Week in the Life

Did you participate in project Week in the Life ? I managed to take a few photos every day, but other than that, I haven't done anything, not even post any photos here. I had grand plans to do a little mini book, but I don't really feel like editing/printing my photos. Maybe I'll do something digital, but my digital skills are lacking. Did you participate?

Happy Earth Day!

We spent our Earth Day morning at the chic French store, Tar-jay, where we picked up this adorable little tote for free. Mr. Fix-it was disappointed in the size of the bag (9.5 x 10.5 x 6.5), but I like the small size and think it will be useful. I also like all the samples that were included since some are items I'm considering buying.

If you hurry over to Target, they still might have some bags. The giveaway was posted on every deal/frugal site I subscribe to so I expect the stores to run out of bags quickly.

$3.99

I'm thrilled to see gas under $4/gallon again!

$4.09

just another gas price update (posted late)

Scrapbooking shouldn't be stressful

I usually get together with some girlfriends once a year to scrapbook at a B&B. I didn't participate last year, so I signed up for two weekends this year. Since I have to travel to the site, it involves a bit of juggling of time and planning. Work is extra stressful right now with lots of projects. I thought I might look forward to the break from work, but the reality is, I'm stressed about not being able to get everything done that needs to get done.

Unfortunately, I didn't buy my airline ticket at rock bottom prices so that was an extra hundred or so. Good thing I'm frugal in other areas. And I'm still trying to figure out transportation. I'll probably just rent a car unless I can find a ride from my mom's to the B&B (hope I don't get lost driving there).

I haven't organized a single page, printed out any photos. As I was looking through my stash, I wondered if I should just get rid of it all. The hobby doesn't bring me pleasure any more (although I still enjoy shopping and buying). If I got rid of it all, would I miss it?

No more CSA

Last year, the company facilities manager arranged to have our workplace become a CSA dropoff spot. Since I had always wanted to join a CSA, I was one of the first to sign up. At first, I was a little disappointed in the amount of produce for the price and it wasn't all organic. But, as it turns out, the produce really was fresher, tasted better than what I got at the grocery store or farmer's market, and lasted longer.

So every other Monday, like today, I would go down to the mailroom and pick up a box of produce. Usually, there were carrots and I'd cut the tops off for my coworker's rabbit. And there would be a small crowd as we played "guess the vegetable."

Unfortunately, the schedule was inconvenient for me. We do most of our grocery shopping on the weekend and I plan our meals for the week. It just didn't work out to have a full fridge on Sunday and then more produce on Monday. We never knew what would come in the CSA box so sometimes, we'd end up three heads of lettuce or five pounds of apples or more than we could use of some other fruit or vegetable or herb. Plus, the cost ($23) was a significant portion of our grocery budget every other week and I had trouble adjusting the budget. I felt bad cancelling the CSA since I want to support local farmers, but it just didn't work out.

With spring coming, I hope that produce will come down in price, plus I hope to eat from my garden all summer. It was a good experiment while it lasted.