Complicated math solutions!

So I've been on this frugal kick for awhile now. Growing our own vegetable in the garden, finding some sweet clothes at goodwill, canceling cable, you get the idea. However what I never really posted about was why I do it. On most blogs you read about women who have a dozen or so kids and need to save money for barbie birthday parties and new school clothes. In my case I save money so I can spend it on stuff I love. Stuff I love does not include barbie birthday parties. Fuck barbie and her size negative 4 waist. Things I love are sushi, awesome furniture, hammocks, vintage jewelry, traveling, massages, and clothes. As it turns out, if you are cheap about buying things that you don't love then you can spend more money on thing you do love. I devised this complicated math solution which thoroughly explains my theory. If I have 200 dollars to spend on groceries and I only spend $25 then I am left with $175 to spend on really cool stuff! Here it is laid out for you..

$200- $25= $175 to buy some sweet shit!

Also, since I plan on having kids never I have no reason to plan ahead and "make a little nest egg" I poached that egg long ago and had a ridiculously fun time doing it! Bottles of gin and high heel's don't wake you up at 3am crying. Unless said bottle of gin is consumed by ex boyfriend, in which case said situation is possible, and likely. But I digress, money is so trivial and if I had a ton of it I would pay off all of my bills, buy some expensive laundry detergent, AND a new outfit. However, I am a social worker and have no hope of making millions. So instead, I pay my bills, make my own laundry detergent, AND buy a new outfit.

I hope this post clears up any misconceptions of me ever wanting children, being frugal in order to better myself or the environment, or enjoying budgeting my life. I am selfish, love to shop, wish I had ton of money to blow, and want exactly 0 kids.

I hope everyone is having a great Monday (if there is such a thing).

Busy Busy Busy

I have been pretty busy these past few days but now that the weekend is here I intend to reeelax! As promised I took some pics of the garden...

Most of the plants my dad started from seed, which was a big help for us! We only spent around 30 dollars for all the plants. 

Our hot pepper plants already have peppers! 

Our tomato plants have flowers on them!

I can't wait until we have tons of fresh produce from our garden and don't have to buy any! I feel like I am finally getting our grocery budget under control. Tonight I went to Aldi's and spent 25 dollars which should last us through the week with the exception of buying a bulk bag of popcorn kernels tomorrow and possibly some sour cream (which aldi's for some reason doesn't sell)

Heidi had a burst of energy the other night while we were watering the garden. Sometimes it is hard to believe she is almost 10 years old. She does good for an old girl!

Tomorrow we are off to Ikea to buy a couch. Im sure it will be a fun trip. Ikea is hands down my favorite store in the world. If I had 3 wished it would be to end hunger, create world peace, and have a shopping spree at Ikea. Ahh in a perfect world...

Have a good weekend!

Veggie Cakes

Our garden is growing like crazy thanks to all the rainy days we're had here in western Pennsylvania. Last summer, before our garden, we made trips to the local farmers market and always had so many great vegetables on hand. The only downside to they amazing fresh produce was that by August I had exhausted every recipe I had for a quick vegetable dish. One day when I was thinking about how to use my leftover zucchini, squash, carrots, etc I decided to make some veggie cakes. I was skeptical at first but they turned out so great I make them all the time now.

Veggie Cakes

1/2 cup zucchini

1/2 cup squash

1/4 cup carrots

1/4 cup onions

bisquick

1 egg (in addition to the egg called for by the bisquick recipe)

Shred all vegetables and put in strainer to let excess water drain off. While vegetables are draining follow directions on bisquick box to make 4 pancakes. Add pancake batter to vegetables and mix well. Next add 1 egg and combine wit mixture. Heat a small amount of oil in pan or on griddle. Drop about 2 tablespoons of batter onto a skillet and cook about 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

I usually serve these with a green salad with a tangy dressing. The dressing with the veggie cakes just seems to compliment each other. I have also made these by adding or substituting other vegetables like mushrooms and green peppers. These are super simple and so good!

Tomorrow I am going to a Fleatique in my hometown. There will be 3 miles of vendors selling crafts, antiques, baked goods, books, as well as families having yard sales. I'm like a little kid on Christmas because I am so excited to go!

If anybody is in the area and would like to check it out here is the link...

Fleatique on the Mon

Flip Flops and Muffins

My life has been extremely uneventful this week. My typical schedule has been work, come home, eat, sit outside with the dogs for a bit, sleep. What can I say, Im living the high life! However on Wednesday I did manage to break my routine and go out after work for a drink with a few people from work. We went to a place in shadyside that has an awesome rooftop deck. It was beautiful! We went out and walked around Shadyside and window shopped since thats the only shopping in Shadyside that fits my price range. We went into Ann Taylor and I found the most beautiful flip flops that I have ever seen. They were heavenly. I almost cried when I saw the $69 dollar price tag. Who pays 70 bucks for flip flops? I may keep my eyes on them though and if they drop below 40 they're mine! I also found this adorable top which I feel like would make my shoulders look like a line backer but is adorable. I also found a cute dress at Gap which I feel would be perfect for this cook out I am going to on Saturday. Its even on sale for $34 but I passed because I feel like I can find something cheaper at TJ Max. Why am I so cheap? I often see things I love but don't buy them because I feel like I could find it somewhere else for less. Ultimately I never find it and end up with something I just like but don't love. The only plus is that I have a few extra dollars left in my pocket at the end of the day. Ive been thinking lately about buying less items but spending more on quality pieces. This is something I struggle with because I love clothes and I love shopping. Maybe this is just my subconcious telling me to go buy those $69 flip flops. Hmm...

Anyway here's a recipe for some awesome pumpkin muffins that are low fat. These are SO easy to make and they are only 2 weight watchers points per muffin, which means they are about 100 calories per muffin.

Low Fat Pumpkin Muffins

1 vanilla cake mix

1 16 oz can of pumpkin

3 tbsp of ground flax seed (This is optional but it adds more fiber and makes the muffins very moist)

Combine all ingredients thoroughly, however be careful not to over mix. Fill muffin pan 3/4 full with batter and bake according to directions on cake mix for cupcakes. NOTE: I have a hard time finding a 16 oz can of pumpkin so I usually end up buying the big 32 oz can and making a double batch. These muffins freeze really well!