A Whole New World
After having our son and becoming a full-time homemaker, I was introduced to and became increasingly passionate about saving money (which often translated into couponing). If I was no longer bringing money into our household, I could certainly control how much was going out.
I was AMAZED that by shopping on certain days, waiting for sales, and “stacking” coupons I could manage to get crazy deals at HUGE percentages off (if not entirely FREE)! Not only that, but after saving serious amounts of money, I’d usually walk away with additional free items and new coupons.
Um, yes please?!
I would be crazy not to take advantage of these deals. Right?
Well, not entirely.
Healthy Living
I soon started researching more about healthy living, eating, cooking, cleaning, etc. I want incredible deals but NOT if it means compromising my family’s health and only feeding my family “edible food-like substances” (as Michael Pollan would call them). I read multiple books that initiated and perpetuated my newfound passion for healthy eating and I will be sharing more on those in upcoming posts.
So, I went from “mastering” getting great deals and “priding” myself on saving 50-90% on our groceries, to wanting to buy and eat almost entirely organic. The pendulum swung from consistently being under our grocery budget to drastically surpassing it!
{Enter said Crisis}
How can I be a frugal but healthy homemaker?
(These need not be mutually exclusive)
{Crisis Intervention and Coupon Resolution}
Here are a couple things I currently do or have goals of getting better at doing:
Save Where I HATE to Spend.
I detest spending our hard earned money on things that are expensive, not at all “fun,” but definitely essentials. I use coupons on toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene, toilet paper, make-up, bags/storage containers, etc. I probably have an unhealthy obsession with getting great deals at Walgreens and then earning their addition rewards bucks to put towards my next great deals. But, hey, if they are literally giving it away, why should I pay for it?
In relation to food, I coupon on things that are not especially good or bad for us, treats (that I know are terrible for us so I certainly don’t want to invest in), and items that are needed at pantries and healthy enough to donate (not that I hate to spend on charitable giving, but rather one can give even more if they’re spending and saving wisely).
Eat Meatless Meals
Simply, by eating at least one meal a week that does not include a meat protein allows us to save. My husband was not initially a huge fan of this proposal, but if the meal is hearty enough on its own, although he might miss the taste of meat, he still walks away with his hunger satiated (and in reality that is the point, but that is another whole topic). Good ways to make this work is to include lots of beans, soups, adequate whole grains and hearty sides of yogurt, nuts, greens and produce.
At this point it is a matter of learning how to eat real, whole foods within the confines of a budget. This summer will be a new adventure into the world of CSA’s, gardening, and preserving and as I will likely share our experiences, you will be along for the ride!
Becca V
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[…] of money on were really just “edible food-like substances” (as Michael Pollan would say). Cue My Couponing {Identity} Crisis! This topic deserves a post of its own (or many). I have a LOT to say about it…read […]