 2017

I’ve recently re-started the series, What We Ate this Week on our Budget , because I missed the accountability and I had several readers ask for its return. They’re about 30-40% off regular price, depending on the variety. My grandmother taught me this money saving tip years ago and I now only buy the seconds.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget 2017 Home and Garden 100

Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 11, 2016

Wednesday: I used the last of the leftover turkey and stock that I saved from Thanksgiving and made Turkey Orzo Soup. ” Suck it up, buttercup, we’re not going to waste the food! This Week’s Breakfasts, Lunches, & Snacks: Breakfast this week included egg & bagel sandwiches and cereal.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Leftovers Freezers 100

Family Balance Sheet

SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

I’ve recently re-started the series, What We Ate this Week on our Budget , because I missed the accountability and I had several readers ask for its return. This week’s breakfasts, lunches, and snacks: Breakfasts included hard-boiled eggs, cereal, yogurt, and fruit. My #1 Simple Tool that Saves Me Hundreds.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Financial Goals Tacos 100

Family Balance Sheet

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

This list of thoughtful, but FREE Christmas gift ideas is proof that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on the people you gift to if you use your time, resources, and creativity. Browse the entire list and let us know in the comments which ideas you’re going to give and what free gift ideas you have.

Christmas 130

Christmas Gifts Home and Garden Flowers and Gifts 130

Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 25, 2016

I served one for dinner Monday night and used the other for Tuesday night’s dinner. They’re already cooked, so I just add some marinara sauce and made sandwiches. This Week’s Breakfasts, Lunches, and Snacks: For breakfast, we ate cereal, eggs & toast, and Banana Walnut Baked Oatmeal. 8 Freezer Meal Recipes.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Freezers Dinner 100

Family Balance Sheet

DECEMBER 18, 2015

I roasted it immediately and used the meat of it for this week’s meals. I also made a bone stock and froze 2 (2 cup) portions of chopped meat to use later. After feasting on turkey the week after Thanksgiving too, it’s safe to say that we’re a little tired of it. My #1 Simple Tool that Saves Me Hundreds.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Leftovers Lunch 100

Family Balance Sheet

DECEMBER 11, 2015

How I Saved this Week: I stumbled on this markdown at Giant on a whole turkey. We’re a little tired of turkey, but it was marked to.63/lb. Thursday: Turkey Noodle Soup using the leftover turkey from a few weeks ago. We’re swimming in leftovers. My #1 Simple Tool that Saves Me Hundreds.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Leftovers Costco 100

Family Balance Sheet

OCTOBER 13, 2017

Wednesday: I used the Instant Pot to make meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Thursday: We had leftover mashed potatoes (the meatloaf was gobbled up), so I used the Instant Pot again to make shredded chicken with gravy. This week’s Breakfasts, Lunches, and Snacks: Breakfasts included cereal, eggs & toast.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Leftovers Financial Goals 100

Family Balance Sheet

SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

I’ve recently re-started the series, What We Ate this Week on our Budget , because I missed the accountability and I had several readers ask for its return. I used the meat for Sunday and Monday’s dinners and froze the rest in 2 cup portions. Thursday: I used the Instant Pot to cook 4 split chicken breasts.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Homemade Financial Goals 100

Saving Everyday

FEBRUARY 10, 2015

I’m regularly asked how to save money on produce. My husband takes fruit every day in his lunch, and I love to cook with fresh veggies and herbs, so we go through a ton of produce in our house! Here are a few things I personally do to save. Use coupons and cash back apps. However, if they’re not $1.99

Saving Money 40

Saving Money Money Trader Joes Co-Op 40

Family Balance Sheet

JANUARY 15, 2016

I had leftover rotisserie chicken in the freezer and I used my homemade chicken stock. This Week’s Breakfasts, Lunches, and Snacks: For breakfast we ate eggs & toast, cereal, and peanut butter & banana toast. We’re all looking for new weekly meal plan ideas. My #1 Simple Tool that Saves Me Hundreds.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Friends And Family Sale Leftovers 100

Saving Everyday

JUNE 2, 2014

As my daughter talked about in this post, kids meals are a great way to save money at Disney. This was my lunch today from Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn Cafe at the Magic Kingdom. They’re flame-grilled, moist, and come on a fresh, soft bun – the way a burger should be. I ordered the hamburger kids meal for $5.99

Bills 51

Bills Lunch Lunches Disney 51

Family Balance Sheet

FEBRUARY 12, 2016

I don’t have a recipe for nachos on the blog, but they’re so easy to make. I browned meat, using my homemade taco seasoning and layered chips, meat, cheese, chopped onions, and tomatoes on a large rimmed baking sheet. This Week’s Breakfasts, Lunches, and Snacks: For breakfast we ate eggs & toast and cereal.

Leftovers 100

Leftovers Homemade Kids and Family Budgeting 100

Family Balance Sheet

FEBRUARY 19, 2016

Use my referral code to join. I packed food for breakfast and lunches, but we did go out to dinner on both nights…did I mention we spent the entire weekend at a pool…restaurant budget blown! I adapted slightly, because I didn’t have cilantro and chilies and I used my homemade taco seasoning for flavoring.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Kids and Family Homemade 100

Family Balance Sheet

FEBRUARY 4, 2016

Friday: We’re going out to dinner with some friends to a local favorite diner. This Week’s Breakfasts, Lunches, and Snacks: For breakfast we ate eggs & toast and cereal. Lunches and snacks included ravioli for the kids, leftovers for me, apples, oranges, pretzels, yogurt sticks, cheese sticks, and tortilla chips.

Friends And Family Sale 100

Friends And Family Sale Homemade Leftovers Kids and Family 100

Family Balance Sheet

NOVEMBER 6, 2015

Friday: We’re going to a Spaghetti dinner fundraiser to benefit the Jr ROTC at the high school and then going to the football game. This Week’s Breakfasts, Lunches, and Snacks: Breakfasts included eggs & toast, cereal, and bagels. My #1 Simple Tool that Saves Me Hundreds. 10 Smart Tips to Save Money on Meat.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Leftovers Freezers 100

Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 23, 2011

Try replacing some paper products on your list with cloth and re-usable products that you probably have around the house and you will not only reduce your grocery spending, but you will also reduce your waste. I use flannel hankies during sniffle season. I have been using a Silpat Nonstick Silicone Baking Mat for years.

Economical 185

Economical Kitchen Paper Groceries 185

Family Balance Sheet

SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

I’ve recently re-started the series, What We Ate this Week on our Budget , because I missed the accountability and I had several readers ask for its return. This week’s breakfasts, lunches, and snacks: Breakfasts included hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, and fruit. My #1 Simple Tool that Saves Me Hundreds. Thanks mom & dad!

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Freezers Kids and Family 100

Family Balance Sheet

JANUARY 22, 2016

I serve the applesauce as a side for many meals and use it in baking. This Week’s Dinners: Saturday: I made homemade meatballs for the first time using a random recipe I found on Pinterest. The recipe called for 2 pounds of beef, but I used 1 pound ground beef and a pound of Italian sausages that I found marked down.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Homemade Freezers 100

Family Balance Sheet

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Use my referral code to join. This Week’s Breakfasts, Lunches, and Snacks: We’re on a bagel kick, so for breakfast we ate eggs & bagel sandwiches or cereal. I buy big bags of frozen tortellini and healthy chicken nuggets for my kids school lunches. We’re always looking for new weekly meal plan ideas.

Meals 100

Meals Leftovers Kids and Family Homemade 100

Saving Everyday

DECEMBER 6, 2023

Enjoy this for a snack, lunch, or dinner! That amount will be slightly different depending on the products you use. This recipe only uses 8 ounces of dry pasta, but we bulk it up with veggies, tuna, and a killer sauce. Use whatever brand you like. I use albacore tuna in water. Use whatever brand you like.

Recipes 52

Recipes Food and Wine Cooking Re-use 52

Family Balance Sheet

DECEMBER 5, 2015

I roasted my free turkey that I received from Giant and as you’ll see below I used the meat and stock through out the week for my meal planning. This is my absolute FAVORITE way to use leftover turkey and gravy. Noodle soup is always so soothing when you’re not feeling well. My #1 Simple Tool that Saves Me Hundreds.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Leftovers Thanksgiving 100

Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 5, 2016

Our kitchen was pretty bare so the kids bought their lunch at school. This Week’s Breakfasts, Lunches, & Snacks: Breakfast this week included egg, sausage, & bagel sandwiches and cereal. Lunches and snacks included sandwiches, leftover spaghetti, apples, oranges, yogurt sticks, cheese sticks, and Girl Scout cookies.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Home and Garden Daughter 100

Family Balance Sheet

JANUARY 29, 2016

I used the recipe on the cornmeal bag and I baked in my cast iron skillet. Tuesday: I made Burrito Bowls using leftovers from Monday night. This Week’s Breakfasts, Lunches, and Snacks: For breakfast we ate eggs & toast and cereal. I bought a big bag of frozen chicken nuggets at BJ’s for the kids lunches.

Leftovers 100

Leftovers Friends And Family Sale Kids and Family Homemade 100

Couponing 101

JANUARY 19, 2020

Go Out for Coffee, Breakfast, or Lunch. You might take your significant other out for a coffee, breakfast, or lunch. You might each make a dish you’re already good at preparing, or try recipes you haven’t used before for a little excitement. On Valentine’s Day, many couples enjoy dinners out.

Netflix 95

Netflix Meals Dinner Cooking 95

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

MARCH 2, 2014

If you’re determined to get in the reading habit again, you’ll find ways to get in at least 10 or 15 minutes of reading time every day. If you take your child to a sports practice, use the down time to read. All of us have little pockets of time where we can find a little time to read. Try these tips: 1.

Finds 189

Finds Television Televisions Re-use 189

Family Balance Sheet

APRIL 1, 2021

Related Reading: How to Save Money on Groceries. Add up how much you are spending in the morning and you’ll see how much you will save for your fund, and maybe that will give you the inspiration to skip the AM drive-thru. 5 – Brown bag your lunch. An easy lunch idea in one word: leftovers!

Emergency Fund 130

Emergency Fund Money Finds Friends And Family Sale 130

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JANUARY 26, 2011

Believe it or not, there are lots of ways to save money, no matter how much of it you have- or don’t have. I myself struggled for many years paying my own bills, but have since found numerous ways to save money. I have been able to save on things like food, gas, and clothing. Stop buying lunch every day.

Bills 124

Bills Money Insurance Saving Money 124

Family Balance Sheet

JANUARY 28, 2016

I have used the leftovers to make burrito bowls (see above). The Frugalwoods Rice and Beans Lunch Recipe – The Frugalwoods couple makes this recipe on Sunday and they eat it all week for lunch. Two methods to re-hydrate dried beans. your favorite toppings: lettuce, salsa, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, olives, etc.

Recipes 100

Recipes Frugal Burritos Cooking 100

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JANUARY 13, 2011

Regardless if you live in a cold or warm climate there are many ways you can save money and energy in your home. Here in Canada we usually think about saving precious heat from our furnaces, however, in the summer many of us want to cool our homes as well. You also end up with a freezer full of easy to re-heat meals.

Food and Drink 147

Food and Drink Re-use Home Drinks 147